Griggs eager to learn O's dynamic in new role

This story was excerpted from Jake Rill’s Orioles Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

BALTIMORE -- On July 8, the Orioles announced the hiring of Catie Griggs as their new president of business operations. On Aug. 19, she assumed that role, becoming the first woman to hold the position in franchise history.

Before any of that, Griggs -- the former president of business operations for the Mariners -- had conversations with Baltimore general manager Mike Elias, a prospective future coworker.

“I got the chance to talk to her extensively before we made the hire. I was extremely impressed by her,” Elias said. “I can’t wait to work with her. And I think it’s going to be a wonderful, fresh look and addition of somebody that’s been at the top of the field with best practices and a lot of skill and vision. ...

“I think it’s a very significant hire for us.”

Griggs is closing in on three weeks in her new job, and it’s clear she has already made a positive impression. Upon her hiring, the 42-year-old was touted as a tremendous asset in the world of sports business -- both for her time in Seattle (2021-24) and her stint as the chief business officer for Atlanta United of Major League Soccer (2017-21).

“Catie’s track record of success, diverse business experience and commitment to excellence made her the perfect fit to lead the next chapter of our business operation in Baltimore,” Orioles owner David Rubenstein said. “The entire Orioles organization welcomes Catie as we continue to elevate every aspect of our operation.”

That’s Griggs’ top priority -- to make the O’s, as well as Camden Yards, as successful as possible.

When Griggs met with the local media on Wednesday, she shared her vision for renovations to Baltimore’s ballpark. She expressed optimism about eventually bringing the All-Star Game back to the city (something she has experience dealing with, considering the Midsummer Classic was held in Seattle in 2023).

But most of all, Griggs made it known how excited she is to be in her new role with the O’s.

“This is a ballpark I came to growing up several times, just to watch games, because it was that ballpark. It was the bucket-list item,” Griggs said. “So it’s a privilege to be here. But it’s learning from all of the folks that are here. I think one of the things that’s wonderful about this organization is there are so many passionate fans inside and many, many, many more passionate fans outside of the organization who have not hesitated to share their thoughts, opinions and ideas.”

At the same time, Griggs isn’t coming in to immediately make sweeping changes. Before doing anything, she’s learning more about the team, the city and the cultures surrounding both.

“That is priority number one. I know what I don’t know,” Griggs said. “I have reasonable experience running a baseball team from the business side. But I’ve never run a baseball team from the business side here in Baltimore, right? I have friends from here, but I haven’t spent a lot of time in this city. I have met people on the staff, but I haven’t spent a lot of time with them yet, either.

“So for me, it really is making sure that I’m intentional about taking the time to get to know our staff, get to know this amazing ballpark, get to know our fans [and] get to know this city before jumping straight into an action item.”

Griggs is also eager to work with Elias and the baseball operations department in a “symbiotic” relationship, enhancing the atmosphere for the defending American League East champions, who are loaded with young, talented players.

“For me, it’s, 'How do I work alongside them to complement the work they’re doing? And [how do I] ensure that we can continue powering the machine to put the best team possible on the field?'” Griggs said.