Seattle Mariners Honor Legendary Broadcaster Dave Niehaus

Niehaus was the first and lead play-by-play announcer in Seattle's history. He called games from the team's inception in 1977 until his death in 2010. He called games for the then-California Angels for eight years before that, giving him 41 years of professional broadcasting experience.

Niehaus was considered one of the best sportscasters in America during his time with the Mariners. His Ford C. Frick Award, which is considered the highest honor that can be bestowed to a baseball broadcaster, is evident of that.

Niehaus was named Washington Sportcaster of the Year twice. He also threw out the cermonial first pitch in Seattle's first game at T-Mobile Park (then Safeco Field) on July 15, 1999.

By the end of Niehaus' last season in 2010, he had called 5,284 of 5,385 games played from when he was hired through the 2010 season. He had several iconic calls including "Grand Salami" for home runs and coined Ken Griffey Jr.'s nickname "The Kid."

He also called arguably the most iconic play in franchise history when Edgar Martinez hit a two-RBI double in Game 5 of a 1995 American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees to send the Mariners to their their first American League Championship Series in franchise history. The play was aptly named "The Double."

Niehaus' impact is still felt at T-Mobile Park to this day. Niehaus has a plaque outside the stadium and the broadcasting side of the press box at T-Mobile Park is named "The Dave Niehaus Broadcast Center." He also has a statue in side the ballpark.