By Kirby Arnold
Herald Writer
SEATTLE – The first standing ovation drew tears.
The second left Jay Buhner choking back his emotions just so he could get his words out.
The Seattle Mariners honored their former star right fielder Tuesday night with a 45-minute pregame ceremony that showered Buhner and his family with praise, ovations and gifts.
When it was his turn to speak, Buhner nearly couldn’t.
“Bear with me,” he said before bowing his head to collect his thoughts as the crowd muddled them with cheers.
On a night when the organization and its fans meant to show their affection for Buhner’s 14 years as a player, Buhner gave it right back.
“Thank you for taking me into your hearts and souls and letting me provide you some entertainment,” he said. “I love you.”
Buhner retired after last season, his oft-injured body finally unable to continue playing baseball despite a willingness in his heart to go on.
Mariners trainer Rick Griffin, one of Buhner’s best friends, recalls vividly the day they were fishing together in Montana last fall when Buhner told him he was done as a player.
“He told me, ‘Rick, I just can’t do it anymore. My heart still wants to do it but my body tells me that I can’t.’ He knew then that he was done.”
It’s the warm heart within Buhner that became so evident during the pregame ceremony.
“What’s inside ‘Bone’ is a soft core, and that’s what Jay is,” catcher Dan Wilson said, citing Buhner’s years of work raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“It’s flattering and an honor because I’m being recognized for something I love to do,” Buhner said. “I love entertaining and giving back to the community.
“I saw that I was making a difference even if I was lending my name to it. I believe it’s my responsibility as a player to give back to the community.”
Buhner’s former teammates gave him a fisherman’s dream: a new truck, a drift boat and a fly rod. Ex-Mariner star Alvin Davis also presented him with a seat from the Kingdome and one from Safeco Field. Manager Lou Piniella gave him a replica of the 1995 American League West Division championship banner and Tuesday was proclaimed Jay Buhner Day in the state of Washington.
The one gift that Buhner didn’t get for himself, however, seemed to move him most.
The Mariners announced a $100,000 donation in the name of Buhner and his wife, Leah, to the Children’s Hospital for Cystic Fibrosis research. In addition, Buhner’s jersey will be displayed at the hospital.
When that was announced, tears flowed again.
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