#1 April

2011 marks the beginning of the Eric Wedge era, and the new manager talks with the Salami this month alongside our season preview feature. We also remember broadcaster Dave Niehaus, speculate on Felix Hernandez's value to the team, and offer some suggestions to Mariner ownership.

#2 May

Interviews with pitcher Michael Pineda and batting coach Chirs Chambliss highlight this month's issue, with additional features on the team's poor showing in the early season, who's coming up in the minor leagues, and Jim Caple reveals the Top Ten benefits Felix Hernandez gets for being Seattle's King.

#3 June

This month's cover is graced by first baseman Justin Smoak, who is interviewed inside. Also, a look at the upcoming draft, a Q&A with reliever Aaron Laffey, and a feature on broadcaster Ken Wilson. Plus, Jim Caple compares the Mariners' hideous teal jereys to other Seattle sartorial mistakes.

#4 July

If it's July, it must be trade time and the Salami speculates on possible moves. Plus, an interview with top draft pick Danny Hultzen, looks back at Seattle's baseball past with reviews of the DVD "Flight of the Pilots" and the book "Pitchers of Beer," and Jim Caple's ideas for new stadium concessions.

#5 August

The arrival of Dustin Ackley to the bigs leads off this month, with features on the King's Court cheering section, top minor league prospects James Paxton and Taijuan Walker, pitching coach Carl Willis, and shortstop Brendan Ryan following. Plus, Jim Caple on upcoming free agents.

#6 September

The late Rick Kaminski is cover-featured this month, with a memorial to the popular longtime peanut vendor leading off the issue. Also, a look ahead to 2012, interviews with former manager Lou Piniella and former GM Pat Gillick, and a special piece from Dave "Andy" Niehaus reflecting on his dad, Hall of Fame announcer Dave Niehaus.

#1 April

2010 began with high hopes for the M's, detailed in this year's season preview. New pitcher Cliff Lee is featured, plus interviews with General Manager Jack Zduriencik and award-winning sportswriter Art Thiel. Also, Jim Caple suggests ticket promotions for the season.

#2 May

Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez is cover-featured this month; inside are interviews with Gutierrez, pitcher Felix Hernandez, former GM Woody Woodward, and stadium public address announcer Tom Hutyler. Plus, columns on Ken Griffey's season to date, pitching coach Rick Adair, and Jim Caple on modern scoreboard-watching.

#3 June

The season's early promise evaporated in a hurry, and this issue looks at why. Manager Don Wakamatsu is featured, plus Q & A with pitcher Doug Fister, a look at street vendors outside Safeco Field, and a comparison of the M's business practices with those of the Seattle Sounders.

#4 July

Our Ken Griffey Jr. tribute issue following #24's retirement includes reflections on the greatest Mariner to play the game from many sources. Plus, an interview with former Mariner top prospect Brandon Morrow, a photospread from Turn Back the Clock day, and speculation on the fate of Cliff Lee. (Alternate Ichiro/Jeter cover sold out.)

#5 August

This month has initial reactions to the Cliff Lee trade with the Rangers and an interview with Seattle's core acquisition from that deal, first baseman Justin Smoak. Also, Lou Piniella, Jim Caple on the M's draft history, letters from our readers, and a Wry Bread cartoon.

#6 September

We close the 2010 season with an interview with the Mariners' top pick in the '09 draft, future star Dustin Ackley. Also featured are a Q & A with commissioner Bud Selig, speculation on the next M's managerial hire, and a look back at baseball in the 1970s.

#1 April

The Jack Zduriencik era begins with a Welcome Home Junior cover and inside features on new manager Don Wakamatsu, the 2009 campaign, and top prospects in the M's minor league system. Other content includes part II of the interview of former GM Hal Keller and columns by Jim Caple and Jason Puckett.

#2 May

Felix Hernandez is cover-featured and interviewed in this issue. Other interviews this month are Franklin Gutierrez, right-hander Chris Jakubauskas, and former GM Dick Balderson. Plus, scouting Ichiro, Jim Caple, and more.

#3 June

The previous month's Turn-Back-the-Clock Night is cover-featured with Ichiro in a period Seattle Rainiers uniform. Interviews inside with outifelder Endy Chavez and former GM Dick Balderson. Also, clubhouse chemistry, Jim Caple, and more!

#4 July

July is All-Star month, and Ichiro graces the cover in celebration of his 9th consecutive All-Star appearance. Inside are features on the legacy of Randy Johnson, the year's draft haul, and interviews with first baseman Russell Branyan and former GM Woody Woodward.

#5 August

Features this month include analysis of Jack Zduriencik's trade deadline maneuvers, a look at closer David Aardsma, interviews with outfielder Michael Saunders and former GM Woody Woodward, reflections on the Kingdome, and more.

#6 September

This issue includes reflections on Ken Griffey, Jr.'s return to the M's; Jack Zduriencik's first year as GM; 2009 in the farm system; and interviews with former GM Woody Woodward and Seattle Post-Intelligencer sportswriter Art Thiel.

#1 April

2008 ended up as a nightmare season, but it opened with high expectations for the Mariners. This issue previews the '08 campaign and interviews manager John McLaren and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre and features articles on new pitching ace Erik Bedard and first-round draftee Phillippe Aumont.

#2 May

Left fielder Raul Ibanez is interviewed this month and featured on the cover. Also, the quest to bring more women to Safeco Field, Minor League Wrap, and a tribute to ex-Mariner catcher John Marzano.

#3 June

A look at the M's gross mismanagement of the 2008 season joins features on ticket scalping, the draft, Bill Bavasi, and interviews with Ryan Rowland-Smith, Carlos Silva, backup catcher Jamie Burke, and former GM Lou Gorman.

#4 July

At long last, Bill Bavasi is fired as Mariners GM and the Salami rejoices. Also, interviews with former GM Lou Gorman and Latino baseball pioneer Preston Gomez, speculation on the fate of Erik Bedard, Minor League Wrap, Jose Lopez poster, and more.

#5 August

Broadcaster Dave Niehaus is cover-featured in celebration of his induction into the baseball Hall of Fame. Interviews with Niehaus and former GM Dan O'Brien, Minor League Wrap, Jim Caple, Turn Back the Clock Day in San Diego, and more.

#6 September

Part II of the interview with broadcaster Dave Niehaus accompanies chats with former GM Hal Keller, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams, and features on the M's upcoming offseason and the year's Hall of Fame ceremonies.

#1 April

Featuring Ichiro Suzuki on the cover and Kenji Johjima on the backpage poster, this issue previews the 2007 season. Included are interviews with M's manager Mike Hargrove, bench coach John McLaren, and former star outfielder Jay Buhner. Mike Gastineau introduces fans to new play-by-play man Dave Sims in his "Voice of Reason" column and Jim Caple's "Seamhead" column looks at marquee dates on the 2007 schedule.

#2 May

Felix Hernandez graces the cover this month, with a feature article on Felix by Mike Gastineau inside. Also this month: Part two of last month's John McLaren interview, a lengthy article on Padres CEO and former A's GM and MLB vice president Sandy Alderson, Jim caple's "Seamhead," Minor League Wrap, book reviews, and more.

Alternate cover

#3 June

A nifty Ichiro cover this month with 8 pages of inside material on June's big story, the return of Ken Griffey, Jr., to Seattle during an Interleague series with the Cincinnati Reds. Also, Mike Gastineau writes about the multi-talented Miguel Batista, Alex Hart examines the Julio Mateo situation, part two of May's Sandy Alderson feature, and Minor League Wrap showcases powerful outfielder Wladimir Balentien. The backpage poster is of Edgar Martinez in honor of his induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame on June 2nd.

#4 July

July is All-Star month, and 2007 American League All-Star J.J. Putz is cover-featured and All-Star Ichiro is on the backpage poster. Inside is an interview with Putz plus a Q & A with right fielder Jose Guillen, Jim Caple discusses the Mariner strategy at the July 31 trading deadline, Mike Gastineau contrasts the '06 Mariners with the '07 version, and part one of a fascinating interview with Major League umpire Gerry Davis.

#5 August

Ichiro Suzuki is cover-featured as the All-Star Game MVP. Inside are features on Ichiro's contract extension; John McLaren's ascention to manager after Mike Hargrove's abrupt mid-season resignation; part two of the Gerry Davis interview from July; an interview with Ken Griffey, Jr.; and Mike Gastineau compares J.J. Putz to the game's other elite closers. Felix Hernandez is the poster.

#6 September

This month's cover showcases Kenji Johjima in his Turn-Back-the-Clock uniform, while Adrian Beltre graces the backpage poster. Interior features include a Johjima interview, a photospread of July 29th's Turn-Back-the-Clock game, a look at the mammoth losing streak that doomed the M's '07 campaign, book reviews, columns from Mike Gastineau and Jim Caple, and more.

#1 April

On the heels of the inaugural World Baseball Classic, this month's cover shows Ichiro Suzuki and Adrian Beltre in their WBC uniforms. The '06 season is previewed inside, along with coverage of the WBC, an interview with new DH Carl Everett, Q & A sessions with Seattle General Manager Bill Bavasi and Oakland GM Billy Beane, Mike Gastineau's "Voice of Reason," and Jim Caple relates his memories of the late Kirby Puckett.

#2 May

Catcher Kenji Johjima is cover-featured and interviewed this month. Along with Kenji's Q & A, the interior includes interviews with pitcher Jarrod Washburn, coaches Jeff Pentland and Rafael Chaves, and former Mariner pitcher Bobby Madritsch; a photospread from the World Baseball Classic; a look at historic Fenway Park; Jim Caple's "Seamhead" waxing nostalgic for the Seattle Pilots; and Mike Gastineau sings the praises of Richie Sexson. No, really.

#3 June

Jose Lopez is on the cover and interviewed inside. Also interviewed are shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and revliever J.J. Putz. Other features include Mariner Spanish-language broadcaster Amaury Pi-Gonzalez's article on Hispanic ballplayers, a profile of UW Huskies pitcher Tim Lincecum, coverage of the SABR convention in Seattle, a review of the new realease of Ball Four, and two columns on Barry Bonds in time for an Interleague visit from the San Francisco Giants. The backpage poster is of Raul Ibanez.

#4 July

This issue spotlights Ichiro Suzuki on the cover and Ichiro with countryman Kenji Johjima on the backpage poster. Inside, read interviews with Raul Ibanez, Brandon Morrow, and Eddie Guardado; a history of the ill-fated Seattle Pilots; Minor League Wrap and the 2006 amateur draft; and Mike Gastineau's column about Torii Hunter's quest to revitalize the game's African-American population.

#5 August

Ichiro graces both the cover and the backpage poster in his retro Seattle Pilots jersey from Turn-Back-the-Clock day, while inside are interviews with two actual Seattle Pilots, Mike Marshall and Jim Bouton. You can also enjoy an imagined discussion with manager Mike Hargrove, quick quotes from several Mariner payers about playing as the Pilots for a game, and a look back at some of the more notable July 31 trade deadline deals.

#6 September

This month's cover commemorates Jamie Moyer's ten years as a Mariner after his trade to Philadelphia earlier in the season. Mike Gastineau writes about Jamie in his "Voice of Reason" column, while other features include interviews with Ben Broussard, Mark Lowe, and George Sherrill; Minor League Wrap; and a Q & A with Mariner beat writer Corey Brock of MLB.com.

#1 April

Previewing the 2005 season with features on manager Mike Hargrove, Ichiro's record-breaking 262-hit season, Mariners Fantasy Camp, Minor League Wrap, and more.

#2 May

Adrian Beltre graces the cover this month, with interviews inside with Beltre, farmhand Matt Tuiasosopo, and Negro Leagues legend Buck O'Neil; much more.

#3 June

Cover-featured is new first baseman Richie Sexson, who is interviewed this issue. Also interviewed are outfielder Jeremy Reed and utilityman Willie Bloomquist. Plus columns by Mike Gastineau and Jim Caple, Ichiro on Ichiro, and more.

#4 July

This month cover-features Ichiro Suzuki. Inside, Q & A with Jeff Clement, Chris Snelling, and '95 heroes Norm Charlton and Mike Blowers. Jim Caple also reflects on 1995.

#5 August

Ichiro wears his Turn-Back-the-Clock Rainers uniform on the cover, while the interior has features on the July 31 trade deadline, veteran pitcher Jamie Moyer, and a chat with GM Bill Bavasi, Manager Mike Hargrove, and the M's coahes about the disappointing season thus far.

#6 September

#1 April

The 2004 preview issue includes interviews with new General Manager Bill Bavasi and sportswriter Art Thiel; Mike Gastineau on closer Eddie Guardado; an account of Mariners Fantasy Camp; Jim Caple predicts the season highlights; and more.

#2 May

Catcher Dan Wilson is cover-featured this month. Inside are interviews with Wilson, outfielder Raul Ibanez, Angels GM Arte Moreno, and sportswriter Art Thiel; a look at the top pitching prospets in the M's system; Jim Caple on the art of the box score; and more.

#3 June

It didn't take long to realize that Bill Bavasi was running the team into the ground, and this month we get into the evidence. Plus, Q & A's with shortstop Rich Aurilia and closer Eddie Guardado, Mike Gastineau on how to properly heckle form the stands, and Jim Caple steps into the box against live major league pitching.

#4 July

Included this month are interviews with CEO Howard Lincoln and hitting coach Paul Molitor, a recap of the June amateur draft, speculation on potential trade deadline dealings, and more.

#5 August

Local favorite Bucky Jacobsen is interviewed this month. Plus, a look at the career of Jay Buhner, Q & A with Tacoma Rainiers manager Dan Rohn, and a chat with the man inside the Mariner Moose costume.

#6 September

Featuring Edgar Martinez as he heads into his retirement. Also, interviews with broadcaster Ron Fairly and top draft pick Matt Tuiasosopo, comparisons between the '04 M's and the worst Seattle teams of the past, and more.

#1 April

Previewing the 2003 season, the first of the post-Lou Piniella era. Featuring interviews with Piniella and his successor, new manager Bob Melvin; Mike Gastineau on Jeff Cirillo's need for a comeback season; Minor League Wrap; Wry Bread cartoon; and Jim Caple on the age of the M's lineup.

#2 May

Interviews this month with pitcher Joel Pineiro, manager Bob Melvin, left fielder Randy Winn, and former M Charles Gipson. Plus, a critical look at the Seattle front office, Mike Gastineau on the art of the steal, and Jim Caple on the evil empire known as the Yankees.

#3 June

Bret Boone, Mike Cameron, Gil Meche, and Pat Gillick are interviewed this month. Plus Minor League Wrap, Mike Gastineau on Bud Selig's reign of change and terror, Jim Caple, and more.

#4 July

Interviews galore this month, including chats with pitcher Jamie Moyer, manager bob Melvin, reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa, utilityman Mark McLemore, and prospects Travis Blackley and Rett Johnson. Plus, Jim Caple suggests ways to fix the All-Star Game.

#5 August

Part II of our Jamie Moyer interview higlights this issue, along with interviews with reliever Arthur Rhodes and fomer manager Lou Piniella. Mike Gastineau examines the differences between Piniella and Bob Melvin, a look back at inaction at the trading deadline, and Jim Caple reveals the secrets of bieng a giant foam-encased racing sausauge.

#6 September

Edgar Martinez is cover-featured this issue, with an Edgar interview leading off the interior. Also, interviews with reliever Armando Benitez, catcher Ben Davis, and former skipper Rene Lachemann. Plus, a review of the new book Moneyball, profits over pennants for Mariner ownership, and a look at up-and-coming prospect Felix Hernandez.

#1 April

MVP Ichiro Suzuki graces this month's cover as we preview the 2002 campaign. Also this issue, features on Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, and Ichiro. Plus Minor League Wrap and Jim Caple looks back at M's teams through the years.

#2 May

This issue includes interviews with shortstop Carlos Guillen and prospect Kenny Kelly; a profile of new third baseman Jeff Cirillo; Jason Barker's advice for bringing dates to Safeco Field; columns by Rob Neyer, Jim Caple, and Mike Gastineau; back-page poster of center fielder Mike Cameron; and more.

#3 June

Brett Boone and Mike Cameron share this month's cover, with a Boone Q & A inside. Also, features on Cameron's spectacular four-homer game in Chicago, rookie reliever Rafael Soriano, pitcher Joel Pineiro, the Seattle Pilots, ballpark food, and Jim Caple on the havoc wrought by Interleague Play.

#4 July

We marvel at the skill of Ichiro this month, as well as talk to SF Giants outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo, look at concessions outside the stadium, examine the MLB draft, and more. Plus, Mike Gastineau reflects on the career of Jamie Moyer and Jim Caple compares the best ballparks in baseball.

#5 August

Manager Lou Piniella gets the cover treatment his month and an interview with Sweet Lou leads off inside. Also, Q & A with outfielder Ruben Sierra, fallout from the '02 All-Star Game debacle, a eulogy for Ted Williams, 61* reasons to hate the New York Yankees, and Mike Gastineau refers to Bud Selig as "the man who oversees the day-to-day business of baseball with all the dexterity of a drunk fumbling for change for the jukebox."

#6 September

The great Edgar Martinez is cover-featured and interviewed this month. Plus Q & A's with infielder Desi Relaford, utilityman Charles Gipson, and former Mariner David Bell; speculation on the fate of the Montreal Expos; examination of Mariner ownership's propensity for bad decision-making; and Mike Gastineau's take on the just-completed labor agreement.

#1 April

The first issue of the 2001 season features newly-signed superstar Ichiro Suzuki on the cover, while the '01 Mariners are previewed inside. Also this month are articles on just who this Ichiro character is, an interview with Oakland A's slugger Jason Giambi, fan reaction to the loss of Alex Rodriguez to the Texas Rangers, the debut of Minor League Wrap, and more.

#2 May

May sees Mike Cameron on the cover and interviewed inside. Plus, an interview with former Mariner Alex Rodriguez, Rob Neyer on the new tradition of booing A-Rod, a look at the game as played in Japan, Minor League Wrap, Ichiro on the backpage poster, and more.

#3 June

The All-Star Game was played at Safeco Field in 2001, and the pre-All-Star edition of the Salami celebrated the cause with two All-Star covers and an expanded page count. All-Star candidates from the M's are examined inside, along with a feature on Ichiro, an Edgar Martinez Q & A, All-Star recollections from some of the Mariner players, great moments in the history of the All-Star Game, speculation on which former M's will play at Safeco in the All-Star Game and what reaction will be, a second article on baseball in Japan, and more.

#4 July

Bret Boone is cover-featured and interviewed in this issue, which also has an interview with pitcher Ryan Franklin, a look at the bobblehead craze, Minor League Wrap, Rob Neyer's musings on the greatness of the 2001 Mariners, Ichiro on the backpage, and more.

#5 August

Ichiro graces the cover in his All-Star warmup jersey. Inside is a retrospective of Seattle's second All-Star experience, a photospread from the All-Star Game at Safeco, an interview with reliever Jeff Nelson, a report on the 2001 Japanese All-Star Games, Rob Neyer's comparison of Safeco Field to other great ballparks, and more.

#6 September

Kazu Sasaki and Ichiro share this month's cover. Inside are interviews with Sasaki and infield prospect Ramon Vazquez; a look at Mark McLemore's versatility from Mike Gastineau; an article on Japan's esteemed High School baseball tournament, held each August at storied Koshien Stadium; Minor League Wrap; a look ahead to the postseason pitching mathcups by Rob Neyer; and Aaron Sele on the backpage poster.

#7 Postseason

One of the best Salami covers ever celebrates the M's entry in the 2001 postseason with Ichiro Suzuki, Bret Boone, Arthur Rhodes, and Edgar martinez flanking Lou Piniella. Inside the amazing 116-win season is examined month-by-month, Freddy Garcia, Aaron Sele, and Dan Wilson are interviewed, and Jason Barker debates who should win the '01 MVP award. The backpage poster is a striking Ichiro montage.

#1 April

The 2000 season and the post-Woody Woodward era begins with a cover showing two of the Mariners' off-season acquisitions, John Olerud and Aaron Sele. Inside is a preview of the 2000 M's; an interview with Alex Rodriguez; alalysis of the first M's team in years without Ken Griffey, Jr.; the continuation of the history of the Mariners franchise series; Jamie Moyer on the backpage poster; and more.

#2 May

Kazuhiro Sasaki shows his form on this month's cover. Inside are interviews with Sasaki and first baseman John Olerud, as well as articles on Mariner broadcaster Dave niehaus, doings with the Tacoma Rainiers, a call to retire Griffey's number 24, chapter 14 of the history of the Mariners, and more.

#3 June

New acquisition Rickey Henderson shares the cover with Alex Rodriguez this month, while inside are interviews with Mark McLemore, Arthur Rhodes, Russ Davis, and pitching coach Bryan Price. Also, Mike Gastineau revels in the team's newfound defensive prowess, Mariners history chapter 15, photos of the Mariners' infamous brawl with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and a backpage poster of Dave Niehaus.

#4 July

Edgar Martinez is cover-featured in this issue. An Edgar interview leads off the interior, which also features an argument for Edgar and the Hall of Fame, a Q & A with center fielder Mike Cameron, History of the Mariners Part 16, a two-page profile of pitcher Jamie Moyer, a Lou Piniella backpage poster, and more.

#5 August

Alex Rodriguez is this month's cover player. Inside features include an A-Rod photospread, pictures from the 2000 All-Star Game, an interview with Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, defense of Lou Piniella from Mike Gastineau, chapter 17 of the History of the Mariners series, and more.

#6 September

Spetember sees another Alex Rodriguez cover plus articles on A-Rod's potential future with Seattle, an interview with new outfielder Al Martin, Mike Gastineau chats with Jay Buhner, the conclusion of the History of the Mariner franchise series, Kazuhiro Sasaki on the backpage, and more.

#7 Postseason

Five of the M's big guns are on the 2000 postseason cover: Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Kazuhiro Sasaki, and Freddy Garcia. Inside are interviews with Jay Buhner and GM Pat Gillick; a look at the season gone by and how the team made the playoffs; lengthy profiles af Buhner, Gillick, and Sasaki; an interview with Pete Rose; an Edgar Martinez poster; and more.

#1 April

Alex Rodriguez is on the cover of this year's first issue, while inside are articles previewing the 1999 Mariners. Also, Rob Neyer asks who is the more valuable Mariner, Rodriguez or Griffey; J. Michael Kenyon looks at the trend of building new parks for Major League teams; Mike Gastineau sings the praises of Ken Griffey, Jr.; book reviews; the continuation of last season's history of the Mariners feature; and more.

#2 May

Jay Buhner is this month's cover player, with a feature on Jay inside. Also, J. Michael Kenyon lists the top ten Mariners managers, Mike Gastineau waxes nostalgic about the minor leagues, the next chapter in the history of the Mariners, a backpage poster of Rus Davis, and more.

#3 June

An illustrated cover of Kingdome highlight players leads off this Kingdome tribute issue, with articles on the Dome; an interview with former Mariner manager Rene Lachemann; a feature on the M's first manager, Darrell Johnson; Q & A sessions with outfielder Brian Hunter, reliever Norm Charlton, and utlity player Rich Amaral; and more.

#4 July

The first issue of the Safeco Field era features an illustrated cover of Ken Griffey, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez. Inside is an in-depth look at the new ballpark plus a Kingdome farewell, J. Michael Kenyon on the cost of Safeco Field, an interview with Mariner prospect Ryan Anderson, more in the ongoing history of the Mariners series, and more.

#5 August

Ken Griffey, Jr., hams it up on the cover of this month's issue, which features a photospread of the first few games at Safeco Field, an article on Randy Johnson's return to Seattle as a visiting player, Rob Neyer's examination of Safeco Field in comparison to other ballparks, the next chapter in the history of the Mariners series, A-Rod on the backpage poster, and the Kingdome gets compared to a drainage ditch.

#6 September

Alex Rodeiguez shows off the '99 alternate (sleeveless) jersey on the cover, while inside features include a photospread of Kids Day at Safeco Field, late-season analysis of Lou Piniella's underachieving ways, a plethora of suggestions to Mariner ownership for rehsaping the team, and chapter 12 of the history of the Mariners.

#1 April

Reigning MVP Ken Griffey, Jr., is featured in an illustrated cover this month, as the Salami goes to an all-slick paper format. The '98 M's are previewed inside, plus a tribute to the late Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray; Mike Gastineau's "Voice of Reason"; Rob Neyer's inaugural "Lost in the Sun" column; Fan of the Month; Randy Johnson on the backpage poster; and the first of an 18-part, in-depth look at the history of the Mariners franchise.

#2 May

Frist baseman David Segui lounges in the dugout on this month's cover, while inside are features on the frightening — and not in a good way — Mariner bullpen, Mike Gastineau on the pace of the game, Rob Neyer on expanding baseball's fan base, part two of the history of the M's franchise, Fan of the Month, and J. Michael Kenyon reminds fans that other teams have had awful relief pitching, too.

#3 June

Dan Wilson suits up on the cover this month, while inside is an interview with former Mariner Jose Cruz, Jr. Also, an examination of Lou Piniella's decision-making, an interview with umpire Durwood Merrill and a review of Merrill's book, part three of the Mariners franchise history, Fan of the Month, and the regular contributions from Mike Gastineau, Rob Neyer, and J. Michael Kenyon.

#4 July

Alex Rodriguez is cover-featured, with articles on Rodriguez, the newly-rechristened Everett AquaSox, Rob Neyer's 10 point plan he'd implement if he had Bud Selig's job, a short interview with former Mariner Paul Sorrento, Fan of the Month, more history of the Mariner franchise, and more.

#5 August

The cover this month goes to recent callup Shane Monahan, who is also interviewed inside. Edgar Martinez is interviewed as well, plus Fan of the Month, Mike Gastineau chats with Paul Molitor, the next chapter in the history of the Mariners, Griffey on the backpage poster, and more.

#6 September

This issue's unusual sivler cover pays homage ot the chase to break Roger Maris' home run record, with Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Ken Griffey, Jr. Inside, J. Michael Kenyon discusses the HR chase, plus several pieces examining just where the blame should land for the disappointing performance of the Mariner squad. Also Fan of the Month, more history of the Mariners, David Segui onthe backpage poster, and more.

#1 April

The Grand Slami's first full season of publication gets underway with a cover of the model for the Mariners' yet-to-be-built new stadium superimposed in front the Seattle skyline. Inside is a preview of the eventual-division winning 1997 team, a photo gallery from spring training, a look at the history of baseball in Seattle, Mike Gastineau's "Voice of Reason," and more.

#2 May

Dave Niehaus and a casually-dressed Ken Griffey, Jr., appear on the cover in a photo taken at the groundbreaking ceremony for what would become Safeco Field. Niehaus is also interviewed this month, as is broadcasting engineer Kevin Cremin, the guy you hear Rick Rizzs thank every night. Also this isue: Part two of the history of Seattle baseball article from April, Mike Gastieau on the obvious evidence of rookie fans, and more.

#3 June

Second baseman Joey Cora is featured this issue, with an illustrated Cora cover and an interview inside. Part two of the Dave Niehaus interview from May also runs here, plus Mike Gastineau talks to Cal Ripken, Jr., and a look at the bad old days of pre-1995 Mariner baseball.

#4 July

This issue finds Lou Piniella in the cover and interviewed inside. Also, part two of the Bad Old Years of Mariner baseball, Mike Gastineau's "Voice of Reason," suggestions for improving the use of the DiamondVision screen, and more.

#5 August

Edgar Martinez graces the cover in his Turn-Back-the-Clock outfit, while inside is a two-page profile of the great DH. Also this issue, a recap of Mariner players' participation in the '97 All-Star Game, a Ken Griffey poster, and the lowdown on the late-July trades for horrible relief pitchers.

#6 September

Ken Griffey, Jr., gets the spotlight this month, with his mug on the cover and a lengthy piece on Junior inside. Also, an article on wildly unpopular Mariner GM Woody Woodward, a look at Bud Selig's then-possible plan for realigning the Major Leagues, a Dan Wilson poster, and more.

#7 Postseason

The first postseason edition of The Grand Salami includes a profile of catcher Dan Wilson, Q & A with Mariner broadcaster Rick Rizzs, a look back at the M's first playoff appearance in 1995, and a guest column by Rick Kaminski, AKA Rick the Peanut Man. All potential playoff opponents are profiled, plus recommendations for off-season baseball reading and more.