Welcome Home, #24

Today it was announced that Ken Griffey, Jr. will be returning to Seattle to play for the Mariners. While he is way past his prime, and while he never should have left in the first place, I'm very happy that he's returning, and I'm determined to see him in a Mariners uniform one last time.

Given that he played in the steroid era, and unequivocally took no part in the cheating ways of McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, and now ARod (what a tool he is), his numbers are even more impressive given the fact they're legitimate. If he had stayed healthy, he would seriously be challenging Henry Aaron's all-time home run record. His days in Cincinnati were spotty and his legs eventually gave out under him.

But I've never seen a more beautiful swing, or a more graceful outfielder than Griffey. When I was younger, and cursed with being a Mariners fan, he brought a lot of joy to me as I collected his baseball cards (a hobby which has now ruined itself by becoming way too greedy, exclusive, and expensive), and generally anything that had his name on it. I still have his Fleer, Donruss, and Upperdeck rookie cards. One time my dad drove me all the way down to Seattle because Griffey was there for an autograph session at the Seattle Center, but when we got there the line was ridiculously long. I was extremely disappointed, so when my dad and I arrived back in Bellingham he bought me said Upperdeck rookie card.

My sisters might remember me running around the house like a crazed maniac when Edgar Martinez doubled Griffey home in Game 5 of the opening round of the playoffs versus the Yankees in '95--what is still the best game, and moment, in Mariners history. To see Griffey round those bases, slide hands first into home, his teammates pile on, and the huge Kingdome go absolutely wild. That was incredible.

What I also liked about Griffey was that he idolized his father. When Ken Griffey, Sr. played with him in the outfield for a few games early in Jr.'s career, you could not have witnessed a happier ball player. All smiles and very fun to watch play. As someone who also idolized his father, I really identified with that about him.

Anyway, welcome back Kid. Now I need to go out and get another #24 jersey. And there might be a reason to watch the Mariners this season.