Five best players in Seattle Mariners history

The Seattle Mariners may not have the storied history of some other Major League Baseball teams, but they have still produced some incredible players over the years. From Hall of Famers to franchise icons, here are the top Seattle Mariners players in the team's history. Current superstar centerfielder, Julio Rodriguez might join this list someday, but for now we'll dive into past and highlight the five greatest players in the Mariners' history.

Swinging for the fences with "The Kid"

1. Ken Griffey Jr. - Ken Griffey Jr. is widely regarded as one of the best players in baseball history, and his tenure with the Seattle Mariners is a big reason why. Griffey spent 13 seasons with the Mariners, from 1989 to 1999 and then again in 2009 and 2010, and during that time he established himself as one of the greatest players the team has ever seen.

Griffey's impact on the Mariners was immediate. In his first full season with the team in 1990, he hit .300 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs. He followed that up with an even better season in 1991, hitting .327 with 22 home runs and 100 RBIs, and finishing third in the MVP voting.

Griffey's best season with the Mariners came in 1997, when he hit .304 with 56 home runs and 147 RBIs, leading the team to its first-ever playoff appearance. He finished second in the MVP voting that year and cemented his status as one of the most feared hitters in the game.

But Griffey was more than just a power hitter. He was also an excellent fielder, winning 10 Gold Gloves over the course of his career. His acrobatic catches and cannon arm made him a fan favorite and helped him earn the nickname "The Kid."

Griffey's impact on the Mariners extended beyond the field as well. He helped to energize the fan base and bring a sense of excitement to the team. He was a beloved figure in Seattle, and his departure from the team in 2000 was met with widespread disappointment and sadness.

In 2016, Griffey was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first player to be enshrined as a member of the Mariners. His impact on the team and the game of baseball is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the best Seattle Mariners in team history will endure for generations to come.

Tapping into the Far East for Ichiro

2. Ichiro Suzuki - Ichiro Suzuki is one of the most iconic players in Seattle Mariners history. The Japanese outfielder joined the team in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite with his electrifying play and incredible talent.

In his rookie season, Ichiro made an immediate impact, hitting .350 with 242 hits, 56 stolen bases, and a Gold Glove award. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year and the league's Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player since Fred Lynn in 1975 to win both awards in the same season.

Ichiro's success continued over the next several seasons, as he won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves and was selected to 10 consecutive All-Star Games. He also won two batting titles and led the league in hits seven times.

But Ichiro's impact on the Mariners went beyond his individual achievements. He helped to lead the team to two playoff appearances, in 2001 and 2003, and his work ethic and professionalism set an example for his teammates. He was a leader on and off the field and helped to build a winning culture in Seattle.

In 2012, Ichiro was traded to the New York Yankees, but his legacy in Seattle remains secure. He is one of the most beloved players in team history and is remembered as one of the greatest outfielders of all time.

Ichiro's success in Seattle paved the way for other Japanese players to come to the major leagues and helped to build a bridge between Japanese and American baseball. His impact on the game and his place in Seattle Mariners history are secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Mariners uniform.

It was done by "The King!"

4. Felix Hernandez - Felix Hernandez is one of the most iconic players in Seattle Mariners history. The Venezuelan right-hander joined the team as a 19-year-old in 2005 and quickly established himself as one of the game's best pitchers.

Hernandez's rookie season showed flashes of his immense potential, as he posted a 2.67 ERA over 12 starts. He quickly became a fixture in the Mariners rotation and developed into one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.

In 2010, Hernandez had a season for the ages. He posted a 2.27 ERA, struck out 232 batters, and led the American League in innings pitched and ERA+. He also threw the first perfect game in Mariners history on August 15, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Hernandez's success continued over the next several seasons, as he won the American League Cy Young award in 2010 and was named to six All-Star teams. He also won the Mariners' Warren Spahn award for the best pitcher in team history in 2016.

But Hernandez's impact on the Mariners went beyond his individual achievements. He was a leader on and off the field, setting an example for his teammates with his tireless work ethic and fierce competitiveness. He was also a beloved figure in Seattle, known for his infectious personality and love for the city.

In 2019, Hernandez signed with the Atlanta Braves, ending his 15-year career with the Mariners. But his legacy in Seattle is secure, as he is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in team history and one of the most iconic players of his era.

Felix Hernandez's career with the Seattle Mariners will always be remembered as one of the greatest in team history. He was a dominant force on the mound and a beloved figure in the city, and his place in Mariners lore is secure.

Trade with Expos scores lefty ace

5. Randy Johnson - Randy Johnson is undoubtedly one of the best players in Seattle Mariners history. The towering left-hander spent ten seasons with the Mariners, establishing himself as one of the game's most dominant pitchers.

Johnson's early years with the Mariners were marked by inconsistency, as he struggled with control issues and injuries. But in 1993, he put it all together, winning 19 games and striking out 308 batters. He followed that up with another dominant season in 1994, leading the league in strikeouts and ERA+.

In 1995, Johnson helped lead the Mariners to their first-ever playoff appearance, winning two games in the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. For his efforts in 1995, Johnson won the Cy Young Award.

Johnson's time with the Mariners came to an end in 1998, when he was traded to the Houston Astros. He finished his Mariners career with a record of 130-74 and a 3.42 ERA, striking out 2,162 batters in 1,838.1 innings pitched.

Despite spending just ten seasons with the team, Johnson's impact on the Mariners cannot be overstated. He was a dominant force on the mound and a leader in the clubhouse, setting an example for his teammates with his work ethic and fierce competitiveness.

In 2012, Johnson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. His impact on the Mariners and the game of baseball will be felt for years to come, and his place in Mariners lore is secure.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable mentions: Jay Buhner, Alvin Davis, Bret Boone, Kyle Seager.

These five players are some of the most iconic figures in Seattle Mariners history, and they all made significant contributions to the franchise during their time with the team.

From Griffey's incredible power and athleticism to Martinez's clutch hitting to Hernandez and Johnson's dominant pitching, these players helped make the Mariners a competitive team for many years. While the team has yet to win a World Series, these players will always hold a special place in the hearts of Mariners fans.