Willie Mays at the All-Star Game held in Cleveland in 1963 | Photo by James Drake/Getty Images
Spirit of ‘76
Today, Juneteenth, MLB will also be recognizing the contributions of the great Willie Mays, which makes talking about the baseball game the Mariners and Guardians will play feel significantly less important in comparison. However, these two teams, with their focus on speed on the bases and strong defense (specifically excellent centerfield defense), are uniquely positioned to play tribute to the Say Hey Kid’s style of baseball. Hopefully we see a few style points out there, as well. (Here’s my favorite thing I read about Willie Mays today, if you’re interested.)
Lineups:
Old friend alert! The Guardians announced today they’ve recalled former Mariners pitcher Darren McCaughan to take the place of RHP Nick Sandlin, who’s headed to the 15-day IL with back inflammation. (They also unfortunately spelled his name wrong in the graphic, ouch.)
The Guardians are sending their best pitcher, Tanner Bibee, to the hill tonight. The Mariners will counter with Bryan Woo, likely still working on a tight pitch count in his first action in over a week. Mitch Garver sits today with the other Mitch at DH.
Television: ROOT Sports NW, with Mike Blowers and Aaron Goldsmith on the call
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr. on the call
Today in Mariners history:
1996: Ken Griffey Jr. breaks the hamate bone in his right hand swinging at a pitch from Erik Hanson vs. Toronto, but misses only 20 games.
2008: Manager John McLaren relieved of duties…Jim Riggleman named manager for remainder of 2008 season.
2012: Ichiro went 4-for-5, and his first-inning single was his 2,500th career Major League hit. He accomplished hit #2,500 in his 1,817th game, becoming the 4th-fastest to reach the milestone. Only Al Simmons (1,784 G), Ty Cobb (1,790 G) and George Sisler (1,808 G), all Hall of Famers, have reached 2,500 hits faster than Ichiro. The Mariners beat the Diamondbacks 12-9 in 10 innings. Kyle Seager went 2-for-6 with 4 RBI, including his 9th home run, and Brendan Ryan hit a 3-run home run.
2018: Nelson Cruz hit his 144th home run with the Mariners in a loss to the Yankees. The home run broke a tie with Bret Boone (143 HR) for eighth-most home runs in club history.
2021: Mariners celebrate Juneteenth by wearing the Seattle Steelheads uniforms for the third time in franchise history. J.P. Crawford slugs his first career grand slam in the 2nd inning and Mitch Haniger hits the walk-off single in the 10th. J.P. scores the winning run.
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