I cannot bring myself to review this final game. It's already October 30th, and it has taken me this long to be able to even consider it. Instead, I will use this opportunity as a big thank you note to the most glorious of teams on their magnificent season, the memories of which I shall treasure always.

To Stan Javier, the retiring veteran. He always did a good job for us.

To Al Martin, who never stopped trying.

To Charles Gipson, who could always be counted on for his speed and his arm.

To Jose Paniagua, who beaned Alex Rodriguez a couple of times.

To Ryan Franklin, who came in and picked up our messes without fail time and time again.

To Norm Charlton, who returned with pretty much every fan in Seattle doubting him... and shut us all up.

To Jeff Nelson, who finally came home and brought that nasty slider back with him.

To Arthur Rhodes, whose fastball is outstanding and whose earrings are always welcome to glare as far as I'm concerned.

To Kazuhiro Sasaki, who I love to see smile.

To John Halama, who did whatever it took without complaint.

To Tom Lampkin, an all-around good guy who always manages a memorable homerun every season... this year was the "homerun that wasn't" at Yankee Stadium.

To Carlos Guillen, for playing better shortstop than the one who came before him.

To Joel Pineiro, who did nothing but impress me.

To Paul Abbott, who always gave you everything he had.

To Aaron Sele, a hard worker who came in again this year and put up 200 innings for us.

To Freddy Garcia, the blossoming ace... I can't wait to see what he does next year.

To Jamie Moyer, one of the quietest, craftiest pitchers around who very nonchalantly won 20 games with his change-up of slow, slower and slow again.

To John Olerud, the former Batting Champion and Gold Glove first baseman. He doesn't say much, he just hits, picks and gets the job done.

To Ichiro, who surpassed everyone's expecations and never stopped hitting. The Throw. The records. The steals. The speed. He was amazing. And coming from someone who will never see rightfield as anything other than the Bone Yard, he's the only one in the world deserving enough to replace Jay Buhner, and that is probably the biggest compliment I can give someone.

To Mike Cameron, whose unwavering good spirits and genuine love of the game always brought a smile to my face. He epitomizes what this game is all about. I will never forget his All Star appearance as long as I live, and I don't think you'll find a better centerfielder anywhere.

To Mark McLemore, who did a damn fine job no matter where he played... and he played everywhere.

To David Bell, who is the best third baseman I've ever seen. When the trade rumors swirled and the nitpicking over his supposed flaws at the plate grew constant, he quietly went out and did his job. He's welcome on my team anytime.

To Dan Wilson, who calls a great game. He's a damn good catcher.

To Bret Boone, who never ceased to entertain me with his colorful commentary and who had a year like no other. He hit homeruns, he led in RBI, he hit for average, he played near-flawless second base and he gets my vote for MVP. I really hope he sticks around.

To Edgar Martinez, who is... well, Edgar Martinez. With the exception of a mound-charging incident, Edgar was Edgar, what else can you say? He hit. And he hit. And he hit some more. Edgar is all the things I value in this sport. Loyal, hardworking and good at what he does.

To Lou Piniella, who managed so brilliantly I'm not sure I can even put into words what he's done and meant to this organization. I don't think there's a greater manager out there.

To Pat Gillick, who put together the best team I've ever known.

And last, but never, ever least... to Jay Buhner, who has given this city over a decade of amazing seasons. My heart was so completely broken after this game, not only because it was such a disappointing end to such an amazing season, but also because it was likely the last game Jay would ever play. Some people were surprised by Lou's move to start him in rightfield... I was touched by it. I love Ichiro, but there is something that's just RIGHT about seeing Jay in that field. He started his career there, in rightfield at Yankee Stadium... it was fitting that he end it there as well. I hope he heads back for one last go-round; he deserves a ring... and quite frankly, I don't know that I can stand it if he doesn't. If he does decide to retire, I can say without a doubt that this game will not be the same without him, this team will not be the same without him... I will not be the same without him.

There are many moments of the season that stand out to me. Opening night. Playing Texas for the first time. All those sweeps. All those runs with 2 outs. 15 games in a row. The road record. The never losing more than 2 in a row rule. The All-Star Game. 116 wins. Game 5 against Cleveland. Edgar charging the mound. Jay's long awaited return. Jamie's 20th win. Bret's records, Ichiro's records. The Throw. The night we won the West, Mark McLemore carrying the flag around the field while God Bless the USA played over the loudspeakers; the players tipping their hats and sharing their success with the crowd.

I wasn't ready for it to end; I don't think I would've been even if we'd gone all the way. 1995 has been called the Magic Season and I didn't think anything would ever top it. 2001 did. I've had an amazing time.

The 2001 Seattle Mariners; I have reveled in their success, I have wept in their failure and I have gloried in being along for the ride. And at the risk of sounding like... well, my overly emotional, weepy self... it has been the most amazing joy to be their fan.

They won as a team, and in the end, they lost as a team... and I am nothing but proud of them. Thanks for the memories.