Who Deserves To Be On The Seattle Mariners Mount Rushmore
Our Seattle Mariners are the only American League team that has never appeared in a World Series. In reality however, the Mariners Mount Rushmore could be one of the franchises that despite never making the World Series, has the star power to be up there with the best of the MLB mount rushmores. We even had to keep a couple Hall of Famers off the list. It wasn’t easy but here are the Seattle Mariners top 4 players of all time.
Ken Griffey Jr.
When you think of the Seattle Mariners, who is the first player to come to mind? Well it’s pretty easy to most Mariner fans, it’s Ken Griffey Jr. Not only was he beloved by Seattle Mariner fans but he was beloved by baseball. The 90s were built around “The Kid”. Despite him leaving to the Cincinnati Reds, he was still beloved by Seattle. And despite returning at the end of his career and being past his prime, he still left us some sweet memories to remember him with forever.
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martinez is recognized as one of, if not the best designated hitters in the history of the game. He brought the position to where it is today, so much so that they named the best DH of the game award the “Edgar Martinez Award”. He had the most iconic hit in franchise history, and his name in Seattle will always be remembered. He even won two batting titles as a Seattle Mariner when he batted .343 in 1992, and .356 in 1995.
Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro burst on the scene in 2001 helping the Mariners break the all time single season win record with 116 wins and did it while winning the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. He then went on to break the single-season Major League hit record (still stands today). Somehow, that 2001 playoff appearance was the first and only for Ichiro for the Mariners but his career will always be appreciated. Just imagine how good his stats would be if he came to the United States at an earlier age.
Felix Hernandez
Felix Hernandez has had an amazing career. But unfortunately, he might go down as the best pitcher in the history of baseball to never appear in a playoff game. Hernandez quickly became one of the top pitchers in the game, and a true workhorse for the Seattle Mariners. He made his first All Star Game in 2009 at just 23 years old, and the next year, won the Cy Young award. During his career, he has been a six time All Star, won two ERA titles, and led the American League in wins in his breakout 2009 campaign. As to be expected, Hernandez has been one of the better pitchers in Mariners history.
Honorable Mentions
There are plenty of Seattle Mariners who we had trouble keeping off this list. And some of them are hall of farmers including Alex Rodriguez and Randy Johnson. Alvin Davis and Jay Buhner also come to mind as all-time great Seattle Mariners who were left off this list.
Future Nominees
The Seattle Mariners have some stars in the making at this moment. And a few come to mind who could potentially upend one of the Mount Rushmore greats. Players like Julio Rodriguez come to mind as someone who could potentially find his way into the Mariners Mount Rushmore. It doesn’t stop there however as star pitchers Logan Gilbert and George Kirby could put together impressive careers and find their way into the Mount Rushmore of all time Seattle Mariners.