The History Of The Nike Air Diamond Fury & Ken Griffey Jr.

Nike Air Diamond Fury

The Nike Air Diamond Fury originally launched in 1995. Despite it not being an official signature sneaker, it is heavily tied to Ken Griffey Jr. The shoe would be released in Mariners colors, Griffey’s team, which would help strengthen its connection to the all-star.

The Cool Kid

There was something about The Kid that was just cool. His swagger, his swing, the way he wore his cap backwards, it was all cool.

Baseball, America’s past time, was having a tough time in the 90s appealing to the youth of America. Football and basketball were more entertaining to play and watch in the minds of much of the country.

Griffey Jr. appealed to the nontraditional baseball fan. His speed and power hitting were thrilling to watch. His charisma on the field and off made him a star. Griffey Jr. made the game, and being a star, look effortless.

Upper Deck

A big piece of the Ken Griffey Jr. allure, especially to the youth of the time, was his rookie card. The 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck Rookie Card is one of the most famous sports collectibles ever.

The photography on the card is quite simple, which adds to its charm. Kids in the 90s would spend hours, and all their allowance, trying to secure a mint copy of the rookie card.

The card is not worth as much today as people were anticipating in the 90s. You cannot send your kids to Harvard with a Griffey Jr. rookie card, but the nostalgia tied to it is stronger than ever.

Hall Of Fame

Gold Gloves. All Star Appearances. Home Runs.

Ken Griffey Jr. did it all in the game of baseball. In 2016 Jr. was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ken Griffey Jr. was one of a kind on the field, and his legacy is second to none.

- Adam C. Better