The Seattle Mariners responded on April 5 to a standout defensive performance by Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell with a lighthearted message in their clubhouse at Angel Stadium. After losing 1-0 the previous night due largely to Adell’s fielding, someone from the Mariners’ traveling party wrote on a whiteboard: “Gameplan: Don’t hit the ball to Joseph Adell.”
The message reflected an effort by the team to move past frustration and keep morale high following a difficult defeat. In baseball, players frequently face setbacks, and finding ways to remain positive is considered important for long-term success.
Manager Dan Wilson addressed the unusual circumstances of Saturday’s game and emphasized looking ahead rather than dwelling on disappointment. “We’re still very, very early in this thing and got a long way to go,” Wilson said. “And that was something that’s probably never been done in the game before. And so, you move on and you flush it and come back today. We’ve got a chance to win a game and win the series, and I think that’s the important thing to take out here.” He added, “I’ve never seen something like that before in the game,” while noting his optimism about how well his players have been swinging recently.
The whiteboard was strategically placed where all Mariners personnel would see it as they moved between areas of Angel Stadium—a location made more notable since it was near where Adell had played during his memorable performance.
Sunday’s relaxed atmosphere coincided with Easter, further encouraging players not to dwell on recent events. The team’s mood was buoyed by music chosen by catcher Cal Raleigh—himself one of those denied home runs by Adell—who played Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” symbolizing resilience amid adversity.
For teams like Seattle navigating both highs and lows early in the season, such gestures serve as reminders that maintaining perspective is crucial over a long schedule.
