Mariners legend Randy Johnson hilariously proves some grudges last forever

In a recent interview with longtime Seattle Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs, Hall of Fame left-hander Randy Johnson took a rare but deserved swipe at former Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln and the organization’s previous ownership group.

The topic? His long-overdue jersey retirement, which is finally happening in 2026, a full 28 years after he last pitched for the Mariners in 1998.

Randy Johnson takes shot at former Mariners ownership amidst No. 51 retirement

When news of Johnson's No. 51 getting a retirement ceremony first broke in early June, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times quote the lefty as saying, “After I left Seattle — I was traded; I didn’t walk away.” It was a case of "Big Unit" subtly but unmistakably directing the narrative back where he believes it belongs.

For years, fans have wondered why a player of Johnson’s pedigree, a Hall of Famer, Cy Young winner, and franchise icon, hadn’t been honored by the Mariners in the same way as Ken Griffey Jr. or Edgar Martinez. Apparently, Johnson has been wondering the same thing. “For whatever reason, the ownership then didn’t make this [number retirement] happen [sooner]. And so, I suppose I was a little disappointed.”

It’s hard not to crack a smile at Johnson’s candor. Here he is, finally getting his number 51 retired at T-Mobile Park, an honor only bestowed on Griffey and Martinez so far (with Ichiro Suzuki's coming this summer) and he’s attacking previous Mariners ownership just like he did to hitters throughout the 90's and 2000's. But let’s be honest: it’s kind of fair.

Howard Lincoln and the Mariners’ old guard have long been criticized for their cold relationships with players. Whether it was dragging their feet on honoring club legends or making questionable baseball decisions that led to stars like Johnson, Griffey, and Alex Rodriguez leaving, the old ownership left a bitter taste. Johnson’s comments reflect a truth many fans have long believed — that the franchise undervalued its own icons for far too long.

But beyond the digs and drama, let’s not forget what Randy Johnson meant to Seattle baseball. He arrived in the city as a wild, towering lefty with a nuclear fastball and almost no control. What followed was one of the most dominant developmental arcs in MLB history. Johnson would refine his game and became a Seattle legend. His 1995 performance, particularly the relief appearance in Game 5 of the ALDS, is etched into Mariners lore.

So sure, he might still be a little salty. But when you’ve waited this long for the respect you’re owed, maybe you’ve earned the right.