The 2000 Fleer Tradition baseball card set was the final baseball card release from Fleer before the company lost its MLB license. Fleer had produced baseball cards since 1956 but in 2000 Topps outbid Fleer for the exclusive MLB licensing rights beginning in 2001. As a result, the 2000 Fleer Tradition set stands out as the swan song from one of the iconic brands in the history of baseball cards.
Released in 2000, the Fleer Tradition set featured 393 total cards including inserts. The base card design was a clean and classic look featuring a large headshot photo on the front with team logo and player info below. On the back was stats from the previous season along with a career stats table. Rated Rookie cards were again included, with the top rookie prospects getting their own specialParallel foil stamped cards as they had in previous Tradition sets.
Some of the top rookies featured in the 2000 Fleer Tradition set included Bobby Abreu, Francisco Cordero, Jason Giambi, Andruw Jones, Randy Johnson, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz and Larry Walker. With the exception of Giambi and Jones, most of the other rookies featured have gone on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers.
Insert sets within the 2000 Fleer Tradition included Traditions Best, Legacy Cards, Turn Back the Clock, All-Star Moments and Top Prospects. Parallels in the set included Silver signatures, Diamond Parallel, and Gold Parallel inserts. The Gold cards were serially numbered to 100 copies each.
Standout Rated Rookie cards from the 2000 Fleer Tradition set include:
Andruw Jones – One of the premiere young sluggers of his era. Jones’ Rated Rookie card remains one of the most iconic and desirable cards in the set. Graded examples in PSA/BGS 10 regularly sell for $300-500.
Chipper Jones – As arguably the greatest switch hitter of all time, Chipper Jones’ RC is highly sought after by Atlanta Braves collectors. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,000.
Randy Johnson – “The Big Unit” dominated for over two decades and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. His Rated Rookie card is one of the most valuable rookie cards from the late 90s/early 2000s. PSA 10s have sold for more than $800.
Nomar Garciaparra – Arguably the top shortstop in baseball during his peak, Nomar was a young star on the rise in 2000. His Fleer Tradition Rated Rookie remains one of the more accessible star rookie cards from this era, with PSA 10s selling near $200-300.
High-grade examples of base rookie cards or low-numbered inserts of stars like Miguel Cabrera, Alfonso Soriano, Eric Chavez and JD Drew can also be very desirable holding values of $50-150 depending on the player and condition.
In terms of star veterans, the most valuable regular base cards from the 2000 Fleer Tradition set tend to revolve around legendary talents who were entering or in the midst of Hall of Fame careers:
Ken Griffey Jr – Arguably the most beloved star of the 90s. PSA 10 Griffey base cards have reached over $200.
Barry Bonds – During his record breaking 73 home run season in 2001. BGS/PSA Gem Mint 10 Bonds cards can reach $300-500.
Derek Jeter – As arguably the greatest Yankee ever, mint Jeter cards maintain strong values. A PSA 10 could eclipse $150-200.
Ivan Rodriguez – “Pudge” won MVP honors in 1999 and was a 13x All-Star. His career was taking off making mid-grade examples reach $70-100.
Roger Clemens – One of the game’s all-time great pitchers. Clemens dominated well into his late 30s. PSA 10s have reached $150-200.
Greg Maddux – During a decade plus run of virtually unparalleled pitching excellence. Near Mint-Mint Maddux cards can sell for $100-150.
Tom Glavine – Fresh off winning his 2nd Cy Young Award playing for the dominant Atlanta Braves. Glavine cards valued $60-80 PSA 9 or Mint.
Mark McGwire – Just a year removed from smashing MLB’s single season home run record with 70 in 1998. Near Mint McGwire cards valued $75-100.
While stars and top rookies earn the most attention, there is value to be found throughout the set in finding key/milestone/career year cards for players at all levels. Commons in high grades can also carry value for team/player collectors. With its classic design, key rookie crop and star talent, the 2000 Fleer Tradition set remains both nostalgic and value-laden for baseball card investors and enthusiasts. It serves as a fitting exclamation point on a storied run by Fleer in the cardboard hobby before Topps took control of the MLB license going forward.
While not as expensive or iconic as the flagship sets from Topps or Upper Deck during the early 2000s boom, the 2000 Fleer Tradition set holds sentimental value as the final MLB offering from a beloved brand as well as long term financial prospects. With rookies that went on to stellar careers and veteran stars immortalizing their dominance, finding high quality examples to hold long term remains a worthwhile prospect for collectors and investors alike. Over 20 years later, Fleer Tradition 2000 still invokes nostalgia for the cardboard hobby while its best cards prove durable as an asset class.
