Mariners take extra step in retiring Ken Griffey's uniform No. 24
Hall of Famer will be the last person ever to wear No. 24 in the team's organization.
The Seattle Mariners welcomed Ken Griffey Jr. back to town Friday for the first time as a member of baseball's Hall of Fame. As part of the proceedings at a press conference, the team made a somewhat predictable announcement regarding Griffey's uniform No. 24 -- the Mariners say they will retire the number in a ceremony in August.
But the team used the occasion to make an organization-wide announcement about No. 24:
Beginning on Opening Day in April, no player in the ENTIRE #Mariners organization will ever wear number 24 again. #JrHOF
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 9, 2016
The Mariners have been a franchise since 1977, so relatively few players have had a chance to wear their jersey when compared to most other franchises. That means only Griffey (1989-2010), Harold Reynolds (1984-1986), Gene Nelson (1982-1983), Dave Edler (1981), Rob Dressler (1979-1980) and Frank MacCormack (1977) have worn 24. And that will be it. Major leagues, minor leagues, spring training -- no one else with the Mariners will wear No. 24. It's a remarkable tribute. Has any other MLB team done something like this?
"It's unbelievably humbling... and awesome," Griffey said.
