Reacting to Baseball - Ken Griffey, Jr. and his quest to save the Mariners | Dorktown Part 2 

Commentator: Says "career" 3 times in 10 seconds when talking about Jr's homeruns Luka: Oh so it was in one season, here I thought they were saying it was in his career.

You're feeling tense because Jon Bois is one of the best crafters of a story ever. Everything about his stuff is just perfect, pacing, music, the writing... just great.

I'm a longtime Mariners' fan(since before Griffey was on the team), and we didn't have a lot of televised Mariners' games for years. So, we listened to most games on the radio, called by Dave Neihaus. It is true: Dave Neihaus to many is even more beloved by Mariners' fans than even most of their players. He literally was the voice of my(and many others) childhood. He fortunately got into the Hall of Fame(In the broadcast wing) 2 years before he passed. He also was the one the team surprised with the honor of throwing out the first ceremonial first pitch in the new stadium. He was purely a homer(a fan) during his broadcasts for the Mariners. Listening to the games hasn't been the same since.

Randy Johnson was known for keeping a bucket of Baseballs next to his bed in case of a home invasion, if he had been home invaded he was capable of killing a person with a baseball if he was hurling from essentially point blank. Fortunately no one was stupid enough to try.

Keep up the great work you have to finish this because you won’t regret it

The most home runs in a single season is 73 by Barry bonds

No it wasnt 132 Homer's in one season that's almost impossible they were talking about most homers in his career up to age 23 the record for most in one season is 73 from barry bonds

THAT WAS HIS CAREER UP UNTIL THAT POINT, not one season

hyped for the ‘battle for seattle’

That Griffey catch against the wall is in my opinion the best catch an outfielder has ever made. Not only is it incredibly difficult that few humans have the athleticism to even attempt, but to be a star player with a complete lack of concern for your own safety to make a pretty much meaningless catch is why that's my all-time favorite.

"Who, at 6'10"..." "WHAT" That is indeed the appropriate reaction; Randy was terrifying presence on the pitching mound.

Absolutely appreciate that you watched this. This is one of my favorite videos ever. Also the mariners are back to being good.

I was just starting my sophomore year in high school in September 1995 in Walla Walla Washington. Every night, we were all glued to the tv and watching them. That end of the year was season was great! Can't wait to see your next reaction, to the Yankees playoff series.

As others have said, he had 132 HRs in his career by the age of 23 (and they were comparing him to other players by their age 23 season). In terms of a single season, guys who lead the league typically hit about ~45 these days, with occasional >50 seasons (recently, Stanton hit 59 in 2017, his last season in Miami, and Pete Alonso hit 53 last year as a rookie with the Mets). The all time single season record is 73, but many fans regard that as being somewhat tainted (Barry Bonds, who you’ve watched videos about in the past, hit it while on PEDs). The numbers that have stood as the record are 60 (Babe Ruth in 1927, before he came into the league it was rare for anyone to even reach 10 HRs a year), 61 (Roger Maris in 1961, who many still regard as the “real” season record holder, since everyone to exceed it has been a steroid user), 70 (Mark McGwire, in 1998), and Bonds’ 73. The *career* home run record is 762 and belongs to Bonds as well (again, some dispute whether he should be regarded as the HR King). Hank Aaron’s 755 held it for about 30 years before Bonds (Aaron is interesting in that he never hit more than 47 in a season, but consistently hit 30+). Ruth is the only other man with >700 (and was the record holder in the decades prior to Aaron). Six other players have between 600-700 (Griffey is one of them). 500 is typically regarded as “the number” for a home run hitter to go to the Hall of Fame (plenty HoFers have fewer, but 500 HRs is one of several stats where it’s essentially impossible to ignore a player when HoF voting happens). Also, you asked how Griffey could be so good but his team be so bad. Baseball is probably the sport a single player has the smallest effect on (you only get about 4 at bats a game and can only play defense on balls hit to you). As an example, the Angels have had Mike Trout since 2012 (and acquired the GOAT of the 2000s, Albert Pujols that same year, though he’s been on the decline ever since), but have never been a contender (off the top of my head I can’t remember them even making the playoffs in that time). Baseball is probably the only sport where a single player never has the ability to “take over a game” (with the possible exception of a starting pitcher, but they only play every 5 games, so you only have a dominant pitcher for about 33/162 games a year). David Freese in game 6 of the 2011 World Series (you’ve seen that video) is the closest I’ve ever seen a non-pitcher come to dominating a game

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍SB nation is so right about Dave Niehaus. The sound of the Dave's voice stays with you forever. Famous for say "my oh my." when something amazing happened. RIP to a true legend. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Seattle fans have a short memory for losses but a long memory for their hero's. We still talk about the Sonic's like they were here yesterday. And the Seahawks and Mariners have as great a fan support as you'll find in the country. You should see how many 12th Man flags hang in front of government buildings, businesses, people's homes and cars. Everywhere. People also where they Seahawk jersey's to work on the Friday's before games. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 I moved to Seattle from San Diego over 20 year ago and I can tell you for certain that the Chargers and especially not the Padres got that level of support. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes! I’ve been waiting, and checking back regularly, for three days waiting for your reaction to part two! I can’t wait to watch it!

Watching Ken Griffey, Jr. play in his prime was an incredible privilege. He was exciting to say the least. When he was at the plate, you stopped what you were doing to watch. When the M's were in the field, you hoped for balls hit into centerfield. There have been great players since, but nobody is like Junior.

You've done a great job watching this and reacting to the situation as you go along. I'm a long-time Seattle fan and I hereby declare you an honorary Mariners fan for sticking with this ! These guys do anlaytical treatments of other spoorts as well and they certainly could do one on Man U.

Just wait until the ALDS against the Yankees. It's one of the greatest series in baseball history.

I was praying he would call Randy Johnson an "absolute unit."

4,600 people live in the small town of Donora Pennsylvania. It's a crazy coincidence that two MLB Hall Of Famers -- Stan Musial and Ken Griffey Jr-- were both born there. And even crazier as coincidences go: they share a birthday, November 21 (just 28 years apart.)

Mariners vs. Yankees in 1995... Next vid is fire. Glad to see you sticking with these long videos.

13:35 - It ultimately comes down to the fact that in baseball, more than any other sport, one man can't carry a team. In basketball, you can give the ball to your best player whenever you want. In baseball, your best player comes up to hit once every nine times and catches the ball if it's hit at him. This is the problem Mike Trout is having with the Angels right now. By every measure he's one of the greatest of all time, but his team never makes the playoffs, so he's pretty much doing it anonymously.

You need to watch the entire series. I've never seen it myself but I'm enjoying it a lot. Even as a pretty hardcore baseball fan I'm learning so many things about the Mariners that I never knew I needed to know lol

A movie about this would be amazing. It’s harder because the kingdome is gone. They’d have to probably use Toronto’s stadium.

I can remember going to see Griffey play at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham when I was kid . The hype around him was unreal when he signed with the Mariners, and the crowds for those single A games were huge. They even made a Ken Griffey Jr candy bar before he ever had an at bat in the majors. He was like the LeBron or Kobe of baseball.

I used to listen to baseball ONLY because of Dave Niehaus and when he died, I quit listening. His story telling was amazing. He had endless stories to tell and managed to tell them in every other inning. It was amazing.

13:30 because one player can't make a team good in baseball, no matter how good. Mike Trout is gonna be the GOAT and if the second half of his career is anything like the first, he'll barely even get a whiff of the playoffs. Baseball is far different than other sports. You truly need a deep roster full of both stars and solid role players.

It's a long series but it's sooo worth a reaction! Can't wait to see you do Part 3 (Battle For Seattle).

The reason the Kingdome got replaced after only 22 years of operation was because it was actually a complete pile of shit from Day 1. Construction was incredibly rushed and it needed constant upkeep to keep it from falling apart on any given day. After those tiles fell it was determined that it would be cheaper to build Safeco Field than to adequately renovate the Kingdome.

I was at the game when Griffey broke his wrist. I thought the season and the M’s were done. It was heartbreaking! That season was insane. Strangers hugging and giving high fives. It brought out the best in Seattle. Back in those days I could get a general admission ticket for $5 and sit in left center field and watch Griffey while drinking beers I had smuggled in. Nobody gave a crap that I was only 18

Baseball is truly a team sport. Having one star player doesn't amount to much. Remember that Mike Trout's Angels have yet to win a playoff game

Tuning into a Mariners game and listening to Dave Niehaus was like going to a baseball game and listening to your grandfather. To get a taste of what he meant to Mariners fans, listen to Macklemore's song "My oh My". Even if you don't do a reaction on it, just listen to it.

So glad you found this series

33:22 that was perfect timing 😂

You read the comment about it, but you really need to watch the video "KOO DAE-SUNG. PRETTY GOOD." It is about a unknown Korean player who encounters Randy Johnson. Also Jon Bois. You'll love it.

This the team that made me an M's fan. I remember rushing home from school on the east coast to watch that play in game. 1990- 2001 was a lot of fun. Everything after ........ eh.

How about, “He may be cast in bronze, but he’s still capable of producing truly golden moments”? Remember that one?

@34:23 he was still throwing 90 MPH sliders when he was 40 years old when he threw his perfect game... I mean... wtf never mess with a guy whose real name is even more sexually explicit than his nickname

Rip the brilliant indeed Dave Niehaus we love you he sounded like an old Leslie speaker

I'm depressed as a Mariners fan. The last game the Mariners won was last Monday and tonight starts a 4 game series vs the Dodgers

Seattle lifer, here, I’ve beeing watching the Mariners since their inception. I’d say we only have had 5 good seasons (I’ll get yelled at for that but realy). Ken Griffey Junior never failed to overperform. I miss the days of winning Mariners teams. For winning in Seattle, follow the Seattle Sounders FC ⚽️. Hail Seattle!

Also, when you get back to hockey reactions...Toronto Maple Leafs - A Half Century of Failure

Been waiting all weekend for this!

I’m so exited for this series reaction

For the Mariners and the kingdome stadium dispute, Seattle has a long history of stadium disputes which sadly is the reason the Sonics are in OKC

500 home runs is almost guaranteed hall of fame. 500 is rlly like that elite mark. The most of all time is by Barry Bonds, 756

Luka i realy like this series thank you

You should react to Griffey Jr and Randy Johnson highlights. They were both ridiculous.

25:15 No, they made Angels in the Outfield instead.

dude this is great! im american but for sure know less abt american sports than you, jon bois got me to start even looking at sports. im far far from watching a regular game of my own volition but shit do i love jon bois work- be sure to check out the webseries 17776 the future of college football sometime, its phenomenal

React to Manu Ginobili. One of the craftiest scorers of all time. He was the guy who popularized the Euro-Step that you see guys like James Harden and Giannas using in todays game. Been trying to get you to do a video on Manu for months.

Born to play baseball

been waiting on this one

If you want to watch a great baseball movie you should watch moneyball except you can’t record it’s a feature length film about the Oakland A’s and Billy Bean (player by Brad Pitt)

You should check out some of his highlights they won’t disappoint

Here's a great baseball request.... "The Colorful Montreal Expos" by Expos Classics. It literally is an MLB Network program without the commercials. It's a great special, though!

You should watch collapse episodes on sb nations channel

You should react to the Toronto maple leafs a half century of failure

for Mr snappy checkout the John Kruk AS game at bat lol

react to Stark Raving Sports: Ken Griffey Jr and Kobe Bryant

13:29 Baseball is the ultimate team sport (you can also call it the ultimate individual sport, but that's another thing entirely). If we look at basketball, you can feasibly have James Harden or Lebron James take 80 shots a game and will your team to victory. In baseball, the best player on the team can only bat 1/9th of the time (not including any times that he has rest days and doesn't play). It's the same reason why the Angels are so mediocre despite having the best player. Mike Trout is one guy. On any given day, a pitcher will face Mike Trout and eight other dudes. In other words, the best player in baseball can't appear in every at-bat, or pitch every game.

20 year old stadium being replaced, look up the Texas Rangers and the Atlanta Braves.

132 homeruns per season? that’s like 4 goals per game

.. and baseball is doing quite well despite what they may say thanks for watching God save the Queen 🙏⚾️

Griffen didn't hit 132 Home runs in a season, thats just over a few hear soan

30:25 AGUERROOOOOOO

Word of advice. Go out of your way to watch any sport video you see with "By Jon Bois"!

Please please react to Making the case - Tim Duncan or Making the Case - Larry Bird !!

7:40 is false Buhner has a highlight reels worth of defensive web jems and was fast for a big man

11:11 Good to see marijuana finally legalized across the pond 😎

Actually the tallest mlb player was 7’1 and then jon rauch at 6’11

30:30 the commentary is kinda like the lyrics to a song

3:50 Lebron before Lebron

We’re kinda clutsy off the field

13:24 it’s bc baseball is a team sport. you can have the best baseball player ever on your team, but he only occupies 1 of the 9 people in the lineup. griffey can only hit a few times a game, but other than that the other 8 ppl in the lineup need to hit well too. a modern day version of this is mike trout. arguably the best baseball player ever, is on the angels, but the angels as a whole aren’t a great team. so even tho they have the best baseball player on their team, that doesn’t mean they’re the best team bc baseball is a team sport

those griffey stats were in a season. he said career like 4 times and it even said it on the screen🤦🏻‍♂️

react to History of Atlanta Falcons, made by same channel as this Mariners one!

Can you please react to pretty good: lonnie smith. Its made by jon bois and its a very good story

31:36 I’m so confused there’s more yes votes

One player doesn’t mean shit in baseball. Example: Mike trout

watch the manager lou panella best ejections. Trust me u wont regret it

Yeah, in baseball one player can't win you many games. You truly need a good all-around team to win. Take a look at the Angels and Mike Trout. Trout is on-pace to be an all-time great player, possibly the best to ever play, but the Angels still suck. Baseball is unlike basketball because you need more than one or two good players to compete.

react to “let’s remember that yankees/twins instant classic | baseball bits” by foolish baseball!!

I was 12 living in Seattle during the ‘95 season .. think what that would’ve done to a kid ? Id be a dif person fs to some degree thankfully it turned out alright Not for the Super Sonics tho:/

The Seattle Mariners started to be good at this point...but still failed to win it all.

Day 3 of asking luka to react to pro wrestling

Ken Griffey is my cousin

React to Ken Griffey Jr's Documentary: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-88rkbq4G19M.html

really man? you thought he hit 132 homeruns in a season? 453 RBI in a season?? cmon, you gotta understand this stuff better. it really shows that you don’t put as much time into baseball