Minor League Cards of Future Stars

Ironically last summer, the final year of rookie card collecting as we knew it, several players who did not start the season on a major league roster established themselves as future stars during the second half of the season. Their minor league cards and autograph inserts, will likely become even more popular in coming years, are on fire.

Nineteen-year-old Felix Hernandez, reminiscent of Dwight Gooden propelling the Mets back to glory in the mid ’80s, quickly rose through the Mariners minor league system before dominating major league hitters over the last three months of the season. The flame-throwing right-hander’s first baseball card was issued when he was 17 years old, one year after signing a professional contract. The ‘03 Grandstand Everett Aquasox minor league card is selling for $38 with PSA-9 versions getting over $50.

Jeff Francoeur did not make his minor league debut until July 7, slugging a home run for his first major league hit and tallying 3 RBI. He quickly joined Albert Pujols as the only rookies to hit 10 home runs in their first 30 games. The former Georgia high school football star has developed a huge following in Atlanta. His ‘02 Upper Deck USA “Autograph” jumped from $100 to $250 at season’s end.

Zach Duke is the first of what could be many Pittsburgh Pirate prospects to excel in the majors. The 22-year-old left-hander was 6-0 in his first nine starts. His first autograph, the ‘04 Bowman’s Best, is approaching $100 on eBay, a $75 jump in two months.

Jon Papelbon, a collegiate closer and minor league starter, uses a 94 mph fastball and devastating splitter to bridge the gap between the Red Sox starting rotation and closer Mike Timlin at the end of last season before becoming the Red Sox closer in 2006. Resembling a young Roger Clemens in both stature and command, Papelbon has excelled as a starter and reliever over the second half of the season. His 2004 Just autograph, which could be had for $7 last July is now approaching $50.