The Big Unit Is In Recovery

Sports Star Had Back Surgery

At the end of last season Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks underwent surgery, for the third time, for a herniated disc.

I talked with Randy the week before. He said his back actually felt fine, but then he hadn't pitched in a game in over a month. He told me he could still pitch as good as the next guy, but the problem was to get his body to hold up for the entire baseball season.

He's now starting his 20th year in the major leagues and Randy does not believe there is any kind of a quick fix for him at this stage of his career. "What I've really learned, is that you simply have to take better care of yourself and be as close to 100% as possible. Then watch out for the snowball effect. If you next go on the mound at 75%, then it won't be long until your 50%." You have to always give your body time to heal itself.

"If I can't come back from this surgery and this is the end of my career," he told me,"I'd have to say I'm pleased." I've won five Cy Youngs, pitched a couple of, "no-hitters," and I've got a World Series Ring. So, yes, at the end of the day, "I'm pretty happy."