The Seattle Mariners History began in 1977 as an expansion team in the American League. Since then, the club has grown into a key part of Seattle Mariners Baseball, developing iconic players, memorable seasons, and a passionate fan base at T-Mobile Park. Their journey reflects perseverance, talent, and dedication to success.
Established
1977
City
Seattle
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1977 – 1999 / American League
Team History
1977 – Present / Seattle Mariners
Nickname
Mariners – As a lifelong Seattle Mariners fan, you may have heard the team’s nickname and wondered where it came from. The name's origins are rooted in local history and baseball lore.
Seattle Mariners Origin
The Seattle Mariners were founded in 1977 as part of Major League Baseball's expansion into Canada with the Toronto Blue Jays. At this time, there was already a minor league team based out of Seattle called the Pilots that had been around since 1903. To honor this legacy, owners kept “Mariners” as their nickname when they joined MLB - paying homage to Puget Sound's long-standing maritime tradition, which dates back centuries before Europeans first set foot on American soil!
In addition to recognizing Washington state’s nautical heritage, selecting “Mariners” also served another purpose: it gave fans something familiar amidst all these simultaneous changes (i.e., joining MLB). It provided a sense of continuity during what could have been an incredibly tumultuous transition period for both players and supporters alike!
Furthermore, many believe that choosing “Mariners" was also intended to evoke images associated with exploration – much like how early explorers sought new lands across oceans unknown by sailing ships, so too did baseball teams explore uncharted territories through sport (in this case North America) while bringing joy & excitement wherever they went! This is why we still proudly use our beloved mascot, "The Mariner Moose," today - he symbolizes our intrepid spirit. He is a friendly reminder about how far we've come over four decades since entering Major League Baseball ranks way back then...
Championship
World Series 0
Stadium
2019 - Present / T-Mobile Park
1999 – 2018 / Safeco Field
1977 – 1999 / Kingdome Dome
Owner
1992 – Present / Baseball Club of Seattle, LP
1989 – 1992 / Jeff Smulyan
1980 – 1989 / George Argyros
1977 – 1980 / Danny Kaye
- 1977
- 1992
- 1999
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Seattle Mariners Team Formation
To keep the league with an even number of teams, a formal expansion proceeding was held, with a second team, the Blue Jays, being awarded to the city of Toronto also allowing both leagues to place a team in Canada; the National League’s Montreal Expos having been established in 1969. The new Seattle team, to begin play in 1977, would ... -
Yamauchi Purchases Mariners
In the early 1990s, the Seattle Mariners were available for sale and Washington State Senator Slade Gorton asked Nintendo of America to find a Japanese investor who would keep the club in Seattle. Yamauchi offered to buy the franchise, even though he had never been to a baseball game. Although the owner accepted the offer, the MLB commissioner Fay Vincent ... -
Safeco Stadium
Safeco Field (sometimes referred to as Safeco or The Safe) is a retractable roof baseball stadium located in Seattle, Washington. The stadium, owned and operated by the Washington-King County Stadium Authority, is the home stadium of the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) and has a seating capacity of 47,574 for baseball. Construction officially began on March 8, 1997, ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Seattle Mariners History
The Seattle Mariners history begins in 1977 when the team was founded as an expansion franchise in Major League Baseball. From the start, they captured the attention of fans in the Pacific Northwest, bringing big-league baseball to Seattle. Although their early years were marked by losing records, the Mariners steadily built a reputation as a team with potential. Over the decades, the Seattle Mariners have become home to legendary players and unforgettable moments, carving out a respected place in MLB history.
In 1995, after years of struggles, the Mariners experienced a turning point. That season is remembered as one of the most important in Seattle Mariners history. The team’s dramatic playoff push and victory over the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series not only revitalized baseball in Seattle but also helped secure the Mariners’ future in the city. This unforgettable run turned them into perennial contenders and created a wave of excitement that defined a new era for the franchise.
The early 2000s marked another highlight in the Seattle Mariners history. Led by international superstar Ichiro Suzuki, the team consistently challenged for postseason spots. In 2001, the Mariners tied the MLB record with 116 wins in a single season, a feat that remains unmatched today. That record-breaking year symbolized the franchise’s ability to compete at the highest level and reinforced their place among the most memorable teams in modern baseball.
Despite challenges with roster changes and financial constraints in later years, the Seattle Mariners have continued to build a competitive team. Their loyal fan base at Safeco Field, now known as T-Mobile Park, has stood by them through ups and downs. Iconic players like Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martínez, Randy Johnson, and Ichiro Suzuki left lasting marks on both the city and the game itself, ensuring that Seattle Mariners history is rich with Hall of Fame talent.
In recent years, the Mariners have pushed toward ending the longest postseason drought in professional sports. By investing in young talent such as Julio Rodríguez, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby, the team has reignited hope for fans and reestablished itself as a rising force in the American League. Their renewed focus on player development is shaping a promising future for the franchise.
Mariners Achievements
The Seattle Mariners’ achievements are significant. They have won three American League West Division titles and produced some of baseball’s most iconic highlights. The team’s unforgettable 1995 playoff run saved baseball in Seattle, while the 2001 squad is remembered as one of the greatest regular-season teams in MLB history. These moments stand as proof of the Mariners’ resilience and determination.
Beyond their historic seasons, the Mariners have also contributed to the global growth of baseball. From Ichiro’s international influence to Griffey’s impact on the sport’s popularity, the franchise has left a mark far beyond the Pacific Northwest. With a legacy built on unforgettable players, passionate fans, and historic achievements, the Seattle Mariners history continues to inspire both new and lifelong supporters of the game.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
11 / Edgar Martínez
24 / Ken Griffey Jr.
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history