by Dan Trammel

Created on: January 16, 2009

The Seattle Mariners have been a mediocre franchise for much of its existence. Despite joining the American League in 1977, the Mariners did not post a winning record until 1991. In 1995, however, the Mariners won their first American League West division title, and began a streak of 4 postseason appearances in 7 seasons. This was capped by an incredible 116-46 record in 2001, a Major League record for wins in a season (tying the 1906 Chicago Cubs). Unfortunately, the Mariners have struggled in the playoffs, and have never made it past the American League Championship Series. Nonetheless, during this string of success, the Mariners featured some of the top players in its franchise history.

In 1987, the Mariners selected Ken Griffey, Jr. with the number 1 overall pick in the Major League amateur draft. Griffey quickly became a star and the face of the franchise. In 11 seasons, Griffey was selected to 10 All-Star Games, won 10 Gold Glove Awards, won 7 Silver Slugger Awards, led the American League in home runs 4 times, and was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1992 and the American League Most Valuable Player in 1997. He led the Mariners to playoff appearances in 1995 and 1997, and starred in their thrilling 5-game series victory over the New York Yankees in the 1995 American League Division Series. He ranks among the franchise leaders in most offensive categories including home runs (1st), RBIs (2nd), hits (3rd), runs (2nd), and stolen bases (4th).

In 1993, the Mariners selected Alex Rodriguez with the number 1 overall pick in the amateur draft. Rodriguez joined with Griffey to form won of the top tandems in all of baseball. In 5 full seasons with Seattle, Rodriguez was named to 4 All-Star teams, won 4 Silver Slugger Awards, and once led the American League in batting average. However, the Mariners traded Griffey to the Cincinnati Reds following the 1999 season, and lost Rodriguez via free agency one year later.

The Mariners' other big bat during this era was wielded by Edgar Martinez. Unlike Griffey and Rodriguez, Martinez spent his entire 18-year career with Seattle. A 7-time All-Star and 2-time American League batting champion, Martinez played in every postseason game in Mariners' history. He ranks first in most Mariners batting categories including hits, runs, doubles, and RBIs.

The fourth potential future Hall of Famer the Mariners featured during this period was pitcher Randy Johnson. Though only spending parts of 10 seasons in Seattle, Johnson

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