Seattle fans stand up for Cameron
Mike Cameron wore the smile of a 12-year-old on his first day at the ballpark.
Sixteen months after he became a free agent and signed with the New York Mets, Cameron returned to Safeco Field on Friday and was overwhelmed by his return.
“It’s refreshing to come back here,” he said. “I can’t ask for any more than the way I’ve been received.”
Cameron’s four seasons with the Mariners, from 2000 to 2003, were the best of his career. He hit 25 home runs twice, drove in 110 runs in 2001 and became an anchor on offense, defense and in the clubhouse on the Mariners’ playoff teams in 2000 and 2001.
More than that, he formed a bond with the fans and his former teammates, and it’s apparent that it remains strong. Mets manager Willie Randolph had Cameron take the lineup card to umpires before the game, and the crowd at Safeco Field gave him a standing ovation.
“Maybe it’s just me,” Cameron said. “But the experience I had here and the opportunity I had make this place special. I played in Chicago for three years, but this is where I really grew. It seemed like everything worked out well for me.”
It’s been a painful season this year, though. Cameron, whose 140 games with the Mets last year were fewer than any of his Seattle seasons, was on the disabled list in April with a wrist injury and he’s been out the past week because of a sore knee. He hopes to play at least one game in Seattle this weekend, but knows it’s doubtful.
“I’ve been in the training room for the last week and a half, all day long,” he said.
“I want to go out and play so bad, but I can’t risk myself. Just being out here is really special, though.”
Dobbs not down
Greg Dobbs became the odd man out, as manager Mike Hargrove called him, when the Mariners called up Jose Lopez.
The team sent down Dobbs to Triple-A Tacoma, a move that surprised him but didn’t leave him downcast.
“It’s a decision they felt they had to make,” he said. “It’s a decision you’ve got to roll with.”
Dobbs, who started just three games, batted .176 in 34 at-bats.
“I’m trying to take the positives from my experience in the big leagues,” he said. “I understood my role. It was extremely limited, but it didn’t mean that I would stop working hard and not have a good attitude. That’s genuinely who I am. I’m not going to hang my head.”
Notes
Injured third baseman Adrian Beltre (hamstring) worked out before the game and manager Mike Hargrove said he still believed Beltre would be able to play Sunday at the latest. … Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said pitcher Felix Hernandez may miss two starts at Tacoma because of bursitis in his right shoulder.