Anthropological Study at Growler Guys

 

10/8/25 Mariners watch party at Growler Guys, Maple Leaf neighborhood

“Whose logo is that – with the trident?” A man on the light rail pointed to the cap of another rider.

“Mariners . . . I think it’s newish,” the man wearing the cap replied.

10/5/25 light rail

The one who had asked was one of three guys sporting Buccaneers caps. Visiting Seattle for the Seahawks game, the men chatted with the Mariners fan about football, baseball, and where they could get good grub near Lumen Field, where they were headed. Since they were not directly competing, their conversation was cordial.

Recently when I spent the day with my niece’s family, we had lunch at a small café’s counter. Within minutes, my nephew-in-law had engaged in a lively conversation with the guy who happened to sit next to him – about Huskies football.

Although I have occasionally exchanged friendly banter with Cougs or Ducks (the University of Washington Huskies’ historic rivals are the Washington State University Cougars and the University of Oregon Ducks), I’m not a fan of any sport or particular team. Yet I have always been fascinated by the instant bonding that occurs around sports. Strangers on a light rail train who would otherwise never strike up spontaneous conversation have enough to talk about to last four train stops. What other subject or interest could possibly bring people together the way sports can?

Like an anthropologist, I decided to do an observational study of this human behavior. The Growler Guys in Maple Leaf held a watch party Wednesday afternoon for Game 4 of the MLB playoffs. The Mariners had bested the Detroit Tigers the day before, and now the same two teams were playing again.

When I walked in toward the tail end of the game, I knew the Ms were in trouble: The mood was quiet and subdued. Some patrons were already clearing their plates and glasses, getting ready to leave, though the game wasn’t quite over. Others commiserated quietly. The final score was 3 to 9 in the Tigers’ favor. 

The Mariners won the next, crucial game on Friday, which would have been more exciting to sketch. Still, the temperature was 62 and sunny on the Growler’s pleasant patio, where I had a good view of patrons watching the big TV. As a neutral observer rather than a fan, I had a great time on what was likely our last summer-y day before the cold and rain arrived.