Seattle Mariners longtime corporate partner KeyBank has signed on to support Hometown Nine, a cornerstone of the team’s social justice commitment that helps youth from under-resourced communities continue to play baseball and softball at an elite level.

For every on-field assist by a Mariners player, KeyBank donates $10 to Hometown Nine, up to $15,000. An assist is awarded to any fielder who touches a ball before an out is recorded by another player. To date, Mariners players have recorded 432 assists.

“KeyBank is thrilled to support the Hometown Nine with the Mariners as part of our mission to help our communities thrive,” said KeyBank Seattle Market President, Matt Hill. “This program is helping youth maximize their potential and build skills like teamwork and confidence that will contribute to their future success. We are looking forward to the Mariners recording a record numbers of assists this season.” 

The KeyBank Assists program will help underwrite fees associated with travel/select baseball/softball training and equipment for Hometown Nine participants. The program also provides mentorship for the students with Mariners players and Front Office staff to assist them with academic, professional and social support to help them succeed on the field and in the classroom.

Hometown Nine aims to create a pipeline of diverse players by addressing a major barrier to elite play—the high cost associated with select baseball. By covering these costs, the Mariners hope to close the “play gap,” diversify high school, collegiate and professional baseball and introduce youth to positive career mentors.

Hometown Nine members remain in the program through high school and each year, the Mariners add nine more in-coming eighth graders to the cohort. As they progress in their academic and sports careers, events and training provided by the Mariners are tailored to be responsive to their academic development, including college prep assistance.

The Inaugural Class of Hometown Nine was announced last September. Applications for the second cohort open on Saturday, June 19.

KeyBank’s support of Hometown Nine is an extension of #KeyBankAssists, a community-building partnership that involves professional athletes and other notable figures to support small businesses, families and essential workers dealing with the impacts of COVID-19.

Through the #KeyBankAssists program, KeyBank partnered with Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis to donate over $40,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Western Washington & Alaska, Friends of the Children Seattle, University District Food Bank, and the Seattle Kitchen Collective.

Since April 2020, #KeyBankAssists has provided more than $550,000 to support more than 38 charities, 105 small businesses as well as provide gift cards and meals to thousands of families, essential workers and first responders across the KeyBank footprint.