Message from the Mariners
<p>Damon Rosenau. 11, shares a laugh with Seattle Mariners outfielder James Jones during a visit by organization Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County in Post Falls.</p>
<p>Mariner the Moose, Seattle’s mascot, reaches out to high-five children at the Boys and Girls Club.</p>
POST FALLS - Trevor Miller had a message for Seattle Mariner James Jones on Wednesday, then the pro baseball player threw a positive suggestion at the fourth-grader.
While getting Jones' autograph at the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, Miller revealed to the outfielder that it was his second-grade brother Kyle who had just told the Mariners that when he grows up, he wants to be a ninja.
"Take care of that little brother," Jones told Trevor with a smile.
Trevor said he would take Jones' message to heart.
Jones, pitcher Danny Farquhar, former pro catcher and Mariner commentator Dave Valle and the agile Mariner Moose mascot comprised the Seattle Mariners Caravan during its stop at the nonprofit youth club in Post Falls.
The message to the kids from the Mariners was to "DREAM" - be drug-free, respect others, get your education, have a positive attitude and stay motivated.
Sixth-grader Sean Duncan was all smiles after receiving autographed photos of Jones, Farquhar and the Mariner Moose.
"It's exciting because they're stars," said Duncan, who collects baseball cards. "I'm going to frame these."
Eighth-grader Megan Wood already had family members in mind to whom she wanted to give the autographs as a surprise gift.
"I'm going to give one to my nephew, one to my dad and one to one of my brothers," she said.
Valle, who caught for the Mariners, Red Sox, Brewers and Rangers from 1984 to 1996 and manages the Mariners' Class A minor league affiliate Everett AquaSox, told the youths that drugs were prevalent when he grew up in Queens, N.Y.
"Drugs are like thieves," Valle said. "They steal your health, kill your dreams and destroy your future."
Jones, who made his Major League debut last year and is a stolen base threat, encouraged the kids to show respect to others, including their relatives, teachers and friends.
Farquhar told the youths to stay focused and finish their education.
"One thing about education is that it can't be taken away from you," Farquhar said. "It's yours forever."