Justin Turner has embarked on a new chapter in his career, officially resuming his career in Mexico with Toros de Tijuana. But before starting this new journey, the former Seattle Mariners star moved the baseball community with a sincere message to the fans in Seattle – a place he was briefly but deeply connected to.

“My biggest regret is not being able to say a proper goodbye to the Seattle fans.”

This statement quickly spread widely, as it perfectly reflects Justin Turner’s personality over the years: sincere, emotional, and always cherishing the places he’s been.

Turner didn’t spend a very long time with the Mariners, but his time wearing the team’s jersey holds special meaning. When Seattle needed more experience, character, and a stronger voice in the locker room, they brought in a former World Series champion, a leader who had battled on the biggest stages in MLB.

And Turner delivered more than just numbers.

He brought calmness to the clubhouse. He provided a professional role model for the young players.

He brought the fighting spirit any competitive team needs. During his time with the Mariners in 2024, Turner played 48 games, batting lines of .264/.363/.403, along with 5 home runs and 24 RBIs – statistics that showed he still knew how to make an impact even in the twilight of his career.

But for Seattle fans, what was even more memorable was how he integrated into the city and his new team.

Many veterans, when switching teams, often see it as just a temporary stop.

Turner was different. He played with the dedication of someone who had been there for years. He understood the Mariners’ yearning, the fans’ anticipation of a championship, and the immense expectations placed upon him at T-Mobile Park.

Perhaps that’s why leaving without a proper farewell was such a regrettable loss for him.

In professional sports, farewells sometimes happen very quickly. A trade, a personnel decision, a new contract elsewhere. Not everyone gets the chance to stand before the stands, wave one last time, and say thank you. Turner was one of them.

And that’s why this message touched the hearts of the fans.

Seattle has always been a city that appreciates players who play with heart. Even though Turner’s time here wasn’t long, he’ll be remembered as someone who truly dedicated himself. For the fans who witnessed him fight every night, Turner’s message is like a belated but meaningful gift.

It shows he still remembers.

Remember the cheers from the stands. Remember the affection from the Mariners community. Remember the feeling of wearing the navy blue Seattle jersey on that special journey.

At 41, many thought Turner would end his career. But his love of baseball kept him on the court, this time in Mexico. Joining Toros de Tijuana showed that the competitive spirit within him never died. He still wanted to hit the ball, still wanted to win, and still wanted to live with the sport that defined his life.

Even so, amidst his new plans, he still kept a part of his heart for Seattle.

That’s what always set Justin Turner apart. People might remember him for his iconic red beard, for the championship with the Dodgers, for the big hits in October. But many loved him for his kindness and the way he treated fans of every team he played for.

The Mariners are continuing their own path with a new generation. Turner is also embarking on a new phase of his playing career. But beautiful bonds in sports don’t disappear just because a contract ends.

Sometimes, they live on in a few heartfelt words.

“My biggest regret is not being able to say a proper goodbye to the Seattle fans.”

Not everyone who leaves leaves an emotional void.

Justin Turner did just that.

And perhaps, in Seattle today, many fans also want to send him a simple message:

Thank you for being a part of us.