Philip Humber’s gem creates perfect opportunity
By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor
Chicago White Sox pitcher Phillip Humber — a right-hander from Texas with an 11-10 career record and not a single complete game entering Saturday’s contest at Safeco Field — threw nine perfect innings against the Seattle Mariners for just the 21st gem in MLB history.
In all, Humber appears on just 539 cards in the Beckett.com database with 219 of those featuring a certified autograph and a total value of more than $3,250. (Need a complete Humber checklist or OPG? Click here.) He appears on 33 Rookie Cards beginning in 2005 when he was a member of the New York Mets, many an affordable option.
His most valuable RC before the news was his 2005 Leaf Limited card, an autographed issue limited to just 99 copies, that typically sells for $50 or less. In all, 14 of his RCs were produced by Upper Deck, while Donruss/Playoff produced 11 and Topps made just eight.
For those who have an autograph and want more of a challenge, Humber only appears on 25 different game-used memorabilia cards to collect. His first game-used cards were made in 2002 when he appeared on cards showing him with USA Baseball.
Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball magazine. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
