Get ready for a historic moment, folks! The Seattle Mariners are back in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) after a 24-year drought, and the city is buzzing with excitement. This team's journey is a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination.
The 2025 season has been nothing short of remarkable for the Mariners. Led by the exceptional Cal Raleigh, a strong contender for the American League MVP, the team boasts a powerful combination of exceptional hitting and solid pitching. Players like Josh Naylor, Julio Rodriguez, and Bryan Woo have transformed what seemed like a rebuilding season into a legitimate championship pursuit.
"It's an emotional rollercoaster," shares Denise Morales, a lifelong Mariners fan. "We've waited for over two decades to witness this momentum. It's not just about baseball; it's about restoring hope in a franchise with a rich history and a heart-wrenching past."
With each pitch and home run, fans pack the stands, waving their rally towels and creating an electric atmosphere. During their intense 15-inning game against the Detroit Tigers on October 10th, T-Mobile Park literally shook, registering seismic activity equivalent to a 3.0 earthquake!
"The energy of this team is unique," says Aidan Hatch, a third-year communications student at Seattle University and host of the Rolling Mariners podcast. "In 2022, it felt like a breakthrough, but this year, they're here to dominate. They're not just content with making the playoffs; they're determined to win it all."
This mindset fueled a challenging season. After an impressive start with nine straight wins, the Mariners faced a slowdown in May and June, with a 13-14 record during those months. However, they made a remarkable comeback post-trade deadline, acquiring essential players like Naylor and Eugenio Suarez.
Suarez, a veteran from the previous playoff team, brings valuable leadership and experience to the clubhouse. The team's lineup was further strengthened by midseason signings, giving them the boost they needed to regain their momentum. According to Jordan Kim, a lifelong Mariners fan, another key factor in their success is their pitching depth.
"Our starters consistently rank among the top five in ERA and WHIP," Kim explains. "Bryan Woo and Logan Gilbert anchor a rotation that rarely surrenders early runs, giving our offense the breathing room it needs."
Kim highlights the differences between the current Mariners and the legendary 2001 squad, the last team to reach the ALCS. "The 2001 team excelled in consistent contact hitting and historic depth, whereas this 2025 team is built on power and pitching. They're different styles of excellence, but the current team feels more balanced overall."
Raleigh has been a pivotal figure for the Mariners, excelling both offensively and defensively. His strength at the plate has made him one of the American League's most formidable hitters. This season, Raleigh set the record for the most home runs in a single season by a catcher, switch-hitter, and Mariners hitter. On September 24th, he hit his 60th home run, joining an elite group of only six other players who have achieved this feat.
"He hit 60 home runs, an incredible feat for a catcher," Hatch remarks. "But what makes him truly dangerous is the lineup around him. Pitchers can't avoid him because after Raleigh, you have Rodriguez, then Naylor, and then Polanco. It's relentless, a nightmare for opposing teams."
The Mariners showcased their resilience and determination in an exhilarating five-game American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Detroit Tigers from October 4th to 10th, 2025. Seattle started the series with a close victory in Game 1, but Detroit quickly tied it up. The Mariners' offense exploded in Game 3 with home runs from Raleigh, Suarez, and J.P. Crawford taking the lead.
In Game 4, the Tigers fought back, setting the stage for a thrilling final game in Seattle. Game 5, a 15-inning marathon, became the longest winner-take-all playoff game in MLB history. With a 3-2 victory and a walk-off single by Jorge Polanco, the Mariners advanced to the ALCS.
"You held the Tigers to just one home run in 15 innings and no other runs," Hatch points out. "They had scoring opportunities in almost every inning, but our pitching stepped up big time."
According to Denise Morales, the team's confidence has been a significant factor in their success. "This group plays with an expectation to win, not just a hope," she says. "You can see it in how they handle pressure; they remain composed even when the game gets intense. That's something past teams sometimes lacked."
Manager Dan Wilson, known for his player relationships and bullpen management, has played a crucial role in maintaining the team's composure. "He deserves a lot of credit," Morales adds. "He's built trust in the clubhouse, and the players respect him. He's managed the bullpen brilliantly in high-pressure situations, and it's clear the team has fully embraced his system."
As the Mariners prepare for their next challenge in the ALCS, the excitement in Seattle is palpable. "If they make it to the World Series, I don't know what I'd do," Hatch confesses. "I've never seen it happen before. I'd be overwhelmed with excitement, just happy to see them achieve this."
Looking ahead, Hatch believes this playoff run is a sign of a new era for the Mariners. "It sends a strong message to the front office and ownership that these players are here to win and want the best available talent. They're not just here for one playoff appearance; they're here to dominate for the long haul."
For Denise Morales, who has been a fan since the early days, this moment is a reward for years of patience. "It would mean everything," she says. "This city has remained loyal through years of frustration. A World Series berth would validate all that patience and prove that the Mariners belong among the best."
At the time of publishing, the Mariners lead the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-1. After two road victories, the Mariners returned to Seattle on October 15th, dropping the third game of the seven-game series with a score of 4-13.
The energy at T-Mobile Park is electric, a feeling only a city on the brink of making history can understand. One thing is clear: Seattle is no longer waiting for the future; the Mariners are living it!
