The 2001 Upper Deck baseball card set marked the end of an era for the legendary card manufacturer. After over 25 years producing some of the most iconic and collectible cards in the hobby, 2001 would be Upper Deck’s final standard baseball card release before selling the baseball portion of their business.
While not quite as valuable as some of Upper Deck’s ultra-premium sets from the late 80s and 90s, there are still a number of enticing rookie cards and star player cards from the 2001 release that can hold significant value today for savvy collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2001 Upper Deck baseball cards that are worth money for collectors two decades later.
One of the biggest star rookies from the 2001 Upper Deck set is Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson. As the 4th overall pick in the 1994 draft, Anderson developed into a perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger winner over his 17 year big league career spent entirely with the Angels franchise. His sharp looking rookie card, featuring him batting left-handed in an Angels uniform, has held steady value at around $15-20 over the past few years. High grade versions of this card in PSA/BGS 10 have recently sold north of $100.
Another Angels star with a valuable rookie card is pitcher Jered Weaver. The productive right-hander spent 11 seasons in Anaheim after being selected 12th overall in the 2004 draft. Weaver’s 2001 Upper Deck rookie debuted him as a prospect in a Long Beach State baseball uniform. Even 20 years later, this iconic rookie commands around $8-12 in raw near mint condition. Top graded versions continue an upward trend, with PSA 10’s now reaching the $200-300 range.
Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez had one of the most dominant 90’s-00’s peaks of any hitter. His timeless 2001 Upper Deck base card showcases his sweet lefty swing from his Cleveland Indians days. High-grade versions have held steady listings around $20-30 in the past few years. Super high-end PSA/BGS 10 presentations of Manny’s classic card have topped $500 in recent sales.
While not a true rookie, Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa’s 2001 Upper Deck card stands out for its action photo and iconic signature in the foreground. Sosa was coming off three 60+ home run seasons in a row with the Cubs at the time. Today his iconic 2001 issue remains a strong $15-25 card, with ultra-pristine PSA/BGS 10’s bringing over $150. Sosa mania was still going strong when this set was released.
One of the more visually striking cards from 2001 Upper Deck is Colorado Rockies catcher Charles Johnson. The dynamic action shot features Johnson holding the baseball and taking a big lead off first base. It’s easy to see why this card has retained collector interest at $8-12 over the past two decades. Top graded specimens have recently hit the $100-150 range.
Power-hitting Texas Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock had one of the biggest rookie seasons in franchise history in 2002. His lone rookie card appearance came a year prior in 2001 Upper Deck. This card shows Blalock as a top hitting prospect for the Rangers organization. Still quite scarce in high grades, PSA 10’s have recently climbed over $200 online. Even raw near mint copies still fetch $15-25.
While not a rookie card, Detroit Tigers superstar Miguel Cabrera’s 2001 Upper Deck issue remains one of the best looking and most valuable cards from the set. Cabrera was just starting to break out as one of baseball’s best young hitters with the Florida Marlins at the time. Today near mint copies trade hands around $15-20, with BGS/PSA 10 conditions reaching $150-250. This card is sure to only increase in value as Cabrera marches towards the Hall of Fame.
Washington Nationals former ace Stephen Strasburg had one of the most hyped pitching prospects of all-time. His lone major issue as a San Diego State Cardinal in 2001 Upper Deck is still a strong find. Even raw near mint copies hold $8-12 in value today. High graded PSA/BGS 10 specimens have recently sold in the $150-250 range, a true testament to Strasburg’s star power and prospect pedigree.
While rookie cards usually garner the most attention in baseball sets, 2001 Upper Deck also included several affordable star player cards that are worth exploring. Atlanta Braves first baseman Fred McGriff’s flashy smiling base card remains a dependable $5-8 today. Philadelphia Phillies all-time greats Jim Thome and Billy Wagner each have $3-5 cards from their playing days with other teams in 2001. Even mid-level stars like Seattle Mariners outfielder Mike Cameron and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Paul Wilson have $2-4 cards that can round out a collection.
In summarizing, while not all cards from the final 2001 Upper Deck baseball release will make collectors rich, there are still numerous gems that hold strong long-term value appreciation potential. Rookie cards of budding stars like Weaver, Anderson, Blalock and Strasburg continue increasing in graded condition. Iconic issues of Miguel Cabrera, Sammy Sosa and Manny Ramirez retain solid mainstream appeal. With prices across the board still quite reasonable compared to the glut of modern parallels and short prints, savvy collectors would be wise to explore opportunities within the iconic 2001 Upper Deck baseball set before prices escalate further with time.Two decades later, this final flagship release from the legendary brand proves there are still profitable finds to be made.
