That One Will Fly Away: Five Classic Seattle Mariners Moments as Called by Dave Niehaus

1995 was a phenomenal year for Dave Niehaus and the whole Mariners franchise. His famous catchphrase “Get out the rye bread and mustard, Grandma! its Grand Salami time!” came during an away game against the Detroit Tigers game where Tino Martinez belted a grand slam.

There is much speculation as to when exactly this phrase was first coined, but in an interview Niehaus claimed that it was Martinez’s grand slam that started it.

Since then the phrase “Grand Salami” has become a regular part of sports-talk and is a staple in Niehaus’ long list of famous baseball adages.

Though this instance in Mariners’ history will only appear as a “strike” in the record books, it holds much more significance than that. The first pitch on opening day in 1977 was the first pitch in Mariners history.

It was delivered by hotshot pitcher Diego Segui. It was also the call that started Niehaus’ career. From this point on, Mariners fans fell in love with the raspy voice of Dave Niehaus.

There is a reason you see thousands of hand held radios accompanying fans as they sit in the bleachers at Safeco (or the Kingdome if you have been around).

The games just aren’t the same without Niehaus’ voice blaring through a set of speakers.

Though this bit takes place outside the park, the Ford C. Frick accolades that Dave Niehaus has received are as important as the moments that take place around the diamond.

Because he has done so much to make weak seasons exciting and strong seasons memorable, the addition of his name into the record books seem to be a fitting addition to a list of great Mariner Moments.

An excerpt from his Award speech:

“I just wish everybody could experience the feeling I’m having now. There will never be anything like it again in my lifetime...”

The Seattle Mariners scored their first post-season game in 1995. Due to a strike that shortened the regular season by about 20 games, the Mariners were forced to participate in a one-game playoff against the California Angels, as both the teams had identical records.

The Mariners brought down the house, winning 9-1 and solidifying themselves in the AL West. It was in this game that Niehaus perfectly described what everyone was thinking when Randy Johnson struck out the final batter:

“Now the left-hander ready, branding iron hot, the 1-2 pitch....K insert it! It's over! Right over the heart of the plate! Randy looks to the skies...and bedlam! The Mariners now erupt! Nineteen long years of frustration is over!”

Arguably the defining moment of the Mariners’ franchise history came in the 11th inning of game five of the American League Division Series.

With Joey Cora on second base and Ken Griffey, Jr. on first, Edgar Martinez sent a double careening into deep right field, allowing both Cora and Griffey to score.

After coming back from an 0-2 deficit, the Mariners sealed their first playoff victory as a major league team. Niehaus’ play-by-play came to define this play in the collective memory of sports fans all over Seattle.

"The stretch and the 0–1 pitch on the way to Edgar Martinez: Swung on and lined down the left field line for a base hit! Here comes Joey! Here is Junior to third base; they're going to wave him in! The throw...LATE!

The Mariners are going to play for the American League Championship. I don't believe it! It just continues! My, oh my! Edgar Martinez with a double...they are going crazy at the Kingdome!"