Yesterday, at T-Mobile Park as the Mariners hosted a press conference to unveil the 2023 All-Star Legacy Initiative, which aims to make a long term impact on the Seattle Community. The effort aims to support the “sustainable growth of youth baseball and softball”, as well as supporting historically underserved community college students in their journey of education.

Besa Gordon was present on behalf of Converge Media to speak with individuals involved in the initiative, including Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility April Brown, Founder of Baseball Beyond Borders Bookie Gates, Mariners Vice President and General Counsel Fred Rivera and more.

“We are looking forward to making important contributions to the Seattle community together with the Mariners,” Brown said. “The All-Star Legacy Initiative delivers on our promise to make a difference in the lives of Seattle’s youth for years to come. As a significant part of MLB All-Star Week, this initiative will celebrate these impactful projects and our local partners on one of Baseball’s grandest stages.”

“This is important for the visibility of the game of baseball, and having all the players and the festivities is going to be very beneficial to the growth of the sport here,” Gates said.

The initiative includes field renovations at Rainier Playfield, the H9 League, which builds off the Hometown Nine program and encourages middle schoolers to play the game of baseball, as well as Community College degree attainment and resource hubs.

Rivera mentioned the three pillars of the program - expanding access to the game, advancing equity and justice, and supporting the city of Seattle.

“Supporting the community is what we want to do, and this is a game that we love,” Rivera said.

“This investment means that we don’t have to build upon the cost that young people and their families have to take on in order to be able to play this sports. This is a gift that will allow them access to the field,” Senior Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Monisha Harrell said. “That’s a tremendous advantage to our young folks and their families.”

Gates also spoke about the Swingman Classic, an HBCU showcase featuring the top HBCU ballplayers from around the country.

“I think our kids and community is really going to have their eyes opened,” Gates said. “That is the one thing that we continue to push and it’s the first time that the Northwest is going to get to experience HBCUs participate in a showcase.”

Photos 1-4 courtesy Seattle Mariners, Photos 5-11 by Jordan Somers