New Mariners skipper finds 2 ways to endear himself to fans

SEATTLE –When Jason Kanzler’s name first emerged as a candidate for the Seattle Mariners’ managerial job, he was a rather unknown commodity.

But all it took was a quick Google search to learn that Kanzler had connections to the most bitter of the Mariners’ rivals: the Houston Astros.

Jason Kanzler has been on Mariners’ radar for a long time

Kanzler began his pro coaching career in Houston’s organization in 2019 serving as the hitting coach for their High-A affiliate. In 2022, he was a part of the major league staff for a squad that won the World Series and swept the Mariners aside in the the playoffs during the process.

When asked about what his impressions of the Mariners during his time with Houston and then later the Chicago Cubs, he shared an answer that likely endeared himself in to the fan base for multiple reasons, especially how he referred to the team he once coached for.

“I fondly remember coming here when I was with the team that shall not be named,” said Kanzler, whose response elicited an uproar of laughter from those in attendance at his introductory media conference Wednesday at T-Mobile Park. “And what distinctly stands out to me is this atmosphere is electric… I remember that ‘electric factory’ was even like a thing that was used, and I think one of the things that excites me among many things is that I would like to ride the lightning with this team, this city.”

“Now in terms of the players, I think it’s extremely exciting,” Kanzler added. “This is a young group. They are talented. This is a good team already and they have the potential and the talent to be an excellent team.”

Drayer: What to know about Mariners picking Jason Kanzler as manager

As for how Kanzler can help the Mariners reclaim supremacy in the American League West over that team that shall not be named?

“I know all their secrets,” he quipped.

Kanzler, a native of Penfield, N.Y., who played collegiately at the University at Buffalo, found one more way to endear himself to a new fan base when asked about what has stood out to him about he region thus far.

“Something that stands out is just how beautiful this part of the country is. The Pacific Northwest, I am shocked at just how breathtaking this area of the country is. That definitely stands out,” Kanzler said. “And I do think there is an element of like hardiness, robustness, toughness for the people here – I think I can sense that. I think growing up in an environment like this probably makes you really, really tough.

“It reminds me a little bit about people from Buffalo, honestly. The weather is not sunshine and rainbows all the time, and that’s fine. I think it builds some grit and some character, and I really appreciate that. And I think you need a lot of grit and character to sustain a 162-game season and really get things done that you want to get done.”

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