A fond farewell to Jr.

One of baseballs greats announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday. Ken Griffey Jr. (SEAMAR DH/OF), has hung up the spikes. A sad day in Seattle, and baseball in general, and to this sports fan especially. I remember watching his father play for the “big red machine” being overshadowed by names like Rose, Foster, Morgan, and Bench, and thinking how his career may have been better served in another city. I remember the excitement when his son was called up to “the show” Some lofty expectations were put on the young slugger, and he far surpassed all those in his 22 year career.

I always argued (without much resistance) that he had the best natural swing in the game, “fluid” as they say, looked so effortless, a true thing of beauty, that generated powerful results. The numbers speak for themselves. 5th all time in HRs with 630, an astounding 1,863 ribs, 5 seasons slugging over .600, 2781 hits, and 524 doubles. Not to mention 10 gold gloves, 13 all star appearances, and a career fielding %age of  986 in 1526 games in center field. Amazing!!

The certain hall of famer, in my opinion, would have easily re written the record books had his career not been riddled with injuries. Costly leg injuries in his prime years, certainly cost him a shot at Aarons (not Bonds) all time HR leader title. However, Jr. can rest easy knowing that he played to the best of his ability, and was credited by many in Seattle for saving the game in that fine city, and always kept them competitive.

On a side note, it is refreshing to see a player with these type of unattainable numbers in this day and age, never being named in any PED, HGH, steroid or ethical scandal. Thank you George Kenneth Griffey Jr. for bringing the greatest game in the world to new and respectful level!! You will be missed deeply by yours truly, and the game in general. I hope your golf swing is as sweet as that home run stroke!!

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