Ken Griffey Jr. - Hardcover

Beckett Publications

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1887432647 ISBN 13: 9781887432641

Publisher: Beckett Pubns, 1999

Synopsis

From the sweet swing and 50-plus home run seasons to the golden glove-work, Ken Griffey, Jr. is one of the most exciting players in the history of baseball.
Jay Buhner, Griffey's best friend, is lucky enough to play alongside the best all-around player in the game today. Jim Lefebvre was fortunate enough to manage the prodigy back when people actually wondered if "The Kid" was really ready for Major League Baseball. Dave Duncan and Tony La Russa had the unenviable task of preparing their teams to compete against a player who seemingly can't be stopped. And Tim McCarver, one of the most respected TV analysts in the game today, knows a great player when he sees one.
Ken Griffey Jr. covers the ins and outs of baseball's most popular player through the words of those who know him best.

About this title

Review

Though barely in mid-career, the Mariners' remarkable centerfielder is already the stuff of legend, his bat and glove seemingly graced with magic. But just how good is he? Ken Griffey Jr. steps up to the plate with testimonials from a lineup of 10 who have competed with him, competed against him, or just marveled at his miracles, and the consensus is clear--he's that good ... and better.

If you like Junior, you'll cheer this coronation that wears his name. Part photographic tribute--see his first step toward Cooperstown as he toddles into home in a father-son game in Cincinnati in the '70s--and part tour guide to some towering achievements, Junior asks its varied witnesses for insights into the player, the man, and his talents; then it presents its finding as oral history. Teammate Jay Buhner focuses on the power of Junior's innate confidence; former manager Jim Lefebvre looks back at Griffey's rookie year with continued amazement ("He was so natural, and never in awe"); Tim McCarver analyzes his on-the-field completeness; slugger Reggie Jackson, after parsing Griffey's fluid swing, observes that his background as a Major League brat always made the ballpark feel like home to him. Off the field, a representative from the Make-a-Wish Foundation ushers the kid-within-the-superstar into the spotlight with her tales of his dedication to and patience with ailing children. It makes for an altogether exuberant look at an exuberant presence--and with hopeful expectations of what's yet to come. --Jeff Silverman

Edition details

• Publisher: Beckett Pubns
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1887432647
• ISBN 13: 9781887432641
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128
• Editor: Jackson Reggie