Other memorable opening day hits
For all of Griffey’s accomplishments, Jim Presley has arguably the most clutch opening day hits in Mariners history. His moment in the limelight came on April 8 in 1986, against the Angels.
Presley’s first important hit came in the bottom of the ninth. With the M’s losing 4-2, he belted a two-run homer to force extra innings.
The 1986 All-Star then came to the plate again in the 10th inning, with two outs and the bases loaded. He proceeded to blast a walk-off grand slam for the 8-4 win, one of just three in Major League history on opening day.
On the subject of walk-off hits on opening day, Phil Bradley also had one just two years earlier, in 1984 versus the Toronto Blue Jays. Bradley hit a game-winning single in his only at-bat, to clinch a 3-2 win in the 10th inning at the Kingdome.
The third and final walk-off hit in Mariners opening day history came courtesy of Alex Rodriguez, in 1996. “A-Rod” hit a single in the 12th inning versus the Chicago White Sox, to secure a come from behind 3-2 win in front of a delighted home crowd.
NEXT: KING-FELIX, THE BIG UNIT AND MORE