Mariners News: Happy Birthday Ken Griffey Jr!

It’s hard to believe, but Ken Griffey Jr. turned 46 on Saturday. It turns out ‘The Kid’ is no longer a kid. I think receiving a plaque in Cooperstown would be a nice gift for the most celebrated player in Mariners’ history this year.

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2015 is Junior’s first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, and he is a near lock to be elected on his first ballot. Selected first overall by the M’s in the 1987 draft, Griffey arrived in the Emerald City as a 19-year-old. He spent the first 11 seasons of his illustrious career in Seattle, and returned home for the final year and a half before hanging up his cleats in 2010.

It did not take long for the youngster to make an impact, as he posted a .264 batting average with 16 home runs and 61 RBI across 127 games as a rookie in 1989. Griffey made his first All-Star appearance in 1990, just his second season in the big leagues. He proceeded to represent the Mariners at the following 9 mid-summer classics.

The Cincinnati, OH product’s best season as a pro came in 1997. The Mariners made the postseason that year, and Griffey is the big reason why. The Kid hit .304 with 56 home runs, 147 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He was voted the American League Most Valuable Player, and he cemented himself as the best player in the sport.

Through 13 seasons in the Northwest, Griffey posted a .292 batting average with 417 home runs, 1,216 RBI and 167 stolen bases. He is the Mariners all time leader in home runs and wins above replacement (70). Junior helped lead the M’s to the playoffs in 1995 and 1997.

Griffey was a true five-tool outfielder. He could hit for power and average, run like a gazelle, make highlight reel grabs and gun down baserunners with ease. Junior won 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards with the Mariners, and robbed numerous home runs.

The 1995 season changed the course of the Mariners’ franchise and the lives of baseball fans in Seattle. Griffey combined with Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner, Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson, Tino Martinez and the rest of the team to save baseball in the Pacific Northwest. Beating the California Angels to win the division is one of my earliest memories, and “The Double” in Game 5 against the New York Yankees is my fondest. Junior is the greatest player I have ever seen live, and I doubt that will change anytime soon.

Griffey’s enthusiasm is what makes him so endearing. Whether it be the grin tattooed on his face or wearing his hat backwards in the home run derby, Junior always had fun. He continues to have a good time into retirement. This summer, Griffey appeared in Macklemore’s new music video for his hit song, “Downtown.” Fast forward to 1:42 and 4:00 to see his memorable cameos.

Put simply, there was no one better than Ken Griffey Jr. Junior was the greatest player to ever put on an M’s uniform, and he put Mariners’ baseball on the map. I was lucky enough to see him in the Seattle clubhouse this summer, and everyone wanted to be around him. Many childhood idols fall short in real life, but Griffey is the exception.

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Griffey spent 22 seasons in the Major Leagues. He hit .284 with 630 home runs and 1,836 RBI. Junior’s 630 home runs rank sixth all time. In an era ruled by PED users, Griffey proved you could still be a star without drugs. No player has ever received 100% of the BBWAA vote, but Griffey should get north of 99%.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUNIOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

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