Baseball fans, particularly Seattle Mariners fans, put shoes on their heads as a quirky superstition called the "Rally Shoe." This started in 2022 during a Mariners game when a fan named Ben Cox, at a watch party at T-Mobile Park, put a Birkenstock sandal on his head to rally the team during a difficult game situation. The fans embraced the idea and began putting their shoes on their heads too, hoping to inspire a comeback. The rally shoe became symbolic of a spirited and improbable Mariners victory, and the original "rally shoe" was even inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame as a piece of team lore. This act is akin to the traditional rally cap superstition where fans wear their hats inside out to encourage a team rally, but the shoe on the head adds a unique and playful twist specific to Mariners fans.
Origin and Impact
- The rally shoe began as a spontaneous, fun gesture by Ben Cox to energize the crowd during a tough game where the Mariners were trailing 8-1.
- After placing the shoe on his head, the Mariners staged a remarkable comeback, which led other fans to emulate the gesture.
- The team embraced the tradition, which has continued sporadically at games as a good luck charm.
- The rally shoe has become a fan favorite superstition unique to the Mariners community, symbolizing hope and team spirit.
Comparison to Other Baseball Superstitions
- Traditional baseball rally superstition is the "rally cap," where fans wear their caps inside out to rally the team.
- The shoe on the head is a newer, more unconventional variation that originated from fan creativity during a memorable playoff moment.
- Both are fan-driven behaviors meant to influence the momentum and morale of the team.
In summary, Mariners fans put shoes on their heads as a rally superstition started by a fan's playful gesture that coincided with a historic comeback, now celebrated as a unique and beloved tradition in Seattle baseball culture.
