Charlie Welch - The Man Behind The Mask

June 8, 2022

Charlie Welch was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 19th round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft, and was assigned to the ACL Mariners at the end of July that year and tore it up. During his time there, he hit a whopping .348 with an on-base percentage

Seattle Sports Union was recently honored to meet this young man after a baseball game where he hit a home run and reached base three times. A game where he helped lead his team to victory. He graciously let us get to know a little bit more about the life of Charlie Welch.

SSU: Last June of 2021 there is a viral video on the internet. It shows you coming off the bench and hitting a 3-run home run to beat Nebraska in the playoffs. The game was at your home stadium in front of 14,000 fans. Tell us about that experience.
CW: That was probably the most exciting and favorite baseball moment of my young career (besides being drafted by the Seattle Mariners.) In front of over 14,000 fans, the noise level was like playing in a major league stadium. When they erupted, nobody could hear a thing. What a great experience. The fans there are so dedicated and enthusiastic. It was such a wonderful moment that I will never forget.

SSU: Where were you on draft day?
CW: I was at home. After working out I had made some food. It was day three of the draft and my friends and family had told me that there was still a chance to get drafted. I got a little sleepy after eating, so I headed to my room for a nap. On my way I got a phone call from the Mariners telling me that they were going to draft me. I was ecstatic and ready to sign up!

SSU: Did you know the Mariners were interested in you?
CW: They had contacted me along with a couple of other teams prior to the draft but it was nothing major. I guess they liked what they saw, because they used their 19th round pick on me.

SSU: What was your major in college and how do you plan to use that when you retire in twenty plus years?
CW: I majored in Business. I am really not sure what I will do, I like computer science…but you will be the first to know when I retire from this game.

SSU: We got to ask. What is with these baseball bats and logo? Is there a story behind this?
CW: These are bats made by Birdman Bats. I recently switched. Spencer Packard and Tyler Keenan use these and I figured it was a time for a change.

SSU: Who was your favorite sports athlete growing up and who was your favorite MLB athlete then and now?
CW: Kobe Bryant was my favorite athlete growing up for obvious reasons. My favorite MLB athlete was Albert Pujols, and my favorite MLB athlete today is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

SSU: What has impressed you about playing in the city of Everett?
CW: I love it here. I am definitely not used to playing in the Pacific Northwest. It is so beautiful here. The tall trees and the mountains are all new to me. The weather is starting to warm up too. I cannot wait for what summer will bring to us.

SSU: What is your favorite baseball field to play in?
CW: It is definitely Baum-Walker Field at the University of Arkansas. What a memorable experience it was playing in a sold-out crowd it seemed like every night.

SSU: What is your favorite sports movie of all time?
CW: It is a toss-up between Benchwarmers and Moneyball. It’s probably Moneyball, both were great movies.

SSU: What would your teammates and coaches say about you?
CW: They would say I am a hard worker and I have a dry sense of humor.

SSU: What Hollywood actor is playing the role of Charlie Welch when they make your life story?
CW: That is a very tough question, and I do not know too many actors. I guess probably Will Ferrell.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Shari Sommerfeld