There are ladies who lunch and ladies who use their lunch hours to knit. Or so it goes on the sixth floor of the Seattle Mariners front office, where a group of women regularly meet in the lunchroom, knitting sweaters and scarves underneath posters of Ichiro, Richie Sexson and "Let's Mojo!"

Go ahead and tease them if you want. Co-workers did, and then a marketing vice president looked at the group and pondered: Loyal knitters; baseball fans. How about a knitters' night at the ballpark?

M's officials figured they'd sell maybe 200 tickets. They've now sold more than 1,200 to "Stitch 'N Pitch" night for the Mariners vs. Cleveland Indians game next Thursday. Knitters seated in a special section will receive T-shirts; area yarn shops will have exhibits before the game with expert knitters offering knitting tips; and a local knitter is scheduled to throw out the first pitch. Pacific Fabrics & Crafts, the presenting sponsor of the night, is planning a tailgate party at its outlet store.

Tickets are at a reduced price of $10 and can be purchased through local shops or online at www.seattlemariners.com.