Everyone always talks about how much they love football season, but when spring turns to summer, there is nothing better than a good, American baseball game.
Here in Seattle, we have the pleasure of being home to the Mariners. And while the team may not be the best — we've never appeared in a world series - they have a lot of heart and they make you feel at home here in the Emerald City.
1. The Mariners are the underdogs you want to root for
The Mariners ended the 2017 season 78-84, which is not great. And their spring training standings weren't so hot either. But, they're a team with A LOT of heart and every once in a while they pull out an amazing win. And so far, they're ranked third in the AL West, so the games are already set to be better than last year.
2. Seattleites are the BEST fans
If you've never watched ANY Seattle sporting events, you're missing out on a truly wonderful experience. Seattleites are the BEST fans - from the Seahawks to the Sounders to the Mariners, Seattle pride runs deep.
3. Safeco Field is awe-some
Safeco Field is a spectacle in itself. It's one of only six stadiums in the MLB with a retractable roof, which means you can catch a game even during one of Seattle's famous rainy weekends. It seats 47,000+ people during game days, which is a whole lot of Mariners fans.
4. There are so many games, you'll never get bored
The entire MLB season has 162 games. That's a whole lot of baseball! If you ever need something to do on a Saturday afternoon, look no further than a Mariners game! You can also find tickets for less than $20, which is probably the only excuse you really need.
5. Baseball butts, oh my!
Do I even really need to explain this one?
6. You can spend all day in the beer garden
Remember those $20 tickets I mentioned? Well, unless you're absolutely invested in the game, this is the place to be. You can spend nine innings drinking beer and hanging out with your friends and fellow baseball fans and, every once in awhile, cheer on the team.
7. You will probably see Ichiro make a killer save or a hit an epic run
Even if he's not the best player, he can really whip them out when he needs to. And while you're halfway through you're second 20z beer, it's highly likely you're gonna here an "Ichiro" chant bellowing across the stadium.
8. All the best ballpark food that's so good but so bad for you
Aside from the retractable roof, Safeco offers food that is above and beyond the normal ballpark fare. Yes, there is beer and burgers and hotdogs. But, you can also get sushi, burritos, stir-fries, pad thai, crepes, seafood, and barbecue. Sushi at a baseball game? It doesn't get more Seattle than that!
9. Beer + baseball + sunshine
Really, it's all about good beer, great friends, and unbeatable weather. When the sun comes out, spending a Saturday afternoon enjoying a baseball game and hanging out with close friends, there's nothing better.