Mike Griffin was already playing in top baseball leagues for four years, last playing a season in the short-lived Player's League for Philadelphia.  The Outfielder joined Brooklyn in 1891 of the National League, the final team he would play for.

Griffin had a great start with the Bridegrooms, leading the NL in Doubles (36) with 65 Stolen Bases.  Swiping at least 30 Bases each of the next three years, Griffin began a five-year streak in 1894 where he batted at least .300, which concluded in 1898.  To his surprise, Brooklyn merged with Baltimore, and he refused to sign a contract under the new Manager, Ned Harlon.  His contract was sold to Cleveland, who then transferred his contract to St. Louis.  Griffin would never play again but did win a lawsuit against Brooklyn for money he felt owed $2,300.

His end with Brooklyn was not pretty, but his play was solid, with a .305 Batting Average, 1,168 Hits, and 264 Stolen Bases.