When it comes to collecting trading cards, many enthusiasts focus on professional sports leagues like the MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL. College sports cards can be just as interesting to accumulate, especially for fans of a particular university’s baseball program. While college cards may not reach the same value as pro cards, some of the best college baseball cards feature future stars and memorable teams.
One of the most sought-after college baseball cards is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Kris Bryant card. Bryant went on to become the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP with the Chicago Cubs. As a freshman at the University of San Diego in 2011, he batted .365 with nine home runs. The rarity and star power of Bryant make this one of the priciest college baseball cards available. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $1,000.
Other highly valuable college rookie cards include Chipper Jones’ 1990 Leaf Freshman Flash, Mike Piazza’s 1988 Topps Traded, and Derek Jeter’s 1991 Score Rookie/Traded. While they were produced prior to their professional careers, these cards showcase future Hall of Famers in their collegiate uniforms. Collectors love obtaining cards that feature all-time greats in their amateur days.
For University of Miami fans, the 1987 Topps Traded Chipper Jones and the 1988 Score Barry Larkin are must-have cards. Both players led “The U” to College World Series championships during their collegiate tenures. Larkin won the 1988 CWS Most Outstanding Player award. Miami’s dominance in the 1980s makes cards from that era quite collectible for Hurricanes supporters.
Texas Longhorns fans enjoy pursuing cards featuring former stars like Burt Hooton, David Clyde, Roger Clemens and Brooks Kieschnick. The 1973 and 1974 Topps sets highlight Hooton and Clyde, who helped UT reach back-to-back CWS finals. Clemens’ 1981 Donruss RC as a freshman starter is a coveted Texas piece. Kieschnick’s spectacular 1990 season where he batted .461 makes his rookie cards desirable as well.
For LSU devotees, the most iconic college card would be the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Pitcher of the Year Andy Dirks. In 2008, Dirks led the Tigers to their sixth CWS title and was named CWS Most Outstanding Player. His jersey was retired by LSU after college. Other coveted Bayou Bengals include the 1990 Score Chipper Jones and 1992 Upper Deck Lee May.
Arizona State fans love finding cards of Barry Bonds’ time with the Sun Devils. His 1982 Donruss and Fleer rookies are highly sought after. Mike Kelly’s stellar 1989 season that saw him bat .463 makes his ’89 cards collectible as well. Kelly was named Collegiate Baseball’s Player of the Year.
For Louisville Cardinals supporters, the prized possession would be the 1989 Score Don Mattingly. Before his MLB stardom with the Yankees, Mattingly was a standout first baseman for Louisville. His .352 career average makes this college issue very collectible. Other coveted Louisville pieces include the 1990 Score Todd Zeile and the 1992 Pinnacle Craig Shipley.
Miami Marlins fans enjoy obtaining the rare 1992 Leaf Florida State National Champions team set. That Seminoles squad included future MLB all-stars like Wade Boggs, Mike Loynd and Patrick Lennon. Individual player cards from that title team hold significant value. Deion Sanders’ cards from his time at FSU in the late 1980s are also widely collected.
For Tennessee Volunteers admirers, the most desired card would be Rod Delmonico’s 1984 Donruss Rookie/Traded issue. Delmonico led UT to the 1982 CWS title and won the ’82 CWS Most Outstanding Player award. His jersey was retired by Tennessee. Other prized Vols include the 1990 Score Mark Reynolds and the 1992 Studio Chris Sabo.
While not as costly as pro rookie cards, the best college baseball cards can still carry substantial value – especially for key players, teams and years in a school’s historical legacy. Authentic vintage college issues in high grades are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the secondary market. For diehard fans of a college program, finding and owning cards from their favorite school’s baseball history is a fun way to connect to the sport at the amateur level.
