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1969
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In 1969 Seattle finally became a Major League city. The Pilots brought hopes for the first time of a World Series instead of just a minor league championship. The new team would be owned by an unknown named Dewey Soriano. To help his image he hired former Cleveland Indians owner William Daley as Chairman of the Board. Back in 1964 Daley tried to move his Indians to Seattle without success. With the acceptance of Pacific Northwest Sports Inc. by the American League, there also came requirements to keep the team here. One, the King County bond issue had to be passed in the 1968 February election. Two, Old Sick's Stadium had to increase it's seating from 11,000 to 30,000 for the 1969 season. Three, the construction of a domed stadium had to begin by the end of 1970. Four, the league had to approve of the stockholders of the Pacific Northwest Sports Inc. Fifth, any other additions to conditions by the American League had to be accepted by the Pilots.
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To help in the passing of the doomed stadium called "forward thrust", Pacific Northwest Sports Inc. brought to town a group of celebrities. Included among them were umpire Emmett Ashford, League president Joe Cronin, football great Y.A.Tittle, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Jimmy Piersall, Ron Santo and Carl Yastrzemski. On February 13th King County residents went to the polls and passed the bond issue by 62.3%. Seattle was to become a Major League city.