On June 2, 1990, Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners pitches the first no-hitter in the history of the franchise. The dominating left-hander handcuffs the Detroit Tigers, 2-0, at the Kingdome. Johnson strikes out eight batters and walks six.
“This is indescribable,” said John¬son, soaked in beer and sweat. “This is a moment I’ll never forget.”
Nor will many of the 20,014 fans in the Kingdome. Or the Tigers. Or Johnson’s manager, Jim Lefebvre.
“He just went from being a guy with all the potential in the world to being part of baseball history,” Lefebvre said. “Not just Mariners history – baseball history. I’m so damned excited for him I don’t know what to say.”
Johnson, a taciturn 26-year-old known for his wildness and fastball, used both to his advantage in the 43rd start of his major-league career. He walked six men, loading the bases in the sixth inning, but 50 of his 136 pitches were clocked at 94 mph.
