Recess looked a little different at two Seattle-area schools thanks to an unforgettable visit from the Seattle Mariners and the Mariners Training Center (MTC).
Our team supported a high-energy Recess Takeover at Lake Hills Elementary and Emerson Elementary, where the joy of baseball came alive for students, many of whom were picking up a bat for the very first time.
MTC coaches supported students in skill-building activities, teaching them about field positions, how to hold a bat, and the importance of teamwork. Playworkers set the tone with readiness games, organized teams, led spirited cheers, and ensured smooth transitions.
To deepen their impact, MTC Coaches participated in a Playworks-led group management workshop, gaining tools and strategies to better support play for every kid on-site and in their broader coaching work with youth.
The biggest surprise for students?
Mariners players stepped onto the field to pitch, coach students at bat, and model great sportsmanship.
At Lake Hills Elementary, which hosts a vibrant Spanish immersion program, Mariners players connected with Spanish-speaking students in their native language. For many of these students, the Recess Takeover was more than just learning to play Quickball. The day became a celebration of culture, language, and community.
Meanwhile, at Emerson Elementary, the school community demonstrated how play creates opportunities to build relationships across differences, as kids cheered and supported one another through learning new skills.
We are incredibly grateful to the Seattle Mariners players, the Mariners Care Foundation, the MTC team, and all the school staff who helped make this day possible. Together, we brought the power of play to life, encouraging kids to get active and have fun!
