2001 Seattle Mariners Season
The Seattle Mariners' 2001 season was the 25th since franchise inception. The Mariners' payroll ranked 11th in baseball and their greatest stars (Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Alex Rodriguez) had left in the previous three years. Nevertheless, the season ended with the Mariners winning their third American League West division title, with a record of 116-46. This was an American League record for single-season wins and tied the Major League record set by the Chicago Cubs in 1906. They led the majors in both runs scored and fewest runs allowed. According to Baseball-Reference's calculation of team strength (by "wins above replacement"), the 2001 Mariners were the second greatest team in Major League Baseball history, following only the 1939 New York Yankees.
Along with their 2000 wild card berth, it marked the only time the franchise reached the postseason in consecutive seasons to date. After defeating the Cleveland Indians in the American League Division Series, they succumbed to the New York Yankees in 5 games in the American League Championship Series.
The 2001 season was also notable for the Major League debut of star Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki as he led the league in batting average and won AL MVP, as well as the Mariners hosting their second All-Star Game. It was also, as of 2012, the last season in which the Mariners reached the postseason.
Read more about 2001 Seattle Mariners Season: Offseason, All-Star Game, Awards and Records, Farm System
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