Weighing in
A weekly look at reader comments and reactions to the news
The announcement that Ken Griffey Jr., one of Seattle’s most revered pro athletes, is retiring after his checkered return to the Seattle Mariners this year drew emotional reactions throughout the Pacific Northwest. Readers of the Huckleberries Online blog shared their fondest Junior memories last week. Find complete coverage and the full reader recollections at www.spokesman.com.
Herb Huseland: I was there when he broke into the majors with the Mariners. His climbs up the wall to steal home runs, his flash of a bat and a disappearing ball. He has to be one of the best that ever played the game.
Poolman: The time he told then-rookie Alex Rodriguez to carry his bag from the bus to the clubhouse while playing a three game series in Toronto. The time he took a snooze in the dugout and wasn’t able get up to face a right handed reliever in the 8th inning.The time he announced his retirement.
Eagleeye: Thank you Griff. Without him there would be no Safeco Field and no baseball in Seattle. He did it the right way. Not like Bonds, Sosa or A-Rod. Thanks for the memories!
Me: I went to spring training in Peoria a few times and loved how approachable he and the others were. I think I have his autograph on a ball along with Pinella, Cora, Edgar and the Bone – some others too. He really did make baseball fun, and when he left, I was done with baseball and haven’t really gone back.
MikeK: The 1995 playoffs – though the M’s beat my Yankees – made me a Mariners fan. My wife and I watched every inning with our newborn days-old son Will. That special time of being goggle-eyed new parents enjoying the entire Northwest’s falling head over heels for the Griffey-led Mariners was a very special time for us.
Hmoffsuite: Griffey was wonderful for Seattle, and at one time, galvanized the entire community. I applaud him and only wish he were going out under somewhat different circumstances.
Escapee: Griffey brought so many positives to the game of baseball. Sure, I’ll remember catches made and home runs hit by Griffey, but I’ll just remember (with the exception of his 5th inning nap) that he was a great guy. An old saying goes “Oh, to be alive while the eulogies are read,” and Griffey’s in that position now. I wish him All The Best.
JIMMYMAC: Brought baseball to live in the PacNW. It was great being an actual kid when “the kid” was just getting started. I remember working preseason football drills as a freshman during his eight consecutive game HR streak back in ’93. Every day we would make bets whether he would go yard or not.