On a hot sunny summer day, nearly 100 patrons lined up inside the Kirkland Fred Meyer Thursday. But they weren’t waiting to buy hot dogs or beer. Their patience was for a chance to meet Seattle Mariner Casper Wells.

The outfielder autographed posters, baseballs and bats for an hour to promote Seattle baseball and the Miller and Coors beer, which was dutifully stacked behind him. It is the first time a professional player visited the Kirkland Fred Meyer in four years for an autograph session, according to a Fred Meyer spokesperson.

Danielle and Phil Rapoza said they decided to meet the Mariner to support the team. The Rapoza’s and their two sons were dressed in Mariner gear and, they said, had been to about 20 games this season.

“Hopefully he’ll be the right fielder in the future,” said Phil. “…That he’ll fill the void of Ichiro.”

For Wells, 28, the signing was a chance to connect with fans after less than a year with the Seattle team.

“It is good to be a part of the community,” said Wells. “It is nice to show them what I am like outside of baseball.”

Wells has had his share of ups and downs this season – literally. He was sent down to the Mariners’ AAA affiliate in Tacoma during a portion of this season after struggling at the plate. When he was recalled to the big-league club his offensive production picked up. He even batted third in the lineup for a few games. That spot is normally reserved for the team’s best hitter.

“It is whatever skip (manager Eric Wedge) wants,” said Wells. “I am just glad to be in the lineup.”

The trade of Ichiro was heartbreaking to some fans but also presents an opportunity to young players such as Wells.

“There are changes in baseball all the time and you have to take advantage of any opportunity,” said Wells. “There were changes when I came over from Detroit.”

Like Ichiro this season, Wells was part of a midseason trade last year.

“I am excited for (Ichiro) and I hope it ends up in something exciting towards the latter part of his career,” said Wells.

Ichiro’s trade to the New York Yankees moved him from a last-place team, to the team with the best record in the American league, a shot to play in the post season and maybe the World Series.

As a young player with just under a year with the Mariners’ organization, Wells admitted that he did not get to know Ichiro very well. But he still had an impact on the outfielder.

“We never had any conversations,” said Wells. “But it was just the way he carried himself and went about his business.”

Editor Matt Phelps contributed to this article.