Griffey, Ken, Jr. (1969-…), ranks among the most exciting players in baseball history. As a batter, Griffey combined power with the ability to hit for a high average. His speed made him one of the finest outfielders in baseball. He won 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards from 1990 to 1999 for his defensive play. Griffey played with the Seattle Mariners of the American League from 1989 until he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds of the National League shortly before the start of the 2000 season. Cincinnati traded Griffey to the Chicago White Sox of the American League during the 2008 season. Griffey signed to play for Seattle again in 2009. Griffey led the American League in home runs in 1994 with 40, in 1997 and 1998 with 56 each year, and in 1999 with 48. In 1997, he also led the major leagues in runs batted in with 147, and led the American League in runs scored with 125. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player that year. In 2008, Griffey became the sixth player in major league history to hit 600 career home runs.
George Kenneth Griffey, Jr., was born on Nov. 21, 1969, in Donora, Pennsylvania. His father, Ken Griffey, Sr., played in the major leagues from 1973 to 1991. They were the first father and son to play in the major leagues at the same time. Seattle selected the younger Griffey as the first player in the 1987 free agent draft. He played in the minor leagues for two seasons before becoming a regular with Seattle in 1989. Griffey announced his retirement during the 2010 season. He retired with 630 home runs, the fifth most in baseball history. Griffey was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
