In 1977, the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays became the 25th and 26th Major League Baseball teams after the American League was expanded. Interestingly, the Mariners name was selected from over 15,000 entries, with 600 name suggestions, which were submitted to back-office staff to name the new Club. The name, which has lasted the test of time, was selected for the city’s close ties to the sea and nautical culture.