Gazing up at this bronze figure, do you feel the echoes of cheering crowds? This is the Ken Griffey Jr. Statue. It stands as a tribute to one of baseball’s greats. This statue isn’t just bronze and granite. It is a symbol of Seattle’s love for “The Kid”.
Ken Griffey Jr. captivated fans with his infectious smile and incredible talent. The Ken Griffey Jr. Statue captures his iconic swing. It immortalizes the moment just after he connected with the ball. His eyes are fixed on its trajectory.
The Ken Griffey Jr. Statue sits proudly outside T-Mobile Park at the home plate entrance. It is located on the corner of Edgar Martinez Drive and Dave Niehaus Way. The statue was unveiled on April 13, 2017. It cemented Griffey’s place in Seattle sports history forever.
Lou Cella, a Chicago-based artist, designed the Ken Griffey Jr. Statue. Cella also created the Dave Niehaus statue inside T-Mobile Park. The Ken Griffey Jr. Statue shows Griffey in his 1997 Mariners uniform. You can see the 20th anniversary patch on one sleeve. The Jackie Robinson patch is on the other.
Griffey played 13 seasons with the Mariners. He hit 417 home runs and drove in 1,216 runs. Before joining Seattle, he attended Archbishop Moeller High School. The Mariners selected him with the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB Draft.
He made his major league debut on Opening Day of the 1989 season. He and his father were the first father-son duo to play in the big leagues at the same time. The younger Griffey established himself as a rangy center fielder. He won ten consecutive Gold Glove Awards. He also secured seven Silver Slugger Awards.
In 1997, Griffey belted 56 homers. He collected 147 RBIs. He captured the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
Griffey was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. He received 99.32% of the votes. This was the highest mark ever at that time. His number 24 is retired by the Mariners.
The Ken Griffey Jr. Statue serves as a reminder of Griffey’s impact. He is one of the most beloved sports figures in Seattle sports history. The statue ensures his legacy lives on for generations to come.
Take a closer look at the Ken Griffey Jr. Statue. Notice the detail in his follow-through swing. Imagine the roar of the crowd as that ball sails into the stands. Ken Griffey Jr. wasn’t just a player. He was an era. This Ken Griffey Jr. Statue is a perfect tribute to that.