Home at last
The Seattle Mariners first full week this season was a successful one, 2 wins at Texas, and 2 more at home against Oakland. And going into this weeks home stands against Cleveland and Chicago, we are sitting pretty in 2nd place!
I know, I know, it’s still early. But every chance to celebrate the Angels being in last place, is something to be proud of. I hope I do not stand alone in my hatred of the other Los Angeles team.
But anyways, I give you my top 10!
10: Ump in disguise?
In one of the coolest feel good stories of the new season, Army Sgt. Steven Smerer was going undercover as a MLB ump, while his son was trying to swipe second. When the younger Smerer grabbed the base and was headed back out to the outfield wall, Steven Smerer grabbed his sons arm and surprised him.
Jesus Montero goes yard. - (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Smerer was thought to still be deployed in Afghanistan, thus surprising his son on opening day. This beats the hell out of marriage proposal at the ball park stories.
9: Jackie Robinson Day
In what has become one of the most honorable traditions in baseball, Sunday, every player from every team donned the number 42.
This is of course to commemorate Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in MLB.
8: Montero goes deep
What we have all been waiting for, news of Jesus Montero‘s first long ball! Step one in making managements decision worth it.
7: Noesi tames the A’s
Hector Noesi went 8 strong on Saturday, completely shutting down the A’s. Step two in making managements decision worth it, and leads perfectly into number 6.
6: Michael who?
The steps in number 7 and 8 involve the decision to trade up and coming pitcher Michael Pineda to the Yankees for Montero and Noesi. And after this weekend, it looks like Jack Z got this one right. Especially since Pineda is still sitting on the DL!
5: Court back in session
Friday night’s home opener not only welcomed back the Mariners, but also the King’s Court for the first time this season. The familiar yellow shirts were out in abundance for Felix Hernandez‘s first home start of the year.
This beats the hell out of marriage proposal at the ball park stories. - (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
4: Cameron retires as a Mariner
Mike Cameron threw out the first pitch on Friday’s home opener, but the bigger news from this occasion; Cameron signed a one day deal so he could officially retire as a Mariner! For more news on the first pitch, check out my My oh My! column for the video and in depth analysis of it.
3: Trouble in the clubhouse
M’s skipper Eric Wedge benched veteran SS Brendan Ryan for accountability issues, stating that a veteran player needs to be held accountable for his mistakes. In other news, rookie Kyle Seager gets to stay in lineup after his errors.
2: Long balls rule the yard
There’s nothing better than a Sunday afternoon at the ballpark, and to add to that, there’s nothing better than a couple of long balls while at the ballpark on a Sunday afternoon.
Brendan Ryan, justifying his role on the club, and Justin Smoak both went yard on the series finale against Oakland.
1: Reason to celebrate in Seattle
There haven’t been too many occasions where M’s fans have been able to cheer about a winner in town for a while.
Yes, last year we flirted with it for a couple months, but this year seems different.
The team has a different feel to it.
Embrace this Mariners fans, it may not last all season, but it sure feels good while it lasts.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE MARINERS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE TODAY AT NWSB!
About Clinton Bell
