Player Name: Josh Beckett
Sets From: 1999 Fleer Tradition, Metal Universe, Skybox, Upper Deck and Ultimate Victory
Card Numbers: U122, 219, not sure of the card numbers for Metal Universe and Skybox and 138
Why are these cards a must have?: It’s hard to believe that Josh is already 29, it seems like yesterday that he broke into the majors as a 21 year old. The Marlins were cautious with him from the beginning, they started him with 107 innings and gradually moved him up until his last season with the Marlins where he pitched in 178 innings. Since moving to Boston he has really come into his own. His career numbers are 90-63/3.77/1.22 and 1146 strike outs in 1201 innings. His award shelf has one All Star selection, a World Series MVP, an ALCS MVP, runner up in Cy Young voting in 2007 and 22nd in MVP voting in 2007. It seems like his upper limit in innings is around 200. With an average of about 175. He is not a shoe in for the Hall of Fame, he just doesn’t have the numbers. I figure that he’ll end his career with around 150 wins and 2000 strike outs. He will always be known for being a big game pitcher.
On a scale of 1 – 10, how must have are these cards: 7, he is one of the most exciting pitchers of the 00s. Being so popular you can bet his cards run very high dollar wise. In the book they run about $12 – $40, on eBay you can find it for around $10 – $40. The Ultimate Victory one is my favorite because it is also his only SP rookie card, it’s very difficult to find it cheaper than $40.
