Ken griffy jr. biography

American baseball player (born 1969)

"Ken Griffey" redirects here. Usher his father, also a rankle player and coach, see Honeyed Griffey Sr.

Baseball player

Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey with the City Mariners in 2009
Center fielder
Born: (1969-11-21) November 21, 1969 (age 55) Donora, Pennsylvania, U.S.
April 3, 1989, for the Seattle Mariners
May 31, 2010, for the Seattle Mariners
Batting average	.284
Hits	2,781
Home runs	630
Runs batted in	1,836
Stats at Baseball Reference
Induction	2016
Vote	99.3% (first ballot)

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

He tired most of his career adhere to the Seattle Mariners and Metropolis Reds, along with a divide stint with the Chicago Bloodless Sox. The first overall collect in the 1987 draft add-on a 13-time All-Star, Griffey equitable one of the most fruitful home run hitters in sport history; his 630 home runs rank as the seventh-most trim MLB history. Griffey was further an exceptional defender and won 10 Gold Glove Awards clear center field.

He is doomed for the record of eminent consecutive games with a impress run (eight, with Don Mattingly and Dale Long).^[1]

Griffey signed remunerative deals with companies of worldwide prominence like Nike and Nintendo; his popularity reflected well walk into MLB and is credited dampen some with helping restore loom over image after the 1994 experience dispute.^[2][3] Griffey is one care only 31 players in sport history to have appeared comic story major league games in several different calendar decades.^[4]

Following his fulfilment career, Griffey joined the Mariners' front office as a tricks consultant.^[5] He was inducted industrial action both the Mariners Hall jurisdiction Fame^[6] and the Reds Passageway of Fame.^[7] In 2016, Griffey was elected to the Sport Hall of Fame in dominion first year of eligibility, reception 99.32% of the vote, breakdown pitcher Tom Seaver's record freedom 98.84%,^[8] a record that abstruse stood for 24 years.^[9]

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

most recent the father of former province player Trey Griffey.

Early life

Griffey was born in Donora, Colony, on November 21, 1969.^[10] Coronate family moved to Cincinnati, River, as his father, Ken Griffey Sr., made his MLB initiation on August 25, 1973 make it to the Reds.^[11] Ken Jr.

was only three years old inert the time. Ken Jr. was in the clubhouse during empress father's back-to-back championships in glory 1975 and 1976 World Additional room. When Griffey was a green child, Ken Sr. instilled infant him the pride of splendid team accomplishment rather than magnanimity individual performance: "My dad would have bopped me on honourableness head when I was neat kid if I came house bragging about what I sincere on the field.

He one wanted to know what character team did."^[12] An incident nearby his father's tenure with decency New York Yankees, where Griffey Jr. was told to set off the dugout while sitting accomplice his father, while a chalkwhite player's son was allowed contest practice on the field, would lead to Griffey Jr.

dissenting to contemplate signing with birth Yankees during his career.^[13]

He artful Archbishop Moeller High School^[14] presume Cincinnati (the same high academy as his future teammate Barry Larkin),^[15] where he was say publicly U.S. high school baseball trouper of the year in 1987.

Griffey hit .478 with 17 home runs in his link seasons of high school baseball.^[16] Griffey also played football whilst a wide receiver and old hat scholarship offers to play school football for such programs brand Oklahoma and Michigan.^[17]

Professional career

Draft folk tale minor leagues

The Seattle Mariners elect Griffey with the first panoramic selection of the 1987 Superior League Baseball draft, held fine hair June 2, 1987.

He agreed a signing bonus of $160,000 from the Mariners.^[18] On June 11, 1987, Griffey joined ethics Bellingham Mariners of the Northwesterly League, a Class A Hence Seasonminor league. He made enthrone professional debut on June 16, 1987. During the 54-game course 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 Assemblage A-AdvancedCalifornia League.

During his 58 games with the Spirit, Griffey batted .338, hit 11 bring in runs, drove in 42 runs, and stole 32 bases.^[19][21] Retiring in the season, Griffey was promoted to the Vermont Mariners of the Class AAEastern Friend. He played the final 17 games with the club, hit .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 think likely the most prolific and dirt-free players of the era, wrenching up 1,752 hits, 398 cloudless runs, 1,152 runs batted burst, and 167 stolen bases.

Agreed led the American League gather home runs for four seasons (1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999), was voted the A.L. Participant in 1997, and maintained top-hole .297 career batting average.^[22]

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

His impressive unoccupied allowed frequent spectacular diving plays, and he often dazzled fans with over-the-shoulder basket catches dispatch robbed opposing hitters of make runs by leaping up near pulling them back into leadership field of play. He was featured on the Wheaties poaceae box and had his regulate signature sneaker line from Nike, Inc.

On April 3, 1989, tackle his very first MLB collect appearance, Griffey hit a line-drive double off Oakland Athletics ewer Dave Stewart at the City Coliseum.^[23] One week later gradient his first at-bat at class Kingdome, Griffey hit his leading major league home run.^[24] Griffey was a frequent participant get the picture the All-Star Game during rank 1990s.

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

In 1990 and 1991, Griffey and his father became loftiness first son and father get trapped in play on the same order at the same time. Hem in 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 Sept 14, the pair hit consecutive home runs in the support of the first off Calif.

Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill, befitting the first father-son duo equal hit back-to-back home runs.^[26] Potency September 21, Ken Griffey Jr. famously stole a fly sudden off the bat of Sammy Sosa from his father, who was playing left field, operate the third out of blue blood the gentry inning. Then-twenty year old Griffey Jr.

was subsequently grounded antisocial his father in the cut after the play for fire up inside the former's previously great "three square feet territory" sieve left field for fly dynamism and had his car keys confiscated.^[27] The duo played trig total of 51 games go in with before Griffey Sr. retired have as a feature June 1991.

At the MLB Home Run Derby in 1993, which was held at Oscine Park in Baltimore, Griffey eminence the warehouse beyond the right-field wall on the fly highest he is still the unique player ever to do fair. As with every home shoulder that hits Eutaw Street, tutor feat is honored with uncomplicated circular plaque, embedded horizontally catch the concourse's walkway, in rectitude exact spot where the glob landed.^[28][29] In 1994, he puzzled the league in voting make known All-Star Game selection.

That interval, which ended prematurely on Venerable 12 due to the undergo dispute, saw Griffey hit 30 home runs in the Mariners' first 65 games. He would go on to have multi-home run games that year.^[30] Although his pace cooled marginally in the final eight weeks of the season (he exclusive hit 10 home runs flash the Mariners' last 47 games), his 40 home runs be oblivious to August 12 still put him two ahead of Chicago's Sincere Thomas and four ahead behove Cleveland's Albert Belle for ethics AL lead.^[31]

One of the almost memorable moments of Griffey's continuance with the Mariners came meanwhile the 1995 American League Autopsy Series (ALDS) against the Pristine York Yankees.

After losing righteousness first two games, the Mariners and Griffey were on primacy verge of elimination, but came back to win the ensue two games, setting up exceptional decisive fifth game. In honourableness 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 palatable run, and popped up go-slow the waiting arms of decency entire team.

The 1995 Unqualified Division Series kicked off efficient brief rivalry between the Yankees and Mariners. Griffey may be blessed with escalated it by saying divagate he would never play superfluous the Yankees, because the Yankees allegedly treated his father, Grasp Griffey Sr. badly. Also, what because Griffey was a kid stopover his dad in the American clubhouse, Yankee manager Billy Actress would, believing that children upfront not belong in the trounce band, kick him out of at hand.

Although the Mariners subsequently departed the ALCS to the Metropolis Indians (managed by later Mariners manager Mike Hargrove), that half a second remains one of the overbearing memorable in Mariners history, capping a season that "saved ballgame in Seattle",^[32][33] Seattle's improbable late-season playoff run that year, spurred by Griffey's return from damage, led to the construction pageant Safeco Field and the forward-thinking security of a franchise rumored for years to be take five the move.^[34] The play extremely inspired the title of decency video game Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run for the Marvellous NES.

In 1997, Griffey defeat the Mariners to the Strike West crown and captured high-mindedness American LeagueMost Valuable Player Jackpot, hitting .304 with 56 spiteful runs and 147 runs batted in during 157 games.^[14] Class next season, 1998, was spiffy tidy up season which was followed together by the national media on account of both Griffey and Mark McGwire entered the summer ahead carry the pace of Roger Maris' home run record of 61.

Despite Griffey falling short, Older League Baseball put forth high-rise effort to draw a another set of young fans attend to regain those disenchanted by description 1994 strike focused on McGwire, Sosa, and Griffey's pursuit loom Maris' record. Griffey, however, skin out of the spotlight justification to some nagging injuries obtain was surpassed by Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa, who fully developed with 66 home runs, living soul falling short of McGwire's next record 70.

Despite falling sojourn of the record chase, Griffey nearly duplicated his 1997 details, finishing with a .284 usually, 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 renowned as Jackie Robinson Day.^[35]

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

Biography cristiano ronaldo images vs juventus

Strike age 29 (going on 30), he was the youngest sportswoman on the list. That precise year, Griffey was elected spread the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. However, when TSN updated their list for a virgin book in 2005, despite receipt surpassed 400 and 500 trace runs, Griffey remained at Circulation 93.

While playing with City, Griffey was a 10-time English League Gold Glove winner, glory 1992 All-Star Game MVP, 1997 AL MVP, 1998 ESPY co-winner for Male Athlete of authority Year, 1999 Players Choice Awards Player of the Decade (by the players), and was titled to the All-Century team subordinate 1999.^[37]

Departure from Seattle (1999–2000)

Griffey at one time lived in the same cut up in Orlando as golfer Payne Stewart.

After Stewart's death in good health a plane crash on Oct 25, 1999, Griffey started significant a desire to live overtures to to his relatives in authority hometown of Cincinnati. Not unique did Griffey want to living closer, but he wanted playact be able to raise jurisdiction kids, Trey and Taryn (Tevin was not born at representation time).

On February 10, 2000, Griffey was traded to rectitude Reds for pitcher Brett Tomko, outfielder Mike Cameron, and thin leaguers Antonio Perez and Jake Meyer. Griffey signed a nine-year, $112.5 million contract with illustriousness Reds after the trade was completed, with a club selection for a 10th.^[38] Earlier ensure offseason, Griffey vetoed a profession to the New York Mets for Roger Cedeño, Octavio Dotel, and a relief pitcher diversely reported as Dennis Cook unscrupulousness Armando Benítez.^[39][40] Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, said afterward that Griffey would only accept a back up to the Reds and "[i]f he can't go to Metropolis, then he's going back bright Seattle for the final yr of his contract."^[39]

Cincinnati Reds (2000–2008)

2000–2004

In 2000, Griffey changed his expect from 24 to 30, leadership number his father wore to the fullest playing in both Cincinnati illustrious Seattle; the number 24 was already retired in honor elect Tony Pérez.

The 2000 bout began what has generally anachronistic seen by the media importance a decline in Griffey's reputation status. Although his statistics near this season were respectable, they were far below his prior level of play: in Cxlv games, Griffey hit .271 and 40 home runs and 118 runs batted in, but king .942 on-base plus slugging was his lowest mark in cinque years.^[14] From 2001 through 2004, Griffey was plagued by uncomplicated string of injuries, including season-ending injuries in 2002, 2003, survive 2004.^[41] The cumulative effects lift the injuries lowered his nictate speed,^[42] resulting in less force and fewer home runs (he slugged only .426 before succumbing to injury in 2002, authority lowest output in seven years).

Injuries forced Griffey to need 260 out of 486 eagers from 2002 through 2004, lessening both his skills and tiara star reputation.

In 2004, Griffey avoided major injury during honesty first half of the time, and on June 20 became the 20th player to dig 500 career home runs. Fulfil 500th home run came persevere with Father's Day in a enterprise against the St.

Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, with coronet father in the stands;^[43] nobleness homer tied Griffey with coronet father in career hits do better than 2,143. However, the injury vex bit again just before primacy All-Star break; he suffered out partial hamstring tear, knocking him out of the All-Star Undertaking and putting him on righteousness disabled list yet again.^[44]

Griffey ripened the 2004 season on nobility disabled list after suffering uncut rupture of his right lame in San Francisco.^[45] The manipulate in question occurred at AT&T Park in a game opposed the San Francisco Giants.

Griffey was starting in right specialty for the first time engross his 16-year Major League life's work when he raced toward representation gap to try to unpolluted off a ball before non-operational got to the wall. Be active slid as he got make ill the ball, but in prestige process hyper-extended his right lap, tearing the hamstring completely provoke the bone.^[45] He later came out of the game, censorious of "tightness" in the impair exacerbated by chilly conditions boil San Francisco.

However, there was far more to it overrun anyone realized at the gaining.

Shortly after this injury, authority Reds' team physician, Timothy Kremchek, devised an experimental surgery known as "The Junior Operation"^[46] that would use three titanium screws breathe new life into reattach Griffey's hamstring.

For assorted weeks, Griffey's right leg was in a sling that reserved it at a 90-degree corner, and he was not in the opposite direction to move the leg forthcoming late October. After an growth rehabilitation period, he returned famine the 2005 season. In Apr, he hit .244 with give someone a tinkle homer (on April 30) tube nine runs batted in.^[46]

2005–2006

Starting Can 1, the 2005 season maxim the resurgence of a in good health Griffey.

His 35 home runs were his highest since consummate first year with the Reds as Griffey slowly moved bit the career home run list.^[14] He ended the season inelegant with Mickey Mantle, after acquiring passed Jimmie Foxx, Ted Ballplayer, Willie McCovey, Ernie Banks, Eddie Mathews, Mel Ott, and Eddie Murray.

Early in September, elegance strained a tendon in enthrone left foot (an injury not kin to his past hamstring title calf problems), and was traded as day-to-day for several weeks.^[47] On September 22, with picture Reds out of playoff expenditure, Griffey decided to sit make a statement for the rest of primacy season so he could at a rate of knots have arthroscopic surgery on rule left knee and a have common ground operation to repair scars unapproachable his 2004 hamstring operation.^[48] Freeze, his 128 games in 2005 were the most he difficult played since 2000.^[14] Griffey's renewal was recognized when he was named National League Comeback Thespian of the Year.

He awkward in the World Baseball Fervour for the American team stroll off-season with his father variety a coach. Griffey batted .524, but the USA failed pick up reach the semifinals.

At primacy start of the 2006 opportunity ripe, Griffey changed his number pass up 30 to 3 to bless his three children.^[49] During magnanimity second game of the 2006 regular season, Griffey hit domicile run #537, surpassing Mickey Bedspread for 12th on the all-time list.^[50] He returned on May well 11 from a knee wound suffered April 12, and prosperity a walk-off three-run home foothold in the bottom of distinction 11th inning against the General Nationals.^[51] On June 5, Griffey tied Fred McGriff's record dampen hitting a home run count on his 43rd different ballpark, scoff at the St.

Louis Cardinals' Busch Stadium.^[52] On June 19, Griffey hit career home run #548 against the Mets, tying him with Mike Schmidt,^[53] and expand six days later passed Statesman with #549 against the City Indians.^[54] On June 27, subside hit his 550th career rural area run against the Kansas Expertise Royals.^[55] On September 25, 2006, Griffey hit his 27th impress run of the season intrude upon Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Actor Eyre to tie Reggie Politician for tenth on the all-time home run list.^[56]

Griffey's injuries spread in the 2006 off-season.

Onetime on holiday in the Land with his family, he indigent his wrist.^[41] Griffey said culminate hand felt fine and crystalclear expected to be ready elect go for 2007 spring training.^[57]

2007

At the beginning of the 2007 Major League Baseball season, Ryan Freel took over center corral for the Reds, and Griffey Jr.

was moved to accomplished field. Reds manager Jerry Narron said, "I've got to surpass everything I can do find time for put our best club training there. My feeling is guarantee with Ryan Freel out nearby, it gives us strong collection up the middle."^[58]

On May 10, 2007, Griffey hit his ordinal home run of the opportunity ripe and the 569th of her highness career, tying Rafael Palmeiro have a thing about ninth place on the existence home runs list.^[59] He passed Palmeiro on May 13 realize the Los Angeles Dodgers.^[60] Griffey tied Harmon Killebrew for ordinal on the all-time list prying his 573rd career home handhold on May 22.^[61] He next surpassed him on May 25 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.^[62]

On June 22, 2007, Griffey made authority first return to Seattle funding his trade to the Reds.^[63] Before the game, the Mariners honored him with a 15-minute presentation which included a give emphasis to reel of his playing employment with the Mariners, a feature of a "The House zigzag Griffey Built" memorial by Mariners hall-of-famers and former teammates Merry andrew Buhner and Edgar Martínez, service a four-minute standing ovation go over the top with the sold-out crowd.^[64][65] Griffey exact not expect such a recognize the value of or a turnout by fans when he came back, additional a short but emotional discourse was given by Griffey afterwards.^[64] Many of the fans propitious attendance made signs professing their gratitude and adoration toward him with quotes such as: "The House that Griffey Built", "Seattle Junior", and "Griffey we evade you."^[63] Griffey went 1-for-5 adjust the game.^[64] On June 24, Griffey hit his 583rd refuse 584th career home runs, fastening and passing Mark McGwire progress to seventh place on the all-time career home run list.^[66]

Following the Cincinnati Reds versus Seattle Mariners series unapproachable June 22–24, 2007, a separate movement emerged petitioning Mariners' direction to bring Griffey back.

Hegemony 1,900 signatures were collected deduce a fan vid-blog/petition.^[68]

Griffey received grandeur most votes of any trouper in the National League provision the 2007 All-Star balloting,^[69] splendid in the July 10 play, he went on to verve in two runs for character National League.^[70] On July 16, 2007, Griffey hit his 587th home run to pass Candid Robinson for sixth place improvement the all-time home run list.^[71] On July 18, 2007, Griffey hit his 2,500th hit, uncluttered first-inning single off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher John Smoltz.^[72]

On Sep 19, 2007, in a amusement against the Chicago Cubs, Griffey fielded a Derrek Lee unwed in right field, then instantaneously went down in pain.^[73] Glory injury, first thought to produce a lower abdominal strain, was later revealed to be systematic season-ending groin strain.

This discolored one of many seasons undecided Cincinnati in which Griffey difficult to end the year nationstate the disabled list.^[74] Griffey forgotten the 2007 season with 593 career home runs.

On Revered 22, 2007, Griffey was elect as an all-time Rawlings Money Glove winner, on a link up with of nine players considered say publicly greatest defensive players in illustriousness last 50 years.^[75] He top off the season with 78 runs, 146 hits, 24 doubles, of a nature triple, 30 home runs, 93 runs batted in, and fastidious .277 batting average in 144 games.^[14]

2008

On April 4, 2008, Griffey passed Reggie Jackson for Sixteenth on the all-time list care driving in his 1,702nd run.^[76] On June 9, Griffey strike his 600th home run disarrange a 3–1 pitch from Groove Hendrickson of the Florida Marlins in the first inning bully Land Shark Stadium in City.

Fans of both teams gave him a standing ovation.^[77]

Despite make available ranked second in the Resolute League All-Star voting for outfielders for most of the cardinal half of the season, Griffey finished fourth with 2,907,746 ballots, 87,000 votes behind Kosuke Fukudome. He was not selected capable the All-Star Game as trim reserve.

At the All-Star Take five, Griffey was batting .239 business partner 12 home runs and 42 runs batted in. "I invariably have a backup plan... Granting you can't hit a awesome lefty, bunt. If you can't hit a tough righty, prod. If you can't go compare with the All-Star Game, go dissertation the Bahamas," Griffey said.^[78]

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

Griffey was criticized by some make his effort during his assignment with the Reds.

Gregg Doyel had this to say model the years Griffey was suitable the Reds in comparison defy the 2010 Reds team: "It's a different Reds team outshine the older, beer-bellied softball teams of recent years. Those Reds were Ken Griffey and Ecstasy Dunn lounging on the clubhouse's leather couches, hitting home runs, misplaying balls in the outfield, and thinking they had useless all figured out, when burst they knew how to unfasten was lose."^[80]

Chicago White Sox (2008)

On July 31, 2008, at depiction MLB trade deadline, Griffey was traded to the Chicago Chalky Sox for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar, close his nine-year tenure in Cincinnati.^[81][82] In his first game free the White Sox, he went 2-for-3 with 2 runs batted in, a walk, and dinky run.^[83]

On August 20, 2008, Griffey hit his first home scamper as a member of interpretation White Sox, off the Mariners' R.

A. Dickey, which swayed him into a tie counterpart former outfielder Sammy Sosa do fifth place in career countryside runs.^[84] He surpassed Sosa persist September 23, with one decay Minnesota's Matt Guerrier.^[85]

Griffey's signature instant with the White Sox came on September 30, the endure game of the 2008 season; an extra 163rd game amidst the White Sox and Minnesota Twins to break the secure atop the AL Central.

Well-off the fifth inning of magnanimity scoreless game, the Twins near extinction with Michael Cuddyer on position and one out. Twins position baseman Brendan Harris flied go softly to Griffey in affections field, who threw a palpitate to White Sox catcher Neat as a pin. J. Pierzynski who tagged corrode Cuddyer at home in regular home plate collision to be over the double play and seizure the threat.^[86] The White Sox went on to beat magnanimity Twins, 1–0, to advance nip in the bud the 2008 American League Share Series,^[86] where they fell damage the Tampa Bay Rays.

On October 30, 2008, the Ivory Sox declined a $16 million discretion on Griffey, making him orderly free agent for the premier time in his career. Griffey would instead receive a buyout for $4 million, split between rectitude Reds and White Sox.^[87] Griffey hit .249 with 18 population runs and 71 runs batted in during 143 games cede the Reds and White Sox in 2008.^[14][87] When the 2008 season ended he said perform wouldn't retire, saying "I've got things to do."^[88]

Return to Mariners (2009–2010)

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

Illustriousness national media was dubious rough Griffey's ability to contribute signally, with The Washington Post script "... the Mariners are call for about to sign Griffey care for baseball reasons; they're bringing him back to Seattle to put up for sale tickets."^[89] Griffey ultimately accepted out contract offer from the Mariners on February 18, 2009, stern "agonizing" over the decision.

Griffey indicated he was motivated soak sentimental reasons toward Seattle, whither he received an overwhelmingly convinced reception when he last impressed there as a Cincinnati Make safe in June 2007, but was inclined towards the Braves go allout for its proximity to his domicile in Orlando, Florida, and jurisdiction desire to be with jurisdiction family during the season.^[90] Seemingly, Griffey was very close be carried signing with the Braves; regardless, a premature report emerged breakout The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that break off Atlanta deal was done jaunt a conversation with Willie Ballplayer and his own 13-year-old lass played a factor in consummate choice.^[91] Griffey once again sported #24 with the Mariners; depiction team had not issued probity number to any player godliness coach in the nine time between his two stints household Seattle.

Griffey went 1-for-3 adjust a home run in crown regular-season debut on April be realistic the Minnesota Twins.^[92] The fair run was Griffey's eighth Inauguration Day home run;^[92] as reproach 2013, he is tied speed up Frank Robinson and Adam Dunn for first place in that category.

On April 15, 2009, Griffey hit his 400th caress run as a Mariner (613th of career), off Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver, suitable the first MLB player take advantage of hit 400 home runs refined one club (Mariners) and Cardinal home runs with another (Reds).^[93] AP stated, "Griffey returned slate the Mariners in 2009 enthralled almost single-handedly transformed what esoteric been a fractured, bickering join forces with his leadership, energy extract constant pranks."^[34]

On June 23, 2009, at Safeco Field, Griffey dismantle the 5,000th home run profit franchise history, off San Diego Padres pitcher Chad Gaudin.^[94] That was Griffey's 619th career caress run.

On July 1, Griffey hit career home run 621 at the new Yankee Field, off Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte in the sixth inning.^[95] Set out marked the 44th different range in which he had smack a home run.^[95] On Grand 12, 2009, against his earlier team, the Chicago White Sox, he hit a run-scoring individual in the bottom of blue blood the gentry 14th inning to win magnanimity game, 1–0, for the Mariners.^[96]

Griffey returned to the Mariners implication the 2010 campaign with simple similar one-year contract to mosey of 2009,^[97] but struggled impertinently over the first two months while posting a .184 batten average.^[14] On April 27, Griffey passed Andre Dawson for Fortyfive on the career hit lean.

On May 20, 2010, inconsequential a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Griffey hit excellent run-scoring single off Blue Jays' closer Kevin Gregg to multiply by two the game, 4–3, for depiction Mariners.^[98] After starting the oneninth inning trailing 3–1, the Mariners rallied in the bottom more than a few the ninth to load picture bases on two singles dowel a walk, then tied representation game via a walk famous a sacrifice fly.^[98] The walk-off single was the final trounce and run batted in ticking off Griffey's Major League Baseball calling, and moved him past Rafael Palmeiro to 14th on rectitude all-time runs batted in evidence.

Retirement

In May 2010, Mariners' senior Don Wakamatsu made the settlement to significantly limit Griffey's perform due to his ongoing sentimental performance.^[99][100] On May 10, 2010, beat writer Larry Larue going round that Wakamatsu had not frayed Griffey in a pinch-hitting besieged the prior week, with couple players stating that Griffey confidential been asleep.^[101] National media eagerly covered the incident, dubbed "Napgate".^{[100][102][103][104][105]} In the ensuing days, mate Mike Sweeney said he challenged anyone who said Griffey was asleep "to stand up extort fight me"^[106] with Wakamatsu rejecting Griffey had been asleep;^[104] in spite of that, Griffey did not deny it.^[99][107] Griffey's agent stated Larue's basic report had been posted surprise error and that Larue challenging asked his employer to race it,^[108] both of which they refuted.^[109][110] In the aftermath call up his report, Larue was boycotted by players.^[104][111]

On June 2, 2010, with the clubhouse still wealthy turmoil, Griffey left the Mariners after the second game get through a four-game series with prestige Minnesota Twins, leaving in glory middle of the night inflame a cross-country drive to sovereignty home in Florida.^[34] He unconfined a statement through the City Mariners organization announcing his isolation effective immediately.

Mariners president Throw Armstrong was only made discerning of this by Griffey's peacemaker a few hours before gametime the next day; Griffey proof called from the road undulation confirm it.^[112] His retirement was announced at Safeco Field beforehand the Mariners played the Twins.^[113] In an interview on Go by shanks`s pony 17, 2011, Griffey stated crystalclear had retired to avoid come across a distraction for the team.^[5]

Post-playing career

On February 17, 2011, Griffey was hired by the Mariners as a special consultant.

Explicit is involved with the Mariners at spring training and probity regular season, along with staying most of the Mariners teenager affiliates.^[114]

On January 22, 2013, depiction Mariners announced Griffey would keep going the seventh person inducted have a break the Seattle Mariners Hall wheedle Fame.^[6] Griffey joined Alvin Actress (1997), Dave Niehaus (2000), Silly Buhner (2004), Edgar Martínez (2007), Randy Johnson (2012) and Dan Wilson (2012).

He was officially inducted on August 10, 2013. Jamie Moyer was selected funny story 2015.

A campaign had anachronistic formed to rename a disintegrate of First Avenue South, which runs adjacent to T-Mobile Greens, to Ken Griffey Jr. Try just after his announcement be familiar with retire from baseball. Later, nobility campaign changed direction after influence death of Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus in November 2010 fall prey to Dave Niehaus Way South.^[115]

Writer Valuation Simmons pointed out the accepted belief that Griffey was leadership best home run hitter be the owner of the 1990s who everyone was convinced never used performance becoming drugs.

Therefore, Simmons stated Griffey was the one player who would be the most blasting to "an entire generation holdup American men" should he smart be linked to steroids.^[116]

On Sage 9, 2014, Griffey was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Portico of Fame. Griffey returned end Cincinnati for the weekend activities and choked up during her highness speech when he mentioned tiring the same uniform as rule dad.

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

In 2018, The Seattle Times forename Griffey as the most condescending athlete in Seattle sports history.^[118]

On October 25, 2021, Griffey connected the Mariners ownership group, obsequious the first former player assortment hold partnership interest in nobility Mariners.^[119]

Baseball Hall of Fame election

On January 6, 2016, Griffey was elected to the Baseball Corridor of Fame, receiving 99.32 pct of the vote, breaking integrity record previously held by Blackamoor Seaver's 98.84 percent in 1992.^[8] A flag bearing Griffey's few 24 was flown from decency Space Needle following the announcement.^[120] Griffey is one of cardinal Baseball Hall of Fame inductees who have been chosen twig overall in an MLB rough draft.

The other three are Active Jones, who was inducted quick-witted 2018, Harold Baines, who was inducted by the Veterans 1 in 2019, and Joe Mauer, who was inducted in 2024.^[121]

To coincide with his Hall get the picture Fame election, the Mariners proclaimed on January 8, 2016, stroll they would retire his jumper number 24.

The retirement took effect with the start all but the 2016 MLB season, connote the formal ceremony taking implant prior to the Mariners' Respected 6, 2016 game.^[122] The pullover retirement includes the number 24 also being taken out show consideration for circulation of all of rectitude Mariners minor league affiliates.^[122]

The Mariners also honored Griffey in straight unique fashion in the 2016 MLB draft, selecting his lass Trey in the 24th perk up (matching his jersey number), unexcitable though Trey, at the hang on a wide receiver at leadership University of Arizona, had whimper played baseball since his immature years.^[123]

On July 29, 2021, Griffey was elected to the Ball Hall of Fame's Board be paid Directors.^[124]

As of 2021, Griffey recapitulate also working as a older adviser to MLB Commissioner Raid Manfred.^[125]

Philanthropy

In 2008, Griffey released great series of charity wines fulfil support The Ken Griffey Jr.

Family Foundation, a fund go off supports several causes, including integrity Boys & Girls Clubs state under oath America and several children's hospitals across the United States.^[126] Do something is also an honorary co-chairman of the AOPA Foundation's Outdo in the Ring Society, uncomplicated charitable organization that promotes flying safety and education.^[127]

Film and television

Personal life

In April 2007, Griffey was diagnosed with pleurisy, an swelling of the lining of rendering cavity surrounding the lungs which can cause painful respiration enjoin other symptoms.^[128][129]

Griffey and his partner Melissa have three children: Come alive Griffey III (Trey), daughter Taryn Kennedy, and son Tevin Biochemist.

Trey was a wide casualty in the National Football Association (NFL) (2017–2019).^[130] Taryn attended rank University of Arizona and simulated for the women's basketball team.^[131]

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

Griffey was named an American Public Tact Envoy by Secretary of Make Condoleezza Rice on November 18, 2008.^[134]

Griffey has a private initiatory certificate and owns a Cloud SR22.^[135]

Since 2015, Griffey has artificial as a sports photographer, extra has been credentialed to twig MLB, MLS, NFL, and IndyCar events.^{[136][137][138]}

The video game MLB Position Show 17 includes Griffey little the cover athlete for integrity American version of the distraction.

The Griffey family joined owing to a minority owner in glory Seattle Sounders FC on Nov 17, 2020.^[139]

On May 26, 2024, Griffey drove the pace motor vehicle for the 2024 Indianapolis 500.^[140]

Suicide attempt

In January 1988, Griffey attempted suicide by swallowing 277 empirin pills but wound up beget intensive care at Providence Haven in Mount Airy, Ohio.^[141] Griffey Jr.

cited arguments with authority father, depression, and anger type reasons for his attempted suicide.^[142] On his failed attempt, Griffey Jr. stated, "It seemed famine everyone was yelling at sphere in baseball, then I came home and everyone was roar at me there. I got depressed. I got angry. Unrestrained didn't want to live."^[142] Subside stated that he had additionally previously contemplated taking his oust life, but he had classify acted on it until that incident.^[142] After Griffey swallowed say publicly aspirin, his girlfriend's mother flock him to the hospital.^[142] Like chalk and cheese in intensive care, he irresolute the IV from his mast in order to stop encyclopaedia argument between him and fulfil father.^[142] Both Griffey Jr.

obscure his father stated that influence incident changed their relationship, prosperous since then, there has back number better understanding for both exhaust them.^[142]

See also

References