Ken Griffey Jr just can't quit Seattle - but that's just fine, because the Seattle Mariners can't quit him either. Months after hanging up the cleats for the last time in the middle of a miserable 2010 season, the Mariners have announced that 'The Kid,' now 41, will return to the franchise as a special consultant, working with the team on various programs ranging from player development to community relations. He'll join up with the squad in Peoria late during the late stages of spring training. Geoff Baker spoke to Griffey, who was thrilled to be coming back again:
I'm looking forward to staying very involved with the Mariners, working with the players throughout the organization, staying involved with the community and assisting in other areas of the organization. It's an exciting time and I'm appreciative of the opportunity.
The no-doubt Hall-of-Famer broke into the major leagues with Seattle in 1989, and stayed with the franchise for a decade before a trade took him to the Cincinnati Reds in 1999. He had a triumphant return in 2009, hitting 19 home runs as the Mariners managed a surprising 85 wins, but 2010 was an unmitigated disaster for the team, and Griffey announced his retirement in June. His last act as a player was a weak groundout to second base on May 31 of that year, but this announcement ensures that there's more to come from Ken Griffey Jr, Seattle Mariner.
For more on Griffey's return, check out SB Nation's Lookout Landing.