Dear so-called "Mariners fans,"
I’ve seen your venting on Twitter and Facebook, and I have to say, go find a new team to root for. I’ve seen the comments saying, “I refuse to watch this garbage team until they actually get to the playoffs” or “This team is abysmal, 40 years and no championship! This team is a joke!”
Do you seriously want to go there?
How many of you are complaining about this team but miss our Seattle SuperSonics? Yeah, I’m guessing it’s probably a good majority. Also, you seriously want to pout about no title in 40 years? Try being a Chicago Cubs fan, for instance. 108 years without that elusive title last year, and it was worth every second of waiting for those who had to. Or be a Washington Nationals fan with a young, star-studded roster that has yet to reach a World Series, as well. Then not to mention the teams that have been without a World Series ring even though they have been there. Also, now the World Series dry spell goes to the Cleveland Indians who haven’t been winners since 1948. So to that, I promptly say: Please calm the heck down.
Trust me, this wasn’t the start I’ve envisioned, and the playoff drought has me concerned, but what would I do without baseball in my life? Summers are just better with the Mariners playing, winning or not. So if you truly are a fan, stick with them through thick and thin.
On that note, if the words “I won’t watch until they actually start winning” come out of your mouth, I have harsh news for you: You are a bandwagon fan. The lowest form of fan. The Seahawks Superbowl win in 2013 was so rewarding because the team rebuilt itself from nothing, and finally won a championship. The Mariners' time will come. But even though the Cubs are rejoicing in their new championship, they had years of dismal play, unlucky breaks, and curses now broken.
1945 was their last World Series appearance; 1908 was their last championship. For a frame of reference, the Mariners' inaugural season was 1977. You do the math on that and then tell me you have a right to complain. Have you seen the Cubs recently? They are no joke; they are a testament to enduring struggle, blossoming into an amazing team.
The Mariners fanbase is also calling for Manager Scott Servais’ job and possibly even General Manager Jerry Dipoto’s jobs for a slow start. OK, so should the managers for the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates be fired, as well? Baseball is a 162-game season, and if you are getting hung up on the first 10 games, then maybe baseball is not for you.
Of course, to all of the Mariners fans who know that this is just the beginning of the year, thank you for staying True to the Blue.
That is my parting shot on this topic. Complain if you will that excuses need to stop, but the other option is not having a baseball team, and that idea is just simply abysmal, to use your word.
Sincerely,
A true Mariners fan.
