From the diamond of Southern California to the mounds of the major league, the Big Unit was always standing tall. And standing one last time before his fans and colleagues, the 46 year old pitcher said goodbye. Randy Johnson officially announced his retirement, ending a 22-year baseball career that earned him 303 victories, 4,875 strikeouts, and 5 Cy Young awards.

Johnson was originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 1982 MLB draft, but didn’t make that quick leap from High School to the majors, and enrolled at the University of Southern California, where he also played basketball. Developed under famed baseball coach Rod Dedeaux, Johnson would go on to have one of the most amazing baseball careers of any pitcher in history.

Second only to Roger Clemens in all time strikeouts, and recording the most by a left-hander, Johnson is a sure first ballot Hall of Fame induction. He won just one World Series in his career, and was a 10 time All Star. From the Empire to Randy Johnson, we thank you for the memories.