As reported yesterday, I did not go to yesterday’s Mariners game. Carl and our seatmates Kevin and Mark did. They did a double-header, Mariners day game and an Everett Aquasox (Ms single-A) night game.
The Mariners beat the As 5-4, including a Cal Raleigh Big Dumper home run. But for the, “You don’t see this everyday,” factor there was a play with Ms pitcher Gilbert in the first inning. The batter hit the ball right back at Gilbert with a velocity of just under 110 mph. Gilbert didn’t catch the ball, exactly. It went between two buttons of his jersey, hitting him in the stomach and going around his torso. He couldn’t find it at first, finally extracting it between the buttons. For those keeping score, it was considered a dead ball once it was in the jersey. The runner on third stayed there (he had not tried to advance to home), the runner on first advanced to second, and the batter got first base. No outs. The video linked above is about 1 minute long and worth a view.
The Aquasox won as well. It was a Silver Slugger night. They have less expensive tickets for seniors (are we really seniors) for several midweek games throughout the season. They gave out a hat to the Silver Sluggers.
This morning’s recap of yesterday’s doubleheader sounded like a fun day.
Raincharm's Weblog 
April 24, 2026 at 4:29 am |
I think he’s lucky it went around his torso! But I’m sure it left a mark.
April 24, 2026 at 11:27 am |
I think it hit his stomach, and he had a cut on his wrist. I’m curious what the bruise looks like.
April 24, 2026 at 8:42 am |
I read about that ball in shirt event; it must be extremely rare. I’ve never heard of the Aquasox. š
April 24, 2026 at 11:33 am |
I’ve never heard of it happening before. The rule on balls and equipment is usually for catchers, if a ball lodges in their mask or chest protector.
The Aquasox play in Everett, Single A. Usually new young players, or somebody doing rehabilitation.
The Tacoma Rainiers are Triple A, the level just below the majors.