Jerry Dipoto’s Journey in Baseball
PHILADELPHIA — Jerry Dipoto once aimed to obtain the signatures of every baseball player in history, coming close with a collection of balls, cards, and aging contracts. Although he eventually sold his collection, the names he encountered remain vivid in his memory.
Watching a game with Dipoto, the Seattle Mariners’ president of baseball operations, feels like riding the fantastical elevator from “Willy Wonka.” With just a small prompt, the conversation shifts in countless directions, both in history and anecdotes.
This dynamic came to life on Monday as the Mariners faced the Philadelphia Phillies on a tough road trip. The familiar voice of Dan Baker, the Phillies’ long-time public address announcer, took Dipoto back to his days as a reliever in the 1990s, recalling the moments when his name and jersey number were announced.
One memory stood out for Dipoto—after a game loss in 1995 with the New York Mets, a call to his hotel room startled him awake. His roommate answered and relayed a message from an irate caller who scolded him for misrepresenting his uniform number. It turned out to be Tug McGraw, a player Dipoto had idolized, leading to a humorous miscommunication about the caller’s identity.
Dipoto, who recorded 49 career saves in Major League Baseball, believes that his experience as a closer provided excellent training for his role in baseball operations. He embraces a forward-thinking approach, urging himself and his team to move on from mistakes—never dwell on failures.
Since his hiring in September 2015, the Mariners have yet to reach the World Series, making the playoffs only once in 2022. However, over the past five seasons, their performance has been among the top in the league, marking a significant improvement, although they face challenges ahead. The team’s recent struggle—losing six out of seven games—has raised questions about their functionality during this demanding season.
Despite their recent losses, key players like Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez—acquired through trades—are expected to boost the team. As they aim for their first division title in 24 years, the Mariners’ prospects remain hopeful, even as they are currently trailing the Astros in the standings. Dipoto acknowledges the importance of staying attentive to the evolving race, understanding the past but focusing on the present.
