John Olerud was the starting first baseman for the Mariners for 4 and a half seasons (2000-July, 2004). He was known for his consistent batting average that seemed to always hover around .300 (his best years being 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays when he hit .363 and in 1998 with the New York Mets when he hit .354), his keen batting eye and his good contact skill, usually drawing 90-100 walks and only striking out about 65-70 times a year. He was a key member in helping the Mariners win 116 games in 2001 by hitting .302 and with 21 homeruns and made the AL All-Star team. That year in June he also hit for the cycle. On July 17, 2004 he along with Pat Borders were designated for assignment. Olerud was released 10 days later and signed with the New York Yankees on Aug. 3rd. The next year he signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox. Olerud announced his retirement on Dec. 6, 2005.
Olerud wore a batting helmet in the field because of a brain aneuryism.
Played college ball for Washington State University.
