It’s May 16, 1996, and the O’s had the day off as they traveled back to Baltimore from the West Coast. 

The star-studded Seattle Mariners are coming to town this weekend, led by superstar outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., designated hitter Edgar Martinez, and 20-year-old phenom shortstop Alex Rodriguez.

A year ago, Griffey made a spectacular catch in Seattle, but when he crashed into the wall, he shattered his left wrist. He made it back in time to hit .364 with six homers in the playoffs in 1995, while having a steel plate in his wrist. But he’s off to a slow start – by his standards – this year and some are wondering if his wrist is still bothering him. He already has 10 homers, but is hitting just .250.

“It’s OK,” Griffey said. “There is nothing wrong with my wrist. What’s the concern anyway? What month are we in? If this was September, then you could say something, but I’m hitting .250 and I’ve only got 130 at-bats.” (Baltimore Sun, p. 4D, May 17, 1996)

Yeah, I agree, there’s no reason to worry about Griffey’s production if you’re a Mariners fan. But there is a lot of reason to worry about Griffey as an opponent, which the O’s are this weekend.

Until then!

Off day means no dingers.

Mariners (21-18) vs. Orioles (21-17), 7:35 p.m.

Starting Pitchers
SEA – RHP Bob Wolcott (2-5, 5.44 ERA)
BAL – RHP Jimmy Haynes (1-4, 7.76 ERA)

The big story is Bob Dole stepping away from the Senate, but we’ll have plenty of time this summer to talk about him. Elsewhere on the front page, an Episcopal court dismissed heresy charges against retired Bishop Walter Righter, of New Hampshire, who had ordained a gay priest. The decision opens the door for gay men and lesbians to be fully accepted within the church.

“It’s a win for gays and lesbians in the Episcopal Church because we get more space to show that we are faithful gay and lesbian Christians,” said the Rev. Barry Stopfel, whom Righter ordained six years ago. “And it’s a win for all gays and lesbians because it means that maybe one less church will be willing to beat them up in the name of God.” (Baltimore Sun, p. 10A, May 16, 1996)

The court ruled 7-1 in favor of Righter. When the verdict was handed down, several of his supporters celebrated by singing “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.” The court did make a point to say it wasn’t ruling on the morality of same-sex relationships, but instead was just deciding whether a bishop could ordain gay and lesbian priests. 

The bigoted priests who brought the charges against Righter were mad.

“We are very disappointed,” said Bishop John Howe of the Diocese of Central Florida (where else?). “We predicted this outcome, but it is still difficult. And we know that many people will be making decisions about their commitment to this church based on the court’s decision.”

While he should have just told these losers to “Stay mad,” Righter took the high road.

“There are people that want the church to retreat to Victorian times,” he said. “But we can’t do that. We must stand on the edge. It’s scary because that’s where earthquakes happen. But it’s better than retreating.”

Welcome to a recurring segment where I find fun things in today’s (in 1996) Baltimore Sun!

The Sun is taking shots at Bob Dole’s big move.