Our top picks for favorite Mariners of all time

‘The best Mariner’ is one of those topics that can be a great conversation starter – or perhaps a conversation ende if no one can agree to disagree.

It’s a subject where statistics while wearing a Mariners jersey are important, but so are people’s passion in defending “their” guy from the other contenders. Discussing top players can be a good opportunity for people to share their memories of watching a particularly great game from the past. And there have been plenty of players and games, something we all can agree on.

Here, in no particular order are some of the possible contenders.

1. Ken Griffey Jr. The only Mariner so far to have his number retired (No. 24) is also No. 311 to join the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The centerfielder played twice for the Mariners, 1989-1999 and 2009-2010 and was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2013. Accomplishments include 630 career home runs and 10 Gold Gloves. He was also unanimously chosen as the 1997 American League MVP, and an All-Star for 13 seasons.

2. Randy Johnson. The Big Unit was legendary for his 6-foot-10 height and his fast, fast fastballs that sometimes flew faster than 100 mph. Among other accomplishments between 1989 and 1998 including striking out 10 batters on Opening Day and throwing two no-hitters. He retired from the Ms with a win-loss record of 303-166, with 4,875 strikeouts, second in the MLB to Nolan Ryan.

3. Ichiro Suzuki. He’s not in any U.S. hall of fames yet since he’s still an active player, but odds are he’ll get plenty of honors when retires. In 10 seasons with the Ms, from 2001 to 2012, he was selected as an All Star 10 times and received 10 Rawlings Golden Glove awards. Still active with the Miami Marlins, he leads the league in singles and stolen bases. He was the first MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, and broke George Sisler’s record for most hits in a season.

4. Edgar Martinez. The designated hitter played from 1987 to 2004 – his entire MLB career. He is considered the franchise’s best DH, with seven All-Star honors, two batting titles, and five Designated Hitter of the Year Awards, an annual MLB honor that’s is now named after him. He continues to lead the Mariners in total hits, doubles, games played and batting average. “Gar” also has a street in Seattle named after him.