For Mariners fans, they got a dose of good news on Wednesday night as Ken Griffey — a future Hall of Famer — decided to return where his career began.
Although this may be sort of a marketing ploy to make fans somewhat happy after a disastrous season in 2008, the Mariners need to make a statement. Whether the return of Griffey out West is a just fool hearted attempt to relive history or add a piece that may help the organization, it’s good thing that he’s returning to where he had his most success and got to build up a legendary career.
As a baseball fan in general, I’m happy to have read the news.
From the AP: Griffey selected the Seattle Mariners over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, agreeing to a one-year contract with the team that made him a star.
“He’s coming home. … I can’t begin to tell you how ecstatic we are. He is, too,” Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said in confirming the deal.
Zduriencik called Griffey “arguably one of the greatest athletes to ever play in the Seattle area.”
The deal is for at least $2 million, plus incentives, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations who requested anonymity because the Mariners would not discuss contract details. The incentives could earn Griffey an additional million or more.
Griffey, who is expected to arrive in camp Friday or Saturday, is fifth on baseball’s career home run list with 611.
He was No. 1 on the list of stars Seattle fans wanted most to reclaim.
