The 2000 Upper Deck MVP baseball card set was released at the start of the new millennium and marked the beginning of a new era for MLB card collecting. The set featured 285 total cards and included major stars from the 1999 season as well as rookie cards of players who would go on to have great careers.
Some key things to know about the 2000 Upper Deck MVP set include that it was the only flagship issue from Upper Deck that year as they lost the MLB license to Topps starting in 2001. They went out with a memorable set that contained several desirable short printed cards and rookie cards that hold value to this day. The design featured colorful action shots of players on a black background with their team logo and stats on the lower portion of the card.
The biggest star and most valuable regular card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card, which was number 61 in the set. Griffey was still in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds at this point in his career. His card has a production number around 12,000 and has a PSA 10 pop of only 186. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, Griffey’s 2000 Upper Deck MVP card regularly sells for over $100 raw and $300-$400 graded.
Another highly sought after regular card from the set is number 37, which features Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants. Bonds was on his way to breaking the single season home run record in 2001 and this card captures him in action during the height of his powers. Like Griffey, Bonds’ 2000 MVP has fewer than 200 PSA 10 examples population reports. Graded PSA 10 versions easily top $100 as well.
Some other key high-end stars that are iconic from the 2000 MVP set include cards of Derek Jeter, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Nomar Garciaparra, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Cal Ripken Jr. Many of these big names graded PSA 10 can fetch $50-$75 raw or $150-$250 graded depending on condition and demand.
One of the biggest short prints in the 2000 Upper Deck MVP set is card number 130 featuring Omar Vizquel of the Cleveland Indians. His card is believed to have been accidentally short printed by Upper Deck and there are speculated to be fewer than 2,500 copies in existence. High graded examples have sold for over $1,000 due to the card’s extreme scarcity.
Other desirable short prints that are tougher to find include cards of Vladimir Guerrero (card #25), Todd Helton (#118), Carlos Beltran (#222), and Al Leiter (#266). Many of these short prints can fetch $100+ for a high grade raw copy.
In addition to star veterans, the 2000 MVP set also featured several notable rookie cards that are key pieces for player collectors. Some top rookies included:
Adrian Beltre, Dodgers (#229) – One of the toughest rookie cards in the set to find graded Gem Mint PSA 10. High grades over $500.
Gary Sheffield, Dodgers (#230) – Popular rookie that has sold for over $100 PSA 10.
Ben Sheets, Brewers (#233) – Underrated rookie that’s more scarce PSA 10 at $250+.
Carlos Lee, White Sox (#235) – First Bowman, $50+ PSA 10.
Brian Roberts, Orioles (#236) – First major league card, $75+ PSA 10.
Alfonso Soriano, Yankees (#237) – First card, $150+ PSA 10.
Lyle Overbay, Diamondbacks (#238) – Tough pull, $100+ PSA 10.
Carlos Delgado, Blue Jays (#240) – Popular 90s star, $75+ PSA 10.
Brian Giles, Padres (#241) – Under $50 PSA 10.
The 2000 Upper Deck MVP baseball card set was the pinnacle release from the brand’s run as the MLB license holder. From star veterans to valuable rookies, the set holds nostalgia and collecting significance. While it came out over two decades ago at this point, the cards remain visually appealing and hold relevance for both player collectors and investors. Prices remain strong across the board for desirable short prints, star rookies, and hall of famers from this classic 270-card flagship issue.
