THE MAIN EVENT
Pitcher-heavy class set to enter Hall
From left, second baseman Craig Biggio joins pitchers Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson and John Smoltz as members of the 2015 Hall of Fame class this weekend. Coverage,
During Randy Johnson’s career, he cut the intimidating image of a glowering giant throwing baseballs with such blinding ferocity that they looked like peas to helpless hitters.
In retirement, a gentler Randy Johnson wants people to see his softer side.
“When I was playing, I was wound pretty tight,” he says. “That’s how I went about my game. There was a preconceived notion that I didn’t get along with media people, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth.
“When you play 22 years, you’re not going to get along with everybody. I’m much more re- laxed in talking about baseball now that I’m not playing.”
He’ll have a lot to talk about when he gives his speech and becomes the newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame this Sunday, along with fellow pitchers John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez and versatile leadoff man Craig Biggio.
The three pitchers, who combined for nine Cy Young Awards, took divergent routes to get there despite all being able to pump in strikes with mid- to upper-90s fastballs. Johnson had size and power, Smoltz the versatility to pitch nine innings or one magnificent ninth, Martinez guile and a reputation for pitching inside.
Johnson averaged a record 10.61 strikeouts per nine innings. His résumé includes no-hitters and Cy Young Awards in both leagues, a World Series MVP award, 10 All-Star selections and 303 victories spread among six teams. Only Nolan Ryan, who helped him harness erratic control early in his career, had more strikeouts (5,714 to Johnson’s 4,875).
He’s best known for winning three games in the 2001 World Series, throwing a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves three years later, fanning 20 men in a nine-inning game and making John Kruk cower in fear during the 1993 All-Star Game.
Because of his size (6-10, 225 pounds) and power, the towering left-hander will not only be the tallest man in the Hall but perhaps the most photographed. Now, he plans to try the other side