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Hello! If you’re looking for a list of the best Mike Trout rookie and prospect (aka pre-rookie) baseball cards, then you’ve come to the right place.
Mike Trout rookie cards are some of the most coveted in the baseball world.
The two-time MVP and five-time All-Star has been one of the most dominant players in baseball since he made his debut in 2011.
The young phenom has already cemented his place as one of the game's best players, and collectors are eager to get their hands on his earliest cards.
Considering Trout's status as one of the best players of his generation, it's no surprise that his rookie cards are so highly coveted.
Trout's first rookie card was released in 2012, and it quickly became one of the most valuable cards in the hobby.
In recent years, Trout's rookie cards have only become more sought-after, with some fetching prices in the six-figure range.
If you're looking to start or add to your Mike Trout collection, be prepared to open your wallet wide - his cards aren't going to come cheap.
FAQs
The rookie cards we select for our lists are judged based on 3 criteria:
- Design / Aesthetics
- Price
- Rarity
At Sports Card Sharks, we tend to go against the grain. We typically aren’t buying what everyone else is buying when everyone else is buying it, so if you’re moving with the masses this may not be the right list for you. Adios!
Our Founder is an 80's baby that grew up in the 90's collecting sports cards during the junk wax era.
While card collecting when on hiatus for a couple of decades, that passion was re-sparked in 2020 and we haven't looked back since.
We spend countless hours researching each player and constructing these posts to help you save time and energy so that you can focus on the fun part which is collecting!
Why We Love Mike Trout
- 3× AL MVP (2014, 2016, 2019)
- AL Rookie of the Year (2012)
- 8× Silver Slugger Award (2012–2016, 2018–2020)
- The unquestioned best player in baseball for nearly a decade now
Our List of the Top Mike Trout Rookie and Prospect Cards
1. 2011 Mike Trout Bowman Chrome #175
When Mike Trout was taken 25th overall in the 2009 MLB draft, the Angels probably didn't think they would be getting one of the best to ever play this game. At only 30 years old, he still has a lot left in the tank. This Chrome rookie card is legit, and if you can get your hands on it, it's not all to bad price wise, comparatively.
Also Check Out: Derek Jeter
2. 2011 Mike Trout Topps Update #US175
We love the old school Angel jersey Trout is rocking in this Topps rookie card. Peep the CA on his right arm, acknowledging the California Angels of the past.
Also Check Out: Ken Griffey Jr
3. 2012 Mike Trout Topps Allen & Ginter Auto #AGAMT
How about the red ink print to /10 and the Trout auto. This will definitely be worth even more when Trout makes his way to Cooperstown.
Also Check Out: Vladimir Guerrero Jr
4. 2011 Mike Trout eTopps /999 #35
Wow! The red and blue background really makes Mike Trout pop out at you. He's definitely about to jack a homer with the look in his eyes.
Also Check Out: Luis Robert
5. 2010 Mike Trout Bowman Platinum Prospect Auto #BPAMT
Damn, this Platinum Prospect Auto is fresh. Like we said previously, this guy is going to go down as one of the greatest ever, so if you can scoop up a Mike Trout auto, you have to do it!
Also Check Out: Shohei Ohtani
6. 2012 Mike Trout Topps Heritage #207
Early on into Trout and Bryce Harper's career, there used to be an argument to be made about each; now, it's pretty clear who has had the better career. Add in that this card has two photos of Mike, and we say, two is better than one.
Also Check Out: Mark McGwire
7. 2011 Mike Trout Bowman Sterling #22
Offensively, Trout is a beast. However, his defense shouldn't be counted against him by any means, especially with some of the highlight reel plays we've seen him make over the years. The Gold Glove award has been the only one that has eluded him over the years.
Also Check Out: Dwight Gooden
8. 2011 Mike Trout Topps Finest Auto #84
This angelic (see what we did there) card is one of Topps finest for sure. It shines right in your face and has an auto insert to boot as well.
Also Check Out: Ozzie Smith
9. 2009 Mike Trout Bowman Sterling Prospects Auto #BSPMT
It seems like ages ago that Trout was coming up through the minor leagues. If only we knew what his future would hold and we would have copped as many of his cards as possible. This Sterling Prospects Auto is rare and one you need to add to your baseball collection.
10. 2009 Mike Trout Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph #BDPP89
Last, but certainly not least, this Bowman Chrome is every baseball lover's dream. It reminds us of all the cards we used to collect as kids. And if you opened a pack and found a signature, that led to a freak out moment in the best way.
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About the Author:
James Sargent is the Head Writer & Analyst of Sports Card Sharks. His pro sports teams are the Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Arsenal F.C. Sargent graduated from the University of Arizona so he is an avid Wildcat fan – Bear Down! He is also an outdoor enthusiast, consisting mainly of fishing, camping, and hiking.