With baseball season under way, we’re remembering the day when one of the most beloved Seattle Mariners of all time visited the Capitol.

Just months after he retired from an 18-year MLB career, all with Seattle, Edgar Martinez came to Olympia on April 6, 2005. While here, he was photographed with Gov. Chris Gregoire in her office and later signing autographs for fans in the front lobby of the Governor’s Office. Both photos are found in the State Archives. Martinez also signed autographs and had his photo taken with legislators and lege staffers who thoroughly enjoyed seeing the two-time American League batting champ up close and in person.

Martinez, now the Mariners’ hitting coach, was beloved as much for his nice-guy demeanor and funny local TV ads (“It’s a light bat) as he was for his batting prowess.