Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training and opening day is just around the corner!
In Arizona, Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee have the baseball world abuzz with anticipation of the impact they can make on the landscape of Seattle baseball.
Will they answer the call to arms with a team monopoly in the pursuit of the American League Cy Young Award? Will they struggle or suffer injury and fail to achieve the lofty predictions anticipated by the seers of the stitched leather?
Regardless of the overall accomplishments of the two-headed beast atop the Mariner’s pitching rotation, 2010 will be a year that leaves a lasting impression on the history of Seattle baseball lore, for better or for worse.
Be it good, bad, or ugly, many pitchers have left their mark on the maturation of the Seattle Mariners during their 33-year lifespan (34 including the one year existence of the Seattle Pilots).
Some pitchers were unbelievably successful and helped launch the organization to new heights. Randy Johnson and Jamie Moyer exemplify the quirkiness and individuality the northwest part of the country is renowned for. They also set new standards for all future M’s pitchers to aspire to.
Others have been so abysmal that fans dare not speak their names or repeat their feats of agony. Steve Trout, Heathcliff Slocomb, Bobby Ayala, Matt Young and Mike Morgan surely made some positive contributions, but their defining moments with the Mariners are not something they would voluntarily share with their grandchildren at the dinner table.
Some pitchers had little to contribute directly to the team, but indirectly added colorful chapters to the ever-growing book of history that defines the depths of Mariner’s pith and pity over the years. Gaylord Perry and Diego Segui have their place reserved in the Mariners Hall of Fame, but not because of substantial career achievements with the Mariners.
In this chronological tale of events, share the joy, the tears, the laughter and the absurdity of the 20 pitchers who helped make the Mariners who they are today and will forever live in the memories of Mariners fans.
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