If Seattle fans have learned anything from rooting for mediocrity for so long, it's how to appreciate small victories. And 1997 was full of them. No Seattle team won a title, but looking back, 1997 was an all-around great year for local sports. So as we wallow in the doldrums of another lost Mariners season, it can't hurt to look back to happier days. One of those days was Sept. 23, 1997, when the Mariners clinched the American League West with a 4-3 win over the California Angels. Randy Johnson, left, struck out 11 in eight innings to get the win. Jay Buhner, right, added a three-run homer.