Comparing the Rookie Seasons of Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman
With Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta Braves have had back-to-back seasons with standout rookies.
Heyward seems destined for greatness. Yet, like many other young stars of the game, Heyward is experiencing the common sophomore slump. Heyward is currently hitting a slim .224 and his OBP has dropped 74 points from his rookie season. Luckily for Braves fans, Freeman, Heyward's former roommate, is having a great rookie season.
Freeman's offensive contributions have helped keep Atlanta just 2.5 games behind the Phillies in the National League East. The Braves also have a five-game lead over Arizona in the NL Wild Card race. Comparing Heyward's and Freeman's rookie seasons shows how Freeman might be the better long-term investment for collectors. In Heyward's 2010 rookie season he batted .277 and hit 18 home runs. So far in 2011, Freeman has a batting average of .278 to go with 14 home runs, making him a front-runner to win the NL Rookie of the Year award.
Considering that Freeman has always been a highly touted prospect, cards with his name have consistently been in demand. However, comparing recent auction prices, both Freeman's and Heyward's respective Bowman Chrome autographed rookie cards have sold for similar amounts. This shows collectors just how even Freeman and Heyward have become in the market. The question is, if the Braves do make it to the playoffs and Freeman does win the 2011 Rookie of the Year award, will his stock surpass that of Jason Heyward?
Key Freddie Freeman Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Freddie Freeman
- 2007 Upper Deck USA Autographs Freddie Freeman
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Autographs Freddie Freeman
- 2010 Bowman Platinum Autographs Freddie Freeman
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Autographs Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman Cards:
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Jason Heyward Cards:
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