BREAKING NEWS: Seattle Mariners are proud to support the Greater Marines LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the Pride in Business awards highlighting outstanding companies, leaders, and partners building a more diverse and inclusive business community are overjoy as former…… view more

BREAKING NEWS: Seattle Mariners Proudly Support Greater Seattle LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce at Pride in Business Awards

The Seattle Mariners are proud to stand with the Greater Seattle LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the 2025 Pride in Business Awards, a signature event honoring exceptional companies, trailblazing leaders, and dedicated community partners building a more inclusive and diverse business environment.

Held this weekend at the iconic Seattle Convention Center, the Pride in Business Awards drew an enthusiastic crowd of business professionals, civic leaders, and allies united in their commitment to economic empowerment and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The Mariners organization, long committed to diversity both on and off the field, served as a presenting sponsor for the event. Mariners President of Business Operations, Catie Griggs, took the stage to share the team’s ongoing efforts in promoting equity, representation, and belonging across the Pacific Northwest.

“We’re more than a baseball team — we’re a platform for progress,” said Griggs. “Celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ businesses and leaders is core to our mission of making the Mariners family a home for everyone.”

The highlight of the evening came when former Mariners outfielder Billy Bean, now serving as MLB’s Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, was honored with the Lifetime Allyship Award. The room erupted in a standing ovation as Bean shared his emotional journey as one of baseball’s first openly gay players and his ongoing work to make sports more inclusive for all.

“I never thought I’d see a day like this,” Bean said. “The Mariners have been at the forefront of championing equality in sports, and tonight’s event proves how far we’ve come — and how much more we can achieve together.”

Other notable honorees included:

• Rainbow Tech Solutions, recipient of the Business of the Year Award
• Avery Martinez, founder of Queer Leaders Collective, named Entrepreneur of the Year
• The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, recognized as Government Partner of the Year

The Mariners’ support of the Pride in Business Awards is just one part of a larger initiative by the franchise to foster inclusivity. This season, they have introduced Pride-themed game nights, inclusive hiring practices, and partnerships with local LGBTQ+ youth programs.