Story perspectives

Mariners Honor Steelheads with Jerseys and $500K Fund

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Mariners celebrate 'Steelhead Sundays' by wearing Steelheads jerseys, first MLB team to include a Negro Leagues uniform.
They launched the Steelheads Community Fund with $500,000 to support Black-led baseball and softball.
The Steelheads existed briefly in 1946, and local historian David Eskenazi helped with jersey designs.
The Cleveland game begins at 7:20 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Park.
The Mariners seek consecutive division titles after last season's AL West win.

History

Historical Context

The Seattle Steelheads, formed in 1946 by Abe Saperstein and Jesse Owens, briefly represented African American baseball in the West Coast Negro Baseball Association. Their league folded after just three months due to financial struggles. Today, the Seattle Mariners honor this legacy through initiatives like the $500,000 Steelheads Community Fund, promoting inclusivity and addressing historical inequities in sports.

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Story summary

The Mariners celebrate 'Steelhead Sundays' by wearing Steelheads jerseys, first MLB team to include a Negro Leagues uniform.
They launched the Steelheads Community Fund with $500,000 to support Black-led baseball and softball.
The Steelheads existed briefly in 1946, and local historian David Eskenazi helped with jersey designs.
The Cleveland game begins at 7:20 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Park.
The Mariners seek consecutive division titles after last season's AL West win.

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