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.

Thanks to Lina for the tip! The White Center Teen Program is hosting Winter Fest starting at 11:30 am – here’s the announcement:

Wishing families a Winterful time at the Log Cabin Saturday, December 21st from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm!

-The WC Teen Program is thrilled to host the Eazy Duz It Car Club for their Annual Toy Giveaway! (Please note toy giveaways are first come, first serve.)

-In addition, the Rec Aides will have several all time favorite winter themed art projects thawed out and ready for crafting.

-We’ve also heard from Vana that photo ops, gingerbread house making, festive snacks, balloon animals and letters to Sunny P are all in the polar plans!

Winter Fest at the Log Cabin
Saturday, December 21st from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Steve Cox Memorial Park
1321 SW 102nd St

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.

This Wednesday afternoon brings a chance for teens and young adults to meet with prospective employers:

More details here!

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

The Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park is the place to be Friday night (March 22):

King County Parks Cultural Connection Night at the Log Cabin is coming up on Friday, March 22nd from 5-7:00 pm!

The White Center Teen Program (aka the Log Cabin) is excited to invite the community to the premiere of Cultural Connection Night on Friday, March 22nd from 5-7:00 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd St). Join the WCTP for an evening of Cultural Performances along with a Visual Art Gallery featuring the artwork of local artists ages 12-19. In addition, attendees are welcome to wear cultural attire to participate in the inaugural Log Cabin Cultural Fashion Show. Additional event details available at 2024 Cultural Connection Night – White Center Teen Program . The full schedule of performing groups and roster of participating artists will be updated accordingly.

Teens ages 12-19 are encouraged to submit visual art celebrating community and culture through March 20th. Visual Art Forms accepted include Drawing, Painting, Photography, Digital Design, Mixed Media and Ceramics. Art will be displayed during the event and voted on by event attendees. Trophy prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Each artist will also be entered into a drawing for a gift basket prize. For any questions or technical challenges, please reach out to Peanutt at pngeth@kingcounty.gov or 206.482.1910

Cultural Connections Night is sponsored by the teens and staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational, and social enrichment programming to youth ages 12-19 between Tuesday – Saturday from 3-8pm. Art supplies and performance coaches currently available every Tue – Sat from 3-8 pm at the WCTP.

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.

It’s back! The White Center Teen Program invites you to Steve Cox Memorial Park this Saturday:

OUTDOOR HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL on Saturday, October 28th from 2-5 pm

Families are welcome to walk thru the park to pick up FREE goodie bags to fill with carnival game prizes, DIY arts and crafts projects, official Spooky Town slime, community resources and giveaways, and even pumpkins (while supplies last).

Families can also keep it moving through an “Underground Spooky Town” Maze in the basement of the Log Cabin, Dragon Eye hunt on the multipurpose field, the I Spy Spooky Town Adventure in the windows of the Historic White Center Field House, and several step and repeat photo opportunities throughout the park.

NEW in 2023: The Annual Downtown WC Business Trick or Treat will also be in progress, so swing through the heart of WC too and get that candy before or after your visit to Spooky Town!

Next Tuesday is the annual community-building, crime-fighting event known as Night Out – and you can spend it at Steve Cox Memorial Park! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:

FAMILY NIGHT OUT at Steve Cox Memorial Park on Tuesday, August 1st from 5-7 pm.

The Annual King County Parks Night Out Against Crime Family event is back on Tuesday, August 1st!

King County Parks is thrilled to host families for a quest worthy Night Out at the Playground Picnic Shelter at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd St). This year’s activities will run between 5-7pm and feature Fairy Tale themed activities, crafts, piñatas and carnival games. Hot dogs and ice cream treats will be on hand (while supplies last.) Confirmed guests of honor include North Highline Fire Department, King County Parks Patrol, the WC KCSO Storefront, Librarian Destinee from the White Center Library, and a castle full of White Center Teen Program Recreation Aides. And yes, there will be dragons.

All quest challenges can be completed near the playground (no digging required.) Quests begin at 5pm on Tuesday, August 1st and run until all the treasure is found . (One quest per child please!)

Night Out at SCMP is once again sponsored by the teens and staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational, and social enrichment programming to youth ages 12-19 every Tuesday – Saturday from 3-8 pm.

(Photo from May visit to Highland Park Corner Store in West Seattle)

It just might be the most famous food truck in the region – and it’s coming to White Center this Saturday. Here’s the announcement from the DubSea Fish Sticks:

The Dick’s Drive In Food Truck will be at The DubSea Fish Sticks game on Saturday, June 24th as the Fish Sticks host the Gumberoos for a 6:05 pm game. Dick’s Drive In will also have a photo booth and merchandise table outside The Fryer (aka Mel Olson Stadium). The food truck will be open from 5 pm-8 pm or until they are sold out.

While outside food and drinks are not usually permitted inside the stadium, the Fish Sticks will be allowing all Dick’s Burgers and Milkshakes inside the ballpark as part of this partnership.

Parking is limited inside of Steve Cox Memorial Park but free street parking can be found on 102nd, 14th Ave SW, and 13th Ave SW. The Fish Sticks do ask that visitors be kind neighbors and do not block local businesses or private driveways. The Metro H line is also a great option that has a stop just outside of the Park.

Tickets to the Fish Sticks game can be purchased online at tickets.gofishsticks.com. Gates open at 5:05 pm.

Just announced!

Teens and young adults are invited to come meet prospective employers 3-5 pm June 7th at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd SW).

(2022 FishSticks photo by Robby Mullikin, actionpnw.com)

Big announcement from the DubSea Fish Sticks – it’s team history!

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team’s Opening Night on Saturday, June 3rd, sold out today.

“We had a goal this year of selling out multiple games and Opening Night was first on our list,” explained President Justin Moser.

This is the first sellout in franchise history, since they started as the Highline Bears in 2015.

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 their crazy antics including throwing out a ceremonial first fish. Where 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 2023 summer roster is made up of players from thirty different colleges. The players report in late May and play with the team to hone their skills and hope to one day play professionally.

The Fish Sticks are still looking for host families for this season for players who are coming from as far away as California, Texas, Florida and Georgia. They are also actively looking for more sponsors and performers to sing the National Anthem.

Single-game tickets for DubSea Fish Sticks games are only $12. If you were unable to get tickets to Opening Night, don’t worry. The team will host 26 home games this summer, including every Saturday night from June 3th – July 29th. On Sunday, June 11th the team will play “Banana Ball,” which was created by the world-famous Savannah Bananas.

The Fish Sticks also partner with youth organizations and nonprofits to run ticket fundraisers at every game and sell discounted group packages. Opening Night’s ticket sales helped West Seattle Baseball raise over $1,000 so far.

You can find more information and secure your tickets for a game at The Fryer online at GoFishSticks.com.

Southwest Little League is registering players for 2023 – and it’s not just baseball this year – they’ve added a new girls’ softball division to SWLL. You can register online right now, or if you and the player(s) in your household would rather sign up in personm the annual chance to do that is coming up February 11th, noon-3 pm at the Little Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd).

Find out more on the SWLL website.

The White Center Teen Program wants to get the word out about this online – or in-person – career exploration this Thursday!

Virtual Aerospace Job Launch for ages 16 – 24 is coming up on Thursday, November 3rd from 3-4:30 pm.

The Fall Job Launch Program features Pathways to Aerospace including aerospace jobs, employers, and free/low-cost training programs to launch a career in aerospace. Ages 16 – 24 are encouraged to join virtually through Zoom or in person at the White Center Teen Program on Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 3 pm-4:30 pm.

Participating Employers and Programs include SEKISUI Aerospace, Pioneer Industries, AJAC Aerospace Joint Apprenticeships, & Renton Technical College. Partner Agencies include King County Parks White Center Teen Program, Pioneer Human Services, Southwest Youth and family Services, the YWCA, Job Source, and Communities of Opportunity.

In=person viewing party hosted at the White Center Teen Program at Steve Cox Memorial Park at 1321 SW 102nd St. More details are available at joblaunchaerospace.eventbrite.com

Tons of fun about to begin – here’s the announcement:

The White Center Teen Program is thrilled to welcome families back to Steve Cox Memorial Park for our annual Halloween Carnival! This year the festivities return outdoors and families can stroll thru the park to participate in FREE interactive games and other Fall inspired activities. In addition to the Carnival, families and teens are also invited to join us in person or on zoom the week prior to participate in a series of Spooky Town related programs.

This year’s festivities are sponsored by the Teens and Staff of the White Center Teen Program. The WCTP offers free recreational, educational and social enrichment programming to youth ages 12-19 between Tuesday – Saturday from 3-8 pm. WC Teen Program participants are volunteering in person and remotely during the month of October to help create the carnival games, arts and crafts giveaways, and park wide decorations. Teens interested in volunteering can reach out to Peanutt at angeth@kingcounty.gov or 206.482.1910.

OUTDOOR HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL on Saturday, October 30th from 2-5 pm
Families are welcome to walk thru the park to pick up FREE goodie bags to fill with carnival game prizes, DIY arts and crafts projects, official Spooky Town slime, community resources and giveaways, and even pumpkins (while supplies last.) Families can also keep it moving through a “Pumpkin Patch Maze” on the outdoor basketball court, a Dragon Eye hunt on the multipurpose field, the I Spy Spooky Town Adventure in the windows of the Historic White Center Field House, and several step and repeat photo opportunities throughout the park.

FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS at the Log Cabin (1321 SW 102nd) between October 25th – 27th
Programs hosted in person with zoom options available. Follow the full schedule of remote Spooky Town programs here

Highlights to include:

–Fall Arts and Crafts for ages 19 and under hosted by the WCTP Recreation Aides with Special Guest WC Librarian Destinee on Tuesday, October 25th at 6 pm.

–Bilingual Bingo with Vana and Sunny (the Log Cabin Baby Bearded Dragon.) for ages 19 and under on Wednesday, October 26th at 6 pm

–Spooky Town Painting Party with local artist PAZ (all supplies proved) for ages 12-19 on Thursday, October 27th at 6 pm.

Perfect night for the return of Night Out block parties! Our first photos are from Gill:

This happened on 20th SW, with neighbors from 100th to 104th, and, Gill says, some from 21st – more than 35 in attendance, and as the photos show, King County Sheriff’s Office members turned out. … We went to Steve Cox Memorial Park for the Family Night Out presented by the Teen Program – lots of activities for kids, inckuding a treasure hunt:

As those photos show, other county services/departments teamed up with the teens for the event – including KCSO and KCLS as well as Parks.

Summer goes by so quickly. It’s already the final weekend for the DubSea Fish Sticks! Here’s a reminder we received from the team this morning:

(Photo by Robby Mullikin)

The DubSea Fish Sticks summer collegiate baseball team is wrapping up their season with two final home games at Mel Olson Stadium on Saturday evening at 6:05 pm and Sunday afternoon at 1 pm.

On Saturday, July 30th the team will be running a Christmas in July theme with Christmas décor, songs and iced out jerseys the players will be wearing. The team is donating $5 of every ticket sold to the White Center Food Bank, who will also be running a 50/50 raffle at the event.

On Sunday, July 31st the team will host its final game of the 2022 inaugural season beginning at 1:05pm. Fan appreciation day will feature special give-aways, fun between inning promotions and the last chance for a fan to roll giant dice for a chance to win $50,000 from Burien Chevrolet.

The summer collegiate baseball team recruits players from colleges across the country to come and play for the months of June and July. The 2022 summer roster is compiled of players from twenty-six different colleges. The players report in late May and play with the team to hone their skills and hope to one day play professionally.

You can purchase tickets and find more information on the Fish Sticks at GoFishSticks.com.