Mama Blue with Suzanne Newman
Mama Blue with Suzanne Newman

For the past 45 years, the Seattle Seahawks have been blessed to have an icon of a fan: Patti Hammond, aka Mama Blue. For those of us who attended games in the early days, as I did with my father who was an original season ticket holder, we all knew who she was then, and we continue to know her today.

Now at 89, Mama Blue is the foundation of the fabric that makes up the tapestry of “super fans” of the Seahawks. She has been in TV commercials, attended special events, and calls the Seahawks players, “my boys.” Her heart is far bigger than that petite frame of a body she has, and the feather boas, the wild glasses and the bright blue wig that she adorns on game days are no match for the fullness and exuberance of her personality. When you meet her, no doubt, her last words spoken to you will be: “Mama Blue loves you!” (She really does. She loves every single fan, and it’s genuine!)

Mama Blue’s passion for our football team has set a foundation for the fan base that we have today. As a matter of fact, in 1997, when Ken Behring tried to relocate the team to Los Angeles, it was partly because of Patti and a circle of fans that took that fight on to keep them here. She was there making countless phone calls, staging rallies, and marching down to Olympia to meet with our State Governmental leaders to save this team.

  • She was the first fan to be inducted into the Pro Football Ultimate Fan Hall of Fame
  • She has her own action Lego figure
  • She has her own trading cards
  • She is known to every single Seattle Seahawk who has played for our team

Because of our program 12 Days of Goodness, Mama Blue has also stepped up to visit seniors over the holiday season every year throughout Greater Puget Sound. She has visited as far north as Shoreline, and as far south as visiting retired veterans near JBLM at Patriot’s Landing in Dupont, WA. I have also gotten to know her incredible family and friends that she surrounds herself with. They all have one thing in common. They love her fiercely and passionately, and I include myself in that. Life is truly an adventure when you experience it through Patti’s eyes, and I promise you, that time spent with Mama Blue, is filled with laughter, joy, and a lot of fun. Somehow, no matter what is going on in the world or with her, you will find yourself feeling lighter about the heaviness in your life. You will see people coming toward her to immerse themselves in her energy. When I have spent time with Mama Blue — or even had a telephone conversation with her, my day is always brighter.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, I can think of no other that is a more iconic senior than our Mama Blue. Amongst the 12s, she is an institution. Every home game, she sits right at the tunnel entrance at CenturyLink field where the players come out. She is a lucky charm for many of our players, and as I get to know the Seahawks Legends as I do, each one of them have special stories and memories of her, and how she has impacted their lives. They all get a big smile on their faces. Many of them, right before they take the field will touch base with her with a hug — a nudge — or just a handshake. It was a tradition for Jon Ryan to always visit her before each game, she is also visited often by the likes of Dave Krieg, (he calls her his 2nd mom), Walter Jones, (her “teddy bear”) and Steve Raible — who shared with us on the radio show this week about his special memories of Mama Blue, her husband and their family, and the Seahawks’ connection to her in the early days when he played.

Mama Blue has taken on numerous challenges when it comes to the team and ultimately our community, and now she is in a whole new challenge: A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Luckily healthcare professionals believe it is treatable, and with surgery and chemotherapy, the outlook for her is a positive one. She needs our prayers and support. Being on a tight fixed income, one thing she doesn’t need is the stress over finances. A diagnosis like cancer can eat up what little amount you have very quickly. That’s why we are asking those who can help with a small donation to step up. It will make a huge difference.

As much as she has given this team and our community, Mama Blue is optimistic. Even over the seriousness of her diagnosis, she will always deflect from anything unpleasant with an incredible sense of humor, but this time — it’s time for us to come together for her.

So, if you are a 12, and you root for the Seahawks, in many ways, you owe thanks to Mama Blue. Because the Seahawks were saved, a community has come together in incredible ways, including the celebration of a Lombardi trophy in 2014.

If you can find it in your heart, will you give a donation today — no matter how big or small to help ease in the financial costs of her care?

Donate NOW to help our Mama Blue at www.Fanz4Good.com.

Your donation is tax deductible. 

Thank you for your prayers and donations and GO HAWKS!!

You can learn more about Mama Blue Here: 

 

 

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR