Ryan Braun is an intelligent and gifted athlete who defines the essence of what it means to be an All-American. A product of the University of Miami, he attended the school on an academic scholarship having earned straight 'A's in high school with the exception of a single 'B' in AP Chemistry. Braun turned down similar offers from Stanford and Cal-Berkley. He went on to become a Golden Spikes finalist and the NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year in 2005. Braun was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers that same year as the fifth overall pick in MLB's Amateur Draft. He progressed quickly through the Brewers' farm system before making his MLB debut in 2007. Braun went on to have one of the most dominant rookie years in the history of the game, smashing club records in many categories. So impressive were his stats that he was named the National League Rookie of the Year.
Like superstar teammate Prince Fielder, Braun is another homegrown talent the small-market Brewers have come to rely on to be competitive. Braun possesses all the skills and attributes that define a five-tool player. Already a four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Braun's ability to hit for power and average while still maintaining strong marks in OBS and slugging percentage make him a valuable asset for any team. Baseball analysts have taken note of his talents and was recently named one of baseball's Top 50 current players.
Braun has just five rookie cards, which is somewhat unusual for a player in this era. All come from products issued in 2005. Despite playing for a small-market club, rookie card and Hall of Fame collectors realize his potential. As a result, his cards, particularly those with high professional grades, are in high demand. Game-used bats and autographed items are also at the top of speculators' lists of worthwhile investments for the young Braun.
Ryan Braun Rookie Card Checklist
Budget Rookie Cards
Premium Rookie Cards
Card Gallery:
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- 2005 Bowman Heritage Baseball Ryan Braun (Fielding)
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- 2005 Bowman Sterling Baseball Ryan Braun (autograph)
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- 2005 Topps Chrome Updates and Highlights Baseball Ryan Braun
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