Retro Mariner Sunday 2/28/10

I decided to go with a player that spent time on the inaugural Mariners team. Gary Wheelock spent time with the M's in 1977 and 1980. Before coming to the Mariners in the expansion draft, he made his major league debut with the California Angels in 1976. He spent the entire 1977 season with the Mariners. Gary spent all of 1978 with the San Jose Missions(AAA) and 1979 with the Spokane Indians(AAA). He made one appearance on April 18, 1980 for the Mariners and spent the rest of the season back at AAA Spokane. Gary was released by the Mariners after the 1980 season and signed with the Dodgers for 1981. He played in 1981 for the AA San Antonio Dodgers. After the 81 season, he retired from baseball. Gary has spent his time since then as a minor league pitching coach for the Mariners organization. He has spent time with Bellingham(Rookie short season), Everett(Rookie short season), and the AZL Mariners. Gary obviously has a passion to help develop young pitchers. I hope his work of the past will help my Mariners this year.