Ken Griffey Jr suddenly retired on June 2, 2010, which was announced shortly before a game between the Mariners and also the Minnesota Twins. It was a sudden decision, and Griffey caught numerous unaware with the announcement. It seems he had been wrestling with the decision after starting off a disappointing 2010 season, and it appears he is heading off into the sunset instead of become a token of nostalgia. He had an accomplished career. He was one of the true greats, and is fifth on the all time home run list.
A career for the history books is closed as Ken Griffey Jr retires
For sports individuals 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 also the Jets. He debuted professionally in 1989 and along with his father, Ken Griffey Sr, were the only father and son to play for the exact same team at the same time. He could field or hit with excellence. He won the Golden Glove from the American League 10 times and hit nearly 400 home runs in his original stint with Seattle.
The Kid leaves the Emerald City
By the time he was traded, Griffey had been wanting to move closer to his family, which was always his greatest priority. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, the team his father played on and won two World Series with. His time in Cincinnati, while having moments of his trademark productivity, was plagued with injuries. The White Sox acquired Griffey mid way through the 2008 season. He became a free agent at the end of that year, and massive amounts of rumor began about his potential return to Seattle.
Return of the prodigal son
Returning in 2009, he hit 19 home runs in the 2009 season. The 2010 season though, was frustrating as he saw few at bats and had not hit a single home run by May. He had been listed as a reserve for a game against the Minnesota Twins, according to the Seattle Times. A quick pre-game press conference was called at Safeco Field, and that was it. He said all along his retirement would happen in the blink of an eye and he had personally vowed “never allow myself to become a distraction.” He knew when it was time, and said goodbye.
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Seattle Times
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2012015906_griffey03.html
