Ken Griffey Jr embraces firefighter's family in MLB Network 9/11 doc

MLB Network premiered a two-hour documentary titled "When America Took the Field" to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks in 2001. Former Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer and Moeller High School standout Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the featured athletes in the film. The documentary explores how baseball united Americans in the aftermath of the darkest day in American history.

Griffey's connection to the story stems from an email exchange with Rob Butcher, then-Reds director of media relations, who received a message from the widow of FDNY firefighter Kenny Marino, who perished during the 9/11 attacks. The letter read, "My husband Kenny Marino, a Rescue 1 firefighter, is still missing. If Ken Griffey Jr. could hit an extra homerun for Kenny, he would be looking down with a big grin."

Kenny Marino flew to Seattle to watch Griffey play, and later, Griffey received a T-shirt from the fire station where he worked. The emotional connection between Griffey and the Marino family was evident, with Katrina Marino, Kenny's widow, stating that it was the highlight of everything. Griffey expressed his relief at being able to hit a home run for the family, and he made an effort to meet the kids of Kenny Marino, who he wanted to spend time with and share his experiences.

Griffey emphasized that giving the kids something to smile about is why he plays the game. He has also visited the 9/11 memorial site, expressing his admiration for the Marinos and their enduring strength in the face of tragedy.