News

103 MPH Fastball Leading to Dominating Performances, High Card Values

When a college pitcher starts putting up video game statistics that read 18.2 strikeouts per nine innings, it get the scouts drooling, as well as collectors. Meet Stephen Strasburg.
By Joe Clemens
MAY 13, 2009

The Stephen Strasburg legend continues for the phenom who has reached 103 mph on the radar gun. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that he'll be the No. 1 overall pick this summer by the Washington Nationals and many scouts feel he
would immediately be the Nats top pitcher.

Here's his stats so far this season for San Diego State. He's currently 11-0 with a 1.24 ERA and carries an insane 164/17 strikeout/walk ratio in 87.1 innings. That works out to an equally insane 18.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Those video-game stats and equally flattering scouting reports have collectors in hot pursuit of anything Strasburg. Here's a look at a few of his most popular cards issued thus far.

  • 2008 UD Sweet Spot USA Black Leather Signature (#'d to 32) - $225
  • 08 UD Sweet Spot USA Black Stitch Red Ink Auto (#'d to 260) - $150
  • 08 UD Sweet Spot USA Red/Blue Stitch Black Ink Auto (#'d to 37) - $225
  • 2009 UD USA National Team Base Set Auto (#'d to 175) - $175
  • 2009 UD USA National Team Patriotic Patch Auto (#'d to 50) - $250