For this issue of Collectorverse "Origin Stories," we're spotlighting CGC Cards Registry user Vintage Card Junkie and an award-winning Ken Griffey Jr. player set that celebrates one of baseball's most iconic superstars.
Spanning Griffey's legendary career, this remarkable collection features many of his most desirable cards — from his celebrated rookie to coveted modern parallels and scarce premium releases. Built through years of patience and a relentless pursuit of top grades, the set reflects both the ageless appeal of "The Kid," and the dedication required to assemble one of the CGC Cards Registry's finest player collections.
Q&A with Vintage Card Junkie
Let’s get into it! Tell us how you got started collecting sports cards?
I remember going to the gas station with my dad to get a candy bar and ended up coming home with a pack of 1988 Topps baseball. The highlight of that pack was a Barry Bonds card which I still have.
You recently took the Best Set of the Year award for your Ken Griffey Jr. Player Set here on the CGC Cards Registry. Tell us what cards you’re after to add to this set?
I would love to have the 1989 Topps Tiffany Ken Griffey Jr. RC in a CGC 10 grade; then I would have all of his major rookie cards in a CGC 10!
Were there any challenges in getting any of the cards into the set?
The nice thing about collecting Ken Griffey Jr. is that most of his cards are readily available, so the only thing I’ve had to do is be patient and wait for one to show up for sale in the grade I’m looking for!
How has the CGC Registry helped with your collecting goals?
It has helped in a number of ways. First off, since the inception of the Registry, I believe I’ve always been in the top 10 in overall scores and, with my competitive nature, my goal is to stay in the top 10. Secondly, I enjoy seeing what other collectors have and find inspiration in what others are collecting.
And finally, if you had a time machine, what cards would bring back to the future?
While I wouldn’t mind a T206 Honus Wagner or a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, the one card I would really want to bring back is a T206 Ty Cobb. Growing up a Detroit Tigers fan, I would consider Ty Cobb the greatest Tiger and having his card would be the centerpiece of my collection!
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games, and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs, and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation, and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray, and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.
CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication, and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs, and stamps.