Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Story by Gail Nobles

Good morning. Some names in baseball transcend the sport itself. They become synonymous with an era, a team, a feeling. Ken Griffey Jr., "The Kid," is certainly one of those names.

Think back to the 1990s. For so many, it was Griffey in center field for the Seattle Mariners that defined baseball. That backwards cap, that effortless swing, that infectious joy for the game... he was a superstar. Not just because of the statistics – and those were certainly impressive! – but because of the sheer magnetism he brought to the diamond. He made baseball *fun* to watch. He made you *want* to watch.

He hit home runs with incredible power, yes, but he also played center field with a grace and agility that seemed almost balletic. He robbed hitters of sure hits, making highlight-reel catches that left fans breathless.

And then there's the story of Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. That father-son duo playing together for the Mariners... it's the stuff of Hollywood scripts. Back-to-back singles, back-to-back home runs... a shared love of the game, a family legacy unfolding before our eyes. And even a little fatherly grounding for stealing a fly ball, reminding us that even superstars have to respect their parents! It was a beautiful, poignant moment in baseball history.

Injuries unfortunately took their toll later in his career, but his impact remains undeniable. Ken Griffey Jr. wasn't just a great baseball player; he was an icon. He represented a generation, a team, and for many, the very best of what baseball has to offer. He brought a joy and enthusiasm to the game that's still missed today. And that, perhaps, is his greatest legacy.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Crown Surmount Sports