The MLB’s Seattle Mariners have announced a multi-year partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and its Muckleshoot Casino Resort. The collaboration includes the designation of the property as the team’s Exclusive Casino Partner, and will see the organizations work together to impact the Pacific Northwest area.
As part of the collaboration, the tribe and the Mariners will host five baseball and softball camps, featuring trainers who are former college and professional players, in areas where access to baseball and softball programming has been limited.
The organizations also will work together to create a new after-school baseball and softball youth development program at the Muckleshoot Tribal School. The initiative will focus on middle school students, an age group that experiences the highest drop-off in access to play.
Additionally, the tribe will “uplift organizations that align with the Mariners Care Foundation’s core areas of focus,” including advancing equity and justice and making its hometown “healthier and more vibrant.”
These organizations include Seattle Foundation’s Fund for Inclusive Recovery, which helps meet the needs of people most impacted by the pandemic; and Downtown Emergency Service Center, which serves thousands of homeless and formerly homeless people through low-barrier health services, survival services, and permanent housing.
“This partnership is the result of two organizations coming together who share common values and beliefs. We’re excited to celebrate the Tribe’s culture and traditions with fans at T-Mobile Park, while providing enhanced baseball and softball access to more children throughout our region,” said Catie Griggs, Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations.
“Indigenous culture is steeped in gameplay as a way to strengthen communities, nurture resilience, and advance wellness,” added Junior Maldonado, Muckleshoot Casino Resort Executive Director of Gaming Operations.
“These connective values drive our shared identity with the Mariners. We are grateful for the opportunity to educate fans on the Muckleshoot heritage as this region’s first caretakers and to empower new generations to dream bigger.”
Back in March, the Muckleshoot Diamond Club was unveiled at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners’ ballpark. The new area features tribal art and mural installations integrated throughout the premium space, from hand-painted baseball bats utilizing Coast Salish design to hand-carved canoes and paddles.
During select homestands, fans can also experience tribal-inspired fare in the new facility. Created in partnership with Muckleshoot Casino Executive Chef Andreas Hartmann and his culinary team, new menu offerings include fry bread, burlap-steamed Manila clams, salmon cake sliders, and more.
Also showcasing the ties between the two parties, for the Native American Heritage Night presented by Muckleshoot Casino Resort on Monday, August 28, Muckleshoot tribal artists created a limited-edition Mariners jersey that will be given away to the first 10,000 fans ages 21+ through the gates. Throughout the game, the Mariners will honor the heritage and culture of Indigenous Peoples across the Pacific Northwest.
