It is an exciting time for Seattle sports fans. The Seahawks are making waves, the Kraken are firmly in the playoff picture, and of course… the Mariners are officially back. Following their first playoff appearance in 21 years, the Mariners are entering rare territory: a team with buzz and legitimate expectations.
The Emerald City has Mariners fever right now, and on Thursday night, the ballclub rolled out the T-Mobile pink carpet for some serious star power to treat the Seattle faithful on opening night.
To throw out the ceremonial first pitch, the Mariners had former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, but he wasn’t alone. Joining him was Gary Payton, Kasey Keller, Jewell Lloyd, and of course… the kid himself, Ken Griffey Jr.
Kasey Keller, Jewell Loyd, Gary Payton, Marshawn Lynch and Ken Griffey Jr., throw out the ceremonial first pitches of the season…
That’s some Seattle sports royalty on the field. pic.twitter.com/bRq4T1Ts2T
— Tim Booth (@ByTimBooth) March 31, 2023
Real big @MoneyLynch mood. 🥹
What a night, @Mariners. https://t.co/DmgYiIUt5Z pic.twitter.com/MijiD5LwyS
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 31, 2023
Of course, in typical Lynch fashion, nothing is ever “by the books” with him. His pitch went a little wild, but fortunately All Star first baseman Ty France was there to take care of it.
France was there to bail out Lynch, and the Mariners themselves, as his three-run home run in the 8th was the difference in the game. Seattle won 3-0 and started the season off on the right foot.