Diego Segui, the pitcher who holds the unique distinction of throwing the first pitch in both Seattle Pilots and Seattle Mariners franchise history, died Tuesday, June 24 at age 87. The news was announced by Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, on social media.
Segui appeared in the inaugural games for both Seattle franchises, pitching three innings in relief for the Pilots on April 8, 1969, against the California Angels, and serving as the starter for the Mariners’ first game on April 6, 1977, at the Kingdome against the Angels. His first pitch as a Mariner was a strike, earning him the nickname “The Ancient Mariner” at age 40.
The Cuban-born right-hander from Holguin compiled a 92-111 record with a 3.81 ERA across 15 major league seasons from 1962 to 1977. He appeared in 639 games, starting 171, while recording 71 saves and striking out 1,298 batters over 1,807 innings. His best season came in 1970 with Oakland, when he led the American League with a 2.56 ERA while appearing in 47 games and making 19 starts.
Throughout his career, Segui played for seven teams: the Kansas City Athletics (1962-65, 1967), Washington Senators (1966), Oakland Athletics (1968, 1970-72), Seattle Pilots (1969), St. Louis Cardinals (1972-73), Boston Red Sox (1974-75), and Seattle Mariners (1977). He was named team MVP for the Pilots in 1969 before the franchise relocated to Milwaukee and became the Brewers.
Segui appeared in the American League Championship Series with Oakland in 1971 and pitched one perfect inning for Boston in the 1975 World Series. His major league career concluded with the Mariners in 1977, when he went 0-7 with a 5.69 ERA in 40 appearances, including seven starts.
After his MLB career ended, Segui continued pitching in the Mexican Professional League until 1984. He later served as a minor league pitching coach for the Everett Giants when the team was affiliated with the San Francisco Giants organization.
Mariners President of Business Operations Kevin Martinez indicated that Segui remained connected to the organization throughout his life, visiting Seattle to help celebrate milestones. Martinez noted that Segui’s last trip to Seattle was for Hispanic Heritage Day in 2012.
Martinez also referenced a poignant family connection to Seattle baseball history, recalling fond memories of Segui’s grandson Cory throwing the final pitch in Kingdome history. This created a fitting bookend to the venue after Diego’s historic first pitch in Mariners history at the same stadium.
Segui’s baseball legacy extends beyond his playing career through numerous honors and his family’s continued involvement in the sport. He was honored with induction into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 and later entered the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2006. In November 2024, he was presented with the Negro Leagues Beisbol Lifetime Achievement Award by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
His son, David Segui, followed in his father’s footsteps with a 15-year major league career from 1990 to 2004. David played for the Mariners during the 1998 and 1999 seasons, hitting 19 home runs in 1998.
The Mariners organization released a statement expressing its condolences to the Segui family. The team acknowledged Diego’s generous nature and his willingness to participate in franchise celebrations over the years. Multiple organizations, including the Boston Red Sox and Everett AquaSox, also issued statements mourning his passing.
Segui began his professional career by signing as an amateur free agent with Cincinnati before the 1958 season. Standing six feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, he became known as a reliable pitcher who adapted to various roles throughout his career, including both starting and relieving duties.
His unique place in Seattle baseball history as the only player to appear for both the Pilots and Mariners makes him a singular figure in the city’s MLB legacy. The Pilots existed for just one season in 1969 before relocating, while the Mariners began play in 1977 as an expansion franchise.
