Hello, my name is: J.A. Happ, Mariners pitcher

We’re introducing some of the Mariners’ offseason additions and lesser-known players during spring training. Here’s a look at J.A. Happ.

• Position: Left-handed starting pitcher
• Height/weight/age: 6-5/205/32
• Hometown: Peru, Ill.
• How acquired: In a trade with the Blue Jays for outfielder Michael Saunders.

The story behind his name: Though Happ’s first name is spelled J.A., it’s actually pronounced like “Jay.” So, why is that? “J.A. just stands for James Anthony … and I think my parents always just had me write it that way and that’s the way they wanted it to be,” he said.

Notable former summer job: Happ has a little experience working as a supermarket clerk. “I worked at a grocery store when I was playing baseball one summer for some extra cash,” he said.

Experience he’s looking forward to while living in Seattle: Much like former Mariners southpaw Jamie Moyer (an old teammate of Happ’s from his days with Philadelphia), Happ is a wine aficionado, so wineries are on his list of things to see. “I know there’s a few wineries out there that I’m interested to get out to. I like to go to Napa Valley – I’ve gone out there the last three or four offseasons for a short trip. I’m excited to check out the Washington wineries,” he said.

Favorite type of wine: Cabernet.

Favorite subject in college: History.

Most memorable game before the pros: Happ had a notable performance on the mound during his college days at Northwestern. “I had a game where I struck out 16 in seven innings,” he said. “I was just having a good day and the confidence kept building.”

Related

Mariners Injury Updates: Vargas’ rehab, notes on J.P. and moreReport: CB Terrion Arnold, who is facing 8 felony charges, plans to join SeahawksMariners to option rookie shortstop Colt Emerson to Triple-APereda’s ABS challenges prove huge in Mariners’ tight win over YankeesNFC West Check-In: Status updates on Rams’ Puka Nacua, Myles GarrettRecap: Mariners beat Yankees 1-0 to snap 6-game losing streak