As a long-suffering Mariners fan — still haunted by what could’ve been in 2001 — it’s been awesome to watch what Cal Raleigh is doing this year.

And fittingly, it all has some ties back to that legendary 2001 squad. Dan Wilson is now the head coach, Edgar Martinez is the hitting coach. Makes you wonder — where’s Brett Boone? Where’s John Olerud?

Back then, it was everything. We’d watch every game during the week. If they won, we’d race downstairs the next morning, flip on Fox Sports Northwest, and relive the highlights. If they lost, the house stayed quiet — no recap, no replay. We’d just get ready for work and school. That season, the TV stayed off very few mornings.

These days, it’s harder to follow. With all the changes in how and where Mariners games are broadcast, I’ve missed more than I’d like. I’m back to listening on the radio more often — something I haven’t done this regularly since I was a kid. And now, being in China, it’s even tougher. But I’m keeping tabs on Cal. What he’s doing this season is nothing short of historic — a regular season run that brings back echoes of 2001.

Still, I won’t say it. Because we all know: October is where it counts.

So enjoy the season. Soak in the spectacle. In 2001, we had eight All-Stars. It was the most magical All-Star Game for Mariners fans — until this year. But let’s be honest… no one hangs a Home Run Derby Champ banner in the rafters.

That said — congratulations, Cal. You might just be the best catcher in Mariners history. But until there’s a ring on your finger, there’s still one more swing to take. Go M’s