Dave Niehaus Ceremony.

The Dave Niehaus ceremony at Safeco Field was truly spectacular. Speakers vividly captured so many aspects of Niehaus but no words can show how amazing of a person he was. He is the Father of the Seattle Mariners.

Safeco Field was full of memories taking fans from all over on a trip down memory lane. Outside of the Home Plate entrance stood a memorial to Niehaus full of signs, flowers, and messages from fans to their beloved broadcaster. Upon entering, fans received a beautiful program for the ceremony and were then shaken to life as they looked up to see a huge banner in memory of Niehaus. The ballpark contained memorable quotes by Niehaus as well as quotes by Mariners players and Niehaus’ colleagues. Behind the pitchers mound, showed Niehaus’ signature phrase “My Oh My” in the infield. Center field had a huge banner containing a Mariners logo. The video screens showed quotes, pictures, and highlights prior to the ceremony. Another feature was the classic scoreboard in left field. The home team was the California Angels, which is where Dave started his broadcasting career. One of the most memorable pieces for me was in the broadcasting booth. As you looked up to the booth where Niehaus spent so much time, there was a Niehaus Jersey illuminated with a microphone in front of it. (Please take a look at images from the event under "images" at the top of the screen)

The speakers at the ceremony took the fans and listeners on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From laughter to tears, fans felt it all. Rick Rizzs did an amazing job as the emcee. The speakers included Andy Niehaus, Greta Niehaus Dunn, Marlaina Lieberg, Ron Fairly, Dan Wilson, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, and Chuck Armstrong.

Andy and Greta, Niehaus’ son and daughter talked to fans about how much they loved their Dad. Just like Niehaus affected so many fans, you can only imagine the type of impact he had on his children and his beloved wife. They shared some of their favorite memories of him through smiles and tears as they remembered their father.

Marlaina Lieberg, brought up many emotions as she talked about how Niehaus affected blind people just like herself. She discussed how he painted a picture for all fans to see. He helped blind people so much experience the game at another level. The grass, the wind, the smells, the sights and so much more is what she as well as many other blind people could feel through Niehaus’ spectacular broadcasts.

Ron Fairly expressed so many great memories after working with Niehaus for so many years. He shared many humorous stories that all showed who Niehaus was. His stories put smiles on everyone’s face throughout Safeco Field. It was good to see Fairly back in Seattle to honor his former colleague.

Dan Wilson, Jay Buhner, and Edgar Martinez were introduced to the stage with a special high light of their career that was announced by Niehaus. All of these former Seattle players shared their memories and humorous stories of Dave and how he touched their lives. He had a great impact in all three of their lives as they were playing for the organization.

The final speaker was Mariners President, Chuck Armstrong. The most touching part of his speech to me was when he talked about the rainbow that appeared by Safeco Field the day Felix Hernandez was awarded the CY Young, a few days after Niehaus passed away. The director of marketing, Gregg Greene, came into Armstrong’s office so show him the rainbow and continued by saying “There is Dave, I have no doubt.” Armstrong concluded his speech by discussing what the Mariners will do to honor Niehaus. All of the Mariners will wear patches on the right sleeve of their jersey. In the broadcasting booth of every game, Niehaus’ microphone will be displayed. And last but not least the Mariners will be building a statue to honor Niehaus outside of Safeco Field.

Dave Niehaus you have carried Mariners baseball through every high and every low and you truly will be missed. You never will be able to be replaced as you were a one of a kind person that everyone loved. Your friendliness and passion for the game has changed so many people’s lives for the better. Opening day will be very hard for all Mariners fans but you will be there watching down and Mariners fans will be able to hear your voice in their hearts- “My Oh My”