MLB hires Ken Griffey Jr. as advisor, focusing on operations, youth development, diversity

With the goal of bettering Major League Baseball, "The Kid" is formally joining the adults in the room.

Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has been named a senior advisor to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred with an emphasis on baseball operations, youth development and diversity. 

"I am humbled to be asked to work with Major League Baseball in this role," Griffey Jr. said in a statement. "It will be an honor to represent the best sport in the world and to promote our game among today’s youth.”

All three areas of the game Griffey Jr. is expected to work on have impacted baseball at large over the years. The lack of balls in play (a rise in strikeouts, walks and home runs) has become an issue. Waning popularity among younger sports enthusiasts threatens baseball's future standing. The number of Black players has significantly decreased over the years, while front offices remain overwhelmingly white. Thirty percent of the league's players are Latino, yet there are only four (of 30) Latino managers. 

Former Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. waves to the crowd before a game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. (Photo: Jennifer Buchanan, USA TODAY Sports)

The 13-time All-Star led the initiative for all players to wear 42 on Jackie Robinson Day, which has become an annual tradition. Griffey hit 630 home runs — seventh on the all-time home run list — and won 10 Gold Gloves while playing for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds and (briefly) Chicago White Sox. 

“We are thrilled that Ken will represent Major League Baseball on some of our

sport’s most important stages, alongside our current and future stars," Manfred said in a statement. "We welcome the perspective and insights that Ken gained as an historic player, as a parent, and as someone who has spent his life in and around our great game."

Griffey isn't the only notable name brought in to help mend baseball. Longtime executive Theo Epstein, who ended championship droughts with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, joined the commissioner's office earlier this offseason as a consultant for on-field matters. 

Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.

USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale breaks down MLB diversity issues in leadership.

USA TODAY

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