Even though the Seattle Mariners are a relatively young franchise, they’ve seen four of the greatest players of all-time rock their uniform — Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, Randy Johnson and Alex Rodriguez. From Griffey, to A-Rod, to Julio Rodriguez, Mariners fans have several players to collect.
To help collectors, HobbyListings has compiled a list of the top eight best Mariners cards to own. Did one of your favorites not make the list? Let us know in the comments!
1. 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
This card is simply iconic, featuring Griffey in his rookie year. Known for his all-around talent and smooth swing, Griffey became one of the most beloved players in baseball. A 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, he spent the majority of his career with the Mariners, becoming the face of the franchise.
2. 2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki Rookie Card (#726)
Ichiro’s rookie card captures the start of a legendary MLB career. Arriving from Japan, Ichiro made an immediate impact with his unique hitting style and exceptional fielding. He set the single-season hit record in 2004 and was a 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner with the Mariners.
3. 1989 Topps Traded Tiffany Randy Johnson Rookie Card (#57T)
Randy Johnson was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. With the Mariners, “The Big Unit” developed into a strikeout king and won the Cy Young Award in 1995, helping lead Seattle to its first-ever postseason appearance.
4. 1988 Fleer Glossy Edgar Martinez Rookie Card (#378)
Edgar Martinez’s rookie card is a must-have for Mariners fans. Known for his exceptional hitting, Martinez spent his entire 18-year career with Seattle, becoming one of the best designated hitters in MLB history and a seven-time All-Star.
5. 1994 SP Foil Die-Cut Alex Rodriguez Rookie Card (#15)
A-Rod’s rookie card highlights the beginning of a career that saw him become one of the best shortstops in baseball. Rodriguez’s early years with the Mariners were marked by impressive power and speed, leading to several All-Star appearances.
6. 2004 Bowman Chrome Félix Hernández Autograph Rookie Card (#345)
Félix Hernández’s rookie card represents the start of “King Félix’s” reign in Seattle. Known for his devastating pitching arsenal, Hernandez was a six-time All-Star with the Mariners and won the Cy Young Award in 2010.
7. 1988 Score Rookie/Traded Glossy Jay Buhner Rookie Card (#95T)
Jay Buhner was a fan favorite and a key player in the 1990s. Known for his power hitting and arm strength, Buhner was a fixture in the Mariners’ outfield for over a decade.
8. 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Julio Rodriguez Autograph (#JRO)
Julio Rodriguez’s first Bowman autograph card is significant for Mariners collectors as it marks the arrival of a promising talent. Rodriguez made a splash in his debut season, showcasing power and athleticism, and won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2022.
History of the Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners, a relatively young franchise in Major League Baseball, have a history that, while not as long as some, is filled with memorable moments and iconic players. Let’s dive into the history of the Mariners and explore their journey.
Establishment and Early Years
- Founded in 1977: The Mariners were created as an expansion team in 1977, bringing Major League Baseball back to Seattle after the departure of the Pilots in 1970.
- Struggles and Growing Pains: The early years of the franchise were marked by struggles on the field, as the team worked to establish itself in the league.
The Rise of the Mariners
- Ken Griffey Jr.’s Arrival (1989): The selection of Ken Griffey Jr. as the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB Draft marked a turning point for the franchise. Griffey, with his charismatic play and tremendous talent, quickly became the face of the Mariners and one of baseball’s brightest stars.
- 1995 “Refuse to Lose”: The 1995 season was a watershed moment for the Mariners. Led by Griffey, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, and Jay Buhner, the team staged a late-season comeback to make the playoffs and defeated the New York Yankees in a dramatic ALDS, highlighted by Martinez’s famous double in Game 5. This run is credited with revitalizing baseball in Seattle and was instrumental in securing funding for a new ballpark.
Key Players and Moments
- Randy Johnson: Known as “The Big Unit,” Johnson’s dominant pitching helped put the Mariners on the map. He won the Cy Young Award with Seattle in 1995.
- Edgar Martinez: One of the greatest designated hitters of all time, Martinez spent his entire career with the Mariners, becoming a Seattle icon.
- Ichiro Suzuki: Arriving in 2001, Ichiro made an immediate impact, winning the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year. His unique style and consistent hitting made him a fan favorite.
- Félix Hernández: “King Félix” emerged as one of the top pitchers in baseball during his time with the Mariners, highlighted by pitching a perfect game in 2012.
Safeco Field and Beyond
- Safeco Field (now T-Mobile Park): Opening in 1999, Safeco Field, with its retractable roof, became a symbol of the Mariners’ new era.
- Continued Pursuit of Success: While the team has yet to capture a World Series title or appear in the Fall Classic, the Mariners have had periods of competitiveness and continue to work towards building a championship team behind Julio Rodriguez and Luis Castillo.