If you walk into T-Mobile Park right now, there’s a specific kind of energy in the air. It’s not just about the current roster. It’s about the towering 6-foot-10 shadow that still looms over the mound in the minds of anyone who saw the 1995 season. We’re talking about the Big Unit. Specifically, we are talking about the Randy Johnson Mariners jersey, which has suddenly become the most sought-after piece of vintage threads in the Pacific Northwest.
Why now? Well, because 2026 is officially the year of Randy in Seattle.
After years of waiting—and a very classy delay by Randy himself to let Ichiro Suzuki have his own solo spotlight in 2025—the Mariners are finally retiring the number 51 for the man who put the franchise on his back. It's a weird situation, honestly. Two legends, one number. But for those of us who grew up watching the "refuse to lose" era, that number 51 on a teal or navy jersey hits different. It represents 2,162 strikeouts in a Mariners uniform and the birth of a pitcher who went from a "tall guy with no control" to a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The 2026 Retirement: What You Need to Know
The Mariners have circled May 2, 2026, on the calendar. That is the night the No. 51 goes up into the rafters. But if you’re looking to snag a jersey, the night before is actually the big one. On May 1, the team is hosting "Randy Johnson '80s Jersey Night." They’re giving away 80s-style jerseys to the first 20,000 fans.
It’s a throwback to his earliest days in Seattle after he came over in that 1989 trade with the Montreal Expos. People forget he wasn't always a Cy Young winner. He was raw. He was scary. He wore those classic blue and gold colors that feel so retro now it hurts.
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The Different Flavors of No. 51
When you're out shopping for a Randy Johnson Mariners jersey, you’re going to run into a few distinct eras. It’s not just one design.
- The 1989-1992 Block Lettering: This is the "old school" look. Blue and gold. It’s the jersey Randy wore when he threw his first no-hitter against the Tigers in 1990. It feels more like a piece of history than a modern sports kit.
- The 1993-1998 Teal and Navy: This is the iconic 1995 look. If you see a Randy Johnson jersey in the wild, it’s probably this one. This era saw the transition to the "Mariner Teal." It’s the jersey he wore when he struck out the side to clinch the AL West tiebreaker.
- The 1994 "125th Anniversary" Patch: Collectors go nuts for this one. It’s a standard 90s jersey but with the special anniversary patch on the sleeve. Finding an authentic one of these is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Why Finding an Authentic Randy Johnson Jersey is Tough
Look, I’ll be real with you. Buying one of these isn't as simple as clicking "buy now" on the latest Nike drop. Randy Johnson is notoriously picky about his memorabilia. He actually rarely signs jerseys. Why? He’s been on record saying he limits his signatures to keep the rarity high for charity auctions—specifically for causes like cystic fibrosis and homeless outreach in Arizona.
Because of that, a "real" signed Mariners jersey is going to cost you thousands of dollars. We’re talking "down payment on a car" money.
If you just want something to wear to the ballpark, you have three main options:
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1. The Mitchell & Ness Cooperstown Collection
These are the gold standard for throwbacks. They use heavyweight polyester and stitched lettering. They aren't cheap—usually hovering around $150 to $175—but they don't feel like the "flimsy" modern replicas. They recently released a 1995 version that looks incredible.
2. The 2026 "Limited" Nike Jerseys
With the retirement ceremony happening, Nike is rolling out a "Limited" version. These have the larger lettering and the moisture-wicking fabric. They’re basically the modern tech version of a 90s aesthetic. Good for those hot July day games, but maybe a bit too "new" for the purists.
3. The eBay/Vintage Hunt
This is where it gets risky. You’ll see a lot of "Majestic" brand jerseys on eBay. Some are legit vintage from the 90s; some are knockoffs from ten years ago. If you see a jersey where the "Mariners" logo looks bubbly or the teal is a weird neon shade, run away.
The Ichiro Connection
You can’t talk about the Randy Johnson Mariners jersey without mentioning Ichiro. When Ichiro showed up in 2001, he actually wrote a letter to Randy asking for permission to wear No. 51. He didn't want to disrespect the legacy. Randy gave him the green light, and then Ichiro went out and became... well, Ichiro.
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This created a unique problem for the Mariners. Usually, you retire a number for one guy. In 2026, the team is basically acknowledging that the number belongs to both of them. It’s a shared legacy. If you wear a 51 jersey in Seattle today, people might ask, "Randy or Ichiro?"
Honestly? There's no wrong answer. But for the next few months, it’s Randy’s turn.
How to Spot a Fake
I’ve seen too many fans get burned by "too good to be true" deals. Here is a quick checklist for your hunt:
- The Patch: On the 1997-style jerseys, check the sleeve patch. It should be a crisp "Mariners" compass. If the stitching is messy or the colors bleed, it's a fake.
- The Weight: Authentic 90s jerseys are heavy. They feel like a coat. If it feels like a t-shirt, it’s a modern "Cool Base" replica or a knockoff.
- The Font: The "5" and the "1" have a very specific blocky style with a silver drop-shadow. Fakes usually mess up the spacing of that shadow.
Making the Purchase Work for You
If you’re planning to buy a Randy Johnson Mariners jersey for the May 2026 retirement ceremony, buy it now. Prices usually spike about three weeks before a big event like this.
You can check the Mariners Team Store at T-Mobile Park or the Downtown Seattle location on 4th and Stewart. They’ve already started stocking the "50 Seasons" collection, which includes a lot of Big Unit gear. If you can't get to Seattle, the Mitchell & Ness online shop is your safest bet for quality.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Size: Remember that vintage Majestic and Mitchell & Ness jerseys run large. If you’re usually a Large, a Medium might actually fit you better if you want a tailored look.
- Check the Date: If you want to be part of the giveaway, get to the stadium at least 2.5 hours early on May 1. Those 20,000 jerseys will be gone in thirty minutes.
- Budget for the Patch: If you buy a plain jersey, you can often find era-specific patches (like the 1995 AL West Champs or the 2026 Retirement patch) on eBay. You can have these sewn on at a local tailor to make your jersey a one-of-one collector's item.
The Big Unit’s legacy is finally being cemented in Seattle. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a new collector, that 51 jersey isn't just a shirt—it’s a reminder of the time a 6-foot-10 lefty made the entire baseball world terrified to step into the batter's box. It's time to wear it with pride.