The 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set features some of the top young prospects in American baseball, including the impressive duo of Kevin Gunderson and Mark Melancon. These two pitchers are featured on card #081/250, which is part of the TL-11 subset.
Gunderson and Melancon were both highly touted prospects coming out of college, and their inclusion in the USA Baseball set shows just how much potential they had. Let’s take a closer look at their careers and what makes this card a must-have for collectors.
Kevin Gunderson, a left-handed pitcher, was selected in the fifth round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. He spent three years in their farm system before making his major league debut in 2009. He had a brief stint with the Braves before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he pitched in their minor league system for two seasons.
In 2011, Gunderson joined the USA Baseball National Team for the Pan American Games and delivered a dominant performance, helping the team win the gold medal. He continued to pitch in the minors until retiring in 2012.
Mark Melancon, a right-handed pitcher, was also selected in the 2005 MLB Draft, going in the ninth round to the New York Yankees. After spending four years in their minor league system, he made his MLB debut in 2009. Melancon then bounced around a few teams before finally finding success with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013. He was named to the All-Star team and finished the season with 16 saves and a 1.39 ERA.
Melancon’s success continued in the following years, leading him to lucrative contracts with the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals. He has established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in the game, consistently posting low ERAs and high save totals.
The TL-11 subset in the 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set features a variety of players from different positions, making it a well-rounded collection. However, the standout card is undoubtedly the one featuring Gunderson and Melancon. Collectors will appreciate this card not only for its limited edition status, but also for the two promising young pitchers it showcases.
Additionally, this card holds historical significance as both Gunderson and Melancon were part of the 2005 USA Baseball National Team, which is considered one of the best teams to ever represent the United States in international competitions. The fact that they were featured together on one card makes it even more special.
The card itself is a beautiful representation of Upper Deck’s high quality printing and design. The front features crisp images of both players in their USA Baseball jerseys, with a gold foil stamp indicating the limited edition nature of the card. The back showcases their impressive stats and highlights from their college careers, giving collectors a glimpse into their promising futures.
In conclusion, the 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball Kevin Gunderson / Mark Melancon card is a must-have for any serious collector. Not only does it represent two promising pitching prospects, but it also holds historical significance and is a great addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on the chance to own this limited edition gem.