Zach Britton has had a successful Major League Baseball career pitching primarily as a reliever since making his debut in 2011. As a result, he has accumulated a nice collection of baseball cards over the years that are popular among collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top Zach Britton baseball cards that provide a snapshot into his career progression so far.
One of Britton’s earliest rookie cards came in 2012 Topps. As a rookie relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in 2011, he didn’t make much of an impression in his limited appearances. Thus, his 2012 Topps rookie card isn’t extremely valuable, trading around $3-5. It shows Britton in an Orioles uniform from his rookie season with basic career stats on the back. It was an introductory card for collectors to be aware of the left-handed pitcher going forward.
Britton broke out in 2014 with a stellar season as Baltimore’s primary closer. He led the American League with 47 saves that year and established himself as one of the game’s top relievers. Accordingly, his 2014 Topps Update card rose in demand. It features an action shot of Britton winding up and showcases his ’14 stats including a 0.54 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. In gem mint condition, this one can sell for $15-25 given it memorializes his breakout campaign.
Arguably Britton’s best and most valuable baseball card comes from 2016 Topps. That season, he achieved baseball immortality by not allowing a run for 54 straight appearances, breaking the MLB record. Understandably, collectors coveted any card highlighting this unprecedented feat. His ’16 Topps base card shows the record-setting Britton in the midst of his delivery with the 54.0 inning scoreless streak prominently displayed on the front. Pristine copies in a PSA 10 gem mint slab have sold at auction for over $100 before due to the one-of-a-kind achievement it commemorates.
After being traded to the New York Yankees in 2018, Britton received an update card in Topps Heritage of him in pinstripes. As one of the premier lefty relievers in the game, he continued to produce at a high level with the Yankees. The Heritage design pays homage to vintage baseball cards. It features clean white borders and a classic action pose of Britton’s side-arm throwing motion. The updated team logo and stats make this a neat transition card for collectors following his career path.
Britton missed the entire 2020 season due to injury but remained a sought-after pitcher. In 2021, he returned to the Orioles organization and was named Opening Day starter, showing his durability and importance to the franchise. Topps captured this feel-good storyline with an ’21 Heritage Minors League Leaders insert card. It highlights Britton throwing from the mound in an Orioles uniform while calling attention to his record 54.0 consecutive scoreless innings years earlier with Baltimore. For Orioles fans, it was a special card commemorating his full-circle journey.
Beyond his primary Topps cards, Britton has also received notable releases from other brands over the years. In 2014, he appeared on the cover of Leaf Valiant along with other All-Star closers as recognition of his dominance that season. Upper Deck offered an ‘18 Absolute Memorabilia patch card with a swatch of his Yankees jersey after the trade. And in 2021, Donruss gave Britton a ‘Refractor’ parallel variation card numbered to /199 for collectors. With continued strong performances, Britton is ensuring plenty more acclaimed baseball cards to come as his career progresses.
At only 33 years old as of 2022, Britton figures to remain a force in baseball for several seasons still. While injuries have occasionally slowed him down, his durability and effectiveness when healthy have been outstanding. Between his Rookie Cup cards, All-Star parallels, and acclaimed commemorative inserts, Zach Britton’s collection offers a compelling chronicle of one of the top relievers of his generation. As he continues authoring new chapters with potential playoff races and accomplishments ahead, interest in his cards figures to stay steady amongst collectors preserving the history and highlights of his impressive journey. Whether focusing on key rookies, dominant seasons, or milestone achievements, Britton’s baseball card portfolio offers a unique lens into one of baseball’s best bullpen arms over the past decade-plus.