Griffey lends advice to kids at Play Ball event

CHICAGO — Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. flew from his home in Florida to watch his son, Trey, play wide receiver for the University of Arizona in its home game Saturday night against Stanford.

On the way, he had even more kids to visit.

• Game 4: LIVE on FOX

Griffey made a stop in Chicago along the way to meet with young children and teens as one of the many dignitaries at Major League Baseball’s Play Ball event at Kerry Wood Cubs Field, hours before Game 4 of the World Series. Griffey gave them advice on why to play the sport, how to make the right decisions, working hard for what you want and why to “never be a what-if.” He also discussed the life he led growing up as the son of a Major Leaguer and the importance of surrounding yourself with driven people.

Game Date Time (air time/game time) Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 25   CLE 6, CHC 0 Gm 2 Oct. 26   CHC 5, CLE 1 Gm 3 Oct. 28   CLE 1, CHC 0 Gm 4 Oct. 29 CLE @ CHC FOX Gm 5 Oct. 30 8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 6 Nov. 1 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX *Gm 7 Nov. 2 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX * If necessary | All times listed ET • World Series coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Indians

“For me, going back to why I want to do this and why it’s important, you guys are the next generation of ballplayers that we need,” Griffey told them. “One day if one of you guys make it, and you’re on TV, we’re going to remember that. ‘Hey, I remember him being here.’ We’ll be old in a barbershop just yelling, because that’s the only time that men can argue and then walk out the door and be like, ‘OK, see you all later.'”

The assembled youth hung on every word this legend had to tell them. He made them laugh, he made them smile, he made them think, he made them confident about themselves. Commissioner Rob Manfred said at the event that participation by current and former Major Leaguers is a key part of the Play Ball initiative succeeding, and 630 home runs can grab your attention real …

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