The unforgettable Diego Seguí, a Cuban-born baseball icon, stands as the only player to have pitched the first innings for both of Seattle’s notable teams, the Pilots and Mariners, ensuring his place in baseball lore.
At a Glance
- Diego Seguí was a pivotal figure in Seattle baseball history, playing for both the Seattle Pilots and Mariners.
- Initially aiming to be a hitter, Seguí was signed after the Cuban revolution by the Kansas City Athletics.
- Seguí led the American League in ERA in 1970 with a remarkable 2.56 mark.
- His MLB career concluded with a 92-111 record, 71 saves, and a 3.81 ERA.
Seattle’s Dual-Team Legend
Diego Seguí passed away on June 24, 2025, at age 87. Born in Cuba, Diego Seguí’s journey to the pinnacle of Seattle baseball was nothing short of remarkable. Initially aspiring to make his mark as a hitter, Seguí transitioned to pitching, crafting a career that secured his legacy as the city’s dual-team legend. His signing by the Kansas City Athletics post-Cuban revolution marked the beginning of a storied journey in Major League Baseball. Opting not to return to his birthplace, Seguí dedicated his life to his career in the U.S.
Seguí’s prowess on the mound was undeniable, leading the American League in ERA in 1970 with an impressive 2.56. His skillful forkball gained him renown, and he was instrumental during the Kansas City Athletics’ stellar 1970 season. This performance earned him a trade to the Cardinals in 1972, later contributing to the Red Sox’s journey to the 1975 World Series.
Milestone Pitches and Iconic Achievements
Diego Seguí made history with the Seattle Mariners by throwing the first official pitch in the franchise’s history in 1977, earning him the affectionate moniker “The Ancient Mariner.” His tireless career wrapped up with a respectable 92-111 record, 71 saves, and an impressive 3.81 ERA. Remarkably, Seguí’s influence was felt far and wide, as his son, David Seguí, followed in his footsteps into Major League Baseball for 15 seasons.
Beyond Major League Baseball, Seguí’s love for the game saw him grace the Mexican League, amassing a 96–61 record and a striking 2.91 ERA over a decade. His impressive 15 seasons in the Venezuelan Winter League, during which he set a record with 941 strikeouts, firmly established him as a legend. Seguí’s list of accolades does not stop there; he was inducted into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2006.
A Lasting Legacy
In 2024, Seguí was honored with the prestigious Negro Leagues Baseball Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his far-reaching influence on and off the field. His unwavering dedication to baseball and his enduring charitable spirit left a profound impact that resonates with fans globally. His legacy is deeply cherished, as evidenced by his Team MVP designation with the Seattle Pilots in 1969 and his impactful appearance in the 1971 American League Championship Series.
Watch: Seattle Mariners’ statement
Although Diego Seguí passed away on June 24, 2025, at age 87, his legacy and contributions to the sport remain an indelible part of baseball history. From record books to the hearts of those touched by his life, Seguí represents the enduring spirit of the game, symbolizing perseverance, talent, and a passion for baseball that transcended borders and generations.
