Diego Seguí’s remarkable journey from Cuba to becoming the inaugural pitcher for two of Seattle’s iconic baseball teams is a story woven into the fabric of America’s favorite pastime.
At a Glance
- Diego Seguí, who died in 2018 at age 81, was the only player to be part of both of Seattle’s first two MLB franchises: the Pilots and the Mariners.
- Born in Cuba, he chose to remain in the U.S. to pursue his baseball career after the Cuban revolution.
- In 1970, while with the Oakland A’s, he led the American League with a career-best 2.56 ERA.
- Seguí was inducted into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.
A Unique Place in Seattle Baseball History
The late Diego Seguí holds a unique and unbreakable record in the annals of Seattle baseball. He is the only player to have been on the roster for both of the city’s inaugural Major League Baseball teams—the Seattle Pilots in their lone 1969 season and the Seattle Mariners in their 1977 debut. His role as the first starting pitcher in Mariners history earned him the affectionate nickname “The Ancient Mariner.”
This distinction cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the city’s sports history. For his performance with the ill-fated Pilots, where he served as a key relief pitcher, or “fireman,” he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
From Cuban Roots to an American Dream
Born in Holguín, Cuba, in 1937, Seguí initially dreamed of being a hitter before his strong arm led him to the pitcher’s mound. According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, he was signed by the Cincinnati Redlegs before eventually joining the Kansas City Athletics organization in 1958.
Like many Cuban ballplayers of his era, Seguí was faced with a life-altering choice after the Cuban Revolution. He decided not to return to his home country, instead prioritizing his burgeoning baseball career in the United States, a decision that paved the way for a long and memorable career in the big leagues.
A Durable and Decorated Career
Over a 15-season MLB career that spanned from 1962 to 1977, Seguí was known as a durable and versatile pitcher. His best season came in 1970 as a member of the Oakland Athletics, when he posted a stellar 2.56 ERA, the best in the American League that year.
He played for a variety of teams, including the Washington Senators, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox, appearing in the 1971 American League Championship Series with the A’s. He concluded his MLB career with a 92-111 record, 71 saves, and a 3.81 ERA over more than 1,600 innings pitched.
An International Baseball Legacy
After his time in Major League Baseball, Seguí continued his career with great success in Latin America. He posted a 96-61 record in the Mexican League and set a record with 941 strikeouts in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he is regarded as a legend.
His lasting impact on the sport across borders was formally recognized with his inductions into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2006.
