Having US Champion GM Hikaru Nakamura, who resided in Canda, on their roster in 2008 was a nice bonus for the Sluggers which helped lead them to the Playoffs.  However, having him as a city resident in 2009 was a huge dividend, and he certainly did not disappoint, going undefeated in the regular season in six games, enroute to becoming League MVP and top Board One All Star.  With his fantastic showing, along with strong support efforts turned in by two of the Sluggers' long time veterans, GM Gregory Serper and NM Joshua Sinanan, Seattle managed to capture their first Western Division Title.

     Unfortunately, the breakthrough season did not manage to have the ending Seattle fans were hoping for as the Sluggers fell for the second consecutive season to the Miami Sharks in the Quarterfinals.

      Like many teams, it seems to just be a matter of time until the Sluggers can manage to break through to capture their first Championship.  With two such strong forces, Nakamura and Serper, leading them, along with still improving junior prospects FM Michael Lee and NM Howard Chen, providing great back up, Seattle should be a force in the League for many years to come.