Bridgeport wins Mariners Equipment Care Donation Grant

BRIDGEPORT – For the second time in five years, Bridgeport’s baseball/softball program has been awarded a Seattle Mariners Equipment Care Donation Grant for 2024. Varsity baseball coach Jesse Macy announced the $5,000 grant at the Jan. 29 Bridgeport school board meeting.

“We were notified today,” said Macy. “It’s money for our programs, and we get to go to a ball game, too.”

The Mariners have been awarding annual grants to schools since 2017. Bridgeport received its first Care Equipment Donation Grant in 2020. Brewster has also been a two-time recipient, first in 2019 and again in 2022. Waterville was a 2021 recipient, and Pateros was in 2023.

A committee of Seattle Mariners staff selects 10 high school baseball and softball teams to receive a $5,000 grant for the upcoming season. These funds have supported baseball and softball student-athletes across the Pacific Northwest. 

“We strive to increase equity, improve participation, and grow competitive play regardless of a student’s socioeconomic status,” said a Mariners media release. “So far, we’ve provided a total of $250,000 to 50 high school baseball and softball programs to help with baseball and softball equipment needs in under-resourced communities.”

Any high school in the state of Washington or Oregon is eligible to apply for the Mariners Care Equipment Donation Grant. Preference is given to schools that demonstrate financial need, including Title 1 school designation and schools whose baseball or softball programs reflect the racial and ethnic makeup of the broader school population. 

Grant funds can be applied to items that will be used by the players and team, including player equipment, safety equipment, and updates to the field of play. Recipients of a previous Mariners Care Equipment Donation grant are not eligible for another grant in consecutive years. 

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media