Marco Gonzales has become a leader on and off the field in his seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners. He has demonstrated continuously a year-round commitment to reaching out to fans in the Pacific Northwest and helping positively impact our communities.
Marco and his wife, Monica, have led efforts in the Pacific Northwest to raise awareness and funds to support research for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). This rare, degenerative neurological disorder impacted their family in 2016 and inspired their initiative to help other MSA families and assist organizations dedicated to finding a cure. Marco and Monica partnered with a local Seattle area bagel shop to create their signature “Mr. & Mrs. Bulldog” breakfast sandwiches to benefit Defeat MSA Alliance and the MSA Coalition. Defeat MSA Alliance is a national charity that aspires to balance support for patients, education of medical professionals, raise public awareness and nurture promising research and advocacy for the MSA community. The MSA Alliance is devoted to improving the quality of life and building hope for people affected by MSA through support, education, research and advocacy.
In 2022, Marco and Monica launched their limited-edition Grace G7 Red Blend wine, with proceeds benefiting Defeat MSA. As part of the launch, Marco and Monica hosted a wine release celebration and silent auction to raise additional awareness and funds for research. Marco and Monica’s efforts helped raise more than $44,300 for Defeat MSA Alliance.
2023 is the second year Marco has teamed up with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) to serve as a spokesperson for the Refuse To Abuse campaign. The campaign includes print, video and radio public service advertisements to help prevent domestic violence and promote healthy, respectful relationships. Marco also supported the annual Refuse To Abuse 5K, which raises funds and celebrates the resilience of survivors and the power of community. The 2023 Refuse To Abuse 5K, held at T-Mobile Park, raised $85,365.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marco helped support several relief efforts, including a special Pop-Up Blood Drive at T-Mobile Park with Bloodworks Northwest designed to help meet the blood needs of the local community. Marco also launched the Gonzales Family Peanut Butter Drive, a virtual campaign to benefit Northwest Harvest, a statewide nonprofit hunger relief agency. The campaign raised more than $100,000 to help provide more than 1 million nutritious meals for kids in Washington State. Marco and Monica also delivered meals, including their “Mr. & Mrs. Bulldog” sandwiches to first responders from the Seattle Fire Department.
In 2019, Marco joined MLB players across the league to help ensure kids in their communities have enough nutritious food through the Home Plate Project, a partnership between Major League Baseball, Teammates for Kids Foundation and Big League Impact. In addition to presenting checks totaling $30,000 to the Hunger Intervention Program and Northwest Harvest, Marco helped serve lunch and provide Mariners’ backpacks to kids in the Seattle area. The program helped provide more than 2,500 meals for kids during the summer.
Marco has been active in the community during the offseason months as well. He has participated in multiple Seattle Mariners Caravan and Community Tours, delivering positive messages to kids at elementary schools, hospitals, Boys & Girls Clubs and community centers. He has participated in numerous free autograph appearances for fans of all ages.
Marco has also teamed up with Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs to support Toys for Kids. This nonprofit organization provides gifts and support to homeless and disadvantaged children and families throughout the year. Marco supported Toys for Kids auctions and helped distribute gifts to kids during the holiday season.
Marco has supported other local charities, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Seattle Children’s, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Kadlec Medical Center, Little League Challenger Division and Mariners Care.