Clayton Kershaw Cards to Buy on Any Budget
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The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that legendary ace Clayton Kershaw is retiring at the end of this season. The only question for Kershaw, his team, and his fans, the answer to which will come in less than 60 days, is whether the hurler will finish his career with two (2020, 2024) or three World Series rings. Meanwhile, collectors looking to add a baseball card of the future first-ballot Hall of Famer have questions as well, namely what cards to buy and for how much. As Kersh has more than 15,000 cards already, the questions are both easier and harder than one might think.
LOW-BUDGET KERSHAW - $5 OR LESS
Collectors looking to spend only a few dollars, if even that, have literally thousands of choices. As these buyers have no expectation of flipping the card for millions someday and retiring early, there are two categories they will likely want to look at.
- History - Cards marking important achievements in Kershaw's career
- Visual appeal - Cards that look cool
One card that checks off both boxes is Clayton's 2021 Stadium Club card showing the pitcher holding his first World Series trophy. At the moment, this card can be had for little more than a dollar.
Another great option in the category of visual appeal is the pitcher's 2015 Topps card. As base versions go for less than $2, collectors can even spend a little extra for any of several parallels that add even more sizzle to an already great looking card.
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MID-BUDGET KERSHAW - $50 OR LESS
Collectors might presume that a budget of only $50 means Clayton's rookie cards are out of the question. In fact, this isn't true at all, particularly if mint condition is not a requirement. For example, here is a terrific Kershaw rookie in "near mint" condition for $49.99. (True, shipping will add a bit, but that comes under a separate budget, doesn't it?)
HIGH-BUDGET KERSHAW - $500 OR LESS
While some patience may be needed, collectors in this price range have at least some reason to hope for a PSA 10 card of Clayton's iconic rookie card from the 2008 Topps Update set. According to recent sales data from Card Ladder, one sold for just under $500 this past week. Whether another pops up at this price again is an open question and may well depend how Clayton pitches in the 2025 postseason.
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SKY'S THE LIMIT KERSHAW
For the collector who regards money as no object, the options open up even more. After all, any of Kersh's 15,000+ cards are now on the table. While there are plenty of ways to go here, one terrific option is a dual signed card of the ace with fellow southpaw Sandy Koufax. At the moment, there are at least three on eBay in the $7,000 range.
When a pitcher has as many cards as Kersh, it can be a challenge to know which one to buy. Certainly things were simpler in the old days when a player might have just a couple cards a year. Still, the flip side of that is there is sure to be a great card available at literally every price point. The result is that while even the most ambitious collector will be unable to "collect them all" it has never been easier for collectors to pick up great cards of a favorite player.
Jason A. Schwartz is a collectibles expert whose work can be found regularly at SABR Baseball Cards, Hobby News Daily, and 1939Bruins.com. His collection of Hank Aaron baseball cards and memorabilia is currently on exhibit at the Atlanta History Center, and his collectibles-themed artwork is on display at the Honus Wagner Museum and PNC Park.