Thirteen-time MLB All-Star and retired Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. gave a word of advice for Bronny James, as he and his father, LeBron James, recently made history in the NBA for being the first-ever father-and-son duo to play in an official game.
Ken Jr could not help but recall a similar moment he had with his father, Ken Griffey Jr. The two became the first father-and-son duo to play in a professional MLB game in August 31, 1990. This moment became a huge milestone not only in baseball history but for professional sports overall, highlighting the special bond between parent athletes and their children.
In a recent podcast interview, Ken Griffey Jr talked about the importance of mentorship for a young and budding athlete like Bronny James.
“You’re gonna learn a lot by being able to sit there and be on the bench watching him,” Ken Jr. said in the interview.
Being the son of who many consider the Greatest of All Time of NBA, the pressure is heavy on Bronny James to follow on the footsteps of his father and King James’ achievements. Still, Ken Jr thinks that it is important that Bronny recognize that he needs to be his own person and have his own legacy.
“I did tell Bronny, ‘Hey, relax, enjoy it, be you, you’re not gonna be him [LeBron],” he added. “Nobody’s him.'”
Ken Griffey Jr did just the same, as he set out to make a name for himself and leave his own legacy in the world of American baseball. He retired from his professional career as a thirteen-time MLB All-Star, a ten-time Gold Glove Awardee, and a seven-time Silver Slugger Awardee, among many other awards and accolades.
The Spotlight is on Bronny James
Ask any person to name an NBA player and one of the names that would surely come up is LeBron James. The four-time NBA champion has become a staple not only in the NBA but in basketball in general, so much so that even people who are not into the sport still recognize his name. Thus, the spotlight is on his son Bronny, along with the high expectations from him.
Bronny James is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers with his father. He plays point guard for the team. In college basketball, he played for the USC Trojans, until he was acquired by the Lakers for the 2024 NBA draft. He was anmed a McDonald’s All-American during his senio year in 2023.
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