Seattle native Tayler Saucedo is living his dream with the Mariners
SEATTLE (KTVZ) -- For Seattle Mariners pitcher Taylor Saucedo, every moment in the big leagues still feels surreal.
"I mean, I don't take it for granted. Every day, it feels like a dream come true."
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, many young baseball players dream of wearing a Seattle Mariners uniform. For Saucedo, that dream has become a reality.
"It's my third year now, and I still get goosebumps every time I walk into the building."
Saucedo, who spends most of the year at the ballpark, is fortunate to call the stadium he always loved his home. But the road to the majors wasn’t easy.
Getting to the MLB is never a guarantee, and Saucedo’s journey was filled with challenges.
"It was a grind just to get here. I took the mentality that no matter what, we're going to get it in and play ball."
His path included stints in Tacoma, Tennessee, and other stops along the way, experiencing the grind of minor league baseball before finally making it to the Mariners.
Like many aspiring big leaguers, Saucedo faced plenty of skeptics.
"Just keep trusting who you are, keep believing, and keep striving. No matter what anybody tells you, believe that you're going to get there."
Many doubted his dream of reaching the majors.
"I don’t know how many times people asked me what I wanted to do. I’d say, ‘I want to pitch in the big leagues,’ and they’d laugh. But I told them, ‘You'll see.’ And it worked out."
Saucedo’s story is one of perseverance. Despite playing at junior college (JuCo) and NAIA levels, he never let that define his potential.
"If you're good enough, they'll find you. It doesn't matter where you are. I probably went to the two lowest-profile schools, but at the end of the day, talent gets noticed."
The Mariners will wrap up their series against the Athletics on Sunday before hosting the Detroit Tigers in a three-game set beginning Monday at T-Mobile Park.
