Infographic: Seattle Mariner Plank Owners

I have been looking for an interesting way to display the set of 1977 Topps cards I created for the original opening day lineup of the Seattle Mariners.

There are many titles used in the Navy. Some are official rank names, others are earned as you move up the ladder, while some are given based on your chosen occupation. Amongst all of the titles sailors and officers earn there is one that warrants the most bragging rights: plank owner.

Plank owner is the term given to a member of the ship’s original crew. The name stems from tradition that the original crew would have their names engraved into the wooden deck planking at the time of commissioning. When the ship was decommissioned, these Plank Owners would receive a part of this wooden deck. Today, while the decks may not be wooden, Navy ship crews still hold the title of plank owner in high esteem. To be a plank owner means you are part owner of the ship; you are part of its legacy.