KIRO Newsradio fan of the week: Mariners fan stays loyal in rainy loss to Yankees at T-Mobile Park

A cold, wet afternoon at T-Mobile Park didn’t offer ideal baseball conditions, but that didn’t stop dedicated fans from turning out to watch the Seattle Mariners take on the New York Yankees.

With temperatures low and rain falling, many bundled up in puffy jackets, wool caps, and blankets for the day game.

Others opted for a warmer view from inside the stadium.

Mari, a longtime Mariners fan, watched from the club level, settled into a seat with a cup of hot chocolate, her Mariners cap pulled low, and team gear layered for warmth.

“I forgot my gloves and my blanket,” Mari explained. “Dumb.”

No, Mari, you’re not dumb … it happens. Even to the fan of the week.

She said the draw of baseball goes beyond the weather. It’s the atmosphere, walking around the stadium, taking in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of all those treats around the stadium. And she loves sharing her enthusiasm with other fans.

Until, that is, the top of the 6th inning rolled around when George Kirby gave up a three-run bomb to Paul Goldschmidt. Ben Rice added a solo shot for the Yankees, who won the final two games of the series.

Mari said what stands out most about last year’s team was how well they got along and their deep playoff run to Game 7 of the ALCS.

“A long time coming, a long time coming, and we were so thrilled, and it was so exciting,” she said. “One thing I like about it is that it’s really a team, you know. They really play together and for each other, and they’re good guys. I mean, we have good guys on the Mariners.”

And, like many fans, Mari is optimistic about the season ahead and has high expectations.

“Winning the World Series,” she said. “That’s my goal for them.”

Speed round for KIRO Newsradio’s Mariners fan of the week

Then, it was time for the fan of the week speed round:

What is your favorite Mariner Memory?

“Every moment that I saw Ichiro climbing the fence to catch a ball like a spider.”

Who is your favorite Mariner?

“Well, right now it’s Cal Raleigh.”

What’s your favorite go-to food item at the ballpark?

“Oh, I’m very old school. I got to have a hot dog, peanuts, and a beer.” Ketchup or mustard? “Oh, ketchup. No mustard, relish, and if there’s onions, then onions.”

What’s your favorite Mariners uniform?

“I like the old school blue, the royal blue.”

What team do you love to hate?

“Probably Houston, the cheaters. That’s why Houston.”

On the field, however, Seattle couldn’t overcome a mid-game deficit. The Mariners fell 5-3 to the Yankees, dropping the series two games to one.

They’ll look to rebound when they travel to face the Los Angeles Angels.

For fans like Mari, though, even a chilly loss doesn’t take away from the experience.

“Every game,” she said, “is worth being here for.”

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