Ken Griffey Jr. 2005 Donruss Originals '86 Donruss Retro Insert
Collectible Trading Card, Printed Ephemera • Produced by Donruss/Playoff L.P. (trading card manufacturer); Photography by Major League Baseball credentialed staff
Style & Movement
Contemporary Sports Memorabilia; Retro-Modernism (utilizing a 1986 archival design for a 2005 release)
Medium & Technique
Lithographic printing on cardstock with glossy finish and blue pinstripe border design
Creation Period
2005
Dimensions & Format
2.5 x 3.5 inches (Standard Trading Card Format); Vertical Portrait orientation
Subject Description
The card features MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. in his Cincinnati Reds uniform (number 30). The action shot captures him following through on his iconic left-handed swing. The design mimics the 1986 Donruss baseball card set with horizontal pinstripes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The card is currently housed in a soft plastic sleeve, though visible surface scratches and minor corner softening are typical for this era.
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $5.00 USD (Ungraded)
Auction Estimate
$0.50 - $10.00 USD (Depending on lot size or grading)
Provenance History
Mass-produced for commercial retail and hobby distributions; likely part of a private sports memorabilia collection.
Art Historical Significance
As part of the 'Originals' series, this piece represents the trend in the mid-2000s of 'nostalgia marketing,' where card companies reused classic vintage designs for modern active players to appeal to veteran collectors.
Notable Features
Features the 'Donruss '86' and 'Originals' branding; identified as Outfielder (OF) for the Cincinnati Reds; utilizes the iconic blue pinstripe frame design.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scuffing on the top-left corner area; potential edge wear on the bottom pinstripe border; centering appears slightly shifted to the left.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain storage in a PVC-free top loader or semi-rigid sleeve. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the red inks.