JUNIOR!

It took much longer than anyone anticipated, but Ken Griffey Jr. furthered his legendary status Monday night by blasting his 600th career home run.

For those who have followed Griffey throughout his career, this milestone is yet another affirmation that Griffey is undoubtedly the best player from his generation. Junior did things his way. And unlike Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, roided out of their minds while they assaulted the record books, Junior hit 600 the right way.

During his second big league season, Sports Illustrated featured Griffey on its cover with the title, "The Natural". How befitting for the player with the sweetest swing, slickest glove and biggest smile.

As for number 600, it was vintage Junior. Taking a hanging curve ball from Mark Hendrickson, the man who pulled off the backwards Danny Ainge, and launching it into the right field seats at Dolphin Stadium, dropping his bat and admiring it in that special way that only Griffey can.

Sure, Junior's career hasn't exactly turned out the way many predicted. Injuries have robbed him of at least 100 more home runs. But name a player who combined all of Griffey's attributes - power, high average speed, phenomenal glove, and done them all so well for so long. It's a very short list.

Junior is the only active major leaguer from 1999's All Century Team, where he rightfully belongs among the best ever.