Wakamatsu, the 14th manager in Mariners history, is the first Asian-American manager in major league history.

"I'm honored to have a history and to carry that on in a sense," said Wakamatsu, a native of Hood River, Ore. "If I can set somewhat of a stepping stone for future Japanese-Americans and just the equality in baseball, I'm glad to bear that torch."

First and foremost, however, he will try to breathe some life into Seattle after the Mariners' worst season in memory, a season that saw Seattle finish with the worst record in the American League after being considered an AL West contender in spring training.

"I welcome the challenge here to bring a world championship to Seattle and to the fans of the Seattle Mariners, No. 1," Wakamatsu said. "It's our goal as an organization to come together and acquire some talent and put a product on the field that everybody will be proud of."

Zduriencik, who got to Wakamatsu after interviewing seven finalists from a list of 35 original candidates, accepted the job Tuesday. Zduriencik talked about Wakamatsu with Oakland general manager Billy Beane, Texas general manager Jon Daniels and former Los Angeles Angels general manager Bill Stoneman, all of whom have ties with Wakamatsu, as well as baseball insiders across the country.

All three, and many others, gave Wakamatsu a strong thumbs-up.