CC Sabathia, one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, has a resume worthy of Cooperstown. With over 3,000 strikeouts, a Cy Young Award, six All-Star appearances, and a World Series ring, Sabathia’s career is a testament to his remarkable talent and durability. As we await the announcement of the Hall of Fame inductees, let’s take a look at his most iconic rookie cards. For this article, we’re focusing solely on his 1999 rookie cards, ranking them based on rarity, value, and desirability. If you’re looking to add a piece of CC’s legacy to your collection, these cards are an excellent place to start.
Top CC Sabathia Rookie Cards
1. 1999 Topps Finest Gold Refractor #294 (PSA 10 – $3,500, PSA 9 – $500)
Numbered to just 100 copies, this card stands out as the crown jewel of CC Sabathia rookie cards. With a total pop of only 17 across all graders and just 7 PSA 10s, this card is as rare as it gets. Its iconic gold refractor and die-cut design and optional protective coating add another layer of uniqueness, making it a must-have for high-end collectors. Sales are infrequent, so be prepared to pay a premium when one surfaces.
2. 1999 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor #344 (PSA 9 – $1,000)
Arguably the rarest CC rookie card, this gold refractor is limited to just 25 copies. Despite its scarcity, it surprisingly has no PSA 10s in circulation, with 18 total graded and only a handful in PSA 9. This card is an incredible find for collectors, and its iconic Bowman Chrome branding makes it one of the most coveted Sabathia cards.
3. 1999 Bowman Chrome International Refractor #344 (PSA 9 – $520)
Another rare gem, this refractor is numbered to 100 and features a stunning coastline image in the background, symbolizing Sabathia’s global appeal. With no PSA 10s and just over 20 copies graded, it’s a tough pull and a prime target for serious CC collectors.
4. 1999 Bowman’s Best Atomic Refractor #171 (PSA 10 – $1,000, PSA 9 – $500)
Numbered to 100 copies, the Atomic Refractor is a stunning parallel with a total PSA population of just 19, including 4 PSA 10s. Its low serial number and eye-catching design make it a standout piece, with its scarcity driving strong demand in higher grades.
5. 1999 Topps Traded Certified Auto #T33 (PSA 10 – $525, PSA 9 – $345)
This autographed card, included as part of the 1999 Topps Traded box set, features CC’s clean signature and is limited to approximately 1,000 copies. With a gem rate of just 5.1%, PSA 10s are particularly scarce, making this a highly desirable addition to any Sabathia collection.
6. 1999 Bowman Chrome Refractor #344 (PSA 10 – $900, PSA 9 – $320)
This Bowman Chrome refractor has a total pop of just over 80, with only 7 PSA 10s in circulation. Inserted at a rate of two per hobby box, this refractor is a slightly more accessible option while still offering premium appeal to collectors.
7. 1999 Bowman’s Best Refractor #171 (PSA 10 – $450, PSA 9 – $280)
Numbered to 400, this card offers rarity at an affordable price point compared to its atomic counterpart. It has a gem rate of approximately 12%, with 44 total graded and 5 PSA 10s. A solid mid-tier option for Sabathia fans.
8. 1999 Finest Refractor #294 (PSA 10 – $440, PSA 9 – $180)
With a gem rate of 36% and a total pop of 110, this card is relatively more common but still highly sought after. Its sharp refractor finish and association with the iconic Finest brand make it a great pickup for collectors of all budgets.
9. 1999 Bowman International #344 (PSA 10 – $530, PSA 9 – $52)
Released one per pack, this International parallel features a unique foil map design. With only 35 total graded and just 3 PSA 10s, this card is rare and underappreciated, offering exceptional value for collectors.
10. 1999 Topps Chrome Traded #T33 (PSA 10 – $260, PSA 9 – $70)
A cornerstone card for any Sabathia rookie collection, this Chrome version of the Topps Traded card is highly graded, with over 500 gems in circulation. It’s a sharp, affordable option for collectors.
11. 1999 Topps Traded #T33 (PSA 10 – $160, PSA 9 – $70)
Released exclusively in the 1999 Topps Traded box set, this card has a universal pop of just over 2,000, with a 32% gem rate resulting in over 600 PSA 10 copies in circulation. It’s much more affordable than the Chrome version, making it an excellent entry point for collectors looking to add a clean, flagship Topps Sabathia rookie to their collection.
12. 1999 Bowman Chrome #344 (PSA 10 – $250, PSA 9 – $65)
The Bowman Chrome base rookie of Sabathia is the most widely available of his rookies, with a universal pop of over 2,200 and a gem rate near 40%. This accessibility keeps the price point affordable, with over 850 PSA 10 copies available. Despite the higher pop, it’s a must-have for any collector seeking the iconic Bowman Chrome branding at a reasonable cost.
13. 1999 Bowman #344 (PSA 10 – $190, PSA 9 – $50)
Sabathia’s Bowman base rookie is a classic, with a total universal pop of 500 and around 134 PSA 10 copies. It’s a fantastic option for collectors who appreciate the classic Bowman design and want a lower-cost entry point into Sabathia’s rookie cards.
14. 1999 Finest #294 (PSA 10 – $76, PSA 9 – $35)
This base Finest card has the highest gem rate of all Sabathia rookies at 54%, with over 340 PSA 10 copies in circulation. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for collectors who love the Finest series but want to stay within a budget. One BGS 10 Pristine copy exists, offering additional allure for high-end collectors.
15. 1999 Bowman’s Best #171 (PSA 10 – $90, PSA 9 – $20)
With a pop of just over 400 and a gem rate of 35%, this base Bowman’s Best rookie is the most affordable Sabathia card on our list. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly option, with PSA 9 copies selling for less than the cost of a blaster box. If you’re a Sabathia fan, this card is a steal.
Conclusion
CC Sabathia’s rookie cards offer a fantastic range of options for collectors, from ultra-rare refractors to more accessible flagship cards. His incredible career, which includes a Cy Young Award, 3,000 strikeouts, and a World Series title, has cemented his place among baseball’s legends. With his potential Hall of Fame induction on the horizon, now is the perfect time to add one of these iconic cards to your collection.
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Corey
Corey was the original founder of ShowZone.
