Episode 14: Ben Gibbard makes his case to be the Mariners’ next starting pitcher

Kate Preusser and John Trupin are joined by musician, songwriter, and lifelong Mariners fan Ben Gibbard. After sprinting at full speed through the unpleasant of the Toronto series, Gibbard reveals the origins of his unfortunate lot in life vis-a-vis baseball fandom, including a chance childhood encounter with Alvin Davis on the Bainbridge Island ferry. We discuss the challenges of finding the balance between hope and realism, how Gibbard’s baseball talent stacks up against the current injury-laden roster, the incredible experience of watching Ichiro play and listening to Dave Niehaus, and what the hell is wrong with players and their taste in walkup/entrance music.

Afterwards, we take Twitter questions and delve into Gibbard’s burgeoning passion for ultra-running and how he got embroiled in a run involving eating Dick’s cheeseburgers in the midst. We also look at potential musical renditions for the 2017 roster, why our Seager(s) is(are) the best Seager(s), whether Dipoto should blow it up or run it back, which opposing fan bases are the most miserable to interact with, and much more.

Music: Minor Threat - Out of Step, Ben Gibbard - Ichiro’s Theme, Randy Houser - We Went