MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. will join USA Baseball’s coaching staff for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the team announced Tuesday.
The 13-time All-Star serves as the team’s hitting coach. Griffey Jr. was known for his hitting prowess during his MLB career. He currently ranks seventh in MLB history with 630 most home runs.
Griffey Jr. was announced with five other coaches joining manager Mark DeRosa for next year’s international competition.
The World Baseball Classic opens on March 11 with Team USA. Team USA will play in Phoenix in the first round against Mexico, Columbia, Canada and another qualifier team yet to be determined.
The entire Team USA roster has yet to be officially announced. The team currently has first baseman Pete Alonso, third baseman Nolan Arenado, outfielder Bryce Harper, catcher JT Realmuth, second baseman Trevor Story, and outfielder Mike Trout.
Griffey, 52, played 22 seasons in the MLB before retiring in 2010. He started his career with the Mariners in 1989 and played there until 1999. He then played for the Reds from 2000-2008 before he finished the final season of that stretch with the White Sox. He returned to Seattle for his 2009 season and part of ’10 before his retirement.
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