Today Ken Griffey Jr. has retired. Wow, “the Kid” is now 40 yrs old and was hitting .184 with 0 home runs through 98 at bats this season. Many people ask who is the best player you have ever seen, just in common discussion. The popular pick is Albert Pujols or A-Rod. I usually say either Mariano Rivera or Mr. Griffey Junior. In the 1990’s for the Seattle Mariners Griffey was by far the MVP of the MLB. His dazzling defense, combined with his tremendous power and great eye for pitches definite made him a prized commodity during the start of the new century. Following the death of his neighbor Payne Stewart in 1999 he expressed the desire to move and play closer to home so that he could be with his family more frequently. Seattle granted this wish. His time in Cincinnati was marred by injury after injury. Although he would have some good seasons, they were nothing like his back to back 56 Homerun seasons in the 90s, or his 5 yr span in which he hit 40 of more homeruns. In comparison in 1997 he would win the MVP by blasting 56 homeruns and driving in 147 runs and hitting .304. This was historically one of the better seasons in history. 
But besides the numbers and his ability, the reason why I and others loved Griffey was because of the way he played. Even though he KILLED the Yankees every game. His reckless abandon plus this youthful demeanor and style was second to none. Every kid in the 90s wanted to play baseball with their hat backwards, swing for the fences and after contact drop the bat and slow walk towards first for their first few steps… just like Griffey. His N64 game was legendary and the fact that his style of nike sneakers are still popular is the ultimate testament to know “G” he is. Unfortunately Kids get old and so did Griffey, after resigning in a “homecoming” type fashion with Seattle in 2009 he would hit 19 home runs and drive in 57 while batting under .220, these numbers showed that he was a flash of his former self. When Seattle offered him a new contract he signed and was on the roster again for his 22nd MLB season. But, 2 months into the season he has realized that his time is up, and his career is over. A career that started in 1989 and would last the span of four decades has concluded. Its been fun for all and most definitely Junior Griffey has left his mark. And yes, He has the sweetest swing ever.
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