Challenges Faced by Ken Griffey Jr.: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 29, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Ken Griffey Jr.. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Ken Griffey Jr., nicknamed "Junior" and "the Kid," is a retired American professional baseball outfielder. Drafted first overall in 1987, he played 22 MLB seasons, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. A 13-time All-Star, Griffey is considered one of baseball's all-time greats, hitting 630 career home runs, ranking seventh in MLB history. He also excelled defensively, earning 10 Gold Glove Awards in center field. Griffey is tied for the record of most consecutive games with a home run.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

January 1988: Griffey's Suicide Attempt

In January 1988, Ken Griffey Jr. attempted suicide by swallowing 277 aspirin pills and was hospitalized. He cited arguments with his father, depression, and anger as reasons. He stated that the incident changed his relationship with his father, leading to better understanding.

2001: Injury Plagued Season

From 2001 through 2004, Griffey struggled with a series of injuries that negatively impacted his performance and time on the field. The effects of these injuries led to reduced power and fewer home runs, along with missed games, diminishing his skills and star status.

2002: Season-Ending Injury

2003: Season-Ending Injury

2004: Season-Ending Hamstring Rupture

During the 2004 season, Ken Griffey Jr. suffered a season-ending rupture of his right hamstring in a game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. The injury occurred while he was playing right field for the first time in his Major League career.

2004: Injury Plagued Season

2004: Hamstring Operation Scars

In 2004, Griffey had an operation to repair scars from his hamstring surgery.

2004: 500th Career Home Run and Hamstring Injury

On June 20, 2004, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 500th career home run on Father's Day against the St. Louis Cardinals, tying him with his father in career hits. Shortly after, he suffered a hamstring tear, sidelining him from the All-Star Game.

2005: Injury and Comeback Player of the Year Award

In September 2005, Ken Griffey Jr. strained a tendon in his left foot and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, also repairing scars from his 2004 hamstring operation. Despite these injuries, he played the most games since 2000 and was named National League Comeback Player of the Year.

2006: Wrist Injury in the Bahamas

During the 2006 off-season, Ken Griffey Jr. broke his wrist while on holiday in the Bahamas with his family. Despite the injury, he expected to be ready for spring training in 2007.

April 2007: Griffey Diagnosed with Pleurisy

In April 2007, Ken Griffey Jr. was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining of the cavity surrounding the lungs which can cause painful respiration and other symptoms.

September 19, 2007: Season-Ending Groin Strain

On September 19, 2007, Ken Griffey Jr. suffered a season-ending groin strain in a game against the Chicago Cubs, marking another season in Cincinnati where he ended the year on the disabled list. He finished the 2007 season with 593 career home runs.

2007: Wrist Injury Expected Recovery

During the 2006 off-season, Ken Griffey Jr. broke his wrist while on holiday in the Bahamas with his family. Despite the injury, he expected to be ready for spring training in 2007.

May 2010: Napgate Incident

In May 2010, Mariners' manager Don Wakamatsu significantly limited Griffey's playing time due to poor performance. Beat writer Larry LaRue reported that Wakamatsu didn't use Griffey in a pinch-hitting situation the prior week and that Griffey had been asleep, leading to the "Napgate" incident. Teammate Mike Sweeney defended Griffey and his agent disputed LaRue's report, leading to controversy and some players boycotting LaRue.