Real. And Right as Rain.

Rumors of Junior's return have surfaced nearly every year since he was traded. But this year, this year was different. He was finally a free agent and there were definite signs that Ken Griffey, Jr. in a Seattle Mariner uniform was more than just the yearly rumor. It could actually happen...

drip, drip, drip of the dream...
The first inkling came after the "Junior love fest" that was that summer weekend in 2007 when the Reds came to town (his first appearance in the city since his anguishing departure in 2000). Safeco Field was packed to the retractable roof for three days with adoring fans who had waited years to see that sweet swing and unforgettable smile back in Seattle - even if his jersey wasn't teal. Many were taken aback when he expressed something rather unexpected ... the love and feelings were mutual. Junior seemed genuinely touched at the out-pouring of affection for him and he was unusually reflective and emotional regarding his years in Seattle. He even spoke of the possibility of retiring a Mariner.

"I love the game of baseball, and whatever happens, happens. Would I do it? Yeah. I would do it for the simple reason that, this is the place where I grew up. And I think I owe it to the people of Seattle and myself, to retire as a Mariner."

Still, I was initially torn by the whole idea. While the thought of Junior ending his career in Seattle was as poetic and sentimental as it gets (and heaven knows, I'm a sentimental kinda gal) would it really be the right move? There's no denying that, as much as he's loved, "The Kid" ain't what he used to be and neither are the Mariners. Would this really be the team with which to end his career, essentially no shot at a ring? Would it be wise for the M's, who are clearly in rebuild mode, to add yet another aging veteran? And, back to the sentimentality, what if his performance disappointed to the degree that it somehow diminished those memories held so dear?

showers of anticipation...

The reports of a nearly sealed deal began heading into President's Day weekend. By all accounts, there was nary an i to dot nor a t to cross. The imminent probability of Junior's return dominated discussion on message boards and local talk radio. Most fans wanted him back because of their appreciation of the fact that he put Seattle on the baseball map all those years ago and the thought of having him end his career where it began was just too cool for words. But, there were those who have never wanted him back because they are still bitter about how he left. I have to admit, I was in the former group and the excitement was building.

lightening strike of disappointment...
And then the news. Atlanta had entered the fray at the eleventh hour and the reports were now saying that Junior was headed to the Braves. The disappointment on computer screens and over the air was palpable. But, Atlanta was so close to his family home that most understood why he would choose it over his baseball home. Others, however, felt those memories were forever tarnished because they had been 'betrayed' yet again.

thunderclap of hope...
But wait! The Griffey camp refuted the deal with the Braves and insisted no decision had been made. And so we waited and we waited. Most seemed resigned to the fact that Junior was gone before he had arrived. How could the team in the city up in the left corner compete with the storied southern franchise ... and, more importantly, it's location? But, until it was announced, there was hope.

drenching rain of fruition...
Then it happened. The announcement that Junior had signed a deal and would be back in teal came early evening Wednesday. I soaked up all the reports - radio, TV and internet - the giddyness was everywhere. People were calling into talk radio excited about taking their son or daughter to the ballpark this summer to relive some of their own childhood. You could hear the tears of joy. Indeed, this town could use a little joy these days. In addition to the bleak economy, which seems to know no boundary, the state of sports in Seattle in recent years has been about as abysmal as it gets. Here's to a deal that culminates as a win-win for all because despite that teeny, tiny bit of nagging aprehension and disbelief ... it just feels right.

Real and right as rain.