His better late than never coming out party sent collectors and dealers back to the monster boxes in search of Jake Arrieta’s cards. With two no-hitters to his credit and a second straight Cy Young Award now looking like a real possibility, Arrieta has joined the ranks of the elite players in baseball.
Arrieta’s career resurgence has been spectacular. Interestingly, his second no-no came three years to the day after he gave up five runs while pitching for Baltimore and was demoted to the minor leagues.
His first cards had arrived as the calendar turned from 2006 to 2007 with some Team USA signed and unsigned cards, followed by Donruss Elite Extra Edition and other issues from Just Rookies and TriStar.
In 2008, as a member of the Orioles organization, you’ll find him on Bowman brands.
Arrieta has the distinction of being just the fourth reigning Cy Young Award winner to toss a no-hitter the next season, joining Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson and Clayton Kershaw. In the 24 starts dating back to 2015 and including his 2016 no-hitter, Arrieta is 20-1 with a 0.86 ERA. He’s struck out 173 batters and walked just 38 in that span.
Arrieta’s no-hitter will be the subject of a Topps NOW card, the first major milestone to be captured in the new program, which gives collectors the chance to purchase a freshly minted card commemorating an event the day after it happens.
Should the Cubs reach the World Series for the first time since 1945 or win it for the first time since 1908, though, Arrieta’s cardboard will continue to be in demand, especially in Chicago.
You can see his current most watched cards in the list below.
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