For the first time ever, Topps will offer certified autographed trading cards of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. in its 2012 baseball card products.
After helping jump start Upper Deck as a viable competitor in the late 1980s and early 90s, Griffey stayed under contract with the California card maker for his entire playing career. However, with Upper Deck no longer owning an MLB license, Topps was able to come to terms on a contract that will have Griffey signing cards for its products.
Griffey’s first autograph offerings will appear in collector favorites 2012 Topps Tribute and 2012 Gypsy Queen.
Griffey, Jr. made his Topps Rookie Card appearance in 1989 as part of the company’s year-end Traded Series Box Set. And 15 years prior, his father Ken Griffey, Sr., made his Topps debut in 1974.
According to Beckett, Griffey’s autograph appears on more than 1,100 different cards issued since his pro debut and more than 13,000 cards featuring his image have been created.
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