Former US baseball star due for clinics

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MANILA---Ken Griffey Jr., a 13-time US Major League All Star and Gold Glove awardee for 10 straight years, will visit the country to conduct baseball clinics in Manila and Cebu City.

The 41-year-old Ken, who is ranked fifth in the  all-time home run list behind Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays, will be the United States sports envoy to the country from March 1-4 along with with fellow former pros Joe Logan and Ken's brother Craig.

 The clinic for coaches and players from different age groups will be held at the Rizal Memorial Ballpark in Manila and at the Aboitiz Sports Center in Cebu City according to a press release from the US Embassy coursed through Philippine Sports Commissioner Chito Loyzaga.

Throughout his legendary career, spent mostly as a Seattle Mariner, the lefty Ken blasted 630 homers, 2,781 hits and 1,836 RBIs.

Nicknamed ``The Kid'' and ``Junior,'' Ken posted a career batting average of .284.

Logan played for the Montreal Expos, while Craig also suited up for the Mariners. Both are in the coaching staff for the Orlando Reds in the minors while Ken is now working at the Mariners’ front office.

The coaches’ clinic will focus on basic teamwork and sportsmanship, identifying and developing talent, and leading practices and clinics.

The clinic for players will tackle hitting, pitching and infield and outfield skills.