Don Wakamatsu Tenure

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

On November 18, following the announcement of Jack Zduriencik as general manager just weeks earlier, the Mariners named Don Wakamatsu their new manager. Prior to this role, Wakamatsu had served as a bench coach for the Oakland Athletics. His hiring was part of a broader off-season overhaul that included a significant twelve-player, three-team trade sending closer J.J. Putz to the New York Mets and bringing back five players, including prospect Mike Carp, outfielder Endy Chávez, and Franklin Gutiérrez from Cleveland. The team also signed free agent Mike Sweeney in an effort to address clubhouse infighting. Despite these moves and the return of fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr., Wakamatsu's tenure would be short-lived.

In Their Own Story

The 2009 season began with high hopes under the new management structure, but the results did not match the expectations set by the roster acquisitions. After two seasons leading the club, the franchise made a change on October 9, firing Wakamatsu following a disappointing campaign. He was succeeded by Scott Servais on October 23. The transition marked the end of an era that began with the ambitious hiring in November 2008 and the subsequent attempts to reshape the team's culture through trades and free-agent signings.

Reader's Guide

Don Wakamatsu was named manager on November 18, taking over after serving as the Oakland Athletics' bench coach. His tenure spanned two seasons, covering the 2009 and 2010 campaigns. During this period, the team made notable roster changes, including the return of Ken Griffey Jr. and the acquisition of Cliff Lee in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2009-10 offseason. However, after the 2010 season saw the Mariners finish with a 61-101 record, the worst in the American League, Wakamatsu was fired on August 9 of that year alongside several coaches. Daren Brown took over as interim manager before Scott Servais was hired permanently.

Did You Know?

• Don Wakamatsu was hired as manager on November 18, following the appointment of Jack Zduriencik as general manager just weeks earlier.
• Wakamatsu served as bench coach for the Oakland Athletics before taking the Mariners job.
• He was fired on August 9, 2010, after the team finished with a 61-101 record, the worst in the American League that season.
• Scott Servais succeeded Wakamatsu as manager on October 23, following his firing.
• During Wakamatsu's tenure, the Mariners executed a 12-player, 3-team trade that sent J.J. Putz to the New York Mets.