You’re digging through a dusty shoebox of 1990s junk wax and suddenly, there he is. Not Ken Griffey Jr. Not Frank Thomas. It’s a guy in a San Diego Padres jersey with a mustache that launched a thousand country hits.
Yes, the garth brooks baseball card is a real thing. It’s not just one thing, actually. It’s a weird, multi-year saga of a superstar chasing a childhood dream while most of the sports world watched with a mix of confusion and genuine admiration.
Most people think these are just "novelty" cards you’d find at a concert merch booth. Some are. But others? They came out of actual Upper Deck and Topps packs. If you’ve got one, you might be sitting on ten bucks—or several hundred.
The 1999 Padres Experiment: Where It All Started
In 1999, Garth was the biggest thing on the planet. He could sell out stadiums in minutes, yet he wanted to stand in a batter's box against 95-mph heaters. He signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. He wasn't just a guest; he was in the dirt, wearing number 77, trying to make the cut.
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He went 1-for-22. Honestly, that one hit—a pinch-hit single off Mike Sirotka—is basically legendary at this point.
Upper Deck captured this moment in their 1999 Series 1 set. This isn’t a "custom" card made by a fan. It’s card #155. On the front, he’s mid-swing, looking surprisingly like a ballplayer. On the back, it lists his "career" stats, which are mostly blank because, well, he was a singer.
Why the 1999 Upper Deck #155 Matters
This is the "main" card people look for. Because it was part of a standard MLB set, it has a legitimacy that later cards lacked.
- PSA 10 Value: A perfect Gem Mint copy has seen prices hover around $180 to $220 in recent auctions.
- Raw Value: You can snag a decent, ungraded one for $10 to $25.
- The "Vibe": It’s the ultimate 90s crossover.
The Mets and Royals: The Journey Continues
Garth didn't quit after San Diego. He moved on to the New York Mets in 2000 and the Kansas City Royals in 2004. Each of these stops produced more "cards," though the "official" nature of them started to get a bit murky.
The 2004 Royals era is famous because he actually got another hit. An infield single. He was 42 years old then. Think about that. Most guys are 15 years into retirement by 42, and he’s legging out singles against pro pitchers.
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You’ll see a lot of "2004 Garth Brooks KC Royals" cards on eBay. Be careful here. A lot of these are "custom novelty" cards. They look sharp, they’ve got the Royals logo, and they’re fun for a collection, but they aren't "official" licensed MLB releases in the same way the '99 Upper Deck was. They usually sell for under $10.
The Holy Grail: 1991 Collegiate Collection Oklahoma State
Before he was "Garth," he was Troyal Garth Brooks, a track and field athlete at Oklahoma State. He threw the javelin.
In 1991, the Collegiate Collection released an OSU set. Card #87 features a young, pre-fame Garth. This is technically his "rookie card" in the eyes of many collectors. It’s rare. It’s weird. It’s expensive.
If you find a PSA 10 of the 1991 Collegiate Garth, you're looking at a $175+ price tag. Even a PSA 9 can pull $30 to $40. It’s a piece of music history disguised as a sports card.
Topps First Pitch and the Modern Era
Fast forward to 2015. Topps released a "First Pitch" insert set in Series 2. They featured celebrities throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at MLB games. Garth made the cut.
It’s card #FP-12. It’s not rare, but it’s a high-quality, modern card that fits perfectly into a "Celebrity in Baseball" sub-collection. You can usually find these for the price of a cup of coffee—maybe $3 or $5.
Then there’s the 2021 Topps Now "Presidential Election" card. Garth performed at the inauguration, and Topps (ever the opportunists) made a card for it. It’s card #19. Is it a baseball card? No. Is it in the same "card" ecosystem? Yes. A BGS 9.5 of this one recently sold for about $35.
What About Autographs?
This is where the money gets crazy. Garth is a prolific signer, but "on-card" certified autographs from his playing days are incredibly scarce.
Most signed garth brooks baseball card examples you see are "in-person" autos. That means a fan handed him a card and a Sharpie at a game or a concert.
- Authentication is Key: Do not buy an unauthenticated Garth auto. Use JSA, PSA, or Beckett (BAS).
- Price Range: A slabbed, authenticated 1999 Upper Deck signed by Garth can easily clear $500. If it’s a rare parallel or a "cut autograph" from a high-end product like Topps Dynasty, you might be looking at $1,000+.
Common Misconceptions to Avoid
Don't get fooled by "1 of 1" labels on eBay. Often, these are just "Artist Proofs" or custom-made cards from small independent creators. They have zero value to serious sports card investors.
Also, look out for the "Brooks Robinson" confusion. Sometimes people search for "Brooks baseball card" and end up with the legendary Orioles third baseman. Different guy. Much better at baseball, much worse at singing "The Dance."
How to Value Your Card Right Now
If you've got one, check the corners. If they aren't sharp enough to cut paper, it's probably not a PSA 10.
- Check the Brand: Is it Upper Deck or Topps? Those are the heavy hitters.
- Look for the Number: Flip it over. Is it card #155 (1999) or #87 (1991)?
- Search "Sold" Listings: Go to eBay, type in your card, and filter by "Sold Items." This is the only price that matters. Asking prices are just dreams; sold prices are reality.
Your Next Steps for Garth Collecting
If you want to own a piece of this weird history, start with the 1999 Upper Deck #155. It’s the most "real" baseball card he has. You can find them for under $20 all day long.
For the high-end collector, hunt for the 1991 Collegiate Collection Oklahoma State card in a high grade. It’s the true "origin story" card.
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Lastly, always check for the Teammates for Kids logo. Garth did all of this baseball stuff to raise money for his charity. In 2019, he even did a spring training stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates to celebrate the foundation's 20th anniversary. Buying his cards is, in a way, a nod to that charitable legacy. Just don't expect him to hit a home run—he's much better at hitting the high notes.