Adam Ottavino Baseball Cards Provide Insight Into Journeyman Reliever’s Career
Adam Ottavino has carved out a nice career for himself as a reliable relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, but his baseball card history shows the winding road he took to get there. While he may not be one of the game’s superstar hurlers, Ottavino’s cards chronicle his evolution from an unheralded draft pick to a key bullpen arm for contending teams. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable Adam Ottavino baseball cards from over the years.
2006 Topps Baseball Card #632
One of Ottavino’s earliest card appearances comes from his rookie season in 2006 Topps, though he did not make his MLB debut until the following year. On the card, Ottavino is pictured in a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league uniform from his time in the Mets system prior to being selected by Colorado in the Rule 5 draft. The back of the card provides scouting reports on Ottavino, noting his deceptive delivery and potential as a situational reliever if he can develop better command. It’s telling that even this early in his career, control issues were seen as the biggest hurdle for Ottavino to overcome.
2009 Topps Baseball Card #514
Ottavino’s MLB rookie card came out in 2009 Topps, commemorating his debut season with the Rockies. By this point, Ottavino had spent time in Colorado’s farm system working to refine his mechanics. The results were evident in his 2008 numbers, as he struck out over a batter per inning between Double and Triple-A. Command remained an issue as he also walked nearly five batters per nine innings pitched. Ottavino’s rookie card photo shows him delivering a pitch with his unique high-leg kick delivery. While he made only 11 appearances for the Rockies in 2009, this served as the first trading card glimpse of Ottavino as a big leaguer.
2011 Topps Baseball Card #481
After struggling to stick in the Rockies’ bullpen in 2010, Ottavino bounced back with a solid 2011 season. He appeared in 66 games and notched a 3.46 ERA over 71 innings. This performance earned Ottavino increased exposure and a spot in the 2011 Topps set. The card depicts Ottavino mid-windup and highlights his improved control, as he lowered his walk rate nearly two batters per nine innings from the previous season. Ottavino was establishing himself as a potential long relief option, though injuries would continue to be an obstacle for the pitcher.
2014 Topps Baseball Card #388
Major elbow injuries cost Ottavino all of the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Many questioned if he would ever make it back. But Ottavino worked relentlessly in rehab and was rewarded with a comeback campaign for the Rockies in 2014. He returned better than ever with a 1.80 ERA and 0.857 WHIP over 48 innings. Ottavino’s dominance was reflected on his 2014 Topps card, where he is shown firing a pitch with an intense stare. The back notes Ottavino’s incredible resilience in overcoming Tommy John surgery and regaining his form. It was a true testament to his work ethic and desire.
2015 Topps Update Baseball Card #US150
Ottavino avoided arbitration and re-signed with Colorado prior to the 2015 season, looking to build on his breakout year. He continued pitching well initially but was traded to the New York Mets in August. This Update card captured Ottavino with his new club, though he only made five appearances for the Mets down the stretch. The trade marked the end of Ottavino’s seven-year tenure in the Rockies organization. While he enjoyed success in Denver when healthy, a new chapter was beginning in the Big Apple.
2017 Topps Baseball Card #507
After signing with Boston as a free agent, Ottavino enjoyed a career year for the Red Sox in 2017. He notched a 2.06 ERA and struck out a batter per inning across 66 appearances, showcasing some of the best stuff of his career. This performance earned Ottavino a prominent spot near the front of the 2017 Topps set. The card depicts Ottavino mid-delivery, with his unique high leg kick on full display. By this point, Ottavino had developed into a late-inning weapon, maximizing his potential after years of battling injuries and control issues.
2019 Topps Update Baseball Card #US150
Ottavino continued his success after signing a lucrative deal with the Yankees prior to 2019. He emerged as a setup man for Aroldis Chapman in New York’s stellar bullpen. This Update card featured Ottavino in his new Yankees pinstripes, coming off a season where he struck out 112 batters in 66.2 innings with an ERA under two. At this stage of his career, Ottavino had cemented himself as one of the game’s premier relievers, earning increased recognition and parallels with superstars on his cards. His journeyman path made it all the sweeter.
In summary, Adam Ottavino’s baseball card collection perfectly illustrates his evolution from a little-known prospect to a durable late-inning presence. Along the way, Ottavino had to battle injuries, command issues, and being traded and released at times. But through sheer determination and refining his craft, he maximized his abilities. Ottavino may never garner the attention of some flashier relievers. For collectors who have followed his baseball cards through the years, his story of perseverance is truly inspiring.
