Seattle Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton has shared an emotional open letter to fans reflecting on the team’s historic 2025 campaign and heartbreaking playoff exit.
The message, which first appeared as a full-page ad in The Seattle Times on Sunday, was later posted across the team’s social media channels with the caption, “Thank you for being the best fans in baseball.”
It was a season to remember in Seattle. The Mariners finished the regular season with a stellar 90-52 record, capturing their first AL West title in 24 years. They entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed in the American League, earning a bye through the Wild Card round. After dispatching the Detroit Tigers in five games in the AL Division Series, Seattle came within one win of its first World Series appearance, pushing the Toronto Blue Jays to seven games in the ALCS.
Though the M’s ultimately fell short — losing Games 6 and 7 in Toronto — it marked the deepest playoff run in franchise history. The team’s star catcher, Cal Raleigh, also capped off the season by winning the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year award.
In his letter, Stanton didn’t hold back his emotions. “There’s no sugar coating it. I’m heartbroken at the way the season ended,” he wrote. “We’ve never come closer to bringing our first World Series to Seattle. I know how much our players, coaching staff, and front office wanted this for you.”
He went on to thank fans for their unwavering support, from the opening pitch of the season to the final out of the ALCS. “You cheered so loud you created measurable seismic activity,” Stanton said. “You stayed on your feet for 15 innings, brought signs, started dance parties, and even greeted the team at 3 a.m. after the toughest return flight of their careers.”
Stanton closed his message with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism: “The Northwest deserves a World Series. I know we are going to get there. This is the beginning of a special era of Mariners Baseball. There is work to do to take that final step. That work starts now.”
He ended the heartfelt note with a promise and a rallying cry for the future:
“We can’t wait to get back to T-Mobile Park with all of you. Thank you again for being the best fans in baseball. Go Mariners!”