This Day in Mariners History – Griffey’s Hit Back-to-Back Home Runs
On Sept. 14, 1990 at Angel Stadium, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. became this first (and only) father and son to hit back-to-back home runs in a Major League game…the elder Griffey started things with a 2-run home run to left-center field in the first inning off Angels starter Kirk McCaskill, and Junior followed with a home run to the same area.
This Date in Mariners History – Felix’s Debut
It seems like yesterday, but 7 years ago today on August 4, 2005 at Detroit’s Comerica Park, Felix Hernandez made his Major League debut. At 19 years, 118 days old, Felix became the 3rd-youngest player in club history to make his debut. Felix recorded the loss allowing 3 hits, 2 runs (1 ER) and striking out 4 in 5.0 innings in the Mariners 3-1 loss vs. the Tigers.
Today against the Yankees, Felix will make his 228th career start. Happy Felix Day.
Felix Hernandez, who wore #59 as a rookie, in his Major League debut Aug. 4, 2005 vs. the Tigers. At the time Felix became the youngest Major League starter since Jose Rijo pitched for the Yankees in 1984. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
This Date in Mariners History – June 19, 1992
On this date in Mariners history 20 years ago (June 19, 1992), left-handed starting pitcher Dave Fleming tossed a 4-hit shutout in a 1-0 victory at Minnesota. With the win he improved to 10-2, becoming the American League’s first 10-game winner. Greg Briley led off the game with a solo home run off Kevin Tapani for the game’s lone run.
Fleming set what was then a Mariners record with 11 wins at the All-Star break (since broken with 12 wins by Randy Johnson & Jamie Moyer) in 1992, going 11-3 with a 3.20 ERA. He ended the 1992 season going 17-10 with 7 complete games and a 3.39 ERA (86 ER, 228.1 IP) in 33 starts. The 17 wins remain tied with Mark Langston (1984) for the franchise rookie record. He finished 3rd in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Fleming’s Major League career spanned 5 seasons with the Mariners and Royals, combining to go 38-32 in 116 appearances (97 starts). His career was cut short after having reconstructive shoulder surgery.
Fleming was originally the Mariners 3rd round selection (79th overall) in the 1990 June Draft after an All-American career at the University of Georgia. He is currently a 5th grade math teacher at Paul E. Chatfield School in Seymour, Conn.
Dave Fleming won 17 games for the Mariners as a rookie in 1992.
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