As a prelude to Thursday's Native American Night at Safeco Field, Madritsch and Mariners reliever George Sherrill visited the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club's gymnasium on the Tulalip Indian Reservation on Wednesday.

Bobby Madritsch  /   P
		Born: 02/28/76 Height: 6'2" Weight: 190 lbs Bats: L / Throws: L More info: Player page Stats | Splits Gallery Team Site | Shop

"We talked about staying drug-free, being respectful, getting a good education, having a good attitude and being motivated," Madritsch said. "I didn't grow up on a reservation, but I was in a neighborhood in Chicago that had a lot of drug problems and I easily could have gone down the wrong path."

Some of the 150 to 200 kids who listened to Madritsch and Sherrill on Wednesday could be at Safeco Field for Thursday night's game against the Royals.

Pregame activities include a performance by the Tulalip Canoe Family and Salmon Ceremony Group, two Native American performance groups comprised of canoe builders, artists, musicians, dancers and singers primarily from the Tulalip Tribes.

The first 20,000 fans will receive a poster featuring the work of four local Native American artists -- Greg Colfax, Bruce Cook III, Roger Fernandes and Micah McCarty. The poster incorporates the Mariners compass rose logo with original works that represent symbols of importance to local tribes such as salmon, whale, canoe and Spirit Children.

Tulalip Tribes Chairman Stan Jones Sr. will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Madritsch, the eighth Native American to play in the Major Leagues and the first since Rudy York, who had a 12-year Major League career from 1934-48.

A display on the Main Concourse will feature Northwest Native American art and culture, including a presentation from IWASIL Boys & Girls Clubs, made up of 700 members from 200 tribes from across the nation.

"To have a Native American Night means a lot to me," Madritsch said. "It will be like a holiday."

Only two years removed from playing in the Independent Northern League, Madritsch has been one of the Mariners' top pitchers in August. He has a 3-1 record and 2.84 ERA after eight appearances -- four starts -- and is making a strong case for being in the starting rotation next season.

But Wednesday's chat with the students was more about life than baseball.

"I love talking to kids about my experiences, and if it motivates them, that's great," he said. "I want to let them know that just because they grow up on an Indian reservation, where there usually isn't a lot of money but a lot of drugs and alcohol, doesn't mean they can't be successful.

"I didn't grow up on a reservation, but I know how to talk to kids that are and can relate to them. I know what they are going through and how tough it is. I was fortunate to have people put me back on the right road when I easily could have taken the back road," he added.

"I have a lot of people to thank, including my dad and a lot of my school teachers."

Now that he is in a position to have other Native Americans use him as an example, he jumps at the chance.

"I hope we reached a few them," he said of the students. "When I go to these things, I make sure I make eye contact with the older kids, because they are the ones who are going to be exposed to the drugs and alcohol first.

"I can look at them and tell if they are listening, or are just happy that they got out of class. When I make eye contact with them, they know I actually care."

Ryan Franklin  /   P
		Born: 03/05/73 Height: 6'3" Weight: 180 lbs Bats: R / Throws: R More info: Player page Stats | Splits Gallery Team Site | Shop

Trying to change his luck: Right-hander Ryan Franklin has lost nine straight decisions this season and tried something after Tuesday night's loss to the Devil Rays that he hopes will change is luck.

"I have used the same shower head the last two years, but I changed (Tuesday night)," he said. "I have always showered on the southeast side and now I'm going to shower on the north side. We'll see how this works. If it doesn't work, I'll change again."

The losing streak is the longest by a Mariners pitcher since Mike Parrott lost 16 straight in 1980.

Franklin is frustrated and realizes he has pitched better than his 3-13 record.

But his support system, inside and outside the clubhouse, remains strong.

"The first thing my 4-year-old daughter (Kaylin) said to me when she got in the car (Tuesday night) was, 'Daddy, you pitched good,'" he said. "She knows her dad is out there trying to do his best."

Guest hitters: Pregame batting practice Wednesday featured some swings from two members of Pearl Jam, the world-famous rock group from Seattle. Lead singer Eddie Vedder and guitarist Mike McCready took their cuts.

Good medical news: Manager Bob Melvin reported that left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado "walked into his therapy (session) today," just two days after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in Anaheim to repair a torn meniscus tendon. Guardado, however, will miss the remainder of this season.

Right-hander Julio Mateo (strained elbow) threw on the side Wednesday and Melvin said the reliever "could be in a game, maybe during the middle of our long homestand next month."

The Mariners play 13 consecutive home games from Sept. 6-19.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.