Ev'ry Hit Legit!

Cincinnati Red Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his 587th. career home run last night, a three-run shot against the Atlanta Braves. With it, Junior moved past one-time Red and later, Baltimore Oriole, Frank Robinson for career home runs.

The official records show that Griffey is now sixth on the all time list. But we all know that he should be counted as fourth. At least 200 of the home run totals of both Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa are highly suspicious, presumably juiced by steroid use. But no one has ever questioned the legitimacy of Griffey's home runs. Literally, every one of his career hits is legitimate.

This summer, I could care less about the offensive output of Bonds. Or of Sosa, for that matter. To me, their numbers should always be shadowed by an asterisk, as in sinister and unreal. But I continue to be amazed by Ken Griffey, Jr. He has what may be the sweetest swing in the history of the game and a completely legitimate ticket to Cooperstown.