Earlier this week, he seemed destined to become a Baltimore Oriole. Today, and for this season at least, he’s a Chicago Cub.
Dexter Fowler‘s contractual about-face probably cost him some money, but that’s not the only surprise that might exist for Cubs fans and collectors. In fact, this hobby surprise might be one that makes collectors some money if they buy in now and the Cubbies finally win it all this fall.
The surprise — at least something Buzz hadn’t ever realized despite collecting all this time — is that Fowler has just one Rookie Card. His only RC appears in the 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Edition set — an autographed card limited to only 623 copies that is part of a set including MLB veterans, making it a Rookie Card. He appears on 12 other cards in that product and on cards in the 2004 Justifiable release from Just Minors that first year. That’s it.
In 2005, Fowler appeared on just four cards — that’s it — before his first Bowman cards arrived from Topps in 2006. His first MLB autos didn’t even arrive until 2009 brands and he didn’t have any other autos after that season until 2012. Overall, he appears in fewer than 200 different auto cards — and Topps has created more than half of those despite its late start.
A World Series win would undoubtedly spark a run on any and all Cubs players and their key cards given the history of the franchise. Right now, Fowler’s earliest auto — one that also features a more-complete signature than the newer ones — can be had for as little as $20. Autos in a Cubs uniform would undoubtedly command more, but the Elite’s low production volume should also be relatively appealing and safe for those considering a potential flip later.
Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
BlowoutBuzz.com 