The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is one of the most iconic and sought-after baseball cards in the hobby.
Here’s Comes Upper Deck – And Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. made his Major League Baseball debut on April 3, 1989, at the age of 19. Upper Deck released its inaugural baseball card set that same year, making Griffey’s card one of the first cards produced with the new company’s hologram logo, which added an element of authenticity and prestige.
The Ken Griffey Jr. card is the very first card in the 1989 Upper Deck baseball set, which further adds to its significance. The first card in a set is often reserved for the most highly anticipated rookie or star player.
The 1989 Upper Deck set was known for its superior production quality. Upper Deck printed the cards on high-quality, thick cardstock. The use of glossy, UV coating gave them a premium look and feel compared to other cards of the time. Although Upper Deck’s hologram looked cool, it also served a purpose: It was there to combat counterfeiting. This made it one of the first trading cards to feature this security measure. This hologram, along with the card’s premium quality, added to its collectible value.
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Card Features
The card features a young Ken Griffey Jr. with a signature smile. This became one of his trademark expressions throughout his career. This image captured the youthful exuberance and charisma that endeared him to fans.
Ken Griffey Jr. posed for the photograph during a spring training game in 1988. The photographer, Walter Iooss Jr., captured the shot while Griffey was in the on-deck circle. Iooss is a renowned sports photographer, and his work added to the card’s allure.
While the primary 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is the most famous, there are also variations. One example is the “UER” (Upper Deck Error Rookie) variation, which features a corrected birthdate on the back.
Card Value
Over the years, the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card has remained extremely popular among collectors. Its value has fluctuated depending on the condition of the card. Mint or near-mint examples often fetch high prices in the secondary market. Collectors also covet autographed versions.
Due to its popularity and value, many collectors have sent their Griffey rookie cards for professional grading and authentication by services like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or BGS (Beckett Grading Services). Graded cards with high grades (e.g., PSA 9 or PSA 10) often command a premium in the market.
Collectors can purchase an ungraded Griffey Jr. in excellent-mint condition for as low as $50-$100. A PSA 10 / Auto 10 has sold for $55,201, according to Cardbase. (That designation means the card is a perfect 10 and includes a gem mint 10 autograph.)
Lasting Impact
The 1989 Griffey rookie card is often cited as a catalyst for the baseball card collecting boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It attracted new collectors to the hobby and helped establish Upper Deck as a major player in the trading card industry.
The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card remains an enduring symbol of baseball card collecting and continues to be a coveted piece for collectors and fans of “The Kid.”
