SEATTLE -- Third baseman Kyle Seager and starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, two of the top young players in baseball and key components in the Mariners' upcoming season, will be among the players featured at the team's 18th annual FanFest this weekend at Safeco Field.
Also scheduled to appear are: new catchers Chris Iannetta and Steve Clevenger; closer Steve Cishek; returning bullpen stalwart Charlie Furbush; promising left-hander James Paxton; new manager Scott Servais; general manager Jerry Dipoto; and broadcasters Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith.
• Complete FanFest info
Four of the Mariners' top prospects -- shortstop Drew Jackson and outfielders Tyler O'Neill, Braden Bishop and Boog Powell -- will also take part in the festivities. Former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson will be at FanFest on Saturday, while Jay Buhner, Dave Valle and Julio Cruz will be there on Sunday.
New center fielder Leonys Martin had originally been scheduled to appear as well, but he was forced to cancel due to a family issue.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT both Saturday and Sunday, while there is also a season-ticket holder session from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday.
Tickets are $10 for adults, with kids 14 and under admitted free. Tickets are available in advance at mariners.com/FanFest and at Mariners Team Stores, as well as the day of the event at the ticket windows. Parking at the Safeco Field garage is $7 in advance or $10 on the day of the event.
The players in attendance will sign autographs and participate in various activities around the ballpark, including dugout dialogue Q&A sessions with fans.
Other attractions include clubhouse tours, a Ken Griffey Jr. National Baseball Hall of Fame exhibit and Nelson Cruz's Silver Slugger display. Fans can also ride a zip line over the outfield grass, run the bases, throw a pitch in the bullpen, play catch in the outfield, take a photo at home plate and play carnival games in the Kids Fun Zone.
A complete schedule of the autograph and dugout dialogue sessions is available at http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/fan_forum/fanfest_appearances.jsp.