T-Mobile Park is a long way from Ghana, given how small the world is; it was no big surprise to run into Aba Monkah and Ekua Monkah, two sisters of Nigerian descent, full of joy, pride, and optimism for their beloved Seattle Mariners. The two sisters were among the thousands of Mariners fans who attended the team’s annual FanFest sponsored by Starbucks.
The event allows fans to meet their favorite Mariners players, play catch in the outfield, and run the bases. While they did not run the bases, Aba and Ekua got a chance to hear from Julio Rodriguez, one of their favorite Mariners. I should point out that Julio is Ekuas’s favorite Mariner, while Josh Naylor is Aba’s
A Father’s Love of Sports
The two sisters participated in a myriad of sports growing up because of their father, Stephen Monkah’s love for sports. As a result, the sisters participated in Volleyball, Track and Field, Cross Country, and Rowing while growing up. The introduction to the sport of baseball was more an immersion than an introduction.
“We would watch the Disney Channel, and dad would come home from work, practically take the remote, change the channel to any sports that were in season,” said Aba. “ Baseball was not something we were into, but as we got older, we began watching it, and then we started going to games, buying our tickets.”
Growing up in the same household, Ekua had a similar experience, deepening the bond between the sisters and their love of baseball.
“We actually grew up watching baseball all of our lives, ” said Ekua. “ Our dad used to turn on the TV in the summertime and have it playing in the background, but we did not get into it until we were a lot older.”
APPRECIATION FOR THE GAME
As for why they enjoy the game of baseball, each sibling has a different appreciation for it.
“While some people think baseball is superslow, I like paying attention to the rhythm of the game, and its intensity, “said Aba. I also enjoy watching the pitching, the three outs, and of course, the home runs. “
“ I love how family-oriented baseball is,’ said Ekua. “ You can come on a Sunday, bring your kids, family, sister, and just chill out—a fun, friendly, and intense environment all in one place.”
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
The Mariners’ loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series broke the hearts of Mariner Nation. After beating the Detroit Tigers in the Division Series, the Mariners had Mariner Nation believing it was their year. It wasn’t until the heartbreaking loss to the Blue Jays.
“The loss was superbitter-sweet, I was at a the Seahawks and Texans, and I was heartbroken, especially for Josh,” said Aba. “ I am super excited to see how this season turns out .” For Ekua, there is only one goal for the upcoming season. “ We are here for a World Series, we have never been in the World Series, and we have never won the World Series1”
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