Yu Darvish
Date of Birth: 8/16/1986
Rookie Card Year: 2012
Investment Rating: 6.5
Rookie Cards
Yu Darvish cards were some of the most anticipated of the 2012 season. Not since Hideo Nomo in 1995 had a Japanese pitching prospect generated as much buzz as Yu Darvish. The young pitcher debuted with the Texas Rangers in 2012 after signing a six-year contract with the team in the off-season.
Prior to arriving in North America, Darvish spent seven seasons in the Japanese Pacific League, winning MVP honors twice. His career numbers in Japan included a 99-38 win-loss record, 1.99 ERA and 1,259 strikeouts.
Topps signed Darvish to a card contract before his MLB debut. The deal gave Topps exclusive autograph rights to the pitcher allowing him to be featured in sets throughout his rookie season. His cards performed very well on the secondary market, which was partially due to his popularity in the international market, especially in Japan.
Pitching for Japan at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Darvish had several cards commemorating the event. He also has several Japanese cards that pre-date his MLB rookie cards.
Yu Darvish Cards Rookie Card Guide
2012 Bowman Yu Darvish RC #209
A very clean-looking card, the 2012 Bowman Yu Darvish will appeal most to collectors simply wanting to own a rookie of the Japanese pitcher. With many collectors ignoring base Bowman for its Bowman Chrome cousins, this card will likely be overlooked.
2012 Bowman Chrome Yu Darvish #84
A clean, straightforward option, many collectors go after the set's plentiful Refractor parallels and high-end autographed inserts. But if you're looking for a reasonably priced Yu Darvish rookie card, this is certainly a solid option.
2012 Bowman Platinum Yu Darvish RC #9
The 2012 Bowman Platinum Yu Darvish rookie is an affordable option with a more high-end feel. Although big dollars are being spent on autographs from the pitcher, this card is a part of the base set. The lack of short printing and serial numbers should keep prices in check over the long-term. That doesn't take away from the card's visual appeal.
2012 Bowman Sterling Yu Darvish RC #10
The 2012 Bowman Sterling Yu Darvish rookie might not look like a high-end card. However, it's extremely tough to find and commands strong prices (considering that it doesn't have a serial number, autograph or other key selling point). The set is extremely high end and autographs outnumber the base cards.
2012 Panini National Treasures Yu Darvish RC #224 Jersey #/99
Elegant and high-end, the 2012 Panini National Treasures Yu Darvish comes with a large jersey swatch. However, this Rated Rookie, which is numbered to 99, doesn't command huge sums on the secondary market. Collectors seem to be chasing the set's autographs and retired player content more than plain jersey cards of current players. The lack of MLB license is also another likely factor.
2012 Panini Prizm Yu Darvish RC #151
With a clean, premium-feeling design, this is a nice choice for those on a budget and aren't concerned about what's on the pitcher's hat or jersey. Gold Prizm parallels are likely to garner a lot of attention.
2012 Panini Signature Series Yu Darvish RC #100
Like the 2012 Bowman Sterling, Darvish's 2012 Panini Signature Series Yu Darvish doesn't show up all that often because of product configuration. Single-pack boxes don't have many base cards. The intense portrait gives the card a distinct look. It also does a good job of masking Panini's lack of MLB license.
2012 Playoff Prime Cuts Yu Darvish RC #50 Jersey #/99
One would think that a Yu Darvish rookie card limited to 99 numbered copies that also comes with a memorabilia swatch would command high prices. That's not the case with the 2012 Playoff Prime Cuts Yu Darvish. Coming from a high-end product, it's tough to find and may prove to be a solid buy over te long-term.
2012 Topps Yu Darvish RC #660
Capturing the pitcher in action, the 2012 Topps Yu Darvish rookie shows great intensity. The set also has a short print variation showing Darvish tossing in left-handed during practice.
2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Yu Darvish RC #4
Simply design, yet with nice subtlety, the 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Yu Darvish rookie card should remain popular with the pitcher's fans. It sticks with the standard design for with Darvish shown in a posed portrait. The color behind the pitcher gives a not-so-abstract nod to the flag of his homeland.
2012 Topps Archives Yu Darvish RC #119
Based on the 1980 Topps Baseball design, the 2012 Topps Archives Yu Darvish does a good job of mixing new and old. The card is not short printed and should remain a reasonably priced Yu Darvish rookie card option.
2012 Topps Chrome Yu Darvish RC #151
2012 Topps Chrome Baseball has tons of different Yu Darvish cards. Oddly, it's the rookie that's bound to be overlooked. Besides the base card, the Japanese pitcher has an autograph, a parallel Refractor rainbow and a rare variation. Darvish can also be found in basic insert sets.
2012 Topps Finest Yu Darvish RC #35
The 2012 Topps Finest Yu Darvish rookie will likely be overlooked in favor of the set's many parallels. Both the base card rookie and Rookie Autograph variation have several colored Refractors.
2012 Topps Five Star Yu Darvish RC #61 #/80
2012 Topps Five Star Baseball has Yu Darvish's rarest official rookie card. Numbered to 80 copies, it's also part of the most expensive set of the year.
2012 Topps Gypsy Queen Yu Darvish RC #288
An extreme short print, the 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen Yu Darvish is extremely tough to come by. Collectors could expect to break several cases without finding one. The card is a variation, replacing C.J. Wilson. Because of the Darvish's variation status, 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen sets are usually sold with the Wilson card.
2012 Topps Heritage High Number Yu Darvish RC #H600
Released as a part of a box set that was originally sold exclusively on the online Topps shop, the 2012 Topps Heritage High Number Yu Darvish is limited to 1,000 copies. While that's higher than many other issues, Heritage has a huge following among set builders. Plus, many sets were kept in tact. As a result, singles are harder to find than the numbers may suggest.
2012 Topps Mini Yu Darvish RC #660
An exact copy of Darvish's base Topps rookie, only smaller, his 2012 Topps Mini rookie could emerge as a popular choice. Other than a few boxes sold at the 2012 National, 2012 Topps Mini Baseball boxes were originally exclusive to the online Topps store. They quickly sold out. Although not a short print, the smaller print run could make this card (and everything else in the set) tough to find over the long term. Darvish also has an autograph insert in 2012 Topps Mini.
2012 Topps Triple Threads Yu Darvish RC #139 Autograph #/99
Unfortunately, Yu Darvish's 2012 Topps Triple Threads rookie is a redemption. Limited to 99 copies, it's one of his rarest rookie cards. Although other rookies in the set also have jersey swatches, the redemption card confirms there's just an autograph. That's not to say a jersey swatch won't be part of the final card, but we'll have to wait to be 100% certain.
2012 Triple Play Yu Darvish RC #84
2012 Triple Play Baseball has, perhaps, the most unique Yu Darvish rookie card. The set is comprised completely of player illustrations. It offers a distinct look. Aimed at young collectors, the card is very reasonably priced.
 |
Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
2009 WBC Checklist
Yu Darvish Cards - 2009 World Baseball Classic Card Highlights
One of the standout international stars from the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Yu Darvish appeared in several Topps insert sets over the course of the year. Of the more than 60 cards available, several feature game-used jersey swatches from the tournament. Other popular cards include limited Refractors from 2009 Bowman Chrome and 2009 Topps Chrome.
The following is a complete checklist of Yu Darvish baseball cards Topps produced in 2009.
2009 World Baseball Classic Yu Darvish Cards
- 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classics Prospects #BW1
- 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classics Prospects Blue #BW1 #/500
- 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classics Prospects Gold #BW1
- 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classics Prospects Orange #BW1 #/250
- 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classics Prospects Printing Plates #BW1
- 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classics Prospects Red #BW1 #/1
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects #BCW1
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects Blue Refractors #BCW1 #/150
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects Gold Refractors #BCW1 #/50
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects Orange Refractors #BCW1 #/25
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects Printing Plates #BCW1
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects Red Refractors #BCW1 #/5
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects Refractors #BCW1 #/599
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects SuperFractors #BCW1 #/1
- 2009 Bowman Chrome World Baseball Classic Prospects X-Fractors #BCW1 #/275
- 2009 Bowman Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Blue #BDPW2 #/399
- 2009 Bowman Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Gold #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Printing Plates #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Red #BDPW2 #/1
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Blue Refractors #BDPW2 #/99
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Gold Refractors #BDPW2 #/50
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Orange Refractors #BDPW2 #/25
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Printing Plates #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Purple Refractors #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Red Refractors #BDPW2 #/5
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects Refractors #BDPW2
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft World Baseball Classics Prospects SuperFractors #BDPW2 #/1
- 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome World Baseball Classics Prospects X-Fractors #BDPW2 #/199
- 2009 Bowman Sterling World Baseball Classics Relics #YD Game-Used Jersey
- 2009 Bowman Sterling World Baseball Classics Relics Black Refractors #YD Game-Used Jersey #/25
- 2009 Bowman Sterling World Baseball Classics Relics Blue Refractors #YD Game-Used Jersey #/125
- 2009 Bowman Sterling World Baseball Classics Relics Gold Refractors #YD Game-Used Jersey #/50
- 2009 Bowman Sterling World Baseball Classics Relics Red Refractors #YD Game-Used Jersey #/1
- 2009 Bowman Sterling World Baseball Classics Relics Refractors #YD Game-Used Jersey #/199
- 2009 eTopps World Baseball Classic #1 #/999
- 2009 Topps World Baseball Classic Star #BCS7
- 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter N43 Relics #YD Game-Used Jersey #/25
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic #W1
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic Blue Refractors #W1 #/199
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic Gold Refractors #W1 #/50
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic Printing Plates #W1
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic Red Refractors #W1 #/25
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic Refractors #W1 #/500
- 2009 Topps Chrome World Baseball Classic SuperFractors #W1 #/1
- 2009 Topps Ticket to Stardom Ticket Stubs Plus Memorabilia #TSP65 Ticket Stub and Game-Used Relic #/90
- 2009 Topps Ticket to Stardom Ticket Stubs Plus Memorabilia Gold #TSP65 Ticket Stub and Game-Used Relic #/10
- 2009 Topps Ticket to Stardom Ticket Stubs Plus Memorabilia Red #TSP65 Ticket Stub and Game-Used Relic #/1
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos #46 with Ichiro Suzuki and Norichika Aoki Game-Used Relic #/36
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Emerald #46 with Ichiro Suzuki and Norichika Aoki Game-Used Relic #/18
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Gold #46 with Ichiro Suzuki and Norichika Aoki Game-Used Relic #/9
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Platinum #46 with Ichiro Suzuki and Norichika Aoki Game-Used Relic #/1
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Sapphire #46 with Ichiro Suzuki and Norichika Aoki Game-Used Relic #/3
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Sepia #46 with Ichiro Suzuki and Norichika Aoki Game-Used Relic #/27
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Double #2 with Yulieski Gourriel Game-Used Relic #/36
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Double Emerald #2 with Yulieski Gourriel Game-Used Relic #/18
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Double Gold #2 with Yulieski Gourriel Game-Used Relic #/9
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Double Platinum #2 with Yulieski Gourriel Game-Used Relic #/1
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Double Sapphire #2 with Yulieski Gourriel Game-Used Relic #/3
- 2009 Topps Triple Threads Relic Combos Double Sepia #2 with Yulieski Gourriel Game-Used Relic #/27
- 2009 Topps Update World Baseball Classic Stitches Triple #IDA with Ichiro Suzuki and Shinnosuke Abe Game-Used Jersey #/25
- 2009 Topps World Baseball Classic Box Set #1
|
Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
Autograph Guide
Yu Darvish Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Yu Darvish's authentic 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, and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Yu Darvish Cut Signature Exemplar
Yu Darvish Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Yu Darvish signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- Largely indecipherable, look for what appears to be an over-sized letter "C" with a short line through the bottom at about a 45 degree angle.
- The pen lifts it and another line on a 45 degree angle, this time longerthan flows into what looks like a smaller "c."
- The three small characters including the long curved dash are always present.
Yu Darvish Signed Baseball
Active Listings for Yu Darvish Signed Baseballs
Yu Darvish Signed Jersey
Active Listings for Yu Darvish Signed Jerseys
Yu Darvish Signed Photograph
Active Listings for Yu Darvish Signed Photographs
|
Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
More Info
Be sure to check out our other Yu Darvish collecting guides and articles:
- 2012 Bowman Baseball Yu Darvish Visual Guide
- Spectacular 2012 Topps Finest Autographed Yu Darvish Superfractor Pulled
- First Yu Darvish Autographs Set High Standards
For general information and player statistics visit:
Jeff
Well, after keeping an eye on his auto’s for about a month, i had a few kept updated in my watch list and looked before the game the other night, then saw on Twitter he was close to a perfect game, looked again and people were pulling their cards off and relisting at higher prices and others tripled. Over a dozen in my watch list sold in minutes. I found a good deal on a nice black refractor.