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 More Mariners NewsMariners LinksKen Griffey Jr. announced his retirement, just two months into his 22nd Major League season. "I've come to a decision today to retire from Major League Baseball as an active player," Griffey said in statement released by the Mariners. "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 the friendships I have made, while also being proud of my accomplishments." He went on to thank his family and the Mariners organization for allowing him to finish his playing career where it started. "I look forward to a a continued, meaningful relationship with them for many years to come." Griffey ranks among baseball's all-time leaders in home runs (fifth with 630), multi-homer games (tied for seventh/55), extra base hits (tied for sixth/1,192), total bases (12th/5,271), runs scored (31st/1,662), doubles (36th/524), intentional walks (fourth/246) and hits (46th/2,781). On the all-time home run list, he trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Willie Mays (660), and ranks 3rd among left-handed hitters behind Bonds and Ruth. In his last at-bat, Griffey grounded into a forceout on Monday night against the Twins and then was replaced for a pinch-runner. |
