Perhaps this week it should be titled Who Are We? Having to name two guys makes this one sound more difficult, but in reality, if you get one of us you’ll easily get both. So remember, try this without research and all that jazz, because anyone (including Smitty) can look stuff up on the internet.
By Chas
As father and son tandems go, we were hardly the Griffeys, but we both played over 10 years in the majors, so that’s something to be proud of.
Father began his career in the midwest, but it wasn’t until he moved further west that he enjoyed major league success. It was there that he played in three different post-seasons, but never the World Series, although one of his teammates almost single-handedly propelled his team to the series one year.
Father accumulated over 2000 hits and 50 wins above replacement (WAR) in his career. That might qualify him for some people’s “Hall of Very Good,” despite the fact he dropped off the ballot after his first year.
Father was probably better than Ken Griffey Sr., in fact, but I suppose that point is debatable.
What’s not debatable is that son was nowhere near as good as Ken Griffey Jr., although the potential was there.
Son was a first-round draft pick (#3 overall), out of a college in the same city where dad enjoyed his best professional years. He actually even played with Griffey Jr., albeit very briefly, during one of his nine major league stops.
Son was supposed to be better than his father, but never lived up to expectations, although he did show a few sustained flashes of his five-tool ability, including one 30-30 season, a Gold Glove, and breaking one team’s record for most assists in a season by an outfielder.
Son returned home for his final year in the majors, playing 38 games for his dad’s primary team in the city he grew up in.
Who are we?
My first thought that this was Jeff and Sean Burroughs. I know Sean was a high draft pick with a lot of expectations. But that was with San Diego and I believe Jeff was with the Braves. So it doesn’t match.
I am trying to think of others – there was the Boones – Bob, Ray, Brett and Aaron #$#$#$# Boone.
I’ll keep thinking on this one..
Chas – nice to see that I get a mention in the opening credits of the article…
I am sure there are a lot of father son combos, but my brain gave up thinking somewhere in the 90’s. The only name that comes to mind at the moment is Alou, so that’s my guess, but like I said, that’s the only name that comes to mind aside from Bonds, and pretty sure it’s not them.
Just a friendly dig with no basis in reality, Smitty. 🙂
This is a tough one, Chas. Sean Burroughs is a 3B and not an OF if my thinking is straight. Anyway, based mostly on the description of the father, I’m thinking it is either the Hairston boys or the Mathews boys. Jerry Hairston played several years, mostly with Chicago Whitesox, and maybe he did get near 2,000 hits … but I have doubts. Then again, he has two sons that made the bigs and that probably woulda been mentioned in the clues. On the other hand, Gary Mathews Sr was a pretty darned good player and quite likely to have amassed 2000 hits. Comparisons to Ken Griffey Sr are not outlandish, but I would certainly give the nod to Mathews. Now, Gary Mathews Jr was an outfielder which fits the clues. He was very well-traveled … not sure but I’m guessing he coulda possibly played for 9 different teams. Talented fielder, not much with the bat.
So unless, I have a further flurry of brain activity or someone else comes in with a different guess or clues, I’m gonna stick with Gary Mathews … Sr and Jr 🙂
Sorry Chas…I didn’t pick up on your dryness.
That being said the “Hall of Very Good” comment sticks with me. The player being in the Mid-West – I think we have talked about this guy on the site before. How about Jose Cruz who was on the Astros and made the post season several times but no World Series.
His son – Jose Cruz jr. had a couple of good years but I have no idea where he was drafted. Not sure if was 30/30 but I think he was close 1 or 2 years.
But I might be way off on it being the Cruzs. But look at that…didn’t look that up on the Internet!
Jose Cruz? I thought of him but he was basically a career Astro. Maybe one trip to the post-season in the ’80s? vs Mets in ’86? And that’s not really “west”. Now isn’t the Jr Cruz still playing?
My bad … Astros were early ’80s playoff team too. But still not “west”. Maybe you’re on to something, Smitty. (But I still think it’s Mathews).
But did Matthews ever play with Griffey Jr.? I am pretty sure Cruz Jr did play in Seattle right around the time Junior was there.
I also don’t remember Matthews being a 30/30 guy although he did have a couple of really good years I believe with the Rangers. He went to Anaheim after that and never lived up to his contract.
It was those 1-2 really good years that got him the big contract. Flash in the pan with the bat.
where’s casey?
Casey’s At The Bat !
tee hee 🙂
I think that’s the time anyone’s used that joke on here Wally.
Anyway, Jose Cruz Sr. and Jr. is the answer.
Sr. started his career in St. Louis, then moved *further* west (as opposed to “out west”) to Houston.
I thought one of the key clues would be about the teammate who almost carried the team to the series, but no one even touched that. That was Mike Scott in 86.
Excellent job, Smitty. Good guess with Gary Matthews Wally. Sarge did reach 2000 hits.
Gary Jr. came close to 20-20 once, but otherwise he pretty much was nothing special.
Cruz Jr. went to Rice.
Congrats to Smitty!
This just in … Houston ain’t much further west than STL … it’s about where KC is for crissakes. Ya shoulda said further south.
Anyway … I’m kinda shocked that Cruz Jr played for 9 teams … but in hindsight I botched it cuz as Smitty hinted, Mathews never played with Griffey … although he played for SEVERAL teams
I had fun following this discussion. Good job guys!
You are right Wally. It looks like Houston is a geographical oddity. It is west of everywhere..
🙂
Hahahaha – HELMET STICKER! DO NOT SEEK THE TREASURE! IT’S BUSHWHACKED!