In his first season as manager, Don Wakamatsu led the Mariners to a winning record

Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu smiles as he greets players leaving the field after the Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels...

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Seattle Mariners SEATTLE - APRIL 14: Manager Don Wakamatsu #22 of the Seattle Mariners stands in the dugout against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu talks to his players during baseball spring training Monday, Feb. 16, 2009 in Peoria, Ariz

Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., right, talks to the media while manager Don Wakamatsu looks on during a news conference at spring training baseball Saturday, Feb 21, 2009 in Peoria...

New Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu addresses a news conference announcing his hiring Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, in Seattle. Wakamatsu became the...

New Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu addresses a news conference announcing his hiring Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, in Seattle. Wakamatsu became the...

New Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, right, poses with a new jersey and with general manager Jack Zduriencik at a news conference...

New Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, right, looks over his new jersey with general manager Jack Zduriencik at a news conference announcing...

Don Wakamatsu spent last season as the A's bench coach

Oakland A's catcher Rob Bowen (right) and A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu fly fishing in the Shasta Mountains on the Pit River on an off day this season...