The Seattle Mariners had some interesting costumes for their annual rookie dress-up day earlier this week.
While most teams around Major League Baseball have some sort of rookie dress-up day or other tradition for newcomers, few take it to the same level as the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners went all-out with their rookie costumes last Wednesday following a crucial win over the Houston Astros, via starting pitcher Taijuan Walker’s Instagram account.
Unfortunately, no Astros fans were around to see it, but outfielder Leonys Martin also got some video footage of the rookies walking around Minute Maid Park.
Even with plenty of great costumes to choose from, the winner here is first baseman Dan Vogelbach as a Chippendales performer and/or Chris Farley. Vogelbach, who was acquired earlier this season from the Chicago Cubs, is built more like a fire hydrant than a baseball player at 6-0, 250 pounds.
Other highlights include fan favorite Dae-Ho Lee as Mr. Kool Aid and whatever the creepy thing in overalls on the left is. Closer Edwin Diaz also stood out by donning a full Gumby outfit.
Rookie Day 🐸🐸 pic.twitter.com/UiL0ZFklKz
— Edwin Diaz (@SugarDiaz39) September 28, 2016
As light-hearted as the costume is, nobody wants to face Diaz in the batter’s box. The 22-year-old has been a huge part of the Mariners’ playoff push with a 2.74 ERA (2.11 FIP) and 85 strikeouts in 49.1 innings.
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Seattle is still in the playoff race following Thursday’s win over the Oakland Athletics but will need some help over the weekend to qualify for the first time since 2001. With a four-game sweep over Oakland, one loss from the Detroit Tigers, and two losses from either the Toronto Blue Jays or Baltimore Orioles, the Mariners could force a chaotic three-way tie for the second AL Wild Card spot.
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Either way, rookies like Diaz and Ariel Miranda have been important contributors to a pennant chase, in addition to their expert costume skills.