Randy Johnson’s Spectacular Photography

Feb. 18, 2012; Chandler, AZ, USA; Former baseball player

works as a member of the media during NHRA qualifying for the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There is more to a man than his left arm. Or at least there is more to former M and current Mariners Hall of Famer Randy Johnson.

The Big Unit, who played for the M’s from 1989-1998 stands at 6 feet 10 inches and is impossible to miss. He was equally impossible to hit during his 22 year Major League Career. He is a part of the 300 win club with 303 victories, he has a perfect game under his belt (May 18, 2004 against the Braves), and has a World Series ring from 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

RJ also, though unintentionally, hit a bird out of midair with his fastball. Check it out here.

But since he has retired from what should be a Hall of Fame career, Johnson has started a second career in photography. If you follow him on twitter (@RJ51Photos) you’ve no doubt seen a lot of his work. If you haven’t, mosey on over to his website after you’re finished here. His pictures are vivid, fun, and as he states on his twitter homepage, he aims to photograph “fast and loud” things.

Like race cars.

And also myriad concerts with fast and loud bands like Soundgarden, U2, Metallica, Pearl Jam and others.

There is no denying that Randy Johnson is a talented photographer. And that is something really refreshing coming out of the sports world. So many retirees in professional sports nowadays are unretiring (looking at you Brett Favre). Or they are committing suicide like Junior Seau did earlier this year after diagnosis of a serious brain disease. Or concussions and ignored injuries and symptoms have caused them chronic discomfort or strife in their middle age.

But worst of all, there are so many retired players who remain attached to their respective sport but have nothing good to say about it anymore.

That is Randy at all. He embraced baseball to his fullest. And now, as a retired 50-year-old man, he has embraced a new passion. A passion he approaches with the same fervor he did pitching.

Seriously take the time soon to check out his photography. It is beautiful, tasteful, and gives you further insight into one of the greatest Mariners (and greatest pitchers) in Major League history. You can see his aesthetic side, his depth.

Though it’s hard to ignore what he did on the diamond. It is just so refreshing to see a former professional athlete on the other side of  the fence, capturing important moments in other people’s lives just as so many did with him.

He will always be remembered as the Big Unit, but his talents and his passions have given him the opportunity to be known as something more than just a baseball player.

And there is something good to be said about that.