Michael Griffin

Michael Griffin

Michael went to his first game at the age of four and has been hooked ever since. He lives in Queens with his fellow Mets fan wife, their son, three cats and bearded dragon. He’s worked in the past for MLB.com as an editor. Connect with Michael on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjgfreelance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.

Hank Aaron hitting a home run during the 1971 All-Star Game, showcasing his legendary talent.

715 Was Just the Headline — Here’s the Whole Hank Aaron Story

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinBefore Barry Bonds, before steroids changed everything, there was the most majestic chase in baseball history. Henry Aaron’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record wasn’t just about numbers—it was about dignity, determination, and the dark underbelly of America itself. Here are the moments that defined Hammerin’ Hank’s legendary career. 715: Al Downing’s Famous 1-0 Pitch April 8, 1974. The Atlanta sky was dark with possibility as Al …

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Babe Ruth Sora Cropped

Babe Ruth Moments That Still Don’t Feel Real

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinBefore the public called certain athletes only by their first name —Michael, Bo, Mickey, or Kobe —there was The Babe. Others knew George Herman Ruth as the Bambino. This was for very good reasons, since he was someone who upended what everyone thought baseball could be. Here are 20 ways that he did that: The Called Shot That Made Grown Men Weep in Wrigley October 1, 1932, Game …

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Keith Hernandez showcasing his Gold Glove skills as a Mets legend.

Why Aren’t These Guys in Cooperstown?

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinWhen it comes to baseball players, there’s the top tier and the bottom one. Fans remember the ones who made the game look easy… and the ones who couldn’t hit water if they fell off a boat. Then there are the ones who were darn close to great, but for some reason, aren’t recognized for that. Here are some of those who, for some reason, can only get …

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Ted William Sora Cropped

Ted Williams Hasn’t Been Touched. Here’s Why.

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinHow admired was Ted Williams? The 1999 All-Star Game was being held in Boston, where The Splendid Splinter had reigned for decades before. Before the game started, the legendary slugger was wheeled out in a golf cart while the capacity Fenway crowd roared. The game was held up because the players, the current superstars, crowded around Williams like little kids eager to lap up any advice. That’s why, …

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Barry Bonds HOF Denied Sora

20 MLB Legends Cooperstown Chose to Forget

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinWhen it comes to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame, people usually think in two separate ways. The first is that it’s a place for the immortals, the ones who played the game the right way and were the greatest of the greats. The second is that it’s a museum, and even the greats who were not morally upright should be included. Unfortunately for these 20 players, …

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Pete Rose Analytics Sora

12 Baseball Legends Who Look Very Different Under a Modern Lens

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinOK, take a deep breath before proceeding to view this slideshow. I understand how it might upset you. Heck, I grew up watching a lot of these players myself. I even vouched for a few in a Hall of Fame snub slideshow. Many on this list did have great numbers, but it requires a deeper look. Please keep the torches and pitchforks securely locked away. Thanks. Pete Rose’s …

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Willie Aikens in his baseball uniform, reflecting on his fall from grace.

They Played Ball — Then Everything Fell Apart

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinThe men on this list achieved the dream that millions of people have envisioned: playing in the Major Leagues. They often reaped millions of dollars for this. It wasn’t enough, though. They had aspects of their personalities that overrode their abilities to live law-abiding lives. Look at their stories as cautionary tales: Chad Curtis: The Predator in the Clubhouse In the 1990s, Chad Curtis was living the dream, …

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Kike Hernandez Banana Suit Sora

Dugout Chaos: MLB’s Funniest Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinThe baseball season’s a long one. Teams spend at least six months together, and each game lasts around three hours. That means that there’s a LOT of downtime. Players get bored, and the results can be some of the most legendary pranks and other antics caught on camera. There have been countless hotfoots, for example, too many to list here. Here are other things that made things much …

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John Lackey in action, highlighting his unusual insurance policy in contracts.

17 Contract Clauses So Absurd They Actually Got Signed

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinBaseball contracts aren’t just about the money – they’re windows into the soul of America’s pastime, revealing the quirky personalities, unique demands, and sometimes downright bizarre negotiations that make the sport so fascinating. From mustache maintenance allowances to bulldozer bonuses, these contract clauses prove that when it comes to baseball deals, the truth is stranger than fiction. Charlie Kerfeld’s 37 Cases of Orange Jello In 1987, Astros reliever …

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Tom Seaver Reds With Sad Mets Fans Sora

Seaver for Betts and Every Heartbreak in Between

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael GriffinBaseball trades are more than just business transactions—they’re emotional earthquakes that can shatter entire cities’ spirits. From the wine-and-cheese crowd at Shea Stadium to the bleacher creatures in Oakland, these franchise-altering moves left deep scars in baseball’s soul. Here are the trades that made grown men cry, turned team executives into local villains, and proved that in baseball, heartbreak is just one phone call away. Tom Seaver: The …

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