The most popular player during the 1990s was Ken Griffey Jr. He was the face of the majors and caught the nation’s attention, especially among younger fans of the game. Everyone was trying to recreate his sweet swing or wear their hats backward. Griffey was so popular, that there was even a joke presidential campaign for him in 1996. Sure, it was more of a stunt by Nike. But, it still shows how popular he was.
When people think of his career, the first image that comes to mind is him in a Mariners uniform. It makes sense because he spent 13 seasons up north. He also had most of his famous moments happen while he was in Seattle. Then, of course, there was his time in Cincinnati which he pretty much ignored. Or, at least, he was written off because he could never stay on the field. However, there was a third stop during his career which was wildly ignored. That was his time as a Chicago White Sox.
Ken Griffey Jr. Time In Chicago
Back at the 2008 trade deadline, the Reds were heading towards a lost season. They were 51-58, 14 games behind the Cubs for first place and nine games out of a wild-card spot. So, like any team that was out of it, it was time to move veterans and look to the future. One of the veterans was Griffey Jr. He was having a decent season, slashing .245/.355/.432 good for a .787 OPS with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs.
On the flip side, the Chicago White Sox were in a heated battle with the Minnesota Twins for the American League Central. During the deadline, they were tied at 60-48. So, the White Sox were looking for something to put them over the top. They thought that the future Hall of Famer would be just what they needed. Upon Griffey’s approval, he was sent to the White Sox in exchange for Nick Masset and Danny Richar.
The Second Half of the 2008 Season
Griffey made his White Sox debut on August 1st against the Royals and quickly made an impact. In his debut, he had two hits and drove in two runs in a 4-2 victory for The South Siders. Griffey proved he still had something left in the tank while in Chicago. In 41 games, he slashed .260/.347/.405 good for a .751 OPS, with three home runs and 18 RBIs. Sure, three home runs don’t seem that impressive. However, they were good enough to move him into fifth on the all-time home run list.
Game 163
However, his most famous moment came when it mattered most. At the end of the season, the White Sox and Twins were still tied at the top of the AL Central. This means a Game 163 was needed to break the tie. In the fifth inning, the game was tied at zero. However, the Twins were threatening. With one out and Michael Cuddyer on third, Brendan Harris hit a fly ball that was caught by Griffey. Cuddyer took off to the plate, and Griffey fired the ball home. The throw was in time, and Cuddyer was out, completing the double play and getting the White Sox out of trouble.
This double play would prove to be one of the difference makers in the game. In the bottom of the 7th, Jim Thome would break the tie putting the Sox up 1-0. That would be all the White Sox needed as they would win the game and the Central. All of this couldn’t have been done without Griffey’s double play. Even though the White Sox would lose in the ALDS, Griffey’s time in Chicago should be looked at fondly by White Sox fans. The team would let him go in the offseason.
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