Okay, so I’ve been getting into collecting baseball cards lately, and of course, the name Ken Griffey Jr. keeps popping up. He’s a legend! So, I started digging into his “rare” cards, and man, it’s a rabbit hole. Here’s what I’ve been up to:
The Hunt Begins
First, I started with some basic online searches. Just typing in “Ken Griffey Jr. rare cards” to see what would come up. I quickly realized there’s a HUGE range of what people consider “rare.”
I browsed a ton of websites, just trying to get a sense of the market. You wouldn’t believe some of the prices people are asking!
Sorting Through the Cards
I decided I needed to get more organized, So I made a list of some of the most talked-about Griffey Jr. cards:
- 1989 Upper Deck Star Rookie: Seems like everyone mentions this one. It’s iconic, but there are a TON of them out there.
- Other 1989 Rookie Cards: I looked at Donruss, Fleer, and Score – all had Griffey rookies, and some variations are worth more than others.
- Autographed Cards: These get pricey fast. I saw some game-used bat cards with his signature, those are super cool.
- Limited Edition Inserts: Cards from the 90s with special designs, holograms, or serial numbers. these are a lot harder to find.
My First Steps (and Mistakes!)
I found a few local card shops and went in to see what they had. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So many cards, so many prices!
I almost bought a 1989 Upper Deck rookie, but I hesitated. I wanted to do a bit more research first. Glad I did, because I learned about grading – how condition affects the value a lot.
Grading and Condition
I spent a good chunk of time reading about grading companies. Turns out, getting a card professionally graded can make a huge difference in its price. A “mint” condition card is way more valuable than one with creases or worn edges.
I also found out that the 1989 Upper Deck card, has to have a prefect centered hologram on the back to be a high value.
The Search Continues
Right now, I’m still in the learning phase. I’m keeping an eye on online auctions, talking to other collectors, and trying to absorb as much information as I can. I haven’t made any big purchases yet, but I’m getting closer!
It’s a fun hobby, but it definitely takes time and effort to understand the market. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress!
