The 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from the popular trading card manufacturer. Upper Deck had revolutionized the baseball card industry when they first entered the market in 1989 and Collector’s Choice was one of their premier annual sets every year. The 1997 edition contained 264 total cards and featured current major league players, prospects, and retired baseball legends. While not quite as valuable as some previous Collector’s Choice sets from the early 1990s rookie card boom, the 1997 cards still hold significance for collectors decades later.
One of the most prominent rookies featured in the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set was pitcher Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs. Wood had an electrifying rookie season in 1998 where he struck out 20 Houston Astros in a single game and finished third in rookie of the year voting. His rookie card from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is among the most sought after from that year. In near mint to mint condition, Wood’s rookie fetches around $30-50 raw but can sell for upwards of $100 graded gem mint by PSA or BGS. Any card that captures a player’s first major league appearance holds added nostalgia and demand.
Another notable rookie from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is current Los Angeles Dodgers manager and former catcher Dave Roberts. Unlike Wood, Roberts did not have flashy stats as a player but he developed into a valuable role player and pinch runner known for his speed and base stealing abilities. As a rookie manager guiding the Dodgers to a 2020 World Series title, interest and prices in Roberts’ rookie card from 1997 have spiked. Raw copies in good condition can be found for under $10 but a PSA 10 gem mint could sell for $75-100 given his new popularity from managing. Nostalgia for players combined with future successes often boosts values of rookie cards years later.
One of the highlighted veteran players showcased is Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners. Griffey was consistently one of the best players in baseball throughout the 1990s and remained a fan favorite for his smooth left-handed swing. His cards from Upper Deck sets regularly command a premium to this day. The 1997 Collector’s Choice Griffey is no exception, with a mint raw copy valued at $15-20 and a PSA 10 grade fetching $50-75. Any iconic slugger from the late 20th century maintains strong collector interest long after retiring from play.
Aside from star players, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set is also notable for featuring retired legends in their later career or post-retirement phases. One example is Los Angeles Dodgers and Brooklyn Dodgers pitching great Don Drysdale on card #126. Drysdale was a few years removed from his playing days but remained a revered figure for Dodgers fans and baseball collectors. In well-centered, near mint condition a Drysdale from 1997 can sell for $5-7 raw whereas a professionally graded PSA 8 copy may draw $15-20 at auction from dedicated collectors. Cards that memorialize all-time greats maintain value appreciation over the decades.
Overall team collection and chase aspects also add to the popularity and replay value of the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball set. Cards like #1 featuring a team checklist or the #260 “UDA Finale” parallel sketch cards become Holy Grails for collectors seeking to complete their album. While relatively common in circulation two decades later, raw near mint examples of these higher numbered “hits” could sell for $3-5 with significant rarer parallel versions like “Golden” parallels fetching upwards of $25-50 graded gem mint. The 1997 Collector’s Choice set rewards those who piece together a full team or parallel run.
condition is always a key factor when assessing the monetary worth of any older trading card. For the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice basketball set, well-kept examples in near mint to mint condition still trade hands regularly between $1-3 each for common players through online marketplaces like eBay. More valuable rookie cards or stars from the set in comparable condition may command $5-10 individual prices. Cards that have been professionally graded bring a significant premium. A PSA or BGS 10 championship-caliber “gem mint” grade can multiply the value ten times or more depending on the individual card and level of preservation. This is why condition sensitive collectors are willing to pay grading certification fees to authenticate the condition of their prized cardboard.
While not quite as valuable as early 1990s iterations during the hobby’s peak, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set remains a nostalgic release sought after by collectors two decades later. Headlining rookie cards of Kerry Wood and Dave Roberts coupled with retired legend and active star appearances give the set lasting pop culture appeal. With care taken to preserve cards in pristine near mint to mint condition, common issues can still beflipped for $1-3 each while key cards may realize $10-100+ based on player,parallels, and professional grading certification. For accumulator sets from the 1990s boom era, the 1997 Collector’s Choice baseballs cards represent a comparatively affordable collecting challenge.
