It's wedding season and the Seattle Mariners need some positive headlines, so how about a nice love story involving baseball today?
Our must-read tale comes from my pal Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times and features an unlikely Romeo — Jason Phillips, the Mariners bullpen catcher.
Phillips previously played in the majors for a few teams, including the Mets and Dodgers, and came to Seattle in 2009 hoping to land another roster spot.
That didn't quite work out, but the M's offered him the bullpen job, which is how he came to spot a beautiful woman in the stands during a game last season.
Phillips was immediately smitten as he exchanged glances with the mystery woman. But he also had reservations about being that guy, he pledged he'd only introduce himself if the game went into extras.
When the game went into the 10th inning, Phillips took it as a sign and started thinking about different ways he could break the ice. His final solution was a simple one.
Writes Brewer:
"Phillips grabbed a baseball, scribbled his number on it, got the woman's attention and tossed it to her. And for the rest of the game, he was left to wonder how she'd respond. He couldn't wait to return to the clubhouse and check his messages. Naturally, the game would drag for 15 excruciating innings.
"But by then, she had sent him a text message: 'My name is Molly. Nice to meet you.'
"And that's how a bullpen catcher fell in love."
Long story short: After 13 months of dating, Jason and Molly Ray have arranged to be married in the Safeco Field bullpen after this Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. What a happy ending for someone whose time in Seattle started off on a disappointing note.
