Hallmark "Cincinnati Reds: Ken Griffey Jr." Christmas Ornament, 2000

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Artifact Overview

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

2000

Creator Notes

Designed by Dill Rhodus of Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in China.

Object ID

2019.65.1936

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on front of ornament: C on back of ornament: GRIFFEY / 30 on front of packaging: Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / Ken Griffey Jr. / Cincinnati Reds / DECORATION DES FETES on back of packaging: On February 10, 2000, Ken Griffey Jr. signed a nine-year / contract with the Cincinnati Reds and became the newest / member of the oldest team in professional baseball. / "I'm finally home-back where I watched some of the great / players play," said Griffey. "The last time I put on this uniform / I was eight years old, in a father-son game." / "I'm happy to be here and wear the same team uniform my / dad wore," Griffey added. Two months later he became the / youngest player in baseball history to hit 400 career home runs. / During 11 seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Griffey compiled / a .299 batting average, was named an All-Star outfielder 10 times, / and became a member of the prestigious Major League Baseball / All-Century Team. / Sculpted by / Dill Rhodus / For decorative use only. Not for young children. / Concue a des fins decoratives seulement. / Ne convient pas aux jeunes enfants. / Handcrafted - Dated 2000 on top of packaging: Hallmark on bottom of packaging: GENUINE / MERCHANDISE / (C) 2000 Ken Griffey, Jr. / MLBP 2000 Major League Baseball trademarks / and copyrights are used with permission of / Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. / Mfd. for Hallmark Cards, Inc., Kansas City, MO 64141 / Made in China QXI5251