Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. purchased shares in the Seattle Mariners franchise and joined the Mariners Partnership Group on Monday.
Griffey, 51, has served as a special consultant to the franchise since 2011 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
He was drafted by the Mariners with the first overall selection in 1987 and played in Seattle from 1989-99 and 2009-10. He is the first Mariners player in club history to join as a partner.
“As I said in my Hall of Fame speech, I’m very proud to be a Seattle Mariner,” Griffey said. “I’m excited for this incredible opportunity to join John (Stanton, Mariners chairman and managing partner) and the rest of the Mariners Partnership Group.
“This is a dream come true because of the relationship I’ve always had with the team, its fans, and the city of Seattle. I view this as another way to continue to give back to an organization and community that has always supported me, and my family. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to this organization’s success in any way possible.”
Griffey spent 22 seasons with the Mariners, Cincinnati Reds (2000-08) and Chicago White Sox (2008). He was a 13-time All-Star, American League MVP and 10-time Gold Glove winner.
–Field Level Media