On August 31 in sports history, one of the most significant events occurred in 1990 when Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. made MLB history by becoming the first father-son duo to play on the same team at the same time.
The Seattle Mariners were hosting the Kansas City Royals at the Kingdome. In the bottom of the first inning, Ken Griffey Jr., the Mariners' young superstar center fielder, stepped up to the plate. On the first pitch, he ripped a single to left field. The crowd erupted with cheers, not only because of Junior's hit but also because of the man on deck.
Ken Griffey Sr., who had been signed by the Mariners just a couple of weeks earlier, was the next batter. Senior had enjoyed a successful MLB career himself, having won two World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in the 1970s. Now, at age 40, he was given the chance to share the field with his son.
As Griffey Sr. stepped into the batter's box, the atmosphere was electric. Father and son, standing just 90 feet apart, were about to make history. On a 3-1 count, Senior lined a single to center field, and Junior raced around to score from first base. The Kingdome crowd gave the Griffeys a standing ovation as they celebrated the unprecedented moment.
The Griffeys would bat back-to-back in the same game just one more time, but their feat remains a unique and heartwarming moment in baseball history. It was a testament to the love of the game that ran through the Griffey family and a reminder of the special bond between father and son. August 31, 1990, will forever be remembered as the day when the Griffeys made baseball history together.
