The Kid is Back

After almost a decade, a few injuries, and a few extra pounds Ken Griffey Jr. stepped up once again as a Mariner to the plate of the house the he built. Ken Griffey earned the nickname "The Kid" as a 19 year prowling the outfield of the Kingdome nearly 20 years ago. From barreling into and scrambling up the outfield walls to his unmistakable swagger when he had hit the sweet spot, Ken Griffey Jr. lived "life without walls."

Two seasons ago Ken Griffey Jr. was very hesitant about returning as a visitor to the town who had once loved him so much. Prior to the 2000 season Griffey requested to be traded to the Cincinnati Reds and left the people of Seattle with a sour taste in their mouth. When Griffey stepped onto the field at Safeco in 2007 he received a standing ovation from a town that had forgotten any bitter feelings. For the entire weekend that the Reds were in town Seattle was abuzz. The weather was beautiful and the Safeco field was packed with people rising from their seats every time The Kid stepped to plate in hoe to catch a glimpse of the the good ol' days. During Griffey's visit to Seattle he teased the fans by mentioning that he would like to return to Seattle as a Mariner before retiring.

The of 2008 was not a good year in sports for the city of Seattle. The Mariners expected to lead their division, but lost over 100 games. The Supersonics were relocated to Oklahoma City as the Thunder. The Seahawks had a very uneventful season and the Huskies went 0-12. The woes of 2008 seemed to quickly slip to the back of Seattle's mind as Griffey stepped onto Safeco Field Tuesday night once again as a Mariner. Even though the good ol' days are probably gone along with flannel shirts, the return of Seattle's son has been accompanied with a 6-2 start for the M's. Even though it is still too early to predict, the return of Griffey brings a new hope for sports in Seattle and possibly some great baseball in October.