BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Would you watch a home-run derby involving Ken Griffey Jr. and other Mariners legends?

Jul 7, 2016, 11:19 AM | Updated: 11:24 am

Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 member Ken Griffey Jr. ranks sixth all-time in home runs. (AP)...

Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 member Ken Griffey Jr. ranks sixth all-time in home runs. (AP)

(AP)

LISTEN: Mike Blowers talks about Edgar Martinez's hitting prowess

Edgar Martinez showed earlier this week that he’s still got it. At 53 years old, the Mariners legend and hitting coach put on a display during batting practice Tuesday at Minute Maid Park in Houston, smashing one pitch onto the train tracks, according to catcher Mike Zunino.

ROOT Sports Mariners analyst Mike Blowers told “Bob, Groz and Tom” that he missed his former teammate’s batting-practice session but talked to him about it afterward.

“His swing is still awesome and is not going to change, but he can’t see,” Blowers said. “Anybody who has been around Edgar in his career, he always did those eye exercises because it was an issue. That’s probably why he retired, more than anything.”

Blowers said Edgar tried his hand in the batting cage during spring training and the results weren’t pretty. Edgar told Blowers he needed to redeem himself. And he did. Even if he “cheated.”

“He said he’d been hitting for a week in the cages underneath the tunnels,” Blowers said. “So, like Edgar when he was a player, he was going to make sure he was prepared this time. Nonetheless, it’s still very impressive.”

Blowers, 51, said he hasn’t seriously swung a bat in more than a decade but would have enjoyed playing at the hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park. And, if he spent a week practicing, Blowers thinks he could hit one out.

“I think most former players could do it,” he said. “It’s not something I’m looking forward to doing, I can tell you that. And a few of those swings would probably be a little embarrassing, but I think I could get into one.”

That gave “Bob, Groz and Tom” an idea, a home-run derby among Mariners legends. Imagine the contestants: Blowers, Edgar, Jay Buhner and Ken Griffey Jr.

Then again, why stop there? Why not let Albert Belle, Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas and Junior slug it out for the old-timers crown?

“That’s what the home-run derby should be,” Tom Wassell said. “We just figured it out. It should be former players. See how far they can belt them.”

Bob Stelton: “Bring back Mo Vaughn, bring back some of those big guys.”

Dave Grosby: “I don’t think it would be as good as you think.”

Wassell: “Just for like an hour?”

Grosby: “An hour? You’d have a lot of guys heaving if they’re out there for an hour.”

Wassell: “They get 10 pitches and they’re out. We’re not talking about an all-night, three hours thing for these guys.”

Who makes your list of the past-their-prime sluggers derby? List your ballot in the comment section below.

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
High 54° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

Would you watch a home-run derby involving Ken Griffey Jr. and other Mariners legends?