Seattle Mariners: Why Catie Griggs?
Moving on from Kevin Mather is easier then a woman becoming the first President of Business Operations in Major League Baseball.
“When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade.” Literally every parent who had motivational aspirations after a situation went sour. This saying came into play before this Seattle Mariners baseball season even began.
Seattle Mariners Hire Catie Griggs in the Wake of Kevin Mather’s Disruptions?
The Seattle Mariners were in a bad situation with Kevin Mather. Without having a gun to his head, opting to give all kinds of unsolicited information to the Bellevue Rotary Club. This was the culmination of a cacophony of events that led to Mather being forced out as team president. Change was needed and definitely in the air.
The Mariners on the field have been dismal over the past twenty years. But the Mariners brass off the field has been a horrifying train wreck. Unfortunately, gender has played an integral role in all of this.
Dr. Lorena Martin’s Case
Dr. Lorena Martin filed suit against owner John Stanton and CEO Kevin Mather for wrongful termination. In her claim she stated that she was mistreated due to her gender and her ethnicity. While the suit was brought against Mariner’s leadership in 2018, it took until February of this year to resolve it.
The history of the Mariner’s failed actions with women is well documented, specifically with Kevin Mather. In 2009 and 2010 women came forward accusing Mather of inappropriate workplace conduct. The Mariners settled with the women and subjected Mather to unspecified discipline. The publicized result was a promotion to team president in 2014 and CEO by late 2017. With John Stanton delivering the standard unapologetic statement. “Kevin has learned from his experience and has become an outstanding leader and executive.”
Marco Gonzales, Seattle Mariners.