50 Surprising Facts About the Seattle Mariners That Every Baseball Fan Should Know

The Seattle Mariners are one of the most fascinating teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. From legendary players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki to unforgettable games and iconic home runs, the Mariners’ journey is filled with moments that defined modern baseball.

In this article, you’ll discover 50 incredible Seattle Mariners facts—some you may know, and others that will surprise even die-hard fans. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or just exploring MLB history, these facts will give you a deeper appreciation for Seattle’s only professional baseball team.

⚾ 1. The Team Was Founded in 1977

The Seattle Mariners were established in 1977 as an American League expansion team. They joined MLB after Seattle’s previous team, the Seattle Pilots, moved to Milwaukee and became the Brewers.

🌊 2. The Team’s Name Honors the Sea

The name “Mariners” was chosen to represent Seattle’s connection to the Pacific Ocean and maritime culture.

🏟️ 3. T-Mobile Park Is Their Home

Since 1999, the Mariners have played at T-Mobile Park, one of the most scenic stadiums in baseball, famous for its retractable roof and view of the Seattle skyline.

👑 4. Ken Griffey Jr. Is the Face of the Franchise

Known as “The Kid”, Ken Griffey Jr. brought excitement and hope to Seattle baseball during the 1990s. He hit 417 home runs as a Mariner.

🇯🇵 5. Ichiro Suzuki Changed MLB Forever

In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki joined the Mariners from Japan and instantly became a superstar. He won AL MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

🔥 6. The 2001 Season Was Historic

The Mariners won 116 games in 2001, tying the MLB record for most wins in a single season.

🕰️ 7. Their First Winning Season Came in 1991

It took 14 seasons before the Mariners finally achieved a winning record in 1991.

💥 8. Edgar Martinez Was a Double Machine

Edgar Martinez hit 514 doubles in his career and became one of the greatest designated hitters in MLB history.

⚓ 9. The Mariners Have Never Won a World Series

Despite several playoff appearances, the Mariners remain the only MLB team to never appear in a World Series.

🧢 10. Felix Hernández Threw a Perfect Game

On August 15, 2012, “King Felix” Hernández threw the first perfect game in franchise history against the Tampa Bay Rays.

⚾ 11–20: Legendary Players and Record Holders

11. Randy Johnson struck out 19 batters in one game in 1997.
12. Ichiro set the MLB single-season hits record with 262 hits in 2004.
13. Jay Buhner hit 40+ home runs in three consecutive seasons (1995–1997).
14. Dan Wilson was one of the most respected catchers in the 1990s.
15. Nelson Cruz hit 163 home runs during his time with Seattle.
16. Kyle Seager spent his entire career with the Mariners.
17. Robinson Canó hit 39 home runs in 2016, his best year as a Mariner.
18. Harold Reynolds won three Gold Gloves at second base.
19. Jamie Moyer, one of MLB’s oldest pitchers, won 145 games with Seattle.
20. Alex Rodriguez started his career as a Mariner in 1994.

⚙️ 21–30: Team Moments and Fun Trivia

21. The Mariners’ mascot is named Mariner Moose.
22. Their first draft pick ever was Dave Henderson.
23. They played their first game on April 6, 1977, against the Angels.
24. The team colors—navy, teal, and silver—represent Seattle’s sea culture.
25. Seattle’s Kingdome was their first home stadium.
26. Ichiro Suzuki collected over 3,000 MLB hits.
27. The team’s first All-Star was Ruppert Jones in 1977.
28. Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
29. The Mariners Hall of Fame includes Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, and Ichiro.
30. The Mariners’ biggest rival is the Houston Astros.

🧭 31–40: Stadium and Fan Culture

31. T-Mobile Park was originally called Safeco Field.
32. The stadium’s roof opens in just 10 minutes.
33. The park is known for its garlic fries—a Seattle favorite.
34. The “Hit It Here Café” allows fans to dine while watching home runs.
35. The Bullpen Market is open to fans during the game.
36. The park seats 47,000 people.
37. It hosted the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.
38. The right-field fence was moved in 2013 to encourage more offense.
39. Mariners fans are known for their loyalty despite long droughts.
40. The “Rally Shoe” tradition started in the late 1990s.

🌟 41–50: Records, Stats, and Legacy

41. The team’s all-time leader in home runs is Ken Griffey Jr. (417).
42. Ichiro Suzuki holds the record for most hits in team history.
43. The Mariners’ best single-season ERA belongs to Felix Hernández (2.14).
44. They had the most international players in MLB in 2002.
45. Randy Johnson won his first Cy Young Award with Seattle.
46. The team’s first playoff appearance was in 1995.
47. The 1995 ALDS comeback against the Yankees is considered their greatest moment.
48. The Mariners’ farm system produced many MLB stars.
49. Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. became the first father-son duo to play together in the MLB.
50. The Mariners continue to shape the future of baseball in the Pacific Northwest.