El Koala’s Top Cards to Collect
Welcome to the ultimate guide on 2024 MLB Hall of Fame inductee Adrián Beltré’s top rookie cards to collect and more! From dodging phantom tags to hitting his way into the elusive 3,000-hit club, Beltré’s journey from the Dominican Republic to baseball superstardom is legendary. Affectionately known as “El Koala” for his calm demeanor and fierce on-field presence for 21 accolade-laden seasons, Beltré induction into Cooperstown has sparked a frenzy in the card-collecting world. As his legacy continues to soar, so does the value of his iconic rookie cards, making them a must-have for any serious collector looking to add a slice of baseball history to their collection
Top Adrián Beltré Cards
MLB TOPPS NOW® Turn Back The Clock Card 126 Adrián Beltré
On August 3, 2015, Beltré became the fourth player in MLB history to hit for the cycle three times. He completed the feat in five innings, entering a zone that would’ve made Neo from The Matrix take note. Topps commemorated the moment with the card above, adding to the legend.
2023 MLB TOPPS NOW® Card 1053 Fergie Jenkins/Adrián Beltré
The Rangers surprised fans at Globe Life Stadium before Game 2 of the 2023 World Series with legends Fergie Jenkins and Beltré for the ceremonial first pitch. Despite Texas falling short with a 9-1 loss, the moment showcased two Hall of Famers, with Beltré firing a strike to the 1971 Cy Young Award winner. This memorable event inspired the creation of the Topps Now card commemorating the occasion.
2017 Topps Now® Card 419 Adrián Beltré Auto
On July 30, 2017, a 38-year-old Beltré made history, becoming the first Dominican-born player and 31st MLB star to reach 3,000 hits. Of course, that milestone comes with a Topps Now. And this bad boy has an auto. Happy Hunting!
1998 Topps Stadium Club #361 Adrián Beltré
The Future Stars subset in one of two 1998 Topps Stadium Club releases features the 1998 Topps Stadium Club #361 Adrián Beltré. Though the Hall of Famer’s first Major League at-bats weren’t until ’98, his true rookie cards dropped in ’97—more on each of those ahead.
1997 Best #21 Adrián Beltré
Beltre’s path to the Big Leagues was quicker than a hiccup, as he only played in The Minors for two seasons. The 1997 Best #21 Adrián Beltré card captures the Hall of Famer during his time in Class A-Advanced, just before his ascent to greatness. Though the San Bernardino Stampede are now a distant memory, this card proves they once existed.
