Ryan Divish has dedicated the last 20 years as a beat writer for the Seattle Mariners, but he announced on Tuesday that he is stepping away from his role to coach an American Legion baseball team. His decision to take a “sabbatical/leave of absence” on X raised eyebrows among fans, especially since it coincided with April Fools’ Day, leading to questions about its authenticity.
“Is this April Fools?” one fan inquired. “It is not,” responded the veteran reporter.
It is not. https://t.co/LQ2T4qW0Mw
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) April 1, 2025
Divish has been covering the Mariners for The Seattle Times since 2014, following eight years with The News Tribune in Tacoma. He expressed in a heartfelt message, “For most of my ‘adult’ life, my career and work have been my priority. The responsibilities of covering my beat, specifically the Mariners, always came first. However, things have changed since the pandemic.”
For the next four months, he will be coaching the Havre Northstars American Legion team in Montana, a program with which he has deep connections. “I played for the program, coached for the program in college, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” he shared. “This opportunity excites me.” Divish is also looking forward to coaching his girlfriend’s son, Tyson, noting, “The chance to coach Tyson and his friends is something I needed and wanted to do.”
Far from breaking news, but a bit of personal news that the Times wanted me to share before Thursday. pic.twitter.com/RensWDL0h0
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) April 1, 2025
Divish mentioned that he plans to return in early August and will be handing off his Mariners duties to Adam Jude and Tim Booth, with Bob Condotta and Shane Lantz assisting during his absence. “I know it’s a major inconvenience for everyone involved,” Divish acknowledged, adding, “But I think they understand why I’m doing it.”
