Albert Pujols is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The three-time National League MVP established himself as a true superstar very early in his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. As a result, Pujols’ rookie baseball cards from his debut 2001 season are some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby.
Pujols broke into the majors in 2001 at the age of 21 after seven seasons in the minor leagues. Despite his young age, he immediately became the Cardinals’ starting first baseman and leadoff hitter on Opening Day. Pujols did not disappoint in his rookie campaign, batting .329 with 37 home runs and 130 RBI en route to winning the National League Rookie of the Year award. His monster season established him as one of the premier power hitters and run producers in baseball from day one.
Some of the most notable and sought-after rookie cards of Albert Pujols include:
2001 Topps #572 – This is considered the flagship Pujols rookie card as it is from his mainstream Topps issue that year. It features a clean photo of Pujols in a Cardinals batting stance. The design is understated allowing Pujols’ talents to shine through. Graded gem mint 10 examples regularly sell for over $1,000.
2001 Bowman Chrome #BC-4 – This refracted (“chrome”) version of Pujols’ rookie debuted the technology that became hugely popular. It features a vivid photo and borderless design. High-grade BGS/PSA 10 examples can fetch $3,000+.
2001 Fleer Greats of the Game #GG-AP – A short printed parallel card from the premium Fleer set. It uses a regal color palette and classic Fleer design aesthetic. Only 101 copies were produced, making PGS 10 examples worth well over $10,000.
2001 Playoff Prestige #131 – As an insert set parallel, this card was even more scarce than the base rookie. It features Pujols in a Cardinals uniform with a green foil border. Just 50 were printed, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $25,000.
2001 Leaf Rookies and Stars #28 – Leaf inserted full bleed photos on glossy stock, giving their cards a high-end look. This parallel features a bold photo of Pujols. Graded examples in the $2,000-$3,000 range.
2001 SP Authentic #139 – SP Authentic parallels were inserted randomly in packs. This one uses a regal color palette and foil accent. PSA 10 copies have reached $4,000.
Beyond the flagship rookie cards, Pujols had several other noteworthy rookie issues from 2001 that remain popular with collectors today:
Score #457 – Score parallels were thick stock and featured vibrant photography. Higher grades trade between $500-800.
Upper Deck #468 – UD used premium lithographs and novel parallel designs. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1,000.
Donruss #262 – Donruss rookies had classic designs and large photos. Higher graded examples sell for $400-600.
Fleer Tradition #FT-AP – A parallel insert from the premium Fleer set with embossed foil lettering. PSA 10 copies reach $1,500.
Topps Chrome #124 – Refractors added to the appeal of Pujols’ Topps flagship rookie. PSA 10 examples command $800-1,200.
As his Hall of Fame career progressed, Pujols only cemented his status as a true legend of the game. He went on to hit over 600 home runs, drive in over 1,800 runs, and win three MVP awards and two World Series championships with the Cardinals. His rookie cards from 2001 remain some of the most iconic MLB cards ever due to how he burst onto the scene as a superstar from day one. Graded high examples from flagship and parallel issues remain extremely valuable investments for serious card collectors. As one of the best right-handed hitters in history, Albert Pujols’ rookie cards will always be prized pieces of baseball memorabilia.
