The Slackers

An era comes to a close, as Ken Griffey Jr has announced his retirement on June 2, 2010, right before a game against the Twins. Many were surprised by the announcement. It seems he had been wrestling with the decision after starting off a disappointing 2010 season, and seems like he is heading off into the sunset instead of become a token of nostalgia. Griffey’s achievements are substantial to say the least. As the fifth all time home run hitter, he is in rarefied air as a player.

Source for this article: Ken Griffey Jr retires from Mariners, baseball

A career for the history books is closed as Ken Griffey Jr retires

For sports people of the Pacific Northwest, you will find few who loom as large as Ken Griffey Jr. It is about as easy to separate Ken Griffey Jr and also the Seattle Mariners as it is to separate Joe Namath and the Jets. 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 Emerald City and also the Kid part ways

In 1999, Griffey wanted to move closer to his family, which has long been his greatest priority. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, the team his father played on and won two World Series with. Though his time in Cincinnati was productive, he was plagued by injuries. Ken Griffey Jr was eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox for half the 2008 season. After the end of that season, he entered free agency, and wild speculation started that he may return to the Mariners.

The return of the prodigal son

After he returned to the Mariners in 2009, he still had the magic as he powered in almost 20 home runs. By May of 2010, he had seen little time at the plate and no home runs. He had been listed as a reserve for a game against the Minnesota Twins, as outlined by the Seattle Times. A quick pre-game press conference was called at Safeco Field, and that was it. He had said that his retirement would be swift and that he would “never allow myself to become a distraction.” He knew when it was time, and said goodbye.

Additional info at these websites

Seattle Times

seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2012015906_griffey03.html