Washington - The Seattle Mariners on Wednesday hired Don Wakamatsu as manager, becoming the first Major League Baseball team ever to give the job to an Asian American.

Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik announced in a press conference that Wakamatsu, 45, had been hired to reverse the fortunes of a team that posted one of baseball's worst records in 2008.

"We wanted someone who sees the big picture and cares about the players and wants to win. Don embodies all of those traits," Zduriencik said.

The Mariners finished 61-101 and placed last in the American League West in a season in which they were expected to challenge eventual division champion the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

"This is something I've looked forward to for a long time," Wakamatsu, a former catcher, said.

Wakamatsu was one of seven finalist for the job. None of the candidates had previous managing experience in the top league. Wakamatsu spent last season as a bench coach for the Oakland Athletics.