1981 Seattle Mariners season

1981 Seattle Mariners
LeagueAmerican League
DivisionWest
BallparkKingdome
CitySeattle, Washington
OwnersGeorge Argyros
General managersDan O'Brien Sr.
ManagersMaury Wills - (6–18)
Rene Lachemann - (38–47)
TelevisionKING-TV
RadioKVI 570 AM
(Dave Niehaus, Ken Wilson,
Don Poier)
← 1980 Seasons 1982 →

The 1981 Seattle Mariners season was their fifth since the franchise creation, and were sixth in the American League West at 44–65 (.404). Due to the 1981 player's strike, the season was split in half, with pre-strike and post-strike results. The Mariners were sixth in the division in the first half at 21–36 (.368), and fifth in the second half at 23–29 (.442). The strike began on June 12 and regular season play resumed on August 10.[1]

Manager Maury Wills was fired on May 6 with a 6–18 (.250) record, the M's worst start yet;[2] he was succeeded by 36-year-old Rene Lachemann, the manager at Triple-A Spokane.[2][3][4]

  1. ^ "It's a mixed review for the second season". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 11, 1981. p. 1C.
  2. ^ a b "Wills replaced by the Mariners". Eugene Register-Guard. wire services. May 7, 1981. p. 2C.
  3. ^ Blanchette, John (May 7, 1981). "Wills fired; M's turn to 'Lach'". Spokesman-Review. p. 25.
  4. ^ Stewart, Chuck (May 7, 1981). "Oh, beautiful day!". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). p. 37.