Haywood Sullivan was a prominent figure in the world of baseball, serving as a player, coach, and executive over the course of his career. He began his career as a catcher, playing for several minor league teams before making his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1955. Sullivan played for the Red Sox for several seasons before being traded to the Kansas City Athletics in 1961. He played for the Athletics for two seasons before being traded back to the Red Sox in 1963.

After retiring as a player, Sullivan became a coach for the Red Sox, serving in that role for several seasons before being named the team's general manager in 1978. He held that position for several years before leaving to become the owner and president of the Seattle Mariners in 1981. Sullivan remained with the Mariners until 1989, when he sold the team to a group of investors.

Throughout his career, Sullivan was known for his dedication to the game of baseball and his commitment to helping young players develop their skills. He was also known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to build successful teams. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks over the course of his career, Sullivan remained committed to the sport he loved and continued to make significant contributions to the game until his retirement.