Hargrove resigns from Mariners amid seven-game win streak

SEATTLE -- Mike Hargrove resigned as manager of the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, saying his "passion has begun to fade" for baseball even though his team is the hottest club in the majors.

Hargrove, who managed Sunday's game against Toronto, will be succeeded by John McLaren, his bench coach. McLaren's first game will be today against Kansas City.

"There are no dark, sinister reasons for this decision. This has been my decision," the 57-year-old Hargrove said about 90 minutes before his final game with Seattle.

Hargrove's voice often cracked. His eyes were moist and red, remnants of a meeting he called with stunned players moments earlier. He said he initially made his decision June 20, just after a six-game losing streak.

"We've won seven in a row and the feeling hasn't changed. I never thought it would end like this. And I am grateful that it has," he said, adding this is probably his last job.

-- AP