The Seattle Mariners have made history—twice. In a rare and remarkable feat, the franchise has officially retired the number 51 for a second time, honoring Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson in a ceremony at T-Mobile Park. The move comes exactly one season after the team retired the same number for legendary outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

Last year, Ichiro’s iconic No. 51 was enshrined, ensuring no Mariner will ever wear it again. But the number holds a dual legacy in Seattle. Before Ichiro made it famous, the "Big Unit" dominated hitters while wearing the same digits. Johnson’s ceremony cements his place alongside Ichiro as one of the most iconic players in franchise history. This is the second team to retire Johnson’s number, following the Arizona Diamondbacks, who did so in 2015.

During his 10 seasons with the Mariners, Johnson posted a 130-74 record with a 3.42 ERA and an eye-popping 2,162 strikeouts. He threw 51 complete games (fittingly) and 19 shutouts, showcasing the dominance that earned him a spot in Cooperstown. His towering presence and explosive fastball made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing lineups.

Seattle has a rich history of iconic players, and the retired numbers club is growing. While no future ceremonies are confirmed for 2027, fans can dream. Current stars like catcher Cal Raleigh, despite a rough 2026 season, have the potential to join this elite group if they continue to build on their early success. For now, the Mariners and their fans are soaking in the moment, celebrating one of the greatest pitchers baseball has ever seen.