To say that 1997 season was a historical season for Ken Griffey, Jr. is a dramatic understatement. The Mariners All-Star outfielder put together a season that will be analyzed by baseball fans for years. In 157 games that Griffey has played in he smacked 56 home runs which was the seventh highest total in baseball history (as of 1997). He also became the fourth youngest player (27 years, 155 days) in baseball history to reach 250 home runs despite missing 201 games to injuries and strikes. He trailed only Jimmie Foxx (26 years, 269 days), Eddie Matthews (26 years, 320 days) and Mel Ott (27 years, 94 days). He drove in a Mariner clubs record 147 runs a number that was tied for the 5th most RBI in a season in the last 48 years. He had 393 total abases which ranked as the 29th highest total in Major League history. To say that Griffey was hot at the start of he season is an understatement as he blasted 24 big flys through the end of May, a new Major League record. He entered the All-Star break with 30 home runs, becoming just the third player ever to record two seasons with 30 HR at the break (also: Willie Stargell and Mark McGwire). He was elected to his eighth All-Star Game and led the American League in voting for the fifth time and the Major Leagues for the third time. He was named Player of the Week twice ( April 8 and Sept.5) and on September 7 became the 15th player in Major League history to hit 50 home runs when he connected off of Minnesota's Bob Tewksbury at the Metrodome. Tends to hit home runs in bunched as he had eight multi-homer games and bashed seven home runs in seven days from August 31-September 7. Griffey led the Mariners to their second AL West crown in three years and was awarded for his stellar play by winning his eighth Gold Glove for defensive excellence and his first MVP, which he was named unanimously.