Nineteen years.

Alright, I was only an infant, but that really doesn't matter.

Nineteen years.

Red Sox fans, I really don't care about the curse.

Nineteen years.

That's how long we have waited, usually silently, but we have waited.

Finally, our time has come.

For those of you Seattle Mariner fans out there (and judging by the usual Kingdome crowds, we are few), our time has come.

For those of you still lacking in a baseball team to follow, accept my plea for support, as the Mariner faithful will need all the help they can get.

One must have sympathy, at worst pity, for the few fans out there. Consider all that we have gone through:

Nineteen years with only two (perhaps three) of above .500 baseball.

When all there was to root for was Mark Langston, and that glorious year when he won 17 games for a sub .500 team.

When the new Mariner savior was proclaimed every two years or so, from Dick Williams, Jim Lefevre and finally Sweet Lou Pinella.

When Alvin Davis batted third, Mickey Brantley stole a few bases and Darnell Coles was the next Canseco.

When Seattle's first round draft picks included convicted felons, training-room frequents and finally a 17-year old outfielder whose only claim to fame was an ex-major league father named "senior."

When the only time a Seattle game headlined "Sportscenter" was a flirt with a no-hitter.

When Mark Langston was traded to the Expos for three prospects, one a 6'10" "project" named Randy Johnson.

When Mike Moore was an "ace", Mike Schooler was a "closer" and Jay Buhner was still hitting .198.

Sure the Red Sox fans have waited, too, but at least you have the memories. For the Mariner fans, it's tough to sympathize since there are no memories.

Want more reasons? The Mariners are the '88 Twins of today--no overwhelming bunch of thoroughbreds, just players who know how to get the job done.

This is a team who was 12 and a half games out of first a mere month ago, going nowhere but making good time.

They've got the best unknown player in the league (look him up--he's leading the league in hitting), three players nearing 30 HRs and 100 RBIs, and a Cy Young candidate.

Still, NO ONE knows them.

Here's a clue: get to know them, because for once, the city of Seattle is roaring, and its not because of its music.

Plus, they've got the New Jersey Devils syndrome working for them: the Mariners will in all likelihood go on sale October 30th, as a state-wide vote to finance a new stadium a few weeks ago was shot down by less than .01 percent.

Do you think a World Series ring would influence the Seattle brass to stay? As the Devils said, don't book your tickets to Nashville just yet.

But for once, please root for the Mariners--they need your help. All that Seattle has ever seen is an AFC Championship berth, one NBA Championship decades ago, and a co-national champion college football team.

After all, don't you think we've waited long enough?

Don't answer that.