Baseball cards from 2005 that hold significant value today:
The 2005 baseball card season saw rookies like Ryan Howard, David Wright, and Troy Tulowitzki make their cardboard debuts. While not considered true “rookie cards” by collectors since they had played in previous seasons, these players went on to have great careers that make their 2005 rookie cards worth chasing. 2005 also featured stars like Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, and Derek Jeter who continue to produce and maintain high values for their cards. Let’s take a closer look at some 2005 baseball cards that have stood the test of time and could be worth money for collectors today.
2005 Topps Update Blue Refractor Parallel #UR-11 Ryan Howard (Philadelphia Phillies)
Ryan Howard exploded onto the MLB scene in 2005 after being called up late in the 2004 season. In 2005, he blasted 22 home runs in just 58 games and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. The blue refractor parallel of his card from the 2005 Topps Update set has gained value as Howard went on to have a great career hitting over 300 home runs. In high grade of mint or near mint condition, the Howard blue refractor can fetch over $100. For a parallel insert, that’s a very strong price.
2005 Topps Chrome Refractors #149 Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals)
There may not be a more consistent superstar than Albert Pujols over the past two decades. In 2005, he was already a three-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP. The chrome refractor parallel of his base card from the prestigious Topps Chrome set is a highly desired Pujols card that has only increased in value with each passing year. In top condition of mint or gem mint, expect to pay $150-$200 easily for this refractor due to Pujols’ sustained excellence and iconic status.
2005 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs Blue #BDPP-ID David Wright (New York Mets)
While not technically a true “rookie card,” the 2005 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects autograph blue parallel of third baseman David Wright holds great value as one of the premier signed cards from his early career. Wright became a perennial All-Star and the face of the Mets franchise for over a decade. His autograph from this prestigious Bowman set commands $300-400 in top condition due to his excellent career and the rarity of a signed blue parallel issue.
2005 Topps Total #166 Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
Ichiro was already a 10-time All-Star and reigning AL MVP and batting champion when this card was issued in 2005 Topps Total. As one of the most accomplished hitters in modern MLB history, Ichiro’s cards from his early Mariners seasons are quite valuable, especially in pristine condition. His 2005 Topps Total base card can be acquired for $75-100 in near mint to mint condition thanks to his iconic career and status as a surefire Hall of Famer.
2005 Bowman’s Best Refractors #BR-DD Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies)
Troy Tulowitzki burst onto the scene in 2006 and established himself as one of the premier offensive and defensive shortstops of his generation. While the 2005 Bowman’s Best set featured prospects and not true rookies, Tulo’s refractor from this issue stands out. He lived up to the hype with a fantastic career that makes this one of the more valuable non-rookie cards from his early years. In top shape, expect to pay $150-200 due to his excellence and the prestigious nature of the Bowman’s Best refractors.
2005 Topps Opening Day #OD-JD Derek Jeter (New York Yankees)
As one of the most accomplished and decorated players ever, Derek Jeter’s cards from his later Yankees seasons are quite collectible, especially in premium parallels. The 2005 Topps Opening Day base card shows an aging Jeter but still in pinstripes on the cusp of winning his fifth World Series ring. In near mint to mint condition, this Jeter card can be acquired for $50-75 based on his iconic career and status as a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.
2005 Topps Total Memorabilia #TM-CC Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico)
Carlos Correa had one of the quickest rises to stardom of any player this century. While just a prospect in 2005, his memorabilia card from Topps Total featuring a swatch of his Puerto Rican national team jersey has gained value as Correa became the top overall pick in the 2012 draft and an All-Star shortstop for the Astros. In top condition with a clean swatch, expect to pay $150-200 for this early Correa relic as he continues producing as a star shortstop.
2005 Bowman Chrome Prospects Blue Refractors #BCP-BR Clayton Kershaw (Great Lakes Loons)
Clayton Kershaw’s path to the Hall of Fame was evident from a young age, but his true greatness was still to be realized when Topps captured him as a Loons prospect in 2005. The prized blue refractor parallel from Bowman Chrome Prospects is one of the most coveted Kershaw cards as he has developed into a legendary pitcher. In pristine mint or gem mint condition, be prepared to pay $400-500 due to Kershaw’s elite career and the rarity of the blue refractor issue.
While not true rookies for most, the 2005 season provided a glimpse at future superstars like Howard, Wright, Tulowitzki, Correa, and Kershaw. Combined with cards showing established legends such as Pujols, Ichiro and Jeter, the 2005 baseball card year produced several key issues that have proven to hold value as many of these players went on to have Hall of Fame-caliber careers. For the savvy collector, 2005 remains a year to scout the market for affordable gems that could grow in stature like the players themselves.
