1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr
1954 Topps Mickey Mantle
1985 Topps Roger Clemens
These cards don't need any formal introduction. They are just the cream of the crop, three of the most iconic baseball cards in the hobby's history. One wonders if the cards that have recently hit the market will stand the test of time. This article offers the #6 - 10 most iconic baseball cards of the last 10 years (2000-2009).
10. 2008 Bowman Draft AFLAC Autograph Jason Heyward #JH
This submission is more on behalf of the set than the player. Seeded as a one per case hit these autographed AFLAC cards are drool-worthy. A checklist consisting of top prospects such as Heyward, Bumgarner, Porcello and Alderson, we will see these card stand the test of time. Jason Heyward by no means is a simple stand-in to represent the set. It is easily the best card in this set, which is chock full of top prospects. He is destroying the Southern League with a .352 AVG and a 1.057 OPS. This Heyward had a recent sale of $105 on eBay.
9. 2005 SP Authentic Autograph Ryan Zimmerman #181
Ryan Zimmerman was voted second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2006 behind Hanley Ramirez. He is the face of the Washington Nationals. At 24 years old he is already in his 4th full season. After a injury shorten season in 2008, Zimmerman is easily having the best year of his career. We may see him cracking 30 home runs and his season consisted of a 30 game hitting streak. The SP Authentic had a recent sale of $118 on eBay.
8. 2008 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Autograph Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg may be the best pitcher in a generation. If this is the case, the Upper Deck Sweet Spot may rival that of the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey...if Griffey would have stayed healthy. Armed with a 100 mile per hour fastball (with movement) and a 93 mile per hour slider he certainly has the tools to be a great pitcher. Strasburg's cards have been on fire, we will know very quickly if this #1 pick will pan out. With Washington's lack of talent in their rotation, we will see Strasburg on the mound sooner rather than later. The Sweet Spot Strasburg had a recent sale of $165 on eBay.
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7. 2007 Topps Derek Jeter w/George Bush & Mickey Mantle #40a
While some collectors hate gimmick cards this may be one to stand the test of time for just a little while longer. Inserted in packs with George W. Bush in the stands and Mickey Mantle in the dugout the secondary market blew up when this card hit. Selling for well over a hundred dollars when first pulled the price fell steadily while the ruckus it cause stayed strong. This Jeter card has now settled in price and can be had between $5 and $8. The combination of the Yankees most popular current player, popular former player and an American President should keep this card well known for years to come.
6. 2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki #726
By far the most popular asian import, "the machine", has been slapping single after single since his first year in the major leagues in 2001. Ichiro is well on his way to his 9th straight 200+ hit season and should get to 2000 career hits in the matter of days. If you consider that he had 1278 hits in his Japanese professional career, we may be witnessing the greatest hitter of all time. Add to that, Ichiro has recently announced that he wants to play into his 40's and some are predicting a chance at 4000 MLB hits. Ichiro's rookie card should be a staple in any collection. While there are more expensive rookie cards to choose from, the Topps is the issue that is the most recognizeable. Selling between $5 and $8 this will be an affordable issue for every Ichiro fan.
Please watch for the follow up article with the top five most iconic cards in the last 10 years.
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