Ken Griffey Jr. Hangs 'em Up

Ken Griffey Jr., the star outfielder whose rookie card is among the most important cards of all time, retired today at age 40. Always a classy player, Griffey has decided to retire immediately instead of going on a high publicity farewell tour for the rest of the season. "The Kid" signed a one year deal with the Seattle Mariners before the season, ensuring that his career would end as a member of the team with which he gained his fame. An all time fan favorite, Griffey ends his 22-year career with 630 home runs which is the 5th most home runs hit by a player all time. Possessing one of the sweetest swings of all time and playing gold glove center field year after year, Griffey will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.

It's a sad day for collectors as the famous 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card boomed business for card companies and launched the heyday for card collecting (and maybe led to the bust). Though he had rookie cards in the Bowman, Donruss, Fleer, Topps Traded and Score Rookie/Traded sets that year, every single card collector over the age of 25 at one time or another coveted that Upper Deck rookie. That card, along with the hype that follows an exciting 19-year old superstar, helped make Griffey arguably the most popular player of his generation. Now somewhat affordable, there is no doubt that many grown men will finally make the purchase that they could only dream of making 20 years ago.

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