An iconic second of nationwide unity and sporting triumph after 9/11 has been changed into a everlasting bronze statue at T-Cellular Park, because the Seattle Mariners unveiled a monument displaying two of their legendary gamers carrying the American flag across the subject. The monument, positioned simply contained in the stadium’s centre-field gate as a part of the crew’s newly opened Legacy Plaza, exhibits former outfielders Mike Cameron and Mark McLemore operating with the Stars and Stripes after the Mariners received the American League West division title on 19 September 2001. The ceremony was held on 3 September 2026, earlier than the Mariners’ dwelling sport towards the Oakland Athletics, in accordance with FOX 13 Seattle, Yahoo Sports activities and KIRO 7 Information. The revealing got here practically 25 years after the occasion that impressed the statue.Cameron and McLemore each attended the dedication, together with legendary play-by-play announcer Rick Rizzs, who served because the grasp of ceremonies. “That was the primary evening that baseball was again,” McLemore stated through the ceremony, as reported by KIRO 7 Information. “So, to have the ability to share that with the followers and the remainder of the nation…it actually means lots to me.” “These are the recollections which might be at all times with me. However, particularly on a day like at present, they’re all flooding again,” McLemore added. Cameron additionally spoke about what the honour meant to him. “For them to decide on us. It is simply particular, man,” Cameron stated, as quoted by KIRO 7 Information.
Capturing a historic second in Seattle sports activities historical past
The statue captures the evening in September 2001 when Main League Baseball returned after the 11 September terrorist assaults. That 12 months, the Seattle Mariners had a historic season and ultimately tied the Main League report with 116 regular-season wins. On the evening they secured the division title, Cameron and McLemore made an unscripted lap across the ballpark whereas carrying the American flag. The second turned significant far past baseball throughout a time of nationwide mourning. Each gamers have been happy with how precisely the bronze statue represented them. “They did it good, man. They acquired him to the tee,” Cameron joked about his former teammate, as reported by KIRO 7 Information. “He is nonetheless acquired his batting gloves in his again pocket.” “I can not complain a bit,” McLemore stated. “Bought my stirrups proper. All of it. Every part.” Rizzs additionally spoke about why the second stays essential. “The spirit of that second lives the place we’re all standing proper now,” Rizzs stated, as cited by KIRO 7 Information.
Interactive backdrop and youth baseball fundraising initiative
The set up features a detailed backdrop made up of 116 wood baseball bats, with every bat representing one win from the historic 2001 season. Greater than 2,000 personalised commemorative baseball medallions have additionally been positioned all through the plaza across the statue. Season ticket holders and members of the general public may purchase customised bats for $1,000 and medallions for $250, permitting them so as to add their very own messages, in accordance with Seattle Sports activities and The Seattle Instances. Cash raised from the sale of the bats and medallions will go in direction of the Mariners Legacy Area Tasks. The programme helps the restoration and maintenance of youth baseball and softball fields throughout Washington state.In statements launched by the organisation and reported by Seattle Sports activities, Mariners chairman John Stanton defined the broader goal of the venture. “2001 was a momentous time for our neighborhood and for the Mariners,” Stanton stated. “The brand new Legacy Plaza displays the deep connection between the Mariners and our neighborhood, commemorating one of the vital significant moments in crew historical past, whereas reinforcing our dedication to creating alternatives for youth throughout the Pacific Northwest.” “The Legacy Plaza brings collectively our historical past, our followers and our dedication to the way forward for baseball and softball in our area,” Stanton added. Cameron stated supporting native sports activities services is very essential as the price of youth sports activities continues to rise. “Once I began enjoying, it was in all probability $10 or $20. And also you paid for a hat, a belt, and a few pants, and, clearly, you bought your glove,” Cameron stated, as reported by KIRO 7 Information. “However, now? It’s so past that.”
Increasing stadium monuments at T-Cellular Park
The 2001 flag statue is an element of a bigger effort by the Mariners to honour essential gamers and moments from the crew’s historical past. Earlier in 2026, the organisation unveiled a statue honouring Corridor of Fame outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. Group officers have additionally confirmed {that a} statue devoted to former Cy Younger Award-winning pitcher Randy Johnson shall be put in through the 2027 season, in accordance with KIRO 7 Information. The dedication got here as the present 2026 Mariners crew entered the ultimate month of the common season. The crew is chasing a spot within the postseason whereas remaining within the American League Wild Card race.
