10 Signs You May Be a Seattle Mariners Fan

We aren't the biggest fanbase. We aren't the rowdiest or the noisiest or the most famous either. But the fans of the Seattle Mariners are a special group of people. 

We're loyal, supportive, informed, sensible, passionate, and we love the game of baseball as much as anyone else.

Are you one of us? Assess your fanhood with this slideshow.

You're probably a Seattle Mariners fan if...

You Stop Listening When the World Series Is Mentioned

That's the New York Yankees celebrating after plundering the Mariners' shot at the title.

It's rather disappointing that in the Mariners' 35-year history, they've never even reached the World Series. They've come close a few times—most notably in 1995 after Edgar Martinez's "Double" and in 2001 after the 116-win season—but they've never taken the grand prize.

And it isn't encouraging that teams like the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs went (well, the Cubs are still going) on championship-less streaks for more than 80 years.

However, this drought could come to an end within the decade since Felix Hernandez, Jesus Montero, Dustin Ackley, Taijuan Walker and others combine to make a pretty fearsome team. 

Your Unenlightened Friends Ask Why You Root for a Branch of the Armed Services

Maybe this is more of out-of-town fan occurrence, but I've gotten a variety of seemingly ridiculous inquiries about my sports preferences.

"Why do you have a Marines hat?"

"Who are the [mah - REEN - uhrs]?"

"Is that a sailing team?"

Perhaps it's because they're a newer team. Or possibly because the Pacific Northwest is rarely considered by much of the American population. In any case, these misnomers will come to a halt soon enough...just as soon as we can take the World Series.

The Only King You Pay Homage to Is King Felix

Is there any king more sovereign or regal than the one who occupies the pitcher's mound at SAFECO Field in Seattle, WA? I think not.

He rules his domain royally with strikeouts and swagger. His vassals (the up-and-coming Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, Erasmo Ramirez and James Paxton) are loyal and grateful to rule under him.

His sphere of influence is growing rapidly as he joins forces with the Mariners' developing offense. The ultimate goal? Again, a world reign: the World Series title.

1995 Means the Unforgettable Divisional Series

When you look back on 1995, you remember "The Double," the ensuing pandemonium and everything that got the team there. Everything else is blocked out (including and especially the ALCS that year).

That was the defining moment in Mariners' history. We'll always remember Edgar Martinez as the greatest designated hitter ever. Hall of Fame 2013?

You Know Ichiro Has Way More Than 3,000 Hits

Ichiro didn't even start playing in the MLB until 2001 when he was 27 years old. Between the ages of 27 and 38 (where Ichiro is now), Pete Rose had 2,265 hits. Ichiro has 2,428.

And then you add in Japan: hits with the Orix Blue Wave +  hits with the Seattle Mariners = 3,706. The portion of Pete Rose's career before he was 37 yielded him just 3,164 hits.

So we don't want to hear that he won't even reach the 3,000 club so he isn't worth considering as one of the top contact hitters in the game. None of that. Ichiro is a hits machine.

This year he may turn into a home run machine though. Or something else?

"Like I tell you guys all the time, I'm ready to pitch, too. Anything is possible."

You Know Who Mr. Mariner Is

Soon after the enfranchisement of the Seattle Mariners, Alvin Davis became an icon in Seattle. After winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1984, things took off.

His amiable personality and special outlook on baseball made him a standout fan favorite. He was inducted into the Mariners Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, becoming forever enshrined in Mariners history.

Your Mascot Is a Moose and You Love It

Admittedly, the moose is a bit random, but he's lovable and adds depth to the Mariners organization.

When Mariner Moose isn't riding his ATV around SAFECO Field or getting showered by the icy-cold water from the bullpen coolers, he's out in the community, reaching out to all sorts of people, from newlyweds to underprivileged children.

I'm happy to have the moose stick around. You know who the Yankees have? No one. They have no mascot. We win that round.

You Can't Help but Dance When "Louie, Louie" Comes on

It doesn't matter if you're in the car on your way to work, waiting line at the grocery store or at SAFECO during the seventh inning stretch, when "Louie, Louie" comes on, you dance.

You Can Recite Dave Niehaus's Call of "The Double," Word-for-Word

"The Double" has come up three times so far, rightfully so.

"

Right now, the Mariners looking for the tie. They would take a fly ball, they would love a base hit into the gap and they could win it with Junior’s speed. The stretch… and the 0-1 pitch on the way to Edgar Martínez swung on and LINED DOWN THE LEFT FIELD LINE FOR A BASE HIT! HERE COMES JOEY, HERE IS JUNIOR TO THIRD BASE, THEY’RE GOING TO WAVE HIM IN! THE THROW TO THE PLATE WILL BE … LATE! THE MARINERS ARE GOING TO PLAY FOR THE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP! I DON’T BELIEVE IT! IT JUST CONTINUES! MY, OH MY!

-Dave Niehaus, calling "The Double"

"

The sound clip of the call is embedded in this video clip, which is Seattle artist Macklemore's tribute to the late, great Niehaus.

You Read About the Team on Bleacher Report...

We all know that the truest Mariners fans read about their favorite team on Bleacher Report, right? OK, maybe not all of the best fans—just the lucky ones.

I'd like to take this chance to thank all of you fans who follow the team on Bleacher Report and read articles that us writers post for your entertainment, enjoyment and perusal.

I'm one of you guys, and I'm just as excited to see what the Mariners will do this year. Onward, to more runs and more wins!