Calling all little leaguers, softball players, kiddos finishing up their first season of T-ball, and fans of America’s favorite pastime! West Seattle’s own field of dreams has captured the magic of baseball and is inviting fans of all ages to get out to enjoy a game this summer.
The DubSea Fish Sticks, that’s right DubSea Fish Sticks, play an exciting, family-friendly brand of minor-league baseball right here in Seattle.
DubSea, named after the intersection of West Seattle and White Center – get it? – are a collegiate summer team playing in the Pacific International League.
Rebranded from the original Highline Bears a few years ago, the team plays their home games at the cozy Mel Olson Stadium inside Steve Cox Memorial Park (13321 SW 102nd St, Seattle, 98146).
The DubSea Fish Sticks take to the field through July at Mel Olson Stadium. Photo by Nils Dahlgren
Game Day
On a recent Thursday evening, the 1,000-seat stadium, nicknamed The Fryer, was alive with fans of all ages excited to take in – and participate alongside – some summer ball. The team prides itself in putting on a show, beginning with the ceremonial “First Fish” being tossed by an honored guest, instead of the “first pitch” you’ll witness at Mariner’s games.
Says club president Justin Moser: “When fans leave the park, I don’t want them to remember the score as much as I want them to remember the food, the fun, and the atmosphere of the evening.”
The atmosphere is inviting and upbeat, thanks largely to the large fish stick that serves as the team’s mascot. Fin Crispy Jr., a larger-than-life, uniformed fish stick, roams the stands, giving out high-fives and hugs in equal measure. The mascot is the best part of the evening for 4-year-old Andrew of West Seattle, who has been coming to games since last season and has the team hat and jersey to prove his love of all things fish stick.
DubSea Fish Sticks games are all about community and kid connection. Photo by Nils Dahlgren
An Immersive Experience
Fin Crispy Jr. is also ever-present on the field as a mischievous participant in the many between-inning fan contests: the life-ring toss, toy pony race for kids, and costumed foot race around the infield for bigger kids were just a few of the evening’s entertainment.
Young fans are also encouraged to arrive early to play catch with the team and to return the occasional foul ball to the concession stand for a sweet reward.
“I wish I had this type of experience near me growing up,” observes Nathan Wood, Fish Sticks Catcher from Monterey, CA. “I feel like I’m making a first impression every game. And even if they aren’t experienced baseball fans, I hope they come away entertained by an immersive experience.”
Mission accomplished, according to parents and kids alike. AJ, a first-time young fan from Beacon Hill, takes notes to improve his own game. “You’re really close to them. You can hear what they’re saying in the dugout.” His father, Vasil, appreciates that tickets and food are affordable and that “it’s something to do on a summer evening other than screens.”
Young fans of the DubSea Fish Sticks get a close up look at the action. Photo by Nils Dahlgren
The Final Out
A recent game ended under the stadium lights with a cool breeze blowing. As kids lined up for autographs and older fans began filing out of The Fryer, it was clear that the Fish Sticks had achieved Moser’s goal, the final score was already forgotten, but the memories were going to linger on.
The DubSea Fish Sticks continue their season through the end of July. With just under 20 home games left at Mel Olson Stadium, families have a lot of fun summer baseball to look forward to.
Know before you go
- General Admission tickets are $12, and multi-game packages are available. Children 3 and under are free.
- Parking on game days is free. However, the stadium lot is small and fills quickly. Street parking nearby is plentiful.
- Dress for the weather. While the seating is covered, once the sun dips behind the first base stands, it can cool off a bit.
- Concessions are available, and the menu is impressive for a minor-league team. Thanks to a partnership with Seattle-based Trident Seafood, several delicious seafood options supplement the selection of hotdogs and fries. There is also a beer garden, The Ice Chest, for parents.
- Check out the summer game schedule to mark your calendars
Host a player
With about 40% of the player roster from outside the Seattle area, the Fish Sticks rely on families to host players during the season. If you have an extra room and would like to join the Fish Stick community, contact Justin Moser at justin@gofishsticks.com.
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