This is the uplifting story of Geno, who started his season in Seattle on the spur of the moment and played a major role in the unexpected success that followed.
Both Genos, that is.
I’m talking about third baseman Eugenio Suarez, affectionately known as Gino in the Mariners’ clubhouse, who came to Seattle as a throw-in in a Jesse Winker trade in March. It was Winker’s bat that would make the difference, but to get Winker he had to take Suarez and his high salary, which the Cincinnati Reds were trying to cut. And Geno, one of his most productive players all season, is the north star in the clubhouse where their positive culture flows.
And I’m talking about Seahawks quarterback Gino Smith. He should have been sidelined for Drew Lock in honor of seniority above all else when manager Pete Carroll gave him an iconic glimpse as the number one starting pitcher in training camp. In the best-case scenario, Smith will be a lackluster placeholder until he can find a real quarterback down the road. Instead, Smith is a revelation, shockingly surpassing his predecessor Russell Wilson. Through six games, he’s performed on par with the top QBs in the NFL, leading the Seahawks to the top of a decidedly mediocre NFC West.
This is the story of two Genos. This is a confluence of only shared first names and shared trajectory good vibes.
Suárez gradually became one of the Mariners’ most popular players and listened to their low expectations until he recorded 31 home runs and many clutch moments by the end of the season. The Mariners noted that Suarez had led the majors in home runs since his 2018. By the time the Mariners’ season entered the postseason, which he has missed for 21 years, it was impossible for him to imagine their success without him.
Smith, once a prospect out of West Virginia University and a second-round draft pick by the Jets until his career faltered in New York and later, took control of his first job at camp, There were a lot of Carroll rethinks about not making a fair quarterback fight, and many eyes rolled when he countered that not only was the competition fair, but the results were undeniable. rice field. There was sheer ridicule when Carroll went one step further and claimed that the Seahawks could win under Smith’s leadership, he led the team to his three-win streak, which is the first time Las Vegas has won the entire season. He’s two wins less than we predicted.
When I arrived at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat to cover Bay Area sports teams in 1987, the Giants and 49ers had the odd coincidence of having a key member in the name of Roger Craig. The Giants’ version is the lovable old manager who inherited a 100-loss team, and his naive and positive demeanor (and an influx of young talent) quickly made them division champions and eventual pennant winners. became. The 49ers version was the first time in NFL history that he had a stout, reliable, and highly productive running back in the same season who surpassed 1,000 rushing and receiving yards. Joe Montana and Jerry Rice were famous names for his 49ers, but this Roger Craig played a key role in his three Super Bowl titles.
We had a great time talking about the shared heritage of the two Roger Craigs. But beyond the bizarre events, I discovered that an almost mystical sensibility was shared. He was an integral part of the team that housed him and shared similar views on sports and life.
I’m not saying it’s happening again in Seattle, but I’m not saying it isn’t. increase.
At the Mariners’ clubhouse, Suarez held court by his locker after a painful 18-inning season-ending loss to the Astros on Saturday. At one point, he thanked teammate JP Crawford poignantly for making baseball fun again.
“It’s a lot of emotion for me right now,” he said. I am very happy … I have been here for one year and I would like to thank everyone for their support and I am very happy to be a part of this team.”
And: “We have a really good group. … To create a really special team, it’s not just me, [Luis] Castillo, or [Carlos] Santana Seattle Mariners. That’s why I can say I’m very proud of this team and next year will be even more fun than this year. “
Additionally, in response to fans starting to chant “Let’s Go Mariners” right after the game, he said: for the rest of my life. They have been supporting us since the beginning of the season, and they never left the stands today. They stayed the whole game and I give them a little bit of heart. I give it to them because they really deserve it. “
When Smith led the Seahawks to victory over Russell Wilson and the Broncos in their season opener, he was asked about being fired after six full seasons as a backup. It was so memorable that it was registered as a trademark.
When Smith was named the NFC Player of the Week after playing a near-perfect game against Detroit, Smith gently hit back at those surprised by his appearance.
We’ve seen enough Genos to know there’s something special going on.
Perhaps there is no mystical connection or shared sensibility between Geno Smith and Geno Suarez. Perhaps they’re just two people trying to take the team to new heights (or, in the Seahawks’ case, back to where they were before).
Maybe that’s enough. Either way, this is Geno.
both.
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