Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and his net worth reflects his success on and off the field. The former outfielder, who played 22 seasons in the MLB, has an estimated net worth of around $95 million as of 2023. How did he achieve such a fortune? Let’s take a look at his career earnings, endorsements, and investments.
Career Earnings
Ken Griffey Jr. made his MLB debut in 1989 with the Seattle Mariners, the team that drafted him first overall in 1987. He quickly became a star, winning the Rookie of the Year award and making his first of 13 All-Star appearances. He also won 10 Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, and one MVP award during his time with the Mariners.
In 2000, Griffey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, his hometown team and the team his father played for. He signed a nine-year, $116.5 million contract with the Reds, which was the largest deal in baseball history at the time. However, he also agreed to defer half of the money to a later date, which means he still receives $3.5 million per year from the Reds until 2025.
Griffey spent nine seasons with the Reds, but he was plagued by injuries and missed many games. He still managed to hit his 500th and 600th career home runs with the Reds, becoming one of only nine players to reach that milestone.
In 2008, Griffey was traded to the Chicago White Sox for a brief stint before returning to the Mariners in 2009. He played one more season with the Mariners before retiring in 2010. He finished his career with a.284 batting average, 2,781 hits, 630 home runs (seventh all-time), and 1,836 RBIs (16th all-time).
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Griffey earned a total of $151.7 million in salary during his baseball career. That’s equivalent to about $190 million in today’s dollars. His peak annual salary was $12.5 million, which he earned in four seasons (2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005).
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Besides his salary, Griffey also made money from endorsements and business ventures. He was one of the most popular and marketable athletes in the 1990s, appearing in commercials, video games, movies, and TV shows. He had deals with brands like Nike, Pepsi, Nintendo, Upper Deck, Wheaties, and Kellogg’s.
One of his most notable endorsements was with Nike, which created a signature shoe line for him called Air Griffey Max. The shoes were first released in 1996 and have been re-released several times since then. They are still popular among sneaker collectors and fans.
Griffey also invested in several businesses, such as restaurants, real estate, and sports memorabilia. He owns a stake in Fanatics Authentic, a company that sells autographed sports merchandise online. He also owns a mansion in Orlando, Florida, which he bought for $6.9 million in 2006.
Hall of Fame and Legacy
In 2016, Griffey was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He received 99.32% of the vote, which is the highest percentage ever for any player. He was also the first player to wear a Mariners cap on his plaque.
Griffey is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the most influential figures in baseball history. He inspired many young players with his style, charisma, and talent. He is also known for his clean image and reputation, as he never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs or got involved in any scandals.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s net worth is a testament to his remarkable career and achievements. He is not only a baseball legend but also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, such as children’s hospitals, cancer research, and education. He is truly an example of excellence on and off the field.