Baseball has a funny way of keeping its storylines intertwined. The Seattle Mariners’ postseason clinch was dramatic enough on its own, but fate decided to add an unlikely twist from 3,000 miles away. A former Mariner, one who never fully cemented himself in Seattle but still left a mark on fans, played a pivotal role in helping his old club lock down October baseball. It was José Caballero, of all people, coming through for the Mariners while wearing Yankees pinstripes.
For Mariners fans, the name probably brings some recognition. Caballero was always more of a sparkplug than star, the kind of player who made his presence felt by working deep into counts, stealing bags, and flashing his glove.