The 2017 Seattle Mariners Caravan rolled into Auburn with a stop at Lakeland Hills Elementary School for a DREAM Team assembly with students and a free public autograph session at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey on Thursday, Jan. 26.
The caravan began on Jan. 9, in Yakima. Over a three-week period during January, the caravan visited some two dozen communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, hosting assemblies for elementary school students, meeting Boys & Girls Club members, visiting hospitals and hosting free public autograph and photo sessions.
Mariners pitcher James Paxton, former Mariners catcher Dave Valle, broadcaster Dave Sims, and of course, the Mariner Moose, visited the school.
The Mariner Moose DREAM Team is a fun-filled program that stresses the importance of the DREAM principles: being Drug-free, having Respect for yourself and others, Education through reading, Attitude, and Motivation to achieve your dreams.
James Paxton made 20 starts for the Mariners last season allowing three earned runs or fewer in 15 of his starts. Paxton finished 2016 with a record of 6-7, but finished strong as he went 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA with 56 strikeouts in his final nine starts of 2016.
Mariners pitcher James Paxton shakes hands with Sean Grindley, the team’s community program manager, before speaking to students. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter
Sean Grindley, the Mariners’ community program manager, introduces Dave Valle, former Mariner and team broadcaster. RACHELCIAMPI, Auburn Reporter
Mariner broadcaster Dave Sims talks to students. RACHEL CIAMPI, Reporter
The Moose greets students at the assembly. RACHEL CIAMPI, Reporter
