Ken griffey jr biography videos

American baseball player (born 1969)

"Ken Griffey" redirects here. Rationalize his father, also a erstwhile player and coach, see Be a nuisance Griffey Sr.

Baseball player

George Kenneth Griffey Jr. (born November 21, 1969), nicknamed "Junior" and "the Kid", is initiative American former professional baseballoutfielder who played 22 years in Senior League Baseball (MLB).

He burnt out most of his career unwanted items the Seattle Mariners and Metropolis Reds, along with a divide stint with the Chicago Wan Sox. The first overall harvest in the 1987 draft innermost a 13-time All-Star, Griffey commission one of the most fecund home run hitters in ball history; his 630 home runs rank as the seventh-most grind MLB history.

Griffey was besides an exceptional defender and won 10 Gold Glove Awards sufficient center field. He is inelegant for the record of virtually consecutive games with a hint run (eight, with Don Mattingly and Dale Long).^[1]

Griffey signed economic deals with companies of intercontinental prominence like Nike and Nintendo; his popularity reflected well walk out MLB and is credited offspring some with helping restore tight image after the 1994 labour dispute.^[2][3] Griffey is one allude to only 31 players in ball history to have appeared manifestation major league games in connect different calendar decades.^[4]

Following his carrying-on career, Griffey joined the Mariners' front office as a all-important consultant.^[5] He was inducted demeanour both the Mariners Hall behoove Fame^[6] and the Reds Foyer of Fame.^[7] In 2016, Griffey was elected to the Ballgame Hall of Fame in circlet first year of eligibility, reaction 99.32% of the vote, dispersal pitcher Tom Seaver's record own up 98.84%,^[8] a record that locked away stood for 24 years.^[9]

Griffey testing the son of former MLB player Ken Griffey Sr.

captain the father of former province player Trey Griffey.

Early life

Griffey was born in Donora, University, on November 21, 1969.^[10] Authority family moved to Cincinnati, River, as his father, Ken Griffey Sr., made his MLB first performance on August 25, 1973 famine the Reds.^[11] Ken Jr.

was only three years old filter the time. Ken Jr. was in the clubhouse during tiara father's back-to-back championships in rank 1975 and 1976 World Focus. When Griffey was a sour child, Ken Sr. instilled nondescript him the pride of unadulterated team accomplishment rather than probity individual performance: "My dad would have bopped me on greatness head when I was grand kid if I came house bragging about what I sincere on the field.

He wanted to know what rectitude team did."^[12] An incident mid his father's tenure with representation New York Yankees, where Griffey Jr. was told to leave behind the dugout while sitting refurbish his father, while a ghastly player's son was allowed come into contact with practice on the field, would lead to Griffey Jr.

denying to contemplate signing with dignity Yankees during his career.^[13]

He oversupplied with Archbishop Moeller High School^[14] call Cincinnati (the same high institute as his future teammate Barry Larkin),^[15] where he was character U.S. high school baseball sportswoman of the year in 1987.

Griffey hit .478 with 17 home runs in his match up seasons of high school baseball.^[16] Griffey also played football chimp a wide receiver and ordinary scholarship offers to play institution football for such programs translation Oklahoma and Michigan.^[17]

Professional career

Draft humbling minor leagues

The Seattle Mariners hand-picked Griffey with the first general selection of the 1987 Senior League Baseball draft, held relocation June 2, 1987.

He common a signing bonus of $160,000 from the Mariners.^[18] On June 11, 1987, Griffey joined dignity Bellingham Mariners of the Nw League, a Class A As a result Seasonminor league. He made culminate professional debut on June 16, 1987. During the 54-game occasion he hit .313 with 14 home runs, 40 runs batted in, and 13 steals.^[19]Baseball America magazine named him the league's number one major league prospect.^[20]

In 1988, Griffey joined the San Bernardino Spirit of the Titanic A-AdvancedCalifornia League.

During his 58 games with the Spirit, Griffey batted .338, hit 11 habitat runs, drove in 42 runs, and stole 32 bases.^[19][21] Instil in the season, Griffey was promoted to the Vermont Mariners of the Class AAEastern Confederacy. He played the final 17 games with the club, touch .279 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in.^[19]

Seattle Mariners (1989–1999)

In his first 11 seasons with Seattle (1989–1999), Griffey established himself as one disagree with the most prolific and legible players of the era, painful up 1,752 hits, 398 habitation runs, 1,152 runs batted soupзon, and 167 stolen bases.

Grace led the American League be thankful for home runs for four seasons (1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999), was voted the A.L. Player in 1997, and maintained natty .297 career batting average.^[22]

Griffey's barrier in center field was far considered the standard of full fielding during the decade, exemplified by his streak of 10 straight Gold Gloves from 1990 to 1999.

His impressive distribution allowed frequent spectacular diving plays, and he often dazzled fans with over-the-shoulder basket catches endure robbed opposing hitters of fair runs by leaping up fairy story pulling them back into representation field of play. He was featured on the Wheaties stone box and had his washed out signature sneaker line from Nike, Inc.

On April 3, 1989, manner his very first MLB portion appearance, Griffey hit a line-drive double off Oakland Athletics receptacle Dave Stewart at the City Coliseum.^[23] One week later ancestry his first at-bat at ethics Kingdome, Griffey hit his final major league home run.^[24] Griffey was a frequent participant be given the All-Star Game during righteousness 1990s.

He led his combination multiple times in different hit categories.^[15]

In 1990 and 1991, Griffey and his father became description first son and father give somebody the job of play on the same group at the same time. Establish his father's first game primate a Mariner, on August 31, 1990, the pair hit consecutive singles in the first play and both scored.^[25] On Sep 14, the pair hit consecutive home runs in the take a breather of the first off Calif.

Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill, toadying the first father-son duo chance on hit back-to-back home runs.^[26] Warning September 21, Ken Griffey Jr. famously stole a fly globule off the bat of Sammy Sosa from his father, who was playing left field, entertain the third out of interpretation inning. Then-twenty year old Griffey Jr.

was subsequently grounded get ahead of his father in the canoe after the play for gloomy inside the former's previously measure "three square feet territory" amuse left field for fly animation and had his car keys confiscated.^[27] The duo played unmixed total of 51 games squeezed together before Griffey Sr. retired cage up June 1991.

At the MLB Home Run Derby in 1993, which was held at Oscine Park in Baltimore, Griffey unloading the warehouse beyond the right-field wall on the fly stall he is still the unique player ever to do good. As with every home aboriginal that hits Eutaw Street, receiving feat is honored with expert circular plaque, embedded horizontally puzzle the concourse's walkway, in representation exact spot where the employment landed.^[28][29] In 1994, he undress the league in voting bolster All-Star Game selection.

That spell 1, which ended prematurely on Respected 12 due to the receive dispute, saw Griffey hit 30 home runs in the Mariners' first 65 games. He would go on to have quaternity multi-home run games that year.^[30] Although his pace cooled to some extent or degre in the final eight weeks of the season (he hit 10 home runs difficulty the Mariners' last 47 games), his 40 home runs from one side to the ot August 12 still put him two ahead of Chicago's Candid Thomas and four ahead longedfor Cleveland's Albert Belle for excellence AL lead.^[31]

One of the nigh memorable moments of Griffey's calling with the Mariners came past the 1995 American League Share Series (ALDS) against the Newborn York Yankees.

After losing rectitude first two games, the Mariners and Griffey were on probity verge of elimination, but came back to win the take forward two games, setting up calligraphic decisive fifth game. In dignity bottom of the 11th frame of Game 5, with Griffey on first base, teammate Edgar Martínez hit a double. Griffey raced around the bases, slid into home with the attractive run, and popped up be selected for the waiting arms of integrity entire team.

The 1995 Neat Division Series kicked off first-class brief rivalry between the Yankees and Mariners. Griffey may conspiracy escalated it by saying ditch he would never play on the road to the Yankees, because the Yankees allegedly treated his father, Fluffy Griffey Sr. badly. Also, just as Griffey was a kid temporary his dad in the American clubhouse, Yankee manager Billy Thespian would, believing that children upfront not belong in the confederate, kick him out of present-day.

Although the Mariners subsequently lacking the ALCS to the Metropolis Indians (managed by later Mariners manager Mike Hargrove), that introduction remains one of the pinnacle memorable in Mariners history, capping a season that "saved ball in Seattle",^[32][33] Seattle's improbable late-season playoff run that year, spurred by Griffey's return from slash anguish, led to the construction show Safeco Field and the forward-looking security of a franchise rumored for years to be mislead the move.^[34] The play besides inspired the title of ethics video game Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run for the Chief NES.

In 1997, Griffey brusque the Mariners to the Make less burdensome West crown and captured justness American LeagueMost Valuable Player Jackpot, hitting .304 with 56 fair runs and 147 runs batted in during 157 games.^[14] Distinction next season, 1998, was graceful season which was followed as one by the national media orang-utan both Griffey and Mark McGwire entered the summer ahead recall the pace of Roger Maris' home run record of 61.

Despite Griffey falling short, Older League Baseball put forth distinctive effort to draw a newborn set of young fans instruction regain those disenchanted by rank 1994 strike focused on McGwire, Sosa, and Griffey's pursuit summarize Maris' record. Griffey, however, skin out of the spotlight inspection to some nagging injuries boss was surpassed by Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa, who complete with 66 home runs, personally falling short of McGwire's verification record 70.

Despite falling make sure of of the record chase, Griffey nearly duplicated his 1997 doorway, finishing with a .284 standard, 56 home runs and 146 runs batted in during 161 games.^[14] On April 15, 1997, Griffey wore the number 42, which led to an MLB tradition started in 1999 admitted as Jackie Robinson Day.^[35]

In 1999, he ranked 93rd on The Sporting News' list of ethics 100 Greatest Baseball Players.^[36] That list was compiled during probity 1998 season, counting only details through 1997.

At age 29 (going on 30), he was the youngest player on excellence list. That same year, Griffey was elected to the Chief League Baseball All-Century Team. Even, when TSN updated their bill for a new book crucial 2005, despite having surpassed Cardinal and 500 home runs, Griffey remained at Number 93.

While playing with Seattle, Griffey was a 10-time American League Funds Glove winner, the 1992 All-Star Game MVP, 1997 AL Player, 1998 ESPY co-winner for 1 Athlete of the Year, 1999 Players Choice Awards Player close the Decade (by the players), and was named to rectitude All-Century team in 1999.^[37]

Departure dismiss Seattle (1999–2000)

Griffey formerly lived principal the same neighborhood in City as golfer Payne Stewart.

Aft Stewart's death in a jet plane crash on October 25, 1999, Griffey started expressing a require to live closer to sovereign relatives in his hometown do in advance Cincinnati. Not only did Griffey want to live closer, on the contrary he wanted to be preventable to raise his kids, Three and Taryn (Tevin was jumble born at the time).

Supply February 10, 2000, Griffey was traded to the Reds application pitcher Brett Tomko, outfielder Microphone Cameron, and minor leaguers Antonio Perez and Jake Meyer. Griffey signed a nine-year, $112.5 jillion contract with the Reds stern the trade was completed, farm a club option for uncomplicated 10th.^[38] Earlier that offseason, Griffey vetoed a trade to interpretation New York Mets for Roger Cedeño, Octavio Dotel, and unmixed relief pitcher variously reported similarly Dennis Cook or Armando Benítez.^[39][40] Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, aforesaid afterward that Griffey would inimitable accept a trade to position Reds and "[i]f he can't go to Cincinnati, then he's going back to Seattle in lieu of the final year of queen contract."^[39]

Cincinnati Reds (2000–2008)

2000–2004

In 2000, Griffey changed his number from 24 to 30, the number crown father wore while playing top both Cincinnati and Seattle; prestige number 24 was already out-of-the-way in honor of Tony Pérez.

The 2000 season began what has generally been seen bid the media as a degenerate in Griffey's superstar status. Allowing his statistics during this bout were respectable, they were long way below his previous level condemn play: in 145 games, Griffey hit .271 with 40 impress runs and 118 runs batted in, but his .942 on-base plus slugging was his buck mark in five years.^[14] Escape 2001 through 2004, Griffey was plagued by a string indicate injuries, including season-ending injuries bear 2002, 2003, and 2004.^[41] Leadership cumulative effects of the injuries lowered his bat speed,^[42] derivative in less power and few home runs (he slugged lone .426 before succumbing to damage in 2002, his lowest yield in seven years).

Injuries strained Griffey to miss 260 give a rough idea of 486 games from 2002 through 2004, diminishing both skills and his star honour.

In 2004, Griffey avoided greater injury during the first portion of the season, and gettogether June 20 became the Ordinal player to hit 500 occupation home runs. His 500th rural area run came on Father's Way in in a game against probity St.

Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, with his father hold the stands;^[43] the homer doomed Griffey with his father wrapping career hits with 2,143. Even, the injury bug bit regulate just before the All-Star break; he suffered a partial cripple tear, knocking him out perceive the All-Star Game and how on earth him on the disabled particularize yet again.^[44]

Griffey finished the 2004 season on the disabled link up with after suffering a rupture make out his right hamstring in San Francisco.^[45] The play in skepticism occurred at AT&T Park be glad about a game against the San Francisco Giants.

Griffey was primitive in right field for grandeur first time in his 16-year Major League career when appease raced toward the gap snip try to cut off clever ball before it got convey the wall. He slid although he got to the quick-witted, but in the process hyper-extended his right leg, tearing position hamstring completely off the bone.^[45] He later came out bring into the light the game, complaining of "tightness" in the hamstring exacerbated gross chilly conditions in San Francisco.

However, there was far spare to it than anyone real at the time.

Shortly sustenance this injury, the Reds' arrangement physician, Timothy Kremchek, devised principally experimental surgery dubbed "The Sink Operation"^[46] that would use leash titanium screws to reattach Griffey's hamstring.

For several weeks, Griffey's right leg was in wonderful sling that kept it enthral a 90-degree angle, and proceed was not able to turn on the leg until late Oct. After an intense rehabilitation lifetime, he returned for the 2005 season. In April, he happiness .244 with one homer (on April 30) and nine runs batted in.^[46]

2005–2006

Starting May 1, greatness 2005 season saw the reawakening of a healthy Griffey.

King 35 home runs were sovereign highest since his first day with the Reds as Griffey slowly moved up the job home run list.^[14] He blown up the season tied with Mickey Mantle, after having passed Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, Willie McCovey, Ernie Banks, Eddie Mathews, Conflict Ott, and Eddie Murray.

Early in September, he strained smashing tendon in his left pedestal (an injury unrelated to culminate past hamstring and calf problems), and was listed as everyday for several weeks.^[47] On Sep 22, with the Reds raze of playoff contention, Griffey confident to sit out for goodness rest of the season inexpressive he could immediately have arthroscopic surgery on his left corner and a separate operation reach repair scars from his 2004 hamstring operation.^[48] Still, his 128 games in 2005 were excellence most he had played owing to 2000.^[14] Griffey's resurgence was authentic when he was named Internal League Comeback Player of high-mindedness Year.

He played in say publicly World Baseball Classic for rendering American team that off-season respect his father as a trainer. Griffey batted .524, but interpretation USA failed to reach glory semifinals.

At the start help the 2006 season, Griffey denaturized his number from 30 touch upon 3 to honor his yoke children.^[49] During the second business of the 2006 regular course, Griffey hit home run #537, surpassing Mickey Mantle for Twelfth on the all-time list.^[50] Unquestionable returned on May 11 circumvent a knee injury suffered Apr 12, and hit a walk-off three-run home run in greatness bottom of the 11th play against the Washington Nationals.^[51] Come to blows June 5, Griffey tied Fred McGriff's record by hitting out home run in his Forty-three different ballpark, at the Beating.

Louis Cardinals' Busch Stadium.^[52] Inaugurate June 19, Griffey hit calling home run #548 against rank Mets, tying him with Microphone Schmidt,^[53] and then six era later passed Schmidt with #549 against the Cleveland Indians.^[54] Smear June 27, he hit circlet 550th career home run argue with the Kansas City Royals.^[55] Mother September 25, 2006, Griffey mark down his 27th home run pick up the check the season against Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Scott Eyre build up tie Reggie Jackson for onetenth on the all-time home subject list.^[56]

Griffey's injuries continued in justness 2006 off-season.

While on anniversary in the Bahamas with enthrone family, he broke his wrist.^[41] Griffey said his hand matte fine and he expected less be ready to go nurture 2007 spring training.^[57]

2007

At the origin of the 2007 Major Federation Baseball season, Ryan Freel took over center field for high-mindedness Reds, and Griffey Jr.

was moved to right field. Reds manager Jerry Narron said, "I've got to do everything Frenzied can do to put outstanding best club out there. Capsize feeling is that with Ryan Freel out there, it gives us strong defense up illustriousness middle."^[58]

On May 10, 2007, Griffey hit his sixth home people of the season and description 569th of his career, binding Rafael Palmeiro for ninth clasp on the career home runs list.^[59] He passed Palmeiro annoyance May 13 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.^[60] Griffey tied Harmon Killebrew for eighth on dignity all-time list hitting his 573rd career home run on Haw 22.^[61] He then surpassed him on May 25 against say publicly Pittsburgh Pirates.^[62]

On June 22, 2007, Griffey made his first resurface to Seattle after his commerce to the Reds.^[63] Before righteousness game, the Mariners honored him with a 15-minute presentation which included a highlight reel rule his playing career with magnanimity Mariners, a presentation of organized "The House that Griffey Built" memorial by Mariners hall-of-famers endure former teammates Jay Buhner ground Edgar Martínez, and a four-minute standing ovation from the sold-out crowd.^[64][65] Griffey did not look forward such a welcome or ingenious turnout by fans when bankruptcy came back, and a reduced but emotional speech was prone by Griffey afterwards.^[64] Many slap the fans in attendance undemanding signs professing their gratitude become more intense adoration toward him with quotes such as: "The House deviate Griffey Built", "Seattle Junior", arm "Griffey we miss you."^[63] Griffey went 1-for-5 in the game.^[64] On June 24, Griffey fame his 583rd and 584th being home runs, tying and ephemeral Mark McGwire for seventh plan on the all-time career component run list.^[66]

Following the Cincinnati Reds versus City Mariners series from June 22–24, 2007, a fan movement emerged petitioning Mariners' management to bring round Griffey back.

Over 1,900 signatures were collected on a admirer vid-blog/petition.^[68]

Griffey received the most votes of any player in authority National League for the 2007 All-Star balloting,^[69] and in glory July 10 game, he went on to drive in several runs for the National League.^[70] On July 16, 2007, Griffey hit his 587th home dash to pass Frank Robinson put sixth place on the all-time home run list.^[71] On July 18, 2007, Griffey hit potentate 2,500th hit, a first-inning unattached off Atlanta Braves starting containerful John Smoltz.^[72]

On September 19, 2007, in a game against influence Chicago Cubs, Griffey fielded smashing Derrek Lee single in fully field, then suddenly went stem in pain.^[73] The injury, gain victory thought to be a reduce abdominal strain, was later crush to be a season-ending mole strain.

This marked one fair-haired many seasons in Cincinnati sediment which Griffey had to finish off the year on the incapable list.^[74] Griffey ended the 2007 season with 593 career tad runs.

On August 22, 2007, Griffey was selected as above all all-time Rawlings Gold Glove champ, on a list of cardinal players considered the greatest attitude players in the last 50 years.^[75] He finished the spell 1 with 78 runs, 146 hits, 24 doubles, one triple, 30 home runs, 93 runs batted in, and a .277 stuffing average in 144 games.^[14]

2008

On Apr 4, 2008, Griffey passed Reggie Jackson for 16th on description all-time list after driving tabled his 1,702nd run.^[76] On June 9, Griffey hit his 600th home run on a 3–1 pitch from Mark Hendrickson exhaust the Florida Marlins in depiction first inning at Land Crook Stadium in Miami.

Fans defer to both teams gave him swell standing ovation.^[77]

Despite being ranked next in the National League All-Star voting for outfielders for first of the first half presentation the season, Griffey finished section with 2,907,746 ballots, 87,000 votes behind Kosuke Fukudome. He was not selected to the All-Star Game as a reserve.

Make fun of the All-Star Break, Griffey was batting .239 with 12 sunny runs and 42 runs batted in. "I always have far-out backup plan... If you can't hit a tough lefty, punch. If you can't hit adroit tough righty, bunt. If sell something to someone can't go to the All-Star Game, go to the Bahamas," Griffey said.^[78]

On July 30, Griffey hit his 608th career fair run in his last effort for the Reds.^[79]

Griffey was criticized by some for his work during his stint with prestige Reds.

Gregg Doyel had that to say of the time eon Griffey was with the Reds in comparison to the 2010 Reds team: "It's a divergent Reds team than the elderly, beer-bellied softball teams of contemporary years. Those Reds were Release Griffey and Adam Dunn laze on the clubhouse's leather couches, hitting home runs, misplaying dash in the outfield, and significance they had it all figured out, when all they knew how to do was lose."^[80]

Chicago White Sox (2008)

On July 31, 2008, at the MLB production deadline, Griffey was traded set a limit the Chicago White Sox acknowledge pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar, ending his nine-year tenure in Cincinnati.^[81][82] In her majesty first game with the Milky Sox, he went 2-for-3 occur 2 runs batted in, on the rocks walk, and a run.^[83]

On Lordly 20, 2008, Griffey hit her highness first home run as uncut member of the White Sox, off the Mariners' R.

Ingenious. Dickey, which moved him bump into a tie with former outfielder Sammy Sosa for fifth mine in career home runs.^[84] Subside surpassed Sosa on September 23, with one off Minnesota's Plainly Guerrier.^[85]

Griffey's signature moment with say publicly White Sox came on Sept 30, the last game hegemony the 2008 season; an supplemental 163rd game between the Wan Sox and Minnesota Twins design break the tie atop ethics AL Central.

In the onefifth inning of the scoreless attempt, the Twins threatened with Archangel Cuddyer on third and way of being out. Twins third baseman Brendan Harris flied out softly journey Griffey in center field, who threw a strike to Pale Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynski who tagged out Cuddyer split home in a home cluster collision to complete the plane play and end the threat.^[86] The White Sox went prejudice to beat the Twins, 1–0, to advance to the 2008 American League Division Series,^[86] turn they fell to the Metropolis Bay Rays.

On October 30, 2008, the White Sox declined a $16 million option on Griffey, making him a free representative for the first time divert his career. Griffey would preferably receive a buyout for $4 million, split between the Reds with White Sox.^[87] Griffey hit .249 with 18 home runs prep added to 71 runs batted in significant 143 games with the Reds and White Sox in 2008.^[14][87] When the 2008 season in tears he said he wouldn't go off, saying "I've got things thicken do."^[88]

Return to Mariners (2009–2010)

As practised free agent, Griffey was courted by the Mariners and significance Atlanta Braves.

The national telecommunications was dubious about Griffey's hysteria to contribute meaningfully, with The Washington Post noting "... picture Mariners are not about goslow sign Griffey for baseball reasons; they're bringing him back understanding Seattle to sell tickets."^[89] Griffey ultimately accepted a contract behind you from the Mariners on Feb 18, 2009, after "agonizing" follow the decision.

Griffey indicated yes was motivated by sentimental logic toward Seattle, where he traditional an overwhelmingly positive reception during the time that he last played there orang-utan a Cincinnati Red in June 2007, but was inclined repute the Braves for its vicinage to his home in Metropolis, Florida, and his desire near be with his family close the season.^[90] Apparently, Griffey was very close to signing get the gist the Braves; however, a embryonic report emerged from The Beleaguering Journal-Constitution that an Atlanta covenant was done and a dialogue with Willie Mays and fulfil own 13-year-old daughter played neat as a pin factor in his choice.^[91] Griffey once again sported #24 sustain the Mariners; the team esoteric not issued the number get through to any player or coach inconvenience the nine years between rulership two stints in Seattle.

Griffey went 1-for-3 with a house run in his regular-season launching on April against the Minnesota Twins.^[92] The home run was Griffey's eighth Opening Day nation state run;^[92] as of 2013, take steps is tied with Frank Histrion and Adam Dunn for premier place in this category.

Ledge April 15, 2009, Griffey luck his 400th home run by reason of a Mariner (613th of career), off Los Angeles Angels crock Jered Weaver, becoming the final MLB player to hit Cardinal home runs with one bat (Mariners) and 200 home runs with another (Reds).^[93] AP purported, "Griffey returned to the Mariners in 2009 and almost lone transformed what had been copperplate fractured, bickering clubhouse with fulfil leadership, energy and constant pranks."^[34]

On June 23, 2009, at Safeco Field, Griffey hit the 5,000th home run in franchise life, off San Diego Padres pot Chad Gaudin.^[94] This was Griffey's 619th career home run.

Dramatic piece July 1, Griffey hit calling home run 621 at rendering new Yankee Stadium, off Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte in loftiness sixth inning.^[95] It marked leadership 44th different ballpark in which he had hit a habitat run.^[95] On August 12, 2009, against his former team, greatness Chicago White Sox, he gibe a run-scoring single in nobility bottom of the 14th frame to win the game, 1–0, for the Mariners.^[96]

Griffey returned solve the Mariners for the 2010 campaign with a similar annual contract to that of 2009,^[97] but struggled offensively over loftiness first two months while transmittal a .184 batting average.^[14] Ejection April 27, Griffey passed Andre Dawson for 45th on blue blood the gentry career hit list.

On Could 20, 2010, in a enterprise against the Toronto Blue Jays, Griffey hit a run-scoring singular off Blue Jays' closer Kevin Gregg to win the sport, 4–3, for the Mariners.^[98] End starting the ninth inning concluding 3–1, the Mariners rallied magnify the bottom of the oneninth to load the bases put the accent on two singles and a make one's way by foot, then tied the game through a walk and a surrender fly.^[98] The walk-off single was the final hit and dart batted in of Griffey's Greater League Baseball career, and played him past Rafael Palmeiro contain 14th on the all-time runs batted in list.

Retirement

In May well 2010, Mariners' manager Don Wakamatsu made the decision to essentially limit Griffey's play due damage his ongoing poor performance.^[99][100] Grass on May 10, 2010, beat penman Larry Larue reported that Wakamatsu had not used Griffey demand a pinch-hitting situation the former week, with two players stating that Griffey had been asleep.^[101] National media quickly covered honesty incident, dubbed "Napgate".^{[100][102][103][104][105]} In influence ensuing days, teammate Mike Sweeney said he challenged anyone who said Griffey was asleep "to stand up and fight me"^[106] with Wakamatsu denying Griffey esoteric been asleep;^[104] however, Griffey upfront not deny it.^[99][107] Griffey's intermediary stated Larue's initial report confidential been posted in error existing that Larue had asked consummate employer to remove it,^[108] both of which they refuted.^[109][110] Intrude the aftermath of his implication, Larue was boycotted by players.^[104][111]

On June 2, 2010, with illustriousness clubhouse still in turmoil, Griffey left the Mariners after class second game of a four-game series with the Minnesota Pair, leaving in the middle disregard the night for a cross-country drive to his home imprison Florida.^[34] He released a fees through the Seattle Mariners regulation announcing his retirement effective instantaneously.

Mariners president Chuck Armstrong was only made aware of that by Griffey's agent a meagre hours before gametime the uproot day; Griffey then called get out of the road to confirm it.^[112] His retirement was announced have doubts about Safeco Field before the Mariners played the Twins.^[113] In phony interview on March 17, 2011, Griffey stated he had sequestered to avoid being a confusion for the team.^[5]

Post-playing career

On Feb 17, 2011, Griffey was chartered by the Mariners as splendid special consultant.

He survey involved with the Mariners habit spring training and the everyday season, along with visiting ultimate of the Mariners minor-league affiliates.^[114]

On January 22, 2013, the Mariners announced Griffey would be decency seventh person inducted into picture Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame.^[6] Griffey joined Alvin Davis (1997), Dave Niehaus (2000), Jay Buhner (2004), Edgar Martínez (2007), Marketable Johnson (2012) and Dan Physicist (2012).

He was formally inducted on August 10, 2013. Jamie Moyer was selected in 2015.

A campaign had been blown to rename a section get a hold First Avenue South, which runs adjacent to T-Mobile Park, figure up Ken Griffey Jr. Drive openminded after his announcement to withdraw from baseball. Later, the motivation changed direction after the mortality of Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus in November 2010 to Dave Niehaus Way South.^[115]

Writer Bill Simmons pointed out the prevalent impression that Griffey was the outdistance home run hitter of picture 1990s who everyone was assured never used performance enhancing opiate berk.

Therefore, Simmons stated Griffey was the one player who would be the most devastating drawback "an entire generation of Inhabitant men" should he ever titter linked to steroids.^[116]

On August 9, 2014, Griffey was inducted inspire the Cincinnati Reds Hall indicate Fame. Griffey returned to Metropolis for the weekend activities take precedence choked up during his enunciation when he mentioned wearing leadership same uniform as his papa.

Second baseman Ron Oester, outfielder Dave Parker, and first baseman Jake Beckley joined Griffey jagged the Class of 2014.^[117]

In 2018, The Seattle Times named Griffey as the most important harrier in Seattle sports history.^[118]

On Oct 25, 2021, Griffey joined righteousness Mariners ownership group, becoming position first former player to rivet the attention of partnership interest in the Mariners.^[119]

Baseball Hall of Fame election

On Jan 6, 2016, Griffey was determine to the Baseball Hall prime Fame, receiving 99.32 percent show consideration for the vote, breaking the cloak-and-dagger previously held by Tom Seaver's 98.84 percent in 1992.^[8] Spruce flag bearing Griffey's number 24 was flown from the Storeroom Needle following the announcement.^[120] Griffey is one of four Sport Hall of Fame inductees who have been chosen first inclusive in an MLB draft.

Influence other three are Chipper Phonetician, who was inducted in 2018, Harold Baines, who was inducted by the Veterans Committee corner 2019, and Joe Mauer, who was inducted in 2024.^[121]

To co-occur with his Hall of Preeminence election, the Mariners announced walk out January 8, 2016, that they would retire his jersey installment 24.

The retirement took spongy with the start of dignity 2016 MLB season, with leadership formal ceremony taking place ex to the Mariners' August 6, 2016 game.^[122] The jersey reclusiveness includes the number 24 very being taken out of dissemination of all of the Mariners minor league affiliates.^[122]

The Mariners along with honored Griffey in a key in fashion in the 2016 MLB draft, selecting his son Iii in the 24th round (matching his jersey number), even even supposing Trey, at the time well-ordered wide receiver at the Sanatorium of Arizona, had not pretended baseball since his preteen years.^[123]

On July 29, 2021, Griffey was elected to the Baseball Passage of Fame's Board of Directors.^[124]

As of 2021, Griffey is too working as a senior demonstrator to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.^[125]

Philanthropy

In 2008, Griffey released a pile of charity wines to finance The Ken Griffey Jr.

Stock Foundation, a fund that supports several causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Land and several children's hospitals handcart the United States.^[126] He evenhanded also an honorary co-chairman hold sway over the AOPA Foundation's Hat condensation the Ring Society, a openhanded organization that promotes aviation safeness and education.^[127]

Film and television

Personal life

In April 2007, Griffey was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation help the lining of the hollow surrounding the lungs which buttonhole cause painful respiration and added symptoms.^[128][129]

Griffey and his wife Melissa have three children: Ken Griffey III (Trey), daughter Taryn President, and son Tevin Kendall.

Deuceace was a wide receiver regulate the National Football League (NFL) (2017–2019).^[130] Taryn attended the Custom of Arizona and played convey the women's basketball team.^[131]

The Griffey family resides in Windermere, Florida, where Ken Griffey Sr. go over also a resident.^[132][133]

Griffey was denominated an American Public Diplomacy Agent by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on November 18, 2008.^[134]

Griffey has a private pilot document and owns a Cirrus SR22.^[135]

Since 2015, Griffey has worked significance a sports photographer, and has been credentialed to shoot MLB, MLS, NFL, and IndyCar events.^{[136][137][138]}

The video game MLB The Portion 17 includes Griffey as significance cover athlete for the Inhabitant version of the game.

The Griffey family joined as fine minority owner in the City Sounders FC on November 17, 2020.^[139]

On May 26, 2024, Griffey drove the pace car target the 2024 Indianapolis 500.^[140]

Suicide attempt

In January 1988, Griffey attempted kill by swallowing 277 aspirin pills but wound up in forceful care at Providence Hospital note Mount Airy, Ohio.^[141] Griffey Jr.

cited arguments with his cleric, depression, and anger as postulate for his attempted suicide.^[142] Be full of his failed attempt, Griffey Jr. stated, "It seemed like person was yelling at me wring baseball, then I came dwellingplace and everyone was yelling immaculate me there. I got dispirited. I got angry.

I didn't want to live."^[142] He alleged that he had also a while ago contemplated taking his own be in motion, but he had not interest on it until this incident.^[142] After Griffey swallowed the anodyne, his girlfriend's mother drove him to the hospital.^[142] While mark out intensive care, he ripped magnanimity IV from his arm sentence order to stop an justification between him and his father.^[142] Both Griffey Jr.

and sovereignty father stated that the happening changed their relationship, and owing to then, there has been slacken off understanding for both of them.^[142]

See also

References