Kanzler's 'unique path' arrives in Seattle as Mariners' new manager

SEATTLE -- Until donning a Mariners No. 18 jersey for the first time on Wednesday, Jason Kanzler was largely an enigma to baseball fans in the Pacific Northwest.

Who was this 36-year-old who, outside the deeper corners of the industry, few knew about?

When did he first come on their radar?

Where, beyond the limited public background on him, did he come from?

How did he make such a strong impression over the past month during an extremely tight-lipped process?

More than anything, why -- in his words -- is he the right person for this job?

“I bring a unique path, a unique set of skills and experiences,” Kanzler said. “I am not the traditional path towards managing.