Mariners unveil statue honoring Griffey Jr.

The most recognizable and celebrated face in Seattle Mariners history has now been etched even more permanently on the franchise. The Mariners unveiled a new statue of Hall of Fame center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. at the corner of Edgar Martinez Drive and Dave Niehaus Way to form what could be referred to as the Mariners triangle.

The unveiling corresponds with a couple of milestones, including the 40th anniversary of the Mariners franchise. Griffey was a no-doubt induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 and was the first Mariners player to receive that distinction.

His career transcended Seattle, as shown by the fact that he received HOF votes on a record 99.32 percent of the ballots.

The statue is the second time in as many years that the Mariners have honored Griffey. The franchise retired his number - 24 - in 2016, making him the first to have his number hanging in Safeco Field's rafters other than Jackie Robinson's iconic 42 whose number hangs in every MLB ballpark.

Griffey himself was on-hand and spoke briefly, attributing much of his success to his teammates and supporters, the Mariners said.

"It's not just me that did this, it's these guys behind me," Griffey said. "Without those guys pushing me day in and day out, there wouldn't be this."

Designed by Chicago-based artist Lou Cella, it's the second statue he's designed for the Mariners. Cella designed the statue commemorating former Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus in the main concourse near section 105 of the stadium.

Mariners president Ken Mather outlined some of the key details before revealing the statue.

Griffey's uniform is from his 1997 MVP season when he hit .304 with 56 home runs, 34 doubles, and 147 RBIs. One sleeve has the team's 20th anniversary logo, and the other is a patch honoring Jackie Robinson. He's swinging his traditional Louisville Slugger bat with Griffey's signature criss-cross tape. To Mather - and likely many Seattle faithful - the statue really ties the stadium together.

"Today, we finally have the perfect piece that will welcome fans for generations to come," Mather said.

The first 40,000 fans at Friday night's game against the Texas Rangers will receive Griffey replica statues.