The Seattle Mariners retired jersey number 51 on Saturday, May 2, 2026 [1], to honor Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson [2].

The ceremony recognizes one of the most dominant pitching careers in Major League Baseball history. By permanently removing the number from rotation, the franchise cements Johnson's legacy as a cornerstone of the team's identity in Seattle.

Johnson played for the Mariners from 1989 to 1998 [3]. During that decade, he established himself as a premier force on the mound, combining height and velocity to overwhelm opposing batters. The team hosted the retirement event at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington [4].

In addition to the jersey retirement, the organization announced plans to erect a statue of Johnson outside the stadium. The monument is scheduled to be unveiled in 2027 [5]. This addition marks a rare honor for the club, joining a small group of players recognized with permanent physical landmarks at the ballpark.

The event drew significant attention from fans and former teammates who gathered to celebrate the "Big Unit." The retirement of number 51 [6] ensures that no other Mariners player will wear the digit, preserving the association between the number and Johnson's tenure with the club.

While Johnson played for multiple teams during his career, his time in Seattle served as the launchpad for his Hall of Fame trajectory. The combination of the retired number and the upcoming statue serves as a comprehensive tribute to his contributions to the city's sports history [4].

“The Seattle Mariners retired jersey number 51 on Saturday, May 2, 2026.”

The decision to both retire Johnson's number and commission a statue indicates a desire by the Mariners to elevate him to the highest tier of franchise legends. By scheduling the statue for 2027, the team creates a multi-year window of celebration that maintains fan engagement and reinforces the historical prestige of the organization's pitching lineage.