Griffey Jr. Announces Retirement
After 22 seasons in the major leages. Ken Griffey Jr. announced his retirement from baseball in a statement Wednesday night. The 40-year-old Griffey spent the first 11 years of his career in Seattle, after being the first overall pick in the June 1987 Draft. The 13-time All-Star won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1997 and was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. His was a 3-time winner of MLB's home run derby contest, including the memorable mid-summer contest at Fenway Park in 1999. Griffey finishes his career with 630 home runs, which places him 5th all-time.
Griffey was batting .184 with no home runs and seven RBI this season. Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement, "This is a sad day for the Mariners. It is rare in this game when you get an opportunity to reunite a player and a team. We feel honored that Ken was able to end his career where it began, here in Seattle."
