SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners signed catcher Dan Wilson to a one-year contract Tuesday, bringing back a fan favorite who represents a link to the team’s historic 1995 breakthrough.
The 35-year-old Wilson hit .251 with two home runs and 33 RBIs in 103 games last season, his 11th with the Mariners. He is valued for his leadership and as a tutor to young catcher Miguel Olivo, obtained in a midseason trade.
“Bringing Dan back was important to us,” general manager Bill Bavasi said. “His veteran leadership and the way he handles the pitching staff are integral parts of our ballclub, and he did a great job working with Olivo last season.”
Wilson, an All-Star in 1996, started 91 games behind the plate, the 11th straight year he’s led the Mariners in starts by a catcher. He also led the club with five sacrifice flies and ranked second with eight sacrifice bunts.
“This is where my family and I have called home for the last 11 years and I am looking forward to helping return the club to the level of success we’ve become accustomed to on the field,” Wilson said.
Last season, Wilson got his 1,000th hit with Seattle, one of only six players in franchise history to reach that milestone with the Mariners.
Wilson is a career .263 hitter in 1,288 games with the Mariners and Cincinnati Reds (1992-1993). He’s also the Seattle leader with 1,226 games caught, more than 400 more than Dave Valle’s 798.
Wilson also was with the club in 1995, the first year the Mariners reached the postseason. That team’s stars included Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson and Edgar Martinez, who retired after last season.
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