Seattle, WA
Tarik Skubal’s amazing, heartfelt trip home to Seattle U revealed a lot about who he is
SEATTLE – If you want to truly understand somebody.
If you want to see a different side.
All you have to do is follow them home.
So on Tuesday morning, I followed Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to the place where his life completely changed.
Past the city limits of Seattle. Across a floating bridge. Over Lake Washington and into Bellevue, the affluent city where Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.
To Bannerwood Stadium, a small baseball field with an artificial turf infield but the outfield grass can get so wet and soggy that a fly ball has been known to shoot into the muck, get buried and disappear. It is the home field of Seattle University – the place where Skubal pitched in college and his life transformed.
The sky was grey, the air nippy when Skubal appeared in the dugout. He bro-hugged Donny Harrel, his old baseball coach at Seattle.
“My favorite part when he walks in here is that big cheesy smile,” Harrel said of Skubal. “Where he’s just home for a little bit.”
Skubal was scheduled to pitch for the Detroit Tigers against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, so he got permission to spend time with his old college team on Tuesday. Just hanging out.
“Can we cover some stuff with the pitchers?” Harrel asked.
“Yeah,” Skubal said.
Skubal – the reigning American League Cy Young award winner – stood on the side and watched a college pitcher finish a bullpen and then gave a relaxed talk to the pitchers. Skubal talked about everything: how he approaches a bullpen – stressing process over results – to how important it is for teammates to hold each other accountable, to how he conditions and prepares.
“The day before is an important day,” he said.
He didn’t always take it seriously and “I’d almost always come out sluggish,” he said.
But now he does. “The day before, I eat a lot,” he said. “Nutrition is such an undervalued thing. I have a PB&J an hour before every game. It’s something that sits well in my stomach and won’t make me nauseous. The day before, I eat a lot. My dinner is usually pretty big, some sort of steak, some sort of potato. I don’t care for vegetables.”
A few players smiled and laughed.
The Cy Young award winner doesn’t like veggies!
“He just seems human,” Ryan Morrison, a Seattle pitcher, said. “We look at these people like they’re bigger and better, which you know he is, but he’s just a dude. He’s got to eat like us, sleep like us, and that was kind of the biggest takeaway for me. Just seeing that he still has to go through the same sort of stuff that college guys have to go through.”
Skubal walked onto the field and stood on the mound for a picture. “Turf mound baby,” Skubal said.
And he invited the Redhawks to Wednesday’s game. “If Donnie bangs practice,” Skubal said, “I’ll get you guys tickets.”
Yes, Skubal kinda set up his coach.
Then, Skubal went behind home plate for more pictures – to a spot that is incredibly important to his story, back when he was struggling with the pressure.
“One day, I took him behind home plate, and I said, ‘Hey, what are you doing this for, really?’” Harrel remembered. “And he goes, ‘well, you know, I want to take care of my family; and I’ve always wanted to be a big leaguer; and people expect me now that I’ve had some attention to make it; and so that’s what I want to do it for.’”
Harrel spotted a problem.
“How about if you do it just for you,” Harrel told Skubal. “And there was like a cleansing to an extent. We shared some emotion and stuff, and it was wonderful. It just kind of released the pressures and the expectations. As soon as he did that, he went on a run the rest of the year.”
And now?
There’s a giant Skubal banner that hangs above the concession stand at the stadium.
A banner that’s even bigger than the one for the coach. “He’s won bigger awards,” Harrel quipped.
Skubal is beloved by the university, not to mention the baseball program, because he’s so generous with his time and support.
Seattle has a pitcher expected to be drafted, and he was having a hard time dealing with the attention. So a few weeks ago, Skubal got on the phone with him and gave him advice.
“He never says no,” Harrel said.
A few years ago, when the program had several pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, Skubal gave them advice on how to cope with it.
“He just told those guys, ‘OK, here’s, what’s going to happen. There’s going to be a time when there’s a fear for you to really cut it loose, because I had that, too,” Harrel said.
A wave of nostalgia
A few hours later, Skubal was in the clubhouse at T-Mobile Park and he sounded nostalgic about his trip back to his old ballpark.
“I spent a lot of time at that stadium,” he said. “Fall practices were six hours long, seven hours long. And then seasons – a lot of trips out there. It’s off campus, so you’re vanning over there every day, or jumping in guy’s cars, whoever’s leaving. It was fun though, I enjoyed those days.”
And he feels indebted to Seattle University.
“I go back because I owe that program a lot,” Skubal said.
A night of honor and respect
Before the Tigers played the Mariners on Tuesday night, Seattle University held a private event on the third deck at T-Mobile Park, overlooking the field. About 80 athletic administrators, alumni and friends of the program gathered to celebrate Skubal.
Then, something happened that was so cool. Skubal left the clubhouse with a Tigers security guy and went up an elevator with normal fans, wearing his uniform pants and Tigers sweatshirt and cap.
At first, the looks on Seattle fans seemed to say: OK, man, the superfan outfit is a bit much.
And then as Skubal walked it registered to some: hey, that’s Skubal!
When Skubal spotted seven of his former teammates at the gathering, there were huge smiles and bro hugs.
“He’s still the same guy,” one former teammate gushed.
Skubal signed autographs and posed for pictures, and Seattle vice president of athletics Shaney Fink presented him with a framed proclamation from the school’s board of trustees. The school is only about a 15-minute walk from T-Mobile Park – but the incredible trip from that place to this moment could be seen in all their faces.
There was a wash of pride everywhere you looked. They are just so proud of what Skubal has accomplished, and he is so proud to have come from this school.
“Our board of trustees put together this resolution just to show our appreciation and respect and appreciation for everything Tarik has done and who he is, not just being a Cy Young winner and all of his success on the field, but just who he is as a Redhawk,” Fink said. “We are so proud and so grateful for all that you’ve done and who you are. So thank you.”
She presented a proclamation to Skubal.
“Thank you for everyone that showed up,” Skubal said, genuinely touched.
He looked at his former teammates. “It means a lot to me that relationships that we built, the support doesn’t go unnoticed,” he said.
“Seattle holds a special place in my heart, he said. “Thank you so much. I can’t say thank you enough.”
It’s impossible to describe how important he is to Seattle University, not just for what he’s accomplished but for how he’s supports the institution. For being so humble and genuine.
“Thank you so much for doing this,” Skubal said.
He was back home. Back with friends and teammates.
Back where it all started.
And he couldn’t stop smiling.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff.
SEATTLE – After waking up to a smattering of clouds this morning, skies gradually cleared through the afternoon as sunshine increased around Western Washington. Temperatures climbed into the low 60s for many communities, making for a pleasant and quiet start to the weekend.
What’s next:
Sunday will remain mild and dry with a little more warmth expected across the region. Winds will shift to a more northerly direction, helping temperatures inch upward compared to Saturday.
Sunny weather helps Seattle reach the low to mid 80s Tuesday during the warmest day of the week. (FOX 13 Seattle)
The warming trend will continue Monday as highs climb into the 70s under mostly sunny skies.
By Tuesday, a developing thermal trough along the Cascades will help usher in the warmest air of the week. Sunshine is expected throughout the day with temperatures soaring into the low to mid 80s for many communities.
Some of the traditionally warmer locations could climb even higher. The warmer, drier air will also raise fire danger across parts of the region.
This weather pattern helps Seattle experience sinking air, abundant sunshine, and significantly warmer temperatures. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Water safety on hot days
If you’re planning to cool off at area lakes, rivers, creeks, or streams, remember that water temperatures remain dangerously cold despite the warmer air. Wearing a life vest is strongly encouraged.
Stay heat aware on Tuesday as Seattle weather warms quickly while rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold. (FOX 13 Seattle)
The heat will begin easing Wednesday as temperatures fall back into the low 70s. A cooler onshore flow pattern will continue Thursday and Friday, bringing highs back into the 60s. An isolated shower or two may develop Friday as a weak weather system approaches the Pacific Northwest.
Cooler weather returns to Seattle later in the week with highs back in the 60s and a slight shower chance Friday. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Take good care,
Meteorologist Abby Acone and the FOX 13 Weather Team
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(State ferry and cruise ship Celebrity Edge – Bob Burns photo from Friday)
Welcome to the weekend! Here are our highlighted happenings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 8 am for today’s free group run.
FAMILY WANDERERS WALKING EVENT: Not a group walk, but a walking club has organized it – start between 9 and 11 am from their table at Riverview Playfield (7300 12th SW).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New season, new location! 10 am-2 pm, shop for produce, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more. (9th/Henderson)
GARDENING WITH LESS WATER AND LESS WORK: “Designing your own water-smart permaculture paradise with Jessi Bloom” class at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am.
WALKING TOUR OF SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: 10 am; meet at 5463 SW Stevens for guided tour with Schmitz Park Restore.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, with expanded Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens) last chance to visit before a month-long closure.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
GATEWOOD GATOR FAIR: Lots of all-ages fun at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle), with entertainment, food, a fire truck expected at 11 am, a science fair, and an Urban Survival Skills Fair with local prepaedness advocates – all happening 10:30 am-2:30 pm. All welcome!
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.
MAKERS ART MARKET AT ALKI: 11 am-5 pm, next to the bathhouse, more than 30 local makers are selling their creations. (2701 Alki SW)
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Second week of the season begins at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
COLMAN POOL’S FOURTH WEEKEND: Noon-7 pm, fourth preseason weekend begins at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 1 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), discussing “Expert Witness” this month.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers student-produced wines, tasting flights, and casual food pairings while supporting hands-on winemaking and hospitality education. Each tasting and purchase directly contributes to student production, education, and training opportunities.
‘A KID’S LIFE’ SCHOOL MUSICAL: 2 pm performance of The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (WSB sponsor) production of “A Kid’s Life” at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Details in our calendar listing.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S MONTHLY BIKE RIDE: 2 pm departure from the lot behind The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), 21+, must have helmet to ride.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) for “short, specific sessions.”
‘YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE’: The 34th District Democrats‘ annual fundraiser, this year at the White Center HUB (8th SW/SW 108th), 5:30 pm cocktail hour, 6:30-8:30 pm event.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Phil and Friends play at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘FEMININE RAGE’: A night of women-led live music plus axe-throwing, community support, flash tattooing, clothing donations, 6 pm-midnight at Axe Throwers Seattle (10849 1st Avenue S., Top Hat).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, hear Modest Mouse‘s new music, at Easy Street Records, free, all ages (4559 California SW).
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, “Hey Baby” drag show focusing on new performers, hosted by Kimme Kash. All ages, $15/door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ Topspin spins. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Close out your Saturday night with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
If you’re planning a West Seattle event, and it’s open to the community, tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Next month the Seattle City Council could take up legislation to make street closures an official tool to prevent gun violence. This comes after residents near Aurora Avenue North created barriers to block vehicle access to their streets last week, in an attempt to keep drive-by shootings from flowing into their neighborhoods.
Councilmember Debora Juarez represents North Seattle’s District 5 and has championed the proposal, which she said was submitted to the Council during Bruce Harrell’s mayoral administration but then stalled.
Juarez said city agencies including the transportation department close streets for various reasons already, and should add criteria around public safety.
“If we have the wherewithal and common sense to protect pedestrians and bike riders and safe crossing for kids at school, we sure as hell can protect communities from stray bullets and gun violence and shootings in their neighborhoods,” she said.
A resident of the Aurora neighborhood whose first name is Jake, he asked that his last name not be shared, told the City Council Tuesday that a bullet recently struck his house, outside his 6-week-old infant’s bedroom. He said the Seattle Police Department characterized the recent gun shots on Aurora as mostly related to prostitution and gang violence.
“The city is allowing unchecked prostitution, human trafficking, and related violence” on Aurora, he said.
RELATED: Seattle’s traffic deaths are climbing. One City Council member wants an audit to find out why
Juarez said she is working with Councilmember Eddie Lin, who chairs the Land Use Committee, as well as Councilmember Bob Kettle, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, to introduce emergency legislation that could take effect upon passage by the council and approval by the mayor.
Where city code allows road closures for construction or to protect the public from various hazards, the new language would allow the police chief to recommend closure of a street or alley to prevent criminal activity. Juarez said the closure could be temporary.
“If the chief of police tells you there’s criminal activity, there’s a serious uptick in gun violence — let’s put up these barriers for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days,” Juarez said.
But she noted that officials will have to be careful not to simply push the violence onto other streets nearby.
“If you pull a string here it’s going to show up over there,” she said. “Those are the policy questions that have to be hashed out.”
RELATED: Seattle City Council approves new police contract, boosting pay and expanding crisis response
In a joint statement with Juarez on Friday, Mayor Katie Wilson called the violence along Aurora “alarming and unacceptable.”
But she said the barriers installed by residents needed to be replaced with “temporary traffic calming treatments to reduce cut-through traffic and address the access needs of those living in the area” as well as access for emergency responders and trash pick-up. According to KOMO, city crews replaced the metal planters with staggered, concrete barriers on Friday.
Juarez said she wants the city to act with urgency to address the residents’ concerns. She said the legislation could be heard in the Public Safety Committee on June 23.
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