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By Michelle Taylor

On October 2, Donora received a very special visitor when former major league baseball player Ken Griffey Sr. returned to his hometown, accompanied by his wife Val.

Pictured are Ken Griffey Sr., wife Val, DeAnne Pavelko, and Donora Mayor Don Pavelko

Donora Mayor Don Pavelko, along with other council members, were joined by about 50+ people for the renaming of Galiffa Drive. They unveiled the sign at noon to reveal the new name in honor of their guest: Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. Drive.

Ken Griffey Sr. was born in Donora on April 10, 1950 as George Kenneth Griffey and was one of 6 children. His mother raised him alone since the age of two. While he says baseball is only his 4th favorite sport, he also says he always thought he did best in football. Being left-handed, he made a career for himself playing major league baseball as an outfielder with the Cincinnati Reds from 1973-1981 and again from 1988 until his retirement in 1990. He also earned the achievement of being a two-time World Series champion.

Ken Griffey Jr. was also born in Donora as George Kenneth Griffey Jr. on November 21, 1969. He was one of two boys and grew up to be much like his father, moving to Cincinnati, Ohio when he was only 6 and spending much time in the Reds clubhouse. Being left-handed and playing major league baseball as well, he started his career as an outfielder with the Seattle Mariners and played with them from 1989 – 1999 before going on to spend the next eight years of his career with the Cincinnati Reds from 2000-2008. During his career, he earned 10 Gold Glove Awards.

The renaming ceremony included a solo by Val Griffey singing “God Bless America” and autographs by Mr. Ken Griffey Sr. While Ken Griffey Jr. was unable to make it to the event, he shared in the gratitude with his father. Slideshows were shown with highlights of both of their careers and light refreshments were served with a ballpark theme, which included nachos, popcorn, and root beer floats.

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