Ken Griffey Jr. learns that when Willie Mays calls, you pick up

SEATTLE — When a Hall of Fame baseball player calls your phone, you better pick it up. Recent baseball Hall of Famer and Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. found that out the hard way Saturday.

The Mariners celebrated Griffey’s career prior to Saturday’s game, making his No. 24 the first number to be retired by the franchise (other than Jackie Robinson’s No. 42). A number of Seattle sports stars attended, including former Mariners like Alvin Davis and Jay Buhner, as well as football and basketball stars, including Steve Largent and Gary Payton.

The tribute to Griffey also included video of legends who could not attend the ceremony. One of those legends was Willie Mays. Both Mays and Griffey wore No. 24, and it was clear Mays had a big impact on Griffey when he was coming up.

Like all the other stars, Mays congratulated Griffey on his accomplishments. But the San Francisco Giants legend also managed to toss in a little jab at “The Kid” during the tribute.

After congratulating Griffey, Mays said:

Hey man, I called you on the day on the day that you were inducted into the Hall of Fame. I wanted to say congratulations. Pick up the phone and call me anytime you have time.

Upon hearing that message, Griffey immediately pulled out his phone and began scrolling through it, looking for Mays’ number. He then called Mays during the ceremony.

Perhaps looking for a little payback, it appears Mays did not pick up the phone. That didn’t stop Griffey from leaving him a lengthy voicemail about the message on the video board.

None of that conversation was captured by microphones. Whatever Griffey said to Mays will remain between the two.

Again, all of this happened in the middle of Griffey’s number and jersey retirement ceremony. Even Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs, who emceed the event, said the phone call was completely off the cuff and unscripted.

Given the circumstances, it was perhaps not the best time for Griffey to call Mays back. But when Willie Mays scolds you in front of a sold-out stadium, what choice do you have?

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik