Results tagged ‘ ken griffey jr ’

Letter to Ken Griffey Jr

To one of the greatest players to ever play the game,

I sit here wondering how I could honor such an incredible person and still overcoming the fact that on June 2nd you have decided to retire. Maybe I could start from the beginning….
Ken “The Kid” Griffey Jr was Seattle’s first draft pick in 1987. During his years as a Mariner (1989-1999, 2009-2010) he became one of the most exciting and prolific players of the era racking up 1,752 hits, 398 home runs, 1,152 RBIs, and 167 stolen bases. He led the American League in home runs four seasons (1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999), was voted the A.L. MVP in 1997, and maintained a .297 batting average. And let’s not even start with his defense. This 10 time gold glove winner dazzled us all with his amazing catches and wide range. In 1990/1991, Griffey and Griffey Sr became the first father son duo to play on the same team. On September 14th the pair hit back to back home runs becoming the first father son duo to do so. He would soon go on to the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox before he would go back to the Seattle Mariners once again. 

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Hall of Fame worthy? Well let’s see…. 

- 13 All star appearances 
-1992 All star game MVP
-630 home runs, fifth (all-time)
-.907 OPS
-2,781 hits
-1,836 RBIs, 14th (all-time)
-10 time Gold Glove Award winner
-5,271 career bases, 12th (all-time)
-5,134 put outs in center field, fourth (all-time) 
-7 time Silver Slugger award winner
-246 intentional walks, fourth (all-time)
-1997 AL MVP
-2005 NL Comeback player of the year
- 3 time Home Run Derby Winner

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Even with all that he has no World Series ring. I al
ways felt that it was a shame for Griffey to not have a ring. I can’t think of anyone who was more deserving of one. Although he has had his share of post season glory

There are a lot of things about “Junior” that we are going to remember. Like that sweet swing and amazing D. However there was a lot more to Griffey that explains why so many people respect him so much. 

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When I think of Griffey I think of the backwards cap, the infectious, humble smile, the awesome commercials and a love/passion for the game. He truly loves the game and it just shows when he plays. I love how he is so energetic and loving towards fans, media and players alike. In an era of such controversy and negativity I believe that Ken Griffey Jr was the person who gave us a little hope. He played baseball the right way and he ends it the right way once again.  It’s unfortunate that I wasn’t able to see Junior in his glory days though I am a ’90s baby. But I am fortunate that I got to see him leave with such a great attitude. We need more people like Griffey in baseball. He is what makes baseball such a great game. I thank you (thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!) Ken Griffey Jr for being so good for so long. What a tremendous career! 22 seasons, Wow! We will all miss you dearly! 

With a sad heart, I bid thee farewell! See ya in Cooperstown :)

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Here is a collection of photos ‘Duk from Yahoo’s Big League Stew got together as a celebration of Griffey’s career. It’s truly great :) [CLICK HERE]

Here is also a collection of Griffey’s best commercials courtesy once again to BLS: [CLICK HERE]


In other news~

-Texas Rangers are still first place in AL West. Boo! 
-Armando Galaragga’s near perfect game handled with class yet brings the argument of instant replay back again
-Dave Trembley out Juan Samuel in

Mimi OUT! ;)

“It’s a beautiful day for a ball game. Let’s play two!” ~ Ernie Banks


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