Looking for an Albert Pujols Rookie Card? How about 40? Or maybe you’re just curious about what’s out there. In short — there’s a lot.
As he became just the fourth hitter in history to reach 700 career home runs, Pujols was part of one of the most frenzied Rookie Card one-two punches in the history of baseball cards. In 2001, both he and Ichiro burst onto the scene. Even back then, players would often have gotten their first MLB cards a few years before their debuts. Ichiro had some Japanese releases but nothing mainstream for North American collectors. Pujols had nothing. 2001 marked his first year in the majors and on baseball cards.
It brought a big level of excitement to baseball card products that year. And it made for some epic cards that have tremendous appeal still today.
Please note that only base Rookie Cards with the RC tag in the Beckett Database are listed here. Inserts and parallels are not. A comprehensive Albert Pujols baseball card checklist can be found in the Beckett Database.
1. 2001 BOWMAN CHROME ALBERT PUJOLS RC AUTOGRAPH #340 /50
0
The 2001 Bowman Chrome Pujols Rookie Card is much more than his best first-year card. It’s one of the most significant baseball cards of the 21st century, period.
On the surface you’ve got the makings of a standard high-end card. It’s autographed and numbered to 500 copies. All are one Refractor stock as well. Five-figure sales are the norm.
But now look at what it represents. In 2001, the idea of a Bowman Chrome autograph was new to baseball. Today, it’s one of the most dominant parts of the entire industry. Without that shift in 2001 Bowman Chrome, sports cards could look different today.
It’s important to note that the 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols was originally issued as a redemption. So if you come across any sealed packs or boxes, you’re going to be disappointed unless you’re an ultimate completist and want the redemption card. For further caution, if you’re thinking of Ichiro as a potential consolation of sorts, he’s also a redemption despite not being an autograph.
GETTY IMAGES
2. 2001 DONRUSS SIGNATURE SERIES ALBERT PUJOLS RC AUTOGRAPH #151 /330
Parallels: Proofs (/25) The large foil sticker might not have the same visual appeal as the two other autographed Pujols RCs, but it’s still a signature. 2001 Donruss Signature Series has the added appeal of being the slugger’s rarest RC autograph with just 330 copies.
3. 2001 ULTIMATE COLLECTION ALBERT PUJOLS RC #111 /250
Ultimate Collection marked another level of progression in Upper Deck continuing to redefine “high-end.” Its suggested price of $100 per pack was unheard of at the time. Unlike Ichiro, Pujols’ RC in the set does not come with a signature. However, the premium pedigree and print run of just 250 ensures its place among the most valuable Albert Pujols Rookie Cards.