Diego Segui, Baseball Legend with a Historic Legacy, Passes Away
The baseball world mourns the loss of Diego Segui, an emblematic pitcher who left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. Segui, remembered for his participation in the first game of the Seattle Pilots franchise and for being the starting pitcher in the first game of the Seattle Mariners, passed away at the age of 87. The news was confirmed by the Mariners, who expressed their condolences to the Segui family. Segui had a special connection with Seattle, being the starting pitcher in the Pilots’ debut on April 8, 1969, against the California Angels. In addition, he repeated the feat by being the starter for the Mariners in their first game, on April 6, 1977, at the Kingdome, also against the Angels.Segui had a distinguished 15-season career in the Major Leagues, playing for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Washington Senators, St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox, in addition to his time with the Seattle franchises. The Cuban pitcher, born in Holguín, 6 feet and 190 pounds, led the American League in ERA in 1970. He finished his career with a record of 92-111 and an ERA of 3.81 in 639 games. After his time in the Major Leagues, Segui continued his career in the Mexican Baseball League until 1984. His legacy was recognized with his inclusion in the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and in the Hall of Fame of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum. In 2024, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum awarded him the Negro Leagues Baseball Lifetime Achievement Award.Our thoughts are with the Segui family, including David, Diego’s son, whom the Mariners know well from his time with us in 1998 and 1999. Diego was always generous with his time, visiting us in Seattle to help us celebrate milestones, including his last trip here for Hispanic Heritage Day in 2012.
Kevin Martinez, President of Business Operations for the Mariners
