Mariners: Magic, the Big Dumper, and Mojo for the World Series?

Seattle Mariners Conquer Division After 24-Year Wait

Seattle finally broke the drought. After 24 years and five days, the Seattle Mariners were crowned division champions, marking a milestone for a fanbase that has lived with hope at its fingertips. With a core of players who finally found their way, the Mariners achieved a dominant and transcendental sweep against their biggest rival. Cal Raleigh, with his 60th home run, sealed the division title on an unforgettable night. But, what else influenced this triumph? The help of the “supernatural”. Three weeks ago, when the team was going through a difficult time, a lifelong fan, Steven Blackburn, turned to an Etsy “witch.” He requested a spell to change the course of the season, and the result was surprising.

It was the best $16 investment I’ve made.

Steven Blackburn

The next morning, Blackburn received a message confirming the spell. That same night, Julio Rodríguez led the team with two home runs and a spectacular catch, securing a crucial victory. Since then, the Mariners have performed exceptionally, with only one loss in 18 games, and the fans have enthusiastically embraced the “magic,” wearing witch hats and costumes in the stadium. Blackburn, who didn’t live through the 2001 title, acknowledges the disbelief, but can’t deny the impact of recent events. With a talented squad and a renewed spirit, the 2025 Mariners seem destined to achieve great things.

In the image: Steven Blackburn, a Mariners fan, alongside Mariner Moose and Malcolm Rogel, vice president of fan experience for Seattle, invested $16 to invoke good fortune for his favorite team.

Key Movements and the Path to Success

General Manager Justin Hollander, from the start of the season, showed his determination by contacting the Arizona Diamondbacks to explore the acquisition of Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor. Although the trade deadline was far off, Hollander kept in touch, knowing that aggressiveness was key. The arrival of Naylor and Suárez, along with the outstanding season of Raleigh and the talent of the young pitchers, strengthened the team. The management recognized the importance of reinforcing the team to aspire to the maximum. Although they failed to acquire Jhoan Duran, the team was reinforced with infielders, which gave them greater depth. The starting rotation, along with the bullpen, have maintained a high level, consolidating the team as a strong contender.

We have athleticism, speed, power, starting pitching, and a good bullpen. It’s very rare that all those things coincide at the same time. And in the last few weeks, they have. And they showed… that they are on a mission. And I don’t think that mission will stop at reaching the postseason.

Jerry Dipoto

In the image: Seattle has waited a long time to see the Mariners win another division crown. And the city has never seen them in the World Series.

Overcoming Adversity: The Key to Success

The last time the Mariners played a playoff game at home was October 15, 2022, a day of suffering for their fans. After 17 scoreless innings, and after six hours and 22 minutes, the 2022 season came to an end. The franchise, with a 47-year history, had only reached the playoffs five times. After Ken Griffey Jr.’s departure in 2001, 21 years passed without the team reaching the postseason and 24 without a divisional title. Julio Rodríguez highlighted the motivation they felt for the fans. The Mariners, after the trade deadline, began a winning streak, solidifying their position as a strong team. Despite some setbacks, the team remained united. The defeat against the Atlanta Braves seemed to be a turning point. However, the team reacted, stringing together an impressive winning streak, including a series against the Angels, where the pitchers set a strikeout record. The team grew in adversity and learned to overcome obstacles.

We never give up. I feel like there are a lot of people who break under pressure, and I feel like we as a team stick together. We’ve had some tough stretches, but I feel like that made us stronger. We were able to overcome that. And we stuck together through that.

Julio Rodríguez

In the image: Fans wearing witch hats and fake mustaches don’t win baseball games. But it can’t hurt.

Domain in Houston and Divisional Consecration

In Houston, Crawford drove in the team with a grand slam, securing a sweep against the Astros, their archrival. This triumph was key to obtaining the divisional title. The team demonstrated its strength on the field, with outstanding performances from its pitchers. The victory in Houston was a historic moment, marking a milestone for the franchise. The team grew from its past mistakes, learning from the defeats of previous years. The team’s mentality changed, focusing on each game and on collective success. Manager Dan Wilson, who experienced the team’s golden age as a player, felt a special emotion seeing the city united and the team achieve the championship.

In the image: Cal Raleigh is having one of the most memorable regular seasons in MLB history. Will his October be as successful?

Cal Raleigh: A Historic Catcher

Cal Raleigh, with his impressive performance, has been fundamental to the team’s success. With 60 home runs, Raleigh has had a historic season, with options to win the MVP. His performance as a catcher, combining defense and offense, is unprecedented. Raleigh has broken records, including the one for most home runs for a catcher. Raleigh, with his humility and dedication, has become an icon of the city. His impact goes beyond statistics. In the game that sealed the title, Raleigh hit his 60th home run, tying an MLB record. His desire to succeed with the team is evident.

Doing it this way has been crazy and exciting and fun and everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. This is a big, big, big moment for this organization and city. We know we still have more work to do; we are very excited to have that opportunity.

Cal Raleigh