As the 2001 season came into focus, there was much for Mariners fans to be excited about. The club was coming off a 91-win season and a trip to the ALCS in 2000. The Mariners returned the core of their roster from 2000 but added a couple key players to the team in preparation for the 2001 campaign.
Three familiar faces signed with the Mariners in the offseason leading up to 2001. Second baseman Bret Boone and side-arming reliever Jeff Nelson both joined the club for their second stint with the Mariners, while “The Sheriff” Norm Charlton signed up for his third stint in Seattle.