Randy Johnson--2004
With the announcement of Randy
Johnson’s retirement, it took me
back to a game in 2004 when I
feared the Big Unit without ever
stepping into the batters box.
It was September 27th and
members of the Brewers front office
and the pro scouts were in Phoenix
holding meetings. During the days
we discussed our club and potential
off-season moves, while at night we
watched the BrewCrew take on the
D-Backs for a series.
Now as scouts, we normally sit in
comfort behind home plate, safe
and secure behind a BIG screen.
With a large crew of ten attending
the game, we were unable to sit
behind the plate. Thus, we were
seated in the visiting club box which
was directly behind the first base
dugout at Chase Field.
Well, on this night, we sat in
absolute fear for seven innings.
With Randy Johnson on the mound
hurling 97 mph fastballs, each right-
handed batter that stepped up to
the plate made us sitting ducks.
Like British soldiers marching in
battle formation row; we were the
first line of defense for foul ball
bullets into the crowd. We would
slither down further in our seat for
protection with each pitch---
especially when Chad Moeller and
his .210 average took his swings.
I recall never having felt so
uncomfortable at a game and to
think, those folks seated around us
paid premium dollars for their seats.
The Big Unit was awesome. The
fastballs were a blur.
On the evening, I remember the
group had to dodge one Moeller
foul ball that missed us, but found
the Brewers dugout. Johnson would
out duel Ben Sheets that night,
fanning ten Brewers along the way.
By the end of the evening, I felt
relieved to have survived
unscathed. And yes, I in my mind, I
truly did earn my salary that night
just for watching baseball.
I’m sorry, but give me the seats
behind home plate…
Johnson’s retirement, it took me
back to a game in 2004 when I
feared the Big Unit without ever
stepping into the batters box.
It was September 27th and
members of the Brewers front office
and the pro scouts were in Phoenix
holding meetings. During the days
we discussed our club and potential
off-season moves, while at night we
watched the BrewCrew take on the
D-Backs for a series.
Now as scouts, we normally sit in
comfort behind home plate, safe
and secure behind a BIG screen.
With a large crew of ten attending
the game, we were unable to sit
behind the plate. Thus, we were
seated in the visiting club box which
was directly behind the first base
dugout at Chase Field.
Well, on this night, we sat in
absolute fear for seven innings.
With Randy Johnson on the mound
hurling 97 mph fastballs, each right-
handed batter that stepped up to
the plate made us sitting ducks.
Like British soldiers marching in
battle formation row; we were the
first line of defense for foul ball
bullets into the crowd. We would
slither down further in our seat for
protection with each pitch---
especially when Chad Moeller and
his .210 average took his swings.
I recall never having felt so
uncomfortable at a game and to
think, those folks seated around us
paid premium dollars for their seats.
The Big Unit was awesome. The
fastballs were a blur.
On the evening, I remember the
group had to dodge one Moeller
foul ball that missed us, but found
the Brewers dugout. Johnson would
out duel Ben Sheets that night,
fanning ten Brewers along the way.
By the end of the evening, I felt
relieved to have survived
unscathed. And yes, I in my mind, I
truly did earn my salary that night
just for watching baseball.
I’m sorry, but give me the seats
behind home plate…
