Don Wakamatsu becomes the first Asian-American to manage in Major League Baseball. Could this be a new trend? In the NBA, Erik Spoelstra was named new Miami Heat head coach in April. Recently, Erik made his coaching debut. We hope both managers succeed. Here’s more about Don Wakamatsu:

Wakamatsu, 45, served as the bench coach for the Oakland A’s last year and is new general manager Jack Zduriencik’s choice over six other candidates: Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills and third-base coach DeMarlo Hale; Arizona Diamondbacks third-base coach Chip Hale; St. Louis Cardinals third-base coach Jose Oquendo; Chicago White Sox bench coach and former Mariners infielder Joey Cora, and Randy Ready, the manager of Portland, the San Diego Padres’ affiliate in Triple-A.

A former catcher, Wakamatsu’s professional playing career spanned 12 seasons (1985-96) with seven organizations. He played in 18 major league games with the Chicago White Sox in 1991 and batted .226. All nine of his starts came with knuckleballer Charlie Hough on the mound.

Wakamatsu spent three seasons in the Los Angeles Angels organization, serving as the Angels minor league coordinator and roving catching instructor in 2001 and 2002. He also has managerial experience on the minor league level, heading up Double-A Erie (2000), Double-A El Paso (1999), Single-A High Desert (1998) and Peoria of the Arizona League (1997). Wakamatsus managerial record stands at 215-248.

He served as the Rangers bench coach for four seasons (2003-06) before taking over the third base coaching duties last season. He also assisted with the organization of spring training and worked closely with the Rangers catchers. Wakamatsu interviewed for the Rangers’ managerial opening in 2006, losing out to former A’s third-base coach Ron Washington, and spent the 2007 season coaching third base in Texas.

Wakamatsu takes over the reins of a team that finished last in the AL West in 2008, compiling a 61-101 record. But he knows the Mariners’ personnel from his time in the division and says he believes the team has talent and potential.

A native of Hayward, Calif., Wakamatsu graduated from Hayward High School in 1981, where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. He lettered four seasons at Arizona State and earned All-Pacific 10 Conference honors in each of his final three seasons.

Don and his wife Laura make their off-season home in North Richland Hills, Tex. with their children, Jacob, Lucas and Jadyn.

Don Wakamatsu – Seattle Mariners new coach

Don Wakamatsu press conference