The Seattle Mariners franchise, established in 1976, came into existence following a legal dispute. The city of Seattle and the state of Washington initiated a lawsuit against the American League for breaching a contractual agreement. The name “Mariners” emerged from a contest that received over 580 submissions.

History of the Seattle Mariners Logo

The Mariners’ logo has consistently drawn inspiration from maritime themes, evolving significantly over time. Initially incorporating a trident design, the logo later transitioned to a compass, reflecting the team’s deep connection to the sea.

1977–1980

The original logo featured a dark blue trident forming the letter “M” in “Mariners.” This design was encased in a circle with a bright yellow background and a dark blue border. Below the team name was the phrase “Baseball Club,” which added an official touch to the emblem.

1981–1986

The trident concept persisted but underwent a bold redesign. It became a more angular and prominent symbol with yellow accents outlining the dark blue trident. The trident was superimposed over a star with a white center and a dark blue border, omitting any accompanying text.

1987–1992

The logo shifted focus to the team’s nickname, “M’s.” This version featured the abbreviation on a white baseball with dark blue stitching and outline. The letters were stylized in dark blue with yellow borders, marking a significant departure from previous designs.

1993–Present

The 1993 redesign introduced a modern and cohesive look. A compass, symbolizing navigation and maritime themes, became the central element. A white baseball with subtle red stitching was placed within the compass, linking the design to the sport while maintaining elegance. This logo also debuted a refreshed color palette.

Mariners Cap and Font

The cap logo incorporates a simple yet iconic emblem, reinforcing brand recognition. The team’s wordmark employs a modified version of the Compacta Regular typeface, originally created by Fred Lambert. While the main wordmark features refined sans-serif lettering, the logo itself uses distinct and clean typography.

Official Colors

The Seattle Mariners’ branding relies on a sophisticated palette that reflects their maritime identity:

• Navy Blue: HEX #0C2C56; evokes depth and professionalism.
• Northwest Green: HEX #005C5C; inspired by the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.
• Metallic Silver: HEX #C4CED4; adds a sleek, modern touch.
• Yellow and Cream: These colors appear in alternate emblems but are not part of the primary logo.
• Red: Used sparingly to highlight details like stitching.

This dynamic evolution of the Mariners’ branding demonstrates a careful balance between tradition and modernity, maintaining the team’s identity while adapting to changing times.