Mariners retire Randy Johnson’s #51: Epic ceremony in 2026

Seattle Mariners Retire Randy Johnson’s Number 51

The Seattle Mariners have announced that they will retire the number 51 of legendary pitcher Randy Johnson in a special ceremony on May 2, 2026, at T-Mobile Park. The event will take place before the game against the Kansas City Royals, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. (PT). With this tribute, Johnson will join a select group of players whose numbers have been retired by the franchise, becoming the fifth in Mariners history. The other honored players are Ken Griffey Jr. (24), Edgar Martínez (11), Ichiro Suzuki (51), and Jackie Robinson (42), the latter retired across all MLB teams. As part of the celebrations, the club will also hold “Randy Johnson’s 80s Jersey Night” on May 1st, where the first 20,000 fans will receive a commemorative jersey, thanks to the sponsorship of T-Mobile. This announcement formalizes the original intention revealed in June, when the Mariners communicated their desire to honor the Hall of Fame member in the 2026 season, coinciding with the presentation of the team’s promotional calendar.

The Legacy of “The Great Unity” in Seattle

Randy Johnson, recognized as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, left an indelible mark on Seattle since his arrival in 1989 from the Montreal Expos. His performance between 1993 and 1998 was particularly outstanding, characterized by his ability to strike out rivals and his imposing presence on the mound.

• Record of 130-74
• Effectiveness of 3.42
• 51 complete games
• 2,162 strikeouts in 274 encounters (266 starts)

His 1993 season and his fundamental role in the historic 1995 campaign marked a before and after for the franchise, contributing to the competitive growth of the Mariners in the 90s. Although he achieved greater success with the Diamondbacks, the team with which he is represented in the Hall of Fame, Johnson acknowledges that his sporting identity and his projection as one of the best left-handers in history were consolidated in Seattle.

Statements from the Honoree

There was never a special meaning in using the number 51. But when you wear it for most of your career, it becomes part of your identity. For the fans, that number says who you are.

Randy Johnson

A Historic Race

Randy Johnson, who retired after the 2009 season, also played for the Expos, Astros, Diamondbacks, Yankees, and Giants. He was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Cooperstown Hall of Fame in 2015, the same year that Arizona also retired his number 51. The retirement of his jersey by Seattle solidifies his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of the franchise and of modern baseball.