"This has been an extremely difficult decision for me” - When Ken Griffey Jr. decided to turn down Mariners deal and ask for a trade

Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. was arguably the most important player in Seattle Mariners history. Griffey was selected by the Mariners with the first overall pick of the 1987 MLB draft and instantly turned the franchise around.

However, despite his impact on the Mariners and Seattle community, the superstar rejected a contract extension from the club back in 1999. Although some players reject extensions based on money alone, Ken Griffey Jr's decision was apparently based on his desire to be closer to his children.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision for me. Mariners fans throughout the Pacific Northwest have been very loyal and devoted to me. I will truly miss them," Griffey said in a joint statement released by the team in 1999.

Griffey Jr. was eventually traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Brett Tomko, Mike Cameron, Antonio Perez, and Jake Meyer.

"It strictly has to do with family, time and geography," Griffey's then-agent Brian Goldberg said of the trade request.

Griffey Jr. is widely regarded as having one of the nicest swings in MLB history and was able to use that ability to earn an MVP award and 13 All-Star selections.

Ken Griffey Jr. remains the Mariners' club leader in a number of categories

Although Griffey Jr. was never able to help bring a World Series title to Seattle, he set a number of club batting records that remain to this day. As of 2024, Griffey still remains the team's leader in a number of categories, including home runs (417) and WAR (70.6).

In 2016, Ken Griffey Jr. was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, rocking his iconic Seattle Mariners hat on his plaque. Along with his enshrinement, the Mariners announced that the club would be retiring the outfielder's jersey number 24. Unlike some athletes who request trades from their teams, Griffey Jr. remains a beloved figure among Seattle Mariners fans.