Gillick steps down as Mariners GM
Pat Gillick announced Tuesday that he will not remain in his position as executive vice-president and general manager of the Seattle Mariners.
He held those positions for the last four years.
Gillick, 66, offered to remain GM until a successor is found, then become a consultant with the club.
"After much thought, I've decided to step away from my current role with the Mariners," Gillick said.
"We wanted Pat to stay on board as our general manager," Mariners chief executive officer Howard Lincoln said. "But we respect his decision to step back and serve as a consultant.
"We will begin a search immediately, which will include both internal and external candidates. We thank Pat for the exceptional job he has done the past four years and the professionalism he has brought to the Mariners.
Under Gillick, Seattle won more games (393) over four years than any other MLB club.
He helped lead the Mariners to two America League Championship Series appearances and was named Executive of the Year for a third time in 2001.
"I've had four chances at the brass ring here and think maybe it's time for someone else to take a shot at taking this team to a higher level," Gillick said. "I believe we have a core of players in place, especially pitchers, that will allow the Mariners to contend for the next several years at least.
"And I am looking forward to remaining involved with the Seattle organization."
The Mariners finished 93-69 this season but missed the playoffs for a second straight year as the Oakland Athletics won the AL West and the Boston Red Sox captured the wild card.
Gillick has 29 years of experience as an MLB executive.
Starting in 1963 with Houston, he also worked for the Yankees before moving to the Toronto Blue Jays in August 1976.
Gillick built the Blue Jays into five-time AL East pennant holder and two-time World Series champion.
He moved to Baltimore in 1996 and the Orioles reached the ALCS in his first two years as GM, winning the AL East in 1997.
with files from Sports Network