In an attempt to capture players debuting after the set’s checklist original release, 2010 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Redemptions offered a second-chance of sorts. It also added some mystery as the redemption cards themselves were inserted merely as to-be-determined numbers. They were then announced over the course of the season.
The ten-card set has some names that have gone on to live up to their hype. That said, there are several who are blips in the hobby that appeal primarily to team collectors. Heading up the 2010 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Redemptions checklist are Giancarlo (Mike) Stanton, Jason Heyward and Stephen Strasburg.
The slow reveal method led to lots of speculation. At the time, Strasburg-mania was running rampant in both MLB and in the hobby. His card is still popular, but nowhere near close what they once were.
The Finest Rookie Redemptions, which land one per master box, have a couple of autograph additions. Andrew Cashner signed all of his cards. Also, Jason Heyward signed ten percent of his cards. These have a different photo. Heyward’s autographs were distributed randomly.
The Rookie Redemptions have a pair of parallels, Blue Refractors, which have 199 copies each, and Gold Refractors (/50).
2010 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Redemptions Checklist
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FFR-1 Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves
FFR-1 Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves – Autograph
FFR-2 Ike Davis, New York Mets
FFR-3 Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
FFR-4 Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds
FFR-5 Mike Stanton, Florida Marlins
FFR-6 Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals
FFR-7 Andrew Cashner, Chicago Cubs – Autograph
FFR-8 Dayan Viciedo, Chicago White Sox
FFR-9 Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies
FFR-10 Ryan Kalish, Boston Red Sox