Top 50 Mariner Moments, 2007: #22

by Jeff Sullivan on Feb 13, 2008 2:52 PM PST in Seattle Mariners News, Regular

September 30th: With one out left in the season, Felix turns the ball over to JJ Putz to slam the door.

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John McLaren, to Felix, with two down in the ninth:

"You wanna get JJ his 40th save?"

I wish I had something to add to this, but I really don't. There's nothing I could say that would make you think about this moment in a different way, or perhaps make it seem more meaningful. It was exactly what it felt like at the time - a fitting way to end a season that, all things considered, brought us more highs than lows. We all would've preferred to see the M's make the playoffs, but given that they didn't, I'm not sure you could've scripted a more fitting conclusion. Felix at his best, then departing to a standing ovation and in so doing giving way to the greatest reliever in franchise history, who ended the year with a swinging strikeout? Perfect. It allowed us to say goodbye to 2007 with a smile and a hope that we're treated to countless repeat performances in the summers to come. And it was certainly a hell of a step up from the Jake Woods variety hour that closed out the season before.

Felix for 26, JJ for 1. The American League has not seen the last of such glorious tyranny.

Honorable Mentions
#50
#49
#48
#47
#46
#45
#44
#43
#42
#41
#40
#39
#38
#37
#36
#35
#34
#33
#32
#31
#30
#29
#28
#27
#26
#25
#24
#23

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I loved the near-symmatry of it

Opening day:
Felix 69% strikes, 8 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 12 strikeouts, 12-0 GB/FB
Putz 60% strikes, 1 inning, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts, 2-1 GB/FB

Ending day:
Felix 68% strikes, 8.2 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 8 strikeouts, 17-1 GB/FB
Putz 60% strikes, 0.1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strikeout, 0-0 GB/FB

by Matthew on Feb 13, 2008 3:22 PM PST reply actions

I love Putz and all...

But Cuffs Caudill is still the greatest reliever in franchise history.

HOLY CRAP! When searching for a picture of Cuffs Caudill I just found a picture of the original USS Mariner:

Ill Ligitamus Non Carberendum

by PositivePaul on Feb 13, 2008 3:34 PM PST reply actions

I've been looking for a good pic of that

for a while now. That's awesome.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Feb 13, 2008 3:37 PM PST up reply actions

You think it was hat giveaway day?

by Jeff Sullivan on Feb 13, 2008 3:39 PM PST up reply actions

It was Heaven's Gate Night

you just can't see the Nikes.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Feb 13, 2008 3:42 PM PST up reply actions

Best. Uniforms. Ever.

Well, I think so anyway. That Star/Trident logo still is one of my faves, even if a lot of other people loathe it...

Ill Ligitamus Non Carberendum

by PositivePaul on Feb 13, 2008 3:47 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

You and me both!

Actually, technically, I think it was the fake ship where the HR cannon was placed that was called the USS Mariner, not the tugboat. It's been so long ago now, and my Kingdome memories are fading (and I didn't exactly pay attention to the M's back then like I do now). But I do remember the tugboat distinctly...

Ill Ligitamus Non Carberendum

by PositivePaul on Feb 13, 2008 3:39 PM PST up reply actions

I miss the cannon

One time when I was a kid they shot it off after the Star Spangled Banner. It created a smoke ring that went all the way to 2nd base before it dissipated. I talked about for days after that I thought it was so cool.

by Sec 108 on Feb 13, 2008 4:18 PM PST up reply actions