In what was supposed to be a 25-30 minute ceremony at Safeco Field prior to first pitch... tear-dropping tribute videos, a humbled crowd, and a 25 minute unscripted speech by Ken Griffey Jr. extended the ceremony to a little over an hour... and did anyone mind?
No.
On his night, no one in the world could have stopped the greatest Seattle Mariner ever.
All the current players on the Seattle Mariners roster, coaches included, lined the top step of the first base line dugout for the ceremony with their hats tilted backwards - a sign of respect to the style Ken Griffey brought to baseball.
The crowd was full of fans wearing the No. 24 Mariner jersey, all cheering one of the games greatest legacies.
Ken Griffey Jr. entered the stadium through a door behind the Center Field wall and walked over a painted number 24 in the outfield grass. With each step closer and closer towards the infield, the crowd roared louder and louder.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be associated with the people here." Griffey Jr. said of the Seattle Mariners organization and fan base. "I can honestly say I am thankful to be part of the Seattle Mariners."
The pre game ceremony concluded a two day celebration of Ken Griffey Jr's 22 year MLB tenure, especially the 13 years spent in Seattle, Washington.
Griffey Jr. was selected No. 1 overall in 1987 by the Mariners. After two years in the minors, he began an All Star Career on April 3, 1989.
Griffey finished his illustrious career sixth on the all-time home run list with 630, 13 All Star Game Appearances, and the 1997 American League MVP.
After watching the Griffey Jr. tribute in Seattle, one can only imagine how powerful a future ceremony will be if and when Ken Griffey Jr. is honored at Cooperstown.
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