Lasting Legacy of Ken Griffey Jr.: A Look at the Influence on History

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

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Ken Griffey Jr. across different fields.

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.

April 15, 1997: Jackie Robinson Day

On April 15, 1997, Ken Griffey Jr. wore the number 42, an event that would eventually lead to the establishment of MLB's Jackie Robinson Day in 1999.

November 18, 2008: Griffey Named American 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 Releases Charity Wines

In 2008, Ken Griffey Jr. released a series of charity wines to support The Ken Griffey Jr. Family Foundation, which supports causes like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and children's hospitals.

November 2010: Campaign Changes Direction After Niehaus' Death

In November 2010, a campaign to rename a section of First Avenue South to Ken Griffey Jr. Drive changed direction after the death of Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus to Dave Niehaus Way South.

March 17, 2011: Griffey Explains Retirement

In an interview on March 17, 2011, Ken Griffey Jr. stated that he retired to avoid being a distraction for the team.

January 22, 2013: Griffey to be Inducted into Mariners Hall of Fame

On January 22, 2013, the Mariners announced that Ken Griffey Jr. would be the seventh person inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame.

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, where he spoke about wearing the same uniform as his dad during his speech. Ron Oester, Dave Parker, and Jake Beckley joined Griffey in the Class of 2014.

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 99.32 percent of the vote, breaking Tom Seaver's previous record. A flag with Griffey's number 24 was flown from Seattle's Space Needle. He is one of four Hall of Fame inductees who were chosen first overall in an MLB draft.

January 8, 2016: Mariners Announce Retirement of Griffey's Jersey Number

On January 8, 2016, the Mariners announced they would retire Ken Griffey Jr.'s jersey number 24. This retirement took effect at the start of the 2016 MLB season, and the number was also retired for all of the Mariners' minor league affiliates.

2016: Mariners Draft Griffey's Son

In the 2016 MLB draft, the Mariners honored Ken Griffey Jr. by selecting his son Trey in the 24th round (matching his jersey number), even though Trey had not played baseball since his preteen years and was a wide receiver at the University of Arizona at the time.