Ken Griffey Jr. Announces Retirement

FanHouse was first to report the news of his retirement, and the future Hall of Famer announced his decision officially in a formal statement Wednesday night

Sources said that Griffey, who didn't report to Safeco Field for the Mariners' game against the Minnesota Twins Wednesday, was saying "it's over'' this afternoon.

"This has been on my mind recently, but it's not an easy decision to come by. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to have played Major League Baseball for so long and thankful for all of the friendships I have made, while also being proud of my accomplishments," Griffey said in a statement. "I'd like to thank my family for all of the sacrifices they have made all of these years for me. I'd like to thank the Seattle Mariners organization for allowing me to finish my playing career where it started."