Between first and last at-bats, Griffey saved Seattle baseball
On April 10, 1989, there was a sense he might save Major League Baseball's franchise in Seattle. He did, with peerless skills.
During the ninth inning of the game at Safeco Field Monday (May 31), Ken Griffey Jr. came to the plate for what probably would prove to be his final time as a major-leaguer. It was just a fluke that I happened to be there to see him two days before he announced his retirement.
It was not a fluke that I was at the Kingdome April 10, 1989, sitting amid third-baseline seating with a bunch of newspaper types, barely settled in with beers and bravado for a relaxing evening when, with his first swing in Seattle, the 19-year-old Griffey sent one out in (of all places) left field. This was The Kid. Circa 1989, the idea was that he might become the greatest player who ever lived and might just deliver stable major-league baseball to Seattle.
He did the latter. Millions have it indelibly in their memories that he sprawled across home plate that night in 1995, grinning under a pile of teammates, having scored the run that moved the franchise deep into the playoffs and inspired power-brokers to save the game for the region. Griffey was indispensable for big-league baseball in Seattle on his way to becoming the most legitimate Hall of Fame player of his generation.
On Monday night my 30-year-old son leaned toward me at Safeco as Griffey, 40, came up with a chance for a walk-off game-winning home-run.
"Wouldn't it be great," he asked, rhetorically, his voice trailing away with the realization that a diminished Griffey, in what would prove to be his final at-bat, probably wouldn’t be able to deliver.
Griffey in his prime had peerless skills. He hasn't been able to play outfield credibly for several years. As a designated hitter, he'd lately become more of a designated out.
The shame of it is that Griffey never got to play in a World Series. Even while so many of his substance-juiced contemporaries preened during post-season play (and later begged for pardons for their transgressions), Junior was always home during the October classic.
Some of us wondered if maybe, just maybe, the M's could put together a mystical year in 2010 and deliver the team and its best-ever position player to a Seattle World Series. But anybody who watched Griffey strained to jerk a right-field single must have sensed with regret that his final home run had come months ago at the end of an honorable valedictory 2009 season.
Much will be said and written about Griffey during the weeks to come. None of it, no matter how heartfelt and eloquent, will get anybody past the pure jaw-dropping awe of being in his presence when he played the best baseball many have ever seen.
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Comments:
Posted Wed, Jun 2, 6:27 p.m. Inappropriate
I had just moved into a cul-de-sac in Renton and a car drove up. The driver said, "Where's Griffey live?" Huh? "Where's Griffey live?" I said, "Sorry guys, I have no idea."
It turns out that Ken Griffey had just moved from the neighborhood and Ken (another one) and Paula had bought his house. What's important is the stories told by my new neighbors. They said Griffey used to play basketball, baseball, etc. with all the kids in the cul-de-sac - teaching, encouraging, and laughing as they played. That told me a lot about the character of Ken Griffey.
I will miss his smooth swing, his great attitude, and his ability in the outfield. Most, I will miss his love of the game that he instilled in so many of us - kids and adults alike.
Mr. Griffey, thanks for all you've done for this community. Enjoy retirement!
Posted Thu, Jun 3, 7:18 a.m. Inappropriate
Edgar and Buhner were Mariners that earned fan loyalty. Griffey was a Cincinnati Red and ranks slightly below A-rod. At least he wasn't an adulterer, or roid freak. But when he goes into the hall of fame, don't be surprised when its in a Reds uniform.
Posted Thu, Jun 3, 8:45 a.m. Inappropriate
Sorry, Greg, but you're completely wrong. The emblem on the cap of a player's Hall of Fame plaque is chosen by the Hall itself "based on where that player makes his most indelible mark."
Griffey as Mariner: 13 years, 6,317 ABs, 1,843 hits, 417 HRs, 1,216 RBIs.
Griffey as Red: 9 years, 3,353 ABs, 904 hits, 210 HRs, 602 RBIs.
Not even close.
Posted Thu, Jun 3, 10:53 a.m. Inappropriate
The indelible mark of Griffey on Seattle will always be that smile. The kid was having fun and you could tell.
Posted Sat, Jun 5, 11:37 a.m. Inappropriate
@mannix: I was not making a statement of probability, but one of jest. After reviewing the statistics you provided, it would appear the Mariners made a wise move in unloading Griffey when they did, his Cincinnati numbers suggest a natural talent past his prime. Charisma, by the way, is not a qualification for greatness.
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