RESUME: 17 year Major League Baseball career with the Seattle Mariners. Seven time All-Star, winner of the Roberto Clemente Award for community involvement in 2004. The MLB Designated Hitter Trophy is named after him. Member of the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? I host a golf tournament that raises money to help in the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. I have a nephew who has MD. I know how important it is for everyone to have something they can do and feel good about and that’s what Special Olympics is all about. It’s good for them. It’s good for the families. I am very pleased to be able to do this.

ADVICE TO ATHLETES ON COMPETING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL: Take the challenge of competing which is all about your attitude. Have fun, do the best you can, and make the best out of it.

HOW WILL SEATTLE REACT TO THE GAMES? I think Seattle will be excited to have the games here. It’s important for the athletes and it’s important for our community and I think we will embrace it.

FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A DAY OFF: I like boating. Anything you can do on Lake Washington is great.