Buzz 24 for 24: Chasing Ken Griffey Jr.’s Rookie Cards in a 1989 Upper Deck box & and a 1989 Fleer cello box (Hour 5)

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.

This is Hour 5.

HOUR 5

FLEER
Top: Juan Samuel
Bottom: Charlie Puleo
Stickers: White Sox, Pirates, Reds
Other notables: Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card, Barry Bonds, Will Clark

UPPER DECK PACK 1
Sticker(s): Phillies
Notables: Will Clark (CL),
Star Rookies: None … ok, I’m sweating now.
High-numbers: Charlie Hayes and Julio Franco. (You mean it’s not a two-card set?)

UPPER DECK PACK 2
Sticker(s): Cubs, Padres
Notables: Andres Galarraga (CL), Tom Glavine, Paul O’Neill
Star Rookies: None … still sweating
High-numbers: Charlie Hayes and Julio Franco

Final thoughts for Hour 5: We have officially landed No. 24 today — let’s hope it’s not the last time we find him in either box. The high-numbers continue to be farcical here — but, hey, somebody out there is probably getting an Ozzie Canseco and Jim Abbott box. The biggest worry on the Upper Deck side, though, is the lack of Star Rookies this far into a box. They are possibly found here — I’ve seen it before. I swear ...

What's next? Be back in an hour ...

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

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com