Ken Griffey Jr. Joins Seattle Mariners Partnership Group

Junior becomes the first former player to join the Seattle Mariners Partnership Group

Ken Griffey Jr. continues to build his baseball legacy in Seattle, becoming the first former player to hold partnership interest in the club. With Ken’s addition to Seattle’s partnership group, the organization gains the unique perspective of a former player and one of the icons of the sport.

“As I said in my Hall of Fame speech, I’m very proud to be a Seattle Mariner,” Griffey said. “I’m excited for this incredible opportunity to join John and the rest of the Mariners partnership group. This is a dream come true because of the relationship I’ve always had with the team, its fans, and the city of Seattle. I view this as another way to continue to give back to an organization and community that has always supported me, and my family. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to this organization’s success in any way possible.”

Ken’s story in Mariners history dates back to 1987, when he was selected 1st overall in in the MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut less than 2 years later on April 3, 1989, embarking on one of the most storied careers in baseball history.

Ken had a 22-year career with Seattle, Cincinnati (2000–2008) and Chicago-AL (2008). Among his achievements: 1997 American League MVP (unanimous selection), and RBI leader; 13-time All-Star; 10-time Gold Glove winner; 7-time Silver Slugger winner; 4-time AL home run leader; 3-time MLB All-Star Home Run Derby champion; 630 career home runs. In 1999, he was one of 30 players named to the All-Century Team, a roster of the greatest players at each position in the history of MLB.

“On behalf of all of the partners, I want to welcome Ken,” Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton said. “Ken has been an icon of our franchise, on and off the field, for over three decades and we are thrilled that he is joining us as a partner. His knowledge of the game, love of the Mariner fans, his experiences as a player, his passion for community service and his desire to help grow our sport will be a welcome, and invaluable, additional voice.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggnB9ReBq1c

Griffey was named as a Special Consultant to the Franchise in 2011 following his retirement in 2010. In 2016, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame with a then-record 99.3% (437 of 440) ballots cast in his first year of eligibility. His election was announced on Jan. 6, 2016, and he was inducted on July 24, 2016. His №24 was retired at all levels of the Seattle organization in a pre-game ceremony on Aug. 8, 2016, the first number ever retired by the franchise.

Griffey Jr. had been elected to the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2013 and to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2014.

Major League Baseball named Griffey as its Senior Advisor to Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. in January 2021. He consults with MLB on baseball operations and youth baseball development, with a focus on improving diversity at amateur levels of the game. Griffey has represented MLB at its youth baseball and softball initiatives across the country, most notably the annual Hank Aaron Invitational. Griffey also serves as an MLB ambassador during All-Star Week and at other jewel events.

Ken and his wife, Melissa, reside in Orlando, Florida. They have three children: Trey, Taryn and Tevin.