All Hail the King!!

Congrats to Felix Hernandez for winning the Cy Young. Thank you to the voters for proving me wrong and crowning the King! It is a good day is Seattle.

Way to go, Bud

Congratulations to former Mariner Bud Black for winning the NL manager of the year. While Bud only appeared in 2 games in 1981 for the Mariners, he did make his debut here. He is much more known for his other travels.

Now, from former Mariner to current player. Here is hoping Felix gets the Cy Young award he deserves today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but not counting on him actually winning it.

Tops of the Topps 1981-1985

Back again for another look at my picks for tops of the Topps cards for the Mariners. Let's start with 1981 and work our way through 1985 shall we?

1981 Team Card

This was an easy choice given that this was the last year Topps did a team card with a team picture, and a checklist on the back. That's a hint Topps, let get back on track with a few things.

1981 Traded Gary Gray

Gary looks like someone just farted, or if playing for the Rangers, Indians, and now the Mariners which is worse.

1982 Bob Galasso

When was this picture taken?? The Mariners quit wearing these uniforms after the 1980 season. The only time he was with the Mariners in those uniforms was 1977.

1982 Traded Jim Essian

Jim looks OK in one of those classic Spring Training photo shoot poses. Nice wristbands though.

1983 Gene Nelson

I'm not exactly sure where or when this photo was taken, but either the M's were getting it handed to them, or it was brutally hot. Gene is sweating like a pig here.

1983 Traded Steve Henderson

It looks like Steve, but are we really sure? Very poor photo choice Topps. Let try a little harder next time.

1984 Jamie Nelson

It's a little hard to hit when your stance is that far apart. I guess that's why you only hit .219

1984 Traded Alvin Davis

Easy choice of my FAVORITE Mariner player of all time. How could I not pick his rookie card?

1985 Edwin Nunez

Is it just me, or does it look like that pitch hurt to throw? I'm hoping it was a good fastball.

1985 Traded Jim Presley

There were only two traded cards in 1985, but I do like the grays. I don't think he made a productive out on this play.

Next time around we will dive into the years of 1986-1990. It could get better, or it might tailspin out of control. Only the cards know where we will go. Stay tuned...

Some tasty 13 year old Gum

Jon over at Community Gum broke a box of 1997 Fleer awhile back. I wrote him inquiring about the Mariners from the break. He said for a few Cubs cards, they could be mine. Well, off went a few Cubs cards and low and behold I receive the 8 cards I need to put the Update set to bed, and a couple inserts too! Here they are in all their 1997 glory:

Thanks again Jon! If anyone else has 2010 Topps Update Mariners they want to part with, or any other cards I need for the Super Set just let me know and we can work it out.

An idea borrowed with permission

I have recently been inspired by Steve over at White Sox Cards. He has been doing a retrospective of the top Topps cards for his White Sox in 10 year sets. I asked if I had his blessing to steal his idea for the Mariners. He was willing to let me run with it, so here is the first years of Topps Mariners and why the were the best of that year, in my opinion.

1977 Rick Jones

I picked this card because all the hats were airbrushed in the 77 set, but Rick looks like he was airbrushed too.

1978 Jose Baez

The look on Jose's face just screams Bad Ass. He has that look like "Don't mess with me man!"

1979 Enrique Romo

Dude, you are how old and you still have your name on your glove in Magic Marker. Do you lose it alot??

1980 Bryon McLaughlin

You have to wonder the photographers made him stay in position to get the pose right. I'm sure his leg was getting tired.

Next up will be 1981-1990 Topps, including the traded sets.

Have you seen me?

I was wondering if some you out there that do vintage, or minor league cards know this man?

I ask because my wife recently won an auction to do some hitting time with him for my son. While I do own this 1972 beauty, I was hoping to find some of his other cards to maybe get signed when we meet with him. I do know that his 1971 rookie card is #74, he had a 1973 Topps #358, and a 1975 with the Tigers at #497. I also know that Jim spent a lot of time playing and managing in the minors. If any of my friends that do minors cards have anything extra, let me know and I would like to make deals with anybody for cards.

A GREAT Voice has been silenced

The voice of the Seattle Mariners has passed away at the age of 75. Dave Niehaus is known by almost everyone in the Pacific Northwest. Dave was born on February 19, 1935 in Princeton, Indiana. Dave graduated from Indiana University in 1957, entered the military, and began his broadcasting career with Armed Forces Radio. He became a partner of Dick Enberg on the broadcast team of the California Angels in 1969 until the end of the 1976 season. Dave even called what would be Hank Aaron's last home on July 20, 1976 against Dick Drago of the Angels. Dave also broadcast the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL and UCLA Bruins football and basketball from 1973 until 1976.

In 1977, Danny Kaye, part-owner of the expansion Seattle Mariners, recruited Niehaus to become the franchise's radio voice. As of the end of the 2007 season, Niehaus had called 4,817 of the 4,899 games the Mariners had played since their inception. Heart problems forced Niehaus to undergo two angioplasties in 1996, causing him to give up smoking and change his diet. Despite working for the Mariners who didn't have a winning season until 1991 his talent was recognizable, and Niehaus was considered one of the few attractions for Mariner fans. Even in the period before the team's memorable 1995 season, the Mariners were regularly one of the leading major-league teams in terms of the percentage of radios in use.

Dave was immensely popular in Seattle, twice being named Washington Sportscaster of the Year. The team chose him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the opening of its new ballpark, Safeco Field, on July 15, 1999. In 2000, he was the second figure to be inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame along with Mr. Mariner Alvin Davis.  In 2008, Niehaus was named the winner of the Ford C. Frick Award, which recognizes career excellence in baseball broadcasting and is considered the highest baseball broadcasting honor. On May 7, 2009 Dave broadcasted his 5,000th game with the Mariners. Some of Dave's most memorable catch phrase was "My Oh My" for any great play. One of his signature home run calls was "Swung on and belted", and "fly, fly away". His call for a grand slam was, "get the rye bread and mustard Grandma, it is grand salami time". He was the one that gave Alex Rodriguez the name A-Rod, Franklin Gutierrez was "death to flying things", Randy Johnson was The Big Unit, Ken Griffey Jr. was The Kid, Omar Vizquel was Little O, Julio Cruz was the Cruzer, and Lou Piniella was Sweet Lou. Some of the more well known broadcasters to work with Dave were Joe Simpson of TBS and Braves fame, TBS announcer Chip Caray, former major leaguer Ron Fairly, and his partner since 1983 minus a couple years in Detroit, Rick Rizzs. Dave is one of the few broadcasters I know of to throw out the first pitch at a new stadium, and have his own bobble head.

There is no words for the emptiness and sadness we in Seattle will now and forever feel without Dave Neihaus. There will never be a more recognizable and friendly voice on your TV or radio. While Dave's ship may have now sailed, he will live on in our hearts forever! MY OH MY!!

Here are some of Dave's great calls:

Two down, one to go

The Mariners get a few highlights out of this awful season. First off, congratulations to Franklin Gutierrez for winning his first Gold Glove. While it should be his second(I think he deserved one last year too), he finally gets the recognition he deserves for his fine defensive work in Center Field.

Congrats also go to Ichiro for winning his 10th consecutive Gold Glove. He is the first player to win it in his first 10 years. He ties the AL record for 10 with Ken Griffey, Jr., and Al Kaline. Only Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente have more with 12.

Now, up next hopefully is Felix winning the Cy Young Award that I think he deserves. We will see soon.

Unexpected news

It kind of came as a shock to me. I know that some bloggers out there would like Joe's head on a platter, but both Jon Miller and Joe Morgan will not be back with ESPN for Sunday Night Baseball next year. The duo has done Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN for the last 21 years. I could take or leave Morgan, but I thought Miller brought good insight and excitement to the broadcast. It will be interesting to see who will replace them next year. Let's the debates begin...

Question of fandom

I have been thinking, is it fandom or obsession? A little insight into my borderline geek mind says I might be obsessed. I have in my spare time over the years, made spreadsheets. These chronicle the Mariners players and the numbers they wear. I have it broken down by the number itself, a year by year for each number, and an alphabetical list for players, coaches, and managers. I can tell you what numbers guys have worn in the playoffs, who our all-stars have been and where the game was. I also have listings of all the minor league affiliates since 1977 at all levels. I have details for all the managers with their years with the team and record managing. I have done a full list of all my San Jose Sharks too with complete stats for each player in each number they have worn, regular season and playoffs.

So I ask my fellow bloggers, AM I OBSESSED OR JUST A RABID FAN??

A great has left us

As everyone knows by now, a baseball legend left us today. George "Sparky" Anderson passed away today at the age of 76. While I don't remember him all that well, I do remember the butt whooping his Tigers put on my Tony Gwynn led Padres in 1984. I really got a new found admiration for Sparky in the book, "The Machine". If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it. While he may have acted like he didn't know much, he was a genius in the dugout. To Sparky, all his players were just "turds." His words, not mine. My sympaties go out to his family and the many fans of his team. Godspeed Sparky!

"O" no another trade post

I wanted to show off a few cards I got from Ryan at "O" NO!!! Another Orioles Blog. He recently sent me a blind e-mail saying he a bunch of cards for the super set, and wondered if I was interested in a trade. I jumped at the chance to work a deal. He ended up sending about 100 cards I needed, and put a nice dent in some year's sets. I in turn sent him about the same number of Orioles cards he needed for his massive team set. Here are a few of the beauties he sent:

A few cards from Mariners of yesteryear

A couple from some current M's

And what a trade with me be without another Tony Gwynn card to add to the collection.

Thanks again Ryan, and you should have your cards today or tomorrow.

WINNER! WINNER!

I want to say thank you to Play at the Plate. He recently held a contest, and all you had to do was correctly guess the winner of the World Series. I hated to pick the Giants on a Rangers fan's blog, but my gut told me to. Thanks the wonderful randomizer, I was chosen from the people that picked San Fran. I'm excited for any prize, but more excited for his end of the year contest. If you would like to get in on the action, he just put up his November contest. Head over now, and tell him I sent you. Good luck.

Who wants to be next?

Now that the season is over, I thought it would be fun to start predicting the future. here is the list of how long it has been since each team has won the World Series.

1. Chicago Cubs 102 years Last: 1908
2. Cleveland Indians 62 years Last: 1948 
3. Texas Rangers 50 years Never won
4. Houston Astros 49 years Never won
5. Milwaukee Brewers 42 years Never won
6. San Diego Padres 42 years Never won
7. Washington Nationals 42 years(No World Series appearance)
8. Seattle Mariners 34 years(No World Series appearance)
9. Pittsburgh Pirates 31 years Last: 1979
10. Baltimore Orioles 27 years Last: 1983
11. Detroit Tigers 26 years Last: 1984
12. Kansas City Royals 25 years Last: 1985
13. New York Mets 24 years Last: 1986
14. Los Angeles Dodgers 22 years Last: 1988
15. Oakland Athletics 21 years Last: 1989
16. Cincinnati Reds 20 years Last: 1990
17. Minnesota Twins 19 years Last: 1991
18. Colorado Rockies 18 years Never won
19. Toronto Blue Jays 17 years Last: 1993
20. Atlanta Braves 15 years Last: 1995
21. Tampa Bay Rays 13 years Never won
22. Arizona Diamondbacks 9 years Last: 2001
23. California Angels 8 years Last: 2002
24. Florida Marlins 7 years Last: 2003
25. Chicago White Sox 5 years Last: 2005
26. St. Louis Cardinals 4 years Last: 2006
27. Boston Red Sox 3 years Last: 2007
28. Philadelphia Phillies 2 years Last: 2008
29. New York Yankees 1 years Last: 2009
30. San Francisco Giants erased a 56 year drought in 2010

I think in my own humble opinion, the next team to break a drought might either be the Tigers or the Twins. I really don't see any team with a longer drought winning before them because most of those teams are pretty bad. Including my lowly Mariners. I would love to see what everyone else thinks...

Congratulations!

Congrats go out to local boys Tim Lincecum and Travis Ishikawa of the Giants. The Giants win the World Series for the first time since they were in New York. It is hard to believe the team hasn't won one since Willie Mays and "the Catch," in 1954. Congratulations to the players, the fans, and the city. Also, congrats go tot the Rangers, They played their hearts out to get to this point. Great season by them too. Who would have ever thought it was going to be those two teams in the series this year?? I hope someday we can see one here in Seattle.