CSS and Converge takes on Spring Training: Day six

By Charles Hamaker 

Peoria, AZ – In the final game of Spring Training for both the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, and for the CSS + Converge Media ST trip, our Mariners fell for a second straight game. On a final stunning sunny day down in Peoria with a breeze that was able to mitigate the heat, Liv and Charles set out to the Mariners facility to get more content before the team set off for Seattle. That return flight just happened to be nearly immediately after the game had ended, as an hour after the final out had been recorded the Mariners got on a flight to the Pacific Northwest.  

Mariners team dog, Tucker (Photos by Charles Hamaker)

Bright and early for the final game 

Considering some of the work that the two wanted to get done before the day was over and they left for Seattle, getting up early and arriving when the Mariners PR team did was a must. It was up and at ‘em, as Liv grabbed some of the hotel breakfast as Charles woke up (groggily after recording CSS on Converge late in the night), and then heading over to Peoria. Getting into the building around 8:45-9AM, the only person inside of the facility at the time was Seattle Times beat reporter Ryan Divish, who Charles greatly respects for the work he’s put in and the snappy remarks he makes to rude fans on Twitter.  

Ty France, San Diego State alumni, posted these printed out photos of San Diego State’s win in the men’s March Madness tournament (Photo by Charles Hamaker)

Getting in a few final talks 

Obviously by now you have seen the daily journals and game recaps from our time here at Spring Training, but Liv and Charles have been working on some other things while they’ve been down in Peoria. Those interviews and videos should be coming out soon, as the team gets the time to sit down and sort everything out following the full week's slate of games and return to Seattle. Speaking with some of these key Mariners is a big deal, considering that it’s the first time we’ve really had that access to these guys and in this laidback environment.  

Last game of the Spring on a beautiful day at the ballpark 

The last game of Spring Training, between the “visiting” San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, had all the remnants of a perfect summer baseball game, minus the result. A beautiful day at the diamond, the sunbathing the field in its rays, a breeze that helped to deal with the heat of that sun, and a nearly filled ballpark. Although it seemed like the ballpark was filled to the brim like the last few nights at the Peoria Sports Complex where there were two sellouts, the attendance was 2,000 less than that. Although the Mariners did not win the game to end their Spring Training in 2023, it was a solid game, and the vibes were good throughout. That was showcased in one specific instance, when Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez was leaving the game to head back to the facility, and went to dap up San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr. A cool moment between two of the most electrifying young stars in baseball.  

Getting things done, while keeping an eye on the Kraken 

After returning from Peoria, Charles and Liv sat down and got to work on preparing written content from the day and editing photos, respectively. Considering that a decent amount of time had passed since the two had eaten at the ballpark, Liv found out that one of her favorite food spots from Southern California, Epic Wings, had a location nearby. Orders were placed, and man was it a great recommendation. Considering that Charles is essentially a chicken connoisseur, it was right up his alley and was a smash hit. Unfortunately, the Kraken game that was played that the two watched was not. The team performed poorly to the disappointment of Liv and Charles, and their “magic number” towards a potential playoff berth remains at 13.   

What’re you doing tomorrow? 

Tomorrow is the final day of the Circling Seattle Sports and Converge Media Spring Training trip, as Liv and Charles will be returning to Seattle around midnight. The pair will have a full day of prep ahead of them before getting on a late flight and then heading back to the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps not as much fun, certainly no more photos of Tucker until we return to T-Mobile Park, but it’s the cap on a trip that is historic and a key memory for both Cricling Seattle Sports and Converge Media. This Mariners season, and the Spring and Summer as a whole, are going to be very big for our sports coverage and it is so excited to think about what is to come! 

To tune into the game recap from this Mariners matchup, click here

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