Randy Johnson, better known to many baseball fans as "The Big Unit," was among the most dominating pitchers of his era. In 21 seasons in the majors, Johnson won 303 games, five Cy Young awards (including four in a row from 1999-2002) and was named an All-Star 10 times. He garnered a World Series ring with the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks.
↵When he retired after an injury-shortened 2009 season, most Chicago baseball fans were happy to bid him adieu. His numbers against the Cubs are legendary. In 14 games started, Johnson was an eyelash-short-of-perfect 13-0 with a 1.91 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 103.2 innings pitched (12.4 K/9). The White Sox didn't fare much better: In 20 starts against the South Siders, The Big Unit put up a 12-4 record with a 3.08 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 137.1 innings pitched (10.74 K/9).
↵Unbeknownst to many, the Big Unit returned to Chicago this summer. But, instead of using his freakishly long left arm to baffle and intimidate opposing batters, he was using his keen eye for detail and (presumably) right index finger to photograph the rock group Soundgarden as they played a much-ballyhooed reunion show at the Lollapalooza Festival in Grant Park last month.
↵In this Spin Magazine online piece, Randy shows off his fave shots and reminisces about his lengthy relationship with the Seattle-based band as well as his lifelong love of rock 'n roll. On whether he ever considered being a rocker rather than a hurler, the Big Unit opines:
↵↵↵I enjoyed music but didn't have the niche to play guitar or drums, but I had the niche to throw a fastball, you know what I mean?"
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Yeah, Randy, we do.