Former teammates Edgar Martinez (passed) and Ken Griffey Jr. in 2023 during pitcher Felix Hernandez’s induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame. (AP)
INDIANAPOLIS — Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. will drive a pace car in the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
Griffey participated in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” during his second career as a photographer, but now his work will be much more perceptible. He will be behind the wheel of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, which brings 33 cars – driven by pole position record holder Scott McLaughlin – to the green flag at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Driving a Pace Car and leading the Indy 500 is one of the coolest experiences,” Griffey said Monday. “I came to the track a few years ago as a photographer and I’m looking forward to the race from a different perspective.”
Driving a race car has been a coveted job among athletes, actors and other celebrities since the 1970s, when it was done by actor James Garner and singer Marty Robbins. Other drivers who have driven the car include Jay Leno, Morgan Freeman and Patrick Dempsey, and in recent years, NBA players Victor Oladipo and Tyrese Haliburton.
Griffey was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2016 after a 22-year huge league career spent primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. He was a 13-time All-Star and hit 630 home runs, which still ranks him seventh on the career list. He was also one of the best defensemen in the game, winning the Gold Glove Award 10 times.
He will join the celebrated Indianapolis 500 cast, which includes national anthem singer Jordin Sparks and Phillip Phillips, who will perform “God Bless America.” The speedway also plans to announce its honorary starters on Tuesday.
“Every baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr.” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles. “Two legends will meet when Griffey jumps into the Corvette E-Ray to drive the racing capital of the world.”
___
AP Car Racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
