Educate me on Griffey Jr. autographs

4barrel · 12-28-2023, 10:38 AM

Educate me some on the ins and outs of Griffey Jr. autograph cards. Is there a particular year or product to stay away from? I don’t normally do baseball, but I have a hankering for a Ken Jr. auto.

mfw13 · 12-28-2023, 10:42 AM

Mariners >>>> Reds

Archangel1775 · 12-28-2023, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfw13

Mariners >>>> Reds

>>>>>>>Post-Career Autographs

But yeah, just buy a Mariners autograph. The odds are against you pulling one.

achantl · 12-28-2023, 10:48 AM

Junior has a beautiful auto and you can't really go wrong with a Junior auto. As a Seattle fan, I'd agree with mfw13 and say an auto in a Mariners uniform is much more desireable than a Reds or White Sox auto. He hasn't signed anything for Topps in the last year, maybe two, but you can find plenty of Griffey autos available. Depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. Panini isn't licensed so those autos tend to carry less value, but depending on budget, might be the most cost effective. I'd prefer an on card auto with a bold auto. Sometimes Junior's auto can get a little streaky. Hope that helps.

4barrel · 12-28-2023, 11:03 AM

Is a playing day pack pulled better than an in person PSA verified rookie?

NYBBFAN · 12-28-2023, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4barrel

Is a playing day pack pulled better than an in person PSA verified rookie?

Every single time.

txrngr34 · 12-28-2023, 01:30 PM

While personal preference should generally guide a collector's collecting habits, if you're looking for something to hold/increase value, then an on-card Mariners auto is probably the best way to go.

He's most well-known as a Mariner despite playing a good chunk of years in his hometown Cincinnati. He's also enshrined in the HOF as a Mariner, further making his Mariner cards more desirable.

Cardsandcoffee · 12-28-2023, 01:56 PM

I agree with looking for a playing days, Mariners Uni auto is the best way to go but there are deals to be had if you are ok with any Griffey auto. I have seen some good deals from his Cincy days.

On a tangent, I did recently pick up a 1996 SPx Auto of Griffey KGA1. Does anyone know anything about the print run of this card? I remember wanting this card as a kid but obviously the 1:2000 pack odds and high price(as a kid) was a deterrent. Such a cool card, one of his first few pack pulled autos. Thanks for any insight in advance

PLB9eight · 12-28-2023, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYBBFAN

Every single time.

I’d take the star rookie over pack pulled

RCCTHREE · 12-28-2023, 04:39 PM

Obviously, it's all personal preference. But definitely look at licensed cards with Mariners logo uniforms if you want to appease the larger Griffey base. I love his auto post career so I've looked at Topps on card autos from around 2010-2016, and there are plenty to choose from! You can also look at rookies from '89 or go wild with the playing days, there were some UD products that were pretty good, oh! And you could go wild with 90's inserts if you want. Just so many ways to take it and it mostly depends on your budget and what you enjoy.

Triple B · 12-29-2023, 08:16 AM

Do a little research on completed auctions or in the Ken Griffey Jr thread and find THE CARD that you like. I have owned quite a few Griffey autos over the years, but my all time favourite is the 2013 Topps Museum Collection Griffey Auto /20. That card checks all of the boxes for me…beautifully designed, on card, Seattle photo, limited and hard signed.

He has many…find the one that you’ll be the most happiest with.

jmarascojr · 12-29-2023, 08:42 AM

I think MILL CREEK SPORTS had a private signing with him last year, stuff was pretty pricey, but it's a reputable source.

I wouldn't be shocked if they did one again...

hammertime · 12-29-2023, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLB9eight

I’d take the star rookie over pack pulled

100%...love mine. Earlier style auto would be better I guess but this is a beauty.

f2tornado · 12-29-2023, 09:18 AM

Agree with suggestion to pull up completed listings and find one that calls to you. The signed 89 UD is a very safe choice if one skips a pack pulled version. A PSA 8 w/10 Auto can be had for about $250 on a good day.

Chaotic30 · 12-29-2023, 07:46 PM

I only have one Griffey auto on a card (have 1 on a ball too) but this is part of my 2000 Upper Deck Ionix master set. On-card auto, its a great card.

TMQ · 12-29-2023, 08:40 PM

I think the most desirable Ken Griffey Jr auto is easily his 1994 Upper Deck card with Mickey Mantle

PLB9eight · 12-29-2023, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammertime

100%...love mine. Earlier style auto would be better I guess but this is a beauty.

Very nice

fabiani12333 · 12-29-2023, 09:52 PM

Griffey has one of the nicest autos, but streaks can be a problem. He had an exclusive deal with Upper Deck in the 90s while playing for the Mariners, so the number of different 90s autos is fairly limited.

I have a nice example of his 1996 SPx auto -- his first official pack-inserted licensed auto card, I believe. I also have multiple post-retirement autos as well.

Cardsandcoffee · 12-30-2023, 12:10 AM

Isn’t the Griffey/Msntle auto from 1994?

magicpapa · 12-30-2023, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f2tornado

Agree with suggestion to pull up completed listings and find one that calls to you. The signed 89 UD is a very safe choice if one skips a pack pulled version. A PSA 8 w/10 Auto can be had for about $250 on a good day.

MiamiMarlinsFan · 12-30-2023, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple B

Do a little research on completed auctions or in the Ken Griffey Jr thread and find THE CARD that you like. I have owned quite a few Griffey autos over the years, but my all time favourite is the 2013 Topps Museum Collection Griffey Auto /20. That card checks all of the boxes for me…beautifully designed, on card, Seattle photo, limited and hard signed.

He has many…find the one that you’ll be the most happiest with.

Gorgeous card there, man. Regardless of value, that has a perfect score on “visual appeal”.

Triple B · 12-30-2023, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiMarlinsFan

Gorgeous card there, man. Regardless of value, that has a perfect score on “visual appeal”.

I’ve been in love with this card since 2013. I was happy to finally land a copy this summer.

mfw13 · 12-30-2023, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmarascojr

I think MILL CREEK SPORTS had a private signing with him last year, stuff was pretty pricey, but it's a reputable source.

I wouldn't be shocked if they did one again...

He has signed literally thousands of cards for Mill Creek.....

That's why when you do an EBay search for "Griffey auto", 80% of what comes back is hand-signed & authenticated RC's from Mill Creek.

Cardsandcoffee · 12-30-2023, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Griffey has one of the nicest autos, but streaks can be a problem. He had an exclusive deal with Upper Deck in the 90s while playing for the Mariners, so the number of different 90s autos is fairly limited.

I have a nice example of his 1996 SPx auto -- his first official pack-inserted licensed auto card, I believe. I also have multiple post-retirement autos as well.

Here's my copy - unfortunately with some streaking but I don't mind as long as the ink color is still strong. Have seen multiple with fading issues. Definitely something I wanted as a kid... that and the Mantle/Griffey dual auto, which I thought was his first pack pulled one, from a major distributor. Still hoping to learn a little more about this card other than whats readily available on pack odds.

tkraft24 · 12-30-2023, 02:51 PM

I'd just look for an early, on-card Upper Deck autograph pictured with the Mariners. There's a lot of great sets to choose from and it doesn't have to be serial numbered or anything.

12-28-2023, 10:38 AM	#1
4barrel Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Georgetown, Kentucky Posts: 911 fourbarrelsmith	Educate me on Griffey Jr. autographs Educate me some on the ins and outs of Griffey Jr. autograph cards. Is there a particular year or product to stay away from? I don’t normally do baseball, but I have a hankering for a Ken Jr. auto.

12-28-2023, 10:48 AM	#4
achantl Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Puyallup, Wa. Posts: 4,390 chant1424	Junior has a beautiful auto and you can't really go wrong with a Junior auto. As a Seattle fan, I'd agree with mfw13 and say an auto in a Mariners uniform is much more desireable than a Reds or White Sox auto. He hasn't signed anything for Topps in the last year, maybe two, but you can find plenty of Griffey autos available. Depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. Panini isn't licensed so those autos tend to carry less value, but depending on budget, might be the most cost effective. I'd prefer an on card auto with a bold auto. Sometimes Junior's auto can get a little streaky. Hope that helps. __________________ Sorry I do not ship to Canada/internationally at the moment Photobucket:http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u419/achantl/

12-28-2023, 01:30 PM	#7
txrngr34 Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,196 txrngr34	While personal preference should generally guide a collector's collecting habits, if you're looking for something to hold/increase value, then an on-card Mariners auto is probably the best way to go. He's most well-known as a Mariner despite playing a good chunk of years in his hometown Cincinnati. He's also enshrined in the HOF as a Mariner, further making his Mariner cards more desirable. __________________ Any offers I make are only good for 24 hours unless otherwise stated.

12-29-2023, 08:16 AM	#11
Triple B Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 6,233	Do a little research on completed auctions or in the Ken Griffey Jr thread and find THE CARD that you like. I have owned quite a few Griffey autos over the years, but my all time favourite is the 2013 Topps Museum Collection Griffey Auto /20. That card checks all of the boxes for me…beautifully designed, on card, Seattle photo, limited and hard signed. He has many…find the one that you’ll be the most happiest with. __________________ Wanted Dead or Alive! 1. 1997 Bowman's Best Jose Cruz, Jr Atomic Refractor Autograph 2. 1997 SPx Jose Cruz, Jr. Grand Finale /50

12-29-2023, 08:42 AM	#12
jmarascojr Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 4,452 shooterjoe13	I think MILL CREEK SPORTS had a private signing with him last year, stuff was pretty pricey, but it's a reputable source. I wouldn't be shocked if they did one again... __________________ Always looking to trade, https://flic.kr/s/aHsmVYMy7F I PC Luke Harper/Brodie Lee

12-28-2023, 10:42 AM	#2
mfw13 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 17,568	Mariners >>>> Reds

12-28-2023, 11:03 AM	#5
4barrel Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Georgetown, Kentucky Posts: 911 fourbarrelsmith	Is a playing day pack pulled better than an in person PSA verified rookie?

12-28-2023, 01:56 PM	#8
Cardsandcoffee Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: PNW Posts: 1,075	I agree with looking for a playing days, Mariners Uni auto is the best way to go but there are deals to be had if you are ok with any Griffey auto. I have seen some good deals from his Cincy days. On a tangent, I did recently pick up a 1996 SPx Auto of Griffey KGA1. Does anyone know anything about the print run of this card? I remember wanting this card as a kid but obviously the 1:2000 pack odds and high price(as a kid) was a deterrent. Such a cool card, one of his first few pack pulled autos. Thanks for any insight in advance

12-28-2023, 04:39 PM	#10
RCCTHREE Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 275 cook_fpbl	Obviously, it's all personal preference. But definitely look at licensed cards with Mariners logo uniforms if you want to appease the larger Griffey base. I love his auto post career so I've looked at Topps on card autos from around 2010-2016, and there are plenty to choose from! You can also look at rookies from '89 or go wild with the playing days, there were some UD products that were pretty good, oh! And you could go wild with 90's inserts if you want. Just so many ways to take it and it mostly depends on your budget and what you enjoy.

12-29-2023, 09:18 AM	#14
f2tornado Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 2,346 f2tornado f2tornado	Agree with suggestion to pull up completed listings and find one that calls to you. The signed 89 UD is a very safe choice if one skips a pack pulled version. A PSA 8 w/10 Auto can be had for about $250 on a good day.

12-29-2023, 07:46 PM	#15
Chaotic30 Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 696	I only have one Griffey auto on a card (have 1 on a ball too) but this is part of my 2000 Upper Deck Ionix master set. On-card auto, its a great card.

12-29-2023, 08:40 PM	#16
TMQ Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 497	I think the most desirable Ken Griffey Jr auto is easily his 1994 Upper Deck card with Mickey Mantle

12-29-2023, 09:52 PM	#18
fabiani12333 Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 12,372	Griffey has one of the nicest autos, but streaks can be a problem. He had an exclusive deal with Upper Deck in the 90s while playing for the Mariners, so the number of different 90s autos is fairly limited. I have a nice example of his 1996 SPx auto -- his first official pack-inserted licensed auto card, I believe. I also have multiple post-retirement autos as well.

12-30-2023, 12:10 AM	#19
Cardsandcoffee Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: PNW Posts: 1,075	Isn’t the Griffey/Msntle auto from 1994?

12-30-2023, 02:51 PM	#25
tkraft24 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 7,038 tkinctown tkraft24	I'd just look for an early, on-card Upper Deck autograph pictured with the Mariners. There's a lot of great sets to choose from and it doesn't have to be serial numbered or anything. __________________ PC: Cleveland Indians AU, GU, and Refractors Refractor Wants: https://shinycardboard.weebly.com/