West vs. Big Unit

You can certainly say Sean West was a bit star struck on Monday night.

As noted in recent days, West grew up idolizing Randy Johnson.

On Monday night, the Marlins rookie left-hander pitched against Johnson and Giants. The 6-foot-8 West collected his first MLB win, and he denied the 6-foot-10 Johnson of his 301st victory.

“Living a dream. Having a ton of fun. Playing baseball against one of my heroes,” West said. “That’s how I sum it up.”

Because of their respective sizes, and the fact they both throw left-handed, West drew comparisons to Johnson at an early age.

West grew up in Houston and Johnson once pitched for the Astros.

“It was weird throwing to him,” West said. “I grew up watching him on TV. Never did I dream I’d be pitching to him. The guy has played so long in the big leagues. It was so surreal seeing him out there.”

While West has made it known that Johnson has always been his favorite player, the 22-year-old added he was intimidated to approach the Big Unit during the recently completed four-game series.

“I had plenty of opportunities,” West said. “I never said anything. I got a little stage fright.”

– Joe Frisaro