The Double (Seattle Mariners) facts for kids

"The Double" is a famous moment in baseball history. It was a special hit by Edgar Martínez for the Seattle Mariners in 1995. This hit happened during the Major League Baseball Playoffs.

The Mariners were playing against the New York Yankees in a very important game. It was the bottom of the 11th inning, and the Mariners were behind by one run. Two Mariners players, Joey Cora and Ken Griffey, Jr., were on base. When Edgar Martínez hit the ball, it brought both Joey Cora and Ken Griffey, Jr. home. This amazing hit gave the Mariners a 6–5 victory!

Winning this game meant the Mariners won their playoff series, called the American League Division Series, by 3 games to 2. Lou Piniella, who was the Mariners' manager at the time, said "The Double" was "the hit... that saved baseball in Seattle."

The Big Play

The game was full of exciting moments. The Yankees took a 4–2 lead in the 6th inning. Don Mattingly hit a ball that brought in two runs for them. But the Mariners fought back! They tied the score at 4–4 in the 8th inning.

Since the score was still tied after nine innings, the game went into extra innings. In the top of the 11th inning, the Yankees scored another run. Randy Velarde hit a single that put the Yankees ahead 5–4. This set the stage for Edgar Martínez's incredible hit.

Dave Niehaus' Exciting Call

Dave Niehaus was the radio announcer for the Mariners. He made a very famous call when Edgar Martínez hit "The Double." Here is what he said:

Right now, the Mariners looking for the tie. They would take a fly ball; they would love a base hit into the gap and they could win it with [Griffey] Junior's speed. The stretch and the 0–1 pitch on the way to Edgar Martínez; swung on and lined down the left field line for a base hit! Here comes Joey! Here is Junior to third base, they're going to wave him in! The throw to the plate will be...late! The Mariners are going to play for the American League Championship! I don't believe it! It just continues! My oh My! Edgar Martinez with a double ripped down the left field line and they are going crazy at the Kingdome!

Images for kids

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  The Kingdome, the Mariners' home stadium from 1977 to 1999. This is where "The Double" happened.

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  T-Mobile Park, which became the Mariners' home stadium in 1999. Many people believe "The Double" helped get public support to build this new stadium.

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  Ken Griffey, Jr. (center) and the Seattle Mariners celebrating after he scored the winning run in Game 5 of the 1995 ALDS.