Couldn't Ask For More: Spring Training Highlights Seattle Mariners

Friday, April 06, 2012

Spring Training Highlights Seattle Mariners

Living in southern California, hasn't changed how our littles feel about the Mariners. They are still a favorite team with the boys so we couldn't miss seeing them in action while in Arizona. And, they are great about signing autographs/balls for the kids. It's great when a team appreciates the fans.

The line-up against the Royals

Mike Wilson signing for the kids

Mike Wilson

Vinnie Catricala

The kids with Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson

Vinnie Catricala

Vinnie Catricala and to the left is one of "The Old Bats"

Mike Saunders and... leaning over-someone's agent

Mike Saunders and one of The Old Bats. The Old Bats know EVERYTHING about the Mariners!

Mike Saunders

Michael Saunders

The back of The Old Bats.

Story about the Old Bats...You can't miss their bright pink sign and white spiky hair. These quintessential Mariners fans sit along the first base line out toward right field. They are stocked with a line up of Tootsie pop suckers set out to entice the ambling players as they walk onto the field. Knowing who prefers the raspberry sucker over the chocolate or who hit a double recently appeals to the players. The players really seem to appreciate those who know the game and know the statistics. With game stubs in hand adorned with sticky notes of highlights of past games they call the players over, "Mr. Saunders, ..." and then they make small talk, ask performance questions, and ever-so-politely ask players to sign for the kids. Love it! These gals love their baseball! They keep score at every game and are willing to teach a baseball-know-nothing something.

We met these gals last year and when we hit the field in Peoria this year we kept our eyes out for The Old Bats. They were right where we left them last year. We were able to sit with them again and hopefully next year we'll find them in along the sidelines cheering on the team!