Randy Johnson's journey from baseball icon to passionate photographer isn't just a career pivot -- it's a blueprint for anyone looking to embrace reinvention, stay true to their passions, and find new paths for growth.

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Randy Johnson for my podcast, The Mostly Occasionally Show. For those of us who grew up in the '80s and '90s, he's The Big Unit -- a towering 6'10" figure who dominated the mound for 22 seasons across teams like the Expos, Mariners, and Yankees. His intimidating fastballs and legendary intensity left an indelible mark on baseball.

But these days, Randy's channeling that same drive and precision into a second act as a photographer, capturing life through the lens with the same dedication he brought to the game.

I talked with Randy about his second act. From his infamous "bird pitch" (soon immortalized in Cooperstown thanks to his collaboration on "bird ballparks" made from old satellite dishes with DIRECTV) to photographing concerts for bands like Primus and safaris in Africa, Randy's story is proof that none of us have to be defined by one pursuit.

It's refreshing to see that ambition and legacy don't have to be one-dimensional, even for a Hall of Famer.

Our conversation goes beyond baseball. It's a look at the wisdom, humility, and creative spark that have guided his path -- and a reminder that while fastballs may fade, life's lens just keeps expanding. Tune in below or on Apple and Spotify, and if you enjoy it, I'd be stoked if you subscribed and left a review.

Here, in his own words, are the lessons Randy Johnson has learned about inspiration, self-discovery, and the art of staying grounded.

Thanks for listening to Mostly Occasionally.

"I just love shooting and being creative. It's nothing more than a passion of mine. I enjoy photography, and I enjoy sharing it."

After a legendary baseball career, Johnson didn't rest on his laurels. Instead, he reignited a college passion from his days at USC -- photography -- and turned it into his new calling. His journey reminds us that it's never too late to dive into the thing you've always loved but never got to pursue while on your career journey, especially if it sets your soul on fire.

Takeaway: Don't let age or previous successes pigeonhole you. Dust off that hobby or interest you've shelved and see where it takes you.

"I remember it very well... I just let a fastball go, and it kind of got away from me. It's not like I did it on purpose. But John [Kruk] played it well... You don't plan those things, and it just kind of resonated with baseball fans."

One of baseball's most memorable All-Star Game moments came in 1993, when Johnson faced off against John Kruk. A wild pitch made Kruk theatrically uneasy, adding to Johnson's mystique. Rather than shy away from these "legendary" moments that became a defining clip from his years on the mound, Johnson leans into them, knowing they're part of what fans remember most.

Takeaway: Sometimes, the stories others tell about you shape your legacy. Embrace the spectacle of these moments and how it lives in the crowd's minds -- they're a part of your impact and what builds authenticity.

"I never really thought of myself as intimidating, but it became a thing. People saw me that way, so I just kind of went with it."

Randy knows that legends are shaped by perception. For him, baseball was only the first act. Photography lets him show a different side without discarding what made him who he is. "Photography? This is all mine," he says. "It's not about money -- I did that with baseball."

Takeaway: You don't have to leave past identities behind to start something new. Reinvention can be additive, building on what's already there.

"Twenty-three years ago, that was the pitch," Randy says, laughing. "I threw it, a bird flies in...BAM. And now that's what people remember."

For all his accolades, it's one bizarre pitch that people can't forget. Instead of ignoring it, Randy embraced it with humor, creating those bird-shaped baseball stadiums for DirecTV. A dead bird next to his name is even the logo of his photography portfolio's website.

Takeaway: Sometimes the unexpected becomes your calling card. Don't fight it -- embrace the quirks and lean into the lore that set you apart.

"I feel like I'm more creative three, four years later. I've become a little bit better with my camera and more creative with my vision."

Randy isn't content resting on his achievements. He's continually honing his craft as a photographer, proving that growth is a continuous process, no matter how skilled you are.

Takeaway: No matter how much you've accomplished, there's always room for growth. Keep pushing your boundaries.

"Sometimes, you gotta put yourself out there to get that shot that you really want that resonates with everybody."

Johnson knows that greatness doesn't come from staying comfortable. Risk-taking has its benefits. Many of his favorite shots come from moments when he's taken risks -- like getting up close to wildlife in Africa or blending into concert crowds.

Takeaway: Great things rarely come from comfort zones. Taking risks can yield the most rewarding experiences. Dare to take a chance.

"I tend to go down the roads of stuff that interests me, and that doesn't really interest me. So I don't know much about it and haven't gone down that avenue."

When asked about AI and other new photography technologies, Johnson remains unfazed. He focuses on what genuinely interests him rather than chasing every new trend. This dedication has given his work a life of its own, leading to gallery exhibits at places like the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and invitations to shoot some of his favorite musicians.

Takeaway: You don't have to chase every new fad. Invest your time and energy in what genuinely captivates you.

"They want to talk baseball; I want to talk music. There's a common ground, you know?"

Randy's new passion has introduced him to artists like Geddy Lee from Rush and the band Primus. "It's a trade-off," he says. "They want to talk sports; I want to talk music." This shared enthusiasm creates an energy that fuels his creativity.

Takeaway: Variety is the spice of life. Cross-pollinate with creatives from different worlds. New perspectives keep ideas fresh and spark unexpected connections.

"I needed to have a fallback. That's when I was already into photography but started learning more and immersed into it."

Even as he chased a career in baseball, Johnson prepared for other possibilities. When he was in college at USC, he majored in photojournalism and, on assignment, shot The Clash opening up for The Who at the LA Memorial Colliseum. It was down the rabbit hole with photography as a professional pursuit from there... if not for a Major League Baseball career. His foresight allowed him to transition smoothly into photography when the time was right, after winning a World Series, five career Cy Young Awards, a perfect game, and was generally considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Takeaway: While pursuing your dreams, prepare for alternative paths. A safety net doesn't mean you're planning to fail; it means you're planning for anything.

"AI will never replace what I'm doing. It's a false sense of reality. You're not really there."

Johnson values the authenticity of his work and is skeptical of technology that removes the human element. "Maybe AI will be used against us someday," he says with a note of caution. For him, real artistry is about capturing the world as he sees it, not fabricating it.

Takeaway: Not every new tool is necessary. Use technology that feels true to your vision, and let go of what doesn't.

"I'm not looking to make a buck. I've already done that in baseball. I'm just looking to continue to be creative and get out there and enjoy shooting."

It's clear that Johnson's pursuits are driven by passion, not money or fame. His creativity and work ethic stem from genuine interest, a lesson he believes translates into any field.

Takeaway: Let passion be your guiding star. When you love what you do, success becomes a byproduct, not the sole objective.

"I'm the big sand dune... and you've got that little tree." Randy reflects on his days on the mound, comparing himself to a towering dune facing a lone tree that he photographed in Nambia, on the Skeleton Coast. "But you give up a home run? Poof, mystique's gone. When you lose that battle, it's almost like you become vulnerable... no longer this urban legend."

For Randy, intimidation only worked as long as his skill held up. And when it didn't? He adapted, understanding that mystique is only as strong as your last pitch.

Takeaway: Embrace the times when you're vulnerable. Mystique fades, but letting go of what's lost can clear the way for what's next.

"Oh my God, yeah..." Randy says with the same enthusiasm he once brought to the mound when I ask him about his photography bucket list. Even while recovering from knee surgery, he's already picturing his next shots: "I'd love to photograph the pyramids, go down the Nile... Asia is incredible. I've been to Cambodia once. I'd like to go back again."

Even with a knee surgery recovery, Randy's spirit for exploration is unstoppable.

Takeaway: A bucket list isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about keeping your passion alive. Randy's desire to explore new places and return to favorites reminds us that there's always more to see, learn, and capture -- even when life slows us down.

" A lot of times I've been to some places and I feel like I'm more creative three, four years later, you know, I've become a little bit better with my camera and I've become more creative with my vision. And so I feel like I need, and that's probably one reason why I go back to Africa so much, 'cause I love the animals and I learn more about what I need to do to create the image that I want, that I've seen someone else do. I've done more research. So now I understand what I need to do to create that by putting myself in that same position to get that shot, by either talking to that photographer or understanding what you have to do to put yourself in that situation. And sometimes, you gotta put yourself out there to get that shot that you really want that resonates with everybody."

Randy's approach to photography is about evolving through repeated experiences. He often returns to familiar places, like Africa, with new knowledge and a refined vision, gaining fresh insights each time. This ongoing process of exploration and improvement underscores the idea that growth isn't about moving on from what you know -- it's about seeing it with new eyes.

Takeaway: Every time you return, you add layers to your perspective -- just like Randy does with his photography. Don't be afraid to revisit familiar places, projects, or passions. Each return brings fresh perspectives and newfound skills, letting you see and capture what you couldn't before.

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Randy Johnson's journey -- from the mound to the lens -- shows us that our best work often comes when we embrace change, nurture our passions, and keep looking forward.