Ken Griffey Jr.’s journey from baseball superstar to accomplished aviator represents one of the most fascinating second acts in sports history. While his Hall of Fame career with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds earned him legendary status, his dedication to aviation and role in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game showcase his continued impact beyond the diamond.
The Aviation Legacy: From Father to Son
Ken Griffey Jr.’s passion for aviation was deeply rooted in family tradition. His father, Ken Griffey Sr., was himself an accomplished pilot who introduced his son to flying at an early age12. Griffey Jr. vividly recalls his first flight experience: “The first time I flew was with my dad and he took me up a couple times, let me fly. I was like 13, 14, went around the town and it was a lot of fun”34. This early exposure to aviation planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong passion.
The aviation connection between father and son was profound. Both men shared not only their love of baseball but also their dedication to flying. Griffey Sr.’s influence as a pilot helped shape his son’s approach to aviation, creating a bond that extended far beyond their historic time as teammates on the Seattle Mariners125. This shared passion for flight represented another dimension of their unique father-son relationship in professional sports.
The Journey to Pilot Certification
Griffey Jr. embarked on his formal flight training journey at age 36, a decision that reflected his methodical approach to mastering new skills53. “I started flight training when I was 36… I knew that later on I would use it. I’ve always wanted to fly”34. The training process was rigorous, but Griffey approached it with the same dedication he brought to baseball.
The milestone moment came when Griffey completed his first solo flight. The emotional significance was captured in his immediate reaction: “After landing my first solo, the first person I called was probably my wife and then the second person I called, I know, was my dad and he started laughing and he said ‘welcome to the club’”34. This moment represented not just a personal achievement but also a continuation of the family aviation tradition.
By 2015, Griffey had become an accomplished private pilot, earning his private pilot certificate and flying a Cirrus SR22T5. His commitment to aviation excellence extended beyond personal flying, as he became an honorary co-chair of the AOPA Foundation’s Hat in the Ring Society, a philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting aviation safety and education567.
The Cirrus Connection
Griffey Jr.’s choice of aircraft reflects his commitment to safety and performance. He has been a longtime owner and advocate of Cirrus Aircraft, particularly the SR22 and SR22T models285. His decision to fly Cirrus was driven by practical considerations: “Why I picked the Cirrus is it was easy to learn, it was a safety factor, you know, having a parachute. Cirrus makes it really easy”34.
The relationship with Cirrus extends beyond simple ownership. Griffey has appeared in promotional materials for the company and has been spotted at aviation events like the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, where he was interviewed at the Cirrus booth in 202119. He purchased his first Cirrus aircraft in December 2005, stating, “I got my plane December 12th of ’05 and been flying ever since, and you know, frankly, there’s not another plane I’d sit in”34.
Griffey’s aircraft ownership history reveals his serious commitment to aviation. Records show he has owned multiple Cirrus aircraft over the years, including a 2012 Cirrus SR22T G3 GTS with tail number N224KG that was originally owned by him1011. This particular aircraft, which has since been sold, featured custom interior options and represented the high-end personalization that Cirrus offers to its customers10.
Aviation Philosophy and Impact
Griffey’s approach to aviation mirrors his baseball philosophy – emphasizing preparation, safety, and continuous improvement. He has been vocal about the transformative potential of general aviation: “This is the way of the future. People are going to fly more because they know that I can get here and it’s cheaper than being on the airport, going to a commercial flight, and I can be home when I want. I’m not bound to their schedule. It’s a freedom that once you get it, you don’t want to give that back”.
His involvement with the AOPA Foundation’s Hat in the Ring Society demonstrates his commitment to aviation advocacy. As an honorary co-chair alongside other celebrity pilots like Harrison Ford and Morgan Freeman, Griffey helps promote aviation safety and education while encouraging the next generation of pilots56. His message to young people considering aviation careers is direct and encouraging: “Do it. Don’t be a ‘what if.’ When you’re that young, and you want to do something, do it”.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game Leadership
Griffey’s role in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta showcased his continued influence in baseball, particularly in promoting diversity and opportunity. As a key figure in the HBCU Swingman Classic, he demonstrated the same leadership qualities that made him a baseball icon
The HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, brought together 50 Division I baseball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a showcase at Truist Park. Griffey served on the selection committee alongside representatives from MLB, the MLBPA, and scouts, helping identify the most talented HBCU players for this prestigious event
“For me, it’s just an opportunity to give some of these kids an opportunity to be seen,” Griffey explained about the event’s significance. His involvement reflected his broader commitment to expanding opportunities in baseball, particularly for underrepresented communities. The event featured notable guests including Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, former manager Dusty Baker, and Ralph Garr, creating a comprehensive celebration of Black baseball excellence.
The 2025 edition of the Swingman Classic was particularly special, with the National League defeating the American League 7-4 in a thrilling contest. Florida A&M’s Jay Campbell was named MVP after hitting a crucial two-run homer in the seventh inning, while Alabama State’s Kameron Douglas opened the scoring with a 417-foot home run that registered 105.9 mph off the bat1716. The event not only provided exposure for HBCU talent but also resulted in several players being drafted by MLB teams, validating Griffey’s vision for the showcase.
A Multifaceted Second Career
Beyond aviation and baseball leadership, Griffey has embraced another passion that showcases his commitment to continuous learning: professional photography. Since 2015, he has worked as a credentialed sports photographer at major events including MLB games, NFL contests, IndyCar races, and most notably, the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National.
His photography career began as a practical solution to watching his children’s sporting events without disruption. “People would think if I’m sitting in the stands smiling, they can come up and talk to me. So if I got a camera, they didn’t really know what I was doing. It was a way for me to really focus in and watch the kids”2022. This evolved into a serious professional pursuit, with Griffey developing expertise in sports photography and working with high-end Sony camera equipment.
The parallels between his aviation and photography pursuits are striking. Both represent serious commitments to learning new skills, both require attention to detail and safety, and both demonstrate his refusal to be defined solely by his baseball achievements. As he noted about his diverse interests: “I learned how to fly a plane. I got my pilot’s license at age 36. I learned to scuba at age 30. You owe it to yourself to go out and find something you love”.
Legacy of Excellence
Ken Griffey Jr.’s journey from baseball legend to accomplished aviator and beyond represents more than just hobby pursuits. His commitment to aviation safety, education, and advocacy through organizations like the AOPA Foundation demonstrates the same leadership qualities that made him a baseball icon. His role in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game activities, particularly the HBCU Swingman Classic, shows his continued dedication to expanding opportunities and promoting excellence in sports.
The connection between father and son through aviation adds another dimension to their already unique relationship in sports history. From their historic time as teammates – the first father-son duo to play together in Major League Baseball – to their shared passion for flight, the Griffeys have created a legacy that extends far beyond the baseball diamond.
Griffey’s aviation journey embodies the same qualities that made him a Hall of Fame player: dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. Whether in the cockpit of his Cirrus aircraft, behind the camera at major sporting events, or on the selection committee for the HBCU Swingman Classic, Ken Griffey Jr. continues to demonstrate that true champions never stop pursuing new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact.
Leave a Reply