Wednesday, July 11, 2001
Johnson replaces Schilling as NL All-Star starter
The Associated Press
SEATTLE — No, Curt Schilling didn't grow 6 inches this week. That was Randy Johnson out on the mound for the National League to start the All-Star game.
Schilling decided not to pitch on just one day of rest, and the Big Unit, his Arizona Diamondbacks teammate, took over. Johnson allowed only an infield hit and struck out three in two scoreless innings as the NL lost 4-1.
“People may find it hard to believe, but Friday's start at Anaheim is more important than throwing one inning in the All-Star game,” Schilling said.
He threw 101 pitches over seven innings Sunday in a loss to Oakland and when he was announced as the starter by Bobby Valentine the following day, the NL manager said he had Johnson in reserve in case Schilling didn't feel up to pitching Tuesday.
“I learned as soon as I walked into the clubhouse today,” Johnson said. “I think the second half of the season means more to him than starting in an All-Star game.”
Johnson, an eight-time All-Star, spent nearly a decade starring in Seattle. He got a big ovation from the crowd when he was introduced. The Mariners' 63-24 start this year has erased most bad feelings between the fans and the Big Unit.
“It was very nice. The fans here are just unbelievable,” said Johnson, traded to Houston three years ago when the Mariners feared they couldn't re-sign him. “They have something real special here, and they have had it ever since 1995. It's a city that's just been waiting for this to happen.”
Ichiro Suzuki, the Mariners' newest hero, got a hit leading off the game, beating first baseman Todd Helton's throw to Johnson, who was late getting over to first. The Big Unit fanned Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez, then retired Bret Boone on a popup. Johnson fanned Edgar Martinez in the second.
“You make a mistake to that lineup, and it's going to be a home run derby out there,” Johnson said.
It was the fourth start in an All-Star game for Johnson, one short of the record shared by Don Drysdale, Lefty Gomez and Robin Roberts. He opened for the American League in 1995 at Arlington, Texas, and in 1997 at Cleveland, then was the National League starter last year at Atlanta's Turner Field.
“It wasn't an easy choice between the two of them at the beginning,” Valentine said. “Being in Seattle, I considered starting Randy. But because of Curt's first half, I went with him.”
Johnson is 11-5 this season with a 2.71 ERA, third in the NL behind Greg Maddux (2.41) and John Burkett (2.49) of Atlanta. The left-hander leads the major leagues with 202 strikeouts; Schilling is second with 160.
“I'm 37. I still feel like I'm in the prime of my career,” Johnson said.
Schilling (12-4) said he felt fine doing his off-day throwing Tuesday, but just wanted to make sure he was ready for his next regular-season start.
“I made the decision late last night,” he said. “I felt that if I had slept on it, I might make the wrong decision.”
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Johnson replaces Schilling as NL All-Star starter 
