Dan Wilson, a beloved figure in Seattle Mariners history, has stepped into a new role as the team’s manager, with 34 games remaining in the regular season. Wilson, who spent 12 seasons as the Mariners’ catcher and played on some of the franchise’s most successful teams, now faces the challenge of turning around a struggling squad that’s slipping out of playoff contention in the American League.
“This is a good team. These guys have tremendous talent, and sometimes a change in direction can spark something,” Wilson remarked. “But these guys have it in them.”
Wilson’s first game as manager was set for Friday night against the San Francisco Giants. At 55, he takes over from Scott Servais, who was dismissed following a dismal 1-8 road trip that left the Mariners with a 64-64 record. Servais, who had been at the helm for nine seasons, became the second-longest tenured manager in Mariners history before his departure.
Wilson’s appointment as the permanent manager signifies a commitment to a fresh start. “The idea is to start something new, and you can’t do that in just 34 games. It’s going to take time,” Wilson explained. “We’re going to make a strong push here at the end, but we’re also looking long-term.”
The decision to make a managerial change seemed unimaginable in mid-June, when the Mariners were 13 games above .500 and appeared poised to win their first division title since 2001. However, a sharp decline—culminating in a 20-33 record since being 44-31—led to Servais’s dismissal. Despite having one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, the Mariners’ offense has struggled mightily, contributing to their rapid fall from grace.
Servais learned of his firing through a news alert before his scheduled meeting with Jerry Dipoto, the executive vice president of baseball operations. “It was a shock. I think everyone found out on social media because the first thing you do when you wake up is check your phone and all that sort of stuff,” said shortstop J.P. Crawford. “It was tough. He’s been my manager ever since my first day here, and he challenged me to be the best person I could be. Sad to see him let go.”
To address the team’s offensive woes, Wilson has brought back a familiar face: Baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez, who will serve as hitting coach for the remainder of the season. Seattle entered Friday’s game with the lowest batting average in baseball, leading the league in strikeouts, and having scored two runs or fewer in 23 of their last 53 games.
“There’s no one I trust more with hitters than Edgar,” Wilson said. “What people may not realize is that, besides being a tremendous hitter with incredible talent, Edgar was a student of the game. He studied hitting meticulously and can break it down better than anybody.”
As Wilson takes the reins, Mariners fans are hopeful that his leadership and the return of Martinez can provide the spark needed to salvage the season and build momentum for the future.
Leave a Reply