M's say a prayer, wave the flag to celebrate
It was a victory celebration that couldn't have been more unusual. Or more appropriate.
The Mariners clinched their third American League West Division title last night, but no one rushed onto the field. There were no dog piles around the mound after the 5-0 victory over Anaheim at Safeco Field. There were no fists thrust into the air. It was serene. It was solemn. It was respectful, as the players kept in mind that there is a much bigger issue in this country and the world than clinching a baseball division title.
"We are entertainers, we're baseball players, but before everything else, we are human beings," said Mark McLemore, who carried the American flag around the dirt of the infield in an impromptu patriotic display with the team following him. "We have suffered this week like everyone else in the country. It was tough for us to take the stage and perform."
The Mariners, understanding that they were close to winning the division, did not want to bring attention to themselves after last week's terrorist attacks against the United States. They decided on a mix of patriotism and spiritualism. After the players all hugged following the final out, they slowly circled the mound, knelt and bowed their heads. Chuck Snyder, who had mentored the Mariners in Sunday chapel since 1979, then spoke to them quietly for about two minutes while 45,459 fans watched in silence.
"I just asked for God's blessing for comfort and soothing for those people who are going through untold agony," Snyder said. "I also thanked the Lord for having them have such a good season and for them being such good representatives of the city."
It was Manager Lou Piniella who asked Snyder to speak to the gathering.
"We knew we would be the first team to clinch," Piniella said. "We wanted to be respectful while at the same time saluting our fans. Then we came in here and had a little champagne. It was subdued, but this team has played so hard and so well. They deserve it."
Dan Wilson, the team's player representative, said, "It was a great prayer. Chuck touched on the people who have experienced loss and prayed for comfort for them and thanked God for the ball club we have. But all keeping in mind that things have happened this week that none of us can explain."
After the prayer, the players circled the diamond, waving, bowing and doffing their caps to the crowd.
"I have no idea how it (flag) ended up in my hands," McLemore said. "I played with a lot of teams that have won division championships and been to the playoffs, but with all that has gone on in the country this past week, it was, by far, my most special moment. I think we set the tone for (celebrations). It was not choreographed, it just happened. Everyone in here is mature enough to understand the significance of the situation. I think we did it with taste, respect and dignity."
Bob Sherwin can be reached at 206-464-8286 or bsherwin@seattletimes.com.