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ADAM WAINWRIGHT BASEBALL CARDS

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Adam Wainwright is a legendary pitcher who has spent his entire MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals. As a pitcher who has been with one team for nearly two decades, Wainwright has been featured on numerous baseball cards throughout his career. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Adam Wainwright cards that collectors search for.

One of Wainwright’s earliest cards is his 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors rookie card. As one of Wainwright’s first cards issued while he was in the minors, this card has taken on greater significance since he became an ace in St. Louis. The 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors rookie card can sell for over $100 in near-mint condition for the more common base card, while refractors and parallels can fetch upwards of $500 or more in gem mint 10 grade.

Wainwright’s true rookie card came in 2005 with his debut in Topps baseball card releases. The 2005 Topps #630 Adam Wainwright rookie card is one of the most iconic in his collection. This basic cardboard issue can be found for $20-30, while special parallel and autographed versions have sold for thousands. The 2005 Topps rookie card was the first widespread look fans got of the pitcher who would become a Cardinal legend.

In 2006, Wainwright broke out with a stellar season in St. Louis. His performance earned him higher numbered cards in the flagship Topps set. The 2006 Topps #629 Adam Wainwright is another fundamental piece for collectors of his early career. Near-mint copies can be found for $10-15, with autographed versions reaching over $500. This marked Wainwright establishing himself as a big league starter.

Wainwright’s breakout continued into 2007 when he notched 14 wins and helped lead the Cardinals to a pennant. Topps commemorated his success with the 2007 Topps #660 card. As a popular numbered issue from that season, the 2007 Topps #660 fetches $8-12 in top condition. Colorful parallels and autographs take the value much higher. It was a sign of the ace Wainwright was becoming in St. Louis.

In 2009, Wainwright cemented his status with a dominant season winning 19 games while posting a 2.63 ERA. Topps again recognized his excellence with the 2009 Topps #662 card. Near-mint examples can be found for $5-8, but special parallels and autographs reach the triple-digit price range. This marked Wainwright entering the upper echelon of MLB pitchers.

Wainwright’s career was interrupted in 2011 due to Tommy John surgery, but he returned better than ever in 2013. Topps highlighted his comeback with the 2013 Topps #670 card that year. In top condition this basic issue sells for $3-5, while special parallels reach $50-100. It was a testament to Wainwright’s resilience to bounce back from a major injury.

In 2014, Wainwright helped lead the Cardinals to a pennant once more. Topps paid tribute with the 2014 Topps #712 card. Near-mint copies trade hands for $3-4, with autographed and parallel versions reaching $50-150. This marked Wainwright back among the game’s elite once again after injury.

Wainwright’s career continued well into the late 2010s, achieving several milestones along the way. Topps duly recognized these accomplishments with numbered cards in flagship sets such as the 2016 Topps #760 for his 200th start, 2017 Topps #715 for his 150th win, and the 2020 Topps #770 for his 3,000th career strikeout. Each of these numbered cards can be acquired in top condition for $3-5 and demonstrate Wainwright’s longevity and greatness.

In addition to his Topps cards, Wainwright has also been featured prominently in other baseball card products over the years. Sets like Bowman, Stadium Club, Leaf, and Topps Chrome have all highlighted the righty with shiny rookie cards, autographs, and parallels. Wainwright even has rare 1/1 printing plate autographs that have sold at auction for over $1,000. With his decorated career nearly over, collectors continue seeking out Adam Wainwright’s vast array of baseball cards.

Whether it’s his earliest prospect issues, iconic rookie cards, or numbered career milestone presentations, Adam Wainwright has left an indelible mark on the baseball card collecting community. As a lifelong Cardinal, Wainwright will forever be remembered not just for his performances on the field but the countless cardboard remembrances of his stellar career. Collectors hope that one day they too can own a piece of this pitching legend in the form of an Adam Wainwright baseball card.

ADAM OTTAVINO BASEBALL CARDS

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Adam Ottavino Baseball Cards Provide Insight Into Journeyman Reliever’s Career

Adam Ottavino has carved out a nice career for himself as a reliable relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, but his baseball card history shows the winding road he took to get there. While he may not be one of the game’s superstar hurlers, Ottavino’s cards chronicle his evolution from an unheralded draft pick to a key bullpen arm for contending teams. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable Adam Ottavino baseball cards from over the years.

2006 Topps Baseball Card #632

One of Ottavino’s earliest card appearances comes from his rookie season in 2006 Topps, though he did not make his MLB debut until the following year. On the card, Ottavino is pictured in a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league uniform from his time in the Mets system prior to being selected by Colorado in the Rule 5 draft. The back of the card provides scouting reports on Ottavino, noting his deceptive delivery and potential as a situational reliever if he can develop better command. It’s telling that even this early in his career, control issues were seen as the biggest hurdle for Ottavino to overcome.

2009 Topps Baseball Card #514

Ottavino’s MLB rookie card came out in 2009 Topps, commemorating his debut season with the Rockies. By this point, Ottavino had spent time in Colorado’s farm system working to refine his mechanics. The results were evident in his 2008 numbers, as he struck out over a batter per inning between Double and Triple-A. Command remained an issue as he also walked nearly five batters per nine innings pitched. Ottavino’s rookie card photo shows him delivering a pitch with his unique high-leg kick delivery. While he made only 11 appearances for the Rockies in 2009, this served as the first trading card glimpse of Ottavino as a big leaguer.

2011 Topps Baseball Card #481

After struggling to stick in the Rockies’ bullpen in 2010, Ottavino bounced back with a solid 2011 season. He appeared in 66 games and notched a 3.46 ERA over 71 innings. This performance earned Ottavino increased exposure and a spot in the 2011 Topps set. The card depicts Ottavino mid-windup and highlights his improved control, as he lowered his walk rate nearly two batters per nine innings from the previous season. Ottavino was establishing himself as a potential long relief option, though injuries would continue to be an obstacle for the pitcher.

2014 Topps Baseball Card #388

Major elbow injuries cost Ottavino all of the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Many questioned if he would ever make it back. But Ottavino worked relentlessly in rehab and was rewarded with a comeback campaign for the Rockies in 2014. He returned better than ever with a 1.80 ERA and 0.857 WHIP over 48 innings. Ottavino’s dominance was reflected on his 2014 Topps card, where he is shown firing a pitch with an intense stare. The back notes Ottavino’s incredible resilience in overcoming Tommy John surgery and regaining his form. It was a true testament to his work ethic and desire.

2015 Topps Update Baseball Card #US150

Ottavino avoided arbitration and re-signed with Colorado prior to the 2015 season, looking to build on his breakout year. He continued pitching well initially but was traded to the New York Mets in August. This Update card captured Ottavino with his new club, though he only made five appearances for the Mets down the stretch. The trade marked the end of Ottavino’s seven-year tenure in the Rockies organization. While he enjoyed success in Denver when healthy, a new chapter was beginning in the Big Apple.

2017 Topps Baseball Card #507

After signing with Boston as a free agent, Ottavino enjoyed a career year for the Red Sox in 2017. He notched a 2.06 ERA and struck out a batter per inning across 66 appearances, showcasing some of the best stuff of his career. This performance earned Ottavino a prominent spot near the front of the 2017 Topps set. The card depicts Ottavino mid-delivery, with his unique high leg kick on full display. By this point, Ottavino had developed into a late-inning weapon, maximizing his potential after years of battling injuries and control issues.

2019 Topps Update Baseball Card #US150

Ottavino continued his success after signing a lucrative deal with the Yankees prior to 2019. He emerged as a setup man for Aroldis Chapman in New York’s stellar bullpen. This Update card featured Ottavino in his new Yankees pinstripes, coming off a season where he struck out 112 batters in 66.2 innings with an ERA under two. At this stage of his career, Ottavino had cemented himself as one of the game’s premier relievers, earning increased recognition and parallels with superstars on his cards. His journeyman path made it all the sweeter.

In summary, Adam Ottavino’s baseball card collection perfectly illustrates his evolution from a little-known prospect to a durable late-inning presence. Along the way, Ottavino had to battle injuries, command issues, and being traded and released at times. But through sheer determination and refining his craft, he maximized his abilities. Ottavino may never garner the attention of some flashier relievers. For collectors who have followed his baseball cards through the years, his story of perseverance is truly inspiring.