Mariners, Reds Hall of Famer named Global Ambassador for 2026 World Baseball Classic

Hall of Fame outfielder and Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. will serve as the Global Ambassador for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Major League Baseball announced Wednesday. 

According to MLB.com, Griffey will assist with player interviews and provide inside access to all 20 participating teams. The report added that the 13-time All-Star is currently in Nicaragua with the manager of Team Nicaragua, Dusty Baker. 

“Growing the game of baseball all over the world is a continuing mission I have,” Griffey said about the position, per MLB.com. “There is so much anticipation around this tournament, so to get the chance to lock in and share how all of these different countries connect with our great game is an opportunity I’m truly excited about.”

Griffey as a player and coach in the WBC 

Four years before retirement, Griffey played in the inaugural WBC with Team USA, hitting three home runs while leading the tournament with 10 RBIs. He ranks seventh on the all-time Major League homer list with 630. 

At the 2023 WBC, Griffey was the USA's head hitting coach, assisting manager Mark DeRosa. 

The previous Global Ambassador of the WBC was Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda in 2006 and 2009. 

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