Sunday, May 3, 2009

Seattle Mariners





The Seattle Mariners, leaders in the American League West, lost a heart- breaker to the Oakland A's at Safeco Field. Safeco Field is one of a number of newer stadiums with a retractable roof. During last night's game (May 2), the roof was closed because Seattle was enduring one of its frequent rainstorms. It was so windy, however, that at our seats in the lower deck just off first base, the wind blew so much rain in just below the roof, that the floor around our seats was wet. 

For this game, the Mariners wore the 1939 uniforms of their farm team, the Rainiers. Stadium organists play a critical role in the atmosphere of a game. During this game, a foul ball flew into the organist's box, the window above the first E in the the welcome sign. The organist came to the window and, like any good fan, gave the victory sign with great excitement.

Jarrod Washburn, starting pitcher for the Mariners did a great job through six innings. Power hitter Russell Branyan (No. 30) hit an opposite-field home run in the second inning. Also shown are Ken Griffey (No. 24) at first base and Ichiro Suzuki, lead-off hitter (No. 51), at bat. Suzuki hit a single in the top of the first inning, but he was tagged out trying to steal second base.

We attended the game with Tom's cousin, Connie Decker.  In spite of a stormy night, the stadium was nearly filled with fans. 

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