Here's the moment when Aaron Judge's card values spiked
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The New York Yankees begin their Postseason quest tonight. I’m ready for it.
The Yankees’ regular season has been exciting and frustrating, and filled with moments that have made me feel nostalgic for the magical years of the late ‘90s/early ‘00s.
Aaron Judge has been the focal point. Ever since he turned down a big contract extension in the offseason and bet on himself, most of the conversation centered around the Yankees slugger.
And Judge delivered.
He hit 62 home runs this season, breaking the American League record, and creating MVP and “clean” record arguments for the last month.
When it came to cards, there was an increase in value this year — the biggest jump since his rookie year.
Despite his gigantic home runs, Judge’s cards did not receive much love when he was a prospect or even early in his rookie year. He did not get Jasson Dominguez-type love that is so prevelant with prospects these days.
In fact, his rookie card autographs were incredibly affordable for the first several 2017 Topps products. Collectors could grab them for around $25.
It wasn’t until about two months into the 2017 season that there was marked shift. I remember — because as a Yankees fan — I was collecting his cards.
You don’t need to rely on just my memory.
Here is Judge’s Card Ladder Index, which shows the increase in value in 2017 and then, again, a massive jump this season.
Recently, I recorded a video on Judge’s cards and when that initial spike in value occurred — and also living through that as a collector. Take a listen as I go through his 2016 debut and 2017 season — and the last affordable Judge autograph.
(Sorry if the audio is low. Working through some mic issues.)
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