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Fans probably didn’t expect a reminder of Super Bowl XLIX while watching Saturday’s MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners.
That’s exactly what they got when Detroit’s mascot made things personal by trolling Seattle sports fans. Paws held up a sign that New England Patriots fans may appreciate more than most attendees at Comerica Park.
Courtesy of MLB producer Josh Kirshenbaum, the all-caps message read: “Should’ve given the ball to Marshawn.”
Paws probably didn’t want the Mariners to send Marshawn Lynch to the pitcher’s mound instead of George Kirby. It’s safe to assume the orange mascot was saying what many NFL fans have for the last decade.
The Seattle Seahawks trailed the Patriots by four in Super Bowl XLIX. Seattle drove to the 1-yard line in the game’s closing minute, so most observers expected head coach Pete Carroll to hand the ball to his Pro Bowl running back.
Instead, Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson to secure a 28-24 Patriots victory at State Farm Stadium. The win snapped a 10-year title drought for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, who won two more Super Bowls together in the next four seasons.
The play-calling decision will remain one of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history.
Although the result makes the choice seem straightforward in hindsight, Carroll would be hailed as a genius if the Seahawks caught the Patriots off guard with a game-winning passing touchdown. Meanwhile, Belichick would have instead faced scrutiny for not calling a timeout after Seattle’s first-down run.
Lynch may have pounded the ball into the end zone if given at least two chances, but the Seahawks could have tried a run on third down had they not turned it over. But knowing what they do now, Seattle would probably just give the ball to “Beast Mode.”
Unfortunately, the mascot mockery didn’t help the Tigers. In a final score more resembling an NFL outcome, the Mariners clubbed their way to a 15-7 win before completing a three-game sweep over the American League Central leaders on Sunday.
