1.   And there is no shortage of juicy Brooklyn stories among the assortment of gritty Mariners players who come from all walks of life, from Brooklyn and beyond.

2.   NCAA games are won because of really gritty players.

3.   Soriano was also charitable toward Hillenbrand, recalling him as a gritty player who never stopped working.

4.   A few gritty players, however, found some stocks too cheap to resist.

5.   Connors, who warmed up briefly, showed the same hustle that earned him a reputation as a gritty player.

6.   Sharks coach Al Sims wondered whether Granato would be the same gritty player.