On BASE

The Seattle Mariners are committed to ensuring all youth have access to baseball and softball regardless of income, identity, cultural background, or ability. With the On BASE (Baseball and Softball Everywhere) initiative, the Mariners increase positive health outcomes through baseball and softball by creating access to play, removing barriers, and building a culture of inclusion.

On BASE, launched by the Mariners in 2018, supports youth baseball and softball throughout the Pacific Northwest. In the years since its introduction, On BASE has provided skills training for area coaches, offered skills-building youth clinics and camps across Washington and Oregon, defrayed the cost of registration fees, and awarded grants to high school baseball and softball programs in underserved communities.

Baseball and softball bring out the best in young people – on and off the field. These sports help young players become healthier and more focused, grow their confidence, and cultivate leadership skills. But far too many youths cannot afford to participate in an increasingly expensive sport, or they face barriers related to access, culture, or language. Mariners Care funds efforts to make baseball and softball accessible to all young people in our region. This includes Mariners-sponsored initiatives and community partnerships.

The On BASE Hometown Nine is a five-year commitment to nine (9) incoming eighth graders in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties that will offset playing fees, combat disparate playing experiences, provide mentorship, and uplift athletes of all identities and backgrounds in our region.

The Mariners Equipment Donation Grant program annually awards ten $5,000 grants to high school baseball and softball teams in Washington and Oregon to help pay for equipment, uniforms, field maintenance and other expenses associated with operating a successful program. Since 2018, the Equipment Donation Grant Program has provided $350,000 to help high school baseball and softball teams across the Pacific Northwest overcome socio-economic barriers.

The T-Mobile Little League® Call Up Grant is dedicated to helping families in need by covering registration fees associated with their local Little League program. T-Mobile and Little League share the belief that every child should have the chance to experience Little League, regardless of their financial or personal situation.

Baseball Beyond Borders (BBB) is a sports-based community development organization that helps student-athletes of color connect their passion for baseball with their academic futures off the field. The Mariners awarded Baseball Beyond Borders a $30,000 grant to offset the cost of playing and training at Driveline Youth Academy, a world-class facility that provides youth players with access to high-level technology, development and training. The Mariners grant supports the Baseball Beyond Borders (BBB) mission of increasing access, empowering youth, and transforming lives through sport.

Mariners Training Centers, with locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, is a network of community-centric baseball and softball facilities working to train the next generation of young people in baseball, softball, and in life. Athletes of all backgrounds can gain and build on their experience, level up their skills, and build character.

Browse the Mariners library of baseball & softball instructional videos, featuring current players, Mariners Alumni, coaches, and TV personalities. Clips include ways to play at home, both with and without basic equipment.

The Mariners offer summer baseball and softball camps in Washington and Oregon. Mariners Grand Slam Camps provide a unique experience and develops skills for players ages 7-14 of all skill levels, and feature instruction by professional educators, former pros, and current college players.

Major League Baseball and USA Baseball have partnered to create the Play Ball initiative, aimed at helping kids find new ways to engage with baseball and softball. From traditional leagues and tournaments, to backyard games like Whiffle ball, Play Ball works to help everyone find a way to play. Play Ball’s online portal features coaching tips, parent resources, and health & safety information, as well as resources to find out how to connect with a wide variety of local youth baseball and softball leagues in your area. There are also instructional opportunities, including the USA Baseball Online Education Center, and the MLB Network Diamond Demos library.

Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball. A free, one-day event for boys & girls ages 7-14, Pitch Hit & Run tests how accurately a competitor can throw strikes to a designated Strike Zone target, hitting from a stationary batting tee for distance and accuracy, and measuring a competitor’s speed in a 120-foot sprint around third base and to home plate. Participants have a chance to advance through 3 levels of competition, including the finals hosted at the World Series. For information about competitions in your area, click the link below.

The Major League Baseball Jr. Home Run Derby is a free home run competition open to boys & girls ages 14 and younger. Boys & girls compete together in one of two age groups, 12U and 14U, and have the opportunity to advance through local competitions, regional competitions, and the Jr. Home Run Derby Finals, hosted during All-Star Week.

In 2019 T-Mobile and Little League® teamed up to create the T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby. The LLHRD is a competition open to Little League Baseball and Softball players across the country. Leagues sign up to participate by hosting a local competition for their league or district. Top performers in the local competitions qualify for regional championships, and the best hitters will make it to the final event in Williamsport, PA alongside the Little League® World Series.

Get connected with some of the different ways you can get involved with youth baseball and softball throughout our region. With information on On BASE, Mariners Grand Slam Camps, PLAY BALL, MLB Pitch Hit & Run and Jr. Home Run Derby, the T-Mobile Little League® Call Up Grant, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, and the T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby, you can connect with resources ranging from how to find and register for local youth leagues to instructional content for players and parents alike.

The Mariners Virtual Youth Clinics, hosted by ROOT SPORTS’ Angie Mentink, feature virtual baseball & softball instruction to help young athletes grow their game. With Chalk Talk discussions by current Mariners players, instructional video content, and live discussion with Mariners Alumni instructors, there’s something to help players of all skill levels excel on the field.

Since 2018, the Mariners have worked with Little League® Challenger Division to provide memorable experiences for players, coaches, and Mariners staff. Challenger Division is an adapted Little League for differently-abled athletes ages 5-22. Mariners players, families, staff, and broadcasters alike have teamed up to help Challenger athletes to play ball like the pros both at their home fields and at T-Mobile Park.