From a string of crushing defeats to an unforgettable victory that sparked a team's miraculous comeback—imagine a clumsy fish mascot turning the tide of a playoff game. This is the incredible story of Humpy the Salmon, whose first-ever win in Seattle might just be the lucky charm the Mariners needed to dream big again. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it pure coincidence, or did this lovable loser truly unleash a wave of good fortune? Stick around, because this tale of perseverance and superstition in baseball could change how you view underdogs forever.
Picture this: In the heart of Seattle, for over two years, mentioning 'Humpy won a Salmon Run' would have marked you as a die-hard local, much like rallying for the return of the Sonics or defending that quirky tradition of slathering cream cheese on hot dogs. But Humpy—the endearing, bumbling salmon mascot sporting a life preserver, who had stumbled through 167 consecutive losses in the Mariners' interinning mascot races—finally claimed victory on October 10, 2025, during the 15th inning of Game 5 in the ALDS matchup against the Tigers. You can check out the full game details right here (https://www.mlb.com/gameday/tigers-vs-mariners/2025/10/10/813054/final/box).
And talk about timing! Right after Humpy's triumphant dash, Jorge Polanco delivered a stunning walk-off single (https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/mariners-win-alds-2025-vs-tigers) that propelled the Mariners into the ALCS for the first time since 2001. It's the kind of moment that makes you wonder if fate had a hand in it—or was it all just the thrill of the game?
Tyler Thompson, the Mariners' director of experiential marketing and game entertainment, reflected on the decision: 'We were pulling out all the stops to energize the fans and push for that win. We believe our choice that evening helped reignite the crowd, and it might have played a role in the Mariners clinching it with a walk-off in the bottom of the 15th. Who can say for sure?' To follow the ongoing excitement, catch ALCS Game 3, sponsored by loanDepot, this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on FS1 (https://www.mlb.com/news/2025-mlb-playoff-and-world-series-schedule). And if you're itching to join the action, grab your Mariners postseason tickets now! (https://www.mlb.com/mariners/tickets/postseason?affiliateId=mlbcomarticle-inline-linksea)
Building on that momentum, the Mariners have racked up two more victories in Toronto, bringing them tantalizingly close to the World Series—a milestone that's unprecedented in the franchise's history. As a result, Humpy's journey from perennial underdog to celebrated hero has transcended the Pacific Northwest, capturing hearts far and wide. No longer dismissed as T-Mobile Park's charming failure, some fans now hail him as the team's most opportune stroke of luck. For more on the series, dive into the Blue Jays-Mariners ALCS Game 3 FAQ (https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/blue-jays-vs-mariners-alcs-game-3-starting-lineups-pitching-matchup).
To understand the backstory, the Mariners introduced the Salmon Run at the start of the 2024 season, featuring it in every one of their 162 home games, plus special scrimmages during the bye week and Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS. Other mascots have dominated: King Salmon, adorned in a regal crown and cape, has claimed about a third of the races. Silver, the tech-savvy fish with a headset and tablet, has also thrived, as has Sockeye, the grunge-inspired salmon rocking a plaid shirt and nose ring—think of him as the rebellious, Nirvana-loving cousin of the group.
Humpy, on the other hand, was the epitome of misfortune. He never secured a win. He couldn't. Sometimes, he'd trail the pack hopelessly. Other times, he'd surge ahead early, only to get sidetracked by a gleaming distraction in the crowd. There was even an incident where he got tackled by another mascot—talk about adding insult to injury! And so, after Salmon Race No. 167, which concluded in the fourth inning of that fateful Game 5 on Friday night, Humpy's record remained untouched: 167 losses. For beginners new to baseball mascots, these races are fun intermission events where costumed characters race around the field, often incorporating humorous mishaps to entertain fans and break up the game.
You'd think that was the end of it until a potential ALCS revival, but the Mariners and Tigers had other ideas. After Leo Rivas' pinch-hit single on his birthday tied the score (https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/leo-rivas-hits-game-tying-single-for-mariners-in-alds-game-5), scoring halted. The ninth inning came and went with the game knotted, and extra innings ensued. Midway through the 14th, they even treated fans to a second seventh-inning stretch. Then, in the 15th, Thompson's crew brought the salmon squad back for another go.
As they paraded into left field, things got chaotic: Silver, Sockeye, and King tangled up in a heap. For the very first time, Humpy seized the opportunity, zooming through the opening to cross the finish line ahead. The Mariner Moose lifted Humpy in joyous celebration, and T-Mobile Park exploded in cheers. Back in the dugout, several players jumped up to applaud, with Bryan Woo pumping his fist in the air. Reflecting on it this past Tuesday, Woo dubbed Humpy's victory 'the moment of the year.'
Even from the clubhouse, the buzz was electric: One player tweeted overhead, 'Humpy for the win!' (— Josh Kirshenbaum (@JKirshenbaum) October 11, 2025 (https://twitter.com/JKirshenbaum/status/1976880174580089092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw))
This brings us to the intriguing question: If Humpy really ignited this lucky streak, will the adorable underdog ever face defeat again? And this is the part most people miss—superstition in sports can be a powerful force, influencing everything from player confidence to fan morale. Is Humpy's win a genuine omen, or just a fun coincidence that boosted the team's spirits at the perfect moment?
Thompson remains philosophical: 'I've got no clue. He and the other four fish will compete in a fair race... and we'll all find out together. Fans are buzzing with curiosity, and they're reaching out to ask, but I'll be discovering the outcome right alongside them.'
In sports, moments like this blur the line between entertainment and destiny. Was Humpy's victory a harmless boost, or could it be seen as exploiting superstition for an edge? Some might argue it's harmless fun that unites fans, while others could view it as a risky gamble on luck over skill. What do you think—does a mascot's win truly change a game's outcome, or is it all in our heads? Share your take in the comments below: Agree that Humpy's the new good luck charm, or disagree and tell us why. Let's debate—is this the start of a new era for the Mariners, or just a feel-good story?
