Griffey shows 'em how, fires three homers

MANILA, Philippines -  Future baseball Hall of Famer Ken “The Kid” Griffey Jr., one of Major League Baseball’s all-time home run kings, yesterday conducted clinics for coaches and players at the Rizal Memorial Baseball field as part of the Sports Envoy program by the US State Department.

The 41-year-old Griffey, a 13-time All-Star, 10 straight Golden Glove awardee and former American League MVP, also hit some balls in between breaks and hit three homers - all to the right field fence - off right-hander Joe Logan’s fastballs.

Logan was a former Major Leaguer himself and is currently part of the coaching staff of minor league team the Orlando Reds.

The coaches’ clinics focused on the basics of teamwork and sportsmanship, identifying and developing talent, and leading practices and clinics while clinics for players will focus on developing fundamental skills like hitting, infield, pitching and outfield.

Griffey and Logan will also hold a series of baseball clinics in Cebu with Filipino coaches and players from different age groups and leagues. They will also hold a community service till March 4.

Griffey, born on the same date (Nov. 21) and place (Donora, Pennsylvania) with Hall of Famer Stan Musial, retired last year after playing 21 seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Cincinatti Reds, Chicago White Sox and then back to the Mariners. He was No. 5 in the highest career home runs with 630.

Griffey is in the elite group of baseball home run luminaries that include Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Willie Mays (660).