In recent years, they've been the team we hate to love, a lineup flush with nice guys who make funny commercials but finish, if not last, then damn close.
But last year, the Mariners enjoyed their best season in four years and locked up Ichiro Suzuki through 2012, so there will be much to celebrate Monday when they kick off their new season in an afternoon matchup against the Texas Rangers.
Here's what we'll be cheering about:
- Beloved Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus, who will be inducted into the broadcasters' wing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, will throw out the first pitch.
- Ichiro and Adrian Beltre will receive Gold Glove awards, and Ted Walsh will be honored as MLB Equipment Manager of the Year. But our favorite award of the day will go to J.J. "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" Putz, 2007 American League Rolaids Relief Man. Last season, Putz was often a lone source of relief for Mariners' fans, and the recognition is well deserved.
- Every fan will receive a 2008 Mariners schedule magnet. A magnet.
Gates open at 1:40 p.m., pregame ceremonies start at 3, and the first pitch leaves the glove at 3:40. As of Monday afternoon, fewer than 1,000 tickets were left, so head to the Safeco Field box office [1] pronto, visit Ticketmaster [2] or the NWsource classified listings [2] or get to the stadium early and buy tickets from the wimps who can't tolerate the chill of early-spring baseball in Seattle.
And if you're looking for suggestions for pre- or post-game dining, celebrating or sorrow-drowning, check out our guide to restaurants and bars near Safeco Field [2].
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
