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Semi Off-Topic FanPost of the Day: Whoooooooo Do You Love

Nolamarinergirl1_tiny by NOLAmarinergirl on

When it was first discussed that we have posts that are meant to keep people from going off-topic in the serious front page posts, the idea was that baseball (gasp) be included in the posts--but that they could still be a place for jokes and general merriment making.

This is my contribution.

On a site where we analyze stats and crunch numbers to determine which player is slightly better than another player, and seemingly take pride in our detached, intellectual enjoyment of the game (at least in this season), I wonder--where's the love?  Most of us grew up with the Mariners.  They've not been good.  But yet we love the game.  When we were young, we weren't obsessing over stats.  We watched because we loved the game, and we loved certain players in the game.

So my question for you is--who did you love, or who do you still love today?  I don't mean their stats.  I don't mean the players that help contribute the most to a team.  I mean the ones who brought a smile to your face; the ones you honestly enjoyed or enjoy watching.

They can be past or present, Mariners or not.  I'm genuinely curious.

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So I'm going to get shit for this,

but I loved Joey Cora & Dan Wilson so much more than ARod or Griffey when I was a kid.

Go ahead, get it over with.

I was also a big Bone fan, and was a loyal participant of the head shaving for tickets days.

by Faux on Aug 1, 2008 7:11 AM PDT   0 recs

I was also a big Cora fan..

I liked the way he did that little bat point thing before each pitch. For some reason I was also a fan of David Segui, maybe cause I was a 1B. And of course the usual suspects, Griffey, Bone, Edgar, Ichiro etc. More recently, Guillen was a lot of fun to watch, at least waiting for him to explode on the other team (too bad he only went off on our team – didn’t he practically drag Yuni to the ground by the collar after a GW hit?). I’ve always had a special place for Beltre since he signed him, maybe its just cause living in So Cal (where people don’t know baseball outside Angels/Dodgers) people always refer to his 04 season and since he’s not smackin 45+ HRs anymore he’s a bust.

And theres Mighty Willie.

by seamariners85 on Aug 1, 2008 7:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Besides Red, I'm one of the biggest Beltre fans out there.

Even though I root for the Angels, I can wear a Mariners shirt with pride because it’s got the number 29 on the back. Of all the things to feel bad for this season, I think one of the worst is the lack of recognition or even derision that Beltre gets from people who think batting average is the be-all-end-all.

the other angels fan

by Eyebrows on Aug 1, 2008 7:20 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think my Beltre love may be part of

my love as a whole of power-hitting, good defense third basemen. Probably because the Angels haven’t had one in a long time. I’ve got a Longoria jersey coming in the mail, and a framed picture of A-Rod as a Rainier on my desk.

the other angels fan

by Eyebrows on Aug 1, 2008 7:23 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, I guess I can't talk about Mariners

but when my dad took me to Angels games as a kid, I loved watching Jim Abbott pitch. I still remember how amazing it was when he was able to get his glove on and snare a screaming comebacker. I also collected a lot of baseball cards, and I think I favored Darryl Strawberry, Nolan Ryan and Bo Jackson (especially the card where he’s breaking the bat over his knee).

the other angels fan

by Eyebrows on Aug 1, 2008 7:14 AM PDT   0 recs

Having Angel stadium as the closest ball park..

I saw a lot of Angels games as a kid. My favorite was always Chili Davis. I guess I told him he was my favorite player when I was really little so after each game we’d see him he’d always go out of his way to sign stuff and even gave me a signed bat of his. Of course being a kid I went outside and played with it, and after he was traded to the Twins we went to a Twins game and he recognized he and resigned it.

Him and Dante Bichette were always cool about signing stuff for my cousins and me.

by seamariners85 on Aug 1, 2008 7:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I used to be fascinated by Jim Abbott.

I remember staring, open-mouthed, thinking, “How on earth does he do that?”

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 7:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

These are magnificent

Where can I get one?

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 7:32 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I GISed "nintendo cake".

The first one was made by a wedding cake company, and the second was homemade by someone.

When I have time to start baking again, I’ll figure out this whole fondant thing and make some. When I was in HS, I made a Zelda cake (looked just like the beginning screen) with normal icing dots on a sheet cake. I’m looking to do more three dimensional stuff with the newer technologies.

by Faux on Aug 1, 2008 7:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Based on the cake I made for his birthday way back when,

a friend of mine also made these for me for my last birthday. They’re probably my most favorite possessions. Forgive the crappy BB pictures.

by Faux on Aug 1, 2008 7:59 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yup.

They’re about 3 1/2 inches tall, and pinned to my cube wall.

by Faux on Aug 1, 2008 8:04 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

ARod, Griffey, and Edgar were my favorite players growing up.

Also, I’ll be honest: there was a time when I was between 8-10ish where I rooted for the Yankees. The M’s were always my favorite team, but for a while there I liked the Yanks too. (This like turned to pure hatred in 2000)

So I also loved Tino Martinez and Chuck Knoblauch like they were family.

Go Nova

by dbroncos31 on Aug 1, 2008 7:35 AM PDT   0 recs

Also Beltre and Felix are current favorite M's.

I really like Ichiro, but for some reason he just can’t seem to reach that top level with me. I think Triunfel will be in that tier at some point, and I loved Adam Jones.

Go Nova

by dbroncos31 on Aug 1, 2008 7:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I loved Jay Buhner

and his insane arm in MLB 2K1 for the Dreamcast.

wlad for president '08

by wongguy on Aug 1, 2008 7:36 AM PDT   0 recs

I downloaded a PC version of it a while ago.

It was less fun to play because I don’t have an old controller.

by Jed MC on Aug 1, 2008 11:00 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I see some N64's at Goodwill

but there are a TON of Playstations… and the occasional but rare SNES.

I’m pretty sure it’s damn near impossible to win every game on the first edition of SNES Griffey. I’m pretty good at it, but some games you’re just going to lose.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Aug 1, 2008 11:20 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I swear it's programmed in.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

For me, it started when I was 6 or 7 with the superstar of the mid-80's M's: Spike Owen.

After he got traded, Mark Langston became my favorite player to watch.

Then, Jr. got drafted, and I saw him in Bellingham A ball, and he’s been my favorite ever since – and still is. I was 9 or 10 at the time and I’ve just always enjoyed watching him play. I was a kid and just was captured by how much he enjoyed the game, how he interacted with kids, and how smooth he was on the field.

I think my favorite live baseball moment was when my dad, son, and I went to my son’s first game last year when Jr. came back. I know my son won’t remember (he was only 2), but being at the game with him and my dad to watch Jr. play was special to me. I know Jr. isn’t unique or original in the slightest bit, but I really don’t care.

I also have been a fan of Greg Maddux. I think it’s because he was a glasses wearing, 5’10”, skinny, dorky white guy – and I can relate to that. He never threw the ball past anyone, but he was really fun to watch pitch.

by Jed MC on Aug 1, 2008 7:39 AM PDT   0 recs

I hope you mean that liking Jr might not be considered unique or original

Because Junior, at least Junior as he was, certainly qualifies as unique and original.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 7:47 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I hope you mean at the age he's become

Because not liking what Junior’s done is wrong

by Gomez on Aug 1, 2008 8:21 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I used to love Spike too.

I used to pretend I was him playing wiffleball in the back yard.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 10:43 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Aw.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 10:50 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

How can you not like a dude named "Spike"?

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Indeed.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Aug 1, 2008 11:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The first player I ever loved was Brett Butler.

I grew up a Giants fan in the late 80’s, and those ridiculous jaw muscles made him awesome in my mind. Another player I liked (not for his playing skills, but for his name) was Jose Uribe. I can remember all 12,000 or so people (which would have been a big crowd in those days) chanting OOOOO-REEBAY! He sucked ass as a player, but damn his name was fun to chant.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Aug 1, 2008 7:49 AM PDT   0 recs

I was a Robby Thompson fan.

Possibly his only one…but damn, I was committed.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 7:53 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I liked Robby Thompson too.

Before I knew better (read: when I was about 7), I thought he, not Bobby Thompson, hit the Shot Heard ‘Round the World.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Aug 1, 2008 7:56 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Me too! Me too!

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 8:03 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Strong is in Single-A?

Poor guy…

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Aug 1, 2008 7:57 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

He was a Camden Rivershark (Atlantic League) last year.

This year I think he’s out.

Don’t ask me how I know that.

by Faux on Aug 1, 2008 8:03 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Just read through his Wiki page,

and I see that he was picked up by the Riversharks again in early June, but never played or joined their active roster… I’m guessing he was used as a placeholder for a deal between Camden and the LI Ducks, then got out.

And guess who I found? Carl Everett and Nook Logan.

Clint Nageotte was in that league this season as well.

by Faux on Aug 1, 2008 8:32 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I was always a Dan Wilson fan

Though Griffey was in my pantheon as well. But back in 95-whenever when I was playing catcher in Little League, Dan Wilson was a god to me.

Raben died for your sins.

by rlintott on Aug 1, 2008 8:01 AM PDT   0 recs

I had the regular awesome players I liked. Edgar,Griffey, RJ, but Paul Sorrento was another one I always liked for some reason.

Even though he was only here for 2 years.

One Vision, One Purpose
Peace Through Power

by Goose on Aug 1, 2008 8:03 AM PDT   0 recs

I loved Paul Sorrento, too.

His crazy whirly-bird swing was awesome.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Aug 1, 2008 8:08 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Bret Boone

Just always seemed like he was having fun to me. Until 2004 anyway…

I'm more like I am now than I've ever been.

by ralphie81 on Aug 1, 2008 8:06 AM PDT   0 recs

Jesus Christ. I feel old looking at your favorites.

I remember loving Sid Bream, Mark Langston, and then later, Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden. Fernando Valenzuela. I loved watching Orel Hershiser and Nolan Ryan pitch. Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Smith, and Cal Ripken Jr. were badasses. Kirby Puckett trying to round the bases was pure gold.

by kevin_ess on Aug 1, 2008 8:23 AM PDT   0 recs

Is this an all-inclusive "your"?

Considering my favorites include Ozzie Smith, Robby Thompson, and Ryne Sandberg.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 8:42 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I was as big a Junior and Randy fan as anyone

As a kid, I was a fan of Rickey, cause Rickey stole bases and Rickey could rake.

My family were Greg Maddux fans (because he grew up in Vegas) and there’s an autographed baseball from Greg Maddux somewhere in my mother’s home.

by Gomez on Aug 1, 2008 8:25 AM PDT   0 recs

My age is going to show on this one.

I was a big time fan of Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton in the Phillies hey day of the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Mariner wise it was Bruce Bochte and then Mark Langston that really got me into being a Mariners Fan.

After that is was Griffey Jr. just because of the joy he showed in playing the game in his early years.

Midnight Baseball - No Lights - Only in Alaska!

by MfaninAlaska on Aug 1, 2008 8:28 AM PDT   0 recs

Word, MFan.

Say, are you attending the AARP meeting today? Let’s carpool.

by kevin_ess on Aug 1, 2008 8:37 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey, I was always a huge Ted Williams fan.

Not because I ever saw him play, but because he was my step-dads favorite player of all time.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 10:44 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Ted Williams is one of my favorites

and I always use the argument that he is the best player ever to start baseball conversations.

I fucking hate you Joel.

by JI on Aug 1, 2008 10:49 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My Ted Williams was Ty Cobbs.

I like a mean motherfucker.

by kevin_ess on Aug 1, 2008 10:50 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

So the recap

-Racial slurs
-Love of Ty Cobb

I fucking hate you Joel.

by JI on Aug 1, 2008 10:51 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Dude,

drop it. I apologized for not knowing it was a slur. Why do you continue to persist?

by kevin_ess on Aug 1, 2008 11:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That's how he rolls.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It was one comment.

Chill, both of you.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 11:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes Mom.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This never needs to be said again.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 11:34 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Many apologies. You have to admit that’s what it sounded like though.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:35 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm caught between laughter and terror.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 12:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My favorite was Bob Feller

(well, Feller and Walter Johnson).

Got an autograph from Feller as an older kid.

by marc w on Aug 1, 2008 11:10 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Best hitter ever.

I don’t know about best “all around” player.

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

When we were young, we weren’t obsessing over stats.

Wrong.

I fucking hate you Joel.

by JI on Aug 1, 2008 8:29 AM PDT   0 recs

I agree with JI.

I obsessed over stats…just the wrong stats.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Aug 1, 2008 8:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

As an act of heresy, I played the 1973 season as the crappy California Angels, just to see if I could win with them

That was an exercise in futility, though I had fun trying to manage 15 inning 2-1 losses.

by Gomez on Aug 1, 2008 9:23 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Who says I know how to read?

I'm back to liking midgets too much.

by Thingray on Aug 1, 2008 11:35 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I loved the Sunday section with the full page of stats.

Hitters sorted by average and pitchers by ERA and the full page of rumors from around the league. Peter Gammons was the master of the Sunday full page rumor article – there is a good reason he’s in the HOF.

by Jed MC on Aug 1, 2008 11:48 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Nice. It's section c (...um) in our newspaper too.

I do miss those days of strumming through the newspaper for the leaders in K’s and if there were any triple crown contenders though.

wlad for president '08

by wongguy on Aug 1, 2008 1:03 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

I remember being excited when the team acquired players with shiny BAs or ERAs.

(Al Fucking Martin you bastard I hate you)

I’d always feel confused/dismayed/stabby when that player inevitably sucked. Keep in mind, I didn’t make the conversion to the wonders of proper statistical analysis until about 2005/2006. I always got suckered into the hype of the counting numbers and surface stats:

Jeff Cirillo – God dammit I should have loved David Bell more than I did. Proof that park factors do matter.
Al Fucking Martin – ZOMG .300 BA! AWESOME!
Rich Aurillia – ZOMG LOOK AT THAT BATTING AVERAGE ALLSTAR!
James Baldwin – HE WAS GOOD ONLY A FEW SEASONS AGO!

Discovering OPS and FIP was such a wonderful thing…

by BrianL on Aug 1, 2008 8:49 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I meant the fancy stats.

I would do cartwheels over my name written in sand

by NOLAmarinergirl on Aug 1, 2008 8:43 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I know.

I fucking hate you Joel.

by JI on Aug 1, 2008 8:44 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

OBA, SLG, OPS, ISO, RC/27, SECA

Were all very fancy in 1996.