Mariners Moose Tracks, 10/4/21: Kyle Seager, Max Muncy, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Good morning all. I hope everyone has had some time to at least partially process the events of yesterday. As a fan that has never been alive to see a Mariners playoff game, yesterday’s game 162 was the most important one I’ve ever been able to witness. I was shaking from a combination of excitement and nervousness from the moment it started. This team, these players, this season, these fans- they are so special. It was incredible to see the city rally around our team, selling out the stadium and bringing the noise for every single pitch. I have never seen anything like it.

Kyle Seager’s exit brought the most emotional moments for me. I’ve written articles detailing my love for Seager, the reasons why he will always be my favorite player, and my plea to anyone listening to postpone Seager trade talks. But watching him leave that field last night left my heart in pieces. I can’t say enough about the impact he’s had on me and this unique fanbase. It was clear as he made his rounds during the ninth inning that the players and coaching staff feel the same way. The tears were shared by every single person on that field.

I’m not ready to say goodbye to Seager. And I’m not ready to let this be the end of Mariners October baseball. As Kate said in her beautiful recap, the end of baseball season also brings beginnings. This 2021 Mariners team showed us that they’re not going anywhere. They’re here to compete for years to come and eager to pickup next season right where they left off.

Keep believing, keep showing up, and keep supporting this extraordinary team. There is so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to see what the coming season will bring.

In Mariners news...

• Kyle Seager forever and ever and ever.

• Still can’t get through this video without tearing up.

• Casey Sadler ends the season with an exclamation mark as he sets a new team record for lowest ERA through a minimum of 40 innings pitched.

• All of us the next few days:

Around the league...

• 2021 postseason COVID-19 protocols have been announced:

• After sustaining a scary left elbow injury in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game yesterday, Max Muncy is very unlikely to play in the NL Wild Card game on Wednesday and the division series as well if the Dodgers advance.
• The Philadelphia Phillies fired hitting coach Joe Dillon and infield coach Juan Castro prior to the team’s final game of the season as the Phillies miss the playoffs for the 10th year in a row.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has set a new MLB record for most homers by a player 22 years old or younger with a whopping 48.
• Boston Red Sox outfielder JD Martinez was forced to leave yesterday’s game early with a left ankle sprain while stumbling over second base on his way to the outfield to start the fifth inning.