Crusaders Relish Big League Moment at T-Mobile Park

From warmups in the bullpen to photos on the field, Eastside Catholic players and coaches savor every chance to create lasting memories at the Mariners’ home.

SEATTLE – When Eastside Catholic arrived at T-Mobile Park, Will Crain set down his bag and walked out to the bullpen. He stood on the mound. He sat on the bench and looked out toward home plate. He envisioned what it would be like to warm up for an MLB game.

“I just wanted to see what it would be like to mentally get in that headspace,” Crain said.

Crain has played a game at the Mariners’ ballpark each year he’s been on the Crusaders’ roster. The senior pitched his freshman and sophomore years, but since he had already pitched two days earlier, he was limited to DH duties during the team’s 5–3 loss to Kentwood.

“It’s just kind of a surreal experience getting to play here,” said Crain, who is headed to UCLA next year.

For any team that gets the opportunity to play in the High School Baseball Classic, the experience matters more than the outcome of the game. It’s great to win, of course, but Eastside Catholic coach Kyle Larsen prioritizes getting as many kids on the field as possible.

“This is fun for the kids,” he said. “We definitely try to get everyone in the game and give them that big league experience. Obviously, it’s frustrating when you lose, but at the end of the day, this is an experience they’ll never forget.”

Each trip continues to be special for Larsen, who commemorates each year’s game with a photo on the field with his son.

“It’s fun bringing my little guy out here now,” he said. “It’s become a tradition for us, too.”

From photos to warmups to the game itself, Friday’s trip to the ballpark was all about the experience – making memories that will endure long after the recollection of this season’s wins and losses fades.

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