Happy Fathers Day! Famous MLB Father & Son Duos
By Tony Fischer
March 01, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) walks on the field wearing a shirt with his father former Detroit Tiger player Cecil Fielder prior to the spring training game against the New York Mets at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Happy Fathers Day from Detroit Jock City! As all you Dads put your favorite beverage on ice and scrub the grill for an afternoon of carnivorous activity, it might be fun to think about some other famous Father & Son duos in sports.
Cecil and Prince Fielder – Cecil was a journeymen major leaguer but Detroit claimed him as their own when he hit 51 home runs in 1990. That’s was Cecil’ first year as a Detroit. During his 7 year career his hit 245 HR and 758 RBI. All the while he was teaching his son how to hit jacks out of the old Tigers Stadium. Tigers fans remember Prince well. Probably one of the reason Prince seemed like such a natural fit in the Detroit Tiger’s uniform. The Fielder’s have a combined total of 591 homers and 1826 RBI spanning over 23 major league seasons and counting.
Bobby and Barry Bonds – Booby Bonds had an excellent major league career hitting 332 home runs and knocking in 1024 in his 14 year major league career. His son Barry however, scandal aside, is considered by some to be one of the greatest hitters ever to pick up a stick. He set records for career home runs at 762, walks at 2258. Records that may not be broken for some time. The Bonds’ have a combined total of 1094 HR and 3020 RBI spanning over 36 major league season.
Ken Griffey Sr and Jr. – Another Father helped produced a player that some consider the best to ever play. Ken Griffey Sr. had a 19 year major league career and complied 152 home runs, 849 RBI and 200 stolen bases. Sr. Griffey spent most of his career as a Cincinnati Red where he played 12 years. His son Ken Griffey jr. also played with the Reds but had his best years with the Seattle Mariners. Future Hall of Famer, Jr. Griffey spent 22 years in the show hitting 630 round trippers and while knocking in 1836 RBI’s. Junior had wheels too, swiping 184 bases. Griffey lead the American League in home runs for three consecutive years from in 97, 98,and 99. The Griffey’s combined for 782 dingers, 2,685 ribbies and 384 stolen bases.
Fischer Sr. – In each of these scerinos the sons exceeded the professional accomplishments of the Father. Each Father put time in to teach their son the art of baseball. My Dad has taught me how to fish, build things and be a honorable man. In my case I will never live up to the man my Father is but like most sons I will do my best to carry on his name. So to a Dad that has given me everything, taught me all I know and supports me in everything I do I say Happy Fathers Day! This junior may not be a major league baseball player but he is the son of a major league man.