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News, Blog and GuidesThe former AL MVP has taken his relationship with the club that made him a step further.
Paul RudderEnglish_ASUpdate: Oct 26th, 2021 15:22 EDT
One of Seattle’s favorite sons is intent on leaving his mark even after his playing career
Ken Griffey Jr. invests in the Seattle Mariners
A player whose name and image became synonymous with the club, a Hall of Famer and now part owner, Ken Griffey Jr. has decided to invest in the Seattle Mariners. The former MLB MVP had set his sights on the idea long ago and has finally realized a dream.
Ken Griffey Jr. has purchased shares in the Seattle Mariners franchise and joined the Mariners Partnership Group.He becomes the first former player to hold partnership interest in the team ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/gBjZTFmE5X
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 25, 2021
“It was just a conversation and it just kept snowballing, and then finally I was able to do what I need to do, Griffey stated. “So it wasn’t like I woke up and said, ‘You know what, I think I want to do this now. Basic conversation. What’s next and I was able to pull the trigger this year. I had to wait my turn like everybody else.”
The Michael Jordan effect
Griffey had to wait for his opportunity to buy shares from a minority holder, however, he explained that the desire to be part of the ownership was born when his playing career ended in 2010. Interestingly this isn’t Griffey’s first foray into the world of investment. Along with his family he recently purchased a stake in the Seattle Sounders ownership. Citing conversations with friends like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter, Griffey was inspired to make further moves.
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“I’ve known Michael for 30 years and you look at certain things that he’s created for everybody else, it’s almost like you look and say there’s the blueprint. You may not be able to match that, but you can look at it and have an idea of what he’s done over the years and how he’s grown an empire.”
From MLB legend to the boardroom
In 1987 Ken Griffey Jr. was the No. 1 overall pick in the amateur draft by the Mariners. Just two years after, he made his MLB debut and it wouldn’t be long before he was recognized as one of the best players of his generation. He would go on to spend his first 11 seasons with the Mariners and in that time they would win two American League West titles while Griffey himself was named AL MVP in 1997. Though he did have a period with Cincinnati starting in 1999, he would finally come home to Seattle in 2009 where he finished his career, retiring in 2010 at the age of 40.
Ken Griffey Jr appreciation post pic.twitter.com/UQsog388On
— TodayInSports (@TodayInSports3) October 25, 2021
