### Mariners Honor Randy Johnson: A Legacy of Excellence The Seattle Mariners have announced that they will retire the No. 51 jersey worn by Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson during the 2026 MLB season. This decision comes on the 35th anniversary of Johnson's historic no-hitter, the first in Mariners history, which he achieved on June 2, 1990, against the Detroit Tigers. Johnson, who played for the Mariners from 1989 to 1998, is celebrated as one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history, having won five Cy Young Awards and leading the league in strikeouts multiple times. The retirement ceremony will take place during the 2026 season, with the exact date to be announced later, and will coincide with the retirement of Ichiro Suzuki's No. 51, creating a unique situation where two players share the same number in the franchise's history [https://www.reuters.com/sports/mariners-retire-no-51-honor-randy-johnson-2026-2025-06-02][https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mariners_to_retire_no_51_in_honor_of_randy_johnson_in_2026/s1_17044_42275091]. ### Structure of the Announcement and Its Significance 1. **Announcement of Jersey Retirement**: The Mariners officially announced the retirement of Randy Johnson's No. 51, marking a significant moment in franchise history. 2. **Historical Context**: The announcement coincides with the 35th anniversary of Johnson's first no-hitter, emphasizing his impact on the team and the city. 3. **Shared Legacy with Ichiro Suzuki**: The unique aspect of retiring the same number for two different players highlights the significance of both athletes in Mariners history. 4. **Recognition of Johnson's Achievements**: Johnson's accolades during his time with the Mariners, including his Cy Young Award in 1995, underscore his importance to the franchise. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Randy Johnson's Career with the Mariners**: - **Seasons Played**: 1989-1998 - **Games Played**: 274 - **Win-Loss Record**: 130-74 - **Earned Run Average (ERA)**: 3.42 - **Strikeouts**: 2,162 in 1,838.1 innings pitched - **Awards**: 5-time All-Star, 1995 Cy Young Award winner [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mariners_to_retire_no_51_in_honor_of_randy_johnson_in_2026/s1_17044_42275091][https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mariners_legend_randy_johnson_discusses_sharing_legacy_of_no_51_with_ichiro_suzuki/s1_17042_42276950]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Moment for the Mariners **The Seattle Mariners' decision to retire Randy Johnson's No. 51 is a momentous occasion that honors his legacy and contributions to the franchise.** 1. **Significance of the Announcement**: The retirement of Johnson's jersey not only commemorates his achievements but also aligns with the franchise's history, as it will be the first time two players share the same number. 2. **Impact on Franchise History**: Johnson's role in the 1995 season was pivotal in shaping the future of the Mariners, making this recognition long overdue. 3. **Future Ceremonies**: The upcoming ceremonies for both Johnson and Ichiro Suzuki will further solidify the Mariners' commitment to honoring their legends and celebrating their shared history [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/seattle-mariners/news/mariners-announce-big-randy-johnson-news/0410b8af4e5cd24d3ec87684][https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/mariners-retire-randy-johnsons-51].