The Nineties in America - Salem Press (2009)

shared third with 134 RBIs in 1999. The fleet-footed
Griffey excelled defensively, diving for sinking liners
and making numerous leaping catches to rob oppo-
nents of home runs. His arm ranked among the best
center fielders.
Griffey led Seattle to postseason appearances in
1995 and 1997. He tallied one of the most important
runs in Mariner history, scoring from first base on
Edgar Martinez’s double in the eleventh inning of
game five of the 1995 AL Division Series to eliminate
the New York Yankees. He batted .391 with 7 RBIs
and tied a single-series record with 5 home runs. He
holds Mariner records for most runs (1,063), hits
(1,742), home runs (398), and RBIs (1,152). In Feb-
ruary, 2000, Seattle traded Griffey to the Cincinnati
Reds.

Impact During the 1990’s, Griffey earned seven
Sporting NewsSilver Slugger Awards and was named

to the AL All-Star Team each year (1990-1999). In

1999, he made Major League Baseball’s All-Century

Team. Griffey ranks sixth in career home runs, trail-

ing only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth,

Willie Mays, and Sammy Sosa.

Further Reading

Griffey, Ken, Jr.Junior: Griffey on Griffey. New York:

HarperCollins, 1997.

Jackson, Reggie, ed.Ken Griffey, Jr.Dallas: Beckett,

1999.

Thornley, Stew.Super Sports Star: Ken Griffey, Jr.Berke-

ley Heights, N.J.: Enslow, 2004.

David L. Porter

See also African Americans; Baseball; Baseball re-

alignment; Baseball strike of 1994; Home run race;

McGwire, Mark; Ripken, Cal, Jr.; Sosa, Sammy;

Sports.

The Nineties in America Griffey, Ken, Jr.
383

Ken Griffey, Jr., crosses home plate in the bottom of the eleventh inning in game five of the 1995 American League Division Series. The Seat-
tle Mariners defeated the New York Yankees 6-5.(AP/Wide World Photos)