In a surprising announcement, Catie Griggs has stepped down from her position as the President of Business Operations for the Seattle Mariners. Her decision comes as she pursues an opportunity closer to her East Coast home and family. Griggs, who hails from North Carolina, joined the Mariners in July 2021, taking over from the controversial former team president Kevin Mather.

At the time of her appointment, Griggs made history as the sole woman in baseball to hold the esteemed title of "president." However, this distinction was later shared by Caroline O'Connor of the Miami Marlins when she assumed a similar position in 2023. Griggs represented a new direction for not only the Mariners but also the baseball industry as a whole.

Prior to her role with the Mariners, Griggs gained considerable experience in sports, specifically with FC Atlanta. Her focus on inclusivity and accessibility helped build a vibrant fan community around soccer. She brought this same vision to Seattle, revolutionizing the ballpark experience with the establishment of the Mariners' new and extended value menu, making it more affordable for families.

After Griggs officially departs at the end of this month, Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton will temporarily assume her responsibilities until a suitable successor is named. Griggs expressed her mixed emotions in a statement provided by the Mariners, emphasizing her difficult decision to prioritize her family and the need to be closer to her aging parents.

While the details of Griggs' forthcoming position remain undisclosed, it is understandable that her deep roots in the South have influenced her desire to return to familiar surroundings and be closer to her aging family. However, her resignation leaves a significant void within both the Mariners organization and the MLB as a whole, as the number of women in senior roles continues to be alarmingly low.

Catie Griggs brought positive change to the Mariners, distancing the organization from the toxicity of individuals like Kevin Mather, and promoting values of inclusivity and accessibility. It is now the Mariners' responsibility to find a suitable replacement who shares Griggs' vision and is committed to furthering the progress of women in baseball.

Griggs' departure highlights the urgent need for greater representation of women in leadership positions within MLB organizations and serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. The baseball community eagerly awaits the announcement of a new President of Business Operations who will continue to push for diversity and inclusivity in the sport.