Griffey to Wear No. 42 to Honor Robinson

My guy, Ken Griffey, Jr., will wear 42 on his back on April 15 when the Cincinnati Reds face the Chicago Cubs. Griffey will wear 42 to honor Jackie Robinson and the 60th Anniversary of Robinson breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier.

According to a posting on Fox Sports, Griffey called MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and asked him for permission to wear Robinson's number on April 15. Robinson's number was retired in 1997. Mariano Rivera is the only active player to wear the number. Selig agreed to Griffey's request and suggested others follow in his footsteps.

"This is a wonderful gesture on Ken's part and a fitting tribute to the great Jackie Robinson and one, I believe, that all clubs will eagerly endorse," Selig said in a statement. "Jackie continues to be an inspiration to all of our players, and his impact will be felt for as long as our game is played."

I know that Griffey is no longer playing centerfield. I know that he doesn't even use Jr. in his name now. I know that he is no longer referred to as "The Kid". Still, for me, he is one of those players that makes me want to go to a Major League game. He still has great power, a great swing and of course, an awesome smile that is very kid-like.

Griffey's gesture is kind and very pure. I'm sure Jackie Robinson would be very proud of him. It also shows that the former "Kid" is very much of a grown up and a leader for the game of baseball.

Go Reds!