1989 Junior's First Home Run

Originally published on April 10, 2014

Ken Griffey Jr. was the "Player of the 90's", and one of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. A graceful package of offensive and defensive prowess, he had a knack for creating excitement. In this "Daily Dinger" from 25 years ago today, Griffey belts his first big league home run at Seattle's Kingdome - on the first pitch he sees. He was a mere 19 years old.

Griffey's career achievements are legendary: 630 home runs (6th all-time), 10 Gold Gloves, 1997 MVP, 7 Silver Slugger Awards, 13 All-Star selections. He's also responsible for some legendary moments not necessarily stat-related. No Mariner fan will forget his sprint home in the 1995 ALDS to down the Yankees. He and his father, Ken Griffey Sr. hit back-to-back home runs in 1990. His rise as a transcendent superstar - in a sport that really needed one - is largely the reason why Safeco Field was built, and why the Mariners still exist.