Albert Pujols is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Over his 21-year MLB career spent primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, Pujols established himself as a true hitting machine and one of the most dominant offensive forces the game has ever seen. With his incredible on-field accomplishments, Pujols has naturally been featured on many highly coveted and valuable baseball cards over the years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Albert Pujols’ best and most iconic baseball cards from throughout his legendary career.
2001 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors #BDPP-AP – Pujols’ first major baseball card came in 2001 after being selected in the 13th round of the 1999 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. The 2001 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors set featured Pujols in the early stages of his minor league career before his big league debut. Highly sought after by collectors today due to it being Pujols’ rookie card, Pujols’ #BDPP-AP card from this set regularly sells for well over $1,000 in top-graded gem mint condition.
2001 Topps Traded #T-152 – After getting called up to the Cardinals in August 2001 and immediately impressing, Pujols was included in Topps’ Traded set release that year. The #T-152 card shows Pujols batting in his distinctive upright stance and is one of the more iconic early Pujols cards. High-grade examples often sell for $500-700.
2002 Bowman’s Best Refractors #BB-AP – The 2002 Bowman’s Best Refractors set featured Pujols after his phenomenal rookie season where he finished third in NL MVP voting. The #BB-AP refractor parallel captured Pujols in the early stages of what became a legendary career. This highly colorful and aesthetically pleasing card has grown in demand in recent years, with PSA 10 Gems now selling for $1,000-1,500.
2003 Topps #574 – Pujols’ first main Topps card came in 2003 after winning his first of three NL MVP awards the previous season. The #574 card depicts Pujols in his classic batting pose and is one of the most iconic from his early Cardinals days. High-grade versions remain very popular with collectors and have sold for over $1,000.
2005 Topps Chrome Refractors #267 – The 2005 season saw Pujols put up one of the greatest individual seasons in MLB history, hitting .330 with 41 home runs and 117 RBI’s en route to another MVP award. His refractor from the highly popular 2005 Topps Chrome set is considered one of the best Pujols cards from his prime years in St. Louis. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $3,000.
2008 Topps #132 – The 2008 season was a special one for Pujols and Cardinals fans, as St. Louis won the World Series for the first time since 1982. Pujols’ #132 card from the 2008 Topps set perfectly captures the excitement of that championship year. This is one of Pujols’ most iconic Cardinals cards from his playoff years in St. Louis. High-end PSA 10 versions have sold for $1,500-2,000.
2011 Topps #132 – Pujols’ last season with the Cardinals in 2011 saw him finish second in MVP voting after another outstanding year. His #132 card from 2011 Topps is a favorite for many due to it being his final in a Cardinals uniform before signing with the Angels. Top-graded examples have sold for $800-1,000 in recent years.
2014 Topps #132 – The 2014 season was Pujols’ first in an Angels uniform after signing the massive free agent contract. His #132 card from 2014 Topps marked his first in an Angels uniform and the beginning of a new chapter of his career on the West Coast. Higher graded versions have sold for $500-700.
2017 Topps Archives #152 – Topps Archives sets recreate classic designs from the past. The 2017 edition featured Pujols’ #152 card using the iconic 2005 Topps design from his MVP season. This nostalgic card has grown in popularity in recent years, with PSA 10’s selling for $600-800.
Those represent some of Albert Pujols’ most iconic and valuable baseball cards from throughout his storied career. As one of the best hitters of all time and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, Pujols cards will remain highly sought after by collectors for years to come. His on-field success and longevity in the game have resulted in some truly memorable cards that continue gaining in value as his legacy grows.