Part of my Reds collection is to do a complete Topps base card run along with an autograph of each Hall of Famer who played for or managed the Reds. Griffey was a native of Cincinnati, having grown up there during the years his father was with the Reds. He graduated from Moeller High School. He has a special connection to the Reds, and came home to play for his hometown team in 2000. I remember the fanfare quite well. It was a major day for Reds fans. And while injuries put a damper on his Reds years, people often forget that he did have some good years with the Reds. He was an All Star 3 times with the Reds, and in that first magical season back home, he compiled 5.5 WAR, a .942 OPS, 40 Home Runs, and 118 RBI.
With all the specialness Griffey brings to a Reds collector, my collection has made a couple exceptions. In addition to the base Topps run, I also pick up some other Griffeys if I come accross something that catches my eye. Unlike most people, I prefer Griffey in a Reds uniform, but am willing to snag a nice Mariners card if the mood strikes me.
Here is the Topps run. It showcases his whole career from his legendary decade with the Mariners in the 90s, to his time with the Reds, then his brief stint with the White Sox, before heading back to Seattle to ceremoniously retire.
The Mariners Years:
1989 Topps Traded
1989 Topps Debut
1990 Topps
1991 Topps
1992 Topps
1993 Topps
1994 Topps
1995 Topps
1996 Topps
1997 Topps
1998 Topps
1999 Topps
