Buzz 24 for 24: Chasing Ken Griffey Jr.'s Rookie Cards in a 1989 Upper Deck box & and a 1989 Fleer cello box (Hour 1)

We’re coming up on the 30th anniversary of the arrival of a cardboard icon and the highest-voted Hall of Famer in history, Ken Griffey Jr., on the field as well as on his Rookie Cards. While we’re not there just yet, Buzz couldn’t wait to try a little something with box-busting … a 24-hour marathon where we chase No. 24.

Welcome to Buzz 24 for 24.

The boxes? We’ve got one safe pick — a 24-pack 1989 Fleer cello box from a sealed case — and a riskier and pricier pick — a 36-pack 1989 Upper Deck High Number Series box. The Fleer Griffey isn’t an expensive one, but it should make an appearance given the set size vs. the box size. Meanwhile, the Upper Deck card isn’t a sure thing from a high-number box but it can be done. (High boxes are also roughly half the price of standard boxes … so that’s why Buzz went this way.)

So, for the next 24 hours you’ll see a break of at least a couple packs as we chase No. 24, George Kenneth Griffey Jr., and take a quick look back at some of the cardboard that was big at the time.

It starts right now.

HOUR 1

FLEER
Top: Brady Anderson
Bottom: Dante Bichette (Rookie Card)
Stickers: White Sox, Pirates, Brewers — with serious diamond cuts
Other notables: Roberto Alomar & Sandy Alomar, Kirby Puckett & Eric Davis, Eddie Murray, Eric Davis, Mark Grace, Robin Yount

UPPER DECK PACK 1
Sticker(s): Phillies
Notables: Cal Ripken Jr. (checklist) … and nobody else
Star Rookies: None
High-numbers: Charlie Hayes and Jamie Moyer

UPPER DECK PACK 2
Sticker(s): Cubs, Pirates
Notables: Mike Schmidt (CL), Darryl Strawberry
Star Rookies: None
High-numbers: Charlie Hayes and Jamie Moyer

Final thoughts for Hour 1: The play-it-safe box delivered a few names of note and a couple of the memorable (and worthless) SuperStar Specials, while the Upper Deck box opens with a pair or repetitive packs highlighted by checklists and identical high-number cards. We'll get stronger from here, right?

What's next? Be back in an hour ...

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

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