Ken Griffey Jr. is on track to be the first player in MLB history to make it into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot, unanimously, per ESPN. While other players may have deserved such an honor in the past, it would be fitting if Griffey were the player to finally accomplish it, since he is arguably the greatest baseball player who ever lived.
Here’s why.
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He Hit 630 Home Runs, Despite Constantly Battling Injury
Part of Griffey’s lore is that he stands out as a “clean” player during an era pockmarked by steroid abuse. While that can’t be proven, baseball historians will point to his repeated injuries, and overall decline toward the end of his career as evidence he wasn’t enhanced.
From 2002-2004 Griffey didn’t play in more than 83 games. In his 22-year career Griffey failed to play in 145 games an astounding 14 times, and still ranks sixth all-time in home runs. That profiles as a man who made the utmost of the time he was on the field. He led the majors in home runs four times and finished inside the Top 3 six times.
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Griffey’s Glove Was Comparable To His Bat
Griffey wasn’t one-dimensional, like many sluggers from his era. He didn’t bulk up – naturally or chemically – and sacrifice defense to smack more homers. Griffey was a 10-time Gold Glove outfielder, all while playing center field. In fact, Griffey went the entirety of the 1990s as a Gold Glover.
Griffey was so good that he was able to hang onto a ball once even after breaking his wrist.
He Had The Sweetest Swing In The Sport
Subjective? Yes. But find someone who loves baseball and couldn’t watch Griffey’s swing on repeat for hours on end.
It’s beautiful, it’s pure. It not only allowed him to smash 630 homers, but carried him to a career .284 batting average that spanned more than two decades of baseball. Griffey hit .285 or better with at least 40 home runs six times, and batted .300 or better with 40 or more homers four times. That shows a swing without holes, and the most iconic follow-through ever.
He Aged Correctly
So much of baseball history is now haunted by steroids. Griffey, if he was taking steroids to prolong his career, did not take the right ones. From 2006 until 2010 when he retired Griffey slashed .247/.340/.444, averaging 19 home runs and 60 RBI. Before his final two, sad, seasons with the Mariners he had settled into the big power, low batting average prototype. It’s how legendary mashers go out.
Congratulations to Ken Griffey Jr. on hopefully baseball history.
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