And besides, for all those home run hitters the Mariners had in that time, what they didn't have was an Ichiro Suzuki. Put it this way: Those other gentlemen were home run hitters but not much in the way of being ballplayers. Ichiro Suzuki may not be the second coming of Sadaharu Oh, but he is what even Junior is not, for all his power: a ballplayer. I dare say he will prove to be but one thing for the Mariners: The Franchise.
That's not quite fair - Junior was a fielder, too. He could make spectacular catches, never giving up on a fly as he threw himself to the wall and grabbed it from the brink. They were weak on pitching, even when Randy Johnson was there - he had no decent back-up. I haven't followed them in recent years though, nor any team since I moved to Texas. Perhaps I ought to take the boys to Arlington for a Rangers game once this summer (if I win the lottery) and see Alex again. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame is here in Waco, maybe we'll go there, it'll be cheaper. *L*
Speaking of the Mariners - here's what Jay Buehner did on opening day:
Seattle Times
For the first time in more than a quarter century, Jay Buhner departed yesterday from what he has always done this time of year. Instead, he did what he has wanted to do most — play with his family.
Age and injuries conspired to force the 37-year-old Buhner into retirement this season after 14 years with the Seattle Mariners. He welcomed that as an opportunity to spend more time with his wife, Leah, and three children, Brielle, 11, Chase, 10, and Gunnar, 8, at his Issaquah estate........