It was the Seattle Mariners players’ turn to be autograph hunters before Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
In a touching gesture, the MLB stars welcomed children from Seattle Children’s Hospital to T-Mobile Park and signed cards for the lucky group.
But there was an unexpected twist: the kids also handed out personalized Topps cards for the players. The specially made cards bore the kids’ names and photos.
Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger was credited with organizing the event, a clip of which was posted to social media Tuesday.
It showed a row of children sitting at the top of the interview room table at T-Mobile Park.
They had markers and boxes of Topps cards in front of them and kids could be seen signing them while Mariners players waited on the other side of the table.
It was the Seattle Mariners players’ turn to be autograph hunters at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday.
Seattle Children’s Hospital kids signed custom Topps cards for players
“This is my last one,” star shortstop JP Crawford was heard telling teammate Luke Raley as a child added his signature to a card.
“I need one of his, too,” Raley added, prompting Crawford to tell the boy, “You’re in high demand here!”
The clip spread on social media on Tuesday and Mariners players received praise for their work with the Seattle community.
“This is something very special to me. I was once one of those kids at CHMC in Seattle. I spent a lot of time at that hospital,” one fan wrote.
“Other teams could learn a big lesson from this group,” said another, while one fan added: “Well isn’t this the healthiest thing that’s ever happened? Good on Mitch for putting this together, great idea.”
Mariners shortstop JP Crawford signs a card for kids before Tuesday’s game