On April 6th, 1977, The Seattle Mariners played their first official game as a new AL expansion team against the California Angels. It was monumentally before a sold-out crowd of 57,762 at the Kingdome. Talk about baseball history. It’s incredible how much has changed and how the California Angels are now called the LA Angels. Anyone who is a baseball history nut will thrive on reminiscing on this day.
On This Day in 1977, The Mariners Transformed as a New AL Expansion Team
Baseball History
Today In 1977: The Seattle #Mariners play their first official game as a new American League expansion team vs. the California #Angels in front of a sold-out crowd of 57,762 at the Kingdome! #MLB #Baseball #History pic.twitter.com/6UUig6D3EK
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) April 6, 2024
Henry “Scoop” Jackson, who was the U.S. Senator at the time, was chosen to throw the first ceremonial pitch back in the 70s. The Kingdome was the first domed stadium in the AL. Just think how significant it is to have a domed stadium nowadays. Furthermore, right-hander Diego Segui pitched in the first game of the Seattle Pilots in their last season victory in 1969, and he was the Mariners’ Opening Night starter. Diego pitched just over 3 innings in the Opener at the age of 40. His career lasted 15 years. Unfortunately, the Mariners lost the opener by 7-0.
Their first win occurred in Game 3 of the Opening Series vs. the California Angels. They scored two in the bottom of the 9th. This permitted a 7-6 walk-off victory for the Mariners. Larry Milbourne’s double in the ninth was the epic hit that ended the game. The Mariners inevitably showcased a rollercoaster ride as an expansion team and finished their opening season with a 64-98 record. This placed them sixth out of seven teams in the A.L. West. Unfortunately, while their record was unsatisfactory, their home attendance brought in 1.3 million at the time. This was, without a doubt, a historical record for an MLB expansion team in the United States.
Outfielder and Mariner Lee Stanton was also voted the team’s MVP. He hit 27 home runs and drove in 90 RBIs. He was known as a productive and offensive leader for the Mariners. In addition, first baseman Dan Meyer also drove in 90 RBIs, and center fielder Ruppert Jones smashed 24 home runs and drove in 76 RBIs. He also earned the opportunity to appear on the AL All-Star team.
Baseball History Unleashed
It’s amazing what has occurred in baseball history and how we can look back, reflect, and reminisce on baseball memories. From the 1970s to now, so much has changed in baseball, but it’s nice to look back on memory lane. It is evident now that yearly, more and more changes are being made to the rules in baseball. What’s kind to the eye is how vintage jerseys and stadiums appeared and how we now witness City Connect jerseys worn by players. Overall, reflecting on past baseball players in baseball history and how they positively influenced the game is also encouraging.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
