The Seattle Pilots history tells the story of a one-season Major League Baseball team that left a lasting mark on the sport. Although brief, Seattle Pilots baseball introduced top talent and sparked local passion for the game. This short yet significant chapter helped lay the groundwork for Seattle’s enduring connection to professional baseball.
Established
1969
City
Seattle – Milwaukee
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1998 – 1999 / National League
1969 – 1997 / American League
Team History
1970 – Present / Milwaukee Brewers
1969 / Seattle Pilots
Nickname
Pilots – For sports fans in Seattle, the origin of the city's Major League Baseball team name is a source of pride and nostalgia. The Seattle Pilots were founded in 1969 as an expansion franchise and played one season before moving to Milwaukee, where they became known as the Brewers. But how did the Pilots get their unique moniker?
The answer lies with two men: Don Paul, hired by former owner Dewey Soriano as public relations director for Seattle’s new MLB team, and Bill McCurdy, a local sportswriter at The Tacoma News Tribune. According to legend, these two created “Pilots” while brainstorming ideas over lunch at Anthony's Home Port restaurant on Pier 66 in downtown Seattle.
Seattle Pilots Origin
Paul had been inspired by his time growing up near Boeing Field (now King County International Airport) during World War II when he witnessed pilots taking off from there every day en route to fight overseas battles across Europe or Asia Pacific Theater fronts—a sight that made him think about aviation whenever he heard someone talking about baseball teams having nicknames like "Aces" or "Flyers."
Meanwhile, McCurdy suggested combining this idea with another popular term used around Puget Sound since its first settlers arrived: “pilot," which referred not only to airplane captains but also those brave seafarers guiding ships through treacherous waters into port cities such as San Francisco or Vancouver BC Canada back then (and still today). Thus both men agreed upon “Pilots” being fitting for their potential new baseball team name due to its maritime/aviation double meaning—plus, it sounded fantastic!
In conclusion, whether you are visiting Safeco Field, now the home of Mariners' games, or just watching them on TV wherever you live - take heart knowing your hometown squad got its nickname from some very creative minds in Washington State long ago – so go M's!
Championship
World Series 0
Stadium
2021 - Present / American Family Field
2001 – 2020 / Miller Park
1970 – 2000 / Milwaukee County Stadium
*Seattle*
1969 / Sick’s Stadium
Owner
2005 – Present / Mark Attanasio
1970 – 2005 / Bud Selig
1992 – 2005 / Wendy Selig-Prieb (acting owner)
1969 – 1970 / William Daley
- 1969
- 1970
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Seattle Pilots Team Formation
The frontman for the franchise ownership, Pacific Northwest Sports, Inc. (PNSI), was Dewey Soriano, a former Rainiers pitcher, and general manager, and former president of the PCL. In an ominous sign of things to come, Soriano had to ask William R. Daley, who had owned the Indians at the time they flirted with Seattle, to underwrite much of the purchase ... -
Need to Move to Milwaukee
By the end of the season, the Pilots were gasping. However, Daley refused to put up more financing. It was obvious that they would not survive long enough to move into their new park without new ownership. It was also obvious that such a move would have to happen quickly, as Sicks’ Stadium was inadequate even for temporary use. During ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Seattle Pilots History
The Seattle Pilots history is a short but unforgettable chapter in Major League Baseball. Known today as the Milwaukee Brewers, the team was based in Seattle, Washington, and played only one season in MLB from 1969 to 1970. Even with such a brief existence, Seattle Pilots baseball left behind memorable stories and a lasting influence on the Pacific Northwest sports scene.
In their only season, the Seattle Pilots baseball team finished fourth in the American League West Division with a 64–98 record. Despite their poor performance, the Seattle Pilots history gained attention through several remarkable events. For example, pitcher Jim Bouton delivered his famous knuckleball game against the Oakland Athletics, one of the most impressive pitching performances of the era. Bouton also set notable records for strikeouts and earned run average (ERA) during that season, earning his place in the team’s short but impactful story.
Another highlight of the Seattle Pilots history was outfielder Tommy Harper. He became a standout star and achieved several milestones during the season. While he did not win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season as sometimes misreported, Harper’s outstanding performance led the American League in stolen bases and established him as one of the bright spots of Seattle Pilots baseball.
Financial struggles, ownership disputes, and the inability to secure necessary stadium improvements ultimately led to the team’s relocation after just one season. This marked the end of the Seattle Pilots history in Washington but set the stage for the franchise’s rebirth as the Milwaukee Brewers. Many Seattle fans still remember this team fondly as a symbol of what could have been.
Pilots Achievements
Although the Seattle Pilots history was brief, the team achieved several noteworthy milestones. They became the first Major League Baseball team in Seattle, laying the groundwork for future franchises in the city. They also introduced fans in the Pacific Northwest to a new level of professional baseball, increasing regional interest and support for the sport.
Another achievement of Seattle Pilots baseball was its influence on MLB expansion and relocation policies. Lessons learned from the financial and logistical struggles of the Pilots helped shape how future franchises were planned and supported. Even though their time was short, the Seattle Pilots history continues to be celebrated by fans and historians as an essential part of baseball’s growth in the Pacific Northwest.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Bud Selig
4 / Paul Molitor
19 / Robin Yount
34 / Rollie Fingers
42 / Jackie Robinson
44 / Hank Aaron
*Blue is this team’s history