Tonight marks the 35th home opener for the Seattle Mariners. No matter how you feel about the direction of the team or actions of the front office, it's always good to have real live baseball being played.
If there is one thing the M's have always done well, it's celebrate - even when there is nothing to celebrate, they've done it well. Opening Day at Safeco Field is first class production every year.
This year, one of the highlights of the evening will be the celebration of one of the most beloved Mariner players of all time, Michael Terrance Cameron. It is hard to imagine that he came to Seattle 12 years ago as a relatively unknown 27 year old who just happened to be the linchpin in the most heart breaking trade in Seattle sports history.
In February of 2000, Ken Griffey Jr. demanded to be traded to the Cincinnati Reds. As a 10-5 guy (10 years playing in the Majors, and five with the same team), Griffey had the power to approve or reject any trade to any team - and he wanted Cincinnati. The Mariners actually had no leverage. At all. If they didn't trade him, they would be stuck with a supremely talented cry baby who would not play hard (Randy Johnson, 1998, anybody?) until he got his way. They had to act. Somehow, Pat Gillick made a deal with the Reds for Brett Tomko, Jake Meyer, Antonio Perez and Mike Cameron.
Tomko was a middle of the rotation starter, and Meyer would never smell the Major Leagues. Perez was a prospect teams were drooling over, and Cameron was an athletic center fielder that now must do the unthinkable. Replace the greatest player in baseball, play his position in the stadium that he is directly responsible for getting built in the town where he helped save baseball.
I wouldn't wish that on the most obnoxious Washington State Cougar or Oregon Duck fan. That is an impossible task. Can you tell me who took Mickey Mantle's job after he retired? What about Willie Mays? Ted Williams? Babe Ruth? No - because you don't replace guys like that.
So, Cameron had to come in and replace Ken Griffey Jr. Good luck buddy. What did he do? He didn't try to be Ken Griffey, he was simply Mike Cameron. An engaging, fan friendly guy who played a magnificent center field and provided some occasional power. He left no doubt early on that he could flash some leather. He also looked really cool in his hat.
If there is one thing the M's have always done well, it's celebrate - even when there is nothing to celebrate, they've done it well. Opening Day at Safeco Field is first class production every year.
This year, one of the highlights of the evening will be the celebration of one of the most beloved Mariner players of all time, Michael Terrance Cameron. It is hard to imagine that he came to Seattle 12 years ago as a relatively unknown 27 year old who just happened to be the linchpin in the most heart breaking trade in Seattle sports history.
In February of 2000, Ken Griffey Jr. demanded to be traded to the Cincinnati Reds. As a 10-5 guy (10 years playing in the Majors, and five with the same team), Griffey had the power to approve or reject any trade to any team - and he wanted Cincinnati. The Mariners actually had no leverage. At all. If they didn't trade him, they would be stuck with a supremely talented cry baby who would not play hard (Randy Johnson, 1998, anybody?) until he got his way. They had to act. Somehow, Pat Gillick made a deal with the Reds for Brett Tomko, Jake Meyer, Antonio Perez and Mike Cameron.
Tomko was a middle of the rotation starter, and Meyer would never smell the Major Leagues. Perez was a prospect teams were drooling over, and Cameron was an athletic center fielder that now must do the unthinkable. Replace the greatest player in baseball, play his position in the stadium that he is directly responsible for getting built in the town where he helped save baseball.
I wouldn't wish that on the most obnoxious Washington State Cougar or Oregon Duck fan. That is an impossible task. Can you tell me who took Mickey Mantle's job after he retired? What about Willie Mays? Ted Williams? Babe Ruth? No - because you don't replace guys like that.
So, Cameron had to come in and replace Ken Griffey Jr. Good luck buddy. What did he do? He didn't try to be Ken Griffey, he was simply Mike Cameron. An engaging, fan friendly guy who played a magnificent center field and provided some occasional power. He left no doubt early on that he could flash some leather. He also looked really cool in his hat.
He also provided one of the most memorable offensive performances in Mariner history. More than anything, he was a good dude. I remember Game Three of the 2000 ALDS against the White Sox, Cammy's first year with the M's. After Carlos Guillen's suicide squeeze scored Rickey Henderson (my favorite player of all time), Cameron stayed out on the field, and on the dugout to celebrate with fans for nearly an hour after the game. It wasn't contrived, it was just something he did because he was having fun. And the fans loved him for it.
There is even a rumor that Mike Cameron has signed a one day Minor League contract with the M's so he can officially retire as a Mariner. I don't know if that's true or not, but it would be a fitting end to a guy who will always be one of the fan favorites.
Best of luck to Mike Cameron.
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