SEATTLE — Generally, a scrimmage isn’t something that generates a ton of excitement.
Unless it involves the Mariners.
With nearly a full week between the team’s final regular season game and the beginning of its postseason journey, Manager Dan Wilson was looking for a way to keep his guys fresh but also in rhythm.
The result? Well, in some ways, a dream scenario for M’s fans.
Ichiro and Julio Rodriguez sharing the same outfield? Yes, please. And a moment we’ll never forget? Ichiro borrowing Julio’s signature “No Fly Zone” celebration after a catch.
It was remarkable. It was the perfect start to a playoff season even if none of it actually counted.
Where it did matter was in that aforementioned prep. The Mariners, arguably the hottest team in baseball, suddenly staring at a break even longer than the All-Star festivities in July needed a way to keep the guys in some sort of routine while assuring that they can actually get some much needed rest.
This fit the bill.
How fun it was to see the 5,000 seat allotment sell out with $10 charitable donation tickets going quickly and all those fans getting to see home runs from Cal Raleigh and Eugenio Suarez.
The Mariners journey is just beginning but make no mistake, as the team often does during engagements with its loyal and patient fans, they knocked the scrimmage out of the park in both experience for the Mariners faithful and executing what Dan Wilson hoped in prepping his players.
And it was just the appetizer to Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday.