Ken Griffey Jr. helmet - American Memorabilia Auction

[skipcareyisfat]

Lot #142 in American's current auction contains a Reds batting helmet supposedly used by Ken Griffey Jr.

http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/A...ction_ID=35218

If I remember correctly, this helmet sold on eBay a couple months ago. The seller didn't say it was used by Jr. However, given the final bid amount (around $150, I think), it seemed the buyer thought otherwise.

It's my opinion that the helmet was used by Quinton McCracken in 2006. Griffey switched from #30 to #3 before the 2006 season and McCracken was issued #30, along with Norris Hopper. Hopper is a RHB, however McCracken is a switch-hitter.

A second opinion from any Reds collectors would be appreciated here, but I'm fairly certain that the Reds changed the color of their helmet numerals in 2006. Prior to '06, helmets with the red shell (like the one in the AM auction) had red numerals outlined in white. In '06 red shell helmets featured black numerals outlined in white.

The dugout photos below are from 2003 and 2004 and show red helmets - including one of Jr.'s - with the red/white scheme.

The McCracken photo is from 2006 and clearly shows him wearing a helmet similar to American's. It might even be the same one.

I spoke with someone at American and he said he'd pass along the info to Lou, who apparently was in the building when I called. That was a couple weeks ago. Currently the helmet's at $383 with another day to go.

If I'm wrong about this, let me know.

-Jason