Mike Piazza’s Rise in Baseball: Drafted as a Favor, Now a Legend

LOS ANGELES, CA — Mike Piazza, one of the greatest hitting catchers in baseball, began his career in an unexpected way. Piazza was selected in the 62nd round of the 1988 MLB Amateur Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a favor to his father, a close friend of legendary manager Tommy Lasorda.

Lasorda persuaded Piazza to switch from first base to catcher early in his career. This decision proved to be monumental as Piazza went on to hit 399 home runs, the most by a catcher, and maintained a .308 batting average alongside over 1,300 RBIs. He received rookie accolades, made 12 All-Star appearances, won 10 Silver Slugger Awards, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Among the many Piazza cards available to collectors, some stand out. For instance, the 1999 Topps Chrome Lords of the Diamond Refractor features Piazza in his New York Mets uniform. Although he was traded to the Mets in 1998, this card is considered inexpensive, selling for around $10.

Another notable card is the 1997 Topps Chrome Diamond Duos featuring both Mike Piazza and pitcher Hideo Nomo. Available for $2 to $10, this card also holds nostalgic value for Dodgers fans.

Moreover, the 1998 Upper Deck Mike Piazza SP Variation shows Piazza in his brief stint with the Florida Marlins. Its rarity makes it desirable, with PSA 10 versions selling for around $100.

The 1993 Topps Finest refractor showcases Piazza in his Dodgers uniform, with one graded PSA 9 fetching around $856 in recent sales. Lastly, Piazza’s iconic 1992 Bowman rookie card remains a favorite, with prices ranging from $15 to $192.99 for mint versions.

As Piazza’s legacy continues, collectors eagerly seek these notable cards that celebrate his remarkable career.