Vashon students to throw out first pitch at Mariners’ game

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Hundreds of islanders young and old will be in attendance when the Seattle Mariners play the Houston Astros on Friday, May 27 — with the first pitch of the game thrown out by students from Vashon.

The big night at the ballpark came about thanks to an idea conceived by Vashon High School Principal Danny Rock.

“It seemed like the right time to do something fun as a community,” said Rock. “When I connected with the Mariners’ staff, I learned that if we got a bit more ambitious with our participation, we could create a really unique experience for a handful of students — to throw out the first pitch.”

Rock spread the word that if Vashon School District managed to sell 600 tickets to the game, kids in the district could not only go to the game but also participate in a big way.

He was excited by the community’s response — in less than two weeks, families from all three schools in the district signed up to attend. Approximately 650 tickets, in the end, were sold.

Now, a lottery created by the school has determined who will be in the lucky, small group of kids who travel to the mound at T-Mobile Park to take part in the first-pitch experience. The Vashon students chosen in the draw are sixth-grader Nate Hitchingham, preschooler Blake Wright, six-grader Jillian Wegley, sixth-grader Leif McBennett, and fourth-grader Thomas Brownlee. Alternates — in case anyone from the first group can’t make it to the game, are tenth-grader Sawyer Ranney, first-grader Edie Chumas and fourth-grader Conley Little.

But all the island families attending will be winners — in addition to being able to cheer the students on during the first pitch, all Vashon ticket buyers will receive a free hat at the game.

Jackie Merrill, the office manager at Vashon High School, pitched in to organize transportation for those who want it on the big night. And to ensure that the opportunity was available to all, the district has waived ticket costs for all students and families who receive free and reduced-price lunch.

Rock said he is looking forward to a slight bit of normalcy by enjoying the national pastime, considering all that students and the community have been through in the past few years.

“I think families and students are still reconnecting with one another and getting back to enjoying different experiences that were shelved during the height of COVID,” said Rock. “While we still have community transmission to be mindful of, we also know how masking, vaccination, and other measures can allow us to safely gather and participate in events. The importance of community events right now is to help us relearn the skills of sharing space and having fun together.”