Ken Griffey Jr.
Center Fielder (Note: This is a Baseball card, not a Football card) · Seattle Mariners
Topps Series 1 — Celebration of the Kid #K-12
Year & Era
2022 — Modern Era
Card Type
Insert Card
Grade
7.5 (Near Mint) estimated
Rarity
Common Insert; widely distributed in 2022 Topps retail and hobby flagship products.
Overall Assessment
A nice affordable tribute card for a legendary athlete, though it holds minimal financial value compared to Griffey's 1989 rookie cards.
Condition Grade
7.5 (Near Mint) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: 60/40 Left-to-Right offset; Bottom border appears slightly thicker than top.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; minor surface scratches visible through the sleeve, characteristic of high-gloss modern inserts.
Corner Condition
Generally sharp, though bottom left shows very minor white fraying.
Edge Condition
Acceptable; standard factory cut for modern Topps stock, no major chipping observed.
Print Quality
High; vibrant colors with a matte focus on the player and a stylized retro-green border.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $3.00 (Raw); $15 - $25 (PSA 10)
Comparison to Known Examples
Standard copy; centering is slightly below the 50/50 requirement for a Gem Mint grade.
Authentication Tips
Verify the 2022 Topps copyright on the reverse; check for the standard gloss finish and card stock density.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection, as grading fees exceed current market value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; this is a low-value modern insert rarely targeted for counterfeiting.
Provenance Notes
Part of the 2022 Topps 'Celebration of the Kid' 25-card insert set honoring Griffey's career milestones.
Historical Context
Griffey Jr. is a Hall of Famer and one of the most significant cultural figures in modern sports history.
Market Trends
Stable; Griffey remains one of the most collected icons in the hobby, though base inserts have a high population.
Investment Potential
Low; high print volume limits long-term growth for this specific insert.
Similar Cards
2022 Topps Home Run Challenge cards, various Panini Prizm football inserts (cross-sport comparison), Topps Project 70 Griffey cards.
Display & Preservation
Store in a penny sleeve and top loader; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the green ink.
Interesting Facts
The 'Celebration of the Kid' set was designed to mimic the aesthetic of different eras Griffey played in.