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On the occasion of the retirement of Ken Griffey, Jr.

Griffey-sketch_medium

via 3.bp.blogspot.com

I drew this last fall, when rumors first began to swirl that Junior might retire.  I've been meaning to do it up properly in pastels, but haven't gotten around to it yet.  My art supplies will be catching up to me in my new home this weekend, and I'm pretty sure this'll be the first project I take on. 

In the meantime, I'm going to re-share a comment I made earlier this week, when souldrummer asked why all Reds fans don't hate Griffey:

In 1999, the Reds came within a single game of making the playoffs for the first time in what we thought back then was a long time (oh, poor naive us.) Fans and players were disappointed, sure, but it didn’t feel like an end. It felt like a beginning. That optimism swelled to new heights when Junior came over from Seattle that offseason. The city fell in love immediately.

It’s not just that Junior was possibly the best player in the game at the time. He had a history here. He was connected to the glory days of the Big Red Machine, played high school baseball here, and wanted to come home. He was the final piece that was missing from that ’99 season.

People forget Griffey played well that first year, and the Reds even had a winning season. He was, as expected, a joy to watch. Then the injuries came. And sure, the team never made the playoffs, and, sure, some fans turned on him. But they were the ones who weren’t paying attention. The injuries were never Junior’s fault, and you could always tell it ate him up to not be able to play. And if the front office didn’t build a winner around him, that wasn’t his fault, either. When he was healthy, Griffey played well for the Reds. He continued to hit (including home runs #500 and 600) and he even played his trademark good defense for several years.

He may not have been the Savior everyone wanted him to be, but that wasn’t his fault. I sometimes still can’t believe that Ken Griffey, Jr., was a Red for ten years. I can’t believe that I got to see him play. He was one of the best, and he played for my team. That’s worth celebrating.

Goodbye, Ken Griffey!  I enjoyed your time with the Reds.  If you need me to read over your Hall of Fame acceptance speech sometime in the next five years, just holler.

Comment 105 comments  |  15 recs  | 

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So sad, so sad.

I was just listening to Mike and Mike (not a fan, but not many options for free sports radio) and they mentioned that one of the reasons Bud and some others are going to be bugged by the whole perfect game fiasco is that Griffey’s retirement, which should be a moment of celebration of a lifetime achievement, will get overturned in the media cycle by first the perfect game stuff and now the endless hype for the NBA Finals.

One of the things that’s extremely tragic about Griffey’s career is that his historical significance has been overshadowed by two strikeouts on Bud’s part: the ruluctance to aggressively and proactively address steroids and the reluctance to implement some kind of instant replay after all of the missed calls in last year’s playoffs.

As a nonReds fan, I kind of remember Griffey the Nike icon in his early days and Griffey as an underachieving bad investment for a midmarket team in his later days. I wonder whether I’d have a different opinion if the Reds’ perspective and Reds’ media people had more presence in the national media cycle.

Thank you all so much for helping me to get a different perspective on things and allowing someone growing to respect your franchise and its storied history who is a Nats Fan but Reds curious to participate in your dialogue.

Going out on a limb to say noone in the Natmosphere's got this avatar. Souldrummer stands alone for Miguel Batista. Many want to see Capps save games. Dream big! MOAR RUNZ!!! MOAR BATISTA!!!!

by souldrummer on Jun 3, 2010 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

rec'd

Very nice.

(But shouldn’t the bat be on the other shoulder?)

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Jun 3, 2010 10:42 AM EDT reply actions  

flip canvas horizontal

"Now onto more important things: Punching Errorlando Cabrerror in the fucking tits." -Geki

by GrooveLeg on Jun 3, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hmm, maybe.

It wasn’t in the source picture, though. I can’t find it online again, but you can see my printout here.

by the finest muffins on Jun 3, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

Have I told you how much I love you Mads?

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ugh, amateurs.

You clearly don’t get “art.”
(By which I mean, rec’d!)

by the finest muffins on Jun 3, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey...I owned a fucking art gallery for 7 years...

I know art when I see it and I know a fucking bird when I see it.

My name is Madville and I'm a JonnyGomesLaynceNixaddict.

by Madville on Jun 3, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

TWSS

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Jun 3, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't you mean diameter?

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe I do, maybe I don't

and btw, I don’t care what kinda burger everyone orders a week from today, but that 1st round of beer is gonna be Miller High Life (of course).

Since Kip Wells let me down, I’ll let you decide the 2nd beer I owe you.

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 3, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fine by me, if they serve it

‘tHan tells me they opened a patio at Gordo’s, anyone know that of which he speaks?

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Looks like it's on the roof, sweet

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

how can it be on a roof

when there’s a bus in the background? is it a flying bus?

by Daedalus on Jun 5, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's a double-decker!

This team wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for all the losing.

by andromache on Jun 5, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's a magic bus, duh

If you don’t know what a magic bus is, consult Mads.

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 7, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

"Every day we expect to win and here lately we've been doing that."-Homer Bailey

by justin007000 on Jun 7, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

Actually, I only glanced at the pic

And figured that was the top of an adjoining building. The lack of graffiti led me to believe that the patio was elevated.

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 7, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

I called a couple minutes ago

They have MHL in bottles

Not too many places carry MHL on draught

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 3, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

bottles?

that’s terrible.

did you ask if the patio is on the roof?

by 'tHan on Jun 3, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

DO IT

Ask if they have a pool on the roof while you’re at it.

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Girl named Anna answered the phone

She said “um, no…. is this a joke?”

I appreciate the hazing, fellas

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 3, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

hahaha, WIN

The picture of the patio does look like it could be on the roof. And it’s not like there aren’t rooftop patios in this area.

You didn’t really ask about the pool, did you?

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I asked if the patio was on the roof

Once Anna provided her answer, I knew better than to ask about the pool

And I take it back, that 2nd beer I owe you, it’s gonna be a fucking Chimay….

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 3, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

That is so great

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 3, 2010 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

How about this one



AND THIS ONE


AFTER THE ROOF COLLAPSED

My name is Madville and I'm a JonnyGomesLaynceNixaddict.

by Madville on Jun 3, 2010 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Says the guy who posted it.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Jun 3, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Absolutely.

I am ashamed…well not ashamed..maybe guilty…no I don’t buy into guilt… a victim of toxic shame,,,I gave up on being the victim…I know a momentary lapse in poor taste but insightful humor…no that sounds arrogant…I ,,,,,,,,I ….welllll anyway i love me some Junior Griffey

My name is Madville and I'm a JonnyGomesLaynceNixaddict.

by Madville on Jun 3, 2010 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Actually Mads

While I don’t know KGJ personally, and have only spoken to him twice, I got a little misty-eyed when I read the ESPN scroll. The distraction(s) within this thread actually helped me cope and put into perspective his career, rather than proverbially sulk and mourn.

So, while I think I understand your sentiment, I also know that personally focusing on a touchy subject only compounds the issue for me.

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 4, 2010 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

C+, points taken off for brevity

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 4, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

You gonna cry on Thursday?

Or are you gonna join me for a dip in the pool on the roof?

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 4, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nope...I'm going to have a Pub Burger

Possibly some fries
Most likely several low octane beers
At least one or two Jack and Cokes
And I expect to be entertained Damn it.
Bring on the Bikini Babe…
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

My name is Madville and I'm a JonnyGomesLaynceNixaddict.

by Madville on Jun 4, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Define low octane beer

What kind of entertainment would you like?

Just wait for the surprise I have in store for those in attendance!

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 4, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't waste your time

I’ve already seen the flying squirrel, the crankshaft, and the Charlie Chaplin.

"i may be an idiot but i’m correct." -- 'tHan

by jch24 on Jun 4, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

But you haven't seen MY crankshaft

And who knows, if I’m poolside, I might Donald Duck-it, brah

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 4, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Much like my fellow Moeller grad

I expect to retire at the age of 40 with over $150 million in earnings. Anybody know what the Powerball is up to?

Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!

by Slyde on Jun 3, 2010 11:16 AM EDT reply actions  

why not try to be a congressman?

or pitch for OSU?

"Every day we expect to win and here lately we've been doing that."-Homer Bailey

by justin007000 on Jun 3, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Do lottery winnings count as earnings?

When you come to the fork in the road, take it.

by poojols on Jun 3, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

So maybe we shouldn't feel sad for him?

I still do, because I know he loved playing ball and I know he loved being with ballplayers and because I know sMarty disliked him so. So, I will be sad. It’s not fair that both the kid who watched ESPN to see if the other Kid would hit 8 homers in eight games back in the day got old. I can’t believe we’re the same age and he’s too old to play baseball…means I am too

by timb116 on Jun 3, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

one of the sweetest swings ever

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 12:22 PM EDT reply actions  

just like Griffey's swing!

Even in 2008 there was a certain magic to hearing his name announced. He was a shell of what he was, but it was still special.

"Every day we expect to win and here lately we've been doing that."-Homer Bailey

by justin007000 on Jun 3, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

yep from 08

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

from 2007

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

What is it with HOF CFers wearing #24 that hung on for 1 season too long?

Gonna miss ya, George. I remember every time I drove between Cincinnati & Philadelphia and was on Interstate 70 and I’d pass by the sign that said “Donora”, I’d think to myself “Griffey was born there”.

And I remember attending, and then working for this Science Camp @ Moeller and thinking to myself “Junior used to walk these halls. Junior used to sit in these same seats in these same classrooms.”

But I’m glad to say I got to see KGJ play in person, on more than 1 occasion, and in 2008 during the last season of The House That Jeter Ruined, he took Kyle Farnsworth yard to RF on what looked like a frozen rope and probably took maybe 2 seconds to leave the field.

I’m gonna miss him, and wish him the best as he’ll now get to spend more time with his family in Orlando.

by Highlifeman21 on Jun 3, 2010 1:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Donora

has a pretty good outfield with Jr., Sr., and Stan the Man

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

I posted this on twitter

but 2011 will mark the first time in 38 years that a George Griffey is not on an MLB roster. That’s the longest streak for any first-name-last-name combination in the baseball history. Second is Cap Anson, who played in 26 consecutive seasons on his own, and Bob Miller, who had 26 seasons spread across two guys with that name from 1949-1974.

And now you know.

Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!

by Slyde on Jun 3, 2010 2:32 PM EDT reply actions  

two years or so

didn’t Seattle send him a contract dated way in the future when he was born? Or was that urban legend?

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is that Trey in front of KGJ and Larkin?

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

well that didn't work

damned drugs

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 3, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

he doesn't really like baseball

he prefers basketball or football.

"Every day we expect to win and here lately we've been doing that."-Homer Bailey

by justin007000 on Jun 3, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

I found that isn't true

It’s 3/8 the battle, at best.

Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jun 3, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Boy, does this make me feel old

It is a sad time indeed.

The season doesn't start until the Cincinnati Reds take the field! Reclaim The Opener!!

by TheC on Jun 4, 2010 12:53 PM EDT reply actions  

conversely

it made me feel kinda young. im young enough that i have no memories of baseball before Ken Griffey Jr. that thought struck a chord yesterday.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Jun 4, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

hopefully your future memories

will include the first ever unanimous HOF selection

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 4, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I forgot about him. I always thought Bench would do it

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 4, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wish I had a picture of Foster from that night

he looked like he could still play

"I don't challenge Murphy, even if he's 0 for 20. Not him, not ever." - Mario Soto

by Caleb on Jun 5, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I got to see Jamison Olave, a center back for Real Salt Lake, up close on Wednesday night

Holy hell! He had the biggest calf muscles I’ve ever seen. Pretty sure they were bigger than my thigh.

by Brendanukkah on Jun 6, 2010 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

that is also known as

/madville’d

"Every day we expect to win and here lately we've been doing that."-Homer Bailey

by justin007000 on Jun 4, 2010 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Look at the fucking picture everyone else is on the down-beat and KGS is out in la la land

Ok so he’s no Miles Davis…but he was a helluva a ballplayer.

My name is Madville and I'm a JonnyGomesLaynceNixaddict.

by Madville on Jun 4, 2010 11:53 PM EDT reply actions  

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