Historical Moments:
Spring Training 1969: In a sign that the Pilots were doomed for failure Lou Piniella a 26-year-old rookie
is traded at the end of spring training. Piniella was sent down a few weeks
earlier despite having strong numbers in spring games. The problem was that Pilots
manager Joe Schultz did not like Piniella, who was set to make $175, 000. The
Pilots did not want to pay him so they got rid of him. Piniella would end up
with the American League's other 1969 expansion team the Kansas City Royals, and
he would win that year's Rookie of the Year.
1969: The Pilots opened the season in Anaheim on April 8th with a 4-3 win over the Angels.
After losing their next game the Pilots went to Seattle to open their home
schedule. As the fans entered the stadium for the home opener on April 11th, workers
were still putting benches in place as Sicks' Stadium. Some fans had to wait
three innings to be seated. When all were counted, 17,150 people came to see
their team beat the Chicago White Sox 7-0. Sicks' Stadium, a converted minor
league stadium was just a temporary home. However problems arose early on plans
for a new ballpark. A dozen sites were on the commission's list of possible locations
and by November of 1968 the Seattle Center was selected. However beginning
in April 1969, a group called the "Committee to Save the Seattle Center", in
an effort to prevent the construction at the Center filed a petition. The group
also wanted to have the issue put on the November ballot. The problem would
be multiplied when Pilots owner William Daley said, "Seattle has one more year
to prove itself" a clear ultimatum treating to move the newly founded team.
On October 2nd, 5,473 Pilot fans, for a season total of 677,944, came to see
the season finally against the Oakland A's. They would lose 3-1 and finish the
year 64-98, and in last place and 33 games out of first. One bright spot was Harper
who would lead the majors with 73 stolen bases. Little did the city know
this would be the last game for the team as the Pilots.
Spring Training 1970: On March 24th, a judge listened to the State of Washington and the City of Seattle
on why the team should not be moved. The hearings lasted for three days in the
King County Courthouse. On the last day Marvin Miles took the stand and told
of the problems the team faced. He said he was unable to pay the salaries of the
office staff, coaches and scouts; he also could not pay the players' bonuses.
In the case of the players, if he were more than ten days late in paying them,
they would all become free agents and the Pilots would have no team to field for
the season. On March 25th the judge lifted the restraints and allowed the team
to move. Five days later, it became official as the papers were signed for the
transfer of the team to Milwaukee, where the team's name was changed to Brewers.
After 1970: Seattle would eventually land another expansion team in 1977 and when that team made its first debut former Pilot Diego Segui delivered the Mariners
first pitch.
Lasting Legacy: Pitcher Jim Bouton would spend the entire season writing a daily diary about life
in baseball. Bouton would play for the Pilots until an August 24th trade, and
absent a two week stint with Pilots top minor league affiliate in Vancouver. The
book entitled "Ball Four" would change the perception of life in baseball and
would become an instant classic.
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