The 2005 Topps baseball card set featured many notable rookie cards that have gone on to gain value and popularity among collectors over the years. The 2005 rookie class included future Hall of Famers and perennial All-Stars who went on to have tremendous careers in Major League Baseball. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies featured in the 2005 Topps set.
Perhaps the most significant rookie card from 2005 Topps is that of Jonathan Papelbon. As the 390th card in the set, Papelbon’s rookie card depicted him as a member of the Boston Red Sox. In 2004, Papelbon made his MLB debut out of the bullpen for the Red Sox and quickly established himself as one of the game’s top young relief pitchers. He was named an All-Star in 2005 and took over as the Red Sox closer, saving 38 games that season while posting a minuscule 1.85 ERA. Papelbon would go on to have a highly decorated career as one of the best closers of his generation, making 3 more All-Star teams and winning a World Series with Boston in 2007. His rookie card from 2005 Topps is one of the most coveted from the set, currently valued near the $100 range in mint condition.
Another impressive rookie card from 2005 Topps was that of Ryan Howard. As card number 160, Howard’s rookie featured him with the Philadelphia Phillies after being called up late in the 2004 season. In 2005, Howard exploded onto the MLB scene by bashing 22 home runs in only 87 games and finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting. He would go on to have one of the most prolific power-hitting careers for a first baseman in baseball history, slamming over 300 home runs while earning MVP honors in 2006. Howard led the Phillies to their first World Series title in over 25 years in 2008. High-graded copies of his rookie card now sell for around $50-75 given his impressive MLB résumé.
Two future superstar shortstops also had their rookie cards spotlighted in 2005 Topps. Card number 189 featured Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins. Ramirez broke out in 2005 by hitting .292 with 17 home runs in just 108 games, showcasing his dynamic talents and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He would go on to make several All-Star teams while establishing himself as one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball history. The other future star shortstop rookie was Troy Tulowitzki, who appeared on card number 193 as a member of the Colorado Rockies. Tulo played in 2005 and showed flashes of his talents, though injuries delayed his full dominance. When healthy from 2007-2015 though, Tulowitzki was regarded as the best all-around shortstop in the game, making several All-Star appearances. Both the Ramirez and Tulowitzki rookie cards have appreciably increased in value to the $50-75 range.
Two future aces also debuted their Topps rookie cards in 2005. Card number 481 featured Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels broke out as a rookie in 2006 by being named World Series MVP as just a 22-year old, showcasing his potential. He would go on to have a very successful career highlighted by over 150 wins, multiple All-Star appearances, and a World Series ring. Hamels’Topps rookie averages around $40-50 graded highly. Meanwhile, card number 482 focused on another young lefty, Andrew Miller of the Detroit Tigers. Miller struggled as a starter early on but reinvented himself as one of baseball’s premier relievers. He won a ring with the 2016 Cubs and has consistently dominated as both a setup man and closer. Despite a journeyman career, his 2005 Topps rookie remains popular in the $15-25 range.
Two 2005 rookies have gone on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers as well – Albert Pujols on card number 491 and Joe Mauer on card number 518. Pujols smashed 37 home runs as a rookie for the St. Louis Cardinals and was named Rookie of the Year, showcasing what would become one of the greatest careers in MLB history. Meanwhile, catcher Joe Mauer debuted for the Minnesota Twins in 2004 but was officially a rookie in 2005 Topps. He developed into the best hitter among catchers ever and won 3 batting titles. Both Pujols and Mauer are locks for the Hall of Fame and their rookies remain very valuable at $150-250 given their legends.
In total, the 2005 Topps baseball card set showcased over a dozen future All-Stars and Hall of Famers among its various rookie cards. Sets from years producing great rookie classes such as 2005 have proven to be excellent long-term investments. As the careers of players like Papelbon, Pujols, Ramirez, and more have blossomed, their rookie cards have appreciably gained in both popularity and monetary value among collectors. The 2005 rookie crop established themselves as stars and the cards immortalizing their early success in Topps remain a highlight of the hobby.
