Mariners Exec VP/Business Operations BOB AYLWARD is retiring, effective Oct. 31. He led the Mariners' move from the Kingdome to Safeco Field in '99. Aylward began his baseball career with the Orioles in '76, and served as VP/Business Affairs during his last 10 years there. He also helped the club move from Memorial Stadium to Camden Yards in '92. Aylward served on various MLB committees, including the Ticketing Review Committee, Scheduling Committee and MLB Properties Board. Aylward will keep a role with the Mariners, serving as Special Consultant to Chair JOHN STANTON and President KEVIN MATHER through July '18. He also will continue as Root Sports Northwest BOD Chair (Mariners). In Tacoma, Todd Milles writes Aylward has "largely been responsible for building the franchise's corporate sponsorship and marketing strategies, as well as overseeing the Mariners' communications department" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 10/24).
JOB WELL DONE: MLB Commissioner ROB MANFRED in a statement said, "Bob used his knowledge and experience to benefit our game. It is an honor to congratulate Bob on a job well done." In Seattle, Patti Payne noted Aylward feels that his work with Safeco Field is "at the top of the list" of his favorite assignments with the team. Aylward: "So many people put in so much hard work. To have something so beautiful and positive out of all that work is something I will always remember" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/23). He added of his work on Camden Yards and Safeco Field, "We created two facilities where fans can really come and truly enjoy baseball at its finest." Aylward said of his career, "I have had a tremendous opportunity to combine a career with the game I love. There's been an incredible array of people I've come in contact with from fellow employees to the seven or eight owners, who are always interesting individuals in their own right." He said of his reason for leaving now, "It's time to get out of the daily grind. This is a wonderful job, but it is a consuming job. It's time to slow down and give myself a chance to enjoy what I've worked 42 years to put myself in position to enjoy" (MLB.com, 10/23).
