Fun At Bat is a program that provides physical educators with lesson plans co-developed with SHAPE America, Franklin equipment kits, and Mariners branded participation incentives such as stickers, certificates, banners for each participating school's gym, and Fun At Bat books that focus on the values of literacy and sportsmanship.
Developed by USA baseball, Fun At Bat is intended to help physical educators teach their students bat-and-ball skills necessary for gaining the confidence to continue to play in local youth baseball and softball leagues. Fun At Bat is supported by Major League Baseball, and is included in the league-wide PLAY BALL initiative.
In 2018, the Mariners Partnered with USA Baseball and Seattle Public Schools to provide Fun At Bat to elementary students to help them learn the fundamentals of bat and ball skills and the values of sportsmanship.
The Mariners hosted all participating SPS educators at Safeco Field for a Fun At Bat training with USA Baseball, followed by an evening at the ballpark watching the Mariners play the Houston Astros. The Mariners are the first MLB club to host a training for educators at their ballpark.
Additionally, the Mariners have sponsored the Fun At Bat Program as an after-school baseball and softball program for children who have never had access to bat-and-ball sports. Dimmit Middle School in Bellevue, and Chugach Optional in Anchorage taught Fun At Bat during after-school and English Language Learners Summer Enrichment programs.
In 2019, the Mariners have expanded their Fun At Bat program in partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma's Mini Sports for Preschoolers Programs. All participants ages 3-5 in the "Mini All-Stars" and "Mini Leaguers" programs will be introduced to bat-and-ball skills through the Fun at Bat Curriculum.