Baseball has always been my favorite sport to watch. Many people find baseball boring, but I find the game absolutely enthralling. The beginning of baseball season is like the first taste of summer: months of sitting out in the sun and listening to the crack of the bat echo through the stands. To me, there are few moments better than digging into some garlic fries and watching some Mariners baseball.
In just under a week, it will be opening day for the Mariners, and although I can't make it this year, I thought I would celebrate by reflecting on their 10 greatest moments (in no particular order).
1. Edgar Martinez' double.
Edgar Martinez's game-winning two-run double in Game 5 of the 1995 ALDS against the Yankees aided in the team's win and sent the Mariners to their first ALCS in franchise history.
2. King Felix's perfect game.
Felix Hernandez pitched the Mariner's first perfect game and the 23rd in baseball history on Aug. 15, 2012.
3. Mike Cameron's four home runs in a single game.
On May 2, 2002 Mike Cameron, a center fielder, hit four home runs against the Chicago White Sox. Only 16 players in MLB history have accomplished this feat.
4. Ken Griffey Jr. hits eight home runs in eight consecutive games.
On July 20, 1993, Griffey started his streak against the Yankees and ended eight days later.
5. Randy Johnson threw the first no-hitter in Mariner History.
This happened on June 2, 1990 against the Detroit Tigers.
6. Gaylord Perry won his 300th game.
On May 6, 1982, Gaylord Perry became the 15th pitcher in history to claim his 300th career win in a 7-3 victory.
7. Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. hit back-to-back homers.
On September 14, 1990, fans witness the Griffey father-son duo hit back-to-back home runs against the California Angels. The first — and still the only — to accomplish this feat.
8. Ichiro chased Sisler's all-time hit record.
On Oct. 1, 2004, Ichiro Suzuki broke George Sisler's 84-year-old record for most hits in a season. He finished in 2004 with 262 hits.
9. "The Kid" returns.
After a short stint playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Griffey returned on April 14, 2009, to the Seattle Mariners lineup. The next day, he hit his 400th home run as a Mariner, his 613th career homer.
10. Baseball in Seattle is here to stay.
In 1969, Seattle got their first MLB team (originally called the Seattle Pilots), but after only a year it was gone. It wasn't until 1977 that baseball returned to Seattle. They ended up losing their inaugural game, but it looked like baseball was here to stay anyway.
Crossing my fingers that this season will be a successful one. However, win or lose, you will find me in the stands cheering on the M's forever.
