When Kevin Martinez joined the Seattle Mariners 25 years ago, the team played in the Kingdome where attendance, and wins, were lacking. Things are much different today.

Just two years out of college, Kevin was given anopportunity to move to Seattle and work on team promotions. He joined a small marketing team putting in long days and nights to get creative.

Thanks to the All-Star lineup lead by Ken Griffey Junior,baseball in Seattle was forever changed. Kevin has since risen through the ranks and now is the President of Business Operations.

This week on Pay Your Dues, Kevin shares stories of some ofthose All-Star players, and how juggling every opportunity he could find in college lead to his big break and his move to the West Coast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey

02:27 The Role of a Sports Executive

05:21 Career Beginnings and Education

08:20 Navigating Opportunities in Broadcasting

11:21 Early Days with the Mariners

14:24 The Impact of Key Players

17:24 Transitioning to a New Stadium

20:20 The Evolution of Fan Experience

27:32 Transitioning to Safeco Field

28:34 The Birth of Buhner Buzzcut

31:54 Memorable Mariners Commercials

35:19 Lou Piniella: A Complex Personality

39:02 Ichiro's Arrival and Impact

44:54 Celebrating Ichiro's Legacy

51:14 Creating Unique Fan Experiences