The return of Mariners' 'Favorite Things' auction
This story was excerpted from Daniel Kramer’s Mariners Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SEATTLE -- Ever wondered what type of music Dylan Moore listens to pregame, or the type of headphones he uses to do so? How about Marco Gonzales’ favorite candy to snack on before start days? Or the restaurants that J.P. Crawford and others enjoy on nights they are away from the field?
Fans will have an opportunity to indulge in some of their favorite players’ favorite things, on and off the baseball field, thanks to the Mariners Families Favorite Things Basket Auction, slated for Sunday’s matinee against the Angels.
“It really helps fans get to know the guys on the field in a different way,” said Monica Gonzales, Marco’s wife, who is among those who oversee the event. “And really, I feel like it helps people see them more as the people that they are rather than just the players. And it's so fun to see all of the things that the women put together.”
The event will take place Sunday at section 128 on the main concourse at T-Mobile Park, where fans will have the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind basket packages containing some of the 2023 Mariners’ favorite keepsakes, at and away from the players’ “day jobs.”
Monica Gonzales will be joined by Paola Moore (wife of Dylan) and a few fellow Mariners spouses taking shifts throughout the game at the booth overseeing the event, which runs through the sixth inning.
“It can be anything from different things that they enjoy to baseball memorabilia, so you kind of get a little bit of both,” Monica said, noting that there will be gift cards to local restaurants, signed alcoholic beverage bottles and more. “It can be a whole entire range of stuff. ... We get pretty creative with it.”
Net proceeds from the Favorite Things auction benefit Mariners Care Foundation, and this year, those funds are being allocated toward baseball and youth softball.
“This year, they're very heavily focused on providing baseball and softball for youth, no matter their financial situation,” Monica said. “And really working to advance equality for young kids. So that's really where the money is going to be going this year. They're really increasing their access to baseball and softball for kids, especially since the pandemic has been more of a need in our community.”
The players’ significant others have enjoyed this event in particular.
“One fan every year always comes and wants all of the wives to sign a baseball for him,” Monica said. “It's really cute. But yeah, it's really fun. It's great to be able to talk to them and engage with them. And like I said, explain a little bit more about the personal side of our family.”
Beyond Gonzales, Crawford and Moore, the auction will feature baskets from Julio Rodríguez, Ty France and others. The full list of baskets will be available a few days prior to the auction.
Here are two other community events on tap for this week:
Tuesday, Sept. 12: The Mariners and Starbucks will be hosting a food drive at the ballpark to support Northwest Harvest. At the game, fans can donate non-perishable items upon entry at any gate into the ballpark. In addition, fans can donate at Starbucks locations around Seattle, including Queen Anne, SoDo, Green Lake and more.
Wednesday, Sept. 13: From 5 to 8 p.m., Jill Servais, wife of Mariners manager Scott Servais, is hosting a charity event at Queen Anne Beer Hall that will benefit OkanDogs and Team Okanogan Animal Rescue. At the event, there will be a silent auction, dog-themed beverages, potential player appearances and more. Okandogs is where the Mariners adopted Tucker, the lovable clubhouse pup.