Griffey, Sr. to head FWBL

SANFORD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Florida Winter Baseball League starts play late this fall. On Tuesday, the F.W.B.L. named Cincinnati Reds legend Ken Griffey, Sr. as its new commissioner.

Griffey lives in Central Florida and says he was looking for a way to get front office experience. He played 19-years in the big leagues. Much of that was with the Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine." Griffey says he loves minor league baseball because it's so pure.

"Maybe one or two kids might have a Major League contract and whatever, you know, or drafted high. But it is the most innocent thing you ever want to see in terms of watching kids just play the game," said Griffey, Sr.

Griffey, originally from Donora, Pennsylvania, is the father of Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. and former Mariners minor leaguer Craig Griffey. Ken played 18 years in the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners. A 3 time All-Star, Griffey was an important member of the Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine”, winning back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976.

There are four teams in the league. The Seminole County Naturals, Miami Diamantes, Space Coast Surge and Lake County Black Bears. The league also revealed the teams new logos, all designed by East Ridge High School students.

"It's really cool ... just to ... walk around and you look at that logo and you're like, 'I did that!' So, that's ... pretty amazing!" said East Ridge High senior Stephanie Martinez.

The F.W.B.L. begins play in October.