Player Name: Tim Hudson
Sets From: 1999 Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Fleer Tradition, Omega, and Ultimate Victory
Card Numbers: 375, 375, U6, 171, and 137
Why are these cards a must have?: When Tim came in to the league, it was the beginning of Billy ball. He was the first pitcher he worked to death, then traded for goodies (Juan Cruz, Dan Meyers, and Charles Thomas). He was also one of the reasons I got back into collecting cards the 2nd time. I was such a fan of his mechanics and his go at them attitude. He has been in th majors for a decade now and has won 11 or more games every year that he has pitched. He has never had a losing season, and a career record of 146-77/3.48/1.25 with 1372 strikeouts in a little over 2000 innings. He has been selected to 2 All Star games, finished in the top 10 in Cy Young voting 3 times and even had votes as MVP in 2000. His average season stats are 16-9/3.48/1.25 which is just fantastic. Although he opens this season on the DL after undergoing Tommy John surgury. He may miss the entire season which would end his 11 or more win streak at 10 seasons. Still if he can come back from the surgury, at only 33 years old he has a shot at 200 wins. I think if he can hit that number there is a chance he might make the Hall of Fame. Depends on how he holds up physically.
On a scale of 1 – 10, how must have are these cards: 7, love this guy and yes the number is probably biased but still, I think in the past decade he has been one of the best pitchers. In the book they run about $4 – $12, on eBay you can find it for around $1 – $5. The Ultimate Victory one is my favorite because it is also his only SP rookie card.
