Kathy Shayna Shocket reports on celebrities and the social scene.

 

Kathy takes us to Phoenix City Hall amidst the group of high profiles. 

 In the atrium of Phoenix City Hall, people anxiously gathered to see Randy Johnson receive the key to the city.  But as the famous former Diamondbacks pitcher began to thank everyone, he had to bend over to reach the microphone and deliver his thank you’s while "hugging" the podium! 

Obviously it’s not the first time the 6 foot 10"  Big Unit has had that problem........ but it added to the unique memories of this historical event ! That’s because Randy is the first person ever to receive a key to the city of Phoenix.  

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and  Councilman Michael Nowakowski were among those sporting Diamondbacks' jerseys. "Beyond the statistics and the awards, you made Phoenix a baseball town," said Mayor Greg, who also emphasized that the event was not paid for with tax payer dollars. 

Randy was also flanked by Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall and Bob Shank, COO of Chas Roberts, a sponsor of the presentation at City Hall. Yes, the pitcher with five Cy Young awards is now officially working closely  in his administrative return to the Diamondbacks, as Derrick’s special assistant. 

Seems like it was just yesterday.... that day in 2001 when the Diamondbacks won the World Series... yes on that exciting day when then Diamondbacks Manager Bob Brenly called for Randy to pitch and then Luis Gonzalez’s game winning hit. 

 By the way, Randy will also be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26.  Will the podium be taller for the BIG UNIT? ... Stay tuned. 

 Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer and TV-Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She’s a former TV Reporter who’s also written for national publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it