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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

There’s Really Nothing Mythical About Big Unit

Bloomberg News

For many National Leaguers, Seattle Mariners pitcher Randy Johnson is like the mythical creature Bigfoot. They’ve heard frightening stories from the Pacific Northwest, although only a few have seen him in person.

Those who have are terrified.

“He almost killed me,” said Colorado Rockies outfielder Larry Walker, recalling an encounter in an intrasquad game 10 years ago.

Because his near-death experience with Johnson remains a vivid memory, the N.L.’s top hitter asked out of the lineup when the Rockies faced Johnson June 19 in Seattle.

“He threw a two-strike fastball that almost hit me in the chin,” said Walker, recalling a 1987 game when he and Johnson were minor leaguers trying to earn a roster spot with the Montreal Expos. “I swung at strike three before it was even out of his hand.”

His legend grew larger in 1993, when one of his fastballs sailed past the head of the Philadelphia’s John Kruk in the All-Star Game.

A clearly shaken Kruk did the same as Walker, weakly swinging at the next pitch for strike three.

While Walker was able to avoid the encounter with Johnson last month, it’s almost certain he’ll have to face Johnson’s near-100 mph fastball tonight. Both are starting.

“I’ll be in there, but I don’t know if I’m looking forward to it,” Walker said.