Mariner coach inspires success

EVERETT – It was the baseball version of a facelift.

Michael O’Leary / The Herald

Mariner shortstop Travis Rush points out a fly ball during a recent practice.

When Scott Watson became head coach of the Mariner High School baseball team in 2004, he vowed to start over. The Marauders had won just 14 times in 58 tries over the previous three seasons. Along the way, they’d become one of the weakest squads in the Western Conference South Division.

Watson, a Tennessee native who played college baseball at NCAA Division-III Maryville College near Knoxville, faced an intimidating task. But despite low turnout and a rough start his first season, he sensed Mariner players yearned for structure, feedback and, of course, ever-elusive success.

Watson’s overhaul was so sweeping, he even replaced Mariner’s uniforms. And, for more than mere cosmetic reasons, the Marauders have enjoyed a fresh start.

Michael O’Leary / The Herald

Pitcher Ryan Otto winds up during a recent Mariner practice.

Mariner (3-4 in the Wesco South, 4-5 overall this spring) lost its first nine games in Watson’s inaugural season. Even then, however, players sensed improvement was within reach. “Everybody bought in,” Mariner catcher Braden Degamo said, “and it’s been like that ever since.”

That commitment has helped Mariner rise from sub-mediocrity to solid challenger. After finishing 4-14 in 2004, the Marauders were a respectable 9-11 in 2005. They’ve gone from losing by an average of 4.2 runs per game to just 0.2 this season. Most notable is their defensive improvement: Mariner has allowed 3.2 runs per game in 2006, compared to 6.7 in 2004 and 7.1 in 2003.

“If you get on the field and you can’t play defense, you look really sloppy,” said Watson, who was a junior-varsity coach at Mountlake Terrace for five years before he came to Mariner. “So the first thing we did was try to get a defensive scheme going. It was a big learning curve.”

“He had to teach us the game, basically,” Mariner senior Ryan Otto said.

That meant breaking baseball skills down to their most basic elements. Watson designed longer, more intense practices that stressed fundamentals – especially defense – and encouraging results followed. Mariner won its first three games last season (after winning just four times the entire previous year) and the Marauders earned landmark victories last April over league champion Mountlake Terrace and Kamiak, a district playoff qualifier. Otto was the winning pitcher in both triumphs.

“That was a really big moment,” Otto said of the win over Terrace, which was 15-3 in division play. “We were all pumped. … It was just insane. We weren’t expecting to win.”

Thanks to Watson’s jolt of discipline and enthusiasm, victories no longer elicit such shock.

“These guys work hard out here,” Watson said. “I believe that they believe they can win. That’s definitely progress.”

Otto said the revamped Marauders have a new slogan, one that would have seemed ridiculous two years ago: “Losing’s not an option.”

“You have to play with passion,” Otto explained. “You have to go into every game knowing that you’re not going to lose.”

One lesson coach Watson shared with Mariner last week particularly inspired Degamo. “He told us, ‘It’s important to win, but it’s imperative to compete.’ … It’s all about our minds. If our minds are set straight, then we can (succeed).”

Mariner has a realistic chance to advance to the district playoffs this season, but sophomore pitcher/infielder Travis Rush is more focused on enjoying every minute: “This is the most fun I’ve ever had.”

Rush, who last month threw a no-hitter against Everett, credits Watson with resurrecting Mariner.

“He expected a lot more out of us and had higher hopes,” Rush said. ” … He wants us to win, and he’ll do anything to help us achieve that.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

AquaSox infielder Charlie Pagliarini starts to swing at a pitch that he would launch for a two-run home run in Everett's 9-2 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 4, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox lack spark in Independence Day loss to Vancouver

Everett draws eight walks, but has just two hits in 9-2 loss to the Canadians.

Kimberly Beard, a rising senior at King's, stands next to the results board after winning the girls hammer throw at the Nike Outdoor National Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon on June 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy Donna Beard)
Beard, Tupua shine at Nike Outdoor Nationals

The rising seniors make their mark on a national stage amidst a busy summer schedule.

Everett AquaSox shortstop Colt Emerson catches the ball at second base for the first out in a double play during the Opening Day game against the Hillsboro Hops on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerson’s preparation finally paying off in Everett

The AquaSox shortstop is coming off his best month in High-A. Here’s how it came together:

The Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodríguez, right, claps after stealing second base during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Witt Jr. and Mariners’ bullpen both slide, KC wins series

The Kansas City Royals found a way against the Seattle Mariners on… Continue reading

Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) tries to drive past Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game at College Park Center on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm)
Storm survive Dream on Diggins game-winner

Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler combined for 45 points in the 80-79 win.

Julius Miettinen listens to a coach during Kraken Development Camp on-ice session for forwards on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pair of Silvertips check status at Kraken Development Camp

Julius Miettinen hopes to take strides back in Everett, while Kaden Hammell turns pro.

Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with the team trident after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners overcome Perez to beat Royals

The Kansas City Royals found themselves in another close encounter against the… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh (29) of the Seattle Mariners bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Cal Raleigh named AL Player of the Week

Major League Baseball announced today that catcher Cal Raleigh has… Continue reading

Moore: Ranking the all-time best Seattle sports radio shows

Sports radio shows in Seattle started in the 1970’s, typically at night,… Continue reading

Storm three games over .500 near the halfway point

Star forward Nneka Ogwumike was voted an All-Star starter Monday.

Seattle Storm's Sue Bird waves to the crowd after receiving a bouquet of flowers because she is playing in her last WNBA All-Star Game at Wintrust Arena on July 10, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Tribune News Services)
Seattle Storm to unveil Sue Bird statue honoringWNBA legend

The Seattle Storm announced on Wednesday that the franchise will honor the… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox infielder Colt Emerson gets a high-five from teammate Lazaro Montes after scoring during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vote for the Frog of the Week

Who is the Frog of the Week? Vote for the Everett AquaSox… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.