Call it a false start. In 1969, Seattle became a big league baseball town with the inception of the Seattle Pilots. And just as quickly as the team arrived, they were gone. However, 1977 brought renewed and lasting Major League baseball occupation in The Emerald City, as indicated by this near 150-photo lot that covers three decades of Mariners baseball.
Of course, what would a Mariners-related offering be without ample appearances by Ken Griffy Jr.? "The Kid" can be seen a host of times in times in the collection, as well as photos of Ken Griffy Sr. beside him. Other notable Seattle sluggers such as Edgar Martinez, Gorman Thomas, Harold Reynolds and Mark Langston. Famed manager Lou Piniella and an array of additional Mariners from throughout the team's existence find inclusion in this sizable Seattle photo lot.
The majority of the photographs are glossy, recently developed modern color photos (a rarity) that measure 8" x 10" in size. (A0460)
These images originated directly from the archives of either "The Sporting News" or "SPORT Magazine" and were intended for use in the respective publication. Photographers included in the collection include Charles Conlon, George Burke, George Brace, William C. Greene, Alex P. Silverberg, and George Dorrill. Some are identified; many are not but were provided by these world class photographers.
News service photos are also included, and in those instances, are identified as such by their respective stampings. Acme Wire Photo, Associated Press, International News, and United Press have provided images to the archives. Reverse images are included for identification purposes. As part of the production process for the newspaper, images may show production notes, photographer's stamps, date codes, and other markings associated with the production of the Sporting News newspaper. In all cases, each selected image is of superior quality, subject matter, clarity, contrast and condition. Each image was archived by the particular magazine (either "The Sporting News" or "SPORT Magazine") and, despite not including an official Sporting News or SPORT Magazine hologram, is assured its origin and provenance. Additional MEARS LOA included with each lot.