"BIG UNIT" CLOSING IN ON HISTORY

Randy Johnson, one of the most feared left-handed pitchers in baseball history, is closing in on 300 wins for his major league career. The 20-year veteran notched win number 298 Monday night with an average performance against the Washington Nationals, giving up four earned runs in five plus innings. The "Big Unit" is trying to do something only 23 other men have done and he might be the last to accomplish the feat. Retirement must be near for the 45-year-old southpaw, but it appears he won't quit until he reaches the plateau.

Johnson is obviously one of the best left-handed pitchers to ever play the game. During the course of his career, he has struck fear into many opposing hitters with his grungy look and 6'10" frame. Not too many left-handed hitters would admit to wanting to face Johnson, who almost took John Kruk's head off in the All-Star Game. His career looked just about over three years years ago, when he was a member of the New York Yankees. Who knew he would still be pitching today?

He has pitched for six different ball clubs, inlcuding two stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has a career earned run average of 3.28 in an era that was all about offense, struck out more batters than any left hander in history (4,828) and has a World Series ring after being named Co-MVP of the 2001 World Series.


He is obviously one of the greats and is a first-ballot hall of famer even without 300 wins. Once he reaches the mark, it will solidify a wonderful career. Barring a major injury, he will accomplish the feat this season, one that should be his last. I can't see him pitching next year. Everyone knows what he wants, and he will get it soon. Despite his attitude at times, especially in New York, a pitcher like Randy Johnson is far and few between.

Shawn Marosek