Griffey Clears Waivers, Joins Son in Seattle

SEATTLE — Ken Griffey was signed by the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, joining Ken Jr. to become the first father and son to play on the same major league team.

Last year, the Griffeys became the first father and son to play in the major leagues at the same time.

The 40-year-old Griffey said the chance to play with his son is the highlight of his career.

“This to me is No. 1,” he said with a smile. “It’s a dream come true being a father. It all happened because he made it happen. I didn’t think he would get to the big leagues as fast as he did.

“I’m just very proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Griffey said.

Ken Jr., 20, the Mariners’ starting center fielder the past two seasons, attended a news conference at the Kingdome with his father before Wednesday’s game against Detroit.

The father-son duo then took batting practice.

The younger Griffey bantered with his father but said nothing to reporters.

Griffey, an 18-year major leaguer, was placed on waivers Friday by the Cincinnati Reds. He cleared waivers Wednesday, becoming a free agent.