News
Gladiator spirit to be kept in clubhouse
Relievers had been using helmets as a symbol of unityBy Jim Street / MLB.com
08/06/09 7:50 PM ET
KANSAS CITY -- A symbol of unity among Mariners relievers must from now on stay inside the clubhouses at home and on the road. Prior to Tuesday night's series opener against the Royals, the Mariners were told by Major League Baseball officials that the gladiator helmets the relievers have been toting around with them could no longer be taken onto the field, or be in the bullpen during games. Pat Courtney, a MLB official, said on Thursday that the helmets were considered "inappropriate" in the sense that by allowing the Mariners to have the gladiator helmets in the bullpen while a game is being played, it could lead to other kinds of paraphernalia being brought onto fields and bullpens going forward. "If they want to have [the gladiator helmets] in the clubhouse, that's fine," Courtney said. "But they must be left in the clubhouse." It had been reported incorrectly that the pitchers had been wearing the helmets during games. The Mariners pitchers were surprised and disappointed by the news. Right-hander Mark Lowe, who initiated the gladiator helmet, explained that the unique head-gear is more symbolic than anything and said he understood the MLB ruling. "We were watching the movie '300' early in the season," Lowe said. "Basically, it's about a small group of guys [300 of them] who are highly trained and they overcome a large group of people. They are outnumbered, but they find a way to stick together and get the job done. "They battle to the end, which is kind of the same outlook we have in the bullpen. There are seven of us and we make sure we're ready for anything and feel we can overcome anything." The 2006 movie is a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae and most recently was played on a wide-screen television inside the visiting clubhouse at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Lowe said he purchased a gladiator helmet on eBay and it has been with the team at home and on the road ever since. Along the way, several others have purchased helmets on eBay and a Mariners fan from West Virginia sent one to Safeco Field. The five helmets, which weigh about 15 pounds apiece, were packed up prior to Thursday's series finale against the Royals and from now on will become indoor decorations.Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
