Awwww, I'm all teary eyed. I love you, Jr.!
CINCINNATI - Channel 9 Sports and WCPO.com has been informed by sources close to him, that Ken Griffey Jr. is retiring from baseball.
He's driven in only 7 runs this season, has a .184 batting average and has yet to hit a home run. Age has caught up to Ken Griffey Jr. and he's fully aware that the battle won't likely turn in his favor.
His decision will be made official in a statement to be released shortly by the Seattle Mariners, the team he started his career with in 1987. Twenty-two season later, the clock will now start on what will undoubtedly be a short wait for the Hall of Fame. If there was ever a first ballot inductee, the Moeller High grad is one.
In the retirement statement, Griffey says, "I'm extremely thankful to have played so long. I'd like to thank my family for all the sacrifices they've made all these years. And I'd like to thank the Seattle Mariners for allowing me to finish my career where it started."
"I told the Mariners when we met before the season, that I would never allow myself to be a distraction. My hope is that my teammates can win a championship for themselves and for deserving Seattle fans. I'd like to thank everyone who played a role in my career."
http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/sports/ken-g...nce-retirement