The Seattle Mariners announced today that Catie Griggs, their President of Business Operations, has resigned to pursue an opportunity closer to her home and family. Griggs, originally from North Carolina, joined the Mariners in July 2021, succeeding Kevin Mather after his controversial comments at a Bellevue Rotary Club event. Griggs’ appointment marked a significant shift for the club and Major League Baseball, as she became the only woman in baseball to hold the title of “president” until Caroline O’Connor of the Marlins joined her in 2023.
Griggs came to the Mariners with a strong background in sports management, having previously worked with FC Atlanta. There, she focused on building an inclusive community of fans and making soccer more accessible. She carried this vision to Seattle, spearheading the Mariners’ new and extended value menu to make the ballpark experience more affordable for families.
Following Griggs’ departure at the end of the month, Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton will temporarily assume her responsibilities until a successor is named.
In a statement, Griggs expressed mixed emotions about her decision: “I’ve truly had a mix of emotions as I made the incredibly difficult decision to resign from my role as President of Business Operations. After much consideration, I have decided to prioritize our family and relocate back to the East Coast to be closer to both Justin and my aging parents.”
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While details about Griggs’ next position remain undisclosed, her decision to return to the South to be closer to family is understandable. Her departure is a notable loss for the Mariners and for women in senior roles within MLB, where such representation is limited. Griggs’ tenure marked a departure from the toxicity associated with her predecessor, Kevin Mather. The organization and its fans hope her successor will continue to uphold her values of inclusivity and accessibility.
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