SEATTLE — While the Mariners focus on their new match up with the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, the official team store is focused on stocking its shelves with the latest merchandise.
A new shipment of AL West Division Champions gear, ‘October baseball’ shirts, Cal Raleigh merch, and more hit the team’s store outside T-Mobile Park.
“It won’t last long. That table will be gone in an hour,” said Lisa Poulson, a Mariners fan.
As Seattleites celebrate their team’s success, fans now have the gear to prove it.
“We’re down in the warehouse tunnel area processing it as quickly as we can to get it out on the floor for our fans to have,” said Mary Beeman, director of stores for the Mariners.
For many fans, it’s a shirt they’ve been waiting to get their hands on for more than two decades.
The last time the Mariners won the American League West division title was in 2001.
“I mean, this is the first time I’m going to have one in my adult life, so you’ve got to take advantage of the opportunity while it’s here,” Colin Swanson told KOMO News.
The rush has been felt all week.
Postseason merchandise sold out in just seven minutes on Wednesday, according to the team.
Ticket sales were right behind, with team officials announcing playoff tickets also sold in minutes on Thursday.
“This team is amazing, they’ve been doing really well on the field, so everyone is very excited for postseason baseball to be back in Seattle,” Beeman said.
The excitement felt inside the team store on Friday afternoon is a sure sign of the city’s pride.
“I’ve been a lifelong Mariners fan, and you always have hope and that’s all you can, right?” Poulson continued, “And it’s finally like a reward, not only to the players but to the fans as well.”
As the Mariners trade the Colorado Rockies for the Dodgers, the team’s newest opponent, lifelong fans said they remain hopeful for continued success.
“There’s been a lot of years where you say it’s your year, but up and down the lineup there aren’t any weak spots,” Swanson said. “It just feels like this is our time.”
“Man, we’re division champs, so, I’m hoping they keep it going until the World Series,” Roman Linsao said while holding his new gear.
Beeman told KOMO News that new products are coming into their stores every day, and if the new division champions merchandise sells out, it will be restocked as quickly as possible.
“Everyone’s really excited about it, trying to get their hands on it as early as possible,” Beeman said.