The 1997 Pinnacle brand baseball card set was popular among collectors when it was released. Over 25 years later, it remains one of the more valuable vintage baseball card sets from the 1990s. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the standout 1997 Pinnacle cards that could be worth a good amount of money today if in high grades.
Pinnacle had become one of the top brands in the industry by 1997 thanks to innovative designs and high-quality photography on its cards. The ’97 set followed in that tradition with 540 total cards featuring modern 3D renders, action shots, and classic team uniform images. Rated rookies and star players from the 1996 season were the big chase cards for collectors.
One of the most valuable from the set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. Jones was already establishing himself as a future Hall of Famer in the early stages of his career with the Atlanta Braves in 1996. His rookie Pinnacle card shows promise of the stellar player he would become. High grade versions of this card in a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have sold for over $2,000. Even PSA 9 Near Mint copies can fetch $400-$600 depending on the market.
Another star third baseman rookie that holds value is Scott Rolen’s card from the 1997 Pinnacle set. Like Jones, Rolen was performing at an All-Star caliber level very early in his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. His solid defense and potent bat made him a cornerstone player for over a decade. PSA 10 Rolen rookies have sold for around $1,000 while PSA 9s trade in the $200-300 range currently.
For pitchers, the Pedro Martinez rookie card stands out as one of the more coveted from the ’97 Pinnacle release. Martinez was already establishing himself as one of the elite hurlers in baseball during his time with the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. His electric stuff and cerebral approach made watching him deal on the mound must-see TV. High grade Martinez rookie Pinnacles in a PSA 10 can achieve over $800 with PSA 9s bringing $300-400.
Other star rookies like Nomar Garciaparra, Brian Giles, and Travis Lee add value as well if found in top condition. But veteran superstars are also where the big money cards reside from 1997 Pinnacle. In particular, the Ken Griffey Jr. card shows the Mariners slugger in classic high socks and vibrant teal uniforms. A PSA 10 Griffey has sold for over $3,000 before due to his icon status among collectors. Even well-centered PSA 9s can gain $750-1,000.
Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez also had two of the most recognizable and sought-after cards in the set as budding Yankees stars. A PSA 10 Jeter has reached $2,000 before with PSA 9s around $500-700. Meanwhile, a PSA 10 A-Rod has topped $2,500 with Mint 9s in the $600-800 range. California Angels star Tim Salmon had immense popularity on the West Coast as well. High grade versions of his colorful sliding image card achieve $300-500 routinely.
Pinnacle also included insert sets within the base issues that have appreciating value today. The Autographics autographed parallels signed by the featured player are highly collectible. Singles of Ken Griffey Jr, Cal Ripken Jr, and other legends in high grades could be worth $500-1000 or more. The Spectra refractors parallel are popular as well with stars like Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Eddie Murray.
In conclusion, 1997 Pinnacle was an all-star caliber production that captured the stars of the late 1990s in aesthetically pleasing photography. While base rookies and commons hold nominal value, the keys reside in star veterans and rookie hits of franchise talents in pristine condition grades. Condition is absolutely critical to realize top dollar for the flagship cards profiled here from the set’s 25+ year old production run. With scarcity and nostalgia always factors, 1997 Pinnacle cards of stars are primed to maintain collector interest for years to come.
