Balderson began his career in baseball as a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1977. His keen eye for talent and understanding of the game quickly propelled him up the ranks. In 1980, he joined the Seattle Mariners as Director of Scouting and Player Development. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the development of young players and the scouting of potential talent. His efforts helped to shape the Mariners into a competitive team.
In 1986, Balderson was promoted to the position of General Manager of the Seattle Mariners, a role he held until 1988. As GM, he was responsible for all aspects of the team's operations, including player acquisitions, trades, and contract negotiations. His tenure was marked by several key decisions that had a lasting impact on the team. He was instrumental in the drafting and development of Ken Griffey Jr., a player who would go on to become one of the greatest in the history of the sport.
Balderson's tenure as GM of the Mariners was also marked by a number of significant trades. Perhaps the most notable of these was the trade of Mark Langston to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Randy Johnson, Brian Holman, and Gene Harris. This trade was initially met with criticism, but it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke, as Johnson went on to become one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of the sport.
After leaving the Mariners, Balderson joined the Chicago Cubs as Vice President of Player Personnel. In this role, he continued to demonstrate his ability to identify and develop talent. He played a key role in the Cubs' success during the early 1990s, helping to build a team that would go on to win the National League East in 1989.
Throughout his career, Balderson was known for his keen understanding of the game and his ability to identify and develop talent. His contributions to the Mariners and the Cubs have left a lasting legacy in the sport of baseball.
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