Retro Mariner Sunday 6/6/10

Time to look back again at another former Mariner. This one holds a place in Mariners history. While only spending time with the Mariners for four seasons, he went into the history books quickly. Chris Bosio is one of only two Mariners pitchers to throw a no-hitter.

Originally drafted by the Pirates in 1981, Chris did not sign, and was re-drafted by the Brewers in 1982. After working his way through the Brewers system, he made his major league debut on August 3, 1986 against the Texas Rangers at County Stadium in Milwaukee. Chris would stay with the Brewers for the next six years. During the 1987 and 1988 seasons, he would be bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen. Starting in 1989 the Brewers kept Chris as a starter.

After the end of the 1992 season, the Brewers let Chris become a free agent. In December of 1992, he signed a free agent contract with the Mariners. In just his fourth start as a Mariner, on April 22, 1993 he threw the second and last so far, no-hitter in team history. Only 13,604 were on hand that night in the Kingdome to witness history, as Omar Vizquel made a beautiful bare hand catch to rob Ernest Riles of a hit and preserve the no-no. In his Mariner career, no time would come close that one. During the four years that Chris was with the Mariners, he had a .500 record. He was an integral part of the pitching staff that helped capture the Mariners first playoff appearance in 1995.

After being granted free agency in 1996, Chris attempted to come back with the Boston Red Sox in 1997.  Unfortunately, due to injuries he was only able to three starts with the Sarasota Red Sox, and the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. After that time, he decided to hang up the spikes. in 1998, he was named as a special assignment pitching coach for the Mariners. During the 2001 season, he was the pitching coach for a time with the AAA Tacoma Rainiers. That team not only won the PCL, but also had the lowest team ERA lead by Joel Piniero, Brian Fuentes, Brett Tomko, and Denny Stark. During the 2001 season, Chris was also an advanced pro scout for the 116 win Mariners club. In 2003, Chris went with former Mariner manager Lou Piniella and became the pitching coach of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Due to family health concerns, Chris left Tampa after the 2003 season and moved with his family to Appleton, Wisconsin. After being away form the game for a couple of years, Chris became the assistant pitching coach for the NCAA Division III University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans in 2006. In 2007, he was named to be the pitching coach for the Division III Lawrence University Vikings in Appleton, WI. During that season, Chris was named as the interim manager also. For 2008, Chris became the pitching coach for the AA Chattanooga Lookouts of the Cincinnati Reds. He was to hold that position for the newly moved AA Carolina Mudcats in 2009. He opted instead to become the pitching coach for the AAA Nashville Sounds of the Brewers organization. August 12, 2009 would see him replace Bill Castro as pitching coach for the big league Brewers. In October of 2009, Chris was named and is currently an advanced pro scout for the Milwaukee Brewers.

I still love Teal!!

Even though the Mariners took a whooping yesterday, you have to love the throwbacks to the '95 season. I really like when a team gets it right for both teams. Not only did the Mariners have the hats and helmets with the teal bills, they also decked out the Angels in the correct unis, including batting helmets. Nice move Mariners.

Greatest Game...

Over at 30 Year Old Cardboard they issued a challenge to all bloggers. They want to know your top 10 games you've attended or seen. I thought I would give my top two baseball games I've seen.

1. Safeco Field October 5, 2001

    This game was a make up game after the devastating attacks of September 11th. It was originally scheduled for September 14th at Safeco. I held on to my tickets for the game when the Mariners announced the make-up schedule. My wife, son, and I all attended this game. This would be win #115 on the way to a record tying 116 wins in 2001. Unfortunately, we all know that those 116 wins did not turn into a World Series appearance for us. The celebration and memorial when the M's won the AL West that year always sticks in my mind as a portrait of the strength of this nation.

2. Yankee Stadium May 24, 2008
    Thanks to my wife, we were able to get three tickets from a co-worker for Yankee Stadium. Knowing that it was the last year of the ballpark, I told her buy them no matter who they are playing. I wanted my son, who was 9 years old at the time to see the old ballpark before it was torn down. Come to find out, they ended up playing my Mariners. While the Mariners got beat pretty bad, 12-6, it was a special for for both my son and I to be there. You could honestly feel the ghosts and the history of that ballpark when you walked to your seats and looked at the field. I do not like the Yanks, but I am very proud that we saw the historic stadium.

That would be me with my Roger Clemens inspired steroids shirt at the ballpark. A radio station here in Seattle did them. On the front is the Yankees NY logo with a needle at the bottom of the Y. Surprisingly, Yankees fans loved my shirt, I got many compliments on it.

The thoughtful Sox

I just wanted to put up a post with a big thank you to Adam over at Thoughts and Sox. He sent me a box of about 150 different Mariners cards. Some of those cards were set aside for the super set. Some cards of the new and old variety.

He also sent an assortment of all kinds of cards. Some of the best were the not one, not two, not even three cards of the King, Felix Hernandez. Adam sent over 15 different cards of "El Gato". I no longer own these cards, as they were carted off to my son's room and are now his I guess.

Of all the Mariners cards sent, these two minis from the 1986 and 1987 Topps sets were definitely some of the coolest. Read some of the stats on the back(shameless plug for another great blog). When was the last time we saw pitchers end up with numbers like those. No one pitches 247 or 272 innings anymore, nor do they have 14 complete games.

The last cool cards Adam sent were some cards for my player collections. He sent over these fine cards of "Pops" Stargell. If you don't know him, do your research on the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates and the "We are family" team. They were first memory of becoming a baseball fan.

Thanks again Adam for the cards. Your Package should be on it's way to you. Sorry for the delay in getting it to you.

He's outta here!!

Just announced at 4:45 PDT by the Mariners, Ken Griffey Jr. has announced his retirement. I never have been a big Griffey fan in the first or second go-around with the team, but it's sad to see him go out this way. This year has been just dismal for him. It would have been nice to see him go out last year to the love and not all the scrutiny. He is sure to be a first ballot hall of famer. He will be the first player to go in wearing a Mariners hat. Good luck in your endeavors, Ken.

Time to re-think things...

I feel like Floyd looks, pondering...

I have come to the realization that my priorities are all out of whack. While I may spend less time on the blog and my cards, there are things in life that are more important.  I have found myself working, blogging and doing cards all the time. I know remember that family is more important. I will still be here for any Mariners fans that will admit to being one. To the guys that I have trading going on with, I will be sending your stuff out soon. If someone has stuff off the super set list that they are willing to part with, I will work out something with you. Hopefully soon I will learn how to multi-task these components of my life together a little better. And yes, you will still get your Retro Mariner Sundays if anyone wants to read them.

Retro Mariner Sunday 5/30/10

Time to look back in the Mariners past again. Today's name should be one that is fairly familiar to most people. Maybe not, but if you watched the playoffs the last few years, or had the SuperStation in the 90's on your TV you know him. Before his ties to the biggest television broadcast of baseball, he was a player for the Mariners.

After graduating from Norman High School in Oklahoma, Joe Simpson was drafted in the 14th round by the Washington Senators in the 1970 draft. He did not sign with the Senators, opting to attend the University of Oklahoma instead. While with the Sooners, Joe made it tot the College World Series in 1972 and 1973. He was also named as a third team All-American in 1973. In June of 1973, Joe was drafted in the 3rd round of the amateur draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. After spending 1973 with the  class A Bakersfield Dodgers and AAA Albuquerque Dukes in the minors, Joe moved up to the AA Waterbury Dodgers and again with the Dukes in 1974. After spending most of 1975 in AAA with the Dukes, Joe was a September call up to the Dodgers. He made his major league debut as a pinch hitter for Don Sutton on September 2, 1975 in Candlestick Park against the Giants.

For the 1976 season, he would spend some time with the Dodgers in May and June, but played most of the season in Albuquerque. The end of the season would see him back with the big club. The story was the same for the 1977 season, seeing time in July and August and sticking around again in September. Joe would spend the entire 1978 season in Albuquerque until being a September call up again. In 1979, Joe would spend spring training with the Dodgers in Vero Beach, Florida. Before the season started, his contract was purchased by the Mariners. He was immediately put to work in the outfield for the Mariners. While spending some time in left field, Joe was made into the everyday right fielder.

Joe would become a stable figure in the outfield for the Mariners for the next few years. In all, he would spend four years patrolling the Kingdome outfield for the Mariners. 1980 would be his most productive season with the bat, batting behind Julio Cruz. After the 1982 season, Joe was selected by the Kansas City Royals in major league portion of the rule 5 draft. The Royals decided to try Joe at first base instead due to the wear and tear of the Kingdome carpet on the knees. He also saw some time in the outfield for the Royals. On September 1st of 1983 the Royals were getting blown out 11-0 by the White Sox. Joe pitched the bottom of the eighth inning giving up two walks and a double to Jerry Hairston.  Four days at home against the Mariners, the Royals were again getting blown out 13-3. Joe pitched the last two innings against the Mariners giving up no hits and striking out 1 batter. Joe would spend 1984 in the California Angels organization, playing with the AAA Edmonton Trappers. He would retire after the 1984 season.

In 1985, Joe went into the field of broadcasting baseball. He would spend 1985 and 1986 with the Oklahoma City 89er's as a color analyst. During 1986, he also did NCAA regional games in Stillwater, Oklahoma for college baseball. In 1987, he was named to be a color analyst with the Mariners. He worked for the Mariners from 1987-1991. He was partnered with hall of famer Dave Niehaus, and Rick Rizzs on radio and television. For 1992, Joe moved on to work for WTBS television and radio for the Atlanta Braves.  During his time with TBS and TurnerSports, Joe worked with some of the great voices of baseball. He has spent time with Skip Caray, Pete Van Wieren, and the man that he made his MLB debut for, Don Sutton. Joe now does games on FSN South and Sport South with Chip Caray. Starting in 2007, Joe also does playoff baseball on TBS, covering National League playoff games.

Noah was a Mariner, right?

Noah had an ark that sailed with animals. That would make him a Mariner in a round about way, right? I did a deal long ago with blog reader Noah. I sent him some Mets cards and in turn he sent me Mariners cards needed for the super set. We were both happy. Then, out of nowhere a box shows up in my mailbox. It's from Noah again with more Mariners cards I can use. This was a totally unexpected gesture. I very much appreciate the extra cards Noah. You definitely went above and beyond. I have a new found affection for that Mets fan. The cards he sent were from all makers and all kinds of years.

The coolest card, by far was this one though. Does the tie-dye jersey not just scream minor league rookie ball. The Everett AquaSox have been known to do some strange things.

Thanks again Noah! I'm not sure I know how to say thanks enough or re-pay you.

Owl droppings are old school!

A thank you goes out to the Night Owl! Not only did he send me the six cards I needed to finish off Series 1, but he also sends just about every 1984 Fleer Mariners card I needed for the super set!!

I don't know even how to say thank you enough. Those cards are just as cool as cool can be. I love to go through some of the old school stuff and see names I forgot. I will have to see if I can hook you up with some more Dodger goodies. Thanks again to the Night Owl!!

Retro Mariner Sunday 5/23/10

Time again. It's Sunday, it's raining like all get out and I need to look back in the past for another player. The first name that for some reason was this guy this week. Not a guy I was all that fond of, but did help us when we needed him.

After growing up in Puerto Rico, Joey Cora went to Vanderbilt University. He was the 23rd player selected in the first round of the 1985 draft. He spent that summer in Spokane,WA playing for the Indians of the Northwest League. In 1986, he moved up to AA and was playing for the Golden Gators in Beaumont, TX.

During the 1986 season on June 22, Joey was tabbed after a game in San Antonio, TX.  He was waiting outside the team bus following the game against the San Antonio Missions at V.J. Keefe Stadium when two men called his name and then assaulted him. He was stabbed once in the stomach and once in the arm. Cora was quickly rushed to the hospital and later made a full recovery after spending six weeks on the disabled list. A man named Jose Puente, 29, was caught at the scene and was later charged with attempted murder. Apparently he had exchanged words with fans outside of the visitor's dressing room, resulting in the fans returning with more men later on.

1987 would see Joey make the jump to the big leagues and be the starting second baseman for the Padres on opening day in 1987. During 1987, he basically spent half his time with the Padres, and half with the AAA Las Vegas Stars. 1988 was spent in Las Vegas. Joey spent most of 1989 in Vegas, but also played for the Padres a small amount in 1989. 1990 was a 50/50 split on playing time between AAA and the majors. At the end of spring training in 1991, the Padres traded Joey and two other players to the Chicago White Sox for two players. In '91 he split time with Scott Fletcher at 2nd base, and in '92 he split time with Steve Sax. In 1993 and 1994 he was the everyday 2nd baseman for the White Sox.

During the start of camp in 1995 after the strike Joey signed as a free agent with the Mariners. He would be the everyday 2nd baseman for the next four years. He was remembered by the Seattle fans when the magical run of the 1995 season ended, when he was consoled by then rookie Alex Rodriguez while crying in the dugout of the Kingdome. Because of that little moment, the women of Seattle all fell in love with "Little Joey," and his sensitive side. For the years to come you would find many signs in the Kingdome asking "MARRY ME JOEY!!"

At the end of August during the 1998 season the Mariners traded Joey to the Cleveland Indians for David Bell.  Joey would finish the season with the Indians. In 1999, he signed as a free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays, but did not play for them, opting to retire instead.

After spending 1999 retired, Joey returned in 2000 to manage the Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League. In 2001 and 2002, he managed the Kingsport Mets in the Appalachian league. 2003 saw him manage the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. (Side note: Do they not have one of the coolest names and logos or what?)

Before the 2004 season, Joey was hired by close friend Ozzie Guillen to be his third base coach with the Chicago White Sox. Joey held that position through the 2006 season. Starting in 2007, Joey became Ozzie's bench coach and currently still hold that position. At the end of the 2008 season, the Mariners were looking to replace Jim Riggleman, who had replaced John McLaren midway through the season. During the search for a new manager, the Mariners interviewed and considered hiring Joey as the manager of the Mariners. They eventually chose Don Wakamatsu instead. There is still love in Seattle for Joey when the Sox come to town.

Break out the BOOM sticks!

This is the game I think every Mariners fan has been waiting for. The offense absolutely exploded last night on the Padres! Nothing like piling on 15 runs on 15 hits. We needed almost all of it as Cliff Lee wasn't completely on last night. Mike Sweeney went off on the pitchers, going 4 for 5 with two homers and two singles and picking up 6 RBI's. Josh Bard has done nicely since being called up from Tacoma. He goes 2 for 3 last night with 3 RBI's. I even think the time off helped get Milton Bradley's head straight. In the three games since he's come back, he is 5 for 12. I think if he is in the right frame of mind, we will continue to be happy with the results. Let's hope that Ian Snell can keep it going to night and maybe soon we can get back into this thing.

Late to the Party

As everyone knows by now, Enough Already! is having a giveaway. Answer 6 simple questions and you could win. Go give it a try. Some cool prizes to be won!

Kiss of Death!!

I'm a little fearful for Don Wakamastu's job right now. Before today's 4-3 walk-off win, Jack Zduriencik talked to the media and gave Wak the dreaded "vote of confidence." 

"We would love to be playing better baseball and we see signs here and there that maybe guys are coming out of it," Zduriencik said of the Mariners struggling offense. "It has been disappointing and perplexing in a lot of ways. Don has a job to do -- he has to get this club to where it needs to get to and I know he intends to do that. "We're very supportive of him right now that he will do that." Zduriencik pointed out that, "We are six weeks into the season, and there are plenty of games remaining to get the season turned around." 

 We have all seen in the past what that usually means for coaches or managers. Heads usually roll soon after. I was nice to see Wak get his 100th career victory today, even if it was from his office. Yes, that's right. For the first time in 203 career games as a manager, he was ejected in the 8th inning. It did spark a 3 run ninth inning for the win. I hope these guys will now get it turned around and get back to playing the way they can.

Birthday Bash!

1st and Goal is celebrating it's first birthday. In recognition of his achievement he is holding a mystery prize contest just for answering a few simple questions. Head over and give him a read and maybe you will win some cool stuff. He does a good blog about football and other nuggets of goodness. Happy reading!

Contest Time!

Not here. I don't know what I have that anyone would want in a contest. Big D over at Hey, That's Mine! is holding a contest to make you very own custom card. I know that I really want an old school Tony Gwynn card if I get lucky enough to win one. Actually any Tony Gwynn card would work for me. Head over to his blog and sign up for your chance to win today!