Derrick Otto with Mariners alumni Arthur Rhodes (left) and Brian Holman.

SEATTLE -- Derrick Otto is non-verbal, yet he quite literally animates himself when communicating about the Mariners.

During a recent conversation, Derrick flexes his fist when Luis Castillo’s name is mentioned, mimicking the gesture synonymous with Seattle’s workhorse starting pitcher. While donning a Julio Rodríguez shirsey, he crosses his wrists to mimic the star center fielder’s “No Fly Zone.”

And when asked about his next trip to the Peoria Sports Complex in January, his expression immediately turns into a wide grin.

“He knows how to get his point across, and he just smiles, 24/7,” says Teresa Otto, Derrick’s mother. “And everybody just automatically falls in love with him when they get to know him. And it's

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