Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners Baseball Glove | Attributed to 1997 or 1998 Season

Given to Oonishi Sports Co., Ltd. in Hiroshima Japan by Rawlings athlete relations representatives.

This glove is attributed to Ken Griffey Jr.'s 1997 and/or 1998 Major League Baseball seasons, during his first tenure with the Seattle Mariners. 

In 1997, Griffey delivered one of the most extraordinary performances of the modern era, capturing the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award after posting a .304 batting average, 56 home runs, 147 RBIs, and 125 runs scored. The 1997 season also marked Griffey’s eighth consecutive Gold Glove Award and eighth straight All-Star selection.

1998 saw Griffey follow up his incredible 1997 season with another Hall of Fame worthy campaign, registering his second straight season with 56 home runs, leading the American League, to go along with 146 RBIs and 120 runs. Griffey was named to his ninth consecutive All Star Game and won his ninth consecutive Gold Glove to go along with his sixth career Silver Slugger Award. The Kid's bat was as hot as ever.

This lot is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Hidehiko Ito.

Going Deeper | Ken Griffey Jr.

Ken Griffey Jr., born on November 21, 1969, in Donora, Pennsylvania, was destined for baseball greatness. The son of three-time All-Star Ken Griffey Sr., he entered the major leagues with enormous expectations—and surpassed them all. Known as “The Kid,” Griffey debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 at just 19 years old and quickly became the face of baseball’s new generation. 

Throughout the 1990s, Griffey was the centerpiece of a new era for the Mariners franchise, leading them to the postseason for the first time in franchise history in 1995 and inspiring a new era of baseball in Seattle. His combination of athleticism and charisma helped rejuvenate the sport at a time when it desperately needed new stars. Over a 22-year career, Griffey hit 630 home runs, won 10 Gold Gloves, and was named to 13 All-Star teams.

Beyond his numbers, Griffey’s impact on baseball culture was profound. He became an icon of style and individuality—his backward cap, Nike endorsements, and video games symbolized a bridge between baseball and pop culture. After stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox, he returned to Seattle to close out his career, retiring in 2010 as one of the most beloved figures in the game.

Ken Griffey Jr. was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 with one of the highest voting percentages in history.