The image of Seattle brings with it connotations of fishermen and crab boats fighting on a rocky ocean to stay adrift and bring back the catch of the day. So it is no surprise that when Seattle was awarded a baseball franchise in 1977, the owners of the team chose the name the Mariners to honor the seafaring economy prevalent in the area. The Mariners, or Ms, have kept this naval tradition alive in their logos, which have only slightly varied from that theme.

Currently owned by Nintendo of America, the Mariners’ logo contains several references not just to sea, but to the land on which they play as well. Though the team has encountered little success in baseball—they are only one of three franchises to never have gone to the World Series—their logo provides hope that they will soon be able to navigate the way there.

History of Seattle Mariners Logo

Beside the name of the organization itself, the logo incorporated the trident, long associated with Poseidon, god of the sea. The association also gave the logo a reference to power. That trident would work its way through the logo until 1987, when it was abandoned for a blue-and-gold “M’s” surrounded by a baseball. This represented one of the team’s nicknames. That logo would last until 1993, when the team returned to its nautical roots (or anchors, as the case may be), with an eight-point compass rose, representing directions on a compass).

The compass rose is worked not only into their main logo, but also into their alternative logos and their cap logos, which feature the compass-rose-and-baseball in front of a large S, or standing prominently alone. The naval theme is also represented in the choice of colors: navy blue, northwest green (representing the lumber forests of the Northwest), and metallic silver.

In addition to the representation of the water theme, the northwest green color also ties Seattle in with its more land based economy. This also gives Seattle somewhat of a regional taste for the Northwest.

The logo itself represents not only the tradition of Seattle and its economy, but also gives a sense of direction. While not the simplest of logos (with eight points converging on a baseball), it can represent a number of things at once without having to be too obscure.

If the logo itself is a bit complex, it is balanced out by the simplicity of the name and the font. No design elements or special effects are present. Just Seattle Mariners, spelled out in all caps. This counterbalances some of the intensity of looking at the intricate design of the compass rose.

Seattle Mariners Logo Conclusion

The Seattle Mariners logo is definitely not a study in simplicity. It contains several elements alluding to both its maritime fast and its baseball present. Yet the design promotes surety of course and strength in the regional and local culture.

Seattle has not been one of the most blessed franchises in baseball, but if their logo is any indication they will soon find the direction to playoff success and an elusive World Series championship.