Hispanic Heritage Month

The Seattle Mariners join our community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 - October 15. We reserve this time to reflect on and honor the contributions that Latino-identified individuals have made to our society, as well as the diversity of our communities across the Pacific Northwest.

We are proud of the contributions and impact of our players and front office staff of Hispanic descent. From Diego Segui, who pitched in the first game in franchise history, to the dominance of Félix Hernández, the excellence of Baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez and the fighting spirit of the current team.

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Roberto Clemente Day

Roberto Clemente Day was established by Major League Baseball to honor the legacy of the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star who represented the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Learn More

Hispanic Heritage Day - Dodgers vs Mariners - Sunday, September 17 1:10pm at T-Mobile Park

We are excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Day, presented by T-Mobile, on Sunday, September 17. Join us as we recognize the Hispanic community's contributions to the game of baseball and Pacific Northwest.

2023 Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias

Fiestas Patrias commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate the national Independence Day in September. On Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 in Seattle Center enjoy delicious traditional Latin American food, live music, traditional folk-dance performances and more! Learn More

There are a wide range of events for the Hispanic community throughout the Pacific Northwest. From neighborhood festivals, to sports leagues, to community organizations, opportunities celebrating heritage and building community abounds. Additional events include:

Definitions

The terms “Hispanic,” “Latino/a,” and “Latinx” are often used interchangeably, but these identifiers are not synonyms. As stated by The Human Rights Campaign, some members of the community use “Latinx” rather than Hispanic or Latino to represent the identities of non-binary, gender non-conforming and gender-expansive people. “Latinx” also centers the lives of indigenous, Brazilian and other non-Spanish speaking people in this celebration.

However the members of our community identify, the Mariners are proud to celebrate the month, reflect on how we can all work to combat social injustices for marginalized groups, and honor the multiculturalism of our communities that have made countless contributions to the fabric of our society.

Resources to Support Hispanic Heritage Month

El Centro de la Raza

An organization grounded in the Latino community who works to build the Beloved Community through unifying all racial and economic sectors. Learn More

Sea Mar Community Health Centers

A community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities. Learn More

Somos Seattle

An organization centered around LGBTQ Latinx folks whose goal is to build an active community, share resources and foster spaces for learning and growth. Learn More

Celebrating Front Office Members

Leo Andraca, Graphic Design Coordinator What are your favorite memories growing up that are connected to your culture/heritage? “Looking back some of my fondest memories were when I was growing up in Southern Mexico. In Mexican culture, we maintain strong ties to our faith, and this included many different year-round celebrations – parades, cultural dances, and posadas – where I felt a strong sense of community and close to my family.”
Norma Cantú, Senior Director, Procurement What are your favorite memories growing up that are connected to your culture/heritage? “Mariachis! My Dad was famous for bringing home Mariachis very late at night to serenade my mom. Also, Christmas rituals that included Las Posadas, Midnight Mass and the women in the family gathering to make tamales. And Quinceañeras, the celebration of Hispanic young ladies turning 15. I attended and participated in many.”
Jasmine Garza, Coordinator, Guest Experience What are some ways everyone can support Hispanic, Latino/a and Latinx communities this month and throughout the entire year? “Ways that everyone can support the Latin and Hispanic communities would be to take action to volunteer for an organization that helps provide positive reenforcing outlets for middle to low-income communities. One foundation I’ve been intrigued with is the ELLA (Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes) Sports Foundation that seeks to develop strong Latina leaders that will positively impact their communities while establishing their own legacy. It’s impacted me to support other Latina athletes and non-athletes who are diving into the sports world and showcase their talents for other teams to utilize.”
Cristian Guzman, Mental Health Coordinator What do you appreciate most about your culture/heritage that you’d like others to know? “I most appreciate how much focus there is on having fun within the community and celebrating each day. Practicing gratitude and giving thanks for every moment that comes our way is staple in the Mexican community. I think others should know how important it is to embrace the diversity that exists within the Hispanic communities and take the time to learn how wide of a range exists even within ourselves as Latinx people.”
Hannah Hall, Membership Engagement Coordinator What helps you feel most connected to your heritage as a member of the Latin American/Hispanic community? “I feel most connected to the Hispanic community when I can spend time with my family, partake in traditions like cooking holiday meals, indulge in different foods, and use baseball to find opportunities to support the youth in the community. Being from the Central Valley in California, staying aware and participating in events or movements for farm laborers has helped me appreciate and stay in touch with my heritage. Being bi-racial, my mom (Mexican American) has worked hard to instill the values and culture of our Hispanic heritage into me and my younger siblings. The tradition of always working hard to excel in life within the Hispanic community has allowed me to stay connected to my family's roots.”
Fred Rivera, Executive Vice President & General Counsel What do you appreciate most about your culture/heritage that you’d like others to know? “Being Hispanic is a significant part of my identity, and I'm proud of my rich culture and heritage. Among the many things that I appreciate is how my grandparents’ hard work and determination paved the way for my own opportunities. For example, my grandfather and his family immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico to escape the Mexican Revolution. Despite many obstacles, he started his own gardening business, bought a house, and supported his family. As I’ve become older, I've come to truly appreciate that, despite facing discrimination and hardships in education, employment, and many other ways, he and other members of my family never lost hope and showed constant resiliency.”
Juan Rodríguez, Senior Director, Ballpark Operations What do you appreciate most about your culture/heritage that you’d like others to know? “My culture/heritage keeps me grounded and that, along with my family, is what drives me to represent my country (Puerto Rico) in my efforts every single day.”
RJ Sanchez, Manager, Shipping & Receiving What helps you feel most connected to your heritage as a member of the Hispanic/Latin American community? “Both of my parents are Spanish-American descent. When I attended Washington State University (WSU), I was a member of the Chicano Student Studies Program which enabled me to pursue many undergraduate opportunities for my future career. I have always identified with the Hispanic community and support all Latino efforts to help people reach their full potential.”
Walkyria Torres, Coordinator, Academics - Dominican Republic What are your favorite memories growing up that are connected to your culture/heritage? “Sundays we would first go to church, then we would spend the whole day with our grandparents – altogether with aunts, uncles, cousins. Every Sunday was a get-together, we didn't need a special occasion to be with family. We all enjoyed that special food that grandma used to cook for us.”
Rebecca Yepez, Assistant, Ballpark Operations What are some ways everyone can support Hispanic, Latino/a and Latinx communities this month and throughout the entire year? “A great way to support the Latin community is supporting our small businesses. We are very proud of the things we provide in this country and would like for everyone to experience them and enjoy them.”
Yvette Yzaguirre, Senior Activation Specialist What are your favorite memories growing up that are connected to your culture/heritage? “My favorite memories growing up that keep me connected are family dinners and spending time with family. Any time I went to see my abuelita (grandmother) she would make me Mexican rice. Didn’t matter if it was 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. she would make that specifically for me. I also loved watching my family dance to Mexican music and sing their hearts out.”