Ken Griffey Jr.
MLB Hall of Fame Center Fielder · Baseball - MLB
Seattle Mariners / Cincinnati Reds
Era
Modern Era - Circa late 1990s to early 2000s
Item Type
Signed Baseball
Condition
Overall Good. The ink shows significant 'skipping' or 'road-rash' due to the texture of the leather or the pen drying out. The ball surface shows minor yellowing.
Rarity
Common signer, but the specific silver ink and unique inscription are less common than standard blue ballpoint signatures.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic-looking example of a legendary player. The unique inscription and silver ink make it a standout piece despite the ink skipping.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - 85% confidence. The flow and specific letter construction for 'K' and 'G' match his high-speed signing habits.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand with large 'K' and 'G' loops, finishing with a horizontal trailing line and numeric-style flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid strokes with high pressure. The 'K' is composed of a vertical line and a large separate loop for the top. The 'G' is a tall, narrow oval.
Ink & Medium
Silver paint pen or broad-tipped metallic marker on an off-white leather baseball surface.
Item Description
A white leather baseball with red stitching, signed on a side panel. It features a unique inscription: 'Good Bye Farewell'.
Estimated Value
$150 - $250. The unique inscription 'Good Bye Farewell' adds curiosity, though the ink quality issues temper the price.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches his mid-career 'looped' style perfectly. Earlier 1989-91 signatures were more legible; this is his more common 'superstar' era scrawl.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp 'kick' at the bottom of the 'K' and the specific overlapping loop where the 'G' transitions into the rest of the last name.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). PSA is the industry standard for Griffey signatures.
Red Flags
The silver ink has some transparency and skipping which can sometimes hide hesitant pen strokes, but the overall speed looks natural.
Provenance Notes
The inscription suggests this might have been signed at a specific final home game or retirement event. Documenting the location of the signing is key.
Historical Context
Griffey was the face of baseball in the 1990s. This signature represents the pinnacle of the 'Slam Man' era of sports marketing.
Market Trends
Griffey Jr. autographs remain blue-chip investments in the hobby. Values have risen steadily since his 2016 Hall of Fame induction.
Investment Potential
Moderate. Standard Griffey items are plentiful, but the unique inscription makes this a 'hold' for a specialized Mariners collector.
Similar Autographs
Alex Rodriguez, Frank Thomas, and Barry Bonds signatures from the same era.
Display & Preservation
Store in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Avoid direct sunlight as silver metallic ink is prone to flaking and fading over time.
Interesting Facts
Griffey has one of the most forged signatures of the 90s. He famously signed thousands of items for Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) early in his career.