Photo by Tony Overman/The Olympian
Mariners outfielder Charles Gipson is introduced during pregame ceremonies Monday afternoon at Safeco Field. Monday's pregame gala took more than an hour.

Photo by Tony Overman/The Olympian
Mike Cameron yells in disgust as he makes the final out Monday.

Mariners off to slow start

Much to celebrate from 2001

ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Tuesday, April 2, 2002

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners had a lot of business to take care of before kicking off the 2002 season.

Prior to the opening pitch of their 6-5 loss to Chicago on Monday, the Mariners held nearly an hour of pregame ceremonies, honoring past seasons, current players and the United States.

It was capped off by three fighter planes buzzing over Safeco Field at the conclusion of "The Star Spangled Banner," bringing the sellout crowd to its feet.

"There's a lot of anticipation, a lot of ceremonies," Seattle second baseman Bret Boone said. "You get that out of the way, and now it's a normal regimen."

The pomp and circumstance began with the official recognition of the Mariners' 25th anniversary season, featuring a video presentation of teams through the years and highlights of special moments in team history.

The M's then unveiled their third American League West champions banner high above right field, this one with a special addition noting their record-tying 116-win season.

The 2001 Mariners were honored with a video montage, and baseball Commissioner Bud Selig survived a round of boos from the crowd to present the team with the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award.

"Winning 116 games and tying a 95-year-old record is truly historic," Selig said. "The 2001 season was remarkable for the Mariners organization and the fans of Seattle."

This year's team got a red-carpet introduction, running in from right field to the cheers of the crowd, who saved their largest ovations for Edgar Martinez and Ichiro Suzuki, known to M's fans simply as Ichiro.

They were two of the Mariners who received hardware for their excellent 2001 seasons in yet another ceremony.

Lou Piniella was awarded the AL Manager of the Year trophy, Mike Cameron was presented with his Gold Glove for outstanding defense, and Bret Boone and Martinez picked up their Silver Sluggers, given to players who had the top batting average at each fielding position and designated hitter.

Not to be outdone, Ichiro received a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and trophy for Rookie of the Year and AL Most Valuable Player.

"The first thing I'm going to do is take this stuff home," Ichiro said.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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