Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki is one of baseball's biggest international stars. After a successful start to his career in Japan, he was an instant sensation the moment he joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001. Ichiro Suzuki card values skyrocketed immediately. The combination of him and Albert Pujols sent most unopened 2001 baseball card products to the high prices they still maintain.

However, Suzuki's hobby relevance was slightly hindered by his under-performing team and lack of national exposure. Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Mariners rarely got him much exposure beyond the West Coast. Ichiro is one of the only current players on the team many baseball fans can readily name. That being said, Ichiro has a huge Japanese following and is one of the most consistent hitters in the history of the game.

His move to the New York Yankees should reinvigorate the market for Ichiro Suzuki cards, particularly if he's able to shine in the postseason.

Although he has been a fixture of the game for many years, there is a very limited amount of autographed Ichiro Suzuki card options. An exclusive deal with Leaf in 2011 has led to several new autographed cards and sales have yielded large returns.

With more than 3,000 career hits between Japan and the majors, the Hall of Fame seems all but certain. Ichiro has almost 50 true rookie cards across all budgets. His top cards also happen to be his only autographed rookies.

Top Ichiro Suzuki Rookie Cards

2001 SPx #150 Autographed Jersey

Ichiro's 2001 SPx Baseball rookie is arguably the top option for collectors. It is definitely the most recognizable high-end first-year Ichiro Suzuki card. The card may not have a serial number but it does feature a nice cut signature and simple jersey patch. It has a much more dynamic design than the Ultimate Collection but the lack of numbering hurts its overall appeal.

2001 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection #120 Autograph #/250

For those with the budget, some may opt for the 2011 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ichiro Suzuki card over his rookie from 2001 SPx. It features an on-card autograph and is limited to only 250 copies. However, the card is a little plain-looking for its high price tag and just does not carry the "wow factor" one would expect.

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Ichiro Suzuki 2007 Upper Deck Predictor Purple #196 Seattle Mariners TOUGH $30.00

Ichiro Suzuki 2007 Upper Deck Predictor Purple #481 Seattle Mariners Checklist $30.00

2001 UPPER DECK ICHIRO SUZUKI MARINERS ROOKIE CARD #23 GEM - 10 $12.99

2000 bbm japan #11 ICHIRO SUZUKI rookie BGS 10 9.5 $50.00

2004 Upper Deck Vintage ICHIRO Suzuki Stellar Stat Men Game Used Jersey SSM-6 $12.95

ICHIRO SUZUKI 2009 TOPPS FINEST GOLD REFRACTOR 50 PSA 10 $20.99

ICHIRO SUZUKI 2010 TOPPS TRIBUTE T205 DESIGN GOLD 50 PSA 10 $19.99

2011 Topps Chrome Ichiro Suzuki Heritage Black Refractor #C173 09 62 - Yankees $75.00