Better, Griffey baseball game, or Griffey in the Simpsons?

As most of you know Ken Griffey Jr. retired last week after a fabulous four-decade career. The stories have been told of “the dash,” “the walk-off” and “the catch.” But when I think of Donora, PA native, the first thing that comes to my mind is his appearance on the Simpsons.

It was back on January 27, 1992, anniversary of wide right. 90210 was killing the TV ratings, Mark Rypien was dominating for the Skins while Thurman aka RB Bills Thomas was preparing to lose his helmet (literally) and Jordan and Bird were shooting it out for McDonalds’ food in a “horse” commercial, which for fuck’s sake makes no sense since between them they could probably buy half of Iowa. I arrived home from an awful day in fifth grade where Mr. Kemp was making my life a living hell in English to find a newly minted Sports Illustrated with an inset article about an upcoming Baseball Episode on the Simpsons. And who was set to star but George Kenneth Griffey Jr. In the episode Griffey Jr. was one of Mr. Burns’ nine ringers to help the Springfield Power Plant dominate Shelbyville. However Griffey Jr. became addicted to Brain & Nerve Tonic and the result was giganticism in the result of a huge head. I also watched on the episode commentary how Griffey Jr. and his dad were difficult to deal with. After all his accomplishments Griffey Jr. with a Giant Head in the Simpsons is still an indelible image to me, oh that and Homer scratching himself in the dugout before drawing a pinch-hit, walk-off HBP to win the game. Also edit to add, here is a great Simpsons Dialogue from the episode

Lisa: Wow, Dad!
Bart: Homer, can I get you a beer?
Lisa: No, I want to get him a beer.
Homer: Kids, kids, kids! You can each get me a beer.

Having said that Griffey Jr. reminds of many other things including; His tremendous disdain for the New York Yankees, his romp home to beat the Yankees in the 95 ALCS and his ESPN The Magazine article when he remarks that he would retire rather than play for the hated Yankees.

And last but not least his damn Super Nintendo Game. I swear to God my brother did two things great in college (judging by his GPA studying wasn’t one of them); Drinking and playing Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Baseball. They would drink and play the game before going out and then come back, drink some more and play some Griffey.

So when we look back on his great career we can sum it up with these thoughts; 1) Griffey Jr. inspired us to watch the Simpsons 2) Griffey Jr. inspired hate on the Yankees. 3) Griffey Jr. inspired video game playing and 4) Griffey Jr. inspired us to drink. So there you have it watching the Simpsons, hating the Yankees, video games and drinking. You couldn’t ask for anything more from an American Icon … Well maybe a 30 dollar refund to that ticket I just bought for the upcoming Seattle, New York game at Yankee Stadium. Cause who gives a shit now?