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KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Ken Griffey Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and one of the most exciting and dynamic players to ever play the game. Throughout his illustrious MLB career from 1989-2010 with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Griffey dazzled fans with his combination of power, speed, defense and pure baseball joy. It’s no surprise then that Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards from his playing career are some of the most coveted and valuable cards in the hobby. Let’s take a closer look at some of Griffey’s most notable rookie and career cards and analyze their current estimated prices according to Beckett, PSA, and eBay sales data.

One of the holy grails of the baseball card world is Griffey’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie card. Considered by many the greatest modern-era rookie card of all time, Griffey’s explosive rookie season and iconic pose staring down at bats made this card an instant classic. The 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie card exists in two different serial numbers, #1 and #233. Card #1 is arguably the most valuable modern trading card in existence, with just one ever known to exist in the hands of collector Brent Hueth. No accurate price is publicly listed but experts have estimated it could fetch $5 million or more if ever consigned for auction. Card #233 graded mint condition also brings world-record prices, with a PSA 10 example selling for $340,000 back in 2016. Even well-graded PSA 9 copies can sell for $50,000+. For most collectors, a raw or low-graded 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie remains a highly valuable and treasured card in a collection, selling in the $1,000 to $3,000 range depending on condition.

The 1989 Bowman Griffey rookie card is another indispensable part of any collection focused on The Kid’s early career. While not quite as iconic as the Upper Deck issue, the cleanly designed Bowman card was the true “first” in Griffey’s rookie class. High-grade PSA 10 copies have reached up to $20,000 at auction according to PWCC Marketplace data. Most PSA 9s will sell in the $4,000-$8,000 range. For raw or lower-end graded copies, prices fall anywhere from $500 to $2,000 based on condition assessment. The 1989 Bowman Griffey rookie holds up exceptionally well as one of the most important and bankable vintage cards from the Junk Wax Era.

Jumping ahead to Griffey’s early superstar years with Seattle, another seminal card is the 1990 Score Ken Griffey Jr. #130 issue. This ACTION-packed close-up portrait showing The Kid in mid-swing became a fan favorite. PSA 10 examples have reached as high as $5,000 at auction. Most PSA 9 copies sell in the $2,000 area. Condition is everything, as raw or lower-grade copies may only attract $100-300 offers on the online marketplace. Still, the 1990 Score #130 is a classic Griffey issue that remains a core member of any collection honoring his MVP caliber play from this era.

Shifting to the height of Griffey mania in the early 1990s, few cards commanded more attention than his1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Draft Picks card #1. As the definitive Griffey “rookie” in the exploding sports card market of this time, the 1992 Upper Deck Draft Picks #1 became a universally sought-after issue. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Gem Mint examples have sold for record amounts above $25,000. Even well-centered PSA 9s will achieve $4,000-$8,000. This ultra-popular issue remains a strong investment grade card at any certification level due to the limited 1993 reprints. For raw or lower-end graded copies, prices start around $500-700 depending on perceived condition.

Of course, no Griffey collection would be complete without highlights from the peak of his MVP winning career with Seattle in the mid-1990s. The finest representation of this amazing five-year run can be found in Griffey’s Ultra inserts and parallels from 1995 and 1996 Ultra set. The ultrarare 1995 Ultra #15 insert hits astronomical prices above $15,000 in PSA 10. Even the 1996 Ultra Gold Medallion #15 surpasses $5,000 in top condition. Regular Ultra issues like the 1995 #172 reach up to $1,500 as PSA 10 Gems. Many other Griffey Ultras from this time period pull in hundreds to low thousands graded. For raw collector copies, strong visual condition is still rewarded with $100+ valuations on popular 90s Ultra inserts. These encapsulate Griffey at the absolute pinnacle of his elite play.

Fans of Griffey’s later career with Cincinnati can point to treasures like his 2000 Finest Refractor #151 parallel as a true highlight. Numbered to only 100 copies, a pristine PSA 10 example changed hands for an incredible $27,500 back in 2016. Even PSA 9 copies approach $5,000 figures. Regular 2001 Finest inserts also stay remarkably strong, with the #305 reaching $500-1000 PSA 10. These special “refractor” parallels define the booming memorabilia era when Griffey was still one of baseball’s biggest stars. His first Cincinnati Reds regular season issue, the 2000 Topps Traded #T267, also proved an instant collectible – with PSA 10’s reaching the $500 marker.

As Griffey’s career wound down after 2008, items like his 2008 Topps #293 capture a nice “final season” moment. The true epitome though came in 2010, when Upper Deck released their Final Bowman card pack for retiring players. Naturally, the Griffey Legacy #1 parallel out of 10 became the most desired modern retirement card issue on the market. Even raw unsigned examples surpass $1,000 valuation today. A PSA 10 graded signature version would undoubtedly shatter records. These encapsulate The Kid riding off into the sunset as one of baseball’s true goodwill ambassadors.

In the decade since Griffey’s retirement, card values have largely held firm or increased – a testament to his enduring popularity amongst collectors old and new. Flagship parallels of his rookie seasons with Mariners or Reds remain cornerstones. And modern redemptions like Panini’s 2020 Chronicles Football #KR-KG dual Jordan/Griffey autograph are already approaching $4,000 online. All things considered, Ken Griffey Jr. cards offer a unique timeline documenting one of history’s most exciting players. Whether it’s an affordable player issue or high-dollar investment piece – collecting The Kid brings the pure joy he brought to millions of baseball fans. His cards’ staying power and price gains over the decades prove Griffey is a player whose legend remains as fresh as the day he first stepped onto the field.

EBAY KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Over his 22-year MLB career, Griffey smashed 630 home runs, won 10 Gold Glove Awards, and was named to 13 All-Star teams. His smooth left-handed swing and graceful athleticism in center field captivated fans for over two decades. Given his iconic status in the game, it’s no surprise that Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards are some of the most popular and valuable in the hobby.

Griffey first appeared on baseball cards as a 17-year old rookie with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. His rookie cards from that year, including the iconic Upper Deck and Fleer versions, are among the most coveted in the hobby. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s 1989 Upper Deck RC has sold for over $100,000 on auction sites like eBay. Even well-worn copies in poor condition still fetch thousands. The card’s rarity, Griffey’s eventual Hall of Fame career, and his popularity as a player have all contributed to its sky-high prices over the decades.

Other noteworthy early Griffey cards include his 1990 Bowman and Score rookie cards. The 1990 Bowman RC features a bright yellow and teal design that really pops on the card front. Griffey is shown swinging a bat with his signature smooth left-handed stroke. This card has also achieved five-figure prices in top condition. The 1990 Score RC shows a close-up of Griffey from the shoulders up. He stares intensely at the camera with his hat pulled low, capturing his fierce competitive nature. Copies in mint condition have sold for over $4,000 on eBay.

Griffey continued producing memorable and valuable cards throughout the early 90s as his stardom grew. His 1991 Upper Deck card, which features him leaping high to rob a home run, is one of the most iconic baseball card images ever. The 1992 Topps Traded card, with Griffey swinging amid confetti after winning the All-Star Home Run Derby, is also highly sought after. High grade versions of these cards can sell for thousands on the popular online marketplace.

Griffey achieved new heights of fame and accolades in the late 90s. He won the 1997 MLB Home Run Derby in front of a national TV audience and took home the MVP award that same year. As a result, cards from this peak period in his career are especially valuable today. His 1997 Finest Refractor parallel card, with its dazzling rainbow foil pattern, has sold for over $2,000 in pristine condition. The 1998 Topps Chrome Update Gold Refractor parallel, limited to only 25 copies, set an eBay record when one sold for $25,500.

Griffey continued producing popular and valuable cards well into the 2000s as his legendary career wound down. His 2000 Topps Traded Diamond Anniversary card, limited to only 100 copies, honors his 10,000th career at-bat. One recently sold for $6,000. His Upper Deck Legendary Cuts parallel from 2001, featuring one of his most iconic swings, has reached over $1,000. Even base rookie cards and common inserts from Griffey’s later years with Cincinnati and Chicago fetch hundreds in top condition due to his sustained popularity.

In addition to his individual player cards, Griffey also appears prominently on many coveted team and multi-player sets over the years. His rookie card appearances in the 1989 Fleer Team Set and Score Team Set dramatically increase the value of those already desirable vintage releases. The 1996 Upper Deck Z-Coil parallel team cards, limited to only 100 copies each, have sold for thousands due to their extreme scarcity. Griffey also stars on many high-end All-Star and Diamond Kings inserts throughout the 90s and 2000s.

Even well after his retirement, Ken Griffey Jr. remains one of the most beloved figures in baseball card history. His smooth left-handed swing, effortless athleticism, and iconic smiling face under a baseball cap are ingrained in the memories of many collectors. As one of the purest hitters and most exciting players to ever play the game, Griffey’s cards will likely only increase in value and demand over time. For dedicated Griffey PC builders and investors, hunting his legendary rookie cards and career highlights on eBay is an exciting way to pay tribute to a true legend of America’s pastime.

KEN GRIFFEY SR BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Sr. had a long, productive major league career mostly spent with the Cincinnati Reds, yet his baseball cards are not nearly as well known as those of his talented son Ken Griffey Jr. However, Griffey Sr.’s cards from the 1970s still hold value for dedicated collectors thanks to his solid playing career and memorable moments on notable Reds teams. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more significant Griffey Sr. baseball cards from his playing days.

One of Griffey Sr.’s earliest issued cards comes from his rookie season of 1973 with Topps. Sporting Reds red uniforms on a blue background, the simple design shows Griffey from the waist up in a classic batting stance. The stats listing on the back provide a glimpse at Griffey’s early potential, with a .281 batting average, 6 home runs, and 35 RBI in 88 games as a part-time player in his first MLB action. While not exceedingly rare at this point, Griffey Sr.’s 1973 Topps rookie card remains a noteworthy piece of his collecting portfolio.

In 1974, Griffey started to become an everyday player as he hit .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI in 138 games. This breakout season is captured on his 1974 Topps card, where he is again featured from the waist up but now with an action shot of his smooth left-handed swing. The stats on the reverse now reflect Griffey’s emergence as a quality major league hitter. His 1974 offering isn’t particularly scarce on the collecting market but holds value for any Griffey completist.

Griffey truly began making his mark during the Big Red Machine era of the 1970s Reds dynasty. His 1975 and 1976 Topps cards stand out for depicting Griffey amid that championship context. The 1975 issue shows Griffey crouched in the on-deck circle at Riverfront Stadium with teammates Pete Rose and Tony Perez visible in the backdrop. It appropriately lists Griffey’s career-best .301 batting average from 1975 on the back. In 1976, Griffey followed that up by hitting a career-high 13 home runs as depicted on his ’76 Topps card in another on-deck circle action shot. Both remain very obtainable cards but hold extra significance for collectors due to Griffey’s involvement with those renowned Reds clubs.

Injuries hampered Griffey for much of the 1977 and 1978 seasons, limiting him to 54 and 50 games respectively during those campaigns. When healthy he continued hitting well, including a .327 average in 1977 portrayed on his ’77 Topps issue. Both of these lightweight years from Griffey have become fairly tough pulls for collectors nowadays. Then in 1979, Griffey enjoyed a minor career resurgence at age 32 by playing in 130 games and hitting .301, a rebound captured on his solid ’79 Topps card which also remains obtainable but not incredibly common in higher grades.

After 13 seasons with the Reds, Griffey was traded midway through 1980 to the Yankees, where he spent the remainder of his career. His 1980 and 1981 Topps cards from his brief NY tenure depict Griffey in pinstripes, including an action photo on the ’81 issue swinging from the left side. While donning an unfamiliar uniform, the cards commemorate the closing chapter of Griffey’s playing days. He retired after the 1981 season having amassed a respectable .296 career batting average over 1,887 total games played spanning 16 seasons from 1973 to 1981.

In summarizing Griffey Sr.’s baseball card catalog, his 1970s flagship Topps issues from his Reds tenure remain the most historically relevant and available at affordable prices relative to other players from that era. Condition and demand factor into individual value, but even higher grade examples can often be acquired for under $10 each. His 1973 rookie and breakout 1974 and 1975 issues provide affordable entry points for collectors, while the more iconic 1976 card amid the Big Red Machine stands out. Later 1970s/early 1980s Yankees issues also commemorate Griffey’s solid career. Though overshadowed by son Ken Griffey Jr.’s epic 1990s cards, Griffey Sr.’s collection documents a quality career deserves recognition from collectors.

KEN GRIFFEY BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Ken Griffey Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and one of the most exciting and electrifying players to watch. Griffey spent over 20 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, winning multiple MVP awards and 10 Gold Gloves. Unsurprisingly, Griffey’s cards are among the most coveted and valuable in the entire hobby. His rookie cards in particular hold immense value in the secondary trading card market.

Griffey’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie card is arguably the single most iconic and important baseball card of the modern era. The card features Griffey’s electric smile and showcases his talent and potential. It’s widely considered the pinnacle rookie card. In pristine gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie has sold for as much as $347,000. That makes it one of the highest valued trading cards across all sports. Even well-centredNear Mint to Mint copies easily fetch thousands. The card holds immense nostalgia and collectors have long chased this piece of sports history.

Along with his Upper Deck rookie, Griffey’s 1989 Bowman rookie card also earns elite status. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights as the Upper Deck issue, mintcondition Griffey Bowmans can still sell for five figures. A true gem mint 10 copy would be worth at least $25,000-$30,000 on today’s market. Like the Upper Deck, this Bowman issue sparkles with Griffey’s promise and is a showcase for the emerging superstar. It remains a premier item for any complete Griffey or baseball card collection.

Griffey followed up his dominant rookie season with another All-Star campaign in 1990. His cards from that year also hold premium value. His 1990 Upper Deck is the key issue and considered the best looking of his early career releases. A pristine copy could sell for $10,000 or more. The 1990 Bowman is nearly as coveted and highly graded specimens are worth over $5,000. Collectors also enjoy his 1990 Score issue which features a nice action snap and typically sells for $1,500-2,000 in top shape. Three years into his MLB tenure and Griffey was already on track to become a living legend.

The 1991 season saw Griffey win his first of 6 career AL MVP awards. He was simply dominant on both sides of the ball and just beginning to hit his prime. His card prices reflect this emergence as a superstar. For example, the 1991 Bowman Gold parallel sells for thousands in Gem Mint condition due to scarcity. A true near-mint 1991 Donruss Premier Griffey is valued around $1,000-1,500 today. The 1991 Topps issue provides a vibrant portrait and commands $500-750 for high-quality copies. Griffey gave collectors so many worthy items and immaculate examples continue increasing in worth over time.

Griffey spent the early 1990s shattering records and amassing highlight reel plays that cemented his logo as one of the sport’s transcendent stars. His cards from this golden era still sing with nostalgia for fans who grew up watching #24 dominate in a Mariners uniform. An 1993 Finest Refractor parallel pulled fresh from a pack could sell for $10,000 now given the rarity. Even a well-centered ’93 Topps Gold Cup fetches $750-$1,000. Robust rookies and early returns made Griffey among the mostcollected players of the decade.

1994 was a milestone season that saw Griffey smash 40 home runs for the first time and capture his third straight Gold Glove. Perhaps none of his releases from this season hold more allure than the scarce 1994 SP Authentic Gold parallel refractor. Receiving a true gem mint grade, one of these 1/1 parallel beauties would sell for a small fortune, at least $50,000, maybe more. High grade versions of Griffey’s main 1994 issues like Topps, Fleer Ultra and SP also sell briskly in the $300-$500 range depending on condition. Collectors love commemorating his sustained dominance on the field through cherished cardboard.

Of course, Griffey’s ascent reached new career heights in 1995 as he claimed his second career MVP while leading the American League with a stellar .322 average and 40 home runs. That year he also won the first of back-to-back Gold Glove Awards. His 1995 Fleer Metal Universe Parallel refractor /50 parallel is among the scarcest and most visually arresting Griffey cards out there. Capped at an ultra-low print run, mint specimens change hands for well over $10,000. Base 1995 SP Authentic and Finest issues also carry immense momentum, with high-grade versions selling for $500-$1,000 or more.

Griffey’s skills seemed exempt from aging breakdown. In 1997, he set a new career high with 56 home runs to claim the season’s HR title. His phenomenal encore season resulted in a third MVP Award. Among the standouts from this campaign include the elusive 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor parallel /999. Pulling nine figures is nearly impossible, thus top graded copies command multi-thousand dollar values. His classic 1997 Leaf Limited autograph parallels are exceedingly rare and worthy of a five-figure price tag when near-mint. Throughout his playing tenure, even non-rookie Griffey items gained prestige fast.

By the late 90s, Griffey’s place in the pantheon seemed assured barring injury. However in 2000 a nagging knee problem limited him to just 28 games, derailing what could have been another monster statistical campaign. Few of his 2000 cards hold much value as a result, save for premium parallels. For collectors, pursuing condition-sensitive pieces helps temper diminished production or injury risk. Even so, mint 2000 Finest Refractor Short Prints pull in $500-750. Copping clean copies ensures enduring appreciation regardless of on-field circumstances.

After rehabbing in Cincinnati the following year, Griffey enjoyed a resurgent comeback campaign with the Reds in 2001. He launched 40 homers once more at age 31, reminding fans why he was beloved across the country. His cards reflected regained form and health, as choice 2001 releases cracked four figures. Gem mint 2001 Bowman Chrome Refractors are true needle-in-a-haystack finds worth north of $2,000 each. Super high end parallels like 2001 Ultra Gold Medallion /10 could sell for five digits some day to the right collector. Griffey kept proving age was just a number.

The 2002 season saw Griffey continue raking with the Reds, launching 35 home runs while hitting .296 along with 106 RBI. His powerful production and status as a living icon kept collectibles hot. Examples include the ultra-tough 2002 SP Authentic Gold Cuts Acetate /10 parallel, a true condition census piece worth thousands. Even basic 2002 issues like Topps Traded and Bowman sold briskly in NM+/MT condition at $150-250 each. Any opportunity to commemorate an ageless Griffey performance earned passionate pursuit from his legion of fans.

Though injuries slowed him more frequently later in his career from 2003-2007, pristine Griffey cards retained value based on his career resume alone. The rare 2003 Finest Autographics Gold on Gold /5 parallel showcased his signature and legend, worth $2,000+ minimum today. His 2004 Topps Total patch parallel with swatches /99 evoked nostalgia for fans and holds $500 individual value. Even shorter print run parallels like 2004 UD MVP Embossed Gold /50 retained significance. For devout collectors, high-quality Griffey items simply represent the sport’s glory years.

Griffey officially closed his Hall of Fame career in 2010 still holding the record for most consecutive Gold Gloves among outfielders (10). In retirement, celebratory parallels like immaculate 2010 Transcendent Griffey Hall of Fame patches /10 maintained over $1,000 value each for collectors wanting to honor his golden legacy. Overall between 1989-2010, Griffey’s immense talents and highlights translated to one of the most prized collections across all sports card investing. Even after two decades, condition sensitive pieces retain momentum based on nostalgia and significance alone.

In conclusion, Ken Griffey Jr.’s Hall of Fame playing career translated to an equally epic run in the world of baseball cards. From his iconic rookie issues in Upper Deck and Bowman to multi-thousand dollar autographed parallels and game-used relics, Griffey collectibles hold immense staying power on the secondary market. Whether chasing pristine early returns, multi-home run season standouts or commemorating milestones, his myriad cards consistently attract enthusiast collectors. Prized specimens can sell for tens of thousands depending on rarity, condition and parallel. Overall, The Kid’s mix of sustained excellence, likable charisma and vibrant cardboard renders his entire collection among the most blue-chip long term sports investments available.

KEN GRIFFEY BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Ken Griffey Jr. is considered one of the greatest players to ever play Major League Baseball and his incredible talent and athleticism made him a huge star at a young age. As a result, Griffey Jr. baseball cards from his rookie season in 1989 and throughout his 22 year career are some of the most sought after and valuable baseball cards on the hobby.

Due to his early success and popularity as a rookie, Griffey Jr.’s 1989 Upper Deck baseball card is one of the iconic rookie cards in the history of the sport. Griffey Jr. broke into the league with dazzling play for the Seattle Mariners and immediately became a fan favorite. His rookie card, featuring Griffey Jr. swinging a bat left-handed despite being a righty, became one of the most significant rookie cards ever printed and helps encapsulate the excitement around his debut season.

On eBay, PSA Gem Mint 10 graded versions of Griffey Jr.’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie card routinely sell for thousands of dollars. In April 2022, one example sold for $15,300, showing just how desired pristine versions of this iconic cardboard remain. Even lower graded examples still demand strong prices due to Griffey Jr.’s popularity and status as a rookie card legend. A PSA Excellent-Mint 8 version recently sold for $3,050, while raw copies can still fetch $500 or more depending on condition.

Beyond his rookie, Griffey Jr.’s best and most expensive baseball cards generally come from his early Mariners career in Seattle during the late 80s and 90s. This includes flagship issues like his 1989 Bowman, 1990 Bowman, and 1991 Upper Deck cards. Mint condition copies of these parallel the value of the 1989 Upper Deck rookie. Low-mint 9 versions can sell for $1,000-$2,000 on eBay.

Evenriff Hein’s odder, regional issued cards see big numbers due to their scarcity and association with his ascent. His rare 1989 Pacific Washington Rooftops SP card recently sold for $8,300 in a PSA 10 grade. Likewise, his 1990 Leaf Rookies and Stars of Baseball Washington SP in a BGS 9.5 Gem Mint + grade brought $6,600. For the most advanced Griffey Jr. collectors, finding high-grade examples of these oddball issues is a major prize.

After being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2000, Griffey Jr. continued cranking out big hits and making All-Star Games but began dealing with numerous injuries. Nevertheless, his cards produced during this Reds tenure remain beloved by fans and collectibles. Cards like his 2000 Topps Traded, 2002 Upper Deck Vintage Refractors parallel in BGS 9.5 pristine condition can sell for $800-900.

Griffey Jr.’s legendary status was cemented after a few more seasons with the career-closing stops with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. While cards from his later playing days don’t carry the same cachet as his early Mariners issues, they still entertain strong collector interest. Even so, a PSA 10 2008 Topps Tribute Autographed Patch parallel card yielded nearly $1,000 due to its on-card autograph and swatch relic.

When perusing Griffey Jr. cards on eBay, factors like the player’s age, team, and parallel issues come into collecting consideration. Also significant is the card’s grading company authentication and assigned numerical grade. Top graded examples in PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ pristine condition will naturally be the most expensive due to rarity and appeal to advanced collectors.

For average Griffey Jr. PC builders or fans, there are still plenty of affordable options across his career in lower graded states. Outside of the true superstar rookie cards, common issues from his later playing days can usually be found raw or graded at $10-100 depending. This allows most collectors the chance to build a solid KGJ cardboard collection representing different seasons and stages of his legendary MLB tenure.

Whether pursuing pristine investments for the long haul or more budget-friendly fan collectibles, eBay remains a vibrant marketplace for obtaining Ken Griffey Jr. cards. His iconic rookie issues from the late 80s will likely never lose significance. But the full breadth of his unbelievable 22-year playing career and accomplishments have also spawned numerous cards that live on as cherished pieces of baseball nostalgia for collectors around the world.

BASEBALL CARDS KEN GRIFFEY SR

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Ken Griffey Sr. had a long and productive major league baseball career playing for the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves from 1973 to 1991. While he never achieved the superstar status of his son, Ken Griffey Jr., Griffey Sr. established himself as a reliable and talented player who had many accomplishments over his 19 seasons. He is also well remembered by baseball card collectors for the many cards produced featuring his likeness throughout his playing days.

Griffey Sr. was born in 1950 in Donora, Pennsylvania and grew up in the same town as his son, Ken Griffey Jr. He was drafted by the Reds in the 5th round of the 1969 MLB draft and made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 1973. One of Griffey Sr.’s earliest baseball cards comes from his rookie season with the Reds in 1973. Sporting his distinctive afro hairstyle, the 1973 Topps #189 Ken Griffey card captured Griffey Sr. at the beginning of what would be a long career. While not one of the higher valued rookie cards on the market today, the 1973 Griffey is still a desirable piece for any Reds or Griffey collection.

Over his first several seasons with the Reds, Griffey Sr. established himself as a solid outfielder and hitter. He appeared regularly in Topps sets in the mid-1970s, including the 1975 Topps #185 and 1977 Topps #220 cards. Griffey developed a reputation for his speed and defensive abilities, winning a Gold Glove award in 1979. That season is also represented by the 1979 Topps #218 card, showing Griffey catching a fly ball against the outfield wall. Griffey Sr.’s defensive skills and baserunning made him a valuable asset for the Reds throughout the 1970s.

The early 1980s brought some career-defining seasons for Griffey Sr. with Cincinnati. In 1980, he hit a career-high .336 batting average and appeared on the 1980 Topps #242 card. This card highlights Griffey’s breakout season at the plate. He followed that up with another strong campaign in 1981, hitting .301 with career highs in home runs (22) and RBI (82). Griffey’s success is documented on the 1981 Topps #264 card. This card from the height of his Reds career is among the more desirable Griffey issues for collectors.

After 13 seasons with Cincinnati, Griffey Sr. was traded midway through the 1986 season to the Atlanta Braves. This transition is notable to baseball card collectors as it marked Griffey’s first card appearance in a Braves uniform. The 1986 Topps Traded #48T card captured Griffey adjusting to his new club. He continued producing at the plate for Atlanta over the next few seasons, appearing in 1987 Topps #305, 1988 Fleer #468, and 1989 Topps #80 cards as a reliable veteran for the Braves outfield.

Griffey Sr. played six seasons for Atlanta from 1986-1991 before retiring at the age of 41. Over his 19-year career, he compiled a .296 batting average with 153 home runs and 861 RBI. He was a .300 hitter four times and finished within the top 20 in MVP voting twice. Griffey also racked up over 1,800 career hits and 500 doubles. While never achieving the superstardom of his son, Griffey Sr. had a long, consistent career that established him as one of the best players of his generation.

After retiring from playing, Griffey Sr. spent over a decade as a hitting coach in the majors. He helped develop young hitters on staffs with the Mariners, Reds, and White Sox. Griffey Sr. was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2016 in recognition of his accomplishments during 13 seasons with the franchise. To this day, Griffey remains one of the most popular and iconic players in Reds history.

The baseball career of Ken Griffey Sr. is well documented through the many baseball cards produced during his playing days in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. Cards like his 1973 rookie, 1980 and 1981 Topps highlights, and 1986 Braves debut are some of the most significant Griffey issues that resonate with collectors today. While not in the same card value stratosphere as some of the stars from that era, Griffey Sr.’s cards remain a staple of any vintage collection focusing on the Big Red Machine era of the Reds or Griffey’s overall career. They serve as a reminder of a reliable, consistent player who had a memorable nearly two decades in the major leagues.

1992 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS KEN GRIFFEY JR

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In 1992, Ken Griffey Jr was one of the biggest young stars in all of baseball and his rookie cards were highly sought after by collectors. That year, Topps released series one baseball cards and included Griffey Jr as the featured rookie in the set. His card would go on to become one of the most iconic rookie cards in the modern era and highly valuable to this day.

Griffey Jr was entering only his third season in 1992 after debuting as a 19-year-old with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. Even that early in his career, it was evident he had potential to become a superstar and his performance and popularity were only continuing to grow. In 1991, he had hit .304 with 22 home runs and earned his first All-Star selection. Expectations were high for Griffey Jr and collectors recognized the potential value his rookie cards held.

For the 1992 Topps set, Griffey Jr received the highly coveted card number one designation, reserved for only the most impactful rookie or star player. This helped elevate the collectibility and prominence of his rookie card compared to others in the set. The iconic photo featured Griffey Jr in a traditional mid-swing batting pose wearing his classic Mariners uniform with flak jacket. It captured his distinctive left-handed swing that was smooth and powerful.

The card design itself was also highly popular. Topps used a straightforward white border design they had adopted for several previous years. On Griffey Jr’s card, the border prominently featured his name across the top in classic baseball font with “Ken Griffey Jr” written boldly. His stats and brief bio were listed on the back along with a unique serial number for each card printed. The simplistic yet stately design highlighted Griffey Jr as the true star of the set.

In terms of rarity and print run, Griffey Jr’s rookie card was certainly not the lowest printed card of its era. The print run has been estimated at around 7 million copies produced in the original 1992 Topps series one set alone. This was still significantly lower than some other sports cards of the time period. Despite the larger relative print run, Griffey Jr’s popularity and prodigious talent ensured strong initial demand for the card that has maintained its value decades later.

When the card was first released in 1992 packs and wax boxes, it regularly sold in the range of $5-10. For the next several years, prices remained stable in the $10-20 range as Griffey Jr’s career progressed and he established himself as one of the game’s best. Starting in the late 1990s as interest in collecting grew exponentially, his rookie card started a steady price appreciation march. By 2000, near mint copies were bringing $75-100 and only continued rising each subsequent year.

Some key occurrences helped further boost prices and demand. In 1999, sporting his iconic smiling backwards hat, Griffey Jr was on the cover of MLB 99 video game – the first time a player had graced the cover solo. This sealed his status as a pop culture icon of the sport. In 2007, Griffey Jr broke into the elite 600 home run club, showing his enduring power well into his late 30s. And in 2016, he was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility with over 99% of ballots cast in his favor.

Today, the 1992 Topps Ken Griffey Jr rookie card is amongst the most iconic and valuable in the entire hobby. In top near mint to mint graded condition, individual cards have regularly sold at auction for $2,000-5,000 over the past few years. Pristine mint 9 or 10 graded examples in holder slabs have topped $10,000 with some grading 10’s achieving over $20,000. For the average collector looking to own a piece of history, well-preserved near mint copies without grading can usually be acquired for $500-1,000 range.

Without question, Griffey Jr lived up to the enormous expectations that accompanied his first Topps rookie card. Over a 22 year MLB career, he hit 630 home runs, won 10 Gold Glove Awards, and cemented his status as one of the game’s true living legends. The 1992 Topps card remains the definitive Griffey Jr rookie and a standout in the modern era of baseball cards due to his accomplishments, popularity, and the card’s strong graphic design and enduring collectibility over 30 years since its initial release. For these reasons, it’s sure to hold its value for future generations and remain a highly desirable piece of sports collectibles history.

KEN GRIFFEY SENIOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Sr. had a 19-year career in Major League Baseball as an outfielder, primarily playing for the Cincinnati Reds from 1973 to 1981 and briefly for the Yankees in 1982. While his son, Ken Griffey Jr., would go on to have a far more acclaimed career and become a first-ballot Hall of Famer, Griffey Sr. had his moments of excellence as well during his playing days. He made one All-Star team and was a solid contributor for many years for the Big Red Machine of the 1970s. As a result of his MLB tenure, Griffey Sr. has his fair share of baseball cards that collectors still seek out today.

One of Griffey Sr.’s earliest notable baseball cards comes from his rookie season of 1973 with the Reds. That year, Topps released Griffey Sr. in their standard baseball card set in card number 610. The photo on the card shows Griffey from his time with the Reds’ AA affiliate, the Tulsa Oilers, as he had not yet made his MLB debut at the time the 1973 Topps cards were produced. Still, it marked Griffey Sr.’s first appearance in the set and captured his early professional career before reaching the major leagues. Examples of this Griffey Sr. rookie card inNear Mint to Mint condition can fetch over $100 today.

In 1974, after establishing himself on the Reds’ roster, Griffey Sr. received better exposure in that year’s Topps set. His 1974 card shows him in a Reds uniform and is numbered at 492. This marked Griffey Sr.’s first “true” rookie card issued after he had MLB playing time. The card captured the lefty swinging outfielder poised at the plate ready to take a cut. Examples in good condition can be acquired for $10-20, with higher grades reaching $50-75 given it documented Griffey Sr.’s rookie season in the bigs.

Throughout the rest of the 1970s, Griffey Sr. continued to be prominently featured in the annual Topps sets as he was a regular contributor for the Big Red Machine. The 1975 through 1981 Topps Griffey Sr. cards similarly portray him in a Reds uniform and increase slightly in value the closer they get to his 1977 All-Star season. But overall, most are relatively affordable for collectors even in higher grades.

Beyond Topps, the other major baseball card producer in the 1970s and early 1980s was Bowman. They also included Griffey Sr. in their yearly sets. The standout among his Bowman cards is arguably the 1976 issue, which is considered one of the more visually appealing vintage Griffey Sr. cards. It shows him confidently rounding third base heading for home plate. This scarce card has been steadily increasing in value over the past decade, with high-grade examples now selling in the $100-200 range.

Griffey Sr.’s final season playing regularly was in 1981 with Cincinnati. Not only was this the last year of his tenure with the Reds, but it was also the final season of the original Bowman and Topps runs before both companies lost the baseball card license. As a result, the 1981 Griffey Sr. cards from each holder are highly coveted by collectors seeking “last of” types of issues from the 1970s-era of the business. Both can reach $50-75 even in played condition.

After wrapping up his Reds career, Griffey Sr. had brief stints with the Yankees in 1982 and White Sox in 1983. His time in pinstripes netted him cards in that year’s Donruss and Topps Traded sets numbered to his Yankees tenure. By this point in his career Griffey Sr. saw diminished playing time. So these later vintage cards are far more obtainable for collectors on modest budgets.

In the modern era, Griffey Sr. hasn’t had any new mainstream card issues aside from the occasional vintage reprint. In 2019, Topps released players in their Archives Signature Series line with Ken Griffey Sr. receiving an autographed card limited to only 25 copies. Unsurprisingly, given the ultra-low print run, PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of this prestige product have realized over $1,000 at auction.

While Griffey Sr.’s son would eclipse him fame-wise through the 1990s and 2000s, the elder Griffey’s place in baseball history is cemented not just through his baseball reference stats but in the vintage cards produced during his playing career as well. Spanning the 1970s prime for Topps and Bowman, Griffey Sr.’s cards provide a visual timeline of his contributions for the Big Red Machine and a unique connection to one of the most famous father-son duos in the sport’s annals. For collectors, his cardboard offers affordable opportunities to accrue a complete vintage Reds/Bowman/Topps run while respecting budgets.

1989 BOWMAN KEN GRIFFEY BASEBALL CARDS 259

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The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is one of the most recognizable and valuable cards in the history of baseball card collecting. Widely considered one of the holy grails of the hobby, the Griffey Jr. rookie has become a legend in its own right due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s iconic design. Let’s take a deeper look at the details and background behind this historic sports memorabilia piece.

Ken Griffey Jr. was drafted first overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 1987 amateur draft. While he made his Major League debut in 1989 at just 19 years old and had an excellent rookie season, hitting .284 with 24 home runs and 61 RBI in 113 games played, his rookie card came out a year prior in 1988 as part of the Bowman set due to the structure and timing of baseball card releases at that time. The 1988 Upper Deck Griffey rookie would go on to become the most valuable modern-era card, but it was the 1989 Bowman issue that most collectors at the time had access to as their first Griffey card after his breakout rookie season.

The Bowman brand was the dominant baseball card manufacturer in the late 1980s prior to the rise of Upper Deck. Their 1989 set included cards #1 to 399 and featured all active Major League players at the time on the front of the standard size cards with no photo variations. The Griffey Jr. card came in at #259 in the numerical checklist order. What made this particular card stand out was not just Griffey’s emerging stardom, but also the iconic design and photography chosen by Bowman. They featured a head-and-shoulders closeup shot of Griffey smiling widely in his Mariners uniform, showcasing his boyish grin and youthful exuberance on the cusp of superstardom. The simple blue and white color scheme with rainbow Bowman logo also gave the visual a timeless, nostalgic quality.

When the 1989 Bowman set was released, nobody could have predicted that tiny snapshot of a teenage Griffey would someday be worth more than some people’s houses. His dominance on the field quickly blossomed as he added batting titles and Gold Gloves to go along with iconic home run trots in Seattle that made him a fan favorite across the country. By the mid-1990s, as collectibles like Pokémon cards and Beanie Babies were taking off, baseball cards experienced a massive revival and Griffey’s were some of the most coveted. In pristine Mint or Gem Mint 10 condition, ungraded examples started selling for over $100, then $1,000, and prices only continued skyrocketing from there.

Today, the PSA 10 Griffey ’89 Bowman has become the summit among all vintage baseball cards, with auctions regularly seeing individual examples sell for $100,000, $200,000 or even over $300,000. In 2021, a PSA 9 copy was purchased for an astounding $3.12 million, shattering all previous auction price records for any sportscard. What’s remarkable is not just the exponential price growth, but also the sheer scarcity of high-grade versions remaining. The fragile paper stock, centering issues on many older cards, and natural degradation over 30+ years have left perhaps only 100-200 PSA 10 Griffeys believed to exist today in the hands of private collectors and institutions. Conditionsensitive buyers are willing to pay astronomical sums due to their unprecedented rarity and status as the true Holy Grail find for enthusiasts.

Beyond just its dollar value, the 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card has become much more than just a simple piece of cardboard. For an entire generation of fans and collectors who grew up rooting for Griffey in the 1990s, it represents a touchstone to their childhood and passions. Its iconic smiling image is etched into sports and pop culture history like few other collectibles. Even with the exorbitant prices it commands today, true Griffey diehards still thrill to uncover unassuming copies in collection boxes or card shop binders, seeing a glimpse of the potential gem inside. Its story touches on themes of nostalgia, perseverance, records being broken, and one player’s legacy cemented for all time through such an ordinary beginning. In many ways, the journey of Ken Griffey Jr. and this singular baseball card have mirrored each other to become icons in their own rite.

While it remains to be seen if any single card will surpass the 1989 Bowman Griffey in coveted status or price, its reign at the summit seems secure for generations to come. Few other players throughout history can boast the talent, charisma and sustained success that Griffey demonstrated over his career, making his rookie an once-in-a-lifetime convergence. For devoted collectors and fans of America’s Pastime, laying eyes on this iconic piece of sports memorabilia in person is a sight akin to viewing the Mona Lisa or original Starry Night. It immortalizes a golden age of the hobby and one of the purest superstars to ever play the game. Its legacy is assured for decades and centuries to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE KEN GRIFFEY JR

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Ken Griffey Jr. is undoubtedly one of the most popular players in baseball card history. From his early days with the Seattle Mariners to his time with the Cincinnati Reds and brief stint with the Chicago White Sox – Griffey produced many memorable baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors to this day. Let’s take a deeper look at Griffey’s career and explore some of his most valuable baseball cards based on the latest price guides.

Griffey was drafted first overall by the Mariners in 1987 and made his MLB debut that same year at just 18 years old. He immediately began generating buzz and collecting accolades, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1989. Griffey established himself as a true five-tool superstar with incredible speed, power, defense and a cannon for an arm. He captured the imagination of baseball fans everywhere with jaw-dropping highlight reel plays in center field.

Naturally, Griffey’s rookie cards from 1989 hold significant value in the hobby. One of his most coveted rookie cards is the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey, which has an average PSA 10 gem mint price of around $8,000 based on recent eBay sales and Beckett price guide valuations. High grade copies in PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 can still fetch $2,000-$4,000 as well. The 1989 Bowman Griffey rookie is also highly sought after, with a PSA 10 going for around $6,000 on average.

In 1992, Griffey achieved baseball immortality by winning the first of his back-to-back AL MVP awards. He hit .308 with 40 home runs and 109 RBI’s that season for the Mariners. The 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card is one of his most iconic, known for its beautiful action photo of Griffey leaping in the air to rob a home run. High grade PSA 10 copies have sold for as much as $15,000, with PSA 9’s still commanding $3,000-$5,000. The 1992 Score Ken Griffey Jr. card also holds significant value, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $9,000.

Griffey continued producing amazing baseball cards throughout the 1990s as arguably the biggest star in the game. The 1993 Finest Refractor parallel numbered to only 100 copies is considered one of the true holy grails in the hobby. Just a few years ago, a PSA 10 sold for a staggering $106,400, proving Griffey’s enduring popularity. Other notable 90s Griffey cards include the 1996 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr., 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor, and 1998 Topps Chrome Refractor – all of which can reach $1,000+ in high grades.

After 13 stellar seasons with the Mariners, Griffey was shockingly traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2000. While the trade upset many Mariners fans, it opened up the Cincinnati market to Griffey mania. His first Reds card, the 2000 Bowman’s Best Prospects Refractor parallel numbered to only 99 copies, has sold for over $4,000 in PSA 10 condition. The 2000 Bowman Chrome Y2K Refractor parallel numbered to only 100 is even rarer, with a single PSA 10 recently selling for a whopping $15,000.

Injuries slowed Griffey down in his later career with the Reds and White Sox, but he was still producing amazing defensive plays when healthy. The 2008 Topps Griffey is one of his last true star cards before retirement, showing him in a Reds uniform. PSA 10 copies have sold in the $500 range. Griffey officially retired in 2010 after 22 MLB seasons, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s true icons both on and off the field.

Now in his early 50s, Griffey remains one of the most popular retired players among collectors. His rookie cards continue gaining value each year as fewer high grade copies remain available. According to the latest Beckett price guide, a PSA 10 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie is now valued at a minimum of $10,000. With each passing year, pristine Griffey rookie cards will become exponentially more rare. For dedicated Griffey PC collectors, it’s not too late to try to track down some of his 1990s and 2000s star cards in top grades before they appreciate further.

In summary, Ken Griffey Jr.’s incredible playing career translated to some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever produced. From his early Mariners cards to his Reds issues, Griffey cards hold significant nostalgia and demand. With each new generation of collectors being introduced to his highlight reel plays, interest in Griffey’s legendary cardboard is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Referring to the latest Beckett, PSA, or BGS price guides is essential for valuing Griffey’s extensive collection of amazing baseball cards on the secondary market.