Pirates No. 2 prospect Griffin's HR makes for memorable game of Rock, Paper, Scissors
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Konnor Griffin probably should've went with rock.
It might have been the ideal choice for his celebratory game of Rock, Paper, Scissors after the Pirates' No. 2 prospect rocked a line drive over the right-field wall for Pittsburgh's Single-A affiliate Bradenton on Wednesday at LECOM Park.
Griffin's fifth home run of the year, which the 2024 ninth overall pick said was a birthday gift for his father, Kevin, came in the bottom of the second inning off right-hander Danny Flatt (Yankees). The solo shot to right field marked Griffin's 15th RBI of the year en route to the Marauders' 4-3 loss to Tampa.
“That’s always a good feeling, especially putting the barrel on the ball,” Griffin said. “With it being on my dad’s birthday, I thought that would be pretty cool, cause he’s the guy that’s worked with me my whole life. He asked for it, so I had to provide.”
Griffin slapped five with teammate Braylon Bishop after crossing home plate before commencing a celebratory handshake with Yordany De Los Santos (PIT No. 16) that concluded with the classic game. After drawing even with paper, De Los Santos got the best of Griffin -- crushing his scissors with the superior rock.
“Me and Yordany, we have a really good relationship, both being infielders,” the 19-year-old said. "We try to keep the game fun, and we came up with some fun handshakes. Just try to enjoy it, 'cause it can be a lot of ups and downs and it can be mentally draining. But we’re just having fun, and trying to win games with your guys is always a good time.”
Griffin has been on a feverish tear lately. MLB's No. 40 prospect has sent three of his six extra-base hits in the past five games over the fence while tallying seven RBIs over that span. In his first taste of professional ball, he's amassed a slash line of .265/.333/.851 with an OPS of .882, 11 stolen bases and 19 runs scored.
“I give a lot of credit to the hitting staff here at the Bradenton Marauders,” Griffin said. “They always have a great plan for us, just going up there, trusting the skills, trusting the work that we’ve put in.”