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. Griffey caught just about everyone off guard with the announcement. The decision seems to are on his mind for a while, and he would rather call it a day early than remain on the team for the sake of nostalgia. He had an accomplished career. 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. Ken Griffey Jr is about as separable from the Seattle Mariners as Babe Ruth is from the New York Yankees. 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 was each bit the prodigy, and was prolific on offense and defense. He won the Golden Glove from the American League 10 times and hit nearly 400 home runs in his original stint with Seattle.

The Kid departs from the Emerald City

By the time he was traded, Griffey had been wanting to move closer to his family, which was always his greatest priority. The Cincinnati Reds traded for him, and ironically, it was the Reds who his father played for and won two World Series with. Though his time in Cincinnati was productive, he was plagued by injuries. Half way through the 2008 season, Griffey was traded to the White Sox. After the end of that season, he entered free agency, and wild speculation began that he may return to the Mariners.

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. As outlined by the Seattle Times, he was listed as eligible to play in a Tuesday night game against the Twins. A quick pre-game press conference was called at Safeco Field, and that was it. He had promised he would "never allow myself to become a distraction." He knew when it was time, and said goodbye.

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