Sources close to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, say that former Mariners Ken Griffey Jr. will be joining the Mariners as a “Special Consultant” for the franchise. Greg Johns of MLB.com adds that it will be effective immediately.

A press release by the team states that Griffey “will be involved in numerous areas of the Mariners franchise, including, but not limited to, Major League Baseball Operations, player development, minor league system marketing, broadcasting and community relations.”

Griffey will be joining the club in Peoria for a portion of spring training according to Baker. “I’m looking forward to staying very involved with the Mariners,” said Griffey. “Working with the players throughout the organization, staying involved with the community and assisting in other areas of the organization. It’s an exciting time and I’m appreciative of the opportunity.”

In June 2010, Griffey unexpectedly retired from the team.  He had been limited in at-bats and was believed to be pressured by then manager, Don Wakamatsu, to retire. The outfielder/designated hitter finished his career with 630 home runs, 1836 RBIs, a .284 batting average and .370 on-base percentage in 22 seasons with the Mariners, Reds and White Sox.