Moving up to the majors

by Dan Holland

For lifelong Broadview Heights resident Mason Eckelman, being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the eighth round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft on July 12 was a dream come true going back to his childhood.

One day later, Eckelman, who was the 250th overall pick, learned that his cousin, Henry Kaczmar, of Bath, whom he played baseball with at Ohio State University and Walsh Jesuit High School, also was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mariners.

“It was pretty surreal, and it took a while to understand what was going on,” said Eckelman, who was drafted as a catcher. “There was so much hard work and effort going into it. It’s every kid’s dream – just hearing my name called and getting that phone call on Draft Day. It was very exciting for me and my family, as there was a lot going on that weekend. You try not to worry too much about when your name might be called, or if it will be called, but when it happed it was amazing.”

When Kaczmar, a shortstop, called him the following day with his news, Eckelman, 21, at first thought his cousin was joking around.

“The following day, after receiving all the support from getting drafted, sleeping on it and then realizing it wasn’t a dream, the next thing I knew, Henry called me in the morning and told me he was signed, and I was so happy for him,” said Eckelman. “When he told me he was signed by the Mariners, at first I wasn’t sure if he was pulling my leg – but, of course, it was true, and we all got to celebrate after that with our families.”

During his time at Walsh Jesuit, Eckelman, who batted .402 his senior year with 43 RBIs, a .508 on-base percentage and a .701 slugging percentage, was part of a regional championship team.

Colleges began recruiting Eckelman during his freshman high school year. He initially committed to play baseball at the University of Michigan.

Henry Kaczmar – who was one grade ahead of Eckelman – had begun playing baseball at Ohio State University during Eckelman’s senior year of high school.

“I was committed to Michigan originally – during my freshman year – but, later on, the Ohio State program took a chance on me, and Henry was at Ohio State at the time,” Eckelman explained. “I was going to his games, supporting him and seeing how he liked it there.”

Eckelman’s dad, Alex Eckelman, and his uncle, Scott Kaczmar, both played baseball at Ohio State University. His mom, Katie Kaczmar, played soccer at OSU.

“We bleed scarlet and gray in my family, so it was funny when Henry and I were committed to play at Michigan early on – it was surprising – but our family loved and supported us,” said Eckelman. “But there were definitely some thoughts about a changed atmosphere. It’s funny looking back on how it all sorted itself out.”

During his three seasons at OSU, the 6-1, 220-pound Eckelman racked up a .280 batting average with 77 runs scored, 115 hits, 13 home runs and 81 RBIs.

Eckelman and Kaczmar were both assigned to the ACL (Arizona Complex League) Mariners based in Peoria, Arizona – the Mariners’ rookie-level Minor League Baseball affiliate.

“It’s been a lot of fun getting to know everyone at the complex with the organization and getting a feel for what the Mariners are all about, and I’ve loved every day of it,” said Eckelman. “I just want to take advantage of each opportunity that each day brings, and try to learn as much as I can. If you don’t do that, then someone else is always coming for your job.”

Eckelman reported to the Inland Empire 66ers – the Mariners’ single-A minor league affiliate in San Bernardino, California – on Aug. 29.

Above all, Eckelman said he appreciates all the support he has received from his family throughout the process.

“It was so cool for my family, and getting to be with them during the draft – with all they’ve done for me and Henry – and seeing it pay off is the best part of it,” said Eckelman. “It’s amazing how close and supportive our family has been through our whole journey and seeing it all pay off for the better of it all.”

Photo caption: Mason Eckelman of Broadview Heights and his cousin Henry Kaczmar of Bath were both selected to play for the Seattle Mariners during the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. Photo submitted. Cover Broadview Heights native Mason Eckelman signs his contract with the Seattle Mariners after being selected in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft this summer. Read more on page 4. Photo submitted.