Imagine a sports mascot so unlucky, he hadn’t won a single race in 167 attempts. That was Humpy the Salmon, the lovable yet perpetually defeated mascot of the Seattle Mariners. But then, in a moment that felt almost scripted, Humpy’s fortunes changed—and so did the Mariners’.
In the 15th inning of Game 5 of the ALDS, after 167 failed attempts, Humpy finally crossed the finish line first during the Mariners’ interinning mascot race. And here’s where it gets even more incredible: moments later, Jorge Polanco hit a walk-off single, sending the Mariners to their first ALCS since 2001. Coincidence? Many fans think not. And this is the part most people miss: Humpy’s victory wasn’t just a quirky moment—it became a symbol of hope and momentum for the team and its fanbase.
Tyler Thompson, the Mariners’ director of experiential marketing and game entertainment, reflected on the decision to bring the salmon race back during the marathon game: “We were trying to do everything we could to reignite the crowd and help the Mariners secure a win. Did Humpy’s win play a role in the walk-off? Who knows? But the energy in the stadium was electric.”
Since that fateful night, the Mariners have continued their winning streak, securing two victories in Toronto and inching closer to their first World Series appearance in franchise history. Humpy, once T-Mobile Park’s most endearing loser, is now seen by some as a good luck charm—a timely blessing for the team.
The Salmon Run, introduced at the start of the 2024 season, features four mascots: King Salmon (the regal one), Silver (the tech-bro stereotype), Sockeye (the grunge-loving fish), and Humpy (the underdog). For 167 races, Humpy’s antics—whether lagging behind, getting distracted by shiny objects, or being tackled by other mascots—made him a fan favorite despite his consistent losses. But on that October night, as his competitors got tangled up, Humpy seized his moment, sprinting to victory and sparking pandemonium in the stadium.
The celebration was immediate and infectious. The Mariner Moose scooped Humpy into a triumphant embrace, players in the dugout cheered, and Bryan Woo punched the air in excitement. Later, Woo called it “the moment of the year.” Even in the clubhouse, a player’s voice was overheard shouting, “Humpy for the win!”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Humpy’s victory the spark that ignited the Mariners’ playoff run? Or was it simply a lucky break in a long game? Some fans swear by his newfound status as a good luck charm, while others chalk it up to coincidence. And this raises a bigger question: Can a mascot’s success truly influence a team’s fate? We’ll let you decide.
As the Mariners continue their postseason journey, one thing is certain: Humpy’s story has captured the hearts of fans far beyond the Pacific Northwest. From lovable loser to potential legend, his saga is a reminder that sometimes, against all odds, the underdog can win. But will Humpy ever lose again? Thompson’s response is as uncertain as it is intriguing: “We’ll see what happens. I’m just as curious as everyone else.”
So, what do you think? Is Humpy the Mariners’ secret weapon, or just a fish out of water who finally got lucky? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started.
