27 best MLB nicknames of all-time

12. “The Big Unit” Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson was a big-time pitcher with a big-time arm during his Hall of Fame career. These are not the reasons why he is referred to as “The Big Unit,” though.

The nickname derives from the fact when Johnson entered the league in 1988, he was the tallest pitcher in MLB history.

It is hard not to relate his nickname to his dominance on the pitcher’s mound, however, especially when looking at his career accomplishments.

Johnson finished his career as the MLB’s all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings (10.6). His 4,875 strikeouts rank second in baseball history behind Nolan Ryan. Johnson’s prolific career also included 10 All-Star Game appearances, five Cy young Awards and a pair of no-hitters spread out 14 years apart.

The signature moment of Johnson’s career came in 2001, when he led the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first World Series title in franchise history. Even without this championship, though, he had already cemented his spot in MLB lore.

In addition to these accomplishments and accolades, he became baseball’s latest pitcher to reach the 300-win mark in 2009, a feat that may not happen again for a long time.

Johnson is no longer the tallest pitcher in MLB history. That title belongs to 6-foot-11 journeyman Jon Rauch, who made his debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2002. When the topic of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history comes up, however, “The Big Unit” is always the tallest pitcher in the discussion.

Next: 11. The Captain / Mr. November