Bret Boone

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Boone became a third-generation big-leaguer in 1992, following in the footsteps of his father Bob and grandfather Ray. His tenure with Seattle is defined by the 2001 campaign, where he posted a .331 average and drove in 141 runs. On May 2, 2002, Boone and teammate Mike Cameron made history as the first teammates to each hit two home runs in a single inning against the White Sox. Off the field, Boone was known for humorous behavior, occupying three lockers: one for himself, one labeled 'Boone's friend,' and a third labeled 'Boone's friend's friend' scattered with about 100 bats. He was also a reserve in the All-Star Game at Safeco Field during this era.

In Their Own Story

In 2001, Bret Boone returned to Seattle as an established All-Star who had averaged 21 home runs from 1998 through 2000. Now hitting .331 with a league-leading 141 RBIs, he broke the Mariners' second baseman home run record with 37. The team advanced to the ALCS after winning 116 games, tying the 1906 Cubs for the most wins in a season. The following year, on May 2, 2002, Boone and Mike Cameron achieved a unique feat against the Chicago White Sox: both players hit two home runs in the first inning alone. Despite his offensive dominance, the team eventually lost the ALCS to the New York Yankees.

Reader's Guide

Boone started with Seattle from 1990 to 1993 before being traded to Cincinnati for Erik Hanson. He returned to the Mariners in 2001 and played through 2005, winning Gold Gloves in 1998 (with Cincinnati), 2001, 2002, and 2004. In 2005, he was designated for assignment on July 3 and traded to the Minnesota Twins on July 11 for cash and minor league pitcher Andy Baldwin. After struggling with a .221 average in 14 games for Minnesota, he was released on August 1. He signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets in January 2006 but retired on March 1 due to a lack of passion. He briefly attempted a comeback with the Washington Nationals in 2008 before retiring permanently on May 28.

Did You Know?

• In 1998, the Reds briefly fielded an infield with two sets of brothers: Barry Larkin at shortstop and his brother Stephen at first base, alongside Bret and Aaron Boone at second and third base — though Stephen only playe
• Boone's 2001 season included 37 home runs and 37 doubles, matching the club record for a second baseman in both categories.
• On May 2, 2002, Boone and Mike Cameron became the first teammates to each hit two home runs in a single inning against the White Sox.
• Boone was released by the Minnesota Twins on August 1, 2005, after only 14 games with a .221 batting average.
• Jose Canseco accused Boone of steroid use in his book Juiced, but Boone denied it, noting they never played against each other in spring training 2001.