Mariners Bring Sandlot Baseball to Local Schools

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The Seattle Mariners have been running their 'Recess Takeover' initiative since 2024, bringing sandlot-style baseball to local elementary schools in partnership with Playworks Pacific Northwest. Mariners players, alumni, and the team mascot visit schools to let students experience the joy of playing together, highlighting the connection between active play and learning.

Why it matters

The Recess Takeover program aims to get kids outside and active, which research shows can have a positive impact on their energy, focus, and academic performance in the classroom. By bringing professional baseball players into the schools, the Mariners are inspiring the next generation of fans and players while promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

The details

Through the first two seasons of the Recess Takeover initiative, the Mariners have visited five schools in the Puget Sound region, including Cedarhurst Elementary in Burien, Thorndyke Elementary in Tukwila, and Emerson Elementary in Seattle. During the events, students get to pick up bats and balls and play sandlot-style baseball alongside Mariners players, alumni, and the team's mascot, the Mariner Moose.

• The Recess Takeover program launched in 2024.
• The Mariners have run the program for the past two seasons.

What’s next

The Mariners plan to continue the Recess Takeover program, visiting more local elementary schools in the coming years to promote active play and its connection to learning.