Superstitious Seattle Mariners fans share their game-watching tricks
Suddenly in the eighth inning of Game 2 in the Tigers-Mariners American League Division Series, I looked up to see my wife pacing back and forth, talking to no one in particular, wearing her Julio Rodriguez jersey, clutching her glass of red wine.
Then she grabbed a barbell and started lifting it, 71 times in fact, not wanting to stop, thinking in some weird way that what she was doing was helping the Mariners.
Baseball players are said to be the most superstitious athletes of all, and after seeing my wife’s antics Sunday night, I thought about Mariner fans. Are they just as superstitious too?
And in particular, I wondered if they changed their rituals from Game 1, a gut-wrenching loss, to Game 2, hoping to turn the Mariners’ luck around.
On social media, I asked Mariner fans if that were the case, and they responded in force, insisting among other things, that new clothes and a new approach to watching Game 2 made a difference in the outcome after the Mariners won 3-2.
Convinced of the impact they had on their favorite team, Mariner fans don’t want to mess with the mojo that worked its magic in Game 2 so they’ll rinse and repeat for Game 3 today in Detroit.
To some, alcohol played a factor in the Mariners’ success.
Jeff Nelson: “I drank more heavily like a real Coug. Thank me for my service.”
Japan Johnny: “I drank with whatever hand the handed-ness of our pitcher or batter was using.”
Contrived B.S.: ‘I switched from bourbon in Game 1 to Scotch in Game 2.’
Viewing habits changed, and because they did, the Mariners’ fortunes did too.
Nick Taylor: “Instead of watching the game on my TV in the living room, I went outside and watched on my iPad and refused to come inside even as it got colder.”
Mater on Twitter: “I watched the game downstairs instead of upstairs.”
Sean McKillip: ‘Changed screen size from my phone to my Jumbotron.’
Steve Jepperson; “I don’t watch the games. When I see even one pitch, it’s an almost guaranteed loss.’
Matt Carstens: “I went to Game 1 and the whole time I was thinking, they’re not going to win unless I’m home watching on TV. I was right.”
northtacoma on Twitter: Watched every pitch and bad call of Game 1 on TV. Switched (in Game 2) to (Rick) Rizzs-O-Vision. Made all the difference.”
Raymo on Twitter: ‘After they (Tigers) tied the game, I turned off the TV and listened only (to the radio). We immediately got the lead back. My wife thought I was crazy. But it worked!”
John Gardner: “I just did what I always do when things aren’t going well - changed the channel.’
Clearly the Mariners lost Game 1 because their fans had a city-wide wardrobe malfunction.
Gen X Freedom: “I switched Mariner hats and now I obviously have to wear that hat on Tuesday.”
Matt From SMM: “I will definitely be wearing the same hat and shirt for as long as we keep winning. Also turned on a lamp before the game that we never use so that may have done something.”
Jane at My Team Blows: “Saturday I randomly wore a Kraken jersey. Sunday it was back to M’s gear. I learned my lesson.”
Ray on Twitter: “I switched my T-shirt from Good Vibes Only to Believe.”
Objects placed by the TV or in the living room were a bigger deal than Julio Rodriguez’ game-winning double.
approach with caution on Twitter: “Our crew carries the W with us for huge games. Didn’t have it Saturday night. Sunday night it traveled.”
Mark Skinner: “I set all 10 of my Mariners’ caps on the back of the couch for Game 2. Clearly that was the good juju.”
Eileen Marie: “After Game 1 I bought Etsy witches to put by the TV.”
Jim Redman: ‘I was holding a ball (during Game 1) until my wife took it out of my hand. I was not happy and it felt wrong. Ten minutes later we lost the lead. Now that ball is nowhere to be found and I grabbed my Julio bat instead.”
Sheryl Sigatoos: “I brought out all of my Vintage Vibes to help with Cheetos.’
The Mariners Moose didn’t help generate the late rally as much as feline intervention in a fan’s living room.
Bundle Up Folks on Twitter: “I picked up my cat in the bottom of the eighth inning and told her she’s not leaving the chair until we score a run. She earned her food this month.’
But the biggest difference of all was made by a bladder.
Johnny Durp: “I held my (urine) in and finally went to take a leak during (Jorge) Polanco’s at bat. I came out and the score was 1-0.”
Jim Moore has covered Washington’s sports scene from every angle for multiple news outlets. He appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. on Jason Puckett’s podcast at PuckSports.com. He writes a Substack blog at jimmoorethego2guy.substack.com. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) @cougsgo.
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM.