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Seattle Mariners: Ken Griffey Jr. Stays Humble Throughout All the Fuss

By Paul Taylor

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners former player Ken Griffey Jr. photographs during the first half of the game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Boise State Broncos in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners former player Ken Griffey Jr. photographs during the first half of the game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Boise State Broncos in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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This is a special time for Ken Griffey Jr., but one thing that has been clear throughout recent events is how modest and respectful the former Seattle Mariners center fielder is.

It’s been an exciting period of time for the Seattle Mariners and their fans, who haven’t had much to cheer about in recent years. Seeing Ken Griffey Jr. being elected into the MLB Hall of Fame is a special moment, something which no one will ever forget.

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What’s followed has been a whirlwind for Griffey, culminating with his press conference in Seattle on Friday. Certainly, being the first player in Mariners’ history to have his number retired is how it should be.

However, what’s been most fascinating to observe, is how humble the 13-time All-Star has remained throughout it all. Nowhere was this more evident, than in his reaction to finding out that number 24 will hang next to Jackie Robinson’s number 42 in Safeco Field.

Speaking to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times and the rest of the media, Griffey said: “I don’t think I did half of what he did.

“Baseball-wise, yeah, you can look at the numbers and things like that. But the way he went about his life and the things he did off the field, nobody can compare to that.”

Further confirmation of “The Kid’s” modesty came when it was put to him that he was the reason why the Mariners remained in Seattle. Without him, it’s likely the franchise would have moved to Tampa Bay.

Seattle Mariners
Aug 9, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aug 9, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds former center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. answers a question during a news conference at Great American Ball Park. Griffey will be inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in ceremonies before a game between the Miami Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

However, Griffey see’s it differently, as he told the media: “Twenty-four other guys that helped me. It’s not one guy that saved baseball in Seattle.

“It was … everybody. It’s not just one person. We all had our part. That’s just how I think of it.”

This mindset is in keeping with the numerous occasions over the years, in respect of the 1997 AL MVP’s dealings with the media after games. If the Mariners lost, he would be there front and center to speak to everyone.

However, if the team won, Griffey would often not make himself available. As far as he was concerned, he wanted his teammates to receive all of the attention.

My person highlight came when Griffey discussed the late, great Dave Niehaus, who he will be joining in Cooperstown. The two shared a special father-son type relationship for many years.

Griffey said: “He probably would just say ‘It’s about time. I’m glad that you are here. You deserve it.’ He’d pat me on my head like he always did and call me son and give me a hug.”

Whether you’re a Mariners fan or not, I think I speak on behalf of everyone (with the exception of maybe three people!) when I say ‘Thank you for all the special memories’. There will never be another Ken Griffey Jr., and that goes all the way down to his ability to remain modest and respectful during all the years of adulation.

Next: Ken Griffey Jr. top 10 Mariners highlights

What does Ken Griffey Jr. mean to you? Share your memories in the comments section below.

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