Harger: Move over Bruce and Katie — Cal Raleigh has my vote for Seattle mayor

I tend to find the best in most people I talk to and talk about, because it takes a lot to put yourself out there in the public arena.

But then I got to thinking about arenas. The biggest arenas. The best arenas. And who better knows arenas, or stadiums, in this awkward metaphor, than Seattle Mariner superstar Cal Raleigh? After all, he’s the one literally calling the shots, every pitch, every play, the brain behind the mask. He knows what it takes to win when it feels like the whole city is about to lose its mind.

And that’s why I’m turning my back on that whole “not endorsing” thing. Sorry, Bruce. Sorry, Katie. I know you’re the actual candidates for mayor of Seattle, but I am officially endorsing Cal Raleigh for the mayor of Seattle.

He’ll protect home plate. He’ll lift the city on his shoulders and bring us all to victory. A vote for Cal Raleigh is a home run for civic pride.

And yes, I know some of you are thinking, “You’re just jumping on the Big Dumper bandwagon.” Yes. Yes, I am. Because if anyone can clean up this town, it’s the Big Dumper.

Now, I realize he has no desire to be mayor. And frankly, it would probably be bad, really bad, for the Mariners if he took the job, but I can’t help but think he’d make the good calls. The tough calls. Like knowing when it’s time to pull a pitcher or a department head.

So, how about this? Cal could do both. He could be the mayor of the 18th-largest city in the country in his spare time. Call the balls and strikes within city policy, then make the lineup card.

Let’s talk logistics regarding Cal Raleigh’s tenure as Seattle mayor

When he’s off on a road trip or catching a 99-mile-an-hour fastball somewhere in Texas, the team’s beloved mascot, Mortimer “Mariner” Moose, can run things. The moose doesn’t travel, has a great smile for ribbon cuttings, and can’t possibly make things worse. If that’s somehow unconstitutional, we can all just promise to be really cool until Mayor Cal gets back.

I know, this whole mayor idea has no chance of happening. But neither did that 15-inning miracle on Friday night, and look how that turned out. If the Mariners can pull that off, maybe Seattle can too.

Maybe, with Cal Raleigh at the helm, we can get through our extra innings as a city, together, one exhausted, but hopeful fan base at a time.

So let’s get the bumper stickers ready: “Finally, a Mayor Who Can Handle the Heat.” “No Errors. No Excuses. No graffiti on I-5.” “Make Seattle Safe at Home.” “Big Dumper, Bigger Dreams.”

Because at this point, if anyone deserves to call the shots around here, it’s the guy who’s been calling them from behind the plate all season long.

And next time, I’ll give you my full endorsement of Jorge Polanco for city attorney.

Charlie Harger is the host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of his stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie on X and email him here. 

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