Ken Griffey Jr retires from Mariners, baseball

Moments before the June 2, 2010, game against the Minnesota Twins, the Seattle Mariners announced the retirement of Ken Griffey Jr. Many were surprised by the announcement. It seems he had been wrestling with the decision after starting off a disappointing 2010 season, and it appears he is heading off into the sunset instead of become a token of nostalgia. Griffey's achievements are substantial to say the least. As the fifth all time home run hitter, he is in rarefied air as a player.

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Ken Griffey Jr retires after 21 years

Ken Griffey Jr's retirement ends a legendary career among sportsmen of the Pacific Northwest. It is about as easy to separate Ken Griffey Jr and also the Seattle Mariners as it is to separate Joe Namath and the Jets. He made his professional debut in 1989, and he and his father are the only father and son to have played on the exact same team. He proved worth the investment of cash till payday, as he was a prolific player on both sides of the ball. The first ten years he was Seattle, he won the Golden Glove award from the American League 10 times over and hit nearly 400 home runs.

The Emerald City and the Kid part ways

In 1999, Griffey wanted to move closer to his family, which has long been his greatest priority. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, the team his father played on and won two World Series with. Though his time in Cincinnati was productive, he was plagued by injuries. The White Sox acquired Griffey mid way through the 2008 season. He became a free agent at the end of that year, and massive amounts of rumor began about his potential return to Seattle.

The prodigal son returns

Returning in 2009, he hit 19 home runs within the 2009 season. By May of 2010, he had seen little time at the plate and no home runs. He was listed on the reserve for the game against the Twins, as outlined by the Seattle Times. A quick pre-game press conference was called at Safeco Field, and that was it. He had said that his retirement would be swift and that he would "never allow myself to become a distraction." Griffey knew it was time to call the game.

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Seattle Times

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