116 Wins: So What? « Northwest Digest

116 Wins: So What?

By Anton at July 15th, 2009.

Safeco Field has afforded Mariners fans some important moments in its ten year history: Two playoff appearances, Ichiro’s single season hits record, Junior’s memorable weekend return as a member of the Cincinnati Reds and, most importantly, his return on opening day with the Mariners this season. Yet, on the 10th anniversary of the Mariners inaugural game at Safeco against the San Diego Padres on June 15, 1999, all moments or series of moments pales in comparison to the 116 wins in 2001. That season marked a historically impressive opening day through regular season finale. Crowds were raucous. Cash registers were moving in fast forward. Players and fans were smiling in unison. However, and most importantly, the 2001 season marked monumental disappointment.

No matter the amount of nostalgia FSN Northwest and radio broadcasters use when reflecting on the 2001 season, the fact remains that the Mariners of 2001 are one of the biggest disappointments in baseball history. The logic is really quite simple: the Mariners won the most regular season games in baseball history but failed to win the World Series. In fact, the Mariners failed to even play in the World Series, unquestionably a let down. And yet, somehow, the City, the State and the Mariners organization reflect on 2001 as if it was the most blemish-free campaign in history – something to be celebrated. Sometimes, gracefully accepting loss is a good thing. However, celebrating it is quite another.

When Safeco opened in 1999 – after Junior, Edgar, Jay and Randy saved baseball in the Northwest with the exhilarating 1995 season – expectations were high. Two years later, the organization built a savvy, veteran club that seemed, at times, unflappable. Then the wheels came off against the Yankees and the incredible win total was lost in the “good teams who blew it” files. That is what fans and the organization must remember about 2001: the Mariners left with a whimper and, in the grand scheme of things, accomplished very little.

When baseball historians discuss the great teams of yesteryear in 50 years, the 2001 Seattle Mariners will not be mentioned – unless of course they discuss great teams who never fulfilled their promise. There, ultimately, is no redeemable value to the Mariners 2001 season. Here’s to hoping bitter disappointment and victories that matter very little do not mark the next ten years at Safeco.

Tags: Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners