Ken Griffey Jr. Joins Mariners Ownership Group

The legend of Ken Griffey Jr. grew even stronger this week as the Hall of Famer became the first former player to hold partial ownership in the Mariners. We literally could not think of a cooler player to get involved in their former franchise.

All we're missing now is the MLB logo to switch to a silhouette of the kid, however this news will have to suffice.

"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 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 Jr. spent 12 seasons with the Seattle Mariners and split a decade elsewhere with stops in Cincinnati and Chicago and although he was good in a different uniform, it wasn't the same. Now the legendary slugger cements his baseball marriage with the franchise that helped him make a name in Major League Baseball.

Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton helped introduce Griffey Jr. this morning:

"On behalf of all of the partners, I want to welcome Ken," he said. "Ken has been an icon of our franchise, on and off the field, for over three decades and we are thrilled that he is joining us as a partner. His knowledge of the game, love of the Mariner fans, his experiences as a player, his passion for community service and his desire to help grow our sport will be a welcome, and invaluable, additional voice."

The Mariners surprised the baseball world winning 90 games and falling just short of a wildcard appearance in the American League playoffs, so Griffey is here to help them get over the top. If anyone can do that, it's the kid, who was on the team when Seattle last made the postseason in 2001.

We'll be rooting for him and maybe this can help get Allen Iverson a job up in Philly? Gotta ride with the heroes that got you there.