The 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set featured some of the top young talent from the United States. Among this group were Lars Anderson and Grant Green, two budding stars who would go on to have successful careers in professional baseball.
Anderson and Green were both highly touted prospects, making their inclusion in the Upper Deck set no surprise. However, the rarity of their GP2 insert card, numbered to just 100 copies, makes it a highly sought after collectible for fans and collectors alike.
Lars Anderson, a first baseman, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 18th round of the 2006 MLB draft. He quickly climbed the ranks of the Red Sox farm system and debuted with the big league club in 2010. Known for his impressive bat and power potential, Anderson spent seven seasons in the minor leagues before bouncing around various teams in the Independent and International Leagues. In 2018, he transitioned to pitching and joined the Austrian national baseball team.
Grant Green, a shortstop, was drafted by the Oakland Athletics with the 13th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft. He was ranked as one of the top prospects in the country and lived up to the hype in his first professional season, batting .318 with 20 home runs in the minor leagues. Green made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 2013 and has since played for five different teams in the majors. He currently plays in Japan for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
The GP2 insert featuring Anderson and Green showcases their talents during their time with the USA Baseball national team. The card features a classic design with a red, white, and blue border and the players’ signatures boldly displayed. With only 100 copies in existence, this card is a must-have for any serious collector.
In addition to their individual success, both Anderson and Green have also had success representing the United States on the international stage. Anderson helped lead the USA Baseball Junior National Team to a gold medal at the 2006 World Junior Baseball Championship, while Green was part of the team that won the bronze medal at the 2008 World University Baseball Championship.
The GP2 insert from the 2005 Upper Deck USA Baseball set serves as a reminder of the impressive talent that was on display during the early years of Anderson and Green’s careers. As they continue to make an impact in the world of baseball, this card will only increase in value and significance for collectors.