Breaking: Ken Griffey and J. P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners were sent off the field after being called for strikes against the Nationals to……Watch more

Breaking: Ken Griffey Jr. and J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners Sent Off the Field After Controversial Strike Calls Against Nationals

SEATTLE, WA –

In a stunning and highly unusual sequence during tonight’s matchup between the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals, Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. and current shortstop J.P. Crawford were both ejected from the field following heated reactions to controversial strike calls.

The incident occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Mariners trailing the Nationals 3-2. Crawford, facing a full count with two outs and runners in scoring position, was rung up on a borderline fastball low and away. Clearly frustrated, he voiced his displeasure to the home plate umpire. Words escalated, and Crawford was promptly ejected.

What shocked fans even more was the involvement of Ken Griffey Jr., who was in the dugout as part of the Mariners’ special coaching staff for the homestand. Griffey, a Hall of Famer and Seattle icon, emerged from the dugout to defend Crawford and express frustration over the strike zone consistency throughout the game. After a brief but animated exchange with the umpiring crew, Griffey too was tossed — an exceedingly rare occurrence for the 13-time All-Star.

Security escorted both men off the field as boos rained down from the crowd at T-Mobile Park.

Manager Scott Servais also voiced his frustration during the post-inning change but was not ejected.

Fans and analysts alike took to social media immediately, with the hashtag #FreeGriffey trending within minutes. Mariners broadcasters questioned the strike zone all game, pointing to earlier questionable calls affecting both teams.

MLB has yet to issue an official statement, but the Mariners organization is expected to comment after the game.