My roommates and I set out for Safeco Field [to see a recent game against the Yankees], ready and willing to tell any and every Yankee fan that got in our way what we thought about them. The first thing we noticed was the small group of Yankee fans (including the writer of the article) decked out in Yankee gear waiting for the game to begin. Then came the real shock: They were actually very likable people, and furthermore, wonderful fans. They cheered on their team while still getting in a few good-natured heckles toward the Mariners. It was no time at all before we were one rather larger, very loud group of happy fans cheering on our respective teams. It was a good old-fashioned rivalry being played out, a group of baseball fans having the time of their lives. It was the best time I have had at a game so far this season.
It is up to us to show our team that we love them, and that we are the best fans in baseball. I never run from a challenge, Mr. Villano. I hope you do check in on us in center field every once in a while this season, because one of these days, we might surprise you.
Pamela Muniz
Seattle
WE SUCK, WE REALLY DO
I never thought I would ever say this: That freakin' Yankee is right.
I have attended over 100 games at Safeco Field. Each game seems to get worse. Now the Mariners front office has adopted a no-tolerance policy, which has turned a day at the park into a march through a fascist prison. Fans are now afraid to cheer for their home team out of fear that the gestapo will jerk them by the collar and toss them into the middle of Royal Brougham.
The Mariners seem to have gone out of their way to cater to the family attending the ballpark, while completely alienating another segment of their fan base made up of loyal, die-hard baseball enthusiasts. If the team continues to alienate these fans, they run the risk of losing a loyal fan base, a fan base that would continue to attend games even when it is not deemed trendy. Would, that is, if only they were embraced while [enthusiasm] was a trend.
Scott Feldman
Seattle
SIT DOWN, SUCKERS
As a misplaced Mariners fan in the Big Apple, I concur there is no fan more raucous and passionate than a Yankees fan. But that has little to do with how the game is played on the field, despite what you might believe. You don't necessarily need to yell your ass off at every two-strike count. These are regular season games—there's 162 of them. Enjoy them as you like. That being said, I'll be at Yankee Stadium this weekend.
Tyler Laughery
New York, NY
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