The Seattle Times has announced that former Mariner manager Lou Piniella, perhaps the most universally loved skipper in the history of the franchise, has been chosen as a finalist for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Piniella, who managed the Cincinnati Reds to a world championship in 1990, became manager of the Mariners in 1993. He lead the team to four post season appearances, where previously, they had none.
It could be argued that he saved baseball in the Puget Sound region and played a big part in getting, what is now T-Mobile Park, built.
In addition to managing the Mariners and the Reds, He had managerial gigs with the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the Chicago Cubs.
He also had a long career as a player with Balimore, Cleveland, Kansas City, and the New York Yankees. He was also, briefly, General Manager of the Yankees. He was known for his Fiery personality and demonstrative arguments with umpires.
In 2013, I was able to meet Piniella at that year's Fred Hutchinson Awards luncheon.
Great post Mike. I hope Lou is voted in.
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