For better or for worse, "love" is not a word that makes it into many statehouse speeches. Yet it -- and many other fond words -- came up when the most beloved Seattle Mariner stopped by the capitol recently for a resolution in his honor.

Edgar Martinez looked a bit abashed as lawmakers showered him with praise as a man of humility, a mentor, a shining example and, well, just a preposterously nice guy.

"He's the kind of person we all want our children to grow up to be like," said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island.

Although he's the most prolific designated hitter in the history of major-league baseball, much of the praise was over Martinez's decision to stick with the Mariners for 18 years, including a glorious moment in 1995 when Martinez smacked in a game-winning double in the American League playoff series against the Yankees.

"God bless you and your family and thank you for being Edgar," said Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard.

"You, Mr. Martinez...Edgar. Edgar. We love you," said Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma. "And you will be in the Hall of Fame."

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