Ken Griffey Sr. speaking in Chattanooga at the Pitcher Perfect Swing facility on January 8, 2006.
Click to enlarge photo.
photo by Tim Evearitt (file photo)
Ken Griffey, Jr. has endured a very difficult week. Over the last few days, Griffey found out his dad has an early form of prostate cancer and his mom will need colon cancer surgery.
Griffey discussed his family's situation before Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.
"When it's not one of your parents, it's both of your parents ..." Griffey said. "It's been tough."
Griffey's dad, former Reds star Ken Griffey Sr., showed up Sunday in Philadelphia and told his son the news. Junior saw his mother the next day.
Generally during the baseball season Griffey Sr., a special assistant to Reds' General Manager Wayne Krivsky, makes two trips to Chattanooga as a scout.
His mother, Alberta, has asked Griffey to continue playing baseball. He was in the starting lineup both Tuesday and Wednesday night against the Cardinals.
Manager Jerry Narron, though, wouldn't have a problem if Griffey wanted to spend time with his family.
"He wouldn't be human if it didn't affect him. If he wanted to take tomorrow off, I don't think anyone would have a problem," Narron said.
Griffey, batting .242 with 23 homers and 64 RBIs, said he doesn't know what he will do the next couple days.
"It would be up to her," Griffey said. "There is still a possibility. I am her oldest son."
He also is uncertain about his father's -- a member of the Reds' famed Big Red Machine -- next steps.
"I don't know," he said. "He has to see another doctor."
Griffey also understands his role on a team in the middle of the pennant race.
"I have a responsibility to guys in the clubhouse," Griffey said. "Some situations are tougher than others. I am just trying to deal with it the best way I know how."
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Adapted from article on the Major League Baseball website.