Ben VanHouten / Seattle Mariners
It was only a few weeks after Catie Griggs became the highest-ranking woman across MLB’s 30 clubs that Seattle Mariners controlling owner John Stanton called her into his office. The news was good: The Mariners had been awarded the All-Star Game.
“I was like, ‘That is great! In ’24?’ He said, ‘No, in ’23,’” Griggs recalled.
President of Business Operations, Seattle Mariners
Age: 40 (turned 40 earlier this year)
Born: White Plains, N.Y.
Education: Dartmouth College, B.A., government and international relations, and MBA
Family: Spouse, Justin; children, James (6) and Elliott (2)
I get fired up [by] … : The moment when the crowd goes nuts after a big play and you can just feel the energy of everyone around you.
Pandemic adjustment that will stick around: Protecting family dinner time as often as possible.
Advice to my 20-year-old self: I would tell my 20-year-old self to be patient, but my younger self would probably ignore me.
Profession I’d most like to attempt: I would be a backcountry guide.
Guilty pleasure: Reality television.
Cause supported: Foster youth.
Person in the industry I’d most like to meet: Jackie Robinson.
Decision I’d change in my career: I wouldn’t change any decisions I’ve made, even the ones I’ve seconded-guessed after the fact, because it led me to where I am today.
The sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Recruiting, developing and retaining diverse talent.
Most adventurous thing I’ve done is … : Spend 25 days backpacking and whitewater rafting in Idaho.
You’d be surprised to know that I … : Raised puppies as Guiding Eyes.
Even better. Griggs, who was hired as the club’s president of business operations in July 2021, said she was thrilled for the “incredible opportunity, not just for us as a club, not just for our ballpark, but for our region” — especially so early in her tenure in Seattle. After all, she helped successfully pull off the 2018 Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Atlanta while she was Atlanta United’s chief business officer.
In Seattle, Griggs oversees all elements of the Mariners’ business operation. She has already expanded the ticketing sales and corporate partnerships staffs, helped orchestrate a new long-term sponsorship with Coca-Cola, and created three new vice president positions, including posts overseeing products and technology; diversity, equity and inclusion; and fan experience. And she’s created a 12-person team designed to lead the club’s efforts as it gears up for the 2023 All-Star Game. Griggs, who in 2017 was named an SBJ Game Changer, said the team is composed of emerging leaders within the organization who were “intentionally selected because they represented a mindset of inclusivity.”
“I took this job because I believe in this team and I believe in the city,” Griggs said. “And I think we’re on the precipice of something really special. I thought that before [the Mariners were awarded] All-Star, and All-Star cemented it.” — Erik Bacharach
