The 2000's brought us high gloss and refractors. The decade kicked off with rookie issues of Mark Buehrle, Adrian Gonzalez, Johana Santana, and Miguel Cabrera. The 2001 season brought a host of MLB star rookie cards, highlighted by two future HOF in Ichiro Suzuki & Albert Pujols. 2002 issues stayed true to "Chrome Is King" with Bowman & Topps Joe Mauer, Joey Votto, and SP Authentic Dustin Pedroia. 2003 - 2005 produced premier all-stars and future HOF in Robinson Cano, Yadier Molina, Felix Hernandez and Andrew McCutchen. 2007 - 2009 introduced the hobby to Draft Pick & Prospect cards that preceed a player's official rookie cards. 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects produced David Price, Madison Bumgarner, and Clayton Kershaw. The true rookie cards were issued of the same players in 2008 - 2009 to add to players like Evan Longoria and Starlin Castro.
2000's all decade team
C - Jorge Posada (Yankees)
1B - Albert Pujols (Cardinals) 2B - Chase Utley (Phillies) 3B - Chipper Jones (Braves) SS - Alex Rodriguez (Yankees) |
LF - Barry Bonds (Giants)
CF - Carlos Beltran (Royals) RF - Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners) OF - Manny Ramirez (Red Sox) |
P - Randy Johnson (Mariners)
P - Curt Schilling (Red Sox) P - Johan Santana (Twins) P - Pedro Martinez (Red Sox) P - Roy Halladay (Blue Jays) |