Griffey Jr. returns to Mariners as consultant By Sports Network

SEATTLE -- Ken Griffey Jr. has accepted a position as special consultant to the Seattle Mariners.

Griffey will join the team in spring training to work in both Major League and minor league camp. He will also visit most of the Mariners' minor league affiliates during the season while making trips to Seattle, as well.

Team president Chuck Armstrong said in a statement Tuesday that Griffey "has been steadfast in his desire to continue his relationship with the Mariners" since he returned to Seattle for his final two seasons.

"We have designed a position that will allow Ken to continue to help the franchise succeed on, and off, the field by consulting with a variety of departments here at the Mariners," Armstrong said.

Griffey will also be involved in other off-field operations, including marketing, broadcasting and community relations.

"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," Griffey said. "It's an exciting time and I'm appreciative of the opportunity."

Griffey, 41, played 13 of his 22 seasons with the Mariners, breaking into the big leagues with them in 1989 at the age of 19. He hit 417 of his 630 career home runs and collected 1,216 of his 1,836 career RBI while hitting .292 during his time in Seattle.