The 1997 Upper Deck baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the 1990s. Coming off several years of incredible rookie cards and insert sets, collectors were eagerly awaiting what Upper Deck had in store for 1997. The set did not disappoint, featuring several of the game’s biggest stars and some truly iconic rookie cards.

While the entire set is worthy of discussion, here are some of the standout 1997 Upper Deck baseball cards that still hold value with collectors today due to the players and the significance of their rookie or career seasons featured on the card:

Derek Jeter Rookie Card (#165)

Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1997 Upper Deck set is the Derek Jeter rookie. As one of the all-time great Yankees and face of MLB for two decades, there was immense hype around Jeter’s rookie card from the moment it was pulled from packs. While it isn’t the lowest printed rookie card of all-time, demand has kept it highly valuable to this day. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for well over $10,000. Even lower graded copies in the PSA 8-9 range still fetch thousands. The card perfectly captures Jeter’s smooth, effortless style on the field during his 1996 Rookie of the Year campaign.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#91)

While not technically a rookie card since Griffey had already been one of baseball’s biggest stars for years, his 1997 Upper Deck card remains a highly sought after piece for any collection. It features Griffey in his Cincinnati Reds uniform after being traded from the Seattle Mariners prior to the 1996 season. The trade took many fans by surprise, making Griffey’s first card as a Red a very memorable one. High grade copies in PSA 10 still sell for $500-1000 depending on market conditions. Even well-centered PSA 9s can reach the $300-500 range.

Nomar Garciaparra Rookie Card (#207)

Nomar Garciaparra exploded onto the MLB scene in 1997, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award and batting title. His rookie card perfectly captures the excitement around his debut and what looked to be a surefire Hall of Fame career. While injuries derailed Nomar, his rookie card remains a staple in sets from the 1990s. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $1000. Even lower graded copies still hold value for collectors due to Nomar’s iconic early career success with the Boston Red Sox.

Chipper Jones (#162)

As one of the game’s all-time great third basemen, Chipper Jones’ career seasons were well documented by Upper Deck over the years. But his 1997 card stands out as one of his most memorable. It features Chipper during his age 25 season where he batted .319 with 23 home runs and 90 RBI, establishing himself as the star of the Atlanta Braves. High grades have sold for over $500 in recent years. The card is a must-have for any collection focusing on Jones or 1990s MLB stars in general.

Jeff Bagwell (#200)

Bagwell was already a star in 1997, having won the 1994 NL MVP award. But his 1997 Upper Deck card stands out for capturing him during arguably his absolute peak. That season, Bagwell hit .304 with 39 home runs and 116 RBI, cementing his status as one of baseball’s most feared sluggers of the late 90s. PSA 10s have topped $300 due to Bagwell’s Hall of Fame career and the eye-catching photo on his 1997 UD issue. Even well-centered PSA 9s can reach the $150-200 range.

Ken Griffey Jr. Home Run Derby (#HRD)

While not technically part of the base set, Upper Deck’s popular Home Run Derby parallels from 1997 deserve recognition. Featuring the eight participants in the 1997 Derby, Ken Griffey Jr.’s card stands out as one of the most iconic inserts from the 1990s. Capturing Griffey holding up two fingers after winning the derby, it perfectly encapsulated his dominance as a slugger. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $1000. Even well-centered PSA 9s can reach the $300-500 range due to the nostalgia of Griffey’s derby victory.

Other Notable Cards:

Pedro Martinez (#199): Captured Martinez during his breakout 1997 season where he went 17-8 with an MLB-best 1.90 ERA and 0.923 WHIP.

Larry Walker (#176): Features Walker during his 1997 NL MVP season where he batted .366 with 49 doubles and 36 home runs.

Mark McGwire (#168): McGwire is pictured during his record-setting 1997 season where he led the majors with 58 home runs.

Sammy Sosa (#165): Rookie card of the Cubs slugger, who would later battle McGwire in an epic home run chase.

Juan Gonzalez (#173): Gonzalez is pictured after winning his second straight AL MVP/Triple Crown award.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#157): Ripken chased Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record in 1997.

The 1997 Upper Deck baseball set is one of the true classics from the hobby’s golden era of the 1990s. Featuring iconic rookies, huge stars, and memorable career seasons, it has withstood the test of time. PSA 10 examples of standout cards like Jeter, Griffey Jr. and others can be worthwhile long-term investments for savvy collectors. Even well-centered lower grades still hold value for those chasing specific players. The 1997 Upper Deck release was truly a masterpiece among modern baseball card sets.