When you're already being mentioned in the same sentence as players like Ernie Banks and Cal Ripken after you've played just one full season of Major League Baseball, you must be doing something right. Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has done many things right since he arrived on the scene, and his talent is making a splash among baseball card collectors.
A native of California, Tulowitzki initially caught the attention of scouts for his superb defense during his high school career and two years of college ball at Long Beach State. The Rockies were impressed enough to make him their first round pick in the 2005 draft, seventh overall.
Tulowitzki got a brief taste of the big leagues in just his second season as a pro, appearing in 25 games in 2006. Though he received just 96 at-bats, his fielding was as good as advertised and he hit his first career home run. When he swung a hot bat during 2007 spring training, he emerged as the team's starting shortstop heading into the regular season.
During the Rockies' World Series run, Tulowitzki was a star with the glove and the bat. He finished among the league leaders in all fielding categories among shortstops, and became just the 13th player in MLB history to turn an unassisted triple play. His 24 home runs broke the previous record for rookie shortstops held by Banks, and were a big reason Tulowitzki finished second to Ryan Braun in Rookie of the Year voting conducted by both The Sporting News and Baseball America.
Just 22 at the end of his rookie season, Tulowitzki looks like he'll be a fixture on All-Star ballots and collectors' want lists for years to come. Though he has a lot of cool cards in 2007 products - including many with the MLB Rookie Card logo - his handful of 2005 issues are considered to be his true rookie cards. One to watch is his lone autograph from that year, his Topps Rookie Cup # 159.
Troy Tulowitzki 2005 Rookie Cards
- Bowman Draft # 105
- Bowman Chrome Draft # 105
- Bowman Sterling # TT
- Topps Rookie Cup # 159 - autographed