Kyle Kendrick is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher who played in the MLB from 2007 through 2017 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. While never an All-Star or big name player, Kendrick had a long career as a serviceable back-end starter and middle reliever in the big leagues. As a result of his decade-long MLB tenure, Kendrick has been featured on numerous baseball cards over the years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the more notable Kyle Kendrick baseball cards from the prime of his playing career.
2007 Topps Kyle Kendrick RC (#501)
Kendrick’s rookie card came in 2007 Topps, the year he made his MLB debut with the Phillies at age 24. This served as his official rookie card (RC). It pictures Kendrick in a Phillies uniform from his rookie season, with some basic stats from his minor league career on the back. The 2007 Topps set had decent popularity during Kendrick’s early career, so this RC can still be found in very affordable condition online or at card shops. In near mint or better condition, it typically sells for around $3-5.
2009 Topps Kyle Kendrick (#328)
By 2009, Kendrick had established himself as a part of the Phillies’ starting rotation, making 30 starts that season. He earned his first Topps base card beyond his rookie. This card pictures Kendrick in his windup during a game at Citizens Bank Park. Stats from the 2008 and 2009 seasons are on the back. Condition is key for any common base card like this, but a well-centered, near mint 2009 Topps Kendrick can be had for under $1.
2010 Topps Kyle Kendrick (#244)
By 2010, Kendrick was a full-time member of the Phillies’ rotation following the departures of Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer. This secured him another Topps base card. It shows him pitching at Dodger Stadium, with updated stats through the 2009 season on the back. Similar to the ’09 card, a mint condition ’10 Topps Kendrick lists for around 50 cents to $1.
2011 Topps Update Kyle Kendrick (#US262)
Kendrick started 31 games for the Phillies in 2011, enjoying one of his best seasons statistically. This led to him being included in the 2011 Topps Update set towards the end of that year. The card features a close-up action shot of Kendrick on the mound. Career stats were again provided on the back. Very affordable like most base Update cards, a near mint ’11 Kendrick Update can usually be had for under $1.
2012 Topps Kyle Kendrick (#305)
By 2012, Kendrick had established himself as a dependable back-end starter and swingman in the Phillies’ rotation and bullpen for several years running. This earned him yet another Topps base card that year. It depicts Kendrick pitching at home against the Mets, framed in a zoomed-in action shot style. Updated career numbers are listed on the reverse. Still in high production, well-centered mint copies can often be found for around 50 cents.
2013 Topps Kyle Kendrick (#322)
Kendrick’s successful run with the Phillies continued into 2013, leading to his customary base card that year. This issue shows him stretching during warmups at Citizens Bank Park. Career stats are again provided on the back. Common issues from sets of the mid-2010s like 2013 Topps usually sell in the under $1 range when in mint condition, making this an easily accessible Kendrick card.
2014 Topps Update Kyle Kendrick (#US239)
After starting 29 games in 2013, Kendrick landed another card in the 2014 Topps Update set late that year. The card captures him pitching on the road against the Reds, along with career stats on the reverse as per usual. Very affordable like most base Update issues, pristine copies can regularly be had for 50 cents or less given the set’s high production numbers.
2015 Topps Kyle Kendrick (#596)
Kendrick’s last season with the Phillies was 2015, where he made 31 appearances including 19 starts and tossed 140 innings. This final Phillies stint resulted in one more Topps base card showing him in red pinstripes. It features a headshot with helmet and career stats continuing to be displayed on the back. Still inexpensive at under $1 in top condition due to common production levels.
2016 Topps Rockies Kyle Kendrick (#645)
After being released by the Phillies that offseason, Kendrick signed with the Colorado Rockies for 2016. This led to new Rockies uniforms on a base card that year through Topps. It displays him stretching against the green and purple Rockies backdrop. Aggregated stats spanning his time with both Philadelphia and Colorado were provided on the reverse. Very affordable at 50 cents or less in pristine shape.
2017 Topps Dodgers Kyle Kendrick (#650)
Kendrick’s last MLB season was a short stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 after being released by Colorado. This resulted in one final Topps base card, now in Dodger blue. It pictures Kendrick at Dodger Stadium, with cumulative stats updated to include his contributions for all three career MLB teams. Even today, this late-career issue can usually be acquired for well under $1 in top-graded condition.
While Kyle Kendrick was never a superstar, his consistent mid-rotation presence with the Phillies from 2007-2015 paired with brief later stops resulted in plentiful cardboard issues chronicling his decade-long MLB tenure. Many of these common Topps and Topps Update cards can still be found inexpensively today, providing affordable options for any collector looking to represent the journeyman pitcher within their baseball collection. Though not hugely valuable on their own, taken together they tell the story of Kendrick’s career each step of the way through cardboard.