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. 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 seems like he is heading off into the sunset rather than become a token of nostalgia. He retires a living legend. 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 By Personal Money Store
Ken Griffey Jr retires after 21 years
Ken Griffey Jr's retirement ends a legendary career among sportsmen of the Pacific Northwest. The Mariners and Ken Griffey Jr are about as inseparable in the minds of fans as Babe Ruth and also the New York Yankees are. 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 could field or hit with excellence. He won the American League Golden Glove 10 times and hit nearly 400 home runs during his original 10 years as a Mariner.
The Kid departs from the Emerald City
Family was always the biggest priority for Griffey, and by 1999, wanted to move closer to them. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, the team his father won two World Series on. 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 began that he may return to the Mariners.
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 was listed on the reserve for the game against the Twins, according to the Seattle Times. Just before the game started, a quick press conference was called and the announcement was made. He said all along his retirement would happen within 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.
Citations
Seattle Times
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2012015906_griffey03.html
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