5:32 PM Wed, Jul 23, 2008 | Permalink |
It sounds strange at first, but yes, the Mariners created a "No-Peanut" zone for two games later this year.
Why you ask? They must make thousands of bucks a game on Peanuts.
It's simpler than you think.
Mike San Soucie, a lifelong baseball fan, passionately and politely, asked.
See, his 4-year-old son, Nathan, has a severe, life-threatening peanut allergy and, frankly, peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks are hard to avoid at the ol' ballyard.
The Mariners had never been all that receptive to the idea, but something clicked this year. The team hatched out a plan. How could they open the door for kids like Nathan and still allow the rest of the fan base to enjoy the game like they usually do?
They checked for games which had large blocks of unsold tickets.
They checked for sections which could have unsold tickets around them to create a buffer zone.
They looked for areas with only a couple of concession stands nearby.
And finally, they looked for a section that would have an easy way in and out of the park.
They finally settled on the 3rd deck, sections 311 and 312, down the right field line.
Thus deciding on two nights, one in August and one in September, they could grant the San Soucies their wish.
Mike and his wife will now get to do something many parents do on a summer night at the Safe - enjoy a game with their kids.
Cool...cool....KEWL!!!!!!
For once: A Kids-Before-Money decision! This should be a yearly event! Seattle REALLY is a kids' town! YAY!
Seattle really is a kids town. Agreed because it's definitely not a sports town.
Gimme a break. How about a no beer zone for those who don't drink? Or a no jerk zone for those who don't want to be stuck by a loudmouth? Are we going to start having to cater to every group on everything? It will never end.
Way to go Mariners! My son as well suffers from life threatening peanut/tree nut allergies and there are a lot of outings we do not attend due to the high risk of anaphylyctic shock. As for you Sally either you do not understand or just do not care but this is a life threatening issue. It is a simple gesture the Mariners have made at games that had plenty of seats to accomodate these children/families most of which would never have the opportunity to enjoy a day at the park. I can only hope that this continues a few games each season so when my son is old enough to ask to go to a game I can take him.
@Sally
There is a no beer zone, its the family section. Just got to ticketmaster and look at the seating chart...not hard to miss.
How great that the team found a solution to help kids enjoy a day at the ballpark. Unlike someone who chooses to drink too much or shout obscenties, kids with allergies didn't bring them on. I have a friend and a family member who have both taken their toddler to the hospital because of a food allergy.
With the hope that the San Sousie family reads this blog, we'd like to express our gratitude for their efforts in getting a peanut-free night. I'm sure the process was not easy but it sounds as though it was done respectfully and with class. We have our tickets and hope they get enough of a response to make this an annual event.
To Sally, I would like to also point out that you will not die if someone acts rudely, drinks too much, or shouts in front of you. For kids with peanut allergies, that is a very real possibility. So while you are definitely entitled to your opinion, I disagree with your dismissive comparison.
@Sally...you're quite an insensitive bitch...you can't die from inhaling beer fumes...If you're allergic to peanuts and inhale the dust...you can die.
@Sally - You're a tool, and obviously have something stuck in your ass.
@John - Agreed, on all counts.
I grew up around the San Soucie family and can attest to the fact that they are huge baseball fans. Mike was a batboy for the Tacoma Tigers and has lived and breathed baseball his whole life. I think that this is fantastic that he can now share this with his own son. Mike is a great guy and comes from a fantastic family. With a growing number of people coming down with allergies, I think that the Mariners are making a great choice to help make this possible and to also bring awareness to the seriousness of this problem. Have fun Mike and Nathan! (And Linda, Cesar, Bob, Kathy, and the rest of the family!)