Denny Bautista Baseball Card History and Values

Denny Bautista made his Major League Baseball debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002 after being signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 1996. While he never became a superstar, Bautista enjoyed a solid 11-year career as a relief pitcher, most notably with the Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. Let’s take a look at Bautista’s baseball card history and explore some of his more valuable and sought-after rookie and career cards.

2002 Topps Traded #T102 (Rookie Card)

Bautista’s official rookie card came in 2002 Topps Traded, which was issued midway through his debut season with the Phillies after he was called up in June. The design of 2002 Topps Traded features a large headshot of the player on the left with their team logo and stats on the right. Bautista’s card shows him sporting the classic Philadelphia Phillies red pinstripes. Graded mint condition PSA 10 examples of this rookie card in recent years have sold for $30-50. Even lower graded copies in EX-MT condition still fetch $10-20 due to its status as Bautista’s first major issue card.

2002 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Autograph #BDPP81

Also issued in 2002 was Bautista’s autographed card from Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, which featured prospects and recent draftees. These autographed cards from the set have become quite valuable for players who went on to have MLB success. Bautista’s autographed card in a PSA/DNA authenticated sleeve is quite valuable, with PSA 10 examples selling for $300-500 in recent years. Even lower graded copies still sell for $100-200 depending on condition. This makes it one of Bautista’s most valuable and sought-after rookie cards.

2003 Topps #480

Bautista’s main rookie card released during his true rookie season of 2003 with Topps. The design is the standard vertical format with a large action photo and stats on the back. Graded PSA 10 examples of this card have sold for $15-25. Most raw or lower graded copies still trade hands for $5-10. While not quite as iconic as some other Topps rookie cards of its time, it remains a key card for any Bautista collector.

2004 Topps #646

By 2004, Bautista was establishing himself as a reliable reliever in Philadelphia’s bullpen. His 2004 Topps card shows him as a member of the Phillies. PSA 10 examples have sold for $8-12 in recent years. Most raw or lower graded copies can be acquired for $3-5.

2005 Topps #655

Bautista’s 2005 Topps card, issued during his tenure with the Phillies. PSA 10 examples have sold for $6-10. Raw or lower graded copies are fairly common and affordable, trading hands for $2-4.

2006 Topps #752

In 2006, Bautista was traded mid-season from the Phillies to the Kansas City Royals. His 2006 Topps card reflects his time spent with both clubs that year. PSA 10 examples have sold for $5-8, with raw copies available for $2-4.

2007 Topps #819 (Orioles Debut)

After the 2006 season, Bautista signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles, where he would spend five seasons from 2007-2011. His 2007 Topps card marks his debut with the O’s. PSA 10 examples have sold for $5-7, with most raw copies selling for $2-4.

2008 Topps #862

Bautista’s 2008 Topps card as an established member of the Baltimore bullpen. PSA 10 examples have recently sold for $4-6, with raw copies available for $2-3.

2009 Topps #949

Bautista’s 2009 Topps card in an Orioles uniform. PSA 10 examples have sold for $4-5, with most raw copies selling for $1-3.

2010 Topps #1132

Bautista’s 2010 Topps card shows him pitching for the Orioles. PSA 10 examples have recently sold for $3-5, with raw copies easily obtained for $1-2.

2011 Topps #1290

Bautista’s final Topps card as an Oriole before signing with the Cubs prior to the 2012 season. PSA 10 examples have sold for $3-4, with raw copies available for just $1-2.

While not a true superstar, Denny Bautista enjoyed a solid 11-year MLB career primarily as a setup man and middle reliever. His rookie cards from 2002 Topps Traded and the autographed 2002 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects remain his most valuable. But affordable raw copies of his annual Topps cards from his Phillies and Orioles tenure make for a fun collection to pursue. With some patience, a full Denny Bautista card collection can be acquired on a modest budget.