Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll has become the darling of the hobby world. The young star captured the National League Rookie of the Year as the surprising D’backs made it all the way to the World Series. Carroll will be a collector’s favorite for the next decade, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on other Diamondbacks cards.
HobbyListings has put together a list of the best Diamondbacks cards every fan needs. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Arizona Diamondbacks Cards
1. 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome Corbin Carroll Autograph Card (#CDACC)
Check out this very nice flip of this 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome Prospect Autograph graded PSA 10! 😍
Head over to the COMC Marketplace and search for Corbin Carroll autos, slabs and 1st Bowman cards! https://t.co/HiTqxzVE6Z pic.twitter.com/7QIeTPr0ch
— COMC – Check Out My Cards (@CheckOutMyCards) June 29, 2023
In his first full season, Carroll was an All-Star, cracked 25 home runs, scored 116 runs and accumulated a 5.6 WAR, on top of leading the Diamondbacks to the World Series for the first time since 2001. Not a bad rookie season for the hobby darling.
2. 1989 Topps Tiffany Randy Johnson Rookie Card (#647)
1989 Topps Tiffany SP Randy Johnson #647 Rookie Card RC Expos HOF SGC 9 Mint 96 #ad #baseballcards https://t.co/8Q3NfelvIo pic.twitter.com/ykwQ6OgoUy
— Baseball Card Gems 💎 (@baseballcardgem) February 4, 2024
Even though he’s featured as a Montreal Expo on his rookie card, “The Big Unit” played a crucial role in the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series win and won four consecutive Cy Young Awards with the team. His overwhelming fastball and slider made him one of the most feared pitchers of his era. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
3. 1991 Topps Traded Tiffany Luis Gonzalez Rookie Card (#48T)
Luis Gonzalez’s peak years came with the Diamondbacks, especially his iconic game-winning hit off New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. Gonzalez was a consistent offensive powerhouse for the D’backs and an instrumental figure in their championship-winning team.
4. Paul Goldschmidt 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects Autograph Card (#BCP99)
Despite not being on the Diamondbacks anymore, that doesn’t make Paul Goldschmidt’s first Bowman card any less valuable for fans. Goldschmidt emerged as one of the game’s premier first basemen during his time in Arizona, known for his powerful hitting and solid defensive skills.
5. 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospects Ketel Marte Autograph Card (#BCAPKM)
Ketel Marte has become a significant presence since coming over to the Diamondbacks in a trade from the Seattle Mariners in 2017. The former All-Star is a key figure in the Diamondbacks’ lineup, known for his ability to play multiple positions and his strong offensive contributions.
6. 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects Justin Upton Autograph Card (#BC223)
Justin Upton’s first Bowman card is a reminder of his early promise. Upton was the first overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in 2007. He was a two-time All-Star with Arizona and one of the team’s key offensive players during his tenure.
7. 2020 Topps Chrome Zac Gallen Autograph Rookie Card (#RAZG)
The 23-year-old Zac Gallen has already become the ace of the Diamondbacks. Gallen made his first All-Star team in 2023 and finished third in Cy Young voting. His autograph rookie card is a must-have for any Diamondbacks fan.
History of the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks, established in 1998, have experienced a rapid ascent in Major League Baseball (MLB), marked by significant achievements and notable players in a relatively short history. Here’s an exploration of the Diamondbacks’ journey.
Establishment and Early Success
- Inception: The Diamondbacks debuted as an expansion team in 1998, introducing MLB to the state of Arizona. They quickly set themselves apart as a competitive franchise.
- Quick Rise to Prominence: Unlike many expansion teams that undergo years of struggle, the Diamondbacks quickly became contenders, showcasing astute management and player acquisitions.
The 2001 World Series Triumph
- Historic Championship: In just their fourth season, the Diamondbacks achieved the pinnacle of baseball success by winning the World Series. They defeated the three-time defending champions New York Yankees in a dramatic seven-game series. This victory stands as one of the most remarkable achievements for a young franchise in sports history.
- Key Players: The 2001 team was led by two of the era’s most dominant pitchers, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, who shared the World Series MVP award. Luis Gonzalez, whose walk-off hit clinched the title, was another pivotal figure.
Iconic Players in Franchise History
- Randy Johnson: One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Johnson’s tenure with the Diamondbacks included four consecutive Cy Young Awards and a co-MVP in the 2001 World Series.
- Curt Schilling: Schilling was instrumental in the team’s early success, especially in the 2001 World Series. His performances in crucial games solidified his reputation as a postseason legend.
- Luis Gonzalez: Gonzalez is best remembered for his game-winning hit in the 2001 World Series. He was a key offensive player for the Diamondbacks and a fan favorite.
- Paul Goldschmidt: A more recent star, Goldschmidt emerged as one of MLB’s top first basemen during his time with Arizona, known for his power hitting and solid defense.
Corbin Carroll Era Arrives
- A New Era: In recent years, the Diamondbacks have seen periods of rebuilding, focusing on developing young talent – like Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno and Zac Gallen – and maintaining competitiveness in the challenging NL West.
- Notable Achievements: The team has made several playoff appearances in the 2010s, showcasing resilience and the ability to contend in a competitive division. The Diamondbacks also won the NL pennant in 2023, before losing to the Texas Rangers in the World Series.