The 2000 Topps baseball card set featured some all-time great rookie cards that are highly sought after by collectors today. The class of rookies in the 2000 Topps set launched careers of future Hall of Famers and star players that went on to have tremendous success in Major League Baseball. While it’s still relatively early, many of the rookies from the 2000 Topps set established themselves among the game’s elite. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and important rookie cards from 2000 Topps.
Arguably the crown jewel of the 2000 Topps rookie class is Derek Jeter’s card. As the captain and heart of the dynasty New York Yankees for two decades, Jeter had put together a surefire Hall of Fame resume by the time he retired after the 2014 season. His impeccable leadership, class, and clutch hitting made him one of the most beloved Yankees of all-time. Jeter’s 2000 Topps rookie card, with its straight-on photo of the smooth-fielding shortstop, is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever released. In mint condition, it can fetch thousands of dollars due to his legendary career and star power.
Another rookie card rivaling Jeter’s for desirability is Red Sox left-hander Pedro Martinez. Already displaying his electric stuff in 1999 after coming over from Montreal, Martinez went on to cement his status as one of the game’s most dominant starting pitchers ever from 1999-2004. In those six seasons with Boston, Martinez won three Cy Young Awards and helped lead the Sox to a World Series title in 2004. His imposing presence and fearsome stuff gave collectors a sense of what was to come based on his rookie card alone. High-grade versions can sell for well over $1000.
Chipper Jones, one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history, debuted with the Atlanta Braves in 1995 but had his true rookie card in 2000 Topps as rules at the time determined. Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the Braves, winning the 1995 NL batting title as a rookie. As a lifelong Brave and perennial All-Star, Jones’ rookie card remains a staple in team sets and one of the Atlanta franchise’s most important releases ever. Mint PSA 10 grades can reach $400-500.
2000 Topps introduced baseball fans to future MVP and seven-time All-Star Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies. Rollins would go on to have a stellar 17-year career spent primarily with the Phils, winning the 2007 NL MVP and being a stalwart of their 2008 World Series championship team. His elite speed and glove at shortstop made him a highlight waiting to happen. In pristine condition, his rookie card has sold for over $300 showing its significance.
Right-handed pitching prospect Adam Wainwright burst onto the scene for the Atlanta Braves in 2000 as a touted prospect before injuries waylaid his career debut. After struggling to stay healthy in Atlanta, Wainwright revived his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and developed into one of baseball’s most durable and accomplished hurlers of his generation. He won two World Series rings with St. Louis and the 2006 NL Cy Young Award. Once labeled an injury risk, Wainwright proved his mettle and the promise hinted at in his rookie card. Well-kept copies average around $50-$75 depending on grade.
Other notable rookies included within the 2000 Topps set that went on to have productive MLB careers include Andy Pettitte, Carl Crawford, Tom Glavine, Jason Giambi, Jason Varitek, Barry Zito, Eric Chavez, Jon Lieber, Nomar Garciaparra, Corey Koskie, Bobby Crosby, Freddy Garcia, Greg Maddux in his final season, and Jason Schmidt. While not all achieved the heights of Jeter, Martinez or Chipper Jones, they made lasting impacts on the sport and their respective franchises. Their rookie cards from 2000 Topps preserve that moment of arrival and spark collectors’ interest even decades later.
For players that kickstarted legendary careers like Derek Jeter and Pedro Martinez, their 2000 Topps rookie cards are indispensable parts of any collection highlighting baseball immortals. But the entire rookie class of 2000 showed promise and many delivered on it. Collectors that picked up these cards new likely had no idea who would emerge as all-time greats. But for Af rewards those that recognized future excellence could be glimpsed within the fresh faces of 2000 Topps’ rookie class.
