The Greatest Seattle Mariners of All Time
May 31, 2021 at 12:00 a.m. | Updated March 7, 2022 at 8:15 p.m.
The Seattle Mariners formed in 1977. The team saw losing records and low attendance for the first several years, but by 1993 new ownership and new manager Lou Piniella signified a change. Thanks to strong players, at long last fans started to see some winning records.
A few of those players were center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr., pitcher Randy Johnson and third baseman Edgar Martinez. Shortstop Alex Rodriguez was drafted the same year.
The year 1995 became the Mariners’ “Refuse to Lose” season when they clinched their first-ever trip to the playoffs. After losing the first two games of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, the Mariners won the next two at home. In game 5, the Mariners trailed by one run in the bottom of the 11th inning. Joey Cora was on third and Ken Griffey, Jr. on first. Edgar Martinez strode to the plate for a game-changing hit down the left field line that drove in Cora and had Ken Griffey, Jr. rounding for home and the winning run. It is a play known as “The Double” and is called by some “the moment that saved baseball in Seattle.” Dave Niehaus, the Mariners’ play-by-play announcer, called the play— ending with his signature, “My, oh my!” Many Mariners’ fans remember that moment to this day.
While the Mariners did not make it through their championship run, 1995 has been called “The Magical Season” that led to renewed interest in the team and eventual construction of a baseball-only stadium that prevented the team from being sold and moving to Florida. It was the beginning of a new outlook for the Seattle Mariners. In a few short years, the Mariners traded Ken Griffey, Jr. and Randy Johnson. By 2000, A-Rod was lost to the Texas Rangers, but the Mariners brought in Japanese superstar Ichiro Suzuki.
Since then, the team has seen its ups and downs, but rosters from the crucial years of 1995 to 2000 include the names of Seattle’s greatest players, according to several reports and ranking organizations. Player statistics, playoff appearances and team longevity are factors when calculating the list of all-time greatest players. Honors like inclusion in the Hall of Fame, All-Star status, and being named Most Valuable Player can be part of the consideration. Some include a more elusive calculation: character. Ranker.com creates lists through “the wisdom of the crowd” – otherwise known as the popular vote.
While these reports don’t all agree on the exact line-up—and there are many more great Mariners not on this short list—it is true that the same top names appear over and over. According to a compilation of several reports, the following six players alternately make up the top five greatest players in the history of the Seattle Mariners. (Note – if you don’t see your favorite Seattle Mariner from your personal list of best players, they probably show up on the Top Ten lists.)
Greatest Seattle Mariners of All Time:
Ken Griffey, Jr.; Edgar Martinez; Randy Johnson; Ichiro Suzuki; Alex Rodriguez; Felix Hernandez — with many celebrated names just behind.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
– Center fielder. Nickname: Junior and The Kid. No. 1 draft pick 1987. This prolific homerun hitter had 13 years with the Mariners. Famous for hitting back-to-back home runs with his father while both were playing for the Mariners, for scoring the winning run after “The Double,” and for wearing his cap backward. 13 All-Star games, seven Silver Sluggers, 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 Most Valuable Player. He returned to the Mariners at the end of his career. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. WHERE IS HE NOW (Age 51) After spending 22 years in professional baseball, “The Kid” retired to his home in Florida to spend more time with his wife and three children. His kids are now adults and each an athlete (football and basketball rather than baseball). In January this year, he began a new role as senior advisor with Major League Baseball to focus on youth and diversity. He supports many charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club. He is part-owner of the Seattle Sounders. He’s had cameos in several TV shows and movies. The documentary, Junior, premiered on the MLB Network on Father’s Day last year.
Edgar Martinez
– Third baseman and designated hitter. Nickname: Gar and Papi. Started in 1987 and played for the Mariners his entire 18- year career. Famous for “The Double.” Seven-time All Star, five-time Silver Slugger, two batting titles. The American League’s annual Best Designated Hitter award is named after him. In 2004, Atlantic Avenue outside the stadium was renamed Edgar Martinez Way. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 58) He and his wife Holli have three children and live on the eastside. The couple is very involved with the community. They established the Martinez Foundation providing scholarships to increase teacher diversity; they have supported the Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club. Starting in 2008, Edgar worked for 10 years as a hitting coach with the Mariners. He recently began a new role as a Vice President of the MLB Players Alumni Association.
Randy Johnson – Pitcher. Nickname: The Big Unit. Played with Mariners ‘89 to ‘98. At 6’10’, one of the tallest players in major league history. Left-handed pitcher famous for his height, his intimidating look, his early wild pitches and the game where he beaned a bird from the mound. Threw no-hitter in both leagues and holds five of the seven highest single-season strikeout totals by a lefthander. Cy Young Award winner. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 57) “The Big Unit” retired from baseball in 2009 after 22 years. He lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Having studied photojournalism in college, he now travels the world in his second career as a photographer. Has five kids, four with wife Lisa. Randy has supported many organizations, including the USO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Red Cross and the “Strikeout Homelessness” program he started with the Mariners. He’s guest starred in The Simpsons, appeared in the movie Little Big League and several commercials. You can view his photography website at rj51photos.com.
Ichiro Suzuki – Right fielder. Nickname: he needs only one name— Ichiro, though some call him Ichi. Famous for being the first Japanese player to sign with a Major League club. Years as Mariner: 14. Second player to win Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in same season. 10-time All Star, won Golden Glove award every season. Stolen Base Champion 2001, two-time Batting Champion, seven-time MLB hits leader. He played with the Yankees and Marlins before returning to the Mariners prior to retiring. Thought to be a sure bet for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 47) Retired from playing in 2019 but then joined the Mariners as a special assistant coach. His wife of 20 years, Yumiko Fukushima, is a former sports reporter in Tokyo. The couple has no children but do have a dog named Ikkyu. They donated generously to help victims of the Japanese tsunami and other causes. Their Seattle-area home has been in Medina. Ichiro received special permission to coach high school players in Japan (normally no one is permitted to coach while still affiliated with a pro team). Well-known for his meticulous preparation, Ichiro had a pitching mound built back home in Japan before flying in to help with the Mariners spring training.
Alex Rodriguez –Shortstop. Nickname: A-Rod. #1 pick in 1993 and turned pro at age 18, Years as Mariner: 7. Youngest player to reach 300, 400, 500 and 600 homeruns. Five-time All Star, four Silver Sluggers in Seattle. He has truly impressive stats but was suspended for a season for steroids use which may impact his consideration for the Hall of Fame. Became the richest player in history when he left the Mariners and signed with the Texas Rangers. Ended his career with the New York Yankees. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 46 in July) A-Rod has two daughters from a previous marriage but became famous all over again when he started dating Jennifer Lopez. The couple was engaged though recently called it quits. Even while still playing ball, A-Rod took courses in the business world. He has taught at Stanford Business School and now runs his own investment firm—A-Rod Corp. In April, it was reported that he is working to become an owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA franchise. He has a long history of supporting the Boys Girls Club, sponsoring scholarships and UNICEF, among other charitable works.
Felix Hernandez – Pitcher. Nickname: King Felix.
Played with Mariners 2005-2019. Pitched perfect game and is the Mariners’ all time strikeout king. Cy Young Award winner, six-time All-Star. Logged most starts and innings as a pitcher with the Mariners. First spotted by a Mariners’ scout pitching at age 14 in Venezuela and started with the team after finishing high school. Played several years for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 35) As of this writing, King Felix is listed as a free agent, although he is battling an elbow injury. Last summer, he put his eastside Clyde Hill neighborhood mansion up for sale but during his time as a Mariner he lived there with his wife, son and daughter. Felix is known as an animal lover and was a spokesman for the Seattle King County Humane Society. “I am a dog person for sure,” he said in an interview. “I have loved animals since I was a kid.”
Ken Griffey, Jr.
– Center fielder. Nickname: Junior and The Kid. No. 1 draft pick 1987. This prolific homerun hitter had 13 years with the Mariners. Famous for hitting back-to-back home runs with his father while both were playing for the Mariners, for scoring the winning run after “The Double,” and for wearing his cap backward. 13 All-Star games, seven Silver Sluggers, 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 Most Valuable Player. He returned to the Mariners at the end of his career. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. WHERE IS HE NOW (Age 51) After spending 22 years in professional baseball, “The Kid” retired to his home in Florida to spend more time with his wife and three children. His kids are now adults and each an athlete (football and basketball rather than baseball). In January this year, he began a new role as senior advisor with Major League Baseball to focus on youth and diversity. He supports many charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club. He is part-owner of the Seattle Sounders. He’s had cameos in several TV shows and movies. The documentary, Junior, premiered on the MLB Network on Father’s Day last year.
Edgar Martinez
– Third baseman and designated hitter. Nickname: Gar and Papi. Started in 1987 and played for the Mariners his entire 18- year career. Famous for “The Double.” Seven-time All Star, five-time Silver Slugger, two batting titles. The American League’s annual Best Designated Hitter award is named after him. In 2004, Atlantic Avenue outside the stadium was renamed Edgar Martinez Way. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 58) He and his wife Holli have three children and live on the eastside. The couple is very involved with the community. They established the Martinez Foundation providing scholarships to increase teacher diversity; they have supported the Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club. Starting in 2008, Edgar worked for 10 years as a hitting coach with the Mariners. He recently began a new role as a Vice President of the MLB Players Alumni Association.
Randy Johnson – Pitcher. Nickname: The Big Unit. Played with Mariners ‘89 to ‘98. At 6’10’, one of the tallest players in major league history. Left-handed pitcher famous for his height, his intimidating look, his early wild pitches and the game where he beaned a bird from the mound. Threw no-hitter in both leagues and holds five of the seven highest single-season strikeout totals by a lefthander. Cy Young Award winner. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 57) “The Big Unit” retired from baseball in 2009 after 22 years. He lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Having studied photojournalism in college, he now travels the world in his second career as a photographer. Has five kids, four with wife Lisa. Randy has supported many organizations, including the USO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Red Cross and the “Strikeout Homelessness” program he started with the Mariners. He’s guest starred in The Simpsons, appeared in the movie Little Big League and several commercials. You can view his photography website at rj51photos.com.
Ichiro Suzuki – Right fielder. Nickname: he needs only one name— Ichiro, though some call him Ichi. Famous for being the first Japanese player to sign with a Major League club. Years as Mariner: 14. Second player to win Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in same season. 10-time All Star, won Golden Glove award every season. Stolen Base Champion 2001, two-time Batting Champion, seven-time MLB hits leader. He played with the Yankees and Marlins before returning to the Mariners prior to retiring. Thought to be a sure bet for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 47) Retired from playing in 2019 but then joined the Mariners as a special assistant coach. His wife of 20 years, Yumiko Fukushima, is a former sports reporter in Tokyo. The couple has no children but do have a dog named Ikkyu. They donated generously to help victims of the Japanese tsunami and other causes. Their Seattle-area home has been in Medina. Ichiro received special permission to coach high school players in Japan (normally no one is permitted to coach while still affiliated with a pro team). Well-known for his meticulous preparation, Ichiro had a pitching mound built back home in Japan before flying in to help with the Mariners spring training.
Alex Rodriguez –Shortstop. Nickname: A-Rod. #1 pick in 1993 and turned pro at age 18, Years as Mariner: 7. Youngest player to reach 300, 400, 500 and 600 homeruns. Five-time All Star, four Silver Sluggers in Seattle. He has truly impressive stats but was suspended for a season for steroids use which may impact his consideration for the Hall of Fame. Became the richest player in history when he left the Mariners and signed with the Texas Rangers. Ended his career with the New York Yankees. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 46 in July) A-Rod has two daughters from a previous marriage but became famous all over again when he started dating Jennifer Lopez. The couple was engaged though recently called it quits. Even while still playing ball, A-Rod took courses in the business world. He has taught at Stanford Business School and now runs his own investment firm—A-Rod Corp. In April, it was reported that he is working to become an owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA franchise. He has a long history of supporting the Boys Girls Club, sponsoring scholarships and UNICEF, among other charitable works.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
– Center fielder. Nickname: Junior and The Kid. No. 1 draft pick 1987. This prolific homerun hitter had 13 years with the Mariners. Famous for hitting back-to-back home runs with his father while both were playing for the Mariners, for scoring the winning run after “The Double,” and for wearing his cap backward. 13 All-Star games, seven Silver Sluggers, 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 Most Valuable Player. He returned to the Mariners at the end of his career. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. WHERE IS HE NOW (Age 51) After spending 22 years in professional baseball, “The Kid” retired to his home in Florida to spend more time with his wife and three children. His kids are now adults and each an athlete (football and basketball rather than baseball). In January this year, he began a new role as senior advisor with Major League Baseball to focus on youth and diversity. He supports many charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club. He is part-owner of the Seattle Sounders. He’s had cameos in several TV shows and movies. The documentary, Junior, premiered on the MLB Network on Father’s Day last year.
Edgar Martinez
– Third baseman and designated hitter. Nickname: Gar and Papi. Started in 1987 and played for the Mariners his entire 18- year career. Famous for “The Double.” Seven-time All Star, five-time Silver Slugger, two batting titles. The American League’s annual Best Designated Hitter award is named after him. In 2004, Atlantic Avenue outside the stadium was renamed Edgar Martinez Way. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 58) He and his wife Holli have three children and live on the eastside. The couple is very involved with the community. They established the Martinez Foundation providing scholarships to increase teacher diversity; they have supported the Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club. Starting in 2008, Edgar worked for 10 years as a hitting coach with the Mariners. He recently began a new role as a Vice President of the MLB Players Alumni Association.
Randy Johnson – Pitcher. Nickname: The Big Unit. Played with Mariners ‘89 to ‘98. At 6’10’, one of the tallest players in major league history. Left-handed pitcher famous for his height, his intimidating look, his early wild pitches and the game where he beaned a bird from the mound. Threw no-hitter in both leagues and holds five of the seven highest single-season strikeout totals by a lefthander. Cy Young Award winner. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 57) “The Big Unit” retired from baseball in 2009 after 22 years. He lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Having studied photojournalism in college, he now travels the world in his second career as a photographer. Has five kids, four with wife Lisa. Randy has supported many organizations, including the USO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Red Cross and the “Strikeout Homelessness” program he started with the Mariners. He’s guest starred in The Simpsons, appeared in the movie Little Big League and several commercials. You can view his photography website at rj51photos.com.
Ichiro Suzuki – Right fielder. Nickname: he needs only one name— Ichiro, though some call him Ichi. Famous for being the first Japanese player to sign with a Major League club. Years as Mariner: 14. Second player to win Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in same season. 10-time All Star, won Golden Glove award every season. Stolen Base Champion 2001, two-time Batting Champion, seven-time MLB hits leader. He played with the Yankees and Marlins before returning to the Mariners prior to retiring. Thought to be a sure bet for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 47) Retired from playing in 2019 but then joined the Mariners as a special assistant coach. His wife of 20 years, Yumiko Fukushima, is a former sports reporter in Tokyo. The couple has no children but do have a dog named Ikkyu. They donated generously to help victims of the Japanese tsunami and other causes. Their Seattle-area home has been in Medina. Ichiro received special permission to coach high school players in Japan (normally no one is permitted to coach while still affiliated with a pro team). Well-known for his meticulous preparation, Ichiro had a pitching mound built back home in Japan before flying in to help with the Mariners spring training.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
– Center fielder. Nickname: Junior and The Kid. No. 1 draft pick 1987. This prolific homerun hitter had 13 years with the Mariners. Famous for hitting back-to-back home runs with his father while both were playing for the Mariners, for scoring the winning run after “The Double,” and for wearing his cap backward. 13 All-Star games, seven Silver Sluggers, 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 Most Valuable Player. He returned to the Mariners at the end of his career. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. WHERE IS HE NOW (Age 51) After spending 22 years in professional baseball, “The Kid” retired to his home in Florida to spend more time with his wife and three children. His kids are now adults and each an athlete (football and basketball rather than baseball). In January this year, he began a new role as senior advisor with Major League Baseball to focus on youth and diversity. He supports many charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club. He is part-owner of the Seattle Sounders. He’s had cameos in several TV shows and movies. The documentary, Junior, premiered on the MLB Network on Father’s Day last year.
Edgar Martinez
– Third baseman and designated hitter. Nickname: Gar and Papi. Started in 1987 and played for the Mariners his entire 18- year career. Famous for “The Double.” Seven-time All Star, five-time Silver Slugger, two batting titles. The American League’s annual Best Designated Hitter award is named after him. In 2004, Atlantic Avenue outside the stadium was renamed Edgar Martinez Way. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 58) He and his wife Holli have three children and live on the eastside. The couple is very involved with the community. They established the Martinez Foundation providing scholarships to increase teacher diversity; they have supported the Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club. Starting in 2008, Edgar worked for 10 years as a hitting coach with the Mariners. He recently began a new role as a Vice President of the MLB Players Alumni Association.
Randy Johnson – Pitcher. Nickname: The Big Unit. Played with Mariners ‘89 to ‘98. At 6’10’, one of the tallest players in major league history. Left-handed pitcher famous for his height, his intimidating look, his early wild pitches and the game where he beaned a bird from the mound. Threw no-hitter in both leagues and holds five of the seven highest single-season strikeout totals by a lefthander. Cy Young Award winner. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 57) “The Big Unit” retired from baseball in 2009 after 22 years. He lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Having studied photojournalism in college, he now travels the world in his second career as a photographer. Has five kids, four with wife Lisa. Randy has supported many organizations, including the USO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Red Cross and the “Strikeout Homelessness” program he started with the Mariners. He’s guest starred in The Simpsons, appeared in the movie Little Big League and several commercials. You can view his photography website at rj51photos.com.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
– Center fielder. Nickname: Junior and The Kid. No. 1 draft pick 1987. This prolific homerun hitter had 13 years with the Mariners. Famous for hitting back-to-back home runs with his father while both were playing for the Mariners, for scoring the winning run after “The Double,” and for wearing his cap backward. 13 All-Star games, seven Silver Sluggers, 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 Most Valuable Player. He returned to the Mariners at the end of his career. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. WHERE IS HE NOW (Age 51) After spending 22 years in professional baseball, “The Kid” retired to his home in Florida to spend more time with his wife and three children. His kids are now adults and each an athlete (football and basketball rather than baseball). In January this year, he began a new role as senior advisor with Major League Baseball to focus on youth and diversity. He supports many charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club. He is part-owner of the Seattle Sounders. He’s had cameos in several TV shows and movies. The documentary, Junior, premiered on the MLB Network on Father’s Day last year.
Edgar Martinez
– Third baseman and designated hitter. Nickname: Gar and Papi. Started in 1987 and played for the Mariners his entire 18- year career. Famous for “The Double.” Seven-time All Star, five-time Silver Slugger, two batting titles. The American League’s annual Best Designated Hitter award is named after him. In 2004, Atlantic Avenue outside the stadium was renamed Edgar Martinez Way. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. WHERE IS HE NOW: (Age 58) He and his wife Holli have three children and live on the eastside. The couple is very involved with the community. They established the Martinez Foundation providing scholarships to increase teacher diversity; they have supported the Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club. Starting in 2008, Edgar worked for 10 years as a hitting coach with the Mariners. He recently began a new role as a Vice President of the MLB Players Alumni Association.
Ken Griffey, Jr.
– Center fielder. Nickname: Junior and The Kid. No. 1 draft pick 1987. This prolific homerun hitter had 13 years with the Mariners. Famous for hitting back-to-back home runs with his father while both were playing for the Mariners, for scoring the winning run after “The Double,” and for wearing his cap backward. 13 All-Star games, seven Silver Sluggers, 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 Most Valuable Player. He returned to the Mariners at the end of his career. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. WHERE IS HE NOW (Age 51) After spending 22 years in professional baseball, “The Kid” retired to his home in Florida to spend more time with his wife and three children. His kids are now adults and each an athlete (football and basketball rather than baseball). In January this year, he began a new role as senior advisor with Major League Baseball to focus on youth and diversity. He supports many charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club. He is part-owner of the Seattle Sounders. He’s had cameos in several TV shows and movies. The documentary, Junior, premiered on the MLB Network on Father’s Day last year.
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