The Seattle Mariners announced today an initial wave of funding in support of Black-led community
programs through the Steelheads Community Fund. The inaugural investment from the Fund contributes more than $100,000 to Baseball & Softball Beyond Borders and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State through a pair of groundbreaking grants.
This is the inaugural investment from the Steelheads Community Fund, which was established in January with a $500,000 commitment in support of local Black-led baseball and softball organizations and community initiatives.
“We’re thrilled to support two organizations that share our commitment to community leadership with the inaugural investment from the Steelheads Community Fund,” said Mariners President of Business Operations Kevin Martinez. “Together, these organizations capture the legacy of the Seattle Steelheads with the work they do every day for our communities. Removing barriers to the game, while preserving and teaching Black history in our region is at the core of the Steelheads mission, and we are proud to support these programs.”
Baseball & Softball Beyond Borders will receive a $75,000 grant to support a feasibility study on a new youth academy to further enhance baseball and softball access and career connected learning opportunities for children on and off the field.
“This Academy represents the kind of investment that can shape a community for generations,” said Baseball & Softball Beyond Borders President Bookie Gates. “Our vision is to create a community ecosystem where young people can develop as athletes, discover their gifts, grow as leaders, and pursue dreams they may not have imagined were possible. Baseball and Softball will open the door, and education, career pathways, mentorship, and personal development will help young people imagine how far their lives can go. The Academy will be a place where opportunity lives.”
The Black Heritage Society of Washington State will receive a $30,000 grant to support the organization’songoing efforts to preserve, collect and share the history of African Americans in Washington state.
“We are forever grateful that the Mariners see and understand the power of legacy and the preservation work we o at the Black Heritage Society of Washington State,” said Black Heritage Society President Stephanie Johnson- Toliver.
“We are stewards of a priceless archive. The Mariners investment increases our level of collections care while they also publicly demonstrate their purpose for what it means to be a true community stakeholder…lifting as they go.”
This season, the Mariners became the first team in Major League Baseball to feature a historic Negro Leagues uniform as part of their regular uniform rotation. The Steelheads Community Fund was launched alongside the uniform reveal in January with a $500,000 commitment in support of local Black-led baseball and softball organizations and community initiatives.
The Mariners wear their Steelheads uniforms for every Sunday home game at T-Mobile Park. Fans can learn more about the uniforms and the Steelheads Community Fund at Mariners.com/Steelheads.
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