In 2001, two Seattle Mariners raised the American flag after their divisions were taken away days after September 11; 25 years later, that moment is a permanent statue of the stadium
An iconic moment of national unity and sports triumph after 9/11 has been turned into a permanent bronze statue at T-Mobile Park, as the Seattle Mariners unveiled a monument featuring two of their legendary players carrying the American flag around the field. The memorial, located just inside the center field gate as part of the team’s newly opened Legacy Plaza, shows former outfielders Mike Cameron and Mark McLemore running with the Stars and Stripes after the Mariners won the American League West Division pennant on Sept. 19, 2001. The ceremony was held on Sept. 3, 2026, before the Mariners’ home game against the Oakland Athletics, according to FOX 13 Seattle, Yahoo Sports and KIRO 7. News. The statue’s unveiling came nearly 25 years after the event that inspired the statue.Both Cameron and McLemore attended the dedication, along with legendary play-by-play announcer Rick Reese, who served as master of ceremonies. “That was the first night that baseball was back,” McLemore said during the ceremony, KIRO 7 News reported. “So, to be able to share that with the fans and the rest of the country…it means a lot to me.” “Those are the memories that always stay with me. But, especially on a day like today, they all come flooding back,” McLemore added. Cameron also spoke about what this honor means to him. “For them to choose us. It’s special, man,” Cameron said, according to KIRO 7 News.
Capturing a historic moment in Seattle sports history
The statue depicts the September night of 2001 when Major League Baseball returned after the September 11 terrorist attacks. That year, the Seattle Mariners had a historic season and eventually tied the major league record with 116 regular season wins. On the night they captured the division title, Cameron and McLemore took an unscripted walk around the field while carrying the American flag. The moment became meaningful far beyond baseball during a period of national mourning. Both players were pleased with how accurately the bronze statue represented them. “They did it good, man. They got it to a tee,” Cameron joked about his former teammate, as KIRO 7 News reported. “He still has his batting gloves in his back pocket.” “I can’t complain one bit,” McLemore said. “I got my stirrups adjusted right. Everything. Everything.” Rizzs also talked about why this moment remains important. “The spirit of that moment lives on where we all stand now,” Reese said, as quoted by KIRO 7 News.
Interactive wallpaper and youth baseball fundraising initiative
The installation includes a detailed backdrop of 116 wooden baseball bats, with each bat representing one win from the historic 2001 season. More than 2,000 personalized commemorative baseball medals were also placed throughout the plaza surrounding the statue. Season ticket holders and members of the public can purchase custom bats for $1,000 and medals for $250, allowing them to add their own messages, according to Seattle Sports and The Seattle Times. Money raised from the sale of the bats and medals will go to Mariners Legacy Field projects. The program supports the restoration and maintenance of youth baseball and softball fields throughout Washington State.In statements released by the organization and reported by Seattle Sports, Mariners president John Stanton explained the broader purpose of the project. “2001 was a momentous time for our community and for our Sailors,” Stanton said. “The new Legacy Plaza reflects the deep connection between the Mariners and our community, celebrating one of the most significant moments in team history, while reinforcing our commitment to creating opportunities for youth across the Pacific Northwest.“Legacy Plaza brings together our history, our fans and our commitment to the future of baseball and softball in our region,” Stanton added. Cameron said supporting local sports facilities is especially important as the cost of youth sports continues to rise. “When I started playing, it probably cost $10 or $20. It paid for a hat, a belt, some pants, and obviously you got your glove,” Cameron said, KIRO 7 News reported. “But now? It’s beyond that.”
Expanded stadium footprint at T-Mobile Park
The 2001 flag statue is part of a larger effort by the Mariners to honor important players and moments from the team’s history. Earlier in 2026, the organization unveiled a statue honoring Hall of Fame player Ichiro Suzuki. Team officials also confirmed that a statue dedicated to former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Randy Johnson will be installed during the 2027 season, according to KIRO 7 News. That dedication came as the current 2026 Mariners team entered the final month of the regular season. The team is gunning for a spot in the postseason while remaining in the American League Wild Card race.
