1989 Bowman #220 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie

How I Arrived at the Hobby Score

This card received an 83 overall Hobby Score.

The 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is widely considered the second-best Griffey rookie after the iconic Upper Deck. Bowman’s return to the hobby in 1989 came with oversized cards that stood out both literally and visually. The larger dimensions made them unique—but also hard to store—giving this set a nostalgic identity all its own. Griffey’s card is clean, sharp, and features one of the best early portraits of “The Kid.”

With over 47,000 copies graded by PSA, the card isn’t rare, but it is far less overprinted than the Donruss, Fleer, or Topps Traded versions. That helps its Hobby Score edge slightly higher, even without flashy design or chromium enhancements.

A quirky side note: because of its odd size, many collectors trimmed the edges to fit standard sleeves and holders back in the day—creating an unusual chunk of “altered” slabs still circulating today. Even among mass-produced rookie cards, this one has a bit of hobby lore behind it.