King Felix holds court in Tacoma amid Rainiers resurgence

The Mariners return to action tonight following the All-Star break, and ace Felix Hernandez takes the mound for just the second time since an injury sidelined him more than a month ago.

But if you want to see the M’s ace in action, you’ll have to head 30 miles south to Tacoma.

Anytime one of the Mariners makes a rehab start in AAA Tacoma, it’s a big deal.

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But Rainiers President and co-owner Aaron Artman says Friday night will be something entirely different.

“He’s always had the god given talent, but he mastered the craft in Tacoma,” Artman said.

“It’s his first game in Cheney since, I think, July of 2005, where by the way, he no-hit whoever he was pitching against … and then we never saw him again.”

The place will be packed for his return. But it doesn’t take the King to get a crowd at Cheney Stadium these days.

It’s been a beacon for the South Sound since 1960, but especially since a $30-million renovation after the 2010 season, led by Artman and a new ownership group headed by Curtis High and Washington State University grad Mikal Thomsen.

“Everyone is within a 20 to 30 mile radius of the park. They come to games. The feedback’s instant. We care deeply about not just the dollars and cents or the product on the field but how does this stadium, how does this experience become a catalyst for great things in Tacoma. It’s been a really fun group to be a part of,” he said.

After some lean years, fans are flocking back to Rainiers games — especially families.

“I think it took awhile for us to re-earn their trust and credibility that is was a safe, fun, clean place to be,” Artman said.

Having the Mariners just up the road doesn’t hurt either, with guys like Mike Zunino and Stefan Romero shuttling up and down I-5.

“They’re great partners, they’re very helpful. We each run our own businesses so we compete, especially on sponsorships and suites and more on the premium club memberships, but it’s a friendly competition,” he said.

The Rainiers and Mariners have been affiliated since 1995.

Mariners Assistant GM Jeff Kingston says between the beautiful stadium, the top notch organization and the proximity, it’s a relationship that greatly benefits both teams.

“It couldn’t be any better from a logistical standpoint. It allows more flexibility, allows us to pull from a bigger player pool, we don’t have to fly a guy in a day in advance so there’s no jet lag. It works really great,” Kingston said.

But Artman says the Rainiers are never resting on their laurels. They strive to constantly improve the product on the field and the experience off.

“We’ve re-ignited this sentiment that the Rainiers are this community asset, this treasure to the region. Attendance keeps growing and all the measurables keep growing. So we’re on a nice upswing right now but I don’t think we’re at the peak. I think it’s going to keep getting better and better,” Artman said.

Having the AAA All-Star game next year will certainly help.

Much like last year’s US Open at Chambers Bay, once again the South Sound will be in the national spotlight.

“Tacoma has earned this opportunity and so we want to give it to them. And it’s really fun for me to show off Tacoma. It’s time,” he said.

As of Friday morning there were just a few tickets remaining for Friday night’s game, which includes a special edition King Felix T-Shirt and K-card emblazoned with the Rainiers script and colors.

It’s a rare chance to get so close to royalty, and could likely be the last time the King’s Court is in session in T-Town.

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