Move over Tiger Woods — there’s a new figure stealing the spotlight at Augusta this year, and he’s not even holding a golf club. Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr., a Hall of Famer known for his smooth swing and iconic backwards cap, has swapped the batter’s box for the photographer’s pit at the 2024 Masters. Armed with a pro-grade Sony telephoto lens (either the 400mm or 600mm), Griffey is covering the golf tournament as a credentialed photographer for Masters.com. With a camera in hand, Griffey’s been quietly crafting a second act in sports photography ever since he retired from baseball in 2010. His reason for taking up the lens? A touching story involving his daughter reminds us that sometimes stepping behind the camera helps you better focus on what really matters. Far from a mere celebrity dabbling in a new hobby, Griffey’s now shot everything from NFL games to NASCAR — and he’s just getting started.

Key Points:

• Ken Griffey Jr., the 13-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer, is making headlines at the 2024 Masters — not as a player, but as a credentialed photographer.
• He’s covering the event for Masters.com, wielding a professional Sony 400mm or 600mm lens, according to Getty photographer Ben Jared.
• Griffey got into photography in 2015 to blend his love of sports with a clever way to avoid the attention he’d attract as a celebrity watching his kids’ games.
  • As Griffey explained: “I figured no one’s messing with the photographer… Let me pick it up, let me try it.”
• His photography portfolio includes multiple major sports events — MLB, MLS, NFL, NASCAR, and IndyCar — and the Masters marks another high-profile assignment.
• The story also highlights a broader trend: Griffey isn’t the only baseball star to switch to photography. Former Mariners pitcher Randy Johnson has built an impressive post-MLB photography career, focusing on wildlife and live events. Johnson even uses a “dead bird” logo — a nod to the infamous 2001 moment when his pitch accidentally killed a bird mid-flight.
• While the Masters is known for its rich traditions and elite golf, Griffey’s quiet talent behind the lens has become a surprising and heartwarming subplot of the tournament.

Bonus: Keep an eye on Griffey’s work on Masters.com — not just for the sports action, but for a fresh perspective from someone with a deep appreciation for athletic performance and timing… now expressed with shutter speed instead of swing speed.
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