Commentary: This year's Mariners still have time to honor Griffey’s legacy the best way of all



I can't begin to describe my pride: The longtime voice of the Mariners, Dave Niehaus, has now been joined by the heart and soul of the M's franchise, Ken Griffey Jr., in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

As the first player to be inducted into Cooperstown as a Mariner, I'd also argue that Junior’s induction was Seattle's official induction into baseball’s hallowed hall as well. Because Junior was the best we've ever had to offer - the most iconic sports figure in the history of this town. And I can promise that - with all Mariners fans watching - Junior wasn't the only one fully consumed by emotions as he gave his speech.

While it’s fun to discuss which part of Griffey's career was the most impressive - his stats, his records, his smile, his amazing highlights - to me, the most satisfying and relieving is that he did it all clean. During an unfortunate Steroid Era in baseball, Junior did it the right way. No doping. No juicing. Without a single ounce of suspicion.

But as he wiped the tears from his eyes and spoke to his children, I was also reminded of the many kids in Seattle who have never seen a playoff team at Safeco Field. The ones who’ve only seen those signature Mariners moments on a highlight reel and have never experienced a postseason atmosphere surrounding their Hometown Nine.

It’s a shame that anyone under the age of 15 wasn’t alive the last time the M’s made the playoffs.

And that’s why I stand here tonight and I challenge this year’s team to do something special. There’s still time left – and it’s far past time: Honor Griffey’s legacy by making us believe again.

Don’t be the team that almost got no-hit today at the exact time the franchise’s most valuable player was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Don’t be another team that has to rely on the successes of a past generation of players. We can honor them, and we can honor you too. Just give us an historic reason to do so.

Thanks to a Super Bowl title, modern-day Seahawks like Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman are set in Seahawks lore, alongside those former stars who paved the way. Similarly, there’s room alongside Griffey, Edgar, Buhner and Company for Cano, Seager, Felix and Cruz – if they can ignite this city with its first postseason run since 2001.

The fans are ready. This city is ready. Just one look around Cooperstown was all we needed to see. The “24” jerseys, reminding us once again of the overwhelming power and value of sports and its heroes – and the effect it has on all of its supporters.

So thank you, Junior. For everything. This day couldn’t come too soon.

We’ll see you at Safeco – the house that you built – to give you another hero’s welcome two weeks from now…. And also, hopefully one day, when the M’s reach their first World Series too.