Funnyman Will Ferrell to play for Mariners in spring-training game

Will Ferrell – yes, the comedian – will play for the Mariners in Thursday’s spring-training game against Oakland, the club announced Wednesday.

Ferrell will appear in four other games on Thursday and attempt to play every position on the field for all 10 teams, all part of production for a comedy special from the group Funny or Die that will air on HBO. The project is dedicated to the fight against cancer, according to the Mariners’ press release, which included some humorous quotes from general manager Jack Zduriencik.

“I’ve spent my entire career, including since my arrival in Seattle as General Manager, looking to identify and procure talent. I can say with confidence that I’ve never scouted a talent like Will before.

“At first it was difficult for me to project a big league position for him, but as I considered the balletic grace he showed on the ice in Blades of Glory, the raw athleticism on the court in Semi Pro, and the burning desire to win – who can forget his credo: “If you’re not first, you’re last” – in Talladega Nights it became clear to me that he should be a middle-of-the-field player.”

The start time of Thursday’s game has been moved up an hour to 12:05 PT.