Mariners Analysis: A Fresh Perspective on Safeco Field

158 games of the year, I will root hard for the Seattle Mariners. However, the four games they have scheduled against the San Diego Padres, I revert to my roots and don the “SD” cap and root for my hometown Friars. I went to Safeco Field this past week as an opposing fan, something I don’t normally do there.

Game Atmosphere

As I just moved 50 miles from Seattle, I had the privilege of attending both San Diego Padres games at Safeco Field this past week.

I donned my navy blue and orange Tony Gwynn jersey with our modern era on-field cap on.

The second I stepped into the ballpark, people were talking to me. They were very nice, complementing the man whose name I had on my back (I mean, come on, if you don’t like Tony Gwynn or think badly of him, you should see if you have a reflection in the mirror, because you might not have a soul). A lot of fans came up to me and told me, although they oppose the team I represent, they couldn’t hate on the player I chose to represent.

Safeco Field is one of the most beautiful ballparks around. It is just a notch below Petco Park, AT&T in San Francisco, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh in my opinion.  It is right up there. The roof was closed as a cold front was present during the week, bringing on and off rain.

Despite the San Diego Padres receiving a beat-down on Tuesday night, I didn’t hear any trash talking or have it rubbed in my face. Everyone was just having fun watching home runs fly out of the ballpark like it was the Home Run Derby. I just shrugged my shoulders, acknowledging it was not the Padres’ night.

I also didn’t hear any bitterness as the Padres silenced the Seattle Mariners Wednesday night. It was mostly good fun and lots of sportsmanship.

Next: Fan Experience