In an exciting development for baseball fans and music enthusiasts, the long-standing informal rivalry between the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners has been officially christened as the Vedder Cup. Named after Pearl Jam frontman and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Vedder, this newly formalized competition promises to bring a fresh wave of excitement and community spirit. The Vedder Cup will not only celebrate the unique connection between the two cities through Vedder’s legacy but will also support the EB Research Partnership, a charity co-founded by Eddie and Jill Vedder dedicated to funding research for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
The Birth of the Vedder Cup
The idea of the Vedder Cup has been a part of baseball lore for years, with fans affectionately referring to games between the Padres and Mariners by this moniker. However, as of 2025, this concept has been brought to life in a formalized competition. The two clubs announced the creation of a season rivalry series, with the winner taking home a trophy featuring a guitar provided by Eddie Vedder himself. This move not only cements the rivalry but also adds a layer of significance by partnering with the EB Research Partnership.
Charitable Impact
One of the most commendable aspects of the Vedder Cup is its partnership with the EB Research Partnership. This nonprofit organization, co-founded by Eddie and Jill Vedder, is dedicated to funding research to discover treatments and cures for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). By aligning the Vedder Cup with this cause, both the Mariners and Padres are contributing to a meaningful cause while engaging their fan bases in a unique way. Mariners executive vice president and chief operating officer Trevor Gooby expressed his gratitude for Eddie Vedder, his team, the EB Research Partnership, and the Padres for sharing the Mariners’ vision and commitment to celebrating and serving the Seattle community.
Details of the Competition
The inaugural Vedder Cup will see the Padres hosting the Mariners from May 16-18, followed by games in Seattle from August 25-27. Fans can look forward to Vedder Cup theme games and exclusive merchandise available at both team stores. With six games on the schedule between the two clubs, the competition promises to be intense and engaging.
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Tiebreaker Rules
In the event of a tie in the Vedder Cup series, a unique tiebreaker system has been put in place. The first part of the tiebreaker is based on the run differential in the season series. If the teams share an even run differential, the team with the highest exit velocity recorded on a hit will win the Vedder Cup. This innovative approach adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition.
Historical Context
The Padres and Mariners have a long history of facing each other during Interleague play, with the exception of the 2017 season. Since 1997, these two teams have played almost annually, fostering a natural rivalry. In the history of the informal version of the Vedder Cup, Seattle leads the all-time series 68-63. This rich history adds depth and context to the newly formalized Vedder Cup, making it a highly anticipated event for both fan bases.
Community and Fan Engagement
The Vedder Cup is not just about the rivalry on the field; it’s also about creating memorable experiences for fans and bringing communities together. Padres CEO Erik Greupner highlighted the unique connection between San Diego and Seattle through Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam, emphasizing the cool, fun, and memorable moments that this West Coast showdown will create for fans. By celebrating this connection and supporting a meaningful cause, the Vedder Cup is set to become a beloved tradition in the baseball calendar.
Looking Ahead
As the Vedder Cup makes its debut in 2025, fans can look forward to a season filled with exciting matchups, community engagement, and charitable impact. The formalization of this rivalry not only honors Eddie Vedder’s legacy but also brings awareness to EB research, making it a win-win for everyone involved. The anticipation for the inaugural Vedder Cup is palpable, and both the Mariners and Padres are eager to see this rivalry series grow and evolve in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Vedder Cup is more than just a baseball competition; it’s a celebration of community, music, and philanthropy. By formalizing this rivalry, the Mariners and Padres have created a unique event that honors Eddie Vedder’s legacy while supporting a noble cause.
With the inaugural Vedder Cup set to take place in 2025, fans from both cities can look forward to an exciting season filled with memorable moments and meaningful impact.
To stay updated on all things Vedder Cup, be sure to follow the latest news and announcements from the Mariners and Padres.
For more information, you can visit the official announcement on MLB’s website here.
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