THE GAME OF BASEBALL

Future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. announced his retirement yesterday. The decision ends a 21-plus year Major League career that began in 1987 when "The Kid" was selected the first overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft by the Mariners. The 40-year-old Griffey ended his career with 630 home runs, fifth-highest in MLB history (behind Bonds - 762, Aaron - 755, Ruth - 714 and Mays - 660), 10 Gold Gloves, one Most Valuable Player Award (Jim Street, mlb.com).