Rollins, Victorino win Gold Gloves again Nov 12, 2009
Griffey agrees to return to Mariners Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners agreed to another one-year contract that will keep him in town for what could be his final season. Griffey, who turns 40 Nov. 21, was guaranteed $2 million when he signed to return for the 2009 season. (Boston Globe)
Mariners 'tickled pink' with Griffey 1-year deal Nov 12, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. reaches one-year deal with Seattle Mariners - ESPN ... The Mariners gave Ken Griffey Jr. a ride at the end of the season, but it was Griffey who lifted the team ... "His influence, the presence he has -- there are players on this ballclub who are very excited to know they are going to be teammates again with Ken Griffey Jr.," Zduriencik said. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Longoria nabs Gold Glove Award Nov 11, 2009
Since 1990, only seven players have won a Gold Glove at a younger age than Longoria: Ken Griffey Jr., Ivan Rodriguez, Andruw Jones, Roberto Alomar, Rolen, Chavez and Jeff Francoeur. The 2008 season marked the 53rd year of the Gold Glove Award. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Selig allowing anyone to wear No. 42 Nov 11, 2009
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who wore the number during the 50th anniversary celebration before it was retired from all of baseball, made the original request. He thought only a handful of players would wear the number. (Yahoo News -- African Americans)
Torii wins ninth straight Gold Glove Nov 11, 2009
" Hunter claimed his ninth consecutive Gold Glove for fielding excellence on Tuesday, joining the Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki and the Orioles' Adam Jones in the American League outfield. Only Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays (12 each) and Ken Griffey Jr., Andruw Jones and Al Kaline (10 each) have won more for outfield play than Hunter and Ichiro, who also ran his streak to nine consecutive selections. Hunter's first seven Gold Gloves came while he was with the Twins before signing a five-year... (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Branyan rejects Mariners' one-year offer Nov 11, 2009
There was no further news Tuesday on Ken Griffey Jr. His agent, Brian Goldberg, and the Mariners continue to discuss a one-year contract for the future Hall of Famer. is a reporter for MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Ichiro adds to his legacy with No. 9 Nov 11, 2009
Ichiro has won Gold Gloves in each of his nine Major League seasons and moved within one of tying Ken Griffey Jr. for the most defensive awards won overall and in succession in franchise history. Griffey was a 10-time winner from 1990-99. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Hunter, Ichiro win again » Nov 11, 2009
With nine Gold Gloves apiece, Hunter and Suzuki are one shy of the AL record for outfielders, shared by Ken Griffey Jr. and Hall of Famer Al Kaline. Hunter receives a $100,000 bonus for winning the Gold Glove, while Suzuki gets $50,000. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Branyan expects to top 2009 Nov 10, 2009
Six of the seven Mariners eligible for free agency have filed, leaving only Ken Griffey Jr. to do so before the Nov. 19 deadline. "Hopefully, they come and offer me something to come back to Seattle," Branyan added. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
HOT STOVE: Players potentially eligible for free agency Nov 10, 2009
P Miguel Batista; P Erik Bedard; 3B Adrian Beltre; 1B Russell Branyan; OF Endy Chavez; OF Ken Griffey Jr.; DH Mike Sweeney; SS c-Jack Wilson. Tampa Bay Rays. (USA Today -- Sports)
Mariners hope to adorn trophy mantel Nov 10, 2009
Another Gold Glove this year would move Ichiro within one of the record Ken Griffey Jr. holds -- 10 straight from 1990-99. The Mariners could be involved in three of the upcoming awards. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
With A-Rod's new plan, new hardware Nov 8, 2009
Previously having played in more regular-season games without reaching the World Series than all but one active player, Ken Griffey Jr., Rodriguez has suddenly become just another champion baseball player. And a rather successful one, at that. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Three more Mariners opt for free agency Nov 7, 2009
Designated hitter Ken Griffey Jr. and Russell Branyan, believed to be the most likely to return to Seattle next season, have not yet filed for free agency. The Mariners are not expected to discuss offers with either Batista or Chavez. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Mariners focusing on work yet to do Nov 7, 2009
Additionally, all signs point toward the re-signing of designated hitter Ken Griffey Jr. His agent, Brian Goldberg, would not get into specifics, but acknowledged on Thursday that contract talks for another one-year deal were expected to resume soon. The Mariners already have lost veteran catcher Kenji Johjima, who opted out of the final two years of his contract to with Seattle to return to Japan, four players ended the season on the 60-day disabled list, catcher Rob Johnson underwent surgery... (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Seven Mariners among free agents Nov 6, 2009
They are the ones eligible for free agency and, beginning on Thursday, left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard, third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Russell Branyan, left fielder Endy Chavez and designated hitters Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Sweeney had 15 days to file. The Mariners have exclusive negotiating rights during the 15-day period, regardless when the player actually files through the Major League Players Association. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Beltre, Sweeney file for free agency Nov 6, 2009
Seattle players that did not file on the first day are pitchers Miguel Batista and Erik Bedard, first baseman Russell Branyan and outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Endy Chavez. The Mariners have exclusive contract talks with all of their potential free agents -- including Beltre and Sweeney -- until the 15-day filing period ends. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Humbled A-Rod soaks in first championship Nov 5, 2009
" Hitting .365 in the postseason, Rodriguez slammed six homers and drove in 18 runs. He was, in short, as valuable as anyone on the club, forcing opponents to pitch around him and creating opportunities for his more mortal teammates. A-Rod also entered this postseason with more regular-season games played without a World Series appearance than all but one active player, Ken Griffey Jr. Rodriguez had never seen this stage before, and yet when he arrived here, he took to it with all the aplomb of... (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Inbox: What does the future hold for Ackley? Nov 5, 2009
I loved Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez when they were Mariners, but Martinez was a cut above in many ways. Is there anything fans can do to help get him into the Hall of Fame next year. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Howard striking out at record pace in Series Nov 4, 2009
He became the fourth player to have four straight seasons with 45 homers and 130 RBIs, joining Babe Ruth (seven), Ken Griffey Jr. (four) and Sammy Sosa (four). Can the Phillies win the next two games without a contribution from their cleanup hitter. (MSNBC -- Sports)
A healthy Washburn ready for 2010 Nov 3, 2009
Could Washburn become the most recent of several players -- including Ken Griffey Jr. -- who have had second stints with the Mariners. The first three years he spent in Seattle were difficult as he struggled to retain the winning touch that allowed him to become an 18-game winner, and World Series champion, in 2002 with the Angels. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Griffey has surgery on left knee Oct 28, 2009
SEATTLE The Seattle Mariners say Ken Griffey Jr. has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove a bone spur. The team says Griffey had the surgery on Monday in Cincinnati and was performed by Dr. Timothy Kremchek. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Howard's pop powers playoff mystique Oct 28, 2009
Only Babe Ruth (seven years, 1926-32), Ken Griffey Jr. (four years, 1996-99) and Sammy Sosa (four years, 1998-2001) have accomplished the feat. Howard and Sosa hold the National League record with four consecutive 130-RBI seasons. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Griffey has bone spur removed from left knee Oct 27, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. has bone spur removed from left knee - ESPN. Updated: October 27, 2009, 12:07 AM ET. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Coyotes’ owner to sell team to league Oct 27, 2009
Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove a bone spur. College and university athletic departments might have to drop some sports unless reforms such as controlling the cost of coaching contracts are implemented, according to a survey. (Boston Globe)
KostyaKennedyViewpoint Louisville Slugger has a gift for every World Series participant. Oct 27, 2009
While major league teams typically pay for their players' bats, A-Rod insists on buying his own, just as Ken Griffey Jr. does and as Tony Gwynn used to. This way he (or his rep) deals directly with the factory and can agitate for the finest wood in every lot. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
A-Rod's playoff transformation continues Oct 26, 2009
Among active players, only Ken Griffey Jr., Rodriguez's former teammate in Seattle, has played in more games (2,638) without participating in the Fall Classic. "In order to win a World Series, you have to get there," Rodriguez said. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Going to the Wells for charity assistance Oct 22, 2009
Slated to attend are Young, fellow Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Kevin Millwood, Andruw Jones and Ivan Rodriguez, former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith and Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr., amongst others. On Nov. 2, its about hitting the links. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Howard's big bat warrants NLCS MVP honors Oct 22, 2009
"Howard finished the regular season with a .279 average and 45 homers, and his 141 RBIs tied Milwaukee's for most in the majors. Howard became the fourth player to have four straight seasons with 45 homers and 130 RBIs, joining Babe Ruth (seven), Ken Griffey Jr. (four) and (four).Los Angeles didn't intentionally walk Howard in the series after giving three free passes in its first-round sweep of St. Louis.Given plenty of chances to swing, Howard hurt the Dodgers over and over again. He gets a... (ESPN -- Baseball)
Howard earns NLCS MVP Oct 22, 2009
Howard became the fourth player to have four straight seasons with 45 homers and 130 RBIs, joining Babe Ruth (seven), Ken Griffey Jr. (four) and Sammy Sosa (four). Los Angeles didnt intentionally walk Howard in the series after giving Albert Pujols three free passes in its first-round sweep of St. Louis. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Howard's big stick carries Philadelphia's offense Oct 22, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Thu, Oct 22, 2009 12:14 AMModified Thu, Oct 22, 2009 12:14 AM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Piece by piece, putting it together Oct 21, 2009
Reminds me of Dan Duquette s stat guy (the water-meter reader from New York) who somehow proved the Dwayne Hosey was better than Ken Griffey Jr.. Pocket Money might be the worst idea for a TV show - ever. (Boston Globe)
Inbox: Is youthful enthusiasm the answer? Oct 20, 2009
Heck, the Mariners brought back Ken Griffey Jr. this year and even had an incentive clause in his contract based on home attendance at Safeco Field. Have a question about the Indians. (MLB.com -- Cleveland Indians)
Inbox: Is Young a No. 1 starter? Oct 20, 2009
Is there any chance the Padres might sign Ken Griffey Jr. as a left-handed pinch hitter and a designated hitter for Interleague road games. The Padres have tried several players who have failed in that role recently (Cliff Floyd, the latest example). (MLB.com -- San Diego Padres)
Custom sport-bike builder finds home in Daytona Oct 17, 2009
"This place is perfect. Absolutely, I can survive here," Anglada said while customizing a Yamaha Raider for a national Boys & Girls Club fund-raiser auction being financed by the Ken Griffey Jr. Foundation. "This is Daytona -- the mecca for motorcycles. Some say Sturgis, but this is where it all originated and it will stay that way forever.". (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Tuesday's Braves Show Talk Show Oct 17, 2009
This story originally published on. Is Griffey finally coming to Atlanta. (Chicago White Sox, TheInsiders.com)
NLCS Preview - Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Oct 15, 2009
Of course, in the middle of it all is first baseman Ryan Howard, who had another incredible year at the plate, as he became just the fourth player in major league history (joining Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa) to have four consecutive 40 HR/130 RBI seasons. Howard, who also had by far his best year defensively, finished the year with 45 home runs, 141 RBI with 105 runs scored, while hitting. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Inbox: Where will Sandberg be in 2010? Oct 15, 2009
I've heard the phrase "another Ken Griffey Jr. out there." Why don't we sign Griffey to a one-year contract. He played for Piniella once, so maybe he would end his career with him as well. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Fans welcome Rob home Oct 13, 2009
"He told them he didn't always know where his pitches were going so how would I?" He said he and Washburn became very close friends and that he learned a lot about being a Big Leaguer from Ken Griffey Jr., whose locker was next to his, leading to many conversations between the two. The drawing prizes included a signed catcher's mitt Johnson used. (Montana Standard, MT)
Change in 'beliefs' carries Mariners Oct 11, 2009
" Seattle used 20 pitchers, including 12 starters, while compiling the lowest team ERA in the AL. No team has used that many starters and overall pitchers and led the league in ERA since the Red Sox had 24 pitchers (13 starters) in 2000. Ace right-hander Felix Hernandez took a huge step at age 23, elevating his game to a short list of elite starters. After being "called out" by Wakamatsu following a lackluster performance against the Angels on May 19, Hernandez won 16 of his final 18 decisions... (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Inbox: Which Cubs will return in 2010? Oct 10, 2009
However, if there's another Ken Griffey Jr. out there -- or someone like Brian Roberts -- the Cubs would be set. I'm curious what the Cubs' won-loss record was in games that Milton Bradley did not start. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
2009 Recap: AL West Oct 8, 2009
" -- Rangers manager Ron Washington on the importance of finishing in second place. The Rangers clinched second place for the second consecutive season with a win Oct. 2 at Seattle. ROSTER REPORT: Not only did the Rangers contend until the final week of the season, they did it with an extremely young roster that bodes well for a bright future. It's conceivable the Rangers could do nothing more this winter than let their treasure trove of young talent mature. But they do lose some veteran... (Cleveland, TheInsiders.com)
Stats Geek: Bay overlooked member of elite group Oct 7, 2009
They are: A-Rod (12 seasons, the most all time); Pujols and Jim Thome (eight each); Ken Griffey Jr., Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez and Gary Sheffield (six each); Todd Helton, Carlos Delgado and Chipper Jones (five); Bay, Jason Giambi, Andruw Jones, Mark Teixeira and Miguel Tejada (four each. . (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Will Griffey get chance to write more history? Oct 7, 2009
If Sunday was Ken Griffey Jr. s last game as a member of the Seattle Mariners, maybe even as a baseball player, then it was a fitting celebration for the man who helped save a moribund franchise and turn it into the modern Mariners we know today. Whether it was the numerous standing ovations he received the final one after he was lifted from the game after hitting a single in the eighth inning, causing him to bite his lip and fight back tears the countless hugs that were given to him that did... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Highlights (and lowlights) from the 2009 Mariners Oct 7, 2009
Pinch-hit home run by Ken Griffey Jr.. Trailing the Diamondbacks 3-0 in the eighth inning on June 19, Russell Branyan leads off with a home run, Adrian Beltre singles and with 27,326 on their feet at Safeco Field Junior pinch hits for Wladimir Balentien. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Column: Zduriencik's tasks start with Felix, end at Junior Oct 7, 2009
Ask Mike Sweeney and, yes, Ken Griffey Jr., if they want to come back as marginal players with a minimum role. Keeping two reserve pinch-hitters scoffs at conventional roster-assembly wisdom, but the Mariners have enough pitching depth to exchange a mop-up reliever for an extra bat. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Mariners' fuzzy future rife with promise Oct 7, 2009
The question of bringing back Ken Griffey Jr. or Mike Sweeney either or both probably won t be answered until the Mariners determine if they can do more with their offense elsewhere. With those two starting all but five games at DH this season, the position produced a. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rockies-Phillies NLDS breakdown Oct 6, 2009
Ryan Howard became just the fourth player in MLB history (joining Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa) to have four consecutive 40 HR/130 RBI seasons. With Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth and Chase Utley also surpassing 30 homers, the Phillies certainly have leaned on the long ball. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
AL: Twins force playoff Oct 6, 2009
The World Link : AL: Twins force playoff. AL: Twins force playoff. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Mariners' transformation startlingly quick Oct 6, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. hugs Ichiro Suzuki after the Mariners' 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers in Seattle on Sunday ... They carried superstars Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki off the field on their shoulders. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Griffey earns $3.15 million for Seattle return Oct 6, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. is carried around the field by Ryan Langerhans, left, and Matt Tuiasosopo, right, after the Mariners' 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Sunday ... SEATTLE Ken Griffey Jr. will collect 3. (Longview Daily News, WA)
NLDS Preview - Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies Oct 6, 2009
"We have to do a good job containing the top of the Phillies' order and hold the big guys in the middle of the lineup at bay. If you don't do that, they'll put up big numbers in an inning." Of course, in the middle of it all is first baseman Ryan Howard, who had another incredible year at the plate, as he became just the fourth player in major league history (joining Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa) to have four consecutive 40 HR/130 RBI seasons. Howard, who also had by far his best... (ABC 7 News, DC)
Hernandez earns 19th win in Mariners' season finale Oct 5, 2009
SEATTLE Felix Hernandez finished tied for the major league lead with 19 wins and the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 4-3 Sunday in a season finale that doubled as a daylong tribute to Ken Griffey Jr.. The 39-year-old Seattle icon finished his one-year contract with the Mariners by going 1 for 4. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Selig allowing anyone to wear No. 42 Oct 5, 2009
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who wore the number during the 50th anniversary celebration before it was retired from all of baseball, made the original request. He thought only a handful of players would wear the number. (Yahoo News -- African Americans)
Griffey takes curtain call, King Felix wins 19th Oct 5, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. points to the crowd following the Mariners 4-3 victory over the Rangers. Griffey, 39, said he would like to return next year. (USA Today -- Sports)
Felix ends season with 19th win Oct 5, 2009
SEATTLE -- If this truly is the end for Ken Griffey Jr., the standing ovations were appropriate, the curtain calls necessary. But Mariners fans also paid respect to a guy on Sunday who has plenty of years left in a very powerful right arm, giving Felix Hernandez a rousing cheer as the ace exited with two outs in the seventh inning. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Mariners Hernandez wins 19th Oct 5, 2009
SEATTLE (AP) -Ken Griffey Jr. thrilled his fans one last time, taking a curtain call after singling in his final at-bat. He wiped away tears that fell from behind sunglasses he had put on in a futile attempt to hide his emotions. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Pitching, defense likely strengths in '10 Oct 5, 2009
Decisions also must be made regarding veteran designated hitters Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Sweeney ... Contract issues Free agents: Erik Bedard, LHP; Adrian Beltre, 3B; Russell Branyan, 1B; Miguel Batista, RHP; Mike Sweeney, DH; Ken Griffey Jr., DH; Endy Chavez, OF. Eligible for arbitration: Felix Hernandez, RHP; David Aardsma, RHP; Mark Lowe, RHP; Franklin Gutierrez, OF; Ryan Langerhans, OF; Randy Messenger, RHP. Player options: None ... Designated hitter Ken Griffey Jr.. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Griffey ends '09 with hit; future uncertain Oct 5, 2009
SEATTLE -- When he stepped into the batter's box for the final time this season, in the eighth inning on Sunday afternoon, the emotions were running rampant inside Ken Griffey Jr.. "It was probably the most nervous and emotional roller coaster I have ever been on as a ballplayer," he said. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
GAME REPORT: Mariners 4, Rangers 3 Oct 5, 2009
Out: Ken Griffey Jr. struck out looking ... Out: Ken Griffey Jr. lined out to pitcher ... Runner on second and Ken Griffey Jr. due up. (USA Today -- Sports)
Hernandez's last chance to impress Oct 4, 2009
When eyes aren't on Felix, they will be on Ken Griffey Jr., who will close the curtain on his homecoming season, still unsure whether he will return for one more year in 2010. The Griffey story could last well into the winter as general manager Jack Zduriencik continues to build the Mariners into a playoff contender. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Tigers, Twins tied at the top Oct 4, 2009
In other games, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 630th career home run to help host Seattle beat Texas, 2-1. Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer to power visiting Milwaukee past St. Louis , 5-4. (Boston Globe)
Mariners edge Rangers 2-1 Oct 4, 2009
SEATTLE Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 630th career home run to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 2-1 Saturday night. Griffey opened the fourth inning with a line shot over the right-field wall, his 19th this season. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rangers held to just one run by Mariners Oct 4, 2009
" Ken Griffey Jr. gave the Mariners a 1-0 lead with a home run to lead off the fourth inning. It was Griffey's 34th in his career against the Rangers. That ties him with George Brett for seventh-most by an opponent against the Rangers. In the fifth, Josh Wilson led off with a double and scored on singles by Ichiro Suzuki and Franklin Gutierrez. Hunter was pitching despite having an upper respiratory infection earlier this week and was pulled in the fifth. It's the second consecutive start he has... (MLB.com -- Texas Rangers)
Rowland-Smith leads Seattle past Texas Oct 4, 2009
SEATTLE -- Ken Griffey Jr. emerged from his first beer shower of the season on Saturday night, wearing a couple of towels and a big smile. "I don't remember anything," he said. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Saunders' power stroke coming around Oct 2, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. must feel right at home at Safeco. He has hit 28 home runs in 96 career games there, averaging a home run every 11. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
