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Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates recently apologized to pitcher Braxton Ashcraft after a mistake during a game that led to multiple runs. Despite being a top prospect, Griffin is learning to navigate the challenges of the big leagues.
(Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
Whenever a prospect comes up in Major League Baseball, thereâs typically a learning curve for everyone involved.
Thatâs been the case for Konnor Griffin and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as Griffin has had to adjust to new teammates, get his first taste of the big leagues, and try to succeed while being one of the top prospects in baseball. Thatâs not to say Griffin has been perfect to start the year, but heâs done an impressive job for a rookie by being accountable and willing to take ownership when things donât go as planned.
That was the case in a recent game, when Griffin attempted to turn a double play but ended up spiking the ball, leading to multiple runs. Instead of dwelling on the mistake, he went up to his pitcher, Braxton Ashcraft, and apologized.
The important part of this situation is how Ashcraft handled it. He could have been frustrated about giving up runs that werenât entirely his fault, but thatâs part of the game. Instead of making it a bigger issue, he kept things in perspective and supported his teammate.
âI mean, we talked about it and he came up and said, âHey man, Iâm sorry.â I said, âNever apologize to me for the plays you make. Nobody questions the effort you put in, nobody questions the process that you have throughout your work.â And then he comes back and the next at-bat or the second at-bat after that and hits a triple," Ashcraft said.
"Thatâs a testament to the professional that he is and the way that he goes about his work and again, he won a Gold Glove in the minor leagues, which is a really hard thing to do. I know that he expects himself to make that play, but again, itâs baseball. Baseball happens. That wasnât an easy play, at all and itâs part of the game, itâs part of how we go about our process and for him to go out and contribute immediately to the team and to be able to give us a chance to win after that. I mean, if I donât put two guys on base, that play never happens in the first place.â
Itâs always good to hear veterans step up for younger players in moments like this. There are teams around Major League Baseball where a mistake like that could become a much bigger issue, but the Pirates seem to have matured as a group. Whether thatâs due to added veteran presence or early success keeping things steady, itâs clearly making a difference.
Konnor Griffin spiked the ball while attempting to turn a double play, which resulted in multiple runs.
Griffin took accountability for his error and apologized to his pitcher, Braxton Ashcraft.
As a rookie, Griffin is adjusting to new teammates and the pressures of being one of the top prospects in baseball.

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