By SARA N. MILLER / SMILLER@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
BREMERTON — Familiar music played and the stands were filled with Jedi Knights and members of the rebellion as Safeco Field was transported to a galaxy far, far away on June 19. The first-ever “Star Wars Night” was a big success as fans flocked to watch the Mariners beat the Astros 5-2.
Two members in attendance were Bremerton’s Melissa Bates and Patrick Lewis. They met playing basketball at the Y and love sports, especially the Mariners.
“I was born in Seattle and raised in Bremerton,” said Lewis. “They’re the home team.”
Lewis’ father is in the Navy and he loves calling Bremerton home.
“It feels like a big town and it’s nice to be able to hop on the ferry and enjoy the city life or hop over to this side for a break,” he said.
“It’s so easy to ride the ferry,” agreed Bates. “You can get stuff done and not get stuck in traffic. It’s a guaranteed connection.”
Bates is a communications officer and has been stationed in Bremerton for the last three years. One of her favorite things about going to Mariner’s games is seeing the Moose.
“He’s always dressed up, wearing cute Daisy Dukes or something,” said Bates. In Friday’s case, the moose was in full Jedi attire. On the field, she likes watching Robinson Cano.
“That’s who my son likes to watch, so I like watching him,” said Bates. “That, and he’s a great second baseman and that’s the position I played.”
Lewis said, “Like everyone, I like Felix Hernandez.”
In an article published in ESPN the Magazine in March 2015, Kevin Van Valkenburg features Seattle’s favorite pitcher, Felix Hernandez.
In the feature, Van Valkenburg quoted Felix talking about King’s Court saying, “That right there is why I never wanted to leave. That’s why I want to win here.”
In summation: Mariner’s fans are loyal to those who are loyal to them. Like a fan outside of King’s Court quoted in the same article, “Griffey left. A-Rod left. Randy Johnson left. We finally got a Hall of Famer who reciprocates the love we have for him.”
Lewis liked Felix’s opinion of the fans that come ready to cheer him on at Safeco every night. Dressed in Mariners jerseys, other Seattle team gear or full-on Storm Trooper attire.
“That’s one of the reasons I like him. Seattle has some of the most loyal fans,” said Lewis. “It’s the atmosphere at games, the players and the team, they make you feel a good connection to them.”
