Truth & Rumors > MLB
Mays helped M's land Griffey
In the Mariners' wooing process of Ken Griffey Jr., which ended in triumph Wednesday after some nerve-racking detours, give an assist to Willie Mays. Yes, the same Willie Mays who ranks fourth on the all-time home run list with 660 -- one slot, and 49 homers, ahead of Griffey's 611. The same Willie Mays who inspired Griffey to wear No. 24 when he arrived in Seattle. Chuck Armstrong, Mariners' team president, was driving in Arizona Wednesday afternoon when Harold Reynolds called with a question that astounded him. "Would it be an imposition if you talked to Willie Mays?" asked Reynolds, a former Mariners' all-star second baseman and close friend of the object of Armstrong's pursuit, Griffey. "Of course not. I'd love to talk to Willie Mays," Armstrong replied immediately. Reynolds had been acting all week as a liaison between the Mariners and Griffey, trying relentlessly to convince his buddy that Seattle was the place for him. And Mays was his ace in the hole. "I called Willie, and he acted like an old friend," Armstrong said. "He talked about the importance of coming back, and asked if it would be an imposition if he called Junior and talked about it. "I said, 'Willie, you're probably the greatest player ever, and the reason Junior wore No. 24.' I gave him Junior's number.'" Apparently, what the Say Hey Kid had to say hit the mark, because it was not too much longer before Griffey himself called Armstrong -- who had just landed back in Seattle -- to give him the good news.
Ken Griffey Jr., AP
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Comments (103) Add A Comment
Didn't all the stories yesterday say he was going to the Braves? These guys are in such a rush to scoop someone that they rely too much on rumors and not enough on fact. Good move by Griffy though.
safe@home
Total Comments (3027)
I'm glad he's going to finish his career in Seattle. I hope that he has a healthy last year or two.
TGRFAN1
Brighton , MI
Total Comments (396)
And yet again the Braves lose out on a signing....LOL This is becoming really comical... Braves = FAIL!!!
ManOfTeal
Kennesaw , GA
Total Comments (327)
He probably realized he could get alot more at bats doing the DH thing as opposed to a part time outfielder.
AngelFan
Total Comments (1565)
can you imagine if this guy stayed healthy? He would would break Hank's record easily.
2008 WFC
Suburban Philadelphia, PA
Total Comments (1419)
Griffey no matter what you say probably has the sweetest swing in all of baseball.
AngelFan
Total Comments (1565)
If Braves=Fail what in the hell would Marlins=
too cheap to even try
AngelFan
Total Comments (1565)
Junior should have never left Seattle. Its a feel good story. Everybody in baseball wins with this signing... everybody except the Braves.
KC guy
Total Comments (396)
What the heck? Last I read on these threads it was all but a done deal with the Braves, right? How much could I possibly have missed when I was CALLOUSLY DELETED BY THE MODS FOR 90 MINUTES LAST NIGHT???
Atro Steals Yer Base
World Champs, NY
Total Comments (21889)
Um the Marlins came out better last year than the Braves did....and they'll do so again this year....so what's your point Braves fanboy?
ManOfTeal
Kennesaw , GA
Total Comments (327)
Not a Braves fan just pointing out the fact that at least the Braves go after free agents while the Marlins really don't do anything, and I wouldn't bank on them doing better then the Braves this year.
AngelFan
Total Comments (1565)
One good thing about this story, THE TRUTH will be pleased. Free soup for everybody!
Atro Steals Yer Base
World Champs, NY
Total Comments (21889)
Well now I finally get to dust off my Griffey 24 home white jersey that I bought back in '97. Unlike Griff, mine still fits. Welcome back Junior but be careful what you wish for as this team is still a mess and you aren't "the kid" anymore.
seapilot69
Seattle , WA
Total Comments (5)
Hey AJC, maybe wait until someone actually signs before writing stories that the person has "practically" signed. That is twice I think you pissed a player off this offseason. You may think you are helping the cause by putting pressure on these players, but it is backfiring you idiots...as for all the Braves haters, this really doesn't hurt that much and IF, big if, they stay healthy especially in the starting rotation, they can be in the playoff hunt come Fall. I am a little disappointed though. Would have been cool to see 3 hall of famers out there this year.
GameChickens
Duluth, GA
Total Comments (199)
Seattle still not expected to do much this year. But it is nice to see Griffey come full circle.
AllStarz
Total Comments (19002)
I can't believe I'm ACTUALLY sticking up for "Teal Boy" but the Marlins DO have two World Series Championships in their brief tenure.........that being said, they'll STILL finish lower than the Braves -- who are probably the MOST consistent team in the NL.
Chasin' Utleys
Total Comments (8126)
Agreed.
Chasin' Utleys
Total Comments (8126)
I'll agree with this comment
"Willie, you're probably the greatest player ever ... "
jctoo, cult elitist
Total Comments (45895)
Great move for Grif and Seattle
Reacttome
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (5)
only 90 minutes ... that was just a probation period ...
jctoo, cult elitist
Total Comments (45895)
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