BEJEWELED 31 TOP: THE WONDERFUL GRIFFEY FAMILY AT THE 2023 ALL STAR GAME BELOW: FRAMED AND ON DISPLAY AT GOLDFARB’S, KEN’S SIGNED JERSEY READS, “TO ALVIN, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. ALL THE BEST, KEN GRIFFEY, JR. #24” Seattle to Cincinnati, Chicago, and eventually back to Seattle. While his incredibly smooth swing always dominated the public’s attention, his defensive play was equally spectacular. He retired with 630 home runs, 10 Golden Gloves, and as a thirteen-time All Star. Ken and Melissa now live in Florida. Their children, two boys and a girl, are mostly grown yet remain the focus of their parent’s lives. Talk to Ken about baseball and you’ll have a nice conversation—talk to him about his kids and you’ll be entertained for hours He’s deservedly a very proud papa. Today, Ken remains an important part of Seattle baseball. He’s not only an icon for the team— he’s an owner. Melissa and Ken’s giving nature take up much of their time. Ken rarely says, “no” to a charity golf tournament. Together they focus on Boys and Girls Clubs of America and encouraging black youth’s involvement in America’s pastime through the HBCU Swingman Classic. Griffey held the inaugural game at this year’s All-Star game in Seattle. The event highlights the history and legacy of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) baseball programs while also providing 50 players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. To all our good fortune, Ken visits Seattle often and never fails to inspire. The Goldfarb family is grateful to count the Griffeys as friends. “All Ken could talk about was meeting a local girl named Melissa from Gig Harbor. Dad and I realized, even if Ken hadn’t yet, that this was the one!” —Steven Goldfarb
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==