Ken Griffey Jr. Retiring At Age 40

Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says Ken Griffey Jr. is retiring.

Wakamatsu made the announcement before Wednesday night's game against Minnesota. Griffey's retirement is effective immediately.

The 40-year-old Griffey was one of baseball's greatest players before injuries began to take their toll. The perennial All-Star outfielder ranks fifth on the career home run list with 630.

Griffey was hitting only .184 this season and recently went a week without playing.