Dan Wilson grateful for the support he receives with the Mariners

Dan Wilson might be new to the role of Seattle Mariners manager, but he knows he doesn’t have to navigate the choppy waters on his own.

There were plenty of people surprised, when Dan Wilson was named as Seattle Mariners manager in place of the fired Scott Servais. Why was the organization giving the job to someone lacking experience in such a role?

That in itself, was probably not the right question to ask. After all, there have been plenty of cases over the years/decades of people taking over as a Major League manager with no relevant experience. (Servais himself, was such an example.)

After getting over the initial surprise and giving it more thought, it actually made a lot of sense why Wilson got the gig. He’s been involved with and connected to the Mariners for more than three decades, dating back to when he was traded to Seattle from Cincinnati in November 1993.

Forever a part of the Mariners

Aside from being an excellent player for the Mariners until he retired following the 2005 season, the 55-year-old has also spent time as a color commentator for Root Sports and been the team’s Minor League catching coordinator. He is forever linked as a part of Mariners history, after being named into their Hall of Fame in 2012.

Wilson is extremely popular within the organization at every level. This much is clear after speaking to various people around the facilities about the affable former catcher, adding more credence and rationale as to why the Mariners would bring him in as manager.

Another reason for it making sense, comes down to the timing of the decision to fire Servais. With just over a month of the 2024 regular season remaining at the time, options were always going to be limited for the Mariners. (An extensive search was never going to be feasible at such a crucial juncture of the campaign.)

It’s still early of course, but with a 12-9 record entering Sunday’s series finale versus the Texas Rangers, the signs are promising for the Wilson managerial era in Seattle. The offense is producing more, the players like him, and everyone seems relaxed – or at least as relaxed as you can be, while still competing for a playoff spot.

What has Dan Wilson found out so far in his new role?

When speaking to Wilson on Sunday pregame, I asked him if he had learned anything new about himself during his short time in charge as Mariners manager? He said:

“It’s a fair question. I think a lot of this is just new in general. You’re just trying to work through it day by day, but also trying to reflect on it at the same time.”

Rather than himself, the Barrington, Illinois native was more focused on talking about those around him and how they’ve helped with his initiation into the role of manager. He said:

“I think the one thing that stands out for me, or maybe two things, is number one how the players have responded. I couldn’t have asked for a better response from a group of guys, and these guys have really, really been fighting hard and really grinding. And (second), the staff have been super supportive, so that has been another outstanding feature.”

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It’s all about the club rather than individuals

It speaks volumes about Wilson, that he is thinking more about those around him as opposed to himself. He said:

“I know that doesn’t really answer your question about me, but it’s really what I’ve noticed – the way these guys as a team have responded and the way the staff has been so supportive. They have (all) been very beneficial.”

Wilson was named as Mariners manager outright when given the role, rather than on an interim basis. This alludes to the faith the front office has, in his potential and ability to steer the ship into a better place.

Regardless, it is clearly reassuring for the 1996 All-Star, that he does not have to navigate the choppy waters on his own. He has the full support of his players and coaching staff, and for that, he is extremely grateful.

What is your opinion of how Wilson has done up to this point as Mariners manager? Are you optimistic about his future in the position, or preferring to take a wait-and-see approach still at this point? Let us know in the comments section below.