George Kenneth Griffey Jr., born in Donora on November 21, 1969, became the first overall pick in the 1987 Major League Baseball draft. Over a 22-year professional career, he established himself as a central figure in American baseball, playing as an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and the Chicago White Sox.
Early Development and Professional Entry
Griffey attended Moeller High School in Cincinnati, where he was named the U.S. high school baseball player of the year in 1987 after hitting .478 with 17 home runs. Following his selection by the Seattle Mariners in June 1987, he joined the Bellingham Mariners. He hit his first professional home run on June 17, 1987, at Everett Memorial Stadium. By 1988, he progressed through the San Bernardino Spirit and the Vermont Mariners before debuting in the major leagues in 1989.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure with the Seattle Mariners
During his initial 11-season run in Seattle, Griffey recorded 1,752 hits and 398 home runs. He won the American League MVP award in 1997 and secured 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1990 to 1999. In 1990, he and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., made history as the first father-son duo to play for the same team, even hitting back-to-back home runs on September 14, 1990, against the California Angels.
Records and Career Recognition
Griffey finished his career with 630 home runs, the seventh-most in MLB history. His performance led to his induction into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame and the Reds Hall of Fame. In 2016, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in his first year of eligibility, receiving 99.32% of the vote. He served as a consultant for the Mariners front office following his retirement from active play.
Fast facts
- Born: November 21, 1969, Donora
- MLB Debut: 1989
- Total MLB Home Runs: 630
- Gold Glove Awards: 10
- Education: Moeller High School
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2016
Questions readers ask
Did Ken Griffey Jr. ever play on the same team as his father?
Yes, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. played 51 games together for the Seattle Mariners between 1990 and 1991.
What record did Griffey set during his 2016 Hall of Fame induction?
He broke the record for the highest percentage of votes received, appearing on 99.32% of ballots.
Achievements
- Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award
- Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award
- Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
- Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame
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