In a monumental and emotional announcement, the Seattle Mariners have confirmed that franchise icon and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. is officially returning to the organization — this time, not as a player, but as co-owner.
The news was made public today by Mariners majority owner John W. Stanton, who, alongside his family, welcomed Griffey into the team’s ownership group in what is being hailed as a historic day for Seattle sports.
“It is done,” Stanton said at a press conference at T-Mobile Park. “Ken Griffey Jr. isn’t just returning to the Mariners — he’s helping lead us into the future as part of our ownership team.”
A Full-Circle Moment for “The Kid”
Griffey, affectionately known to fans as “Junior” or “The Kid,” was the face of the Seattle Mariners for more than a decade. His iconic swing, electric defense, and larger-than-life presence helped put the Mariners — and the city of Seattle — on the national baseball map in the 1990s.
Now, after years of involvement as a special advisor, Griffey takes on a permanent leadership stake, becoming one of the few African American co-owners in Major League Baseball — a move being widely praised as both meaningful and symbolic.
“The Mariners are part of who I am,” Griffey said during the announcement. “This city believed in me when I was 17. To now be in a position to shape its baseball future means more than I can put into words.”
What This Means for the Mariners
Griffey’s return comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Following a rollercoaster 2025 season, the Mariners are expected to enter an aggressive offseason, focusing on championship contention. With Griffey now at the table, fans and insiders alike believe a new era is beginning — one grounded in both legacy and ambition.
Stanton emphasized Griffey’s role won’t be ceremonial:
“Ken will be involved in key organizational decisions, from baseball operations to community engagement and long-term strategy. His voice matters — and it will be heard.”
A Day of Celebration in Seattle
The announcement was met with immediate and overwhelming joy across the city:
“Ken Griffey Jr. as co-owner?! The dream continues!”
“This is more than nostalgia. It’s a new chapter.”
“The heart of Seattle baseball is officially back where it belongs.”
Former teammates and Mariners legends like Edgar Martínez, Jay Buhner, and Dan Wilson posted heartfelt tributes, while fans flooded social media with clips of Griffey’s famous home runs and backward cap.
Looking Ahead
As part of his new role, Griffey is expected to be involved in player development, branding, and community outreach, as well as mentoring the next generation of Mariners stars.
His presence also signals renewed focus on winning — not just in the standings, but in culture, leadership, and identity.
Final Word
Ken Griffey Jr. is back — not in the batter’s box, but in the boardroom. And with “The Kid” helping lead the way, the future of Seattle Mariners baseball just got a whole lot brighter.
Welcome home, Junior.
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