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Local fans react to Griffey trade
COMMENT: How do you feel about the trade?
HAL MCCOY: Beat writer blogs about the trade
TRADE COVERAGE: More reaction, articles and analysis
Friday, August 01, 2008
HAMILTON — Ken Griffey Jr. was lauded as a savior for the Reds when he returned to Cincinnati in 2000. The power-hitting perennial All-Star outfielder would help the franchise return to the World Series, fans said then.
On Thursday, July 31, fans here were not as kind with their thoughts about the 38-year-old Moeller High School grad on the day he accepted a trade to the Chicago White Sox in a three-player deal.
"He's been a disappointment for Reds fans," Jim Patterson of Hamilton said of the often-injured Griffey, who as a Red hit 210 of his 608 home runs. "Everyone thought he would take us to the promise land. It was a lot of money for nothing."
Don Page, who attends eight to 10 games a year, said the trade should have taken place long before now.
"Why did we wait this long? Griffey's done nothing for the team and he's kept the Reds from getting better. He was a good player when he was in Seattle, but that stopped when he arrived here," Page said.
The love/hate relationship between Griffey and many Reds fans hasn't tarnished his image with young admirers.
"He will always be my favorite player," said Cameron Wright, 12, of Hamilton. "He didn't get in trouble like other players and he has a sweet swing."
Comments
By Flippa
August 3, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this
You Cincinatti fans should just be thankful that a future hall of famer was willing to come to your small market team who failed to surround him with support players/pitchers to get to the next level. Stop crying and count your blessings.
By charlie
August 1, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
It really suprises me how many clueless fans are in Cincinnati. Nate you need to check the stats from griffey’s first year in Cincy. And since when does a single player win a world series? The Yankees are supose to have the best of the best. Griffey is a premier player that real fans will buy a ticket to watch play. I guess dismal pitching had nothing to do with the Reds. Become a real fan before you comment, Please !
By Nate Wright
August 1, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
As far as i’m concerned, i knew in my heaert when Jay Bruce came to town that was the end to Jrs reign. I’m glad to see him go, now we can focus on making the rest of our team stronger, than keeping a crybaby from pouting all the time. And on behalf of the greatest fans in baseball, The Cincinnati Reds, and the rest of the Great State Of Ohio….Were sorry Chicago, hope he can do more for you than he did for us.
By James P Haren
August 1, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
What can you say? Cincinnati has a history of doing that. Frank Robinson, Rose, Pinson, many more.
By Greg
August 1, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
What a shame so many short-sighted “fans” want to lay the blame of a fatally-flawed organization on the shoulders of one who simply wanted to come home and play well. Injuries happen and can’t be controlled. He was still one of the better Reds during his tenure. One person a team does not make, but it only takes one administrator to prevent one player from having competent managers, coaches, and teammates.
By Jenn
August 1, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
I think its terrible that they traded Griffey. I personally think that it is because they don’t want to pay to have anyone good on the team. Look at the Yankees they have had the same winning team for 10 years because they actually pay their players.
By Connie
August 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I think many of you are fair-weather fans and that sucks big-time. I’ve been a Reds’ fan for many years and hate to sse Griffey Jr leave … however,I wish him the best of luck!
By C.A. Campbell
August 1, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Sorry to see Griffey go. I had hoped he could help turn the Reds around and help make them a winning team. One player will not make a winning team. I wish him well with the sox and hope he can get to the play offs. He is a great player and will be a first ballot hall of famer. The Reds need far more help then any one player could give them. He has to be happy getting out of loser-ville. But hey it’s almost football season, bad example sorry.
By michael
August 1, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Its about time. Griffey is not to blame, but he wasn’t part of the solution. To all of you bleeding hearts, Johhny Bench was a Role Model, a legend, and a Hall of Famer, but should he still be in the Linup? It amazes me how people justified keeping him around.
By cat
August 1, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
i think it is sad that Griffey is leaving and that all the Reds problems are being lumped on him. it is a TEAM — and the “fair-weather” fans of this area do not deserve a great legend like Griffey. He is a good, honest person who achieved without the use of steroids — a credit to the game. He was “abandoned” by most fans at the first injury — i wonder how much more quickly he would have recovered if he had felt the endearment of loyal fans that stuck by him. fans will pay for fickleness