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Long-suffering Seattle Mariners fans can agree on this: One of the major highlights of the franchise's history was the back-to-back home runs hit by Ken Griffey Jr. and his dad, Ken Griffey Sr., during the 1990 season.

They were the first father and son to play in the major leagues at the same time -- and on the same team to boot -- in the 1990 and 1991 seasons.

Fast forward several years and Senior has long-since retired. Junior is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, the team for which his father played in the 1970s as a member of the storied "Big Red Machine."

Now there's talk Junior may be coming back to Seattle. He has publicly stated he'd like to finish his career on the same team with which he started it, and it could happen. He was overwhelmed by his hero's welcome at Safeco Field last season when the Reds played the Mariners in interleague play. Now, the Seattle front office has shown at least some interest in having him retire as a Mariner.

When it might happen is anyone's guess. Cincinnati officials reportedly want him to hit his 600th career homer in their team's uniform. As of this writing Griffey is stuck on 597, his last round-tripper coming on April 23.

The practical side might lead one to question the value of acquiring an injury-prone, 38-year-old outfielder, though there's still some pop in his bat. This would be a sentimental journey back to a franchise and a ballpark he wasn't too keen on playing in when he left for Cincinnati.

In this case, though, there are intangibles that blur practicality.

The return of Ken Griffey Jr. would be a tremendous lift to what so far is a dismal and disappointing Mariners season. He has been a role model for Major League Baseball throughout his impressive career, as a player and family man. What a morale boost he would be in the local clubhouse.

But let common sense rule to the point that the M's mortgage no significant part of their future to get one player. Seattle gave up some solid baseball talent to land Erik Bedard in the starting pitcher rotation, and the jury is still out on whether it was a good investment.

But as long as both Griffey and the Mariners brass keep focused and realistic, why not swing the deal? It would be a fitting homecoming for a future Hall of Famer who began his career as a Mariner who subsequently defined the franchise.