It took a while for Ken Griffey Jr. to get settled in the batter’s box before his first plate appearance today against a White Sox team that decided to have a little fun with their former star.
First, there was the obligatory standing ovation from the Peoria Stadium crowd. Then a lot of good-natured yapping and gesturing from visiting dugout, particularly by manager Ozzie Guillen and bench coach Joey Cora.
Guillen stood and offered a mock clap. Cora, next to him, bowed his head and arms as if paying tribute. Guillen’s mouth never stopped moving while Griffey dug in.
Just as he settled into his batting stance, bat waggling above his head, Griffey backed out of the box and started laughing. Along the rail, Guillen broke up so much that he ran down the steps and into the dugout to regain his composure.
Griffey got back in the box, pitcher Jose Contreras looked in for a sign, and catcher A.J. Pierzynski continued the gag. He stood up and held out his mit, as if to signal for an intentional walk. The crowd booed.
Then everyone got serious, Griffey worked a full count and lined a foul deep into the right-field corner before striking out looking at a fastball on the outside corner.
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