Felix Hernandez, Macklemore Surprise Kids For Anti-Bullying Campaign

Apr 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) in the dugout prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

A Bellevue middle school class came to Safeco Field on Thursday expecting to film a public service announcement about bullying with the Mariner Moose. What they got, was a surprise visit from King Felix Hernandez and Grammy award winning recording artist Macklemore.

The #ChangeTheGame campaign was launched across Seattle-area middle schools to help put an end to mental and physical bullying in schools. Here is some more information on the campaign, from Adam Lewis over at Mariners.com

"As part of the campaign, posters and activity guides will be handed out to teachers. With the help of their parents, students can go to mariners.com/changethegame to take an anti-bullying pledge and enter to win a contest to meet Macklemore and Hernandez before the Mariners play the Yankees on June 12 at Safeco Field, which is Macklemore Bobblehead Night.“It’s an honor to be working with the Mariners and Felix Hernandez to help spread a message of individuality to our area schools,” Macklemore said in a press release. “We hope to encourage our youth to feel free, to be themselves and to take care of each other along the way.”Hernandez, meanwhile, was his typical, outgoing self. He posed for at least one “selfie,” smiled and gave high fives. He spent approximately a half-hour with the seventh- and eighth-grade students from Highland Middle School’s elective class, AVID, which is an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination. Consisting of kids who must overcome socioeconomic and English-language barriers, the class focuses on developing leadership, reading, writing, collaborative and organizational skills to improve their chances of attending college."

Check out the video of the appearance, as provided by MLB.com