Ken Griffey Jr.: Seattle Mariners honor legend with flag, jerseys, balls, bobblehead

SEATTLE, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- He used to climb outfield walls, but nowadays he's climbing Space Needles.

Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. raised a No. 24 flag Friday on the top of Seattle's Space Needle to kick off Griffey weekend in the city. He was also remembered Friday when the Mariners wore throwback uniforms from his rookie season.

Two weeks ago, Griffey was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the highest percentage of votes in history.

"My message to the fans is to support the guys that are on the field," Griffey told KIMA TV. "That's the biggest thing, you know, is their support is needed. Sometimes the season goes like this, up and down, but to see some friendly faces in the stands - it means a lot to the guys."

On Saturday, Griffey becomes the first Mariners player ever to have his number retired. The ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. before the Mariners face the Los Angeles Angels. Griffey is first player ever to go into Cooperstown wearing the Mariner hat on his plaque. The Mariners also wore throwback hats Friday night.

Griffey ranks No. 6 all-time with 630 career home runs.