Mission
We empower student-athletes from underrepresented communities in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties to play ball the Mariners Way, both on & off the field. Through the development of meaningful relationships, we support Fellows in their academic, athletic, personal and leadership growth and help prepare them for success beyond high school.
Vision
To cultivate an equitable baseball and softball environment in which every student-athlete can become the best version of themselves.
The Hometown Nine prepares young people for athletic and academic success and a future as community leaders. It is part of the Mariners and Mariners Care Foundation's commitment to ensuring that all youth have access to the many benefits of organized sports.
By working to build a model for how youth sports can become more equitable and accessible, the Hometown Nine can share its learning with organizations across the country that are working to create change for future generations.
The Hometown Nine is part of the Mariners On BASE (Baseball and Softball Everywhere) 365 initiative to provide programs that improve playing opportunities for young people of all identities, abilities and socioeconomic circumstances.
The Hometown Nine is a five-year commitment to nine incoming eighth-graders in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. The program provides financial, academic, professional and social support to Hometown Nine Fellows to encourage success in their athletic careers and educational journeys. Mariners Care Foundation, the official nonprofit foundation of the Seattle Mariners, underwrites the playing fees for elite baseball and softball training, offering Hometown Nine Fellows equitable access to competitive play.
In conjunction with athletic support, each Fellow is paired with a Mariners Front Office staff who serve as mentors. They meet quarterly to provide academic and professional guidance. As the Hometown Nine Fellows near high school graduation, they will participate in events tailored to future academic pursuits, including college admissions prep, essay writing support and more.
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program:
Be legally enrolled as a full-time incoming eighth-grade student in King, Pierce or Snohomish County in the state of Washington.
Be actively participating in a little league/club/select/travel youth baseball and/or softball team or seeking guidance from the Mariners to join a club/select/travel team with support from the Hometown Nine program, if selected.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement, leadership development and personal growth.
Be committed to advancing baseball or softball development through active participation and engagement.
In 2026, Hometown Nine Fellows Kaitlyn, Class of 2027, and Kennedy, Class of 2028, represented the Seattle Owls Softball Team, powered by Softball Beyond Borders, at the Nike RBI West Regional Championship and Nike RBI World Series.
Kennedy capped off an impressive 2026 season by helping the Seattle Owls go undefeated in pool play at the Nike RBI West Regional Championship. As the winning pitcher, she led the team to the title and was named the Gatorade MVP.
Aaric, Class of 2029, was selected to compete in the 2026 Hank Aaron Invitational and participated in the MLB ID Tour.
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