The Seattle Mariners, since their inception in 1977, have been a cornerstone of Major League Baseball’s American League West. Over the years, they’ve nurtured and attracted an array of exceptional talent. Deciding who stands out as the greatest Mariners player of all time is no easy feat. In this article, we’ll explore the careers of several players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. was drafted first overall by the Mariners in 1987. His arrival was like a breath of fresh air for the struggling franchise. With his signature backward cap and smooth, powerful swing, Griffey Jr. was a natural showman on the field. His combination of power hitting, excellent fielding, and base running made him a force to be reckoned with.
During his tenure with the Mariners, Griffey Jr. was a 10 - time All - Star. He won seven Gold Glove Awards, demonstrating his defensive prowess in the outfield. In 1997, he had a remarkable season, hitting 56 home runs, driving in 147 runs, and batting .304. He also led the Mariners to their first postseason appearance in 1995, where they staged a memorable comeback against the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Griffey Jr.’s charisma and talent made him a fan favorite not only in Seattle but across the league.
Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki joined the Mariners in 2001, bringing with him the skills he had honed in the Japanese professional leagues. His impact was immediate. In his rookie season, he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award, the AL MVP Award, a Gold Glove Award, and a Silver Slugger Award. He became the first player in MLB history to achieve such a feat.
Ichiro was known for his extraordinary hitting ability. In 2004, he broke George Sisler’s 84 - year - old record by collecting 262 hits in a single season. His speed on the base paths and his pinpoint throws from the outfield were also remarkable. Ichiro played 11 seasons with the Mariners, amassing over 2,000 hits with the team. In 2019, he was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame, and his No. 51 was retired by the team.
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martinez spent his entire 18 - year career with the Mariners. He was a designated hitter and third baseman who transformed the role of the DH in the league. Martinez was a seven - time All - Star and won two AL batting titles.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Martinez’s career was his clutch hitting. He was known as “The Double” because of his ability to drive in runs with two - out doubles. In the 1995 ALDS against the Yankees, his famous “Double” in Game 5 sent the Mariners to the ALCS. Martinez’s career batting average of .312, along with his 309 home runs and 1,261 RBIs, solidified his place as one of the greatest Mariners of all time.
Felix Hernandez
Felix Hernandez, affectionately known as “King Felix,” was a dominant pitcher for the Mariners from 2005 to 2019. He was a six - time All - Star and won the AL Cy Young Award in 2010.
Hernandez’s pitching repertoire was diverse, featuring a devastating fastball, a sharp slider, and a changeup that kept batters off - balance. In 2012, he threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, becoming the first Mariner to achieve this remarkable feat. Despite playing on teams that didn’t always contend for championships, Hernandez’s performances were consistently outstanding.
Kyle Seager
Kyle Seager was drafted by the Mariners in 2009 and spent 11 seasons with the team. He was a reliable third baseman who consistently delivered on both offense and defense.
Seager finished his Mariners career with 1,395 hits, 242 home runs, and 807 RBIs. He was a key part of the Mariners’ lineup during some of their most competitive seasons. Although the team didn’t make the playoffs during his tenure, Seager’s leadership and consistency made him a respected figure in the clubhouse.
Conclusion
Determining the best Mariners player ever is subjective, as each of these players brought unique skills and made significant contributions to the team. Ken Griffey Jr.’s all - around talent, Ichiro Suzuki’s hitting prowess, Edgar Martinez’s clutch hitting, Felix Hernandez’s pitching dominance, and Kyle Seager’s consistency all make strong cases for their candidacy.
Whether you’re a long - time Mariners fan or a baseball enthusiast, these players have left an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. The debate over who is the greatest will likely continue, but one thing is certain: each of them has played an integral part in shaping the history of the Seattle Mariners.