The Seattle Mariners released a new digital short titled “Babyproof” on March 21, featuring several players who have recently become fathers. The video, which debuted ahead of Opening Day, highlights the camaraderie among teammates experiencing fatherhood together.
The return of these digital shorts is significant for fans and the team, as they offer a lighthearted look at the personal lives of players while fostering a sense of community within the clubhouse. The latest installment focuses on how recent life changes have influenced both the atmosphere and relationships among Mariners players.
In “Babyproof,” viewers see J.P. Crawford discussing adjustments made to make the team’s complex more baby-friendly. Other scenes include George Kirby retrieving baby bottles from a cafeteria fridge and Bryan Woo responding to a baby monitor in the dugout. Bryce Miller is shown struggling with a baby-proof device before being locked out of a meeting, while manager Dan Wilson makes an appearance stepping over a baby gate.
Tim Walsh, senior director of digital marketing and social media for the Mariners, said, “One of the things that has actually popped up in the past is how these guys, our fans and us with the team, have kind of watched them grow through our system in a way. So from the time a lot of them were drafted or traded over early on, just kind of watching them grow, not only on the field, but off the field as people.”
The sketch features five babies born within the past 15 months: J.P. Crawford’s daughter Korra, Logan Gilbert’s son Henry, Emerson Hancock’s son Myles, Luke Raley’s daughter Reagan, and Josh Naylor’s newborn son (represented by a prop). Wilson’s role reflects his experience as a father of four. Walsh said about player dynamics: “The dynamic between the starters, they all get along really well. They’re just such close friends off the field, too, so it felt like it fit really nice.”
Behind-the-scenes efforts included coordinating schedules during Spring Training to ensure all participants could be present without disrupting nap times or causing distress for any babies involved. Only one diaper change was needed during filming.
Walsh added about fan engagement: “People are always looking forward to it and yearning for the next one… each year it continues to grow and fans continue to get fired up.” More digital shorts are planned leading up to Opening Day.
