White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(Photo by Robby Mullikin)

“We’re not in the baseball business, we’re in the fun business.” So says the man in charge of the DubSea Fish Sticks as they step up to the plate and launch 2025 single-game tickets – here’s their announcement:

The DubSea Fish Sticks, White Center’s wildly entertaining summer collegiate baseball team, officially launched single-game tickets for the upcoming 2025 season this morning — just in time to celebrate National Fish Sticks Day.

Known for their unique brand of family-friendly fun, outrageous promotions, and community-first spirit, the Fish Sticks are ready to welcome fans back to Mel Olson Stadium, located inside King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park, affectionately dubbed “The Fryer.”

The 2025 season kicks off with Opening Night on Saturday, May 31, and the team is encouraging fans to secure their seats early—especially with many games expected to sell out.

The DubSea Fish Sticks are far from your typical baseball team. With a focus on entertainment, the Sticks have built a reputation for being “not your average baseball game”, with crazy in-game antics, crowd participation, and off-the-wall theme nights that keep fans laughing from the first pitch to the final out.

Among the team’s most beloved traditions:

-The ceremonial “First Fish”, where a local honoree flings a real Wild Alaska Pollock toward home plate instead of tossing a baseball.

-A custom-built Bullpen Boat, inspired by the Mariners’ old classic, used to deliver the starting pitcher to the mound in theatrical style.

-The ever-popular Fan Batter of the Night, where, during non-league matchups, one lucky raffle winner signs a one-day contract and leads off the game for the Fish Sticks.

The Fish Sticks field a roster of talented players from across the country, with the 2025 squad featuring student-athletes from 15 different colleges. These players arrive in late May and spend their summer developing their skills, connecting with the community, and competing under the lights in front of enthusiastic crowds.

“It’s bigger than baseball,” says Team President Justin Moser.

“We’re not in the baseball business — we’re in the fun business, where there just happens to be a baseball game going on. Our goal is to create the most fun you’ve ever had inside a baseball stadium. From the music and the food to the beer garden and the between-inning chaos, we want people walking out with smiles on their faces and stories to tell. Every season we’ve grown, and we expect this to be the biggest yet!”

In 2024, the Fish Sticks sold out 13 of their 27 home games, and with excitement building, the team anticipates topping that number again this summer. The ballpark experience includes theme nights, $3 Thursdays, live entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and promotions for all ages.

The 2025 schedule includes 27 home games, with the team playing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 31 through August 2. Gates open one hour before first pitch, and every night is packed with themed fun, in-game giveaways, and nonstop energy.

Single game tickets are just $14.50 each and are expected to move fast, especially for Opening Night, which has sold out in previous seasons. Fans looking for flexibility can also purchase Flex Ticket Packs, which range from 3-game to 10-game bundles and offer the convenience of choosing dates later in the summer.

More than just entertainment, the Fish Sticks are also committed to giving back. The team partners with local nonprofits and youth organizations throughout the summer, helping raise thousands of dollars through ticket fundraising programs held at every home game.

To purchase Opening Night tickets, Flex Packs, or view the full 2025 game schedule, fans can visit the team’s official website at www.GoFishSticks.com.

Come for the baseball, stay for the show—because at The Fryer, it’s battered and fried family fun all summer long.

That’s our video from Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby‘s first bout of the season, last month at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) in White Center. They’re back on the rink tonight (Saturday, January 18) for “Battle of the Jams,” doors at 4:15, action wrapping up around 8-ish. Get your tickets online in advance.

Happening tonight at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW)! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

Junior Roller Derby @ Southgate Roller Rink

Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby kicks off its 11th year of operation with its first home double-header, “Skater Swift – The Eras Bout.” Tickets are $12 for adults/$8 for kids. Buy ahead, or purchase at the door.

Composed of skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves 80+ skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels.

Doors open to the public at 4:15 and roller derby starts at 4:45 PM. The whole event should be over by 8 PM.

The new Rat City FC soccer club, formerly Cultures United, has announced it’s offering free Saturday night soccer clinics for kids 5-19. Just show up at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd), 5-7 pm.

The White Center-based DubSea Fish Sticks will spend a game next month focused instead on burgers. Not just any burgers, but the Northwest’s renowned Dick’s Drive-In burgers. Here’s the announcement:

In celebration of their 70th Anniversary, Dick’s Drive-In is taking over a local baseball team for one-day. The DubSea Fish Sticks will become the DubSea Deluxes on Saturday, July 13th in their game against the Gumberoos. Gates open at 5:05 PM, first pitch is at 6:05 PM. The players will wear special uniforms and all the team’s usual crazy antics that night will be Dick’s Drive-in themed. There will be fan competitions for prizes, costumed races, and the throwing out of the ceremonial first deluxe burger.

“Nothing says summer than burgers and baseball,” said Jasmine Donovan, President of Dick’s Drive-In and granddaughter of the founder and namesake Dick Spady. “It’s been so much fun working with the DubSea team on this event in honor of our 70th Anniversary. Food and sports bring people together to create special memories. That’s what this year of celebration is all about for us at Dick’s.”

The Dick’s Drive-In Food Truck will be onsite serving their local favorite burgers and shakes from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM along with the Dick’s Pop-Up Apparel Shop featuring unique DubSea Deluxes merchandise available for purchase during the game.

You can buy tickets – and find the schedule for the rest of the Fish Sticks’ summer season – at gofishsticks.com.

(WCN file photo)

Just in from King County Parks:

The Steve Cox Memorial Park tennis courts will be closed for improvements June 12-August 20.

Improvements include resurfacing the tennis courts, constructing a new ADA ramp, installation of root barriers, sidewalk repair, and fire lane striping.

If you would like to reserve the court once it reopens, please contact the King County Regional Scheduling office, regional.scheduling@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-6150.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete this important work! We will share reopening information as we near the end of construction.

Questions? Contact parksinfo@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4527.

It’s been 12 years since the courts were renovated.

Now less than two months left until the DubSea Fish Sticks‘ 2024 season! You can buy your single-game tickets starting now, according to this announcement from the team:

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team launched its single-game ticket sales for the 2024 season today as part of National Fish Sticks Day.

The team hosts their events at Mel Olson Stadium, which is located inside of King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, nicknamed “The Fryer.”

The team is known for antics including throwing out a ceremonial first fish, where the honoree flings a fish toward home plate instead of a baseball; the recreation of the Mariners’ Bullpen Boat; and during non-league games, the team also runs an open raffle for a random fan to sign a one-day contract and lead off in the game for the Fish Sticks as the “Fan Batter of the Night.”

The Fish Sticks recruit players from colleges across the country to come and play for the months of June and July. The 2024 summer roster is composed of players from 30 different colleges. The players report in late May and play with the team to hone their skills and hope to one day play professionally.

“We’re not in the baseball business, we’re in the fun business where there happens to be a baseball game going on. Our goal is that this is the most fun you’ve ever had inside a baseball stadium. From the music, great food, beer and crazy promotions, this will be something you’ll never forget,” promised team president Justin Moser.

In 2023, the Fish Sticks sold out five different games and expect that number to grow to ten or more this year.

Single-game tickets for DubSea Fish Sticks games are only $13.50 and Opening Night on Saturday, June 1st, is expected to sell out quickly. Flex Ticket Packs with options ranging from three- to ten-game packages are also available. The team will host 27 home games this summer, including every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from June 1st – August 3rd.

The Fish Sticks also partner with youth organizations and nonprofits to run ticket fundraisers at every game.

You can find more information and secure your tickets for Opening Night on June 1st at The Fryer online at GoFishSticks.com/tickets

With spring now less than a week away, we’re talking today about summer … jobs. We have an announcement from the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team, which plays home games at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd):

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team is holding a job fair Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Mel Olson Stadium inside King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park. The job fair will run from 11 am-3 pm.

The team is currently looking to hire 50-60 part-time employees for the months of June and July. High school and college students are welcome to apply with select positions being available to those 14 years of age and older. There are select positions such as the concession manager, beer garden servers and security that do require the applicant to be 21 years of age or older.

The job fair will allow those interested in working for the Fish Sticks to find out more information about each position, apply, and interview on site. For those that are interested but cannot attend the job fair they can apply online at GoFishSticks.com/jobs. Positions that are currently available include mascot performer, concession manager, concessions, ticketing, merchandise, game day operations, beer garden servers, and security. The Fish Sticks also have multiple summer internships in digital marketing, and video production.

The DubSea Fish Sticks’ season begins on Saturday, June 3rd, and runs through August 3rd. They will host 27 different home shows (games) this summer at Mel Olson Stadium (aka The Fryer) at King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park. The team hosts upward of 40 college players from around the country for the summer; they will play 45 games throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Just made public today – the DubSea Fish Sticks‘ 2024 schedule at White Center’s Steve Cox Memorial Park! Here’s the announcement:

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team has released its 2024 schedule.

The 2024 season will kick off on Saturday, June 1st and will feature 27 home games. The team hosts their events at Mel Olson Stadium, inside King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, nicknamed “The Fryer.”

The team is known for their crazy antics including throwing out a ceremonial first fish. The honoree flings a fish toward home plate instead of a baseball. During non-league games the team also runs an open raffle for a random fan to sign a one-day contract and lead off in the game for the Fish Sticks as the “Fan Batter of the Night.”

The Fish Sticks recruit players from colleges across the country to come and play for the months of June and July. The 2024 summer roster is currently being finalized by new head coach Elliott Cribby, former University of Washington Associate Head Coach. The players report in late May and play with the team to hone their skills and hope to one day play professionally.

“We had a great year in 2023. Breaking all of our previous attendance records and being fortunate enough to sell out five different games. We have a ton of fun in store for our fans and plan to build on everything we did in 2023. We’re expecting tickets to go fast and we’re encouraging fans to get flex packs as soon as they can to guarantee they have tickets. We’re throwing the biggest parties in West Seattle all summer long, it’s going to be a blast!” Exclaimed team president Justin Moser.

Last year the team sold out five of their games and they expect that number to double or even triple in 2024.

Season Tickets and Flex Packs are now on sale at gofishsticks.com. If you’re wanting single-game tickets for DubSea Fish Sticks, you can join the Priority Ticket List to be the first notified when they’re available on April 3rd. Games are only $13 and Opening Night on Saturday, June 1st, is expected to sell out quickly. Flex Ticket Packs with options ranging from three- to ten-game packages are also available. The Fish Sticks’ season will run from June 1st through August 3rd.

The Fish Sticks also partner with youth organizations and nonprofits to run ticket fundraisers at every game and sell discounted group packages.
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You can find more information and secure your tickets at The Fryer by visiting the Fish Sticks’ website at GoFishSticks.com.

Just announced by the DubSea Fish Sticks:

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team are excited to announce the signing of new Head Coach Elliott Cribby.

He has an extensive coaching resume including Associate Head Coach, Pitching Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Washington. He is currently the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Central Washington University.

“We had a lot of great applicants as we looked to fill this position. The organization has had a great relationship over the years with Coach Cribby as he’s sent us players in the past or would come to games to watch current PIL Players. His extensive coaching and recruiting background is impressive alone, but his past experience as a D1 college player, and having played in both the PIL and Cape Cod League give him a unique ability to connect and relate with players,” explained team President Justin Moser.

“I am extremely excited to be the Head Coach of the Fish Sticks. [The organization] are very professional and it is a great fit! Our players will be developed and taught the things that will not only help them succeed on the field, but in the game of life as well,” exclaimed the new Head Coach.

Prior to taking the role at Central Washington, Coach Cribby was part of the Husky Baseball Coaching staff, where 10 of his recruits would go onto be selected in the 2023 MLB Draft. Additionally, he spent one year with the Purdue Boilermakers helping the pitching staff put up record numbers in strikeouts. Prior to Purdue he helped Seattle University transform their recruiting, which resulted in draft picks in 2015, 2017, and 2018. While he was with the Redhawks, fellow coaches voted Cribby the best recruiter in the WAC in a D1Baseball.com poll.

“[Fans] can expect to see a high caliber level of talent on the field. It is important that we provide them with that every game,” explained Coach Cribby.

This past summer, the DubSea Fish Sticks took second place in the Pacific International League for a second year in a row. They also took second place in the PIL Round Robin behind the Seattle Studs. The team was home to players from over 25 different colleges across the country. The Sticks set record league and franchise attendance numbers, selling out five different games.

“Coach Cribby understands both our goals for developing players on the field, and bringing fun, affordable, family entertainment to DubSea both on and off the field. We’re very excited to have him join the Fishing Crew and help us continue to grow what we’re building,” said Moser.

The Fish Sticks’ 2024 season will run from June 1st – August 3rd at Mel Olson Stadium aka “The Fryer” in White Center. The team is currently looking for host families as it recruits college players from across the country. Season tickets and flex packs for the 2024 season will go on sale in October. For more information on the team, go to GoFishSticks.com.