Legendary MLB pitcher Randy Johnson discovers new passion after retiring

Summary

Randy Johnson, known for his Hall of Fame baseball career, is also a passionate photographer. His love for photography began in college while studying photojournalism but took a backseat to his baseball career. After retiring in 2010, Johnson reignited his passion and has since traveled to places like Africa, capturing stunning images of wildlife and landscapes. His work is showcased in a photo exhibit in Scottsdale, Arizona. Through photography, Johnson finds parallels to pitching, constantly striving for improvement and storytelling with his images.

Takeaways

• ⚾ Randy Johnson, known as 'The Big Unit,' is a legendary baseball player with 10 All-Star appearances, nearly 5,000 strikeouts, a no-hitter, a perfect game, and a Hall of Fame career.
• 📸 After retiring in 2010, Randy Johnson rediscovered his passion for photography, which he had studied in college at the University of Southern California.
• 📰 During his time at USC, he worked as a photojournalist for the school newspaper, capturing memorable moments like The Who and The Clash performing at the LA Coliseum in 1982.
• ⚾ Photography took a backseat to his baseball career when Johnson was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1985, but it remained a lasting interest.
• 🌍 In the last decade, Africa has become a focal point for Johnson's photography, where he has captured breathtaking images of landscapes, wildlife, and people.
• 📷 Johnson's current photography exhibit, 'Storytelling with Photographs,' is on display at the Scottsdale Arizona Center for the Performing Arts, featuring vibrant images from his trips to Africa.
• 🦁 Some of his favorite photos include wildlife moments, like a leopard resting in a tree and gorillas in Rwanda, bringing a unique perspective to nature photography.
• 🎨 Johnson is passionate about photography as a form of storytelling, comparing his focus behind the camera to the concentration he had on the baseball field.
• 🏟️ Fellow baseball star Ken Griffey Jr. has also taken up photography, but Johnson focuses on non-sport subjects, as sports dominated his life for decades.
• 📱 One of Johnson's favorite photos from his exhibit was taken on an iPhone, showing a young boy saying goodbye at a village, emphasizing the emotional impact of a well-timed photograph.

Q & A

Who is Randy Johnson, and why is he famous?

Randy Johnson is a former professional baseball player known for his towering height of 6'10" and his dominant pitching style. He played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball, earning 10 All-Star selections, 5,000 strikeouts, a World Series MVP award, a no-hitter, a perfect game, and eventual induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

What is Randy Johnson's current passion after retiring from baseball?

After retiring from baseball, Randy Johnson rekindled his passion for photography, which he had developed in college. He is now a professional photographer, focusing on capturing images from various places, especially Africa, and showcasing his work in exhibitions.

How did Randy Johnson get into photography?

Randy Johnson developed a passion for photography while studying photojournalism at the University of Southern California (USC). He worked for the school newspaper, The Daily Trojan, and photographed concerts like The Who and The Clash. His interest in photography persisted even after he started his baseball career.

Why did Johnson stop pursuing photography during his baseball career?

Randy Johnson had to put photography on hold as he focused on improving his baseball pitching skills after being drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1985. His baseball career took priority at that time.

What draws Randy Johnson to photography, and how does it compare to his baseball career?

Randy Johnson enjoys photography because it allows him to focus intensely, similar to when he was pitching. When looking through the camera's viewfinder, he feels as though he has 'blinders' on, just like when he was concentrating on a batter while playing baseball.

What are some of the themes in Randy Johnson’s photography?

Randy Johnson's photography primarily focuses on nature and wildlife, especially in Africa. He captures vivid moments of animals and landscapes, such as leopards, gorillas, and unique scenes like a bird hitching a ride on a larger animal.

How has Randy Johnson's photography been received by the public?

Randy Johnson's photography has been well-received, with exhibitions showcasing his work, including one at the Scottsdale Arizona Center for the Performing Arts. While he acknowledges that criticism is subjective, he has found positive feedback and support from fans and art critics.

How does Johnson feel about photography compared to sports photography?

Randy Johnson prefers not to immerse himself in sports photography, as sports were already a significant part of his life. Instead, he enjoys exploring other areas, like wildlife and nature, as they allow him to learn something new and see the world from a different perspective.

What is Randy Johnson’s favorite photograph in his collection?

Randy Johnson’s favorite image is a smaller piece taken with his iPhone, capturing a young boy who came to his car window to say goodbye as he was leaving a village in Africa. This photo holds personal significance and tells a simple yet impactful story.

Who are some notable figures supporting Randy Johnson’s photography?

Arizona Diamondbacks manager and former teammate Torey Lovullo, along with other friends and fans, have supported Randy Johnson’s photography. Fellow Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has also taken up photography, and they share mutual respect for each other's work.