Originally published on April 10, 2014
Ken Griffey Jr. was the "Player of the 90's", and one of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. A graceful package of offensive and defensive prowess, he had a knack for creating excitement. In this "Daily Dinger" from 25 years ago today, Griffey belts his first big league home run at Seattle's Kingdome - on the first pitch he sees. He was a mere 19 years old.
Griffey's career achievements are legendary: 630 home runs (6th all-time), 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 MVP, 7 Silver Slugger Awards, 13 All-Star selections. He's also responsible for some legendary moments not necessarily stat-related. No Mariner fan will forget his sprint home in the 1995 ALDS to down the Yankees. He and his father, Ken Griffey Sr. hit back-to-back home runs in 1990. His rise as a transcendent superstar - in a sport that really needed one - is largely the reason why Safeco Field was built, and why the Mariners still exist.
