2/6/76- The partners enter into a formal agreement with the American League.

4/12/76- Lou Gorman becomes Director of Baseball Operations.

6/2/76- Richard Vertlieb becomes Executive Director.

8/24/76- "Mariners" is selected as a team nickname after studying over 15,000 entries in a local contest.

9/3/76- Darrell Johnson signs as manager.

9/26/76- Purchase pitcher Dave Johnson from Rochester, Orioles' affiliate.

9/30/76- Mariners first player is pitcher Dave Johnson, purchased from the Baltimore Orioles.

10/14/76- Purchased pitcher Jim Minshall from Pirates.

10/22/76- Purchased catcher Larry Cox from Tacoma - Twins' affiliate, infielder Kurk Bevacqua from Spokane - Brewers affiliate, and Jose Baez from Albuquerque - Dodgers' affiliate.

10/23/76- Purchased pitcher Diego Segui from Hawaii, Padres' affiliate.

10/23/76- Purchased pitcher Tommy Moore from Oklahoma City, Phillies' affiliate.

11/5/76- Seattle selects 30 players in the expansion draft.

11/17/76- Pitcher Gary Weelock, the second player selected in the expansion draft, is the first player to sign a contract.

12/6/76- Selected outfielder Charlie Beamon from Omaha, Royals' affiliate.

12/7/76- In first trade by the Mariners, shortstop Craig Reynolds and second basemen Jimmy Sexton from Pittsburg for pitcher Grant Jackson.

1/12/77- Traded pitcher Alan Griffin to Astros for catcher Skip Jutze.

3/1/77- 42 players report to Tempe, AZ for its first official workout at the spring training site.

3/10/77- Mariners lose their first-ever exhibition game to Oakland 16-10 at Tempe Stadium.

3/30/77- Traded Roy Thomas to Astros for infielder Larry Milbourne.

4/1/77- Purchased picher Mike Kekich from Nuevo Laredo, Mexican League and pitcher Enrique Romo from Mexico City Reds', Mexican League.

4/6/77- Mariners Major League debut at the Kingdome opens the Major League Baseball season and 57,762 see the Angels win 7-0.