2009 Seattle Mariners

The 2008 season saw the Seattle Mariners lose the gains they’d made in 2007, finishing at the bottom of the American League. Determined to turn things around for the 2009 season, the Mariners have a new slogan, “A New Day, A New Way”, as well as a new GM, Jack Zduriencik, and a new bench coach, Don Wakamatsu. Wakamatsu jumped in with both feet, replacing the entire coaching staff. Zduriencik wasted no time giving the team a badly needed overhaul, starting by negotiating a 3-team, 12-player deal that snagged prospect Mike Carp, Endy Chavez from the Mets and Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and sent J.J. Putz to the Mets. Perhaps the most exciting news of the offseason is the acquisition of 13-time All-Star Ken Griffey, Jr., who brings a wealth of skill and experience to the team. Will all the changes translate to the success that the Mariners are hoping for? Find out for yourself with tickets to Safeco Field to see the Seattle Mariners turn it all around in 2009!

A Rough Start

The Seattle Mariners began play in 1977 as part of baseball’s expansion into new cities in the late 1970’s. The Mariners had few highlights in their first decade and a half, failing to have a winning season until 1991.

The team changed dramatically in 1989 when, with the first overall pick in the draft, they selected Ken Griffey Jr. Junior, as he was known, quickly became the face of the franchise. Shortly thereafter the Mariners filled their team with a number of all star caliber players to complement Griffey. Amongst them were Edgar Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Jay Buhner, and Randy Johnson. That nucleus lifted the Mariners to their first postseason appearance in 1995 where they defeated the Yankees to reach the AL Championship Series.

Ichiro Suzuki

The Mariners would make the playoffs off and on over the next several years. Then, in 2001, the team won an American League record with 116 wins. Despite their historic season, the Mariners were defeated in the first round of the playoffs. That year also saw the arrival of one of the most exciting players in the game: Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro took home both the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors on his way to leading the league in hits, batting average, and stolen bases.

Even though Martinez, Buhner, Griffey Jr, and Johnson are gone, Ichiro remains and the team is still very competitive in the AL West. Playing against their longtime rivals the A’s, Angels, and Rangers makes winning the division tough, but this year’s Mariners team, under new Manager John McLaren, is up for the task.

New Stadium

After 21 years playing in the Seattle Kingdome, the Mariners moved into brand new Safeco Field in 1999. Safeco has earned a reputation as a beautiful place to watch a game. Sweeping views of downtown and picturesque sunsets over Puget Sound combine with excellent views of the field from any seat to make watching a game in Seattle a joy.