Seattle Mariners extend partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma to promote baseball and softball for athletes in South Sound

The Seattle Mariners today announced the extension of a partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma to promote baseball and softball to hundreds of young athletes in Tacoma Public Schools.

In the third year of the Mariners partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma, Mariners Care has awarded a $12,000 grant to the Jack C. Wilson Active Kids Fund, which offers scholarships for Metro Parks Tacoma registration fees. The program was established to offset financial barriers that prohibit youth in the Tacoma area from participating in recreational programs and physical activity. Children in the Tacoma Public Schools district who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program are eligible to receive support from the Jack C. Wilson Active Kids Fund.

In addition to the grant, Mariners Care will provide team-branded jerseys for all youth aged 5-12 participating in the Elementary Sports Program baseball season. The Metro Parks Tacoma Elementary Sports Program offers school sports to all Tacoma elementary students and removes barrier of access such as transportation, pay to play costs, and more.

“We believe that every child should have the chance to play baseball or softball, said John Stanton, Mariners Managing Partner and Chairman. “Through the On BASE initiative, we strive to give every girl and boy the chance to play baseball or softball and access the benefits that youth sports and physical activity have to offer. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequities in youth sports that marginalize lower-income families. We’re proud to partner with Metro Parks Tacoma to remove barriers for athletes in our region.”

“We’re extremely grateful for the opportunities this partnership provides for kids in our community” Metro Parks Board Commissioner, and former Major League Baseball player, Aaron Pointer shared. “My first baseball experiences were at the public park across the street from my home. I know firsthand how that experience helps children not only remain healthy, but also to develop socially and emotionally. Baseball helps expand their abilities of concentration, critical thinking, teamwork, and a whole host of other skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime.”

Metro Parks Tacoma’s Elementary Sports Program includes T-Ball, Coach Pitch, baseball, and softball and is available to K-5 students at Tacoma Public Schools, private schools and those who are home schooled. The program is administered by Metro Parks Tacoma in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, and YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

The program also offers soccer, golf, volleyball, basketball and flag football at various times during the school year. The baseball/fastpitch season runs May through June. More details are available on the Metro Parks website.

On BASE:

The Mariners Care Foundation is dedicated to empowering our diverse communities, expanding access to youth baseball and softball and promoting social justice across our region. Since 1991, when the foundation was established, it has helped raise over $28 million to benefit primarily youth-oriented community service programs in the Northwest. On BASE (Baseball And Softball Everywhere) programs include grants to high school baseball and softball programs in underserved communities, anti-bias and skills training for area coaches and skills-building youth clinics and camps around Western Washington.

More information about the Mariners Care Foundation, On BASE, and other Mariners community programs is available at Mariners.com/Community.

Metro Parks Tacoma:

Metro Parks Tacoma was established in 1907 as the first independent park district in Washington. and leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Governed by an elected five-member Board of Park Commissioners, Metro Parks offers a wide range of recreational programs. The district maintains and cares for more than 100 parks and recreational facilities in the Tacoma area, including Point Defiance Park, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and four community centers.