Baseball cards have long been a cherished part of America’s favorite pastime. Collecting these treasured pieces of sports history is both a thrilling and nostalgic hobby for fans of all ages. Among the pantheon of baseball greats, Corey Kluber stands out as a true legend. His impressive career, highlighted by multiple Cy Young Awards, has resulted in a vast array of highly sought-after baseball cards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the most important and valuable Corey Kluber baseball cards that every collector should know. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, let’s dive into the captivating world of Corey Kluber baseball cards together!
Corey Kluber Rookie Card
2011 The Card That Started It All Corey Kluber
Estimated Price: $50 – $100
Every great journey has a beginning, and the story of Corey Kluber baseball cards is no exception. It all started with the release of the 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects. This set introduced the world to Corey Kluber’s first official baseball card, a gem that would lay the foundation for his impressive career.
This card features a young Kluber in his Cleveland Indians uniform, gazing intently into the distance as he prepares to deliver a pitch. The shimmering chrome finish adds a touch of elegance to the card, making it a sought-after piece among collectors.
The value of this card varies based on its condition, with mint or near-mint copies fetching between $50 and $100. However, if you manage to snag a rare refractor parallel or an autographed version, the value can soar well into the hundreds, sometimes even reaching the $1,000 mark for the most prized variations.
2013 Topps Update Corey Kluber The Breakthrough Season Card
Estimated Price: $50 – $200
Fast forward two years from his rookie card, and we find ourselves in the midst of Corey Kluber’s breakthrough season. The 2013 Topps Update set commemorates Kluber’s impressive achievements during that year, including his first All-Star Game appearance and his first American League Cy Young Award.
This card showcases Kluber in a pitching motion, wearing the iconic Indians uniform. The card’s crisp design and high-quality photography make it a must-have for any serious collector.
In terms of value, the base card typically sells for around $10 to $20 in mint condition. However, limited edition parallels and autographed versions can command much higher prices, ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the rarity and condition.
2014 Corey Kluber The Luxury Card for the Discerning Collector
Estimated Price: $100 – $300
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the 2014 Topps Five Star set delivers a stunning, high-end Corey Kluber baseball card. This premium set is known for its thick cardstock, on-card autographs, and limited print runs, making it highly desirable among collectors.
The Corey Kluber card in this set features a beautiful action shot of him on the mound, along with a bold, blue autograph that contrasts nicely with the card’s design. With only 499 copies in existence, this card is a true treasure for Kluber enthusiasts.
Given its rarity and quality, the 2014 Topps Five Star Corey Kluber card can fetch a pretty penny. Prices for this card can range from $100 to $300, with rarer parallel versions commanding even higher values.
2017 Topps Update Corey Kluber Celebrating a Historic Season
Estimated Price: $50 – $250
Corey Kluber’s 2017 season was nothing short of legendary, as he notched his second American League Cy Young Award and led the Indians to a remarkable 22-game winning streak. To commemorate this historic year, the 2017 Topps Update set features a stunning Kluber card that captures the essence of his incredible season.
This card depicts Kluber in an intense pitching motion, showcasing his undeniable skill and focus. The dynamic design and vibrant colors make this card a visual delight for collectors.
In terms of value, the base version of this card generally sells for $5 to $15, depending on its condition. However, collectors who are after the rarer parallels, short prints, or autographed versions can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 or more, depending on the rarity and condition of the card.
2018 Topps Corey Kluber Triple Threads
Estimated Price: $100 – $500
The 2018 Topps Triple Threads set is a favorite among collectors, thanks to its unique design and the inclusion of three game-used memorabilia pieces on each card. The Corey Kluber card in this set truly stands out, featuring not only a stunning design but also a piece of Kluber’s game-worn jersey, a piece of his bat, and an autograph, making it a triple threat for collectors.
This card showcases Kluber in a pitching motion, with the three memorabilia pieces seamlessly integrated into the design. With a limited print run, this card is a rare and valuable addition to any collection.
The value of the 2018 Topps Triple Threads Corey Kluber card varies depending on the rarity of the parallel and the overall condition of the card. However, collectors can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 or more for this unique and desirable piece of memorabilia.
2020 Topps Heritage Corey Kluber The Return to Greatness
Estimated Price: $50 – $200
After an injury-plagued 2019 season, Corey Kluber made a triumphant return to form in 2020. The Topps Heritage set pays homage to this remarkable comeback by featuring a card that captures the essence of Kluber’s unwavering determination and skill.
This card features a close-up of Kluber in his pitching motion, with a design that harkens back to the classic baseball cards of the 1970s. The retro aesthetic and Kluber’s intense expression make this card a standout in any collection.
In terms of value, the base version of the 2020 Topps Heritage Corey Kluber card sells for around $5 to $10 in mint condition. As with other sets, rarer parallels, autographed versions, and relic cards can command higher values, ranging from $50 to $200 or more.
Corey Kluber Average Rookie Card Value Compared
1. Corey Kluber Baseball Cards – Average Values:
- Rookie cards average value: $20 – $50
- Autographed rookie cards average value: $50 – $150
- Patch rookie cards average value: $75 – $200
2. Nick Pivetta – Average Values:
- Rookie cards average value: $5 – $20
- Autographed rookie cards average value: $15 – $50
- Patch rookie cards average value: $20 – $60
3. Kenley Jansen Baseball Cards – Average Values:
- Rookie cards average value: $10 – $30
- Autographed rookie cards average value: $30 – $80
- Patch rookie cards average value: $40 – $100
4. Connor Wong Baseball Cards – Average Values:
- Rookie cards average value: $3 – $10
- Autographed rookie cards average value: 10 – $30
- Patch rookie cards average value: $15 – $40
5. Reese McGuire Baseball Cards – Average Values:
- Rookie cards average value: $3 – $10
- Autographed rookie cards average value: $10 – $30
- Patch rookie cards average value: $15 – $40
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the world of Corey Kluber baseball cards is as diverse and fascinating as the man himself. From his humble beginnings as a promising prospect to his legendary achievements on the field, Kluber’s baseball cards tell a captivating story that will continue to resonate with collectors for years to come.
As you build your collection, remember to keep an eye out for these essential Corey Kluber cards, each of which holds a unique place in the annals of baseball history. And, who knows? With a bit of luck and persistence, you might just find yourself the proud owner of a rare and valuable Corey Kluber baseball card that will be the envy of your fellow collectors. Happy hunting!