Mariners Kids Club Gives Fans Big-League Moments

Takeaways: Big-League Moments and Early Money Lessons

• BECU expanded its longtime Mariners partnership this year as presenting sponsor of the Mariners Kids Club.
• The sponsorship helps BECU reach families through baseball while introducing ideas about saving and financial health.
• Kids Appreciation Day included giveaways, on-field moments and post-game base running for young fans.
• Early Saver helps kids start saving with a parent or guardian while learning basic money habits.

A Big-League Day for Young Fans

Eleven-year-old BECU member Gwen watched as her interview with Seattle Mariners pitcher Kade Anderson played on the big screen. When the announcer called her name, she walked onto the field and threw a pitch across home plate in front of more than 36,000 fans.

“It was a big honor because I have been a Mariners fan my entire life,” Gwen said.

The moment helped set the tone for Kids Appreciation Day presented by BECU, a celebration of young Mariners fans and families at T-Mobile Park.

Building on a Longstanding Relationship

Building on more than 25 years as a Mariners partner, BECU expanded its relationship with the team this year as presenting sponsor of the Mariners Kids Club.

"The Mariners are an important part of the fabric of this community," said Eric Karp, BECU director of Affinity Partnerships. "They give BECU an opportunity to connect with people across the region through something they are passionate about, while also creating meaningful ways to introduce BECU to new members and families."

A Shared Focus on Families and Community

BECU and the Mariners also share a focus on families and local communities.

"There is a strong alignment around community," Karp said. "Both organizations have deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and a commitment to people who live here. For BECU, partnerships create opportunities to engage with and make a positive impact in the communities we serve."

Kids Club keeps the Mariners connected with families throughout the year.

“With a shared commitment to serving families and investing in our communities, BECU is a natural fit as a partner for Mariners Kids Club,” Sundblad said. “Together, we believe in creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive, and we're proud to bring together a community of kids who share a deep connection to Mariners baseball.”

Big-League Experiences for Young Fans

Kids Appreciation Day included giveaways and activities just for kids, starting with a Mariner Moose wall pennant handed out to fans ages 14 and younger as they came through the gates.

Gwen, a lifelong Mariners fan, was selected to serve as a Kids Club reporter and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

She saw T-Mobile Park from places most fans never do. Before the first pitch, she practiced in the hallway with her dad, who was her catcher. Waiting on the field felt “nerve wracking, amazing and exciting all at the same time,” she said.

"To be able to interview a player and throw out the first pitch is incredible,” Gwen said. It's an amazing opportunity that is so exciting for a kid to be able to do."

Baseball Memories and Money Habits

The sponsorship creates a natural tie between a family experience and early conversations about saving.

Early Saver helps kids start saving with a parent or guardian while learning basic money habits.

"The Mariners Kids Club is great because it allows us to connect something fun and memorable with an opportunity for families to start conversations about money and saving early," Karp said. "Through the Early Saver, we can help introduce kids to the idea of building good financial habits at a young age."

The smaller Kids Club traditions also stood out to Gwen.

"I love the giveaways and fun hats you get each year," she said. "I also like the fun activities that the Kids Club offers."

Memories Beyond the Game

Some of the day's biggest moments for kids came after the game, when 4,951 young fans ran the bases on a field usually reserved for players.

Gwen left with a souvenir handful of dirt from the field and congratulations from fans around the stadium. Her dad called the day “an absolute joy,” adding, “We couldn't be more proud of how confidently she took it all on and how well she did. It's a day we will never forget.”