Top George Springer Prospect Cards
In almost every situation, there are positives that come from things that go bad. For the Houston Astros, let's just say they've known bad for quite some time and leave it at that. But with that has come a crop of high draft picks and big-time prospects that has resulted in a bright future and a World Series title. Collectors have plenty of George Springer cards to keep tabs of from even before his major league debut.
George Springer cards date back to 2010. He appeared in several sets thanks to his involvement with USA Baseball. Several more cards followed in 2011 following the draft. This includes what most consider to be the top George Springer card, the 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Autograph.
All George Springer cards released prior to his MLB debut are either inserts or come from prospect sets, which means they're considered by most not to be rookie cards. Those came in 2014. That said, many of his early cards are still highly respected in the hobby, particularly those that show Springer in his Astros uniform.
Here's a look at some of the key George Springer prospect cards issued before he was called up by the Astros. This isn't a definitive list. Rather it highlights his top cards and where to find them.
Key George Springer Prospect Cards
Click on the links or images to shop for specific cards on eBay.
2010 Bowman Chrome USA Basbeall Wrapper Redemption Autographs George Springer #WR27 #/99
The only way to get this card was through a 2011 Bowman Chrome wrapper redemption. Numbered to 99, it's one of his tougher early cards to find. Given the brand's pedigree, it's also one of his most popular national team cards.
2010 Bowman Platinum Prospects George Springer #PP48
While autographs and relics get a lot of the attention when it comes to the first George Springer cards, there are some basic cards as well. 2010 Bowman Platinum is one of them. Featuring a foil design, it's very affordable. There are also several Refractor parallels to chase. They also pop a lot more than the dull base version.
2010 Bowman Platinum Relic Autographs George Springer #GS #/740
Numbered to 740, there's no shortage of the 2010 Bowman Platinum George Springer autographed relic. Featuring a Refractor finish, it comes with a swatch from a USA Baseball jersey. The higher print run should keep prices in check.
2010 Bowman Platinum Dual Relic Autograph George Springer #BS #/99 with Jackie Bradley Jr.
This card pairs Springer with one of his teammates who has also gone on to the majors, Jackie Bradley Jr. Both players have a sticker autographs from both players as well as USA jersey swatches.
2010 Bowman Sterling USA Baseball Dual Autograph George Springer #BSDA13 #/99 with Sonny Gray
This is another card that matches Springer up with one of his teammates, this time pitcher Sonny Gray. The trend of sticker signatures continues, which is unfortunate. But it's tough to ignore the pairing.
2010 Topps USA Baseball Geroge Springer #USA-41
Included as part of a factory set, this is easily one of the most affordable early George Springer cards. It's also one of the few with a large action photo. You should be able to find this card for very little thanks to its lack of gimmicks and upgrades.
2010 Topps USA Baseball Autographs George Springer #A-40
2010 Topps USA Baseball factory sets came loaded with autographs and relics. Basic autograph cards come with on-card signatures, a major plus when you line it up with his other 2010 cards. It's also relatively affordable and not terribly difficult to track down.
2010 Topps USA Baseball Triple Jersey Autographs George Springer #GS #/219
If hits are your thing, this one has a lot going on with an autograph and a trio of jersey swatches. Numbered to 219, it's somewhat plentiful given the niche appeal of national team products. Granted, the plain colors aren't the most exciting. A patch parallel numbered to 50 adds some sizzle.
2010 Topps Chrome USA Baseball Autographs George Springer #USA20
This wasn't included in the 2010 Topps USA box set. Rather, it can be found in 2010 Topps Chrome Baseball. The blue borders are bold and the on-card signature is a big selling point. And while it's not a fancy signature, it's a little more intricate than the one it quick devolved into, even a year later.
2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects George Springer #BDPP81
Part of the Prospects inserts, this is the first George Springer card to feature the outfielder in an Astros uniform. While many collectors pay attention to the autographed version, this one is something that all collectors can afford. Several Refractor parallels add a chase element for those who want something a little more.
2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Autographs George Springer #GS
If you're looking for a cornerstone George Springer card, the 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Autograph is it. While it's obviously not his first signed card, it is the first to have him in a MLB uniform. There's also the brand familiarity of Bowman Chrome. As an insert it's not an official rookie card, but many collectors treat it like one. Besides the basic version, there are multiple Refractor parallels.
2011 Bowman Sterling Prospects George Springer #GS
Strangely, the base 2011 Bowman Sterling Geroge Springer is tougher to find than the autographed version. That's because the product is big on signed cards and regular cards are largely ignored. If autographs are out of your price range, this is a sleeper worth considering.
2011 Bowman Sterling Prospect Autographs George Springer #GS
This is a more affordable alternative to the 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft George Springer autograph. Sterling doesn't carry the same clout as Chrome. This card also uses a sticker for the signature. But if you're big concern is getting an early MLB autograph, this card has it.
2011 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Prospect Autographs George Springer #P36 #/537
While Springer is shown in a generic uniform, 2011 Donruss Elite Extra Edition does have some things Bowman Chrome doesn't. It's numbered, which appeals to some collectors. It's also much more affordable.
2011 Leaf Metal Draft George Springer #AU-GS1 Autograph
Another card done with chromium card stock, the big draw of 2011 Leaf Metal Draft is the price tag. They're more affordable than the Bowman Chrome cards, in large part due to the lack of licensing and logos. However, the Refractor-esque Prismatic parallels have gained some traction among some prospectors.
2011 Leaf Valiant George Springer #VA-GS1 Autograph
A throwback to the 1990s Donruss Crusade cards, the 2011 Leaf Valiant George Springer is certainly colorful. It comes with a reflective surface as well as an on-card signature. Parallels come with different color combinations and serial numbers on the back.
2011 Panini Limited Draft Hits Signatures George Springer #3 #/229
2011 Panini Limited took a major dive after it was released. For collectors more concerned with autographs and rarity over logos, this could be a solid choice. It's a more affordable option, even with its smaller print run.
2011 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autographs George Springer #RT19 #/199
Pretty much the exact same can be said for the 2011 Playoff Contenders as with Limited. And while it has the popular "Rookie Ticket Autographs" name, the design on the front tells a different story.
2011 Playoff Prime Cuts Draft Pick Signatures George Springer #GS #/249
This one is probably for George Springer fans or those who just want an autograph and don't care what it looks like. Limited to 249 copies, it's not the easiest card to find. It also comes from a set that isn't overly popular. With such a small shot the the outfielder, few are likely to like the look of it. But it does have an on-card signature going for it.
 | Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
russell west
i have a topps 2014 of GEORGE SPRINGER card # 318 at the top it says TOPPS FUTURE STARS AT THE BOTTOM TOPPS ALL STAR ROOKIE SHOULD I HANG ON TO THIS CARD?