Randy Johnson is considered one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history. His long, lean 6-foot-10 frame and blazing 100-mph fastball struck fear into countless hitters over his 22-year career. Johnson’s Hall of Fame resume includes five Cy Young Awards, 10 All-Star selections, and four no-hitters. He was a key member of World Series championship teams with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 and the San Francisco Giants in 2010 late in his career.
Thanks to his iconic status in the game, Randy Johnson’s baseball cards spanning from 1988 to 2010 are highly collectible and sought after by hobbyists. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Johnson cards from across his playing days:
1988 Bowman: Johnson’s rookie card was issued by Bowman in 1988 shortly after he was selected on the second overall pick of the 1987 amateur draft by the Montreal Expos. The card features a clean-cut, baby-faced Johnson early in his professional career before his signature dreadlocks and imposing frame developed. High-grade versions of this rookie card in mint condition can fetch prices upwards of $100.
1990 Topps Traded: Johnson was traded from the Expos to the Seattle Mariners in 1989 and this was his first card as a member of the Mariners. The front of the card depicts Johnson unleashing a ferocious wind-up and delivery in a Mariners uniform. Copies in mint condition are valued around $15-20 while well-preserved specimens can reach $50 or more.
1995 Finest Refractor: Johnson’s 1995 season where he won the first of his five Cy Young Awards with the Mariners made him one of the game’s premier pitchers. The 1995 Finest refractors were among the first basketball-style cards to utilize refractors and holograms to create a shimmering effect. Highly coveted by collectors, a BGS or PSA graded gem mint 10 copy can sell for thousands.
1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor: Considered the premier Randy Johnson card of the 90s, the 1998 Bowman’s Best refractor pictured him in a Mariners uniform but was issued after he was traded to the Astros late in 1997. Only available as an ultra-rare refractor parallel, high-grade versions conservatively valued at $500 but could potentially sell for much more in auction.
1999 Upper Deck E-X2000: One of the first cards to highlight Johnson’s newly-joined Arizona Diamondbacks, it depicts him in the team’s bold purple and teal colors. This was part of Upper Deck’s high-end E-X parallel set with only 101 cards produced of each player. High grade copies of this coveted parallel fetch four-figure prices.
2001 Bowman’s Best MVP: As a member of the 2001 World Champion Diamondbacks, Johnson captured the National League Cy Young and MVP awards. This Bowman parallel captured Johnson in his iconic D-Backs uniform at the peak of his powers. Near-mint copies commanding $100 due to its rarity within the set and capturing a historic season.
2002 Topps Opening Day Gold Refractor /50: Commemorating Johnson’s stellar 2001 campaign and inclusion in the All-Century Team, this flashy gold parallel was limited to only 50 copies. Extremely scarce versions that grade gem mint 10 can bring over $500 on the secondary market.
2004 Leaf Limited Diamond Kings /25: Depicting “The Big Unit” windmilling his legendary left arm, this parallel portrays Johnson in his classic Dodgers jersey shortly before he was traded to the Yankees mid-season. Numbered to only 25 copies, high-grade specimens valued well over $200.
2008 Upper Deck Timeline Captains: Paying tribute to Johnson’s Hall of Fame-worthy career as he entered his final seasons, this prestige card features a regal greyscale photograph of the intimidating lefty. Higher graded versions conservatively valued at $50-75 for collectors.
2010 Topps Gold Medal: Johnson’s last major issue card came full circle back with the Mariners, where he spent the early years of his career and finished with the team in 2010. This shimmering gold parallel numbered to only 50 copies honors Johnson’s final season at age 46 before retirement. Near-mint 10 specimens valued at $100 or more.
Collectors love following Hall of Fame careers through the yearly issues and parallel releases by the major baseball card companies. Randy Johnson’s intimidating presence and dominance on the mound for over two decades made him one of the most captivating pitchers to collect. From his rookie card debut to his swan song issues, Johnson’s best vintage and modern cards continue to be highly sought after centerpieces for dedicated collectors. His cards chronicling the journey of “The Big Unit” serve as a reminder of one of the all-time greats to ever toe the rubber.