Tyler Locklear: One-man Cleanup Crew

Tyler Locklear is as intimidating on the diamond as any player in the Northwest League. Standing at 6”1’, with biceps the size of an average person’s head, and power that makes Funko Field look like a little league park, Locklear may seem larger than life. In reality, he is a humble, gentle giant always ready with a laugh, a joke, and a wry smile. The following is an interview with Locklear, that examines his past baseball experience and his acclimation to his new home in Everett.

SSU: So, you were born in Baltimore, but you grew up in Abington, Maryland. What was it like growing up in Abington?
Tyler: It’s just a little town, 20 minutes north of Baltimore. So, we were big Ravens and Orioles fans. Growing up, going to those games and coming all the way out here is a big scenery change.

SSU: How old were you when you started playing baseball?
Tyler: Ever since I was born really, I guess two years old. I’ve had a bat in my hand.

SSU: Is your dad a big influence?
Tyler: My dad, my whole family, honestly. We come from a big baseball family. My uncle played in the minors. So pretty much everybody’s played baseball in my family.

SSU: What position did you play when you started out?
Tyler: I was a third baseman up until my last year in college. Then I moved to first, and then coming here they felt like I had some benefit over at first. So ever since then, I’ve been playing first base.

SSU: Do you have a favorite moment playing in high school?
Tyler: Definitely winning the conference championship. With all my best friends. Still, talk to ‘em to this day, so just that would be my best moment in high school, I feel.

SSU: How did you land at Virginia Commonwealth University?
Tyler: it was really like the only school that offered me and I committed my junior year and then stuck with them ever since.

SSU: How close was it to where you grew up?
Tyler: Oh, it’s only three hours south. My family was able to come to every weekend home game, so that was nice.

SSU: Did you have a favorite player growing up that you maybe model your game after?
Tyler: Manny Machado. He started his career in Baltimore so I got to watch him from his arrival in the league, and have kept following him ever since then.

SSU: Virginia Commonwealth, what was it like starting there in the Covid 2020 season?
Tyler: I mean it was obviously a weird situation the way that kind of shook out, but ever since then, like those guys are my best friends. It’s a home away from home, honestly, like with how tight we are. So, I still go back there, still talk to all those guys. I love every one of them.

SSU: Do you have a favorite college moment?
Tyler: I’d say getting that first Atlantic-10 championship. Because that was kind of the harp on VCU. It was that they couldn’t win the big game. And then finally in 2021, we were all able to do it. So, I’d say that moment.

SSU: Have you always been a homerun hitter, a slugger?
Tyler: Everybody kind of tells me that I’ve always been a home run hitter just because I’ve been a big guy.

SSU: Okay. Are you more of a high-heat or low-ball hitter?
Tyler: I like something around the belt that I can get my hands around to send it on.

SSU: Last year, you were drafted 58th in the second round by the Mariners. Where were you on draft day? What was your reaction?
Tyler: I was at the Bush Mill Tavern in Abington, Maryland with everybody that’s ever grown up with me. So just having 200 people there supporting me through that long night was pretty awesome.

SSU: Did you know the Mariners were looking at you?
Tyler: Nope. I only had one phone call with them. But when that phone call was made, it was a dream come true.

SSU: Then you came out and you pretty much finished the summer with Modesto, is that correct?
Tyler: Yes, sir. It just comes to you naturally, just coming off of the college season. So we were kind of already warmed up for it, and it was just kind of a continuation of that.

SSU: What was it like coming here? Everett is a beautiful town, but what are your first thoughts?
Tyler: The first three weeks I was here I don’t think I saw the sun. laughs But yeah, ever since then it’s been really nice. So, I’m starting to adjust to it and like it out here.

SSU: What’s it like playing for your manager Ryan Scott?
Tyler: Scotty’s the best. He’s awesome. He is a players’ coach. He’s been there before and he gets it, like he knows how hard it is. He doesn’t try to do too much with us. He kind of lets us play, lets us have fun. He’s a fun guy, so it’s awesome playing for Scotty.

Tyler Locklear embodies the youth movement that has encapsulated this new-age Seattle Mariners organization. He came into the 2023 season ranked the 10th-best prospect in the Seattle system. Through the first month and a half of the season, Locklear has consistently ranked in the top five of the Northwest League in Average, Home Runs, and RBI. If Locklear keeps on his current pace he will go from prospect to reality, the next Frog to go from Funko to T-Mobile.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shari Sommerfeld

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.