Mariners Staffer Honors Civil Rights Photographer Grandfather

Justin Broffman, a video operations assistant for the Seattle Mariners, draws inspiration from his grandfather, Morton Broffman, a notable photographer of the American Civil Rights Movement. During a recent team meeting, Broffman shared Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful quote, 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.' This quote resonated deeply with Broffman, connecting to his grandfather's legacy and his own worldview.

Morton Broffman, who passed away in 1992, is renowned for his powerful images of the era, including iconic photographs of Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches. Justin, who never met his grandfather, has spent his life gleaning values from his work and philanthropic efforts. He emphasized the importance of shedding light on his grandfather's contributions and the impactful photographs he created.

Broffman's connection to baseball is intertwined with his family's experience, particularly with Lou Gehrig Day. This annual commemoration, which supports the fight for a cure for ALS, holds profound meaning for the Broffman family, as Morton succumbed to the disease. Justin actively participates in the Mariners' Lou Gehrig Day planning committee, highlighting the day's significance as a unifying force in baseball.

Now in his third season with the Mariners, Broffman contributes to all aspects of video operations, from the Major League to Minor League levels. His interest in video technology, which piqued after graduating from James Madison University in 2021, also draws parallels to his grandfather's visual storytelling. He secured internships with data company InsideEdge and the Brewers' Single-A affiliate, demonstrating his dedication before joining the Mariners. Broffman views his role as multifaceted, preparing essential materials for coaches and players while also engaging with data-tracking technology.