When Ken Griffey Jr. stepped into the batter’s box, his gentle swing left even opposing pitchers in awe. Apparently, the Hall of Famer, now in his fifties, hasn’t lost his touch.
It took some convincing, but Griffey, who is currently coaching the hitting squad for Team USA, eventually decided to take some hitting practice before the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela.
Shortly after Griffey picked up a baseball bat, every player on Team USA stood around the plate to catch a glimpse of his famous swing.
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Team USA hitting coach Ken Griffey Jr. is seen striking out during Team USA practice before the quarterfinal game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic between Team Puerto Rico and Team Mexico at Depot Park on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Cherry/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Griffey is a seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner and last played in the major leagues with the Seattle Mariners in 2010.
He was named to 13 All-Star teams over the course of his career.
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The last time Griffey was on an All-Star team was in 2007, when many of Team USA’s players were 12 years old or younger. Pete Alonso was 12, Kyle Tucker was 10, and Bobby Witt Jr. was seven.
Hitting coach Ken Griffey Jr., #24, celebrates with Kyle Schwarber, #12 on Team USA, after batting practice during Team USA practice prior to the quarterfinal game in the 2023 World Series of Baseball between Team Puerto Rico and Team USA at Depot Park on Friday . March 17, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Cherry/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Growing up, most American players likely saw the highlight reels of Griffey’s swing, but when the former quarterback stepped to the plate, they had the rare opportunity to see him hit pitches up close.
Many players had smiles on their faces as they watched in admiration at Loan Depot Park, site of this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Team USA hitting coach Ken Griffey Jr. is seen striking out during Team USA practice before the quarterfinal game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic between Team Puerto Rico and Team Mexico at Depot Park on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Cherry/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
“The guys were putting a lot of pressure on him,” Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trott told reporters. “We wanted to see it so bad. He said, ‘Give me 10 swings, and I know I can hit one. ‘”
Griffey was showered with praise as he ended this hitting session with a home run.
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Team USA takes on Venezuela this Saturday at 7 PM EST.
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