An AquaSox Fan Visits J-Rod Night At Funko Field

Sunday August 6, 2023, saw a return of Julio Rodriguez to Funko Field. Well, at least a bobblehead resembling his facsimile. A capacity 4,507 Frog fans swarmed to Funko Field to swoop up their J-Rod bobbleheads thanks to Sound Transit, including ten that had been personally autographed, and bask in the sun to the tune of a 3-1 pitcher’s duel. Complete with live music and juiced up Frog fans, this game had a---forgive the pun—hopping atmosphere.

It is hard to believe that just 2 years ago, current Mariner’s All-Star Julio Rodriguez roamed the outfield in Everett. Unfortunately, due to world events, many were unable to make it to the AquaSox Games in 2021, as Julio shined in 28 games with 6 home runs and a .325 batting average. While it didn’t last as long as we wanted it to, it was evident on bobblehead night that the fans in Everett never forgot.

The electric atmosphere carried with it the gravitas of the night(s) that Felix Hernandez pitched in rehab or the time Robinson Cano worked out for 3 games here. Fans lined up hundreds deep at both the north and south entrance to the stadium with anticipation and excitement to get their hands on the smiling and swinging-slugger.

The AquaSox left fielder, Victor Labrada performed his impression of Julio Rodriguez with a 5th inning defensive magic. With the AquaSox up 2-0 on the visiting Spokane Indians an opposite filed line drive screamed its way to the gap between left and center when a dashing Labrada snagged the guaranteed double in-waiting to set the inevitable conclusion that the Indians would not win this night.

The magic on the field was supported by a party atmosphere as we saw a guest appearance from our Northwest League rival. Colorado Rockies infielder Brendan Rodgers made a rehab start and scores of baseball fans lined up in earnest near the north entrance to get autographs and high-fives. Frog fans also made sure to crowd the AquaSox bullpen area to get a glimpse of starter Nick Davila before his inevitable 5 inning scoreless masterpiece.

Funko Field scents of kettle corn wafted across the field as did a snack new to the stadium this year, mini-donuts. The puffy and sweet donut holes is yet another temptation to go along with the rather large beer selection and hot corner options. Myself, I grabbed some mini-donuts, kettle corn and a frosty brew or two.

Were these tasty treats great? Yes! And will that bobblehead look great on my desk? Very much so, yes! But the big win for me on this Julio Rodriguez appreciation day was picking up the brand new Everett AquaSox Sea Cap 59FIFTY. Just released the week before bobblehead night, the flat brimmed hat has a Mariner’s teal brim with the sideways “E” trident highlighted in Webbly Aqua Blue. I am not certain if that is an actual color, but this slick fitted hat is among the best the AquaSox have ever released.

As the AquaSox shut the door on Spokane with internet sensation Sam Carlson (check out his Tik-tok and Instagram!), I was left to ponder what makes baseball so great and it has to do with games like this where an entire community comes together with a desire to connect and bond over America’s pastime. It was a moment that I wish had existed when Julio was here in Everett; however, it doesn’t mean we can’t honor that past and cheer the present.

As some of the players we see today (perhaps it is Harry Ford or one of the other talented Frogs?) will be the stars of the future, and we can say we few thousand, we happy few thousand, got to see them before all others and get to claim them as our own. Looking ahead, the future is bright, especially here at Funko Field.

ABOUT SEATTLE SPORTS UNION: SSU is a group of passionate fans following teams in the Seattle area. Their podcast involves interviews with local sports figures and commentary. Podcasts can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Youtube, you can also find them on the web at seattlesportsunion.com

ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Everett is a member of the Northwest League and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the AquaSox moniker in 1995. For updates on the 2023 season, community initiatives and Webbly appearances follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or visit our website, AquaSox.com. Season tickets, ticket plans, group outings and picnics outings can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.