The 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set featured some of the top prospects of the time, including Wes Hodges and Jonah Nickerson. The two young players were both standouts on the USA Baseball national teams, and their dual autograph card, numbered to just 75 copies, is a highly coveted item among collectors.
Wes Hodges was a third baseman who played college baseball at Georgia Tech. In 2005, he represented Team USA in both the World University Baseball Championship and the World Cup. As a member of the World Cup team, Hodges had a .326 batting average and helped lead the squad to a bronze medal. He went on to be a first-round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians and made his Major League debut in 2008.
Jonah Nickerson was a right-handed pitcher who played college baseball at Oregon State University. He was part of the 2005 USA Baseball national team that won a gold medal at the World University Baseball Championship. In the gold medal game, Nickerson threw six shutout innings to lead Team USA to victory. He was drafted in the seventh round by the Detroit Tigers and reached the Double-A level in his professional career.
The FM-5 card featuring Hodges and Nickerson is part of the Future Monikers subset in the 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set. It showcases two of the top future stars of USA Baseball and their autographs make this card even more special. With a limited print run of just 75 copies, it is a rare and sought-after addition to any collection.
Collectors can appreciate the significance of this card as it represents two players who were highly regarded by Team USA and went on to have successful baseball careers. Both Hodges and Nickerson were integral parts of their respective teams and are remembered for their contributions to USA Baseball.
The 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set is also notable for featuring autograph cards of other notable players such as future Major League stars Justin Upton, Andrew McCutchen, and Trevor Cahill, among others. The inclusion of these top prospects added even more excitement to the set and made it a must-have for collectors.
In conclusion, the 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball Wes Hodges and Jonah Nickerson autograph card is a prime example of the top talent that was part of that year’s Team USA. The limited print run, dual autographs, and the players’ impressive careers make it a highly desirable card for any baseball fan or collector. As time passes and their careers continue to flourish, this card will only increase in value and hold its place as a treasured piece of USA Baseball history.