Mike Trout is the Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle or Hank Aaron of our time — the 2020 equivalent of the very best in MLB history. The speed at which life moves these days should not obscure his historic greatness.
In case you needed a reminder of his stature, though, one of his rookie cards sold for a record $3.9 million this weekend — more than the $3.12 million Honus Wagner's T206 card went for the last time it hit the market. The Wagner has long been held as the gold standard of the hobby.
Trout's card wasn't even graded a perfect 10, instead receiving a Mint 9 condition rating. It bears his autograph and is the only officially signed Bowman 2009 Trout refractor in existence.
A Record Breaking Night in the Inaugural Goldin Elite Auction. Lots 1-220 ended tonight, lots 221-359 close tomorrow....highlights all with 23% BP included (which is reduced to 20% is paid within 10 days by wire/cash/check)
— Goldin Auctions (@GoldinAuctions) August 23, 2020
Lot 1 Mike Trout Superfractor $3.94 million
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MORE: Our favorite Project 2020 cards
Baseball card trading has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Old cards have increased in value, but special edition modern releases have exploded in price, too.
The Project 2020 Topps series in which artists reimagine famous cards has been one of many endeavors to do well and carry a significant resell market.
The Trout rookie is a different animal, however, and signifies where collectors peg his legacy to ultimately rank among MLB legends.
Trout has 295 career home runs, 201 stolen bases and has been worth 73.4 wins above replacement in his career. He is 29 years old.
He has 10 home runs in 25 games this season and carries an on-base plus slugging of .952.