Mariner notes: M’s forced to evacuate locker room

OAKLAND — It was like a deleted scene from the movie “Money Ball.”

Following Sunday’s game — a 10-2 win for the Oakland Athletics over the Seattle Mariners — players from both teams could be seen wandering the hallways of O.co Coliseum in towels and carrying their postgame clothing with them while walking past fans and media up to a second-level locker room used by the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, where both teams were forced to share the showers and restrooms.

No, it wasn’t a money saving move for a franchise that was portrayed as tight-fisted in the recent movie starring Brad Pitt.

The real reason?

The sewage system at the antiquated stadium was simply overwhelmed from too much usage over the six-game homestand where the A’s drew more than 100,000 fans. That back-up caused all the drains in the A’s clubhouse, the visiting clubhouse and the umpires’ locker room to start pumping raw sewage into the showers. The flow was so great it came out of the showers and bathrooms and into the coach’s office and the visiting clubhouse’s training room.

Baseball clubhouses are far from aromatically pleasing after day games in the sun, but this smell was something far worse.

“Unbelievable,” Seattle shortstop Brendan Ryan could be heard muttering.

The flooding started during the game and sewage was still coming out of the drains postgame. The sound of pumps and shop-vacs echoed throughout the lower level of O.co.

Many of the Mariners coaches simply skipped showering, choosing to get dressed and wait to shower after their one-hour flight to Anaheim.

The four-man umpiring crew also skipped the communal showers as did a handful of A’s players.

“It was crowded,” Joe Saunders told Felix Hernandez of the accommodations.

But the A’s stadium is no laughing matter. The coliseum has undergone facelifts and name changes in its 47-year-old existence. And yet, it’s still considered to be one of the worst facilities in all of baseball.

The A’s ownership has tried desperately to build a new stadium, most recently in Fremont and then San Jose. The A’s and the city of San Jose have an agreement in place to build a downtown stadium.

However, it’s been met with resistance by the owners of the San Francisco Giants, who believe such a stadium would infringe on their territorial rights, and on a lesser level by Major League Baseball and commissioner Bud Selig, who have dragged their feet in coming up with a solution or approving the deal.

Short hops

Tom Wilhelmsen pitched for the first time since losing his closing job. He pitched 2/3 of an inning, giving up an infield hit and walking in a run. … The combined age of the Mariners’ starting outfield on Sunday was 110 years old: Jason Bay (34), Endy Chavez (35) and Raul Ibanez (41). … Former Mariner John Jaso reached base four times with three walks, a single and a sacrifice fly. … Quinn Wolcott, a 2005 graduate of Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, was called up to work Sunday’s game as the second-base umpire. It was his third MLB game this season. Normally, an umpire in the Pacific Coast League, Wolcott made his major-league debut May 27 in Phoenix at the age of 26, working the first game of a doubleheader between the Diamondbacks and Rangers.

On Tap

The Mariners open a four-game series today in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels. Right-hander Aaron Harang (3-6, 5.60 ERA) will get the start for Seattle. The Angels will go with left-hander and former Mariner pitcher Jason Vargas (5-4, 3.74 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Root Sports and 710-AM.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.