As the Reds' Ken Griffey Jr. was reaching his 500-home run milestone, we asked readers to compare this achievement to other memorable sports moments, such as Pete Rose's record-setting hit No. 4,192.

Some responses:

I think it is an awesome feat. It is a good feeling that another milestone has come to Cincinnati baseball from one of our own. I just hope that he can stay healthy and get a couple of more years in. I would indeed rank it up there with Pete's hit, as well as Barry Bonds' 73 homers. These kinds of things don't happen all the time.

Brian Conner, Sharonville

Oh, except for those injuries, we would have celebrated his 500th two years ago! Nonetheless, there are only five others who reached this milestone faster. It truly is quite an accomplishment, but it is only a step along the way to greater achievements. Compared with other milestones - Rose's 4,192, etc. - it pales, but only for the time being. He's not finished yet. There are many roads for him to travel before he sleeps.

Steve Casper, Covington

Everyone likes to be a part of history. People will wait in line for hours, even days, to see history in the making. But to be the person creating the event is in itself sobering. Ken Griffey Jr. is one of those people. Yes, he has been on the disabled list more than a few times. However, he has brought to baseball the thrill, momentum and suspense as did Pete Rose with his hit No. 4,192 and Tom Browning with his 1988 perfect game. In a time when there is so much uncertainty, terrorism and war, Griffey's 500th home run is a welcome achievement to be celebrated.

Donna Jennings, Alexandria

I'm not sure if we can rank Junior's quest for 500 with other milestones of professional athletes. Whether it's Tom Browning's perfect game in 1998 or Phil Mickelson's Masters victory at Augusta, each milestone is reached because of that individual's perseverance. It's a personal victory first.

Junior, despite his superstar status, likes to fashion himself as a regular guy. And as regular folks, we hardworking Cincinnatians can probably identify with Junior the most. Whether you are a business professional climbing the corporate ladder or a student trying to make the dean's list, when we finally reach our goals we are on top of the world.

Teresa Stemann, Pleasant Ridge

The thing that should amaze everyone is two of the greatest baseball players are from Cincinnati, and I don't think any city can claim more great baseball players than us. For the fans it has to rank right behind Pete's hit, no question. We are so lucky to get to watch all these men play in this great baseball town. You never realize how much fun these moments are when you watch them with your kids and how you'll always remember them. Thanks, Griff.

Ralph Ossenbeck, Anderson Township

In ranking Griffey's 500th home run, it pales in comparison to many, many other local and national sports milestones, such as Rose's hit No. 4,192, the Reds' sweep of the A's in 1990, or the Bengals' "Freezer Bowl" victory. Griffey has spent only about a third of his career in Cincinnati and has never really become a favorite son - sort of the same path that Tom Seaver took through Reds Country. Griffey grew up here, but he has never come of age with us. Pete Rose, Barry Larkin and Sean Casey were/are original Reds, and for that reason I believe they will always be more popular with the people of Cincinnati.

Bill Brunk, Blue Ash

I am not a professional sports fan. The field has too many overpaid, high-profile people who have no moral commitment to the young people who hold them in high regard. With that said, as Junior accomplishes an incredible feat, I must add my two cents: Cincinnati sports fans, not all but most I know, should not be allowed to share in this young man's joy. How often did we hear people talking about running him out of town when he was getting hurt? Too many. Congratulations, Mr. Griffey, on your accomplishment but don't forget those who couldn't care less about you unless you're on top.

Paul Jones, Green Township

I think the most impressive part of Junior's 500th home run is how fast he accomplished the feat based on how many at-bats it took him (7,321). That's significantly faster than such luminaries as Hank Aaron (8,612), Frank Robinson (8,427) and Reggie Jackson (8,600). Griffey also beats out Ted Williams, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds while essentially tying with Mickey Mantle.

Any ay you slice it, Junior's 500th is very impressive. Easily one of the game's all-time greats!

David Krikorian, Madeira