One of the most recognizable athletes of the past generation was on TV, and perhaps the most recognizable athlete from this generation was watching. And though Ken Griffey Jr. was talking about other players’ swings, LeBron James couldn’t help himself.
“No Griffey, you had the greatest swing and bat drop in Major League history,” LeBron said, and then he repeated himself for emphasis.
So that’s settled. Greatness recognizes greatness.
The 👑 loves The Kid.
(via: @KingJames‘ IG Story) pic.twitter.com/aK6F0xdynQ
— MLB (@MLB) August 27, 2019
‘SWAG. The Kid’
The full transcript of what LeBron said:
“No, Griff. No, Griffey, you had the greatest swing and bat drop in Major League history. Yeah, I know. Yep, yep. I get it. That’s why I love you; super-duper humble. But I’m gonna say it for you: You had the greatest swing and bat drop in Major League history.
“SWAG. The Kid.”
His effusive praise makes a lot of sense, of course. LeBron was born in 1984, which made him between 7 and 14 years old during Griffey Jr.’s peak years — prime age for a kid to become a fan.
And Griffey did have swag. His backward cap, his memorable uppercut swing and his easy smile made a generation full of fans as he starred for the Seattle Mariners in the 1990s.
.@KingJames had to give it up to Ken Griffey Jr. for his iconic swing 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YuQO7ugjt7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 27, 2019
Junior in the booth
Griffey Jr. isn’t so Junior anymore, of course. His son, Trey Griffey, is done at the University of Arizona and caught a pass in a preseason game for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the weekend.
As for Griffey, he’s a roving instructor for the Mariners, an amateur photographer and … a part-time broadcaster? He showed his ease in the broadcast booth for ESPN on Monday night during the Yankees’ 5-4 win over the Mariners, and perhaps there’s more of that in his future.
Legend in the ESPN booth: Ken Griffey Jr. talking Yankees/Mariners.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) August 27, 2019
