Home turf
HOME TURF
Words by Betsy Model
Pitching the Emerald City
Jamie Moyer, pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, throws a straight pitch—and the occasional curve ball—while talking about the hidden charms of the area, Safeco Field and the city’s fi ne spirit of philanthropy.
Seattle Mariner’s pitcher Jamie Moyer isn’t the archetypal athlete, squandering all his riches on fast cars, extravagant homes and Champagne-fi lled nights. The 43-year-old southpaw is more interested in philanthropy, and together with his wife Karen, in 2000 he founded The Moyer Foundation, a nonprofi t organization that funds groups that help children in severe distress. By 2003, the Moyers’ efforts to raise money for both national and local charities had been so successful that Jamie won the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players committed to humanitarian causes and community service. Since its inception, The Moyer Foundation has contributed more than $4 million and provided assistance to over 100 charitable organizations.
When he’s not on the fi eld pitching fast balls or on the phone pitching donors, Moyer is out enjoying all of the offerings of his favorite town, Seattle. And, with six kids of his own, we couldn’t think of anyone better to quiz about living the good life in the city with—or without—youngsters in tow.
Playing with teams all over the country—and even in Japan—you’ve lived pretty much everywhere. What makes Seattle special?
Well, we’ve settled in here. I grew up on the East Coast, and there are a few things that make Seattle unique. The people are friendly; the pace of life is laidback. And in the course of an hour, you can be up high in the mountains near waterfalls or snow, or in fi ve minutes you can be on the beach or out on the water on a boat. And the summers here are enjoyable because there’s no humidity!
Do you want to dispel any myths about Seattle’s weather?
Nah! If I do, then more people will want to live here and it’ll get more crowded! Everybody has a preconceived notion of Seattle— that it rains all the time. You know, in the fall and winter, it’s gray other places, too, and it might be 20 below zero. We don’t have that here. And every summer we have three or four months of weather that you couldn’t imagine being nicer or prettier anywhere. Our summers are spectacular.
With children ranging in age from 18 months to teenagers, do you have a favorite place in Seattle to take them when you’re not touring with the Mariners?
The kids and I really like Discovery Park (3801 W Government Way, 206-386-4236). It’s a really cool place with beautiful beaches, boats going by and a little lighthouse.
And what about when it’s time for breakfast out for the Moyer family, party of eight?
The Shanty (350 Elliott Ave, 206-282-1400)! Great staff, friendly employees who will make pretty much anything you ask for.
Great food, lots of selections for breakfast, lunch and brunch. My favorite? Egg sandwiches. It’s a great little neighborhood place in the big city.
And when you want to take your wife out for a romantic evening away from the kids?
I like to stay overnight at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (411 University St, 206-621-1700, www.fairmont.com). It feels like you left town when they spoil you.
You and Karen have been extraordinarily successful in getting the community to support The Moyer Foundation and the charities it champions. Is Seattle unique in its generosity?
I think so, absolutely. I’m not sure I can put my fi nger on why Seattle’s so unique in the way that it gives back to the community, but the people here are very genuine, very giving. You know, we could have lived anywhere in the country and have traveled pretty much all over the country. In fact, even as we made a decision about my career in Seattle, we’d already built our dream home in
Indiana! But there’s something about living here … it’s the friendships, the laidback lifestyle, the safe environment and the generous nature of the people that won us over.
When you’ve got out-of-town guests visiting, is there one Seattle landmark or sight that’s a must-do?
Pike Place Market (Pike St, between Western and 1st St, 206-682-7453, www.pikeplacemarket.org). It’s famous for great produce and fl owers. Plus, it’s famous for the fl ying fi sh—frozen fi sh that the shopkeepers throw back and forth before packing and shipping them for visitors. There are also great restaurants, little specialty shops and arts and craft booths.
Do you have any tips for folks who are visiting Seattle and just have to catch a Seattle Mariner’s game at Safeco Field?
Come early when the gates open so that you can take in all the nooks and crannies of the ballpark. We’ve got some neat little extras. For example, if you go down the left fi eld line on the upper deck outside, there are great views of Elliott Bay and downtown. There’s also a little pub right beside the left fi eld bullpen. If you go inside, you’ll see that the decor portrays something of what used to be called the “knothole gang.” In the old days, people who couldn’t get into the ballpark would look through the knotholes of the wooden fence to watch; well, they’ve built that into the decor of the pub’s wall, so that you can look into the visitor’s bullpen. And, of course, there are theme stores with pretty much anything Mariner you can think of, but also used equipment. There are balls and bats and line-up cards that have been used in games.
At least for the fans, eating’s part of every ball game. Do you have a weakness?
Well, I’m a pretty simple guy. I really like Seattle’s famous Ivar’s Clam Chowder, and I’m a big, big fan of Kettle Korn!
Anyone visiting Seattle on August 27 can see Jamie chow down on something more substantial than Kettle Korn and clam chowder at The Moyer Foundation’s “Catch a Cure for Cancer” Celebrity Waiters Dinner and Auction.
More information about the event can be found online at www.moyerfoundation.org.