Ken Griffey Jr began his MLB career with the Mariners 31 years ago today

Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners

On April 3, 1989, Ken Griffey Jr made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners in a night game against the Oakland Athletics. Mark Langston was pitching for the Mariners. In the bottom of the 1st, Mark McGwire hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Tony Philips, the A's take the lead 1-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Mark McGwire hit a two run home run, bringing in Carney Lansford, to make it 3-0. In the top of the 5th, Edgar Martinez hit a single to right field to bring in Jeffrey Leonard, A's lead 3-1. In the top of the 6th, Darnell Coles singled to left field, bringing in Griffey, A's lead 3-2. The A's would go on to hold to win.

Griffey would end up with 3 at bats, 1 run, 1 hit and 1 walk for his debut.

Nicknamed "Junior" and "The Kid," Griffey played 22 seasons in the major leagues. He's in the MLB Hall of Fame, Mariners Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, MLB All-Century Team and his No. 24 was retired by the Mariners.

His 630 home runs is 7th-most in MLB history.

He won 10 Gold Gloves playing center field.

He's also tied for most consecutive games with a home run (8, with Don Mattingly and Dale Long).

He made his final MLB appearance with the Seattle Mariners on May 31, 2010. Ending his career with a batting average of .284, 2781 hits, 630 home runs and 1836 RBIs.


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