June 1, 1987  The Seattle Mariners selected Ken Griffey Jr., the son of the Atlanta Braves outfielder, Ken Griffey, with the first pick in major-league baseball’s amateur free-agent draft. Griffey, a 17-year old outfiel­der, batted .478 with seven home runs, six doubles, and 18 RBI this season for Moeller High School in Cincinnati. He was immedi­ately signed by the Mariners in Seattle.  Griffey, a left-handed hitter, has been timed in 3.86 seconds running to first base and suc­ceeded an all 13 of his stolen base attempts this year. Ken Griffey Jr. is the first son of a major leaguer to be the nation’s top pick in the summer draft The elder Griffey was a 29th-round selection by the Cin­cinnati Reds in 1969.

Picking 2nd‚ the Pirates take Mark Merchant‚ while the Twins take another high schooler Willie Banks with the 3rd pick. The Cubs pick Mike Harkey and the White Sox pick Jack McDowell with the 6th selection. McDowell will be the first of this class to reach the majors‚ Picking 9th‚ the Royals take Kevin Appier and on the 58th round‚ take UCLA’s Jeff Conine. With the 22nd pick‚ the Astros take Seton Hall’s Craig Biggio‚ who will be the first non-pitcher from the draft to make the majors. Picking 6th in the first round‚ the Braves select Derek Lillliquist‚ and on the 13th round take Mike Stanton. Because of his expected high price tag‚ Mike Mussina is selected in the 13th round. Albert Belle‚ suspended by LSU’s coach after chasing a fan‚ goes to the Indians in round 2. Robb Nen goes in the 32nd round.