SEATTLE, July 1 (UPI) -- Mike Hargrove resigned Sunday as manager of the Seattle Mariners.
The unexpected decision was announced as Seattle prepared for its game against Toronto at Safeco Field, and came with the Mariners in the middle of a seven-game winning streak. They are second in the American League West behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with a record of 44-33.
"Over the past several weeks, I have come to the realization that to be fair to myself and the team, I can not continue to do this job if my passion has begun to fade," Hargrove said in a statement. "I want to stress how much I respect, and love, the players in the clubhouse, and the coaches and staff that we have in place here."
While managing the Mariners, Hargrove compiled a 191-210 record in three seasons.
Seattle promoted bench coach John McLaren and signed him to a contract for the rest of the season.
