Baseball great Ken Griffey Jr., 40, has called it quits and has done so very quietly. Griffey, whose accomplishments include 2,781 hits, 630 home runs, 10 Golden Gloves and numerous All Star appearances, didn’t even hold a press conference but instead chose to release a statement.
“I’ve come to a decision today to retire from Major League Baseball as an active player. This has been on my mind recently, but it’s not an easy decision to come by. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to have played Major League Baseball for so long and thankful for all of the friendships I have made, while also being proud of my accomplishments.”
The statement continued, “I’d like to thank my family for all of the sacrifices they have made all of these years for me. I’d like to thank the Seattle Mariners organization for allowing me to finish my playing career where it started. I look forward to a continued, meaningful relationship with them for many years to come.” Read the full statement HERE
Fans of baseball and Griffey believe he needs to be recognized despite his attempt to leave the sport quietly. The baseball great has been playing professionally since he was a teenager and fans believe he will surely be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Teammate Milton Bradley referred to Griffey as ” just as magical off the field as on it.”
Griffey said goodbye to his team at Safeco Field before they went on to play the Minnesota Twins. The team etched the number 24 in the dirt behind second base and played a 5 minute tribute video to their teammate. The crowd gave a standing ovation.
“This has been his life for so many years, but he has made his decision and we will support it. We will honor him in every way possible”, Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said. It is evident that Ken Griffey Jr. was crucial to the history of baseball and will be missed.
Griffey’s career spanned 1989-2010. He played for the Seattle Mariners 1989-1999, Cincinnati Reds 2000-2008, Chicago White Sox 2008, and rejoined the Mariners 2009-2010.
View the video below: