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Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide

Overview

Since debuting with the Reds in 2008, Jay Bruce has been one of the anchors of the Cincinnati offense. He's also one of the key pieces in taking the Reds from the seemingly underdog over-achievers they were in 2010 to perennial contenders. Jay Bruce cards and memorabilia enjoy modest success in the hobby. While he's not mentioned along the likes of Derek Jeter or Mike Trout, Bruce is still popular.

Jay Bruce rookie cards are found in a handful of 2005 Topps products. There's a broad range in prices, though none are completely out of reach. Autographs are available in both Topps Chrome Update and Bowman Sterling, which also includes a jersey swatch. Bruce has autographs in Bowman Heritage as well, but they're inserts and are not widely considered rookie cards.

For those looking for a less expensive option, both the 2005 Bowman Draft and Topps Update cards are an option. Although it's an insert and not a true rookie card, collectors may want to consider tracking down a Draft Picks card that was included in Topps factory sets. Given that these sets are not widely opened or broken apart, it makes the card less common on the secondary market.

Bruce signs somewhat regularly for trading card sets. Other popular autograph options include signed baseballs, photos and jerseys.

Jay Bruce Rookie Cards

2005 Bowman Draft Jay Bruce RC #BDP32

Bruce is pictured with a waist-up shot of Bruce resting a bat on his shoulder, looking off into the distance with his best thinking-man face. Parallels include Gold, White (#/225), Printing Plates, Red (1/1).

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 1

2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Jay Bruce RC #BCDP32

Like most Chrome cards, this chromium version is more desirable than the base Bowman Draft version. Even then, this card is affordable. More valuable are the Refractor versions, which come in several colors and rarities.

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 2

2005 Bowman Heritage Jay Bruce RC #343 SP

The regular version of the card features a stylized shot that is the same as the one used in Bowman Draft. A variation has the outfielder posed in a batting stance. Bruce also has an autographed Signs of Greatness insert.

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 3

2005 Bowman Sterling Jay Bruce RC #JB Autographed Jersey

This is the only Jay Bruce rookie card to feature both an autograph and a jersey swatch. It is one of his best cards. Like other Bowman sets, Refractor parallels are also available.

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 4

2005 Topps Updates and Highlights Jay Bruce  RC #UH325

Another card for collectors looking for a budget rookie card option, the 2005 Topps Update Jay Bruce benefits greatly from being a part of the flagship set where it will likely be recycled in future Topps sets and materials.

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 5

2005 Topps Chrome Update Jay Bruce RC #UH222 Autograph

The combination of an autograph and the long-standing popularity of the Topps Chrome brand make this the most iconic Jay Bruce rookie card. While the large sticker that holds the signature doesn't fit the card's design very well, it's still one of the most popular choices among collectors.

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 6

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Autograph Guide

Jay Bruce Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide

Below you will find an example of what an authentic Jay Bruce signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Tristar and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.

Jay Bruce Cut Signature Exemplar

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 7

Jay Bruce Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Jay Bruce signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of  the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:

  1. Entire signature is quickly written with ust two letters, his initials, "J" and "B."
  2. The "J" looks like a number "4."
  3. The pen lifts for the letter "B" which includes a vertical line, leaning slightly to the left, a narrow upper loop, not closed, a wide lower loop, also not closed, with a circular flair extending through the bottom loop.
  4. His jersey number "32" is usually included on the left-hand side.

Jay Bruce Signed Baseballs

Active Listings for Jay Bruce Signed Baseballs

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 8

Jay Bruce Signed Jersey

Active Listings for Jay Bruce Signed Jerseys

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 9

Jay Bruce Signed Bat

Active Listings for Jay Bruce Signed Bats

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 10

Jay Bruce Signed Photograph

Active Listings for Jay Bruce Signed Photographs

Jay Bruce Cards, Rookie Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide 11

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More Info

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Ryan is a former member of The Cardboard Connection Writing Staff.   His collecting origins began with winter bike rides to the corner store, tossing a couple of quarters onto the counter and peddling home with a couple packs of O-Pee-Chee hockey in his pocket. Today, he continues to build sets, go after inserts with cool technologies, chase Montreal Expos and finish off his John Jaha master collection.

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