Seattle Mariners statement regarding the passing of Mr. Hiroshi Yamauchi

SEATTLE, Wash. - The Seattle Mariners today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Mr. Hiroshi Yamauchi:
 
The Seattle Mariners organization is deeply saddened by the passing today of Mr. Hiroshi Yamauchi. His leadership of Nintendo is legendary worldwide. His decision in 1992 to purchase the Mariners franchise and keep Major League Baseball in Seattle as a "gesture of goodwill to the citizens of the Pacific Northwest" is legendary in this region. Mr. Yamauchi will be remembered for his role in moving forward the opportunity for Japanese baseball players to play in the United States. He will forever be a significant figure in Mariners Baseball history.