Gov. Inslee to throw out first pitch ahead of Mariners home opener

SEATTLE — Gov. Jay Inslee will throw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Mariners home opener against the Oakland Athletics on Friday.

The team said Monday that the game ball will be delivered to Inslee with an assist from health care workers.

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The workers have sent in video of themselves passing a ball on and off screen, in a virtual chain, and will encourage fans to stay safe and healthy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The hand-off will then be completed in person to Inslee, who will be on the mound at T-Mobile Park to throw out the first pitch live.

The game starts at 6:40 p.m. Pregame festivities begin at 6 p.m.

Here’s a breakdown of all of the pregame festivities:

Seattle-based singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, the lead vocalist for Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service, will have a special performance that he recently taped at T-Mobile Park.

Team officials said the performance will be followed by a video that blends players and fans “with a heartfelt message about the return of baseball.”

The national anthem will be performed by Madisen Hallberg and Emmanuel Henreid, who recently went viral while singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” for Portland State University’s virtual graduation.

In keeping with tradition, the Mariners will again have a virtual ceremonial run around the bases by a Make-A-Wish child. This year’s honoree is 6-year-old Lily, of Snohomish, who is being treated for Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

At the end of the ceremony, Mariners manager Scott Servais is expected to speak live from the dugout to thank fans for their support.

The Mariners enter Friday’s home opener with a 3-4 record and are a half game back of the A’s and Houston Astros for first place in the AL West.

Cox Media Group