baseballGriffey hit #595 today, just 5 more until big 600.
"We're talking about a 13-time All-Star, a nine-time Gold Glove winner and a seven-time Silver Slugger. He's been a Most Valuable Player (with Seattle in '97), an All-Star Game MVP, led the league in home runs four times and driven in 100 or more runs eight times. A career .290 hitter, Griffey has hit .300 or better eight times.
This is a guy who has already amassed Hall of Fame-caliber numbers, and there hasn't been a hint of impropriety along the way.
This is one of the greatest players the game has seen and a guy who stays out of trouble and yet he somehow gets less recognition today than others who have accomplished less on the diamond.
While it's true he's been hurt a lot since he turned 30, he was usually injured as a result of playing the game hard. Other times involved accidents that could have happened to anybody, like slipping in the shower. At worst, Griffey is guilty of having tough luck.
Ask a few of his former managers, guys like Lou Piniella and Jerry Narron, and you get nothing but praise for Griffey and the way he plays the game. The consensus is Griffey is a gamer, a guy who plays the game the right way.
"He's always had incredible talent," Piniella said. "And he makes it look so easy, but he doesn't take [his skill] for granted."
It is a skill that has taken him to a plateau only five others -- Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa -- have reached. Unlike the two most recent members of the 600 homer club, Griffey joins without the cloud of controversy.
You might have seen Griffey's name on the disabled list several times, but not on a court docket. You haven't seen Griffey's name associated with corked bats, grand jury testimony or unfortunate off-the-field incidents.
Others exercise the kind of poor judgment that provides tabloid fodder. Not Griffey."
Thanks to Jim Molony for a great article, Griffey really is the best there IS.
And Griff, if you ever want to come back to Seattle, JUST DO IT. I think the best would be for you to hit #600 in the House YOU Built, Safeco Field. You made magic last June, and I'm grateful I was there to see. Come Back Junior!! Until then, keep smackin em out!!
Matt Griffey Junior
Be Excellent, The Best There WILL BE
