A timeless Ken Griffey, Jr piece of art

Here's a joint Scribble Showcase/Refraction Action post honoring this lovable new addition to my collection. While nowhere near Junior Junkie levels, I've always been a big Griffey fan. Very happy to pick up this relatively inexpensive (<$44) certified auto as the crown jewel of my modest Junior PC.

It's a gorgeous card, though my "multiple exposure" scan up there might not quite do it justice. Per usual, the foil doesn't scan very well, but at least you can see it dancing around a bit. Almost looks like the gears and springs are actually turning. No Photoshop trickery here, just different scans mixed together.

Here's a regular photo..

While I'm a fan of puns, generally speaking, I usually hate when auto cards have some cheesy insert name/gimmick like "Sign of the Times" or "Inkredible" or really anything with "ink" in it. But this "Etched in Time" motif with inner-workings of a timepiece is actually pretty cool. I've always thought old pocketwatches and shit like that was real neat. (I've got a busted old pocketwatch of my great grampa's that I'd love to get working again someday.)

I don't think this would technically count as an on-card autograph, but it doesn't really seem like a sticker either. Honestly, I'm not sure how this 2004 card was put together. But whatever. I love it. Junior does an awesome job of filling the available space without going outside the signature area. Perfect! Nice work, Kid!

The back kinda sucks, though. "Congrats! This auto is legit. Here's that same front pic again." But it's fine.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know I'm quirky about serial numbers (exhibit A, exhibit B). On the surface, 1095/1625 doesn't seem like it has any significance, does it?

Well, sir. Let me ask you this: What is Ken Griffey, Jr's career-high slugging percentage?

Give up? His baseball-reference page tells us it's a terrific .674 in 1994.

Now do the math on 1095/1625.

Pencils down. Did you get it? 1095 divided by 1625 is a long decimal number that rounds to-- you guessed it-- .674! Griffey's best slugging season!

So there's your stretch for significance for this serial number. I think it's a pretty cool little easter egg on an already cool-as-hell card.

Anyways. Ken Griffey, Jr. is a timeless talent.. one of the game's best; a sure bet for the Hall. And now I've got his autograph!