Tony Overman/The Olympian
Former Seattle Mariners outfielder Jay Buhner squats to appear shorter while Washington state Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, stretches to appear taller as the two had their picture taken Friday at the Capitol. Buhner and Mariners Chief Executive Officer Howard Lincoln attended the morning's session of the state Senate, where the Mariners were honored for their record winning season last year.

Senate praises M's values, wins

Mariners' visit invokes spirit of teamwork, pride

BRAD SHANNON, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, January 26, 2002

OLYMPIA -- Fan favorite Jay Buhner and Seattle Mariners boss Howard Lincoln were given a hero's welcome by the state Senate Friday.

The irony didn't escape lawmakers: The Legislature, known for bickering and few accomplishments in recent years, was honoring a baseball organization that used a team-oriented style of play last year to tie a modern baseball record for wins.

"The Legislature needs to have a season like the Mariners had last year, no doubt," commented Sen. Eric Poulsen, D-West Seattle, before the ceremonies began.

As soon as Buhner and Lincoln took seats on the dais near the Senate's presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, senators from both parties took turns praising the Mariners for their 116 wins, tying the 1906 Chicago Cubs for most wins. Many also praised the teamwork and sportsmanship that made it possible.

Autographed gifts

Lawmakers not only stood to applaud, but also signed baseballs to give to Buhner, whose M's career was marked by diving catches, unbelievably long home runs and teamwork. Buhner, in turn, signed balls for every legislator, although some, like Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, gave them away.

America's pastime

Sen. Bob Oke, a Port Orchard Republican who sponsored the resolutions honoring Buhner and the team, said baseball had "bonded" his own family and kept him entertained while mowing his property. "I have a nine-inning lawn," he said.

"Baseball, like the American flag, represents all of us," said Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, noting there was a place for baseball even during his years as a member of the radical Students for a Democratic Society.

"From left to right, we all like baseball," agreed Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, who is known for her strong rightward tilt.

Buhner stood to give thanks for the honors, but he quickly became choked up.

"I get a little emotional sometimes," the hard-charging player struggled to say. "The bald head and goatee sometimes is a little security blanket," he said.

The Kentucky-born Buhner, asked by a reporter if he could give lawmakers a little advice to reverse their reputation for bumbling and bickering, didn't try to get fancy.

"Block out all the negativity and try to keep things positive," he said.

"Surround yourself with good people, try to be positive, and when they need a kick in the butt, give them a kick in the butt."

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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