Respect the Past, Own the Future: Community and Culture Shine at Steelheads Sunday
It was all about baseball and belonging yesterday at T-Mobile Park.
By Omari Salisbury
SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle Mariners took the field at T-Mobile Park yesterday, wearing the black-and-white uniforms of the 1946 Seattle Steelheads to take on the Kansas City Royals. While the on-field outcome was a tough one for a Mariners team that has now dropped several games in a row, the meaning of the afternoon extended far beyond the box score. For the fans gathered in the stands, the day was a powerful celebration of Black baseball heritage, community connection, and local culture.
A Row of Mentorship and Shared History
Deaunte Damper (right), host of We Live in Color on Converge Media and a 2026 Pride Grand Marshal, used yesterday’s “Steelheads Sunday” to bring intersecting people in his life together at the ballpark for a special experience. (Photo: Adrian Briseneo)
In one lively row of seats, a group of friends and family sat side by side, making the afternoon much more than just a ballgame. Deaunte Damper, the host of Converge Media’s show We Live in Color, was seated right in the middle, surrounded by Julian Scott, Christian Scott, Jimmy Williams, young Savari, and Sean Landers.
For Damper, who highlights the Pacific Northwest's BIPOC and LGBTQ communities and was recently named a Grand Marshal for the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, witnessing Steelheads Sunday was deeply personal. Seeing the legendary Randy Johnson throw out the ceremonial first pitch brought back vivid memories of his childhood, moving him to tears as he watched the Mariners wear the historic Steelheads jerseys.
Damper shared that the day was monumental because it reflected the profound impact of Black culture in Seattle. Pushing the boundaries of inclusion, he also voiced a vision for the future, noting that he hopes to one day see a Black queer man throw the first pitch on a Steelheads Sunday.
A very special father and son moment as Christian Scott (left) attended his very first Mariners game with his father Julian Scott. (Photo: Deaunte Damper)
Seated directly next to Damper in the same row were the Scotts. Julian Scott, a lifelong fan who has enthusiastically followed the Mariners for as long as he can remember, was thrilled to share the game with his son, Christian Scott. For Christian, sitting under the warm sun was unforgettable, marking his first time ever attending a game alongside his dad.
Beyond baseball, the father and son used the afternoon to connect over a deeper message of mentorship and mental well-being. Julian spoke passionately about the importance of mental health, encouraging the community to seek help and address trauma early, noting that many African Americans do not seek out mental health support when they need it. Christian echoed his father’s words, advising his peers to prioritize their mental health and always stay ready for whatever life brings.
Learning the Game, Building the Bond
Sean Landers (Center) experienced his very first Mariners game alongside Deaunte Damper, who is a mentor for Sean at the Therapy Fund Foundation. Jimmy Williams (left), who is Deaunte Damper’s cousin, and his son Savari are huge Mariners fans and were excited to be back at the ballpark. (Photo: Adrian Briseneo)
Further down the same row sat Sean Landers, a mentee whom Damper met through the Therapy Fund Foundation, where Damper is a board member. Landers, originally from Los Angeles, was taking in his very first game at T-Mobile Park. He enjoyed the excellent seats and perfect weather, expressing excitement at learning more about the history of the Steelheads and the rich heritage of his own culture.
Right next to Landers sat Jimmy Williams and his seven-year-old son, Savari, who was happily holding a new bobblehead. Williams called the afternoon a true community and family affair, noting that even though the Mariners didn't secure a win, the quality time with his son was the ultimate highlight. He explained that these shared experiences create vital father-and-son moments that last long after the final out.
Seeding the Future
Baseball Beyond Borders founder Bookie Gates was joined by his wife, Kesha, and their son, Kealon, a 14-year-old student-athlete with BBB and on the Garfield High School baseball team, playing 3rd base and pitching. He also participated in the 2025 Nike RBI West Regional Tournament. (Photo: Adrian Briseneo)
Sitting just across the aisle from Deaunte and his guests was Bookie Gates, the founder of Baseball Beyond Borders, who attended the game with his wife and son. Watching the community interact, Gates noted that the day was all about welcoming fans to the ballpark to see the game while paying homage to Seattle's first professional Negro League team.
Gates was also quick to highlight the ongoing impact of the Steelheads Community Fund. Supported by a $500,000 commitment from the Mariners, the fund directly supports Black-led youth baseball and softball programs like Baseball Beyond Borders. Gates described the fund as a vital catalyst that drives continuous investment into local Black and brown organizations, ensuring kids have direct access to the sports they love.
While the Mariners' loss extended a frustrating stretch for the team on the diamond, Deaunte and his guests left the ballpark deeply thankful for the opportunity to come together, and the time spent honoring heritage, discussing community wellness, and investing in the next generation proved that the legacy of the Seattle Steelheads remains incredibly important on and off the field.
