In a heartfelt ceremony at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners unveiled a new statue dedicated to their historic 2001 team, which achieved a remarkable 116 wins during the season. This tribute is part of the newly established 'Legacy Plaza,' a space designed to celebrate the team's legacy while also honoring the memory of the September 11th attacks.
Fans entering through the Center Field gates will now be greeted by the striking statue featuring Mariners legends Mike Cameron and Mark Macklemore. The artwork not only captures the spirit of the 2001 squad but also serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience shown by the nation in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Both Cameron and Macklemore were present for the unveiling, with legendary play-by-play announcer Rick Rizzs serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The plaza also features the American flag that the duo carried onto the field the night the Mariners clinched the American League West title, a moment that still resonates deeply with fans and players alike, 25 years later.
Reflecting on that memorable night, Macklemore expressed the significance of the event, stating, “That was the first night that baseball was back. So, to be able to share that with the fans and the rest of the country…it really means a lot to me.” He further elaborated, “Those are the memories that are always with me. But, especially on a day like today, they’re all flooding back.” Cameron echoed these sentiments, noting the honor of being chosen for such a tribute, saying, “For them to choose us. It’s just special, man.”
The statue is backed by an impressive display of 116 bats, each representing one of the team's wins that season. Additionally, the plaza includes over 2,000 commemorative medallions that were sold to support the Mariners’ 'Legacy Field Projects,' aimed at restoring youth baseball diamonds across Washington state. This initiative underscores the team's commitment to fostering the future of baseball at the grassroots level.
During the ceremony, Macklemore praised Cameron's ability to keep the team relaxed during a challenging season, humorously stating, “And, this guy right here kept us loose better than anybody I’ve ever played with.” Cameron reciprocated the compliment, joking about Macklemore's likeness in the statue, saying, “They did it good, man. They got him to the tee. He’s still got his batting gloves in his back pocket.”
The Mariners have been actively enhancing their collection of statues, having unveiled Ichiro Suzuki's statue earlier this year, with plans for Randy Johnson's statue to be added next season. As the current Mariners team prepares to face the Oakland Athletics, sitting 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, the legacy of the 2001 team may serve as inspiration for them as they push through the final stretch of the regular season.
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