Former Mariners assistant coach Lee Elia dead at 87

Lee Elia, who was an assistant coach for parts of the greatest era in Seattle Mariners history, died on Wednesday. He was 87 years old.

Elia spent eight seasons on the Mariners’ staff across three separate stints with the team. He served as the club’s hitting coach under Lou Piniella from 1993 to 1997, a span that included the first two playoff berths (1995 and 1997) in franchise history.

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Elia returned as Seattle’s bench coach under Piniella for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In 2001, the Mariners tied the MLB record with 116 wins and reached the ALCS for the the second time in team history (also 1995).

After joining Piniella with the Tampa Bay Rays following the 2002 season, Elia came back to Seattle as a special assistant for the 2008 campaign.

“Lee was special,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said in a statement from the team. “Baseball has lost a giant. A great baseball man and an even better human. He was like a father to me and taught me how to be a big leaguer. Known to most of us as Uncle Lee for his kind demeanor and the love he showed everyone. We will all miss him dearly.”

Wilson played six seasons with the Mariners while Elia was on the coaching staff.

We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Lee Elia, who played a key role in some of the greatest teams in franchise history as a hitting coach (1993-97), bench coach (2001-02) and special assistant to the field manager (2008).

Our thoughts are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/xX4Wuwimlp

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 10, 2025

A native of Philadelphia, Elia spent 47 years in professional baseball as a player, coach, scout and manager.

Elia spent most of his playing days in the minor leagues. He appeared in games in two MLB seasons, making his debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1966. He also played for the Chicago Cubs in 1968.

Elia’s coaching career began in the minor leagues in 1975. He became the bench coach of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. The Phillies won the World Series that season, and Elia remained in his same role the following year.

Elia took on his first managerial role afterwards, leading the Cubs for the 1982 and 1983 seasons. He managed the Phillies from 1987-88.

Elia also spent time on the staffs of the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles during his coaching career.

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