SEATTLE — Derrick Otto is non-verbal, yet he quite literally animates himself when communicating about the Mariners.
During a recent conversation, Derrick flexes his fist when Luis Castillo’s name is mentioned, mimicking the gesture synonymous with Seattle’s workhorse starting pitcher. While donning a Julio Rodríguez shirsey, he crosses his wrists to mimic the star center fielder’s “No Fly Zone.”
And when asked about his next trip to the Peoria Sports Complex in January, his expression immediately turns into a wide grin.
“He knows how to get his point across, and he just smiles, 24/7,” says Teresa Otto, Derrick’s mother. “And everybody just automatically falls in love with him when they get to know him. And it’s just all, I don’t know, so magical to see.”
The Ottos have become the heart of the Mariners Fantasy Camp, a weeklong visit to Seattle’s Spring Training facility in Arizona that includes workouts, games and instruction by Mariners alumni, as well as first-class attention by Mariners trainers and clubhouse staff. Participants receive an authentic Mariners uniform with a custom jersey, pants, belts, socks, T-shirt and cap.
In the leadup to Thanksgiving, Derrick and Teresa shared their appreciation for the club’s efforts in making Derrick feel like part of the team. The Mariners likewise extended their thanks to the family for making the week that much more special for everyone else who participates.
“They’re like family,” Teresa said. “It’s been the best thing we’ve ever done in our lives. And when they say they’re going to do it, he looks so forward to it.”
Derrick is 35 years old and was born with Down syndrome. He underwent three heart surgeries before he was 10 months old, with doctors at the time telling Teresa, a single mom, that his chances of survival were slim. Later on in life, he began having seizures, including one in 2016 that left him bedridden for three months after breaking his foot. But that was also his most recent, as he’s now taking medication twice per day.
Yet that he’s still here — and more so, beaming at virtually every moment, Teresa says — has given both of them an extra sense of appreciation. And Derrick has channeled that joy into a passion for sports, especially his favorite Seattle-area teams.
“He does not ever miss a game,” Teresa said. “He watches it until the last, final swing.”
Specifically, Teresa was recalling the 15-inning marathon vs. the Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series in October, which they stayed up late to watch, and Eugenio Suárez’s game-winning grand slam in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series vs. the Blue Jays. This entire region was rejuvenated to have postseason baseball back and in its most dramatic forms, and Derrick watched every step of the way.
Derrick’s enthusiasm goes way back to the T-ball fields, but his limited mobility kept him from playing as he got older. Yet it didn’t halt his interest at all and might have emboldened him to become an ultra fan.
The Ottos have been season-ticket holders in the past and attend anywhere from five to 10 games at T-Mobile Park each year. But their highlight is the August reunion for a regular-season game with those who attend Fantasy Camp. It’s the camaraderie that means the most.
And that’s where notable alumni — and their mentorship — come into play. Each camp participant receives personalized baseball instruction from former Mariners on the field and bonding off it. The coaches for the upcoming year include Mike Cameron, Mark McLemore, Danny Farquhar and Tom Wilhelmsen.
And in years past, Jeff Schaefer and Arthur Rhodes have developed some of the closest bonds with Derrick, as each have kept in touch with him and Teresa throughout the year after everyone goes their separate ways.
“Because I am a single parent and he doesn’t really have men in his life, and seeing him do the baseball thing himself rather than just watching — understanding how hard it is,” Teresa said. “They were just so there for us. … They brought tears to my eyes, because I was like, just so like, felt wonderful how they treated him.”
Thanksgiving always comes during the dreariest stage of the offseason in the rainy Pacific Northwest, but it’s also a reminder for Derrick and Teresa that Fantasy Camp — and the sunshine of Arizona and another season on the horizon — is just around the corner.
