An Open Letter of Congratulations to Ken Griffey, Jr.

Dear Ken/Junior/Old Buddy,

Thank you for fulfilling my request to have you hit number 600 last night at Dolphins Stadium in Miami. We, as baseball fans, are forever grateful for your efforts to get to this point.

Twenty years you toiled in this game through injuries and under .500 ball clubs. It all paid off on one swing. You are the sixth player to reach this benchmark (though some would argue the fifth legitimate player to do so...possibly the fourth). Doesn't it feel good?

We followed your enthusiasm for the game and your leadership as a conscious member of the community. The game lacks free-thinking and forthright players with your credibility. To accomplish this feat is something that can never deny your entry into Cooperstown and other levels of immortality.

As for the guys fighting over your ball in the stands, maybe it would be a good thing to invite both guys to get the promised meetings replete with autographs, bats and other paraphernalia related to your illustrious career. Just don't invite that guy's lawyer who's been on the news since last night. Isn't that typical of South Florida for a lawyer for some guy fighting for a ball?

I raise a bottled water to you, Junior! Congrats and good luck for the rest of your great career!

Your Pal,
Randy

PS: I'll make sure to stop by a Reds game sometime in the future before you retire, OK?
PPS: Can you hit another 160-plus homers before you actually retire, please?