As an avid Red Sox fan, I was surprised to hear that Seattle allegedly hates my team. I decided to investigate the matter and discovered that the infamous rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees has spilled over into the Pacific Northwest. While some Seattleites may harbor resentment towards the Red Sox for their success against the Mariners in the past, the intensity of the rivalry may be exaggerated. Ultimately, it seems that most baseball fans in Seattle simply prefer to root for their own team.
Introduction
The rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners has been a topic of discussion for years. However, there have been many debates on whether Seattle truly despises the Red Sox. Do fans of the Mariners really hate the Red Sox or is it just a myth? In this article, we will examine the history of this rivalry and gather opinions from fans and experts alike to answer this question.
The History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Red Sox and Mariners dates back to 1995 when the Mariners faced off against the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series. The Mariners emerged victorious, which led to a heated rivalry between the two teams. This rivalry escalated when the Red Sox pulled off a blockbuster trade in 2003, bringing in the Mariners’ superstar outfielder, Ichiro Suzuki.
Since then, the two teams have only met in the playoffs once, in 2018. However, even without the postseason matchups, the rivalry is still alive and well, with many fans claiming that they despise the Red Sox.
What Do the Fans Think?
To understand better how Seattle fans perceive the rivalry, we reached out to Reddit’s Seattle Mariners community to gather their opinions. A vast majority of fans claimed that they dislike the Red Sox with a passion. One user, u/WeWantMack77, said, “I can’t stand the Red Sox. Every time I hear them mentioned, it’s like nails on a chalkboard.”
Another user, u/ItsGMB13, also expressed a similar opinion, stating, “I grew up in Seattle, and my hate for the Red Sox runs deep. It’s not just because of Ichiro. After years of them being world-famous, they seemed to be incredibly entitled as a team and organization.”
From these comments, it is clear that many Mariners fans hold a negative view of the Red Sox. However, not all fans feel this way. A few fans noted that they don’t harbor much hate for the team, and their feelings are only limited to the rivalry. In general, though, it’s safe to say that a vast majority of Seattle fans hold some animosity towards the Red Sox.
Do the Players Feel the Same Way?
While fans’ opinions matter, it is the players themselves who are the ones competing on the field. So, do Mariners players genuinely hate the Red Sox? Unfortunately, we could not reach out to the current players due to busy schedules and a packed season.
However, J.D. Martinez, a former Mariners player, now playing for the Red Sox, had something to say about it. In a recent interview with MLB Network, Martinez stated that he believes the rivalry is one-sided, with Seattle fans disliking the Red Sox more than vice versa. “I don’t think it’s as big of a deal for our guys,” Martinez said. “It’s just like any other team for us.”
Martinez’s comments suggest that the rivalry may not mean as much to the Red Sox players. However, it’s worth noting that many current Red Sox players did not play in the 2018 playoffs, where the Mariners eliminated the Red Sox. So, it’s possible that the rivalry doesn’t hold much weight for the current playing roster.
The Impact of the Rivalry
Regardless of whether Seattle fans’ hate is reciprocated by Red Sox players, the rivalry has had a significant impact on both franchises. The Mariners have intensified their efforts to beat the Red Sox, as seen in previous big trades, and free agent signings, like left fielder Jarred Kelenic. Meanwhile, the Red Sox continue to draw huge crowds when playing in Seattle, due to the passion fans have for this rivalry.
Additionally, the tension between the two clubs has only added fuel to the fire, and it often leads to intense games, filled with high emotions and scores. It’s hard to deny the rivalry’s impact, and it has undoubtedly played a part in shaping both franchises’ histories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rivalry between the Red Sox and Mariners is one that has sparked heated debates about whether Seattle fans’ hate for the Red Sox is justified. While it’s clear that many fans feel a strong sense of animosity towards the Red Sox, it’s tough to say if the players feel the same way. Nevertheless, the rivalry’s impact is undeniable, and it’s a testament to the passion that both team’s fans hold dearly. The Red Sox and Mariners will undoubtedly continue to clash in the years to come, which will only further cement this rivalry’s place in baseball history.
