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Reunited-it would feel so good: baseball and Griffey: There's one perfect fit—and, sugar, this one is it

Sporting News, The, May 6, 2005 by Joe Buck

"Hey, baby, how have you been? I miss you so much. I can't believe I was so stupid. I miss everything about you. I miss your smile, the way you walk, those special things you do. I saw you out the other night, and it brought it all back. Can we give it another try? I promise I'll never take you for granted again."

The preceding is a voicemail that has been left on countless answering machines by countless repentant lovers. The following is a voicemail that baseball, if it can get his cell number, should leave on Ken Griffey's machine.

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"Ken, it's baseball calling. We miss you so much. I know you are still in the league, but it's not like it used to be. I miss that smile. I miss the way you used to laugh into your glove after you made a spectacular catch up and over the center field wall in the Kingdome. I still remember those tape measure shots you hit so effortlessly as you charged your way through the record books seemingly days after your high school prom.

"Look, we need you back. If you haven't noticed, we have been taking some P.R. hits over the past few months. Some may not want to talk about the past, but we do. Who are we gonna ride this year? The guy with over 700 home runs is hurt and may not play again this season (besides, he's not really into faking it with the media, so he's kind of hard to sell). The Red Sox and Yankees are still a lot of fun, but we want to sink our teeth into a fresh story.

"I know what you're thinking: 'Where were you the past four years?' Well, we're sorry. I mean, you didn't make it easy on us after the trade to Cincy and all those leg injuries. Now it looks like the Reds might contend, and we want to work together again. I thought it would be funny if we had a milk carton and your picture were on it with the whole 'Have you seen this man?' thing. And then your picture comes to life, and you tell kids how good milk is for the body. Gotta send the right message, right?

"Anyway, we shouldn't let people forget what you have accomplished in your Hall of Fame career. You are a 12-time All Star, former MVP and owner of 10 Gold Gloves. You are one of only 20 people to hit 500 home runs. All that, plus years of community service with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America."

Ken got on me around the batting cage a couple of years ago because. I suggested on a broadcast that he didn't look like he was having fun playing the game anymore. He was the face of baseball in the mid1990s, and for my money he could be again. Two things have to happen, however. First, he has to stay healthy. The injuries he has suffered would suck the life out of any of us. Second, the Reds must win. I truly believe that is all he cares about anymore. The losing is what has taken the smile off his face. It was a smile that lit up a league, and I would love, for baseball's sake, for it to come back.

Please, Ken, turn the hat around, and bounce through the game night after night. This sport needs a star who looks like he is having a ball playing ball.

Reunited-it would feel so good: baseball and Griffey: There's one perfect fit—and, sugar, this one is it

Sporting News, The, May 6, 2005 by Joe Buck

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