Baseball cards from 2017 provide an interesting snapshot of the current state of Major League Baseball. The 2017 season saw several notable storylines unfold that were reflected in that year’s baseball card releases from companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prominent players, teams, and themes showcased in 2017 baseball cards.
The Chicago Cubs were heavily featured after winning their first World Series title in over a century in 2016. Stars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Jake Arrieta remained hot commodities in the baseball card world in 2017 cards as the Cubs sought a repeat championship. The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as the team to beat in 2017 with a stacked roster led by Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Turner. Their battle with the Washington Nationals for National League supremacy was a storyline that carried over to the card releases.
Rookies burst onto the scene as well. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees had one of the greatest rookie seasons in baseball history, smashing 52 home runs en route to being crowned American League Rookie of the Year. His towering shots and dominant play made him one of the most sought-after young stars in 2017 cards. Fellow rookies Cody Bellinger, Paul DeJong, and Andrew Benintendi also debuted with fanfare and saw high demand for their rookie cards. Veteran stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Kris Bryant remained steady fixtures as well thanks to their consistent excellence on the field year after year.
Beyond individual players, 2017 also saw the debut of several exciting new stadiums captured on cards. The Miami Marlins unveiled their new home, Marlins Park, after years playing in the outdated Sun Life Stadium. Their cards showcased the ballpark’s unique retractable roof and colorful fish tank backdrop behind the center field wall. In Texas, the Texas Rangers opened Globe Life Park, moving from their original new ballpark, The Ballpark in Arlington, after over 20 years. Cards featured panoramic shots of the stadium and its distinctive retractable roof as well.
New uniforms also debuted. The Tampa Bay Rays unveiled a set of stylish, modern uniforms with sky blue and orange colors replacing the outdated navy and white look. Their cards highlighted the refreshed on-field look. The Atlanta Braves also rolled out a new uniform paying tribute to the city’s history with script lettering, tomahawk logos, and dark blue and red colors harkening back to the franchise’s glory days in the 1990s.
Trading cards in 2017 also reflected the growing internationalization of Major League Baseball. Young stars like Yoan Moncada, Gleyber Torres, and Eloy Jimenez were featured prominently as highly-touted prospects in the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees systems. Japanese two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani also began to generate buzz in cards as he prepared to make the jump to MLB in 2018. Cards showcased MLB’s efforts to grow the game globally by highlighting top international talents.
Rookies, veterans, stadiums, uniforms, and international players were all major talking points in 2017 baseball cards. The cards reflected an ever-changing MLB landscape while also preserving memories of that singular season for collectors. As the game continued to evolve, cards served as a collector’s window into the state of baseball in 2017. Featuring the biggest names, best rookies, and most impactful stories of that season, 2017 baseball cards offer a compelling snapshot of America’s pastime at a pivotal moment in time.
