heart and soul of this franchise since its inception in 1977... He truly was the fans' connection to every game." Washington governor Chris Gregoire said "Today the Pacific Northwest lost one of its sports icons...Dave was an institution here starting with the team's first pitch in 1977. With all due respect to the great Alvin Davis, Dave is 'Mr. Mariner.'" At news of Niehaus's death, tributes came from Jay Buhner, Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, other Mariners broadcasters, and fans. Prior to the Mariners' home opener in 2011 against the Cleveland Indians, the city of Seattle and King County declared April 8 "My oh My! Dave Niehaus Day." After a successful petition drive by fans Glen Garnett and Mark Caylor, the city also gave the block of First Avenue S. between Edgar Martínez Dr. S. and S. Royal Brougham Way the honorary designation of Dave Niehaus Way S. A sign which paid tribute to Niehaus was unveiled in the press area. Tributes in Seattle On December 22, 2010, Seattle MC Macklemore released a song called "My Oh My" in tribute to Niehaus. It describes the sportscaster's influence on not only Macklemore's own childhood but the lives of Seattleites in general. The song also features the audio clip of the winning call from the 1995 American League Division Series. When it was debuted by a radio host, numerous calls were received from Mariners fans who had pulled over on the highway in tears from the lyrical work and memory of Niehaus. Macklemore performed the song at Safeco Field on Opening Day 2011 during the team's tribute to the late broadcaster. A bronze statue of Niehaus was unveiled on September 16, 2011, at Safeco Field. Niehaus's longtime broadcast partner Rick Rizzs presided over the private unveiling ceremony. The statue is located on the main concourse near Section 105 in right centerfield. It depicts Niehaus sitting at a desk behind a microphone, with his Mariners scorebook in front of him. The artist, Lou Cella, viewed dozens of photos before creating the statue, which was first sculpted in clay, then cast in bronze. There is an empty seat next to the statue so fans may sit next to Niehaus and pose for photos. References Further reading Smith, Curt. Voices of Summer: Ranking Baseball's 101 All-time Best Announcers. New York: Carroll & Graf. . External links Dave Niehaus Ford C. Frick Award biography