History of Ken Griffey Jr. in Timeline
George Kenneth Griffey Jr., nicknamed "Junior" and "the Kid", was a prominent Major League Baseball outfielder with a career spanning 22 years. Drafted first overall in 1987, he played primarily for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, with a brief period with the Chicago White Sox. A 13-time All-Star, Griffey hit 630 home runs, placing him seventh on the all-time MLB home run list. In addition to his hitting prowess, he was a standout defender, earning 10 Gold Glove Awards in center field and tying the record for most consecutive games with a home run.
November 21, 1969: Birth of Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. was born on November 21, 1969, in Donora, Pennsylvania.
August 25, 1973: Ken Griffey Sr.'s MLB Debut
On August 25, 1973, Ken Griffey Jr.'s father, Ken Griffey Sr., made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds.
1975: Ken Griffey Sr.'s First World Series Championship
Ken Griffey Sr. won his first World Series championship in 1975 while playing for the Cincinnati Reds.
1976: Ken Griffey Sr.'s Second World Series Championship
Ken Griffey Sr. won his second consecutive World Series championship in 1976 with the Cincinnati Reds.
June 2, 1987: Officially Drafted into MLB
Ken Griffey Jr.'s professional career officially started when he signed with the Seattle Mariners after being drafted on June 2, 1987.
June 11, 1987: Joins Bellingham Mariners
Ken Griffey Jr. joined the Bellingham Mariners, a Class A Short Season minor league team, on June 11, 1987.
June 16, 1987: Professional Debut
Ken Griffey Jr. made his professional debut on June 16, 1987.
1987: High School Graduation and U.S. High School Baseball Player of the Year
In 1987, Ken Griffey Jr. graduated from Archbishop Moeller High School and was named the U.S. high school baseball player of the year.
1987: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners
In 1987, Ken Griffey Jr. was the first overall pick in the MLB draft, selected by the Seattle Mariners.
January 1988: Griffey's Suicide Attempt
In January 1988, Ken Griffey Jr. attempted suicide by overdosing on aspirin. This incident led to a significant improvement in his relationship with his father.
1988: Minor League Progression
In 1988, Ken Griffey Jr. played for the San Bernardino Spirit and the Vermont Mariners in the minor leagues.
April 3, 1989: MLB Debut
Ken Griffey Jr. made his major league debut on April 3, 1989, hitting a double in his first at-bat.
1989: Start of MLB Career with Seattle Mariners
Ken Griffey Jr.'s MLB career with the Seattle Mariners began in 1989.
August 31, 1990: Playing with his Father
On August 31, 1990, Ken Griffey Jr. and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., played together for the Seattle Mariners for the first time.
1990: Start of Gold Glove Streak
Ken Griffey Jr. began his streak of 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards in 1990.
June 1991: Ken Griffey Sr.'s Retirement
Ken Griffey Sr. retired from baseball in June 1991.
1992: All-Star Game MVP
Ken Griffey Jr. was named the All-Star Game MVP in 1992.
1993: Home Run Derby Feat
In 1993, Ken Griffey Jr. hit the warehouse at Oriole Park in Baltimore during the Home Run Derby.
1994: All-Star Game Voting Leader and Home Run Pace
In 1994, Ken Griffey Jr. led the league in All-Star Game voting and was on pace to hit over 60 home runs before the season was cut short by a labor dispute.
1994: First AL Home Run Title
Ken Griffey Jr. won his first American League home run title in 1994.
1994: Impact of the 1994 Labor Dispute
Ken Griffey Jr.'s popularity helped restore MLB's image after the 1994 labor dispute.
1994: Baseball Strike
The 1994 baseball strike negatively impacted the sport, and the subsequent home run chase involving Griffey, McGwire, and Sosa helped regain fans' interest and boost the sport's popularity.
1995: 1995 ALDS: The Slide
In the 1995 ALDS, Ken Griffey Jr. scored the winning run in Game 5 against the New York Yankees, sliding into home after Edgar MartÃnez's double. This moment is iconic in Mariners' history and contributed to the building of Safeco Field. Griffey's alleged dislike of the Yankees added to the rivalry.
April 15, 1997: Griffey Wears 42
On April 15, 1997, Ken Griffey Jr. wore the number 42, foreshadowing the MLB tradition of Jackie Robinson Day which started in 1999.
1997: AL MVP Award and Home Run Title
Ken Griffey Jr. was voted the American League MVP and also won the home run title in 1997.
1997: Stats for TSN List
The Sporting News used player statistics through 1997 for their initial list of 100 greatest baseball players, which included Ken Griffey Jr.
1997: AL MVP Award
Griffey won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1997.
1998: ESPY Co-Winner
Griffey was a co-winner of the ESPY for Male Athlete of the Year in 1998.
1998: Home Run Chase
In 1998, Griffey was part of a highly publicized home run chase, alongside Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, captivating fans and revitalizing interest in baseball after the 1994 strike. While he didn't break the record, he achieved impressive stats, hitting 56 home runs and 146 RBIs.
1998: TSN 100 List Compiled
In 1998, The Sporting News compiled their list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, based on statistics through 1997.
1998: Third AL Home Run Title
Ken Griffey Jr. secured his third American League home run title in 1998.
October 25, 1999: Payne Stewart's Death
Following the death of golfer Payne Stewart in a plane crash on October 25, 1999, Ken Griffey Jr. expressed a desire to be closer to his family in Cincinnati.
1999: Jackie Robinson Day Begins
Jackie Robinson Day, honoring the legendary player, was initiated by MLB in 1999, inspired in part by Griffey wearing the number 42 a few years prior.
1999: Top 100 Recognition
Ken Griffey Jr. was ranked 93rd on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players in 1999 and was the youngest player on the list. He was also elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999.
1999: End of First Stint with Seattle Mariners
Ken Griffey Jr.'s initial tenure with the Seattle Mariners concluded in 1999.
1999: End of Gold Glove Streak
Ken Griffey Jr.'s run of 10 straight Gold Glove Awards ended in 1999.
1999: Player of the Decade
Griffey was named Player of the Decade by the Players Choice Awards in 1999. He was also named to the All-Century Team.
February 10, 2000: Trade to the Reds
On February 10, 2000, Griffey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after expressing his desire to play closer to his family and raise his children there. He signed a nine-year contract and had previously vetoed a trade to the New York Mets.
2000: Number Change and Decline
In 2000, Griffey changed his number to 30 to honor his father. This season marked a statistical decline from his peak performance, and his lowest on-base plus slugging in 5 years.
2000: Griffey's last full season
In 2000, Ken Griffey Jr. played his last full season, before playing another one until 2005, having his best season since coming to Cincinnati.
2001: Injuries Begin
Griffey's string of injuries began in 2001.
2002: Season-Ending Injury
Griffey suffered a season-ending injury in 2002.
2003: Another Season-Ending Injury
Griffey suffered another season-ending injury in 2003.
2004: Continued Injuries
Griffey continued to suffer injuries from 2001 to 2004, impacting his performance and career.
2004: Hamstring Rupture
Griffey ruptured his right hamstring while playing right field for the first time in his career, in a game against the Giants at AT&T Park in 2004. The injury required experimental surgery.
2004: Griffey's Injuries
In 2004, Griffey suffered a hamstring injury which required surgery. He also had a previous knee surgery that caused scar tissue which required additional surgery.
2004: 500th Home Run
On June 20, 2004, Griffey hit his 500th career home run at Busch Stadium, with his father present. This milestone tied him with his father in career hits. Later that year, he suffered another hamstring injury, sidelining him for the All-Star game.
2005: Resurgence and Mantle Tie
Starting May 1, 2005, Griffey experienced a resurgence, hitting 35 home runs and tying Mickey Mantle on the all-time home run list by the end of the season.
2005: Recovery and Return
In 2005, after undergoing an experimental surgery on his hamstring, Griffey returned to baseball, hitting his first home run of the season on April 30th.
2005: TSN List Update
In 2005, The Sporting News updated their list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, maintaining Ken Griffey Jr.'s ranking at 93 despite his accomplishments.
2005: Ken Griffey Jr.'s Comeback Season
In 2005, Ken Griffey Jr. played 128 games, the most since 2000, and won the National League Comeback Player of the Year award. He also participated in the World Baseball Classic.
September 25, 2006: Griffey Ties Reggie Jackson
On September 25, 2006, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 27th home run of the season, tying Reggie Jackson for tenth on the all-time home run list.
2006: Off-season wrist injury
During the 2006 off-season, Griffey broke his wrist while on holiday in the Bahamas.
April 2007: Griffey Diagnosed with Pleurisy
In April 2007, Ken Griffey Jr. was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining.
May 10, 2007: Griffey Ties Rafael Palmeiro
On May 10, 2007, Griffey hit his sixth home run of the season and the 569th of his career, tying Rafael Palmeiro for ninth place on the career home runs list.
June 2007: Positive Reception in Seattle
In June 2007, Ken Griffey Jr., then playing for the Cincinnati Reds, received an overwhelmingly positive reception when he played a game in Seattle, where he had previously played for the Mariners. This positive reception contributed to his decision to return to the Mariners later in his career.
June 22, 2007: Return to Seattle
On June 22, 2007, Griffey returned to Seattle for the first time since being traded. The Mariners honored him with a pre-game ceremony, and he received a standing ovation.
July 16, 2007: Griffey Passes Frank Robinson
On July 16, 2007, Griffey hit his 587th home run, surpassing Frank Robinson for sixth place on the all-time home run list.
July 18, 2007: 2,500th Hit
On July 18, 2007, Griffey recorded his 2,500th hit, a single off John Smoltz.
August 22, 2007: Rawlings Gold Glove Winner
On August 22, 2007, Griffey was named an all-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner.
September 19, 2007: Season-Ending Injury
On September 19, 2007, Griffey suffered a season-ending groin strain in a game against the Chicago Cubs.
2007: Position Change
At the beginning of the 2007 season, Griffey Jr. was moved to right field to accommodate Ryan Freel in center field.
April 4, 2008: Griffey passes Reggie Jackson
On April 4, 2008, Griffey passed Reggie Jackson for 16th on the all-time RBI list with 1,702.
July 31, 2008: Trade to the White Sox
On July 31, 2008, Griffey was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox.
August 20, 2008: Griffey Ties Sammy Sosa
On August 20, 2008, Griffey hit his first home run as a White Sox player, tying Sammy Sosa for fifth place in career home runs.
October 30, 2008: White Sox Decline Griffey's Option
On October 30, 2008, the Chicago White Sox declined Ken Griffey Jr.'s $16 million contract option, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. He received a $4 million buyout, shared by the Reds and White Sox. In 2008, Griffey played 143 games for both teams, hitting .249 with 18 home runs and 71 RBIs. He stated his intention to continue playing.
November 18, 2008: Griffey Becomes Public Diplomacy Envoy
On November 18, 2008, Ken Griffey Jr. was named an American Public Diplomacy Envoy by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
2008: Griffey Launches Charity Wine Series
In 2008, Ken Griffey Jr. released a series of charity wines to support The Ken Griffey Jr. Family Foundation, benefiting various causes such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and children's hospitals.
2008: Key Play in Tiebreaker Game
In 2008, Griffey made a crucial defensive play in a tiebreaker game against the Minnesota Twins, helping the White Sox advance to the ALDS.
February 18, 2009: Griffey Returns to Seattle
On February 18, 2009, after considering offers from the Mariners and the Braves, Ken Griffey Jr. signed with the Seattle Mariners. Griffey cited sentimental reasons for returning to Seattle, where he had previously played and received a warm welcome in 2007. His decision was also influenced by a conversation with Willie Mays and his daughter, despite a premature report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution claiming he had signed with the Braves.
April 15, 2009: Griffey's 400th Mariner Home Run
On April 15, 2009, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 400th home run as a Mariner and 613th overall, off Angels pitcher Jered Weaver. This made him the first MLB player to hit 400 home runs with one club (Mariners) and 200 with another (Reds).
June 23, 2009: 5,000th Franchise Home Run
On June 23, 2009, at Safeco Field, Ken Griffey Jr. hit the 5,000th home run in Seattle Mariners franchise history. This was also Griffey's 619th career home run. The home run was hit off San Diego Padres pitcher Chad Gaudin.
August 12, 2009: Walk-off Single Against White Sox
On August 12, 2009, Ken Griffey Jr. hit a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 14th inning against his former team, the Chicago White Sox, securing a 1-0 victory for the Mariners.
2009: Griffey's 2010 Contract
Ken Griffey Jr. returned to the Mariners for the 2010 season on a one-year contract similar to his 2009 agreement.
May 10, 2010: "Napgate" Incident
On May 10, 2010, a report surfaced that Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu had not used Ken Griffey Jr. as a pinch hitter because Griffey had allegedly been asleep in the dugout. This incident, known as "Napgate", garnered national media attention and caused controversy within the team, despite Griffey not denying the report.
May 2010: Limited Playing Time for Griffey
In May 2010, due to his poor performance, Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu significantly reduced Ken Griffey Jr.'s playing time.
May 20, 2010: Griffey's Final Hit and RBI
On May 20, 2010, Ken Griffey Jr. hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, securing a 4-3 win for the Mariners. This hit marked the final hit and RBI of his Major League Baseball career and moved him past Rafael Palmeiro for 14th on the all-time RBI list.
June 2, 2010: Griffey Announces Retirement
On June 2, 2010, Ken Griffey Jr. abruptly left the Mariners during a series with the Minnesota Twins and drove back to his home in Florida. He then announced his retirement from baseball, effective immediately. Mariners president Chuck Armstrong was informed shortly before the announcement. Griffey later stated that he retired to avoid being a distraction to the team.
November 2010: Street Renaming Campaign
Following Ken Griffey Jr.'s retirement and the death of Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus in November 2010, a campaign to rename a street near Safeco Field shifted its focus from honoring Griffey to honoring Niehaus.
2010: Criticism of Griffey's Time with the Reds
In 2010, some criticized Griffey's effort and performance during his time with the Cincinnati Reds.
February 17, 2011: Griffey Becomes Mariners Consultant
On February 17, 2011, the Seattle Mariners hired Ken Griffey Jr. as a special consultant. His role involved working with the team during spring training, the regular season, and visiting minor league affiliates.
March 17, 2011: Griffey's Reason for Retirement
On March 17, 2011, Ken Griffey Jr. explained that he retired from baseball to avoid being a distraction to the Seattle Mariners.
January 22, 2013: Griffey Inducted into Mariners Hall of Fame
On January 22, 2013, the Mariners announced that Ken Griffey Jr. would be inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame, becoming the seventh member. The induction ceremony took place on August 10, 2013.
August 10, 2013: Griffey's Mariners Hall of Fame Induction
Ken Griffey Jr. was formally inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame on August 10, 2013.
2013: Griffey's Opening Day Home Run Record
As of 2013, Ken Griffey Jr. was tied with Frank Robinson and Adam Dunn for the most Opening Day home runs in MLB history, with eight each.
August 9, 2014: Griffey Inducted into Reds Hall of Fame
On August 9, 2014, Ken Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. During his acceptance speech, he became emotional when speaking about wearing the same uniform as his father.
2015: Griffey Starts Sports Photography Career
Ken Griffey Jr. started working as a sports photographer in 2015, covering events like MLB, MLS, NFL, and IndyCar.
January 6, 2016: Griffey Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
On January 6, 2016, Ken Griffey Jr. was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame with a record 99.32% of the vote, surpassing Tom Seaver's previous record of 98.84% in 1992. A flag with his number 24 was raised at the Space Needle to celebrate.
January 8, 2016: Mariners Announce Griffey's Jersey Retirement
On January 8, 2016, the Seattle Mariners announced that they would retire Ken Griffey Jr.'s number 24 jersey.
August 6, 2016: Griffey's Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Ken Griffey Jr.'s jersey retirement ceremony took place on August 6, 2016, before a Mariners game. The number 24 was retired across all Mariners minor league affiliates as well.
2016: Mariners Draft Griffey's Son
In 2016, the Mariners drafted Ken Griffey Jr.'s son, Trey Griffey, in the 24th round of the MLB draft, a nod to his father's jersey number.
2016: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
In 2016, Ken Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving a record 99.32% of the vote.
2017: Trey Griffey's NFL Career Begins
Ken Griffey Jr.'s son, Trey Griffey, began his NFL career as a wide receiver in 2017.
2018: Griffey Named Seattle's Most Important Athlete
In 2018, The Seattle Times named Ken Griffey Jr. the most important athlete in Seattle sports history.
2019: Trey Griffey's NFL Career Ends
Trey Griffey's NFL career ended in 2019.
November 17, 2020: Griffey Family Joins Seattle Sounders Ownership
On November 17, 2020, the Griffey family became minority owners of the Seattle Sounders FC.
July 29, 2021: Griffey Elected to Hall of Fame Board
On July 29, 2021, Ken Griffey Jr. was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame's Board of Directors.
October 25, 2021: Griffey Joins Mariners Ownership Group
On October 25, 2021, Ken Griffey Jr. became part of the Seattle Mariners ownership group, making him the first former player to have a partnership stake in the team.
2021: Griffey Becomes Senior Advisor to MLB Commissioner
As of 2021, Ken Griffey Jr. began working as a senior advisor to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.