‘Mr. October’ Says Griffey Jr. Can Do It

Mr. October is making predictions in May.

Reggie Jackson, whose 563 career home runs is sixth in Major League Baseball history, said Seattle Mariners center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. will hit more home runs than he did, and has the talent and right demeanor to break Roger Maris’ single-season mark.

“Griffey will probably pass 600 home runs,” Jackson said.

If he does, it would place him fourth in career home runs behind Hank Aaron with 755, Babe Ruth with 714 and Willie Mays with 660.

The baseball world focused on Jackson after Game 6 of the 1977 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he hit homers on three consecutive pitches to clinch the championship and earn the nickname of “Mr. October.”

Now Griffey is the focus of attention. The 27-year-old grew watching his father, Ken, who spent 19 years in the majors.

That’s why Jackson said Griffey has the best chance to break Maris’ single-season record of 61.

“He has the maturity and the ability to focus,” Jackson said.

In eight-plus seasons with the Mariners, Griffey Jr. has 204 home runs, including 14 this season.