1969

The Seattle Pilots joined the American League as an expansion team along with the Kansas City Royals. Both teams would join the newly formed West Division. The Pilots would win 64 games and finish in last. The Pilots played their first game st Sick’s Stadium on April 11th, besting the White Sox 7-0.

Gene Brabender, acquired in spring training from the Orioles, led the staff in wins, ERA and Strikeouts (13/4.36/139). Closer, Diego Segui, notched 12 wins and 12 saves for the Pilots as well. Segui would be the only link between Seattle’s first major league team and its second. The other starters, Marty Pattin, Mike Marshall, George Brunet and Gary Bell would combine to win 10 games only.

Third baseman, Tommy Harper would pace the team in games played, at-bats and hits. Left fielder, Tommy Davis would drive in 80 runs for best on the club.

Right fielder, Mike Hegan, was selected to the All-Star game slashing .292/8/37 in just 95 games. Due to an injury, Hegan was replaced on the team by fellow Pilot, first baseman Don Mincher, who hit .246/25/78 in 140 games.

The Pilots played their final same in Seattle on October 2nd, losing 3-1 to the Athletics of Oakland. During the offseason, the team would file for bankruptcy and relocate to Milwaukee (Brewers) before the 1970 season. A home plate marker still stands outside of a Lowes in downtown Seattle.

Home Plate Marker

Outside of Lowes Home Improvement

1980