I just heard the news that Ken Griffey Jr. announced his retirement today. I wanted to thankyou Jr. for all you have done for Baseball, the Mariners, and me personally. I was at the old Kingdome right after you got drafted and you were down below me on the 300 level and I reached over and said hi, you waved. I was at the game in 1995 when you scored from first on the Edgar Martinez double. And this year I was lucky enough to go to Spring Training and we exchanged a few quips. You are a funny, magical guy and we will all miss you.
I hope to make it to Cooperstown in 5 years when you enter the doors as the greatest player from the 90’s. Who can ever forget that beautiful swing of yours that produced 630 home runs, leaving you at #5 on the all-time list behind my other childhood hero Willie Mays.
And so now you are stepping down on your own terms. Some of us stuck with you all the way and I want to apologize for those here in Seattle who didn’t have the class to let you go when you were ready. You saved Baseball in Seattle and were the greatest power hitter of your era.
I kind of new it was coming when you began playing a low-profile role a few weeks ago. And now it will be up to guys like Josh Wilson, Franklin Gutierrez, and Doug Fister to usher in a new era of Mariners Baseball. Thanks for the ride Jr.
On another note the Mariners squeaked out a 2-1 victory over the Twins tonight in extra innings. Cliff Lee went 8 full innings and his only mistake was a solo homer the first Lee has given up on the year. So far the Mariners are 2-0 in June and hopefully will take this series when Felix Hernandez takes the mound tomorrow. Sorry for the short report tonight as I am on the road and am still trying to deal with all the emotions around saying farewell to Griffey. http://jeffsmariners.com
Out of Respect for the Ancient Mariner
Filed under: Special News Flash | Tagged: Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners, Willie Mays |
Jeff's Mariners Fan Blog 
We will all miss Griffey as he did alot for the Mariners and for baseball.It was time for him to step down.I know he will be voted in the Hall in 5 years.I hope we can go out and get some hitting soon.I plan on being in Seattle close to Fathers Day to see a game.I am also going to see the Twins and Tigers on June 28th. To bad about the BAD call to take the no hitter away from Detroit today. Keep up the good work. I check you out every day. Sparky
Thanks Sparky, Yes it is a sad day though I knew it was coming. Thanks for your support….Jeff
While I am trying to be optimistic about the Mariners and 2010, we are approaching the AllStar break and the Mariners in last place in their division. Jeff! we need some players to start swinging the bat. We only have Ichiro, Gutierrez, Sweeney, and Wilson doing so. I am afraid if we don’t get some improvement from some of the other players, it looks like a tough year. I am trying to remain upbeat but I am finding it difficult. Even JR said goodbye. Lets hope that things turn around and fast!
Jim, Keep the faith. We need to make do with what we have for now. Lopez is getting hot and even Figgins is getting a few hits now and then…..Jeff