Mariner Magic

The 2022 Seattle Mariners season led to 13 walk off wins with historic success to a city that had been hamstringed by 21 years of playoff peril. For 2 decades, the boys in blue had eluded playoff baseball. That meant that children born in 2001, would be able to celebrate a Mariner playoff game with an alcoholic beverage. On October 8th, I got to take part in the festival that ensued once the Mariners broke the barrier, and returned to the sea city.

The Mariners had circled up and danced to a 90-72 season, earning them a Wild Card series with the Toronto Blue Jays. The new playoff format constituted a new structure, yielding a 3 game series, played at the Rogers Centre in Canada. The Seattle faithful had to hold their breathe in hopes of seeing their team come home.

I, admittedly, am a fair weather fan. I like to watch the best teams play. But something about this season drew my attention, and I followed the 2022 Mariners all season, hoping to witness redemption be made.

A strong bullpen, timely hitting, and Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez characterized a team that had outstanding personality, and all the momentum to lead to legendary success.

As an intern with the Tacoma Rainiers Minor League Baseball Team, the farm system for the Seattle Mariners, I had begun to watch the lineup for consistency and up and coming stars. One name was consistent and fruitful, Cal Raleigh. He was a switch hitting catcher that commanded the plate and swung for fences... into the hands of adoring fans. But his prowess would lead him to Seattle fame, and as my favorite Sportscenter anchors say, 'will never have to buy a drink in town again.'

I am working at Chambers Bay Golf Course, a notorious course for its links style and its scenic views and hosting the 2015 US Open (it is literally in the video game). I spent all summer checking in guests for outrageous fees to play 5 hours of golf, but it was one of those experiences enthusiasts would not think twice about swiping their credit card for a $300 round.

As I am perusing the daily tee sheet, I see a familiar name, Cal Raleigh. My eyes widened and I looked around, and said 'Is Cal Raleigh here?????' Some of my other co workers did not recognize the name or the importance of his commitment to play our course. We have had an outstanding relationship with local sports teams and influencers in the community, and take care of our own. But then I heard the story. Cal had registered and paid for 4 golfers to play Chambers Bay, with no intention of taking part. I thought this was curious, so I dug a little deeper. He had invited to young star pitchers Logan Gilbert and Chris Flexen, and BACKUP catcher Curt Casali. It was clear that he was buying rest and relaxation for his teammates to perform at their best on the field, by relieving stress on the course. This act of selfless comradery demonstrated to me that this team had the dynamic to win and was utterly impressed by the character of Cal Raleigh. While this demonstration of teamwork made an impact on me, it paled in comparison to his impact on the city.

In the bottom of the 9th against the Oakland Athletics with the playoffs on the line, Cal ripped a walk off homer down the first base line to catapult the Seattle Mariners into the playoffs. I watched it from the bar, and after jumping, cheering and drinking, I bought shots for everyone celebrating 21 years of failure.

I told myself I had to be a part of it, but tickets were close to $1000, and I was worried I would have to watch from my couch. The Mariners then made the Wild Card game played in Toronto. I heard about a watch party at T Mobile Park where fans could watch the game on the big screen for just a $10 dollar ticket, and decided I had to be there. So I put together a couple people who would cherish this moment and enjoy the Mariners long road to victory. And victory is what they got.

Game 1 starts off hot, they threw at the rookie sensation the first at bat, hitting him, and rattling the superstar. Then they did it again, and you could feel the city rally in defense of their 209 million dollar salary slugger. They answered with their bullpen, a stronghold for the team throughout the season. Luis Castillo, acquired just before the trade deadline, moved from Cincinnati to Seattle for a 5 year 108 million dollar contract, bolstering the Mariner defense. His 7 inning shutout performance contributed to the confidence of the team, leading to a 4-0 win.

Game 2 started with a 1 game cushion for the M's, but playoff pressure was surely weighing on the young team. Scott Servais, the Mariner Manager, had orchestrated a marvelous season, and their post season performance was placed on his shoulders. Going home was a critical component to a successful year, and the series was a must win. But the clinching contest proved a tall task for the franchise. Kevin Gausman and Robbie Ray take the mound for a battle and trade strikeouts to start the game, but in the 2nd inning, the Toronto Blue Jays had Ray's number, and seemed to connect on everything, and Teoscar Hernandez goes yard in consecutive at bats... leading to a curtain call from the Blue Jay faithful. Enter Paul Sewald, and with the bases loaded, follows with a past ball, walk, and hit-by-pitch, the score extends to 8-1 in the 5th. A hushed T-Mobile park watches in apprehension as the Mariners need a rally to overcome the deficit, but the boys immediately respond with a 4 run 6th to get back in the game.

8th inning, bases loaded, 2 outs, and the park is glued to the biggest screen in the Northwest, and the biggest moment of the Mariner season. JP Crawford strolls to the plate and the tension can be cut with a knife. Jordan Ramano jams him, and a weak blooper seems to retire the side, but hysteria ensues. A routine flyball turns into a collision between the Blue Jays centerfield and shortstop, and the ball falls to the turf, scoring all 3 base runners. As T-Mobile Park goes bonkers, I am swallowed in my seat, with my head in my hands, flabbergasted at what just occurred. 21 years of turmoil, and the Mariners have danced with the devil, and made a date with destiny. A cart carried off the star Corey Springer, and the Mariners carry the crazy to a tied game in the 9th.

Superstitious fans have started a new trend, placing one shoe on their head, pleading the team to continue the streak. Cal on second base, Adam Frazier drives him in, and Mariners, miraculously, have a 10-9 lead in the 9th. As Scottie Servais signals the bullpen, rookie starter George Kirby takes the mound, in a 'ballsy' call to finish the game.

A game for MLB history, the Mariners bring home 9 runs to advance to the ALDS, and I think the city is still celebrating. Champagne explodes in the locker room, and the Seattle Mariners are dancing back to T-Mobile, where the faithful fans will welcome them with shoes on their heads, booze in their bellies, and pride in their hearts.