Mariners announce inaugural Hometown Nine class, which includes student athletes from King, Pierce counties
Nine student athletes from the Puget Sound area were announced Friday as the inaugural class of the Mariners ON BASE Hometown Nine.
The program was created this summer, with the input of players, to support kids from underserved communities of color as they further their baseball and softball careers, while also helping them advance their education.
Each of the nine incoming eighth-graders, who the Mariners have committed to through their senior years, will receive mentorship from the club’s players and front office staff as they navigate their high school careers both on the field and in the classroom.
As part of the Mariners’ effort to promote equity and accessibility in the sport, the young athletes will also receive financial support to cover the costs of competing, to help bridge the gap that prevents more diverse participation in elite baseball and softball programs.
With the help of a $50,000 donation from T-Mobile, the first founding partner of the program, the Mariners will cover fees associated with travel or select team training and equipment for each of the Hometown Nine student athletes.
Nine more incoming eighth-graders will be added to the program each year, and remain in the program for five years, through the end of high school, as the club continuously provides support in academic development, as well as events and training.
“The On BASE Hometown Nine fellowship is designed to uplift young athletes of color in our communities, provide them with elite training opportunities and develop a cohort of leaders for decades to come,” the club’s website says. “The Mariners believe access to physical activity and the merit of being on an inclusive team are basic rights that should be available to all children in our communities. Through the On BASE Hometown Nine fellowship, we commit to combating disparate experiences in youth athletics, to supporting the academic journeys of young people and building leaders who will grow to affect change in our communities.”
Each of the athletes in the 2020 class was asked during the application process to submit written statements telling the club about themselves and discussing how they will help create a better future.
Here is the inaugural class, which includes an inspiring group of student athletes ages 12-14, from King and Pierce counties:
King Allah, Renton: Though the 13-year-old got a late start in baseball, he found success by “working twice as hard and long,” he said in a team release. He is also a two-way player on his football team, wants to pursue a degree in business and create a nonprofit to help underprivileged youth.
Michelle Andrea Arimura, Seattle: The 13-year-old found confidence through softball after struggling with a reading disorder in elementary school. She plays catcher, third base and shortstop, and wants to continue with the sport in college.
Noah Broussard, Renton: The 13-year-old was determined to overcome economic obstacles and “take advantage of the opportunities given to me,” he said in the team release, and has excelled on the field. He plans to pursue a career in engineering, and create his own mentorship program.
Darnell Carlisle, Seattle: Carlisle plays both baseball and basketball. The 13-year-old also volunteers at the West Seattle Food Bank to help those in need.
Ty’mori Greene, Kent: Greene found stability in baseball after moving to Washington. He has played football and baseball, and wants to continue on with baseball, attend college and become a professional player. The 14-year-old also has a goal to create a foundation to help others in his hometown.
Gabriel Lopez, Mercer Island: The COVID-19 pandemic has economically impacted his family, but the 13-year-old pitcher and catcher continues to play with determination, and “aspires to continue to play baseball and help lead his generation to end discrimination,” the team release says.
Tycean Martin, Seattle: Though he has undergone four open-heart surgeries, the 13-year-old, who is a pitcher, first baseman and outfielder, has continued to play baseball at an elite level. He plans to continue with baseball, attend college and join peers to “stand up against racism and fight for justice and peace for people,” the team release says.
Kahealani Sharpe, Federal Way: The 13-year-old has found success in wrestling and rowing in addition to softball, volunteers to help others and advocates against bullying. “When my family, friends, and classmates are too scared to speak up, I make it a point to be the one that stands tall to speak for and/or beside them in the face of bullying until they have the strength and courage to stand tall on their own,” she said in the team release.
Joy Wilde, Tacoma: Wilde plays soccer, basketball and softball, and is an honor student with a 4.0 GPA. The 12-year-old aspires to continue her softball career at UW and wants to eventually coach or become a product designer. She is working on compiling a collection of stories from female athletes who have experienced racism, and has outlined her plans for the project on a website she created
