In 1970 the expansion Seattle Pilots moved to Milwaukee after just one season, seeking better attendance. That team was renamed the Brewers. The city of Seattle threatened the American League with litigation, and was awarded another expansion franchise in 1977. On April 6, 1977 the Seattle Mariners played their first Major League Baseball game against the California Angels. There were 57,762 fans in Seattle's Kingdome for the opener. On January 14, 1981, Californian George Argyros purchased the franchise. Quick to fire managers and general managers, Argyros paid players the lowest average salaries in the major leagues. After struggling through the 80's with losing records, the Mariners finished 73-89 in 1989 (Ken Griffey, Jr.'s rookie season) and 82-80 in 1993. The team earned their first AL West title in 1995.
More Seattle Mariners History