Just a few days ago, I was listening to a podcast show and a guest indicated that the 2023 MLB All-Star game would be in Seattle. And, the guest is very excited. I was wondering why the guest was so excited and began to check when was the last time that the Mariners hosted the Midsummer Classic.
In 2023, the Seattle Mariners will host the Midsummer Classic for the third time. Previously, the Mariners hosted the 1979 All-Star game and the 2001 Midsummer Classic. Well, the 2001 season, a season that the Mariners definitely remember.
In 2001, the Mariners won 116 games, which is the record for the most wins in a season. However, the Mariners lost in the ALCS. But, there’s no doubt that it’s a good season.
In addition, in the 2001 All-Star game, there were 8 All-Stars from the Mariners.
Looking at these 8 players, in 2001, Olerud slashed .302/.401/.472 with 21 home runs and 95 RBI in 159 games. At the same time, Bret Boone hit .331/.372/.578 with 37 home runs and 141 RBI in 158 games and it was the first time that Boone crushed 30+ home runs in a single season. Meanwhile, we can’t ignore Ichiro Suzuki. In 2001, Ichiro made his MLB debut and his first season with the Mariners was just fantastic. Ichiro slashed .350/.381/.457 with 8 home runs and 69 RBI in 157 games. In particular, he collected 242 hits and had 56 stolen bases. He not only won the AL Rookie of the Year award but also won the AL MVP. Furthermore, Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez batted .306/.423/.543 with 23 home runs and 116 RBI in 132 games. These 4 players were in the 2001 AL starting lineup.
In addition, 3 Mariners pitchers were selected to the 2001 Midsummer classic. Freddy Garcia made 34 starts for the Mariners in 2001, posting a 3.05 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in a career-high 238.2 innings. Moreover, Jeff Nelson made 69 relief appearances for the Mariners in 2001, posting a 2.76 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP over 65.1 innings. Meanwhile, Kazuhiro Sasaki was the closer for the Mariners in 2001. He collected 45 saves and owned a 3.24 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP over 66.2 innings.
Finally, outfielder Mike Cameron became an All-Star in 2001 as well. He hit .267/.353/.480 with 25 home runs and 110 RBI in 150 games.
The 2001 season was a great season for the Mariners and these 8 All-Stars from the Mariners surely enjoyed the season. The Mariners hosted the All-Star game and led the majors with 116 wins in 2001. In 2023, the Mariners will host the Midsummer Classic again. And, there are lots of things worth watching. Firstly, how many players from the Mariners will be selected to the All-Star game? Secondly, will a pitcher from the Mariners start the game? If so, who will be that guy? Finally, the Mariners won 116 games the last time that they hosted the All-Star game. Is it going to be an unforgettable season again?
No comments:
Post a Comment