Ken Griffey Jr., a name synonymous with baseball excellence, traded his bat and glove for a camera this week at the Masters Tournament. The Hall of Famer, known for his legendary career with the Seattle Mariners and beyond, wasn’t there as a spectator, but as a credentialed photographer for Masters.com. This unexpected turn showcases Griffey’s lesser-known passion: photography.
Griffey’s journey into photography began as a way to connect more meaningfully with his children. In an interview with Mornings @ the Masters, he explained how the ease of social media changed the dynamic of family interactions during his playing days. He found that by picking up a camera, he could be present and engaged without the usual distractions that came with being a celebrated athlete. He humorously added that nobody bothers a photographer, offering a welcome change of pace.
This isn’t Griffey’s first foray into the world of Augusta National. The 13-time MLB All-Star is a keen golfer himself and has attended Masters events in the past. Now, with a camera in hand, he’s capturing the tournament from a completely new perspective, offering a unique blend of athletic experience and artistic vision.
His impressive baseball career, which saw him hit 630 regular-season home runs and play for both the Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds, is well-documented. However, his passion for photography adds another dimension to his already fascinating life story. It’s a testament to his versatility and his continuing ability to find new ways to challenge himself and engage with the world around him. From the baseball diamond to the fairways of Augusta, Ken Griffey Jr. continues to inspire, proving that even legends can find new ways to hit home runs.
