Griffin: 'Today is the first day of carving out a legacy'
Konnor Griffin is only 19 years old, but he's already earned some impressive comparisons. Bobby Witt Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. are two names that have come up in the short time that Griffin has not only played, but dominated at the professional level.
The big difference is that Witt and Ripken have produced at an elite level in the big leagues. Now, Griffin will get his chance to do the same, as he will make his major-league debut today, playing shortstop and hitting seventh against the Orioles in the Pirates' home opener here at PNC Park.
"It's pretty special to hear the players I've been compared to," Griffin said this morning. "Those guys, they've done it at the highest level. They were in similar situations but continued to work hard and get to where they were and that's why everybody remembers them. So that's the path I'm trying to take. Today is the first day of carving out a legacy that I want to build and I'm ready to do that and try to be right up there with those top guys."
After playing in 127 minor-league games, including 26 above Class A, Griffin is already shedding the prospect label. He flew through the ranks and eventually earned the honor of being considered the No. 1 overall prospect in the game. But the true challenge now begins.
"I think it's great that all the prospect stuff is behind me," Griffin said. "I'm not worried about that anymore. It's all about winning games here in Pittsburgh. The minor-league stint was fun. I learned a lot, it was really good for my development the last two years, but now it's time to take all the skills that I've learned, all the adjustments I've made, it's time to go put them on the field and go win some games."
THE ASYLUM
Griffin: 'Today is the first day of carving out a legacy'
Konnor Griffin is only 19 years old, but he's already earned some impressive comparisons. Bobby Witt Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. are two names that have come up in the short time that Griffin has not only played, but dominated at the professional level.
The big difference is that Witt and Ripken have produced at an elite level in the big leagues. Now, Griffin will get his chance to do the same, as he will make his major-league debut today, playing shortstop and hitting seventh against the Orioles in the Pirates' home opener here at PNC Park.
"It's pretty special to hear the players I've been compared to," Griffin said this morning. "Those guys, they've done it at the highest level. They were in similar situations but continued to work hard and get to where they were and that's why everybody remembers them. So that's the path I'm trying to take. Today is the first day of carving out a legacy that I want to build and I'm ready to do that and try to be right up there with those top guys."
After playing in 127 minor-league games, including 26 above Class A, Griffin is already shedding the prospect label. He flew through the ranks and eventually earned the honor of being considered the No. 1 overall prospect in the game. But the true challenge now begins.
"I think it's great that all the prospect stuff is behind me," Griffin said. "I'm not worried about that anymore. It's all about winning games here in Pittsburgh. The minor-league stint was fun. I learned a lot, it was really good for my development the last two years, but now it's time to take all the skills that I've learned, all the adjustments I've made, it's time to go put them on the field and go win some games."
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