MLB Draft: Top 5 First Round Draft Picks in Seattle Mariners History

#1

Ken Griffey Jr.

I am not sure where to begin. Ken Griffey Jr. is not only the best player the Mariners have ever drafted, he is the best player to ever wear a professional jersey for the city of Seattle. He is known as the G.O.A.T. (The Greatest Of All Time), and one of the best to ever play the game of baseball.

The Seattle Mariners had the number one overall pick in 1987. That may sound like a great situation, but picking before any other team can bring on many pressures. If you pick a bust; your job is on the line.

The Mariners decided to use their first ever #1 pick on the 17 year old phenom, Ken Griffey Jr. Named after his father, Ken Griffey Jr. was the 5 tool prospect the Mariners hoped would be the savior of their franchise. He played 13 years of his 22 year career with the Mariners and put up record breaking numbers along the way.

Nicknamed “The Kid,” Junior broke with the big league ball club in 1989 at the young age of only 19 years old. His first ever at-bat was a double, and he never slowed down until his final game.

Juniors accolades are tops in the game. He finished his career a 13 time All-Star, 10 time Gold Glove Award winner, 7 time Silver Slugger Award winner, and AL MVP in 2007.

He was the face of the franchise for years and even starred in his own video game for Nintendo. Junior retired into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2013, and will be a first ballot Hall of Famer when Cooperstown comes knocking. Junior’s stats include a career .284 BA, 630 home runs (6^th all time), and 1,836 RBI.

To this day, Junior’ image is printed on the shirts of many Mariners fans. His throwback jerseys are worn by Seattleites all over the city, and his batting stance is still copied by little leaguers all over the nation.

Arguably the best player to ever play the game, you can say Ken Griffey Jr. was a brilliant draft pick for the Seattle Mariners.