"Home Run Special" Sounder trains: a great way to see the Mariners!

Sound Transit's "Home Run Special" Sounder commuter rail service is a great way for fans to attend this weekend's Seattle Mariners games against Cleveland. And for the first time, riders can check out the fancy new look of one of the Sounder locomotives.

Sound Transit and the Seattle Mariners this week unveiled a stunning Home Run Special locomotive sporting the Mariners famous compass rose logo along with Sound Transit's distinctive wave design.

"The ‘Home Run Special' is one of Sound Transit's most popular services because it is a fun way to avoid traffic jams and the cost of parking close to Safeco Field," said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Vice Chairman Greg Nickels.

Home Run Special trains serve Saturday and Sunday 1:05 p.m. Mariners home games. Upcoming opportunities to climb aboard include:

July 30 — Cleveland

July 31 — Cleveland

Aug. 13 — Anaheim

Aug. 14 — Anaheim

Aug. 28 — Chicago

Sept. 11 — Baltimore

Oct. 2 — Oakland

"We're pleased to partner again with Sound Transit on the Sounder Home Run service.  We know that a lot of our fans travel to the ballpark from outside the Seattle area and this service, along with ST Express buses, makes their trip to and from the ballpark that much easier," said Howard Lincoln, Mariners Chairman and CEO.

"I've loved trains all my life," added Mariners Hall of Fame announcer Dave Niehaus, who was on hand for this week's public debut of the uniquely designed locomotive. "And, My-Oh-My this locomotive is a big grand salami!"

Trains arrive at King Street Station, located near Safeco Field, one hour before the first pitch. Service departs from Everett (11:15 a.m.); Edmonds (11:41 a.m.), Tacoma (11 a.m.), Puyallup (11:12 a.m.), Sumner (11:17 a.m.), Auburn (11:25 a.m.), Kent (11:32 a.m.) and Tukwila (11:39 a.m.). Return trips depart a half hour after the game. Visit Sound Transit online at www.soundtransit.org or call (888) 889-6368 / (888) 713-6030 TTY for more information.