HOLY GRAIL of Today's Baseball - 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols Auto

[Diakonos]

I set out a goal to attain the holy grail of modern day baseball cards... 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols RC auto. I would buy/trade/sell my way towards one. After about 9 months of collecting, trading up/trading down, selling, and buying on various forums and ebay...I purchased this on ebay.

I spend about 3k of my original money in order to get this. Extremely excited about this card... it will be handed down to my future son. Thanks for the look and for all those who I bought/traded/sold cards with on BO; this is a great community!

**UPDATE** Pulled out the old dusty hard drive and found the pics!

[7290morint]

Wow! Simply Awesome! I have think this is the modern day equivalent to the 52 Mantle. I can't imagine this card going anywhere but up. He has already established himself as one of the games best hitters ever. Definitely a family piece for life.

[jimssouvenirs]

This card is amazing. I'd love to own one. I recently bought a box of 2001 Topps Reserve... hoping I can hit the Pujols auto out of it. I'll be sure to let everyone know if that unlikely scenario takes place

[mwheeler27]

Sadly, I believe it will be going down in price. It is an awesome card though. Especially in today's market.

[7290morint]

Originally Posted by mwheeler27

Sadly, I believe it will be going down in price. It is an awesome card though. Especially in today's market.

Can I ask what you are basing this on or what makes you think that this is the case?

[WCTYSON]

Originally Posted by mwheeler27

Sadly, I believe it will be going down in price. It is an awesome card though. Especially in today's market.

I disagree with this. With so few of these in the market place, that will keep the card from going down in value. Even if Pujols' popularity waivers from its prime, most of these are in pc collections never to surface again. He is a first ballot HOF'er and this is his 1st Bowman Chrome ref. RC auto. The market place really has not been established for HOF RC autos. Certified autographs did not really have a big impact in the hobby until around the time this card came out. Let's try to think of other HOF callibar players with RC auto releases and what those cards will go for once the player retires and/or is voted into the HOF. The value of this card will stay put for a while and then the actual realized value will be huge when he retires and then again when he is voted into the HOF. To the o.p., what a beautiful card. You have done what I am trying to do myself but so far I have not had the patience to do it. Congradulations, and if you decide to move it please let me know.

[mmbtvs]

I believe that it will continue to go up in value, especially as he approaches and surpases various milestone and records. However, I also think that a big steroid story with him at the center of it could potential kill the value of it as well. Not that I'm suggesting that he takes them or not. Just a possibility.

[WCTYSON]

Originally Posted by mmbtvs

I believe that it will continue to go up in value, especially as he approaches and surpases various milestone and records. However, I also think that a big steroid story with him at the center of it could potential kill the value of it as well. Not that I'm suggesting that he takes them or not. Just a possibility.

If that happens, then all bets are off. Steroid talk killed a lot of auto card values. Bonds, Clemens, etc.

[7290morint]

Originally Posted by WCTYSON

If that happens, then all bets are off. Steroid talk killed a lot of auto card values. Bonds, Clemens, etc.

I agree, I think that this could be the only thing that would kill the cards value, but I'm pretty sure that isn't happening. He for sure would have been busted by now. I could see some more hitting the market when his HOF time comes but I just don't think there is ever going to be a down market for these cards. Even with all the Pujols autos that are out now: tribute, sterling, triple threads and whatever other autos you can think of these still have a very high value and I have no reason to think that will ever change.

[mwheeler27]

Originally Posted by 7290morint

Can I ask what you are basing this on or what makes you think that this is the case?

There are several reasons why. It could only take one to make this happen. Just think if more than one end up happening.

- Steroid use has already been mentioned, and no I'm not saying he took them.

- People have this notion he's going to be the all-time HR king. That is absolutely figured in to the price of these cards right now. If he does not achieve this amazing feat, I believe this card goes down in value. At least for a while.

- A few less than stellar years before he retires.

- A career ending injury or remaining career plagued with injuries.

- Finishing his career with less than 300 BA.

He still has a long way to go to achieve legendary greatness. He barely has 400 HRs at this moment. He has yet to reach the 2000 hit mark. (Yes, I know both of these stats will climb higher). He only has 78 stolen bases. He should end his career with at least a 300 batting average. If he doesn't for some reason, this card will go down in value.

As you can see, there are many, many players in history that have much better stats than Pujols currently. Will he play long enough to surpass many of them? Time will tell. I don't think he has it in him, and I know I'm in the minority. I like the guy. I truly do. He's just not legendary yet. Far from it in my mind, but getting closer each year.

[mwheeler27]

I forgot to mention the all important hobby factor. If the economy worsens, and people begin to look away from this hobby, there are enough of these cards in existence that they will go down in value. They are rare, but they aren't that rare.

I hope this never happens. I hope this card continues to climb in value forever. That bodes well for baseball and this hobby, two things that I want to see always thrive.

[chansen10]

if he goes to a team like Chicago in free agency this card will defiantly go up

[Diakonos]

Thanks for all the compliments guys. I appreciate it.

I think this is a good debate about Pujols's value. Everyone has been bringing up good points.

Personally, I hope it will go up... but he is pretty far away from attaining immortal greatness. However, he has shown that he can overcome injuries thus far and put up some amazing numbers. His early numbers were on par with Ted Williams...but no one knows when the body gets old and breaks down. People like Nolan Ryan and Hank Aaron defy aging ... for my sake...lets hope Pujols does too.

[mwheeler27]

Originally Posted by Diakonos

Thanks for all the compliments guys. I appreciate it.

I think this is a good debate about Pujol's value. Everyone has been bringing up good points.

Personally, I hope it will go up... but he is pretty far away from attaining immortal greatness. However, he has shown that he can overcome injuries thus far and put up some amazing numbers. His early numbers were on par with Ted Williams...but no one knows when the body gets old and breaks down. People like Nolan Ryan and Hank Aaron defy aging ... for my sake...lets hope Pujols does too.

I'm with you...I hope it climbs and climbs in value. That would be good on so many levels.

[n1nesports]

Originally Posted by Diakonos

it will be handed down to my future son.

What if you have a daughter?

If he keeps playing like he is now the value will surely go down. I hope he bounces back.

[Diakonos]

Originally Posted by n1nesports

What if you have a daughter?

If he keeps playing like he is now the value will surely go down. I hope he bounces back.

good question... i believe if i only have daughters... i will have to educate one of them about baseball cards and sports.

what do you think i should do with it?

[7290morint]

Originally Posted by Diakonos

good question... i believe if i only have daughters... i will have to educate one of them about baseball cards and sports.

what do you think i should do with it?

Keep it regardless and teach them. My soon to be wife (our wedding is in 2 weeks) asked who I'm going to teach about baseball if we only have girls. I told her it doesn't matter, that our girls will know about baseball if that's what happens.

[dmogull]

amazing card, congrats!

[n1nesports]

Originally Posted by Diakonos

good question... i believe if i only have daughters... i will have to educate one of them about baseball cards and sports.

what do you think i should do with it?

Who knows, maybe one of them would want the card because it meant a lot to you and it would give it sentimental value. But who knows! Are you trying for a kid? I have a son myself and although he's only 2 years old I give him base cards of basketball and baseball but he calls all of them basketball cards lol. Whenever he sees me with my cards he says "basketball cards please" but then I have to say, "these are not to play with, you have some in your box" (non base pc cards that's why). It's pretty funny to see him take on after me. Whatever your kids see you doing they will be interested in.

[Diakonos]

Originally Posted by 7290morint

Keep it regardless and teach them. My soon to be wife (our wedding is in 2 weeks) asked who I'm going to teach about baseball if we only have girls. I told her it doesn't matter, that our girls will know about baseball if that's what happens.

congrats! my 1st year anniversary is June 5th. yea ill probably keep it. as long as one of my kid/kids likes sports.. im good.

Originally Posted by n1nesports

Who knows, maybe one of them would want the card because it meant a lot to you and it would give it sentimental value. But who knows! Are you trying for a kid? I have a son myself and although he's only 2 years old I give him base cards of basketball and baseball but he calls all of them basketball cards lol. Whenever he sees me with my cards he says "basketball cards please" but then I have to say, "these are not to play with, you have some in your box" (non base pc cards that's why). It's pretty funny to see him take on after me. Whatever your kids see you doing they will be interested in.

Awesome story about your son. You should get him some 2 inch thick screw downs to put his favorite base cards in.

I am not trying for a kid as of this moment...I think it would be a scary thought to my friends if I were a dad. Probably in 2 years. Hopefully my son will take after me... cars and cards (sports) are my two passions.

[footballmike85]

Originally Posted by n1nesports

Who knows, maybe one of them would want the card because it meant a lot to you and it would give it sentimental value. But who knows! Are you trying for a kid? I have a son myself and although he's only 2 years old I give him base cards of basketball and baseball but he calls all of them basketball cards lol. Whenever he sees me with my cards he says "basketball cards please" but then I have to say, "these are not to play with, you have some in your box" (non base pc cards that's why). It's pretty funny to see him take on after me. Whatever your kids see you doing they will be interested in.

great point, i have 2 girls and i am not having anymore children. my 2 are 8 years old and they are beginning to understand why the hobby is important to me. i think when i die they will be fighting over my favorite card, not because of their personal interest in sports but because of my interest and the value i put on it.


it is so tough to predict what the value of anything will be when i reach old age. will this hobby even be relavent? i hope for myself and the other members of the forum that sports cards will always be around in some form. we have already seen the internet kill the local card shop off. when i was a child (80s/90s) there was at least one hobby shop in every town now i have to drive 45 min to the nearest shop. sports was the main interest of children in my generation so sports cards was somthing that brought you closer to the game and your favorite team/player. today it seems that sports is still of interest but you have so many kids who play video games and pc games im just not sure there will be enough fans to support the hobby in 20 years. as far as your card although he is not yet one of the greats at this point he just needs to stay consistant. he really doesnt need to have any crazy years just stay on par with what he has already been doing. i personally dont collect baseball so i dont know how scarce that card is but i cant see it going down in value.

[n1nesports]

Originally Posted by Diakonos

congrats! my 1st year anniversary is June 5th. yea ill probably keep it. as long as one of my kid/kids likes sports.. im good.




Awesome story about your son. You should get him some 2 inch thick screw downs to put his favorite base cards in.

I am not trying for a kid as of this moment...I think it would be a scary thought to my friends if I were a dad. Probably in 2 years. Hopefully my son will take after me... cars and cards (sports) are my two passions.

Heh I put them in toploaders and inside team bags but then he begs to take them out! lol.
Well best of luck when you have a kid(s)! I can't wait til my son is old enough to appreciate them and bust some boxes with me! I guarantee your child will take on after your hobbies if you share them with them.

[ETSC]

Continuing with the theme of getting your children into the hobby, I have a 5 moth old son and after he was born I bought a hobby box of 2011 Topps Baseball with the intent of waiting until his 10th birthday to let him break it (hoping by that time he would enjoy the hobby). However I do know there is a wrapper redemption that will expire long before that. I'm not sure what you can get with the redemption, so is it worth letting it expire?

Also, for those who have kids that are into the hobby, what age do think they really start to enjoy it and understand things like the importance of the cards condition?

[XL5]

Originally Posted by ETSC

Continuing with the theme of getting your children into the hobby, I have a 5 moth old son and after he was born I bought a hobby box of 2011 Topps Baseball with the intent of waiting until his 10th birthday to let him break it (hoping by that time he would enjoy the hobby). However I do know there is a wrapper redemption that will expire long before that. I'm not sure what you can get with the redemption, so is it worth letting it expire?

The wrappers from one box will get you a pack of 5 cards.

What you should do is buy another box (they're coming down in price anyway) and pick one to bust to scratch the itch and then lock the other one away.

The problem is the diamond giveaway cards and possible redemptions will expire. But I think the thrill of opening a 10 year old box when he's 10 will be worth keeping the one locked away.

[danmecum51]

Originally Posted by mwheeler27

There are several reasons why. It could only take one to make this happen. Just think if more than one end up happening.

- Steroid use has already been mentioned, and no I'm not saying he took them.

- People have this notion he's going to be the all-time HR king. That is absolutely figured in to the price of these cards right now. If he does not achieve this amazing feat, I believe this card goes down in value. At least for a while.

- A few less than stellar years before he retires.

- A career ending injury or remaining career plagued with injuries.

- Finishing his career with less than 300 BA.

He still has a long way to go to achieve legendary greatness. He barely has 400 HRs at this moment. He has yet to reach the 2000 hit mark. (Yes, I know both of these stats will climb higher). He only has 78 stolen bases. He should end his career with at least a 300 batting average. If he doesn't for some reason, this card will go down in value.

As you can see, there are many, many players in history that have much better stats than Pujols currently. Will he play long enough to surpass many of them? Time will tell. I don't think he has it in him, and I know I'm in the minority. I like the guy. I truly do. He's just not legendary yet. Far from it in my mind, but getting closer each year.

I am no expert, never have claimed to be. With that said, I think this post has a lot of validity to it. Look at what happened to shaq towards the end of his career. I actually heard people debating on the radio who was the more dominant center, David Robinson or Shaq.... Duncan is a good argument, but the admiral? WOW. Do people not remember how DOMINATE Shaq was in LA????? If shaq retired after his Miami season or his Phoenix season, he would undoubtedly gone down as one of the best ever. I heard a staggering stat, if Shaq had hit 70% from the freethrow line he would have surpassed Wilt for scoring. If he hit 85% he would have passed Jordan....

So back to Pujols. Lets say he pulls a ManRam, hits a snag in his career, and ends up in Milwaukee, Seattle, or KC his stock is going to fall dramatically. If steroids come out, uh oh... sell sell sell

The card is stunning. I would murder someone for that card. I would be scared to drop $3k on it (I guess I value the human life less than $3k), but damn, it would be nice to have. Lets hope, for your sake, Pujols rips it up and the Yanks drop massive coin on him, stick him at DH and he rides a couple more 40-45 hr seasons.... He is a long ways away from 3000 hits, its doable, but its going to take a couple HUGE seasons. He should also be a 500 hr guy... This card should retain its value if not rise pending Pujols staying the course.....