The Washington State Senate recently convened to honor the Seattle Mariners baseball team, with a particular focus on a lively discussion regarding catcher Cal Raleigh's exceptional 2025 season. Lawmakers playfully debated whether Raleigh was unfairly denied the American League Most Valuable Player award, despite his record-breaking performance. This legislative acknowledgment also served as a moment to reflect on the deep historical connections between the Mariners and the state, including crucial past funding for T-Mobile Park and ongoing support for baseball initiatives. The event underscored the team's cultural importance to Washington and set a hopeful tone for the upcoming 2026 season.
During the special session on February 2, 2026, the Washington State Senate passed a resolution commemorating the Mariners' achievements. A central point of contention, and amusement, was the omission of Cal Raleigh from the AL MVP title. Despite smashing 60 home runs—a new MLB record for catchers and surpassing Mickey Mantle's single-season record for switch-hitters—Raleigh finished second to the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge. The resolution, read aloud in the chamber, provocatively stated that Raleigh was 'robbed' by national baseball writers, eliciting laughter from the assembly.
Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, the resolution's sponsor, passionately voiced his disapproval, declaring, "Cal was robbed. That East Coast media doesn't know anything." The event saw the presence of Mariners manager Dan Wilson and longtime broadcaster Rick Rizzs, who sat alongside Lt. Gov. Denny Heck. Team executives, including President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto and General Manager Justin Hollander, observed from the gallery. Legislators seized the opportunity to interact with Rizzs, who announced his final year of broadcasting, and Wilson, sharing personal anecdotes about their connections to the team.
The Senate proceedings also highlighted the enduring impact of the Mariners on the community. Sen. Schoesler recounted listening to Rizzs' broadcasts while working on his farm, while Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, shared memories of her 100-year-old mother-in-law meticulously keeping score during games. Sen. Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles, fondly recalled his son, then nine, serving as a junior broadcaster with Rizzs, an experience that inspired his son's collegiate baseball career. Furthermore, Sen. Bob Hasegawa, D-Tukwila, spoke to baseball's significant role within the Japanese-American community, acknowledging the Mariners' contributions in integrating international players like Ichiro Suzuki into American baseball.
The relationship between the Mariners and the state legislature is long-standing and significant. In 1995, legislative funding played a pivotal role in constructing what is now T-Mobile Park, a decision that prevented the team from relocating. This intervention came after voters had rejected a bond measure for the stadium. More recently, the legislature earmarked state funds to facilitate the development of a new ballpark for the Single-A Everett AquaSox farm team, further cementing their commitment to baseball within the state. As the Mariners head into the 2026 season with high expectations, following a heartbreaking loss in the American League Championship Series, the state's continued support remains a cornerstone of the team's future.
The recognition by the Washington State Senate reaffirms the Seattle Mariners' esteemed position within the state's cultural landscape. Beyond the humorous debate surrounding Cal Raleigh's MVP candidacy, the session underscored the profound impact of baseball on local communities and the enduring partnership between the team and state legislators. From pivotal stadium funding to fostering communal memories and supporting player development, the narrative reinforces the Mariners as more than just a sports franchise—they are an integral part of Washington's identity, with a hopeful outlook for future successes on and off the field.