NOTE: See linked photo album for more photos of Kristjanson, Reuble, and Beckstrom from summer 2014.
Over the past few years, several Seattle University softball student-athletes have had the opportunity to work a coveted, dream summer job – as ball girls for the Seattle Mariners.
In 2014, current Redhawks Alyssa Reuble (Lynnwood, Wash.) and Hayley Beckstrom (Maple Valley, Wash.) have spent several hours of their summer at Safeco Field along with incoming freshman Madeline Kristjanson (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.).
This summer has been especially exciting for the trio as the Mariners are closing out the regular season in the running for an elusive spot in the MLB playoffs.
The job and interview process is highly competitive and while many apply, the qualified applicants are narrowed to 20 for an interview and on field tryout. After the interview, the job is offered to just a select few.
“Our interviews started with on field tryouts where we sat on the stool and fielded ground balls in front of a panel of four,” Kristjanson says. “Then we did a face-to-face interview with one person and they asked us questions about our softball background, school, and why we wanted the job.”
All three found out about the opportunity through former and current teammates, including recently graduating Redhawks who also served as ball girls including Sarah Petosa, Brianna Guerrero, and Hannah Klein.
“The interview was casual and the interviewer was very personable,” Beckstrom remembers. “The Mariners are eager to hire girls who have an energetic personality and love for the game. For the on field tryouts, that was the tough part. We went on the field and sat in foul territory just as we would during a game. A guy hit a few warm up ground balls followed by ten that the judges watching judged us on.”
She continues, “I have played softball my whole life and those ground balls were difficult for me. It was pretty intimidating but a great experience!”
Reuble agrees, “The foul balls were probably the hardest hit balls I’ve ever fielded! We sat on the stools like how we would in games and then they hit them to our left and right, against the wall, or far away enough for us to dive.”
Once they passed the interview process, Reuble, Kristjanson, and Beckstrom were three of roughly 10-15 who were offered a spot along the field for the 2014 Mariners’ season.
Other than just their in-game responsibilities of fielding foul balls and awarding them to eager fans in attendance, the ball girls also help with pregame duties including playing catcher to one of the special “first pitches” that takes place prior to the game. They also interact with fans who are in their seats early, handing out bubblegum to children in attendance.
“I don’t think I have one favorite thing about being a ball girl, because I love it all,” Beckstrom says with a smile. “I really enjoy engaging all the fans during the game. Another great perk is being able to enjoy the games from what I think is the best seat in the house. The Mariners staff, grounds crew, security, and others are the nicest people and it has been a pleasure to get to know everyone.”
Reuble adds, “My favorite part is feeling like I’m a part of the whole production that is Mariners baseball. I have the pleasure to make kids’ days at the ballpark something they’ll remember whether it’s giving them bubblegum, a game ball, or taking pictures. I find it very rewarding giving them a memorable experience.”
“My favorite part about being a ball girl is the different interactions I have with the fans and how excited we make little kids when we give them the foul balls,” Kristjanson concludes.
For these three, summer 2014 has been unforgettable as they’ve watched their hometown team earn a winning record and a chance to advance to the MLB playoffs next month. Future Redhawks will hope to continue the tradition of those before them with strong ties to the ball girls program at Safeco Field.