Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > May > 06 > Entry
Griffey speaks out … loudly
Ken Griffey Jr. sat on a black leather couch wearing a gray and orange track suit, watching some old NBA footage on a TV dangling from the ceiling as he talked.
The subject: an article in USA Today in which he was quoted as saying he’d like to finish his career in Seattle and would like to play for a contender.
He didn’t understand the ramifications, didn’t understand the furor he was kicking up. Again.
“I said the exact same thing last year (when the Cincinnati Reds played in Seattle),” said Griffey. “I said it like Emmitt Smith.”
Smith signed a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys so he could retire with the Cowboys, and last year Griffey said he wouldn’t mind doing that with the Mariners — not play for the Mariners, just sign a one-day contract and retire.
“The exact same thing, so why it is such a big story now? If I had changed anything from last year, it would be a story, but I said the same thing. So what’s the big deal?” said Griffey.
And about going to play for a contender?
“You guys (media) are making a big deal out of it when I said identically the same thing last year. There is no difference. None. And if it is said next year, it would be no different. I had 10-and-5 rights last year and I have 10-and-5 rights this year. The difference? I have one year left on my contract. So what?”
Griffey switched gears and plowed into his team’s current plight.
“The important thing is getting back on track,” he said. “I can’t worry about what-ifs. Everybody understands what is going on around here. Why wouldn’t we think we can turn things around? Some guys are making some great plays.
“If we were 15 games above .500 and hit this streak of somewhat bad luck, would anybody say anything? No,” he said.
But the team isn’t 15 above .500 and it shows no signs of being able to even scramble back to .500, let alone 15 over.
“Everybody is in a panic and we have five months of baseball left,” he said. “The biggest thing is we need to relax as a team and go play baseball. Everybody wants to win so bad that sometimes it hurts. The guys in here want to play and turn this thing around and want to make this the talk of the town, and not in a negative way.
“There are guys in here who want to see a crowded stadium with nothing but red in it,” Griffey said. “We don’t want to see empty seats.”
Or the blue that represents the Chicago Cubs that will balance out the red in Great American Ball Park.
“There is not a lack of effort and nobody has quit on this team and nobody in here will allow that to happen,” he continued. “And there isn’t anybody worried about a damn contract. No matter how much money you make ,it doesn’t help you between the lines.”
As for moving on, Griffey said, “If they come to you as a player and say, ‘We might want to do something,’ what do you say? My dad has three championship rings. That’s what it’s about. It isn’t about not wanting to win with anybody.
“All you’re concerned about is how you play and there’s a sense of pride, “he said. “If you don’t care, why are you here? The guys in this locker room care about how they play, day in and day out.
“Everybody is saying, ‘He struck out and he smiled. He doesn’t care.’ That’s bull,” said Griffey. “What’s the alternative? Go tear up the whole locker room because you’re mad? Sometimes you have to laugh it off instead of crying. Sometimes you just relax and smile, because sometimes a smile can help — relax you and everybody in here.”
Griffey, though, wasn’t smiling at this moment.
“Hey, nobody else’s name is on the back of my bubblegum card but mine. That’s my picture on the front. I have to go play as hard as I can and everything else will take care of itself. If I don’t, then something MIGHT happen.
“Do you think we want everybody in the city to talk about us in negative manner? No, we want to walk downtown and hear, ‘Way to go, keep it going.’ “
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Comments
By Peter
May 7, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I check the Journal News to see if there are any Miami stories because that’s where I went to college a few eons ago. I live in New York. I collect the baseball cards of two players, Willie Mays and Ken Griffey Jr. I always thought it tragic that Willie played in only four World Series when Mickey Mantle played in so many with the hated Yankees. Griffey has yet to play in one. He has earned the right to get onto the big stage in October and ride to victory. Since it seems implausible that will happen with the Reds, let the man go. He has stayed home a long time and while he has been financially rewarded, his injuries and the play of the Reds have rendered his time there almost meaningless. The heydey of the Big Red Machine was over 30 years ago and while Griffey would have fit beautifully on that team, the 2008 Reds aren’t even a pale imitation of their baseball forefathers. If he needs to go back to Seattle to live out that dream, so be it. Or maybe the Cardinals or Cubs could find a place for him. I’m sure the Tigers, Yankees (please no!!!!) and one of the Sox would love him to DH. Let the man go. I am a Mets fan and even with his advanced years and injuries would welcome him to Shea or CitiField. The Reds should get what they can for Griffey and let him end his storied career with a World Series.By James A.
May 7, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
In response to the question, should the Reds trade Junior ? I say yes, deal him. Hes got one year left on his deal anyways, hes making 13 million this year, the Reds arent going to re-sign him. I saw trade while we can still egt somethng Value-able for him. trading griffey outmatically makes the D better. He is a liability now. Plug Bruce in center. Trade for a solid right fielder to put in right. Clears cap room and gets younger and better D. Also with Junior batting 230 and 4 homers he hardly the 13 million dollar a year man anymore. Also wouldnt mind seeing Dunn dealt as well. Throw Arroyo in there as well.By HuberTucky
May 7, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Michael. Rudy’s post was so stupid that it seemd to not even warrant a response. But hey, somebody’s gotta keep yankoffs like Rudy in line. Good job, bro. Note to Rudy: Take your lithium and go have a nice lie down.By michael
May 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Calm down Rudy. I haven’t read any moronic posts here except yours! Jay Bruce was AAA MVP,and played very well in Spring training, so, since you are the expert, what else do you have to do to prove you are ready? And yes, Griffey does make a lot of money for what he provides to the Reds.By Judy
May 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I agree with Dustin totally !! The reds did not fulfill their promises and everyone has treated him badly. This town has lousy fans ! If they are winning great but if not, nothing but bad mouthing… I wish him the best and i will too continue to root for him and will always be a fan !!By Judy
May 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I agree with Dustin totally !! The reds did not fulfill their promises and everyone has treated him badly. This town has lousy fans ! If they are winning great but if not, nothing but bad mouthing… I wish him the best and i will too continue to root for him and will always be a fan !!By Randy
May 7, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
I think is time time for some major changes. Griffey, Dunn, Freel, Harang and Oroyo should be traded and bring up all the top line AAA players and let them play. They can not drop any further in the standings. They are last and this is what the fifth year we have been saying this is the year. Well this is the year.. make the change already!!!!By Dustin
May 7, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Ken Griffey Jr. has always been my favorite player since his days in Seattle. I was very happy when he was traded to the Reds. I know he has had some injuries since the trade, but seriously people get off his back. He is still one of the best 50 players to ever play this game. I in no way want to see him leave Cincinnati, but if he does go during or after this season then I wish him well and will continue to root for him. He is a class act and a clean player. He deserves a World Series ring - either in a Reds uniform or somewhere else.By Bass*
May 7, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
I have on several occassions meet MR. Griffey and I can tell you the man is a class act. I would like to see him here another couple of years until Bruce is ready to make the jump, but sadly I think this is his last season in Cincy. He is a very positive guy to have in the club house his team mates the ones that count will vouch for him. What the GP think is not important. I love seeing all these Baseball experts on this board that have no idea as I do not about what it takes to play Professional Sports.By Bass*
May 7, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
I have on several occassions meet MR. Griffey and I can tell you the man is a class act. I would like to see him here another couple of years until Bruce is ready to make the jump, but sadly I think this is his last season in Cincy. He is a very positive guy to have in the club house his team mates the ones that count will vouch for him. What the GP think is not important. I love seeing all these Baseball experts on this board that have no idea as I do not about what it takes to play Professional Sports.By James A.
May 7, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
The quote from that article…”we have five months of baseball left.” Thats the main reason the reds are wheer the are. With there mindsets of “this is ok”. Where is the sense of reality. “we are playin horrible and the season isnt getting younger.” That should be the quote. He is paid a hefty amount and should be a little more passionate about the games. Bottom line yes there are 5 more more months and thats 5 more months of gettin spanked until they change attitudes. We r in the basement of the central division I odnt see where its ok to say “we still have 5 months left.” Trade Dunn and Junior two of the most over paid players ever.By Mike
May 7, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
A day of revelation! Griffey decided he WOULD talk to the media, albiet USA Today. Getting an straigt interview out of him is nearly impossible. He is arrogant, has smart alleck remarks and is condescending. It is ” I ” can do this..”I” don’t have to do this” His team is sinking ( probably already sunk ), and he wants out. OK with me and thousand of others. You can bet all this attention, fame and drama is no question..a distraction to his team and certainly not needed at a time when it seems every Red is struggling in thier own way right now. It would have been better if he would have told the USA Today reporter..” This is not about me..my team is struggling right now..my main focus is to help us win. To talk about my wants and goals right now would be to put my team secondary. If the Reds approach me in regard to a trade to Seattle, I will address it then..but not now. ! ” Truth is..fans don’t care if Junior has a ring or not..and that his daddy has 3. Yesterday’s media frenzy all about him, seemed self serving and put his team 2nd. Bottom line…the Reds need to help him pack his bags ASAP. He doesn’t want to be in Cincinnati.By rudy
May 7, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
attention all typical moron posters:first,in the broad scheme of today’s game, Griffey doesn’t make much, so stop mentioning his salary like he is A-Rod. Secondly,Jay Bruce, jeez, he is not ready!!! if you called that kid up now, he would go 0 for his first 20 with 10 K’s. patience. it is a game of patience. they play 162 games, not 16. it is now May lose the NFL mindset, or go watch NASCAR.By Mike Cahill
May 7, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Back in the Riverfront days I got to meet Griffey and liked him and the way he acted with fans.I wish him only good things. But if a deal could be made with a team acceptable to him, for someone who might help the Reds,I’d make it now.By Michael
May 7, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
Griffey WAS a great player, but he hasn’t hustled since he came to Cincinnati. Let him go to seattle, and bring Jay Bruce in to play Right Field. I bet he wants to be here. Griffey is not worth the money the Reds pay him.By VietVet
May 7, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Send him packing. His salary and his effort is not benefiting the team.(same with Dunn) Both need to go ASAP. Not sure if Seattle wants him either.Whether it’s true or not, Griffey does not appear to be “into the game anymore” Seems to have lost interest/enthusiasm for the game. Only he knows the real answer to that.By MAC
May 7, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
I have to agree w/ Huber; lets see a little intensity then if you really want to win. For one, hustle more and jog less down the line. More importantly, quite taking wild cuts on every swing…even w/ 2 strikes he continues to swing for the fences. One AB I’d like to see him stay inside the baseball and at least take a shot hitting to LF. That approach is exactly what this team needs more of, so be a leader in this area and hope a few of the others decide to follow. Actions speak louder than….By HuberTucky
May 6, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Talk is cheap. Blah blah blah. Hey Griffey, the truth hurts. You and your team are a very distant galaxy from playing .500 ball, let alone 15 games over. The comments you made are all dream talk and PR and frankly, bullskit! Same old song and dance year after year after year. Net result: NO DIFFERENCE! I challenge to to PROVE IT, You and your teammates — prove it! We’ll wait and I’ll be the happiest guy in town to be proven wrong. But I KNOW in my heart that it simply ain’t gonna happen. I know what I see “between those lines” and it’s flat and bored and unimpressive!By DONE
May 6, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
The timing of the comment, in USA Today, we can all agree—wasn’t real good—considering what the “TEAM” he is playing for is enduringBy Broadway
May 6, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
“Play as hard as I can”? Obviously, that isn’t good enough!By Steve
May 6, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Great interview. Too bad the national media has such a hard time reporting Junior’s comments in the correct context.By Jim M.
May 6, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Love seeing Jr vocal. he has kept his mouth shut along time and glad to see him vent.. He wanst to win.. why play if you love losing?? I pray Jockety makes some other moves to help this team this year!!