Reason to vote for Junior- #13 He is the ultimate team player

Even though many believe baseball is a individual sport, with pitcher vs. batter match-ups, there is a need for "team effort" to succeed in winning ballgames and championships. Few players can honestly consider themselves as a team player and can bind a team together, not only with their spectacle play on the field but also with their presence and voice in the clubhouse. Junior could do this, it went unnoticed by players and others around baseball. Members of the Seattle Mariners and other MLB teams knew Griffey was the best you could ask for in a teammate.

Every moment with him is a treasure. It will keep deep within my heart. I’ve played 19 years in professional baseball and I can say that he was my best teammate and my best friend as well.

- Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners outfielder

Well, obviously he’s the greatest Mariner of all time, and he was a great teammate. Ken was always a team first guy.

- Jay Buhner, former Mariners outfielder

Team USA, 2006 World Baseball Classic

.524 AVG (tournament best, minimum 12 plate appearances)
3 HR (T-3 among leaders)
10 RBI (T-1 among leaders)

MLB teams, 1989-2010 Mariners/Reds/White Sox
In team wins he has a .318 AVG/ 1201 RBI/ 402 HR/
He has a .283 AVG/ 1167 RBI/155 HR with RISP
He has a .290 AVG/ 1499 RBI/ 293 HR with men on base
24th all-time single season leader for WAR (9.70 in 1996)
15th all-time career leader for WAR (78.4)
From 1989-1999 the Mariners had a winning percentage of .494 with Junior

WAR can only be completely be calculated from 1974-present due to the need for play-by-play scoring

Along with his remarkable "team-player" like statistics, Griffey had the personality and approach to the game that allowed him to provide essential intangibles to all his teams. Please feel free to view previous post to see his contributions to his all-star teams. Keep up the voting for Junior to ensure that he gets the chance to help the 2010 American League All-Star Team and its members with all-star play and guidance.

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Reason to vote for Junior- #12 He is a "true" all-star!

When Junior participates in the "game of stars" he tends to shine bright! He is a star among stars and his numbers show it. In the ASG Junior has come through in the clutch at the plate and has flashed his leather in the outfield. His past performances in the ASG give another reason to vote him as American League DH for the 2010 MLB All-Star Game.

His .440 clip at the plate goes unmatched in the MLB All-Star Game other than Charlie Gehringer's .500, done during the The Live-Ball Era (1920-1941). It is quite remarkable that in a game that highlights the best, Griffey has been able to preform at such a superior level. Junior has been able to distinguish the flame on Dan Haren's heater and cutting the strings on Tom Glavine's infamous breaking ball in the big game. He has been able to hit everywhere in the lineup as he has batted anywhere from 3rd to 5th to 7th to PH in the batting order. His past performances at the plate truly signify his belonging and comfort level in the Midsummer Classic.

MLB All-Star Game Career Stats

All-time high 48,973,314 career ASG fan votes
American League is 10-3 in ASGs featuring Ken Griffey Jr.
As a starter his teams' record is 7-2
When he participated his teams' outscored opponents 59-34
8th all-time for OBP with .464
8th all-time for RBI with 7

One of 26 players to bat 1.000 for a single-game (minimum 3 PA)
5th all-time for a single-game Slugging %
4th all-time for a single-game OBP plus SLG
1992 MVP (3-3/2 R/2 RBI/HR)

Junior is among the leaders in many categories for career and single-game ASG batting leaders

It is apparent that Ken Griffey Jr. can not only handle himself in the MLB All-Star Game, but contribute and do it with the best to ever play in the game. Please continue to vote for Junior and vote the "true" all-star back into the game of all-stars.

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Reasons to vote for Junior - #11 For all that he gave us

Many people have contributed to the game of baseball in a variety of ways, but no one more so then Ken Griffey Jr. who has done so much for the game and its fans. For all he has given the game of baseball a great reason to vote for Junior is to give him something back. Here is a list of a few things that Junior has given us.

• He gave us Jackie Robinson Day! He was the first to ask Bud Selig, MLB Commissioner, if he could wear the then retired #42 to honor Jackie Robinson. "It was just my way of saying thank you," Ken Griffey Jr. committing on Jackie Robinson Day.

• A candy bar in his rookie season, unfortunately he never tried it as he is allergic to chocolate
• One of the best ball video games ever- Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run on SNES

Ken Griffey Jr.'s Slugfest & Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr. were also great video games

• A signature sneaker line with Nike, which led to the second most recognizable iconic Nike logo

• He has worked with and provided for a variety of charities (Boys & Girls Club of America-a board of governor, Make-A-Wish Foundation, etc.). He is well-known around baseball and in communities for his work with charitable organizations.

• Contributed to regular season home run races, including the "The Race of 1998" (PED free)

• An athlete that plays the game for fun, not money or fame. He plays the game like a kid!

• A presidential campaign in 1996, complete with TV spots

• He gave us Safeco Field- "The House That Griffey Built"

• He was on the cover of Sport Illustrated (8 times) and Wheaties box (7 times)

• He was featured on The Simpsons TV series in "Homer at the Bat" episode

Junior drinking Mr. Burns brain and nerve toxic to then suffer from "Gigantism"

• He gave us a career full of quality baseball, not off field antics and tabloid material.

Even though some of these are not a strong basis to reasonably vote Junior into the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, there are some that show you what he really has given the game of baseball and its fans (Safeco Field, Jackie Robinson Day, etc.). Please help in giving baseball fans one more thing to remember about Junior's exciting baseball career, a spot on the American League roster for the 2010 ASG.

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Reason to vote for Junior- #10 Because he would be in the Home Run Derby

"I'm not a home run hitter. I've just got good pop."

When we think of Ken Griffey, Jr., few things come to our minds before his impact and performances in the Home Run Derby over the years. In fact, when we think of the Home Run Derby, few people no one comes to mind before Junior.

 

So the basis here is simple: the tenth reason for you to vote for Junior is to put Griffey in the Home Run Derby. Why? Four reasons.

1. Make the Derby more fun.
While it will always be one of our favorite parts of All-Star Weekend, the Derby has recently lost a little of its luster. Every now and then, we get a Derby moment worth remembering (see: Hamilton, Josh), but we think that the average baseball fan would have a tough time listing off recent winners or performances. Also, after the first round, it's not uncommon to get bored of the Derby and just switch to a rerun of Seinfeld. If Griffey were in the Derby, there's no question that he would attract great fan interest and, for as long as he lasts, make the competition significantly more interesting.

2. Protect his place in Derby history.
Griffey is the only guy to win the Derby more than once--and he did it three times (1994, '98, '99). Here's a list of total HRD home runs. Not sure we have much to worry about from several of these guys, but Ryan Howard (41) and Josh Hamilton (35) are definitely threats (and don't forget the immortal Bryce Harper!).

1. Ken Griffey, Jr. - 70
2. Jason Giambi - 67
3. Sammy Sosa - 65
4. Mark McGwire - 56
5. David Ortiz - 54
6. Albert Pujols - 50
7. Barry Bonds - 47
8. Bobby Abreu - 41
9. Ryan Howard - 41
10. Lance Berkman - 39

We realize that it's unlikely Griffey would smash 30+ bombs in the 2010 Derby. But we do think that, however many he hits, it will make his total significantly more out of reach from his competition.

3. Because no one else wants to be in it.
Well, sort of.  It is no well-kept secret that many players are weary of competing in the Derby. Whether it is because of the extra fatigue, the effect of the Derby on their swings, or their hesitancy to risk embarrassing themselves--competing in the Home Run Derby is not something that all players seem to yearn for. This was perhaps best displayed in the 2009 Derby when it seemed as if almost every All-Star Game participant was given an open invitation to join the Derby (Mark Teixeira, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau were all known to have rejected invitations to join the competition).

4. Because he'd have a chance!
Obviously, Griffey is not having a stellar season at the plate. While he certainly has other problems, chief among them may be his reduced bat speed. With a batting-practice pitcher out there, Junior would be able to regain his form and again, hit the long ball.  We think Grif has a good of a chance of any of the participants to win the Derby. We're tellin' you there's a chance!

So, as the MLB only allows for players in the All-Star Game to compete in the Home Run Derby, we think that you should vote for Junior to get him back home and into the Derby.

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Reason to vote for Junior- #9 He can still come through in the clutch

"[Kevin Greg] throws a big one here, he has a 2-1 to Griffey. Swung on, base hit! There's a run and here comes Milton Bradley. And that is your game winner! Ken Griffey Junior delivers!" -FSN Northwest play-by-play announcer

Watch Here

Late Inning Junior and David Ortiz "Mr. Clutch" Stats

Ken Griffey Jr.
10 walk-off hits
Late & Close- .267 AVG with 83 HR and 282 RBI

David Ortiz
17 walk-off hits
Late & Close- .269 AVG with 45 HR and164 RBI

Late & Close-7th inning or later with team tied, ahead by one, or tying run on deck

Could this be a start of a red hot June and Summer for Junior at the plate? Who knows, but one thing that is for sure is that Junior provided us with another memorable moment last night and reminded us how great he was and can be. Please continue to place your votes for Junior for the 2010 All-Star Game and encourage others to do the same! Let's give Junior the opportunity to create a moment like this in the Midsummer Classic.

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Reasons to vote for Junior - #8 He has the "Hand of God"

Most often than not when discussing Ken Griffey Jr.'s baseball career people tend to talk about his ability to hit and hit the long ball. However, his talent at the plate can be matched, if not surpassed, by his ability to field his position. He defensive achievements in the outfield provide us with another reason to vote him into the 2010 MLB All-Star Game.

Griffey has been included in numerous highlight reels and given us a countless number of sensational catches. Many say that there was no bigger catch then when he robbed Jesse Barfield of his 200th home run at Yankee Stadium in 1990, known by all of baseball as "The Catch" (video). This defensive moment is among Griffey's best career highlights and helped propel him to what he was set to accomplish in his career defensively.

A "Golden" Comparison
Ken Griffey Jr. and Willie Mays

Ken Griffey Jr.
Innings played in the field- 20325
Career Fielding Percentage- .985
Career Errors- 89
Assist-154
10 American League Gold Gloves (AL record for outfielder)

Willie Mays
Innings played in the field- 23023
Career Fielding Percentage- .981
Career Errors- 141
Assist- 195
12 National League Gold Gloves (Tied for NL record for outfielder, (12) Roberto Clemente)

By no means are we trying to say Griffey is better or equal to Willie Mays, but provide you with a friendly comparison of their fielding abilities.

"My dad (Ken Griffey) taught me that there's three parts: There's hitting, there's defense, and there's base-running. And as long as you keep those three separated, you're going to be a good player. I mean, you can't take your defense on the bases, you can't take your hitting to the field, and you can't take your base-running at the plate. But defense, is number one." - Ken Griffey, Jr.

Junior had historic numbers and talent at the plate, but knew it was nothing compared to what was necessary and what he was capable of on the field defensively. He was welling to do anything and everything to make a play in the field. This determination was seen many times throughout his career on the field. One particular play that comes to mind is when Griffey sacrificed his body to make a catch off the bat of Kevin Bass, Baltimore Orioles right fielder, that lead to a broken wrist for Junior. This infamous catch was soon to be known as "The Spider-Man" catch and one of the greatest catches in Mariners and baseball history.

In 2007, Griffey's defensive talent was truly illustrated when he was voted onto the All-time Rawlings Gold Glove team, which recognized the all-time best defensive players at each position. Other legendary fielders on the All-time Rawlings Gold Glove team included the likes of Brook Robinson "Vacuum Cleaner", Greg Maddux "The Professor", Ozzie Smith "The Wizard of Oz" and Willie Mays "Say Hey Kid". If you look at the names on this team you will see that Griffey slash the leather and gunned down base-runners with the greatest defensive players to ever have played the game of baseball.

Even though he might not be taking the field or making eye-boggling catches anymore, Griffey gave us much to remember when he was roaming the outfield. Junior won't be playing the field in Anaheim, CA for the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, but just having him on the field is significant enough for this legend. Help put one of the best defensive players into the game that highlights the best at the plate, on the base-paths and playing the field!


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Reasons to vote for Junior - #7 Because Joe Posnanski SAYS so.

Well, mostly.

Putting it more eloquently, as always, than anyone else in the business, Sports Illustrated's Posnanski details exactly what it is that we all love about Junior. 

In the meantime, I've been glad to see Griffey in uniform even though I know that he isn't the same. I'm glad because he brought me so much joy as a fan. I'm glad because, on the right day and the right pitch, he could recapture that moment.

A must read: A Celebration of Ken Griffey, Jr.

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Reasons to vote for Junior - #6 He is a Griffey

Sometimes sports just come natural to a family and they are just born to play them and played them well. This is especially the case if your last name is Griffey. The Griffey family has given a lot to sports, particularly baseball. It is such a great thing to have seen the Griffey family be able to enjoy the game together, even on the field.

The Griffey family didn't always get to watch or participate with each other in sports. Though each of them did get the chance to become something great in their sport of choice. They each had the talent and drive to excel in their sport and excepted nothing but the best from themselves. Their love and contributions to the game were not only for themselves but for the Griffey family name.

The Griffey family in sports

Ken Griffey Jr.
Member of the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners

Rewrote many of the MLB batting records
13 All-Star Game selections
10 Gold Glove Awards
7 Silver Slugger Awards
1997 American League MVP Award
Member of MLB All-Century Team (Look at the names on this team!)
In 2,661 career MLB games he has a .284 AVG/630 HR/1834 RBI/184 SB

Ken Griffey Sr., father
Member of the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees
3 All-Star Game selections
2 World Series championships
1980 MLB All-Star Game MVP
In 1,997 career MLB games he had a .296 AVG/152 HR/859 RBI/200 SB

Craig Griffey, brother
Backup corner-back/running back as a freshman and sophomore for Ohio State football team
Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1991 in the 42 round

He hadn't played organized baseball since the 8th grade
Played 7 seasons with Seattle Mariners affiliate minor league clubs
In 618 career minor league games he had a .224 AVG/11 HR/174 RBI/101 SB

Robert "Buddy" Griffey, grandfather
Played baseball alongside Stan Musial at Donora High School in Donora, PA
Attended Kentucky State on a football scholarship as a halfback

Trey and Taryn Griffey, son and daughter

Trey is a football player and Taryn is a basketball star
ESPN's Peter Gammons joking writes that Trey could become the No. 1 pick of the 2012 NFL Draft

The numbers weren't always amazing, for each member of the Griffey family in each of their sports careers, but getting to such respected levels of play were great accomplishments in themselves. However, legendary numbers and athleticism was shown by Junior in his career in The Bigs.

This has been yet another reason to vote for this elite athlete from a family of great athletes and sportsman. Help put another footnote on this family's historical sports career and vote for Junior for the American League DH in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game!

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