KANSAS CITY -- While in Kansas City for a weekend series with the Royals, the Mariners saluted the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in a big way.
On Saturday, shortstop J.P. Crawford presented NLBM president Bob Kendrick with a Crawford game-worn Seattle Steelheads jersey that will be placed in the museum. The jersey represents the fact that the Mariners are the first Major League team to have a regular-season uniform that pays tribute to a Negro Leagues team.
In addition, Seattle manager Dan Wilson, on behalf of the Mariners Care Foundation, made a cash donation to the NLBM and the future Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center.
“I want to thank the Mariners for their continued generosity and support of the museum,” Kendrick said. “Thank you so much for the game-worn jersey. We will cherish it. And thank you for honoring the Negro Leagues in an unprecedented way by wearing those uniforms during home games on Sunday. That means a great deal to all of us at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. I’m thrilled that you guys are so proud to be part of the heritage of the game. Particularly as it relates to Seattle and the Negro Leagues.”
Crawford expressed pride in having his Steelheads jersey bound for a spot in the NLBM.
“It means everything,” Crawford said. “I can’t thank our organization enough for continuing to honor the Negro Leagues. I’m so proud to wear that jersey every [home] Sunday. Nothing means more to me.”
Kendrick said he learned of the Mariners’ jersey plans for this year when the club made the official announcement.
“It was pretty emotional for me,” Kendrick said. “Beaming with pride. I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. Certainly, as a steward of the story, it is not lost on me just how significant that gesture was. I’m thrilled the fans are enjoying it and it’s a beautiful uniform.”