Sabel's Haus

Yesterday I was given a big reminder. My all-time favorite baseball player retired after 22 years in Major League Baseball.

Ken Griffey Jr.'s retirement reminded me why I got into sports. It sounds cliche but deal with it.

Too often we forget why we love sports so much. Ken Griffey Jr. is a reminder.

I can remember staying up late during my grade school years if the Mariners somehow landed a game on ESPN. I can remember looking for Griffey in the box score the next morning and watching his highlights. For a while it seemed like every morning I would wake up and see "Griffey 1-4 HR". He always seemed to go 1-for-4. For whatever reason, I remember that of him.

I always loved his stance and of course his swing. He stood straight and upright, and his swing was as perfect as they come. I remember "his pitch" always seemed to be a big hanging curve ball he would wait on and slam into right field.

But the guy was just cool. He'd always have the backwards hat and the huge smile. Ken Griffey Jr. was my hero -- the reason I love sports so much.

Griffey's hometown is Cincinnati and when he came home in 2000 to play for the Reds, I knew right away I would have the chance to watch my favorite player. What a dream come true for a kid like me. My favorite baseball player, hero and one of the best players in the game was coming to play for my team.

His first season here was the summer before seventh grade for me.

Then there I was just months after the signing when he stepped into the box at the since torn down Cinergy Field. A standing ovation. I was seeing my hero in person for the first time ever.

I was in shock. In awe of what I was seeing. I was part of the standing ovation. Eventually I would watch his first hit as a Red, then I would watch one of his home runs in person.

Every kid should have the chance to watch their favorite athlete in person. It's an experience I'll remember forever. I watched him all through high school and the buzz never wore off when I saw him. His career was obviously in decline over the years in Cincinnati. His game was so dependent on his legs -- his swing, his play in center field and his speed. When his legs started to go, his numbers started to decline.

He did hit 400, 500 and 600 here. The best part: He did it the right way. His career didn't suddenly resurrect. He faded like a true star should. He didn't need some needle to pick his game back up.

I can remember playing Little League baseball and wanting to wear his No. 24. I would say it's a safe bet to say every Little League team had someone who wore 24 because of Junior.

Then I had a chance encounter. Eight years after he signed here and during his last season in Cincinnati, my mom took me to a Reds Hall of Fame dinner. I knew all the Reds would be at the dinner after (I think) they played a home game earlier in the day.

The dinner ended and people and players mingled. I knew it was my shot so like a 12-year old kid I went to him and asked for a picture. He obliged and for a split-second I was shoulder to shoulder with my hero.

I was actually standing next to "The Kid" I had watched for so long and followed for so long. It's a memory I'll never forget and will cherish forever. I wish Griffey all the best and maybe someday I'll get to talk to him sometime down the line.

Until then, thanks for all the memories Griff'.