In Which Dusty Baker’s Son Comes Correct
by edwzipper on Monday, June 30th, 2008 at 06:36pm
Against all odds, faced with a decision about whom to sit tonight against lefty Paul Maholm, Dusty Baker, in the upset of the year, is sitting Jr. Right decision in every respect. That said, this exchange as reported by C. Trent Rosecrans is all kinds of wonderful:
“Ken Griffey Jr. got what the guys in the clubhouse call a “GSB — good solid benching.” Dusty Baker called it a day off against a tough lefty, Paul Maholm. Baker didn’t see Griffey before the team’s meeting that the coaching staff has before every series, so Griffey was asked about why he wasn’t playing before he knew. The first Baker Griffey saw on Monday was Dusty’s son, Darren. Griffey picked Darren up, threw him on the couch in the clubhouse and said, “Why is your dad not playing me today?”
“Because you can’t hit lefties,” Darren said.
Griffey is hitting .200 against lefties this season with 17 hits in 85 at-bats and two home runs against left-handers. “I can’t hit lefties?” Griffey asked. “How about 1996 when I hit a record 21 homers off lefties?”
“We’re not in 1996,” Baker said.
“I’m still in 96,” Griffey said.
“You’re older.”
“I’m not older, I’m just better looking.”
“You’re old.”
“How old do you think I am?”
“You’re like 50.”
“If I’m 50, how old is your dad?”
And that was pretty much it.
When told his son had told Griffey he was 50 and couldn’t hit lefties, Dusty Baker said, “He did not.” When informed he did, Dusty laughed.
And here I’ve been wondering who would have the cajones to tell Jr. the current facts of life. It would appear a child shall lead them.