The 2010 Topps baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that contained many valuable rookie cards and stars from the previous season. While not quite as dramatic as some rookie classes of the past, the 2010 Topps set still featured several future Hall of Famers and emerging talents that would go on to stardom. Let’s take a look at some of the key cards collectors were eager to pull from packs or chase on the secondary market upon the set’s release in early 2010.
Perhaps the biggest star and most sought-after card from 2010 Topps was Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Matt Kemp on card #326. Coming off a breakout 2009 season where he slugged 26 home runs and drove in 90 runs, Kemp was establishing himself as one of the premier young outfielders in baseball. While injuries would later hamper his career, Kemp was seen as a future superstar at the time. His 2010 Topps base card remains one of the marquee rookie cards from the set and has grown steadily in value ever since.
Another Dodgers star and major attraction from 2010 Topps was first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on card #250. Gonzalez was still with the San Diego Padres at the time but would be traded to LA before the 2011 season. He was coming off two monster seasons where he hit a combined 56 home runs and drove in 255 runs. Gonzalez was one of the game’s best young power hitters and his cards captured the attention of collectors. Like Kemp, his 2010 Topps base is a highly valuable Dodgers star card today.
Over in the American League, Texas Rangers sensation Josh Hamilton seemed poised to become the game’s premier slugger after smashing 32 homers in 2009. On the heels of being named AL MVP, Hamilton’s card #334 was a highly sought-after rookie from 2010 Topps. Injuries would later curb Hamilton’s career trajectory as well, but at the time he was one of baseball’s brightest young talents alongside Kemp. His rookie card remains an important Rangers piece from the set.
Another key rookie from 2010 Topps was Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond, who debuted with the team in 2009. Desmond’s sharp development made his card #302 a favorite among Nationals PC collectors. He would go on to become an All-Star and veteran leader for Washington over the next decade. For Nats fans, Desmond’s rookie is a meaningful piece of franchise history from their early years.
Staying in the NL East, Atlanta Braves smooth-swinging first baseman Freddie Freeman had a breakout rookie campaign in 2010, hitting .276 with 13 homers in just 108 games. Freeman wasted no time becoming an integral part of the Braves’ lineup and his card #312 was a highly regarded rookie. Now a perennial All-Star and veteran Braves leader, Freeman’s 2010 Topps rookie remains iconic for collectors of the franchise and the player himself.
Shifting gears to pitchers, Washington Nationals flamethrower Stephen Strasburg was the talk of baseball before he ever threw a big league pitch. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Strasburg was handed the biggest prospect hype in decades. Collectors eagerly awaited his first official card in 2010 Topps, and card #84 quickly became one of the most sought-after modern rookie cards ever issued. Injuries would plague Strasburg’s career as well, but for a time he seemed like a can’t-miss ace in the making for the Nats.
In Tampa Bay, 22-year old pitcher David Price was emerging as the ace of the Rays’ staff, having gone 19-6 in 2009 with an AL-best 2.72 ERA. Price’s dominance made his 2010 Topps base card #299 extremely popular. He would go on to be named AL Cy Young Award winner just two years later, proving he was one of the elite hurlers in baseball. Price’s rookie card endures as a seminal piece for Rays collectors.
Last but not least, one cannot discuss the key 2010 Topps cards without mentioning Philadelphia Phillies superstar Ryan Howard on card #68. Coming off another massive 40-homer, 141-RBI season, Howard was already a career .276 hitter with 192 home runs in just six seasons. A three-time All-Star and former NL MVP, Howard was the heart and soul of some of the best Phillies teams of all time. His 2010 Topps base card captured him at the peak of his legendary Phillies tenure.
While not the strongest overall rookie class, 2010 Topps delivered several star cards that have stood the test of time – from franchise cornerstones like Freeman, Gonzalez and Price to hype talents like Kemp, Strasburg and Hamilton. For Phillies, Dodgers, Braves, Rangers and Rays collectors especially, the 2010 Topps set provides several integral pieces to building sets depicting the evolution of their favorite ballclubs. The combination of emerging young talents and established veteran stars like Howard made the 2010 Topps release a highly compelling modern issue for both collectors and investors alike.