In 1988, Ken Griffey Jr and I had similar career goals.  We both wanted to play Major League Baseball.

Now, while I was busy fighting for playing time at Interlake High School, Griffey was an 18 year old in San Bernadino and Vermont, already in the Mariners farm system.  But still, at that point in time, there was still technically a “chance” that we’d play on the same field.

On April 10, 1989, my friend Cale and I bailed out of practice early to get to the Kingdome, parked ourselves in the 300 level, and watched Griffey play his first game in Seattle. He only got one hit that game, but it was his first career home run, in his first at bat.  And still at that moment, I had a chance to play major league ball with Griffey.

Fast forward 21 years.  June 2, 2010.  Griffey retires.

So big sigh.  

I knew this day would come.

Now at one point in time I could tell you every stat in baseball.  But we all re-prioritize, and now I know the names of more senators than 3rd basemen.  I have a better chance beating the stock market than winning a fantasy baseball league.  

But Griffey’s retirement is symbolic.  He’s the only player close to my age who I watched from his first to last day.  

Now realistically, I knew by 1990 we weren’t going to ever play on the same baseball field.  But now that I think about it, I guess have a new “realistic” goal.  Hey Ken, we play softball every Tuesday night up at Kasch Park.  We’d love to hear all the stories and thank you for all the memories.  We have room for another outfielder….you can even play center.  

Hey, there’s always a chance.