SEATTLE — Don Wakamatsu became the first Asian-American manager in major-league baseball history when he was hired Wednesday by the Mariners.
Wakamatsu, who was bench coach for the Athletics last season, beat out six other candidates, including former Sky Sox manager Brad Mills, to become Seattle’s 14th skipper.
Wakamatsu, whose father James was born in an internment camp during World War II, replaces Jim Riggleman, who took over in June when John McLaren was fired after a 25-47 start to a season in which the Mariners were expected to contend for the playoffs. Riggleman wasn’t even considered for the job in 2009.
“I’m proud to represent some of what they went through in their lifetime,” Wakamatsu said of his parents. “If I can set a future stepping stone for Japanese-Americans and just the equality in baseball, I’m glad to bear that torch.”
Mussina expected to retire
NEW YORK — Yankees 20-game winner Mike Mussina is expected to retire, reported.
Mussina, who turns 40 next month, would become the first pitcher to call it quits following a 20-win season since Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax in 1966. Only 30 wins shy of 300, Mussina was 20-9 with a 3.37 ERA — becoming the oldest pitcher in MLB history to win 20 games for the first time.
Footnotes.
The Royals acquired center fielder and leadoff hitter Coco Crisp (.283, 41 RBIs) from the Red Sox for former Rockies reliever Ramon Ramirez (3-2, 2.64 ERA).
• Bidders for the Cubs have until Dec. 1 to submit offers, Major League Baseball said after a meeting of its ownership committee.
The Associated Press
