Ken Griffey Jr. Swaps Bat for Camera: MLB Legend Now Capturing Sports Through the Lens

For decades, Ken Griffey Jr. was synonymous with baseball excellence. With his smooth left-handed swing, electrifying speed, and infectious charisma, “The Kid” captivated fans across the nation, becoming one of the most beloved figures in Major League Baseball history. Now, in a turn few could have predicted, Griffey is once again in the spotlight—this time not as a player, but as a photographer.

A New Field of Vision

The 13-time All-Star and Baseball Hall of Famer has quietly been building a second act in sports media, developing a passion for photography that has evolved into a serious pursuit. In 2025, Griffey made headlines not for a home run, but for his role as an official photographer at the prestigious Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

Far from a novelty, Griffey’s presence at the Masters was professional and credentialed—he was on assignment for Masters.com, capturing moments from one of golf’s most iconic events. Decked out in full media gear, camera slung around his neck, Griffey was seen working alongside seasoned sports photojournalists, snapping shots of legendary golfers and timeless moments with the same dedication he once brought to the batter’s box.

Where It All Started

Griffey’s love of photography wasn’t an overnight development. In fact, it began almost a decade ago, around 2015, when he sought a low-profile way to stay involved in his children’s sports activities. “I wanted to be there, but not be a distraction,” Griffey explained in earlier interviews. The camera gave him the perfect outlet—it allowed him to support his kids while blending into the background.

From photographing youth sports to shooting high-profile NFL and MLS events, Griffey honed his skills quietly but seriously. His early work may have flown under the radar, but his growing passion was clear. Unlike many athletes who dip briefly into creative fields post-retirement, Griffey committed to the craft. Over the years, he built up an impressive portfolio, eventually turning heads in the professional photography world.

From the Diamond to the Sidelines

Since retiring from baseball in 2010, Griffey has remained active within the sport, working as a senior advisor to the commissioner of MLB and frequently appearing at All-Star games and other events. But photography has offered a new kind of fulfillment. Whether he’s capturing the intensity of an NFL tackle, the emotion of a home run celebration, or the grace of a golfer at the tee, Griffey’s images reflect a deep understanding of athletic movement and timing—an instinct honed over decades on the field.

His photographic style has been described as intimate and authentic. He’s not there to glamorize athletes, but to reveal their focus, fatigue, and fleeting moments of joy. And unlike traditional photographers who learn the game through the lens, Griffey brings an athlete’s intuition—he knows when the moment is coming.

The Masters Moment

Griffey’s appearance at the 2025 Masters wasn’t his first high-profile assignment, but it certainly marked a significant milestone. With a camera in hand, he documented everything from the lush fairways of Augusta National to the Honorary Starter ceremony, featuring golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson.

His presence at the tournament attracted media attention, but Griffey remained focused on his work, maintaining a professional demeanor that showed he wasn’t just dabbling—he was there to contribute. Reports suggest that he captured some of the more candid, behind-the-scenes moments at the tournament, offering fans a new way to experience the Masters through his lens.

A Growing Trend Among Retired Athletes

Griffey isn’t alone in this creative pivot. More and more athletes are turning to photography and media production as a second act. His former teammate, Randy Johnson—a Hall of Fame pitcher known for his towering fastballs—also became a professional photographer after retirement, even launching his own photography business.

In an age where athletes are more media-savvy than ever and eager to control their own narratives, photography offers a powerful medium for storytelling. For Griffey, it’s also a way to stay close to the action without being in the spotlight.

Looking Ahead

Ken Griffey Jr. is still exploring where this path may take him. He’s reportedly interested in expanding his photographic repertoire beyond sports, potentially delving into travel, portraiture, or even directing sports documentaries.

What’s clear is that he’s not doing this for publicity or personal brand expansion. His love for photography is genuine, rooted in curiosity and a desire to observe rather than perform.

“I spent my life being watched,” he once said. “Now I like being the one watching.”

Whether he’s behind the plate or behind the camera, Ken Griffey Jr. continues to inspire—reminding us that creativity, like athleticism, can take many forms. The Kid may have grown up, but he’s still chasing the next great shot.