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Bob D’Angelo

Bob is a longtime member of the Florida sports media, having served as a reporter and copy editor for more than 30 years. His true sports passion, however, is the history of the various games, exhibited by his in-depth book reviews and hobby of collecting cards and other sports memorabilia. He blogs for TBO.com on both subjects, transferring his work for the Tampa Tribune to the realm of cyberspace.

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Topps to roll out Griffey autograph cards in 2012

Posted Nov 28, 2011 by Bob D'Angelo

Updated Nov 28, 2011 at 06:14 PM

For years, Ken Griffey Jr. and Upper Deck were synonymous. After all, it was Upper Deck that made Griffey’s card No. 1 for its inaugural set in 1989.

The metaphor was there — two unproven talents with tremendous upside. Both made their mark: Griffey in baseball, and Upper Deck in its approach to cards with sharp photographs and UV finishes that gave sportscards a new, slick look.

Now, Griffey’s career is done. Upper Deck lost its license to produce baseball cards at the major-league level.

But Griffey’s name is still magic, and Topps has landed a contract with the former outfielder.

Starting next year, Topps will offer certified autographs of Griffey for the first time.

Griffey’s first autograph offerings will appear in the 2012 Topps Tribute and 2012 Gypsy Queen sets.

While Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie card fetched a good price, he also had a debut card with Topps in the 1989 Traded Series box set. It looks like Griffey’s Topps cards in 2012 will look pretty good.