Talking History with Tyrah Majors: Why Every Fan Needs to Attend Steelheads Sunday
By Omari Salisbury
This past Friday, I had the pleasure of joining Tyrah Majors on ARC Seattle to discuss a historic moment for our city and the game of baseball. If you haven't heard the news, the Seattle Mariners are doing something no other Major League Baseball team has ever done: they’ve officially put a Negro League jersey—the Seattle Steelheads—into their regular season rotation.
But this isn't just about a fresh look on the field; it’s about a deep-rooted legacy and a $500,000 commitment to the future of our community.
A Legacy Reborn: From Sick’s Stadium to T-Mobile Park
Many people don’t realize that Seattle has a rich history of Black baseball that goes back decades. In 1946, the Seattle Steelheads played in the West Coast Negro League circuit, calling Sick’s Stadium home (the site where the Rainier Valley Lowe's stands today).
While that era eventually transitioned after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, the Mariners are ensuring that history is never forgotten. They aren't just honoring the men of the Steelheads; there are also plans to recognize the Owls, the champion Black women’s softball teams of that era.
The "Steelheads Sunday" Movement
Every Sunday home game, the Mariners take the field in these nostalgic jerseys. And let’s be real—the jerseys carry some serious "magic" because the Mariners are currently undefeated (2-0) when wearing them.
Converge Media is proud to be part of this movement. We produced the tribute video that plays on the big screen every Sunday to tell the story of Black baseball in Seattle, so keep an eye out for our "fingerprints" when you're at the park.
Investing in the Pipeline: The Steelheads Community Fund
The Mariners Care Foundation has backed this initiative with the Steelheads Community Fund, kicking things off with $500,000. This fund is dedicated to uplifting Black-led baseball and softball programs across the Pacific Northwest, including:
Baseball Beyond Borders
Gamers Alaska
Friends of Baseball in Portland
The goal is simple: entertain at T-Mobile Park, but invest in the pipeline for the next generation of stars.
Join Us This Sunday!
We need the community to show up and keep that undefeated streak alive!
The Game: Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers
When: This Sunday, April 19, 2026
Next Steelheads Sunday: May 3, 2026
The Post-Game Move:
After the final out, don't just head to your car. Head over to Steelheads Alley right across from the ballpark. It’s the perfect spot to keep the energy going, discuss the game, and celebrate the culture that makes Seattle baseball so special.
As I told Tyrah, baseball is a sport that our community has a deep affinity for—it’s a piece of our history that we owned. Come home to the ballpark this Sunday and let’s celebrate that together.
