Major League Baseball and Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig have named the Seattle Mariners as the 2014 recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Philanthropic Excellence, it was announced today at the MLB Owners Meetings in Kansas City.

The Mariners were acknowledged for their “Refuse To Abuse®” Domestic Violence Prevention Program, a state-wide educational initiative, in partnership with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to promote healthy relationships and take a public stand against domestic violence. Mariners Care will receive a $10,000 grant from Major League Baseball Charities as part of this recognition.

Commissioner Selig said: “I am very proud of the Seattle Mariners and Mariners Care for taking a leading role in educating fans and other members of their community on the importance of respectful relationships.  This is a vital societal issue that impacts the lives of individuals and families in harrowing ways.  Having communicated with many experts, we continue to work diligently toward a comprehensive policy that reflects the gravity of domestic violence and how to best serve the interests of victims and their families.  The efforts of the Mariners, who encourage fans to take a public stance against domestic violence, are exemplary.  I thank the Mariners and all of our Clubs for their year-round efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

“When we were approached by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence with an opportunity to support this difficult and serious issue we recognized it as a unique way to use our brand to send the message that domestic violence is not okay,” said Howard Lincoln, Seattle Mariners Chair and CEO. “It is a great honor to be recognized by Commissioner Selig for the work we have done over the years with our partners at the Coalition.”

The Seattle Mariners and Mariners Care partner with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) to implement the “Refuse To Abuse” program, which the club launched to bring attention to domestic violence issues. Through the program, the Mariners take a public stance against domestic violence and provide an opportunity for the local community to join this effort. Refuse To Abuse features Mariners players as role models, educating the community about available help and promoting respectful relationships to children and teenagers. Refuse To Abuse includes television, radio and print ads that utilize Mariners players to deliver messages of respect and communicate that there is no excuse for domestic violence. The Mariners also operate a charity 5K run/walk – the only one that takes place entirely at Safeco Field – that raises money for WSCADV’s violence prevention efforts.  In 2014, the program expanded to include a partnership with Sound Publishing, the largest community news organization in Washington State, resulting in the promotion of Refuse To Abuse to millions of people. For more information, please visit Mariners.com/community.

“We are thrilled that the Seattle Mariners national leadership in professional sports is being recognized. We are grateful for the commitment demonstrated throughout the Mariners organization and for the partnership of Craters of the Moon Marketing and Sound Publishing. Together we are building respect and hope in communities across our state,” said Nan Stoops, Executive Director, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.