March Madness: Sodo Mojo’s Top 32 Mariners Moments

#1. Sojo’s Slam vs #8. Perry Gets 300

In the number 1 seed in this bracket belongs to the moment when most Mariners fans knew they were going to the playoffs. After coming back from a 13 1/2 game deficit to the California Angels to force a 1 game playoff, the Mariners came home to the Kingdome.

It was a classic 1-0 game that pitted Randy Johnson vs Mark Langston. Then in the 7th inning, the Mariners managed to load the bases against their former ace with 2 outs. Then up came Mariners shortstop/utility man Luis Sojo.

On the first pitch of the at bat, Sojo hit a cue shot that somehow snuck under the sure glove of JT Snow. The ball rolled down the right field line, and insanity ensued. The end result was a little league grand slam, and one of the best moments in Mariners history.

#8- Gaylord Perry Wins Game 300

Early in their existence, there wasn’t much to celebrate for Seattle. In the teams first 5 years of existence, hosting the 1979 All-Star game was the high point for the franchise. The team hadn’t even won more than 67 games in any 1 season.

Then, on May 6th, 1982 Mariners fans got to see a historic moment. 43-year-old Gaylord Perry entered rarefied air, pitching a complete game to secure his 300th career victory. He remains the only member of the 300 win club to reach the milestone as a Mariner.

Perry became the 15th member of the 300 win club, and brought some national recognition to the Pacific Northwest, if only for a short time.

#4. Griffey Robs Gonzales vs #5 Cameron Robs Jeter

It is fitting that the two greatest centerfielders in Mariners history find themselves matched up against each other in the first round.

The 4 seed belongs to Griffey’s absolute highway robbery of Luis Gonzales’ home run. On August 9, 1998, Griffey sprinted from centerfield to the right centerfield wall. As he approached the fence he lept high in the air, and pulled back a souvenir he had no business stealing from a fan.

The catch is incredible, and can be debated as the best defensive play from the best player in franchise history.

#5. Cameron Robs Jeter

There is nothing harder in sports than replacing a legend. In fact, not only did Mike Cameron have to replace Griffey, he was the biggest piece in the trade that sent Griffey to Cincinnati. Most of the fan base was skeptical. After all, who could ever do it better than Griffey?

Well, Cammy came dang close. On April 7th, 2000, Cameron tracked a long flyball off the bat of Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. What he did next was unbelievable. He leaped halfway up the wall, and snagged the ball at the end of his long glove. Coming back down from his initial flight, he casually flipped the ball to himself as if to say, ” what else you got?”.

Cameron will always be a personal favorite, as he was tasked with an impossible job, and performed excellently and passed with flying colors.

#3. Win 116 vs #6 2001 All-Star Game

Without a doubt, the best team in Mariners history was the 2001 squad. In this 3 vs 6 seed matchup, we pit two of the defining moments of that season against each other. The third seed, comes wrapped up in good memories and a sweet dose of irony.

The franchise had just watched the 3 best players in their history walk away in 3 consecutive seasons. Randy Johnson traded in ’98, Griffey traded in ’99, Alex Rodriguez signs mega contract in 2000.

Despite this, the 2001 team tied the Major League record for most wins in a single regular season. And of course, what better way to wrap up the record than by punching out the newest enemy of all the Northwest, Alex Rodriguez.

#6- 2001 Mid-Summer Classic at Safeco

This moment was really a combination of smaller achievements. Of course, 8 Mariners were named to the team, but there was even more in this game. Ichiro legged out an infield single off Randy Johnson. Cal Ripken Jr. blasted a homer in his final All-Star game. Tommy Lasorda made his famous tumble at third base.

The 2001 game was a sight to see, and the perfect way to celebrate the beautiful city of Seattle and its brand new ballpark. The simple truth is, there are too many wonderful moments in this game to pick just one. So go ahead and pick your favorite. It was truly a great game, and was a reminder of how fantastic baseball can be once again.

#2. Dome and Bedlam vs #7. 6 man No-No

Ask any Mariners fan old enough to remember it, and they will tell you about the glory year of 1995. In fact, many appear to be stuck in that season, as they often compare every season to it. Perhaps it is a defense mechanism to protect their own sanity, which is totally acceptable.

One thing that cannot be denied by anybody, is the sheer volume of memorable moments from that season. The 1995 team is well represented on our countdown, and our #2 seed of this region falls into the category.

Often overlooked by the incredible late season comeback, and the historic 1995 ALDS against the Yankees, the Mariners had to win the 1 game playoff against the Angels for any of it to matter. After a 1 run game in the 7th turned into a 9-1 blowout, Randy Johnson cemented the 1995 team in baseball lore, striking out Tim Salmon to end the game.

The magical moment came with an equally magical call, and it sounded something like this:

#7. The Six Man N0-No

It was a normal June day in the 2012 season. Veteran journeyman Kevin Millwood was on the slab for Seattle, and was cruising through 6 innings, allowing just 1 walk in the process. Unfortunately, during a warm up pitch in the 7th, Millwood suffered an injury and was forced to exit the game.

In came Charlie Furbush, who got 2 outs in the 7th. Then Stephen Pryor and Lucas Luetge for 1 out each. Brandon League came in to shut down a threat and Tom Wilhelmsen finished it off. All in all, 6 pitchers combined to no-hit the Dodgers. It was just the 10th combined no-hitter in baseball history. A weird moment to be sure, but one that will forever live in the annals of Mariners history.