1. Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson, famously known as “The Big Unit,” already achieved greatness with the Seattle Mariners, but it was his move to the Arizona Diamondbacks before the 1999 season that catapulted him into unparalleled heights of dominance, solidifying his status as the undisputed best pitcher of his era. In Seattle, he had already established himself as a superstar, making five All-Star appearances, claiming four American League Strikeout crowns, and winning an ERA title and the 1995 AL Cy Young Award. However, this was the prelude to a legendary chapter yet to unfold.

Joining the Diamondbacks in 1999, Randy Johnson made history by clinching his first National League Cy Young Award while leading the league in ERA, Strikeouts, and FIP. The word “first” in that sentence is crucial, as he would claim three additional NL Cy Youngs over the next four years, cementing his legacy with another string of strikeout titles. The stretch from 1999 to 2002 is arguably one of the greatest four-year runs in National League history and the entire spectrum of Major League Baseball. It’s a bold statement, but we can confidently assert that no Diamondback will ever come close to matching that level of excellence in our lifetime. Equally remarkable was his performance during the unforgettable 2001 postseason. Johnson’s dominance reached its zenith as he went a perfect 5-0 in the NLCS and World Series, boasting a WHIP under 0.800 and a staggering ERA of just 1.08. His heroics earned him Co-MVP honors of the 2001 World Series alongside Curt Schilling, a testament to his critical role in leading the Diamondbacks to their first championship. It's almost impossible to envision a scenario where the D-Backs hoist the trophy without his contributions.

Over eight extraordinary years with Arizona, Johnson tallied an impressive 118 wins against just 62 losses while racking up an astounding 2,077 Strikeouts. In recognition of his unforgettable impact, the Diamondbacks retired his #51 jersey in 2015—a fitting tribute to a true icon. When Randy Johnson made his enshrinement in Cooperstown, he did so as a Diamondback, a unique honor as he remains the first and only player to enter the Hall of Fame with that designation. Unsurprisingly, he garnered 97.3 percent of the vote on his first ballot, reflecting the indelible mark he left on baseball. Truly, Randy Johnson’s legacy is one of unparalleled greatness in the desert.