With the Mariners on a 7-game winning streak and Raul Ibanez pounding

By Justin Lester • July 23, 2013 12:04 pm
Raul Ibanez: Could “Rauuuul” be the future eighth member of the Mariners' Hall of Fame? The 41-year-old is certainly making a good case. Ibanez is still lacing up the cleats for Seattle this season, becoming the oldest player in MLB history to hit 20 home runs before the All-Star break. He's on pace for more dingers than anyone to every play the game at age 40 or above. And much like his retired teammates, Ibanez is loyal to Seattle away from the game. He was just nominated for the MLB's Branch Rickey Award, which is given to a player, coach, manager, or executive for their contributions to the community or status as a role model.
Raul Ibanez: Could “Rauuuul” be the future eighth member of the Mariners' Hall of Fame? The 41-year-old is certainly making a good case. Ibanez is still lacing up the cleats for Seattle this season, becoming the oldest player in MLB history to hit 20 home runs before the All-Star break. He's on pace for more dingers than anyone to every play the game at age 40 or above. And much like his retired teammates, Ibanez is loyal to Seattle away from the game. He was just nominated for the MLB's Branch Rickey Award, which is given to a player, coach, manager, or executive for their contributions to the community or status as a role model.

With the Mariners on a 7-game winning streak and Raul Ibanez pounding the ball, we found ourselves feeling a little nostalgic. Here are the great works and cool hobbies our favorite ballplayers have fallen into since hanging up the jersey.

Jay Buhner: The man who once hit for the cycle against Oakland is now living a stress-free life in nearby Sammamish. While Buhner stays engaged in the Mariners franchise and works alongside Rick Rizzs on ROOT Sports now and then, he spends most of his free time just relaxing. He enjoys fishing around Puget Sound and is an official spokesperson for Northwest Motorsport in Puyallup. Buhner was one of several Seattle sports legends to participate in Wilson's celebrity softball game, which raised more than $1 million for the homeless youth in this city. Former Sonics Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf, and Slick Watts were also among those playing.

Jay Buhner: The man who once hit for the cycle against Oakland is now living a stress-free life in nearby Sammamish. While Buhner stays engaged in the Mariners franchise and works alongside Rick Rizzs on ROOT Sports now and then, he spends most of his free time just relaxing. He enjoys fishing around Puget Sound and is an official spokesperson for Northwest Motorsport in Puyallup. Buhner was one of several Seattle sports legends to participate in Wilson’s celebrity softball game, which raised more than $1 million for the homeless youth in this city. Former Sonics Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf, and Slick Watts were also among those playing.

Randy Johnson: The Big Unit has got to have the most crafty hands of anyone on Earth. Although Johnson doesn't live in the Emerald City anymore, you'll know who it is if you ever see a 6-foot-10 dude walking around with a camera in his hand. That's right, Johnson has turned to photography as a second career. According to his website (RJ51Photos.com), Johnson majored in photojournalism at USC and always took his camera with him wherever he traveled during his baseball career. He makes it sound like he actually enjoys taking pictures more than dealing curveballs. Johnson has been traveling the world, including a trip to Africa that generated some amazing photos (http://rj51photos.com/africa/). (Photo by Dave Sizer)

Randy Johnson: The Big Unit has got to have the most crafty hands of anyone on Earth. Although Johnson doesn’t live in the Emerald City anymore, you’ll know who it is if you ever see a 6-foot-10 dude walking around with a camera in his hand. That’s right, Johnson has turned to photography as a second career. According to his website (RJ51Photos.com), Johnson majored in photojournalism at USC and always took his camera with him wherever he traveled during his baseball career. He makes it sound like he actually enjoys taking pictures more than dealing curveballs. Johnson has been traveling the world, including a trip to Africa that generated some amazing photos (http://rj51photos.com/africa/). (Photo by Dave Sizer)

Dan Wilson:The former All-Star catcher may have retired from baseball in 2005, but his service to this community was just beginning. Wilson still resides with his wife and four kids in Seattle and as of late has been dedicating his life to helping the homeless youth in the area. Teamed up with United Way of King County, the Wilsons started a campaign this past May that most recently included a celebrity softball game on June 15 at Safeco Field, where the proceeds went to ending hunger and providing each child with an opportunity to be educated. Wilson also makes guest appearances at Mariners games as a color commentator for ROOT Sports. (Photo By Chelsea Nesvig)

Dan Wilson:The former All-Star catcher may have retired from baseball in 2005, but his service to this community was just beginning. Wilson still resides with his wife and four kids in Seattle and as of late has been dedicating his life to helping the homeless youth in the area. Teamed up with United Way of King County, the Wilsons started a campaign this past May that most recently included a celebrity softball game on June 15 at Safeco Field, where the proceeds went to ending hunger and providing each child with an opportunity to be educated. Wilson also makes guest appearances at Mariners games as a color commentator for ROOT Sports. (Photo By Chelsea Nesvig)

Edgar Martinez:Regarded as the best designated hitter of all time in a recent Sports Illustrated story, Martinez is now a fan-favorite in Seattle for his off-the-field contributions in the community. In 2008 he and his wife started the Martinez Foundation, an organization that assists minority students who would like to become teachers in Seattle. The foundation's website (http://themartinezfoundation.org/) states, “We believe education is the key to alleviating poverty in underserved communities and we have built our programs in response to the needs of Washington’s diverse student population.” Martinez also helped create Edgar's Cantina for this season at Safeco Field. (Photo credit: clare_and_ben/flikr)

Edgar Martinez:Regarded as the best designated hitter of all time in a recent Sports Illustrated story, Martinez is now a fan-favorite in Seattle for his off-the-field contributions in the community. In 2008 he and his wife started the Martinez Foundation, an organization that assists minority students who would like to become teachers in Seattle. The foundation’s website (http://themartinezfoundation.org/) states, “We believe education is the key to alleviating poverty in underserved communities and we have built our programs in response to the needs of Washington’s diverse student population.” Martinez also helped create Edgar’s Cantina for this season at Safeco Field. (Photo credit: clare_and_ben/flikr)