Getting lost among the fact that Aarons home run record is going to fall this season and among the rampant talk of steroids is a sad story. A story of a man who was destined to be not only the home run king but possibly the greatest baseball player of all time. That mans name is Ken Griffey Jr.

Griffey was the first overall pick of Seattle in 1987 and played his first major league season in 1989. That season he hit 16 home runs and drove in 61 RBI while hitting for a .264 average. It was obvious he was well on his way to greatness, however no-one could have predicted the numbers he would put up over the next few years. In the span of four seasons from 1990 until 1993 Griffey improved his game, averaging 29 home runs per season, topping out with 45 in 1993. Over that stretch he also had a batting average of .311 and driving in 98 runs per year. However Griffey still hadn't peaked.

Starting in the year 1996 Griffey went on a tear. Hitting 49, 56, 56, and 48 home runs respectively over a four year period and averaged an amazing 141 RBI per year in that time span. After the 1999 season Griffey found himself play for Cincinnati where he belted 40 home runs in his first season. However things would take a turn for the worse, a string of injuries would cause Griffey to miss significant playing time every season from 2001 on. These injures have prevented the greatest hitter of all time from taking his place atop the home run list.

Before Griffey had hit 438 homers, averaging 36 a season. That number is slightly low due to missing 35 games his rookie season, 51 games in 1994 a year in which he belted 40 homers and could have had a shot at the single home run record, and also missing 90 games in 1995. So it's same to assume he could have averaged 40+ home runs a season had he not missed time due to injury. Back on subject, projecting 36 home runs a season over the next 6 years he played is 216 home runs more. Placing him at what would be 654 home runs heading into this season. Remember though 36 is a modest number when you consider the time missed. So lets average it out to 45 a season, which is what he most likely could have averaged if healthy. That gives us 270 extra home runs which would give him 708 homers heading into this season. Thats without making up for missed times in previous years.

Had Griffey stayed healthy his entire career he would be the home run king, and possibly the greatest overall hitter of all time. It's not just about offense for Griffey either. From the years 1990 to 1999 he won the American League gold glove for his defense in centerfield.

He is no doubt a first ballot hall of famer, and the best hitter of our time.

Learn more about this author, Alex Dones.
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