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2006 Topps Baseball Complete Factory Sealed Set Verlander Fielder Zimmerman RC
The 2006 Topps Baseball Complete Factory Sealed Set is one of the more appealing Topps flagship sets of the mid-2000s thanks to a strong group of rookie-logo cards, a loaded superstar checklist, and factory-set-exclusive bonus rookies.
The complete base set contains 659 cards from Series 1 and Series 2. The release was originally intended to contain 660 cards, but the controversial Alex Gordon #297 was pulled from regular distribution after MLB\'s newly implemented rookie-card rules prevented Topps from issuing the card normally. A standard complete set is therefore recognized as 659 cards.
Key Rookie & Rookie-Logo Cards
The 2006 Topps checklist includes several major young stars:
- Justin Verlander #641
- Prince Fielder #639
- Ryan Zimmerman #617
- Jonathan Papelbon #355
- Kenji Johjima #616
- Francisco Liriano
- Matt Cain
- Conor Jackson
- Ryan Garko
- Rich Hill
Justin Verlander, Prince Fielder, Ryan Zimmerman and Matt Cain carry the 2006 Topps rookie logo, although each appeared in fully licensed major releases before 2006. The new MLB rookie-card rules that began that year created some unusual distinctions between \"rookie logo\" cards and traditional rookie cards.
For buyers, however, Verlander #641, Fielder #639 and Zimmerman #617 remain among the primary cards collectors search for in this set.
Justin Verlander #641
Justin Verlander #641 is arguably the headline card in the set.
Verlander became one of the premier pitchers of his generation, earning multiple Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP Award, numerous All-Star selections, and World Series championships.
His 2006 Topps card remains one of the most recognizable early Topps cards of his career.
Prince Fielder #639
The set also includes Prince Fielder #639.
Fielder became one of baseball\'s most feared power hitters, earning multiple All-Star selections and leading the National League with 50 home runs in 2007.
Ryan Zimmerman #617
Ryan Zimmerman #617 is another important card in the set.
Zimmerman became the longtime face of the Washington Nationals and ultimately helped the franchise win the 2019 World Series.
Jonathan Papelbon #355
Collectors also receive Jonathan Papelbon #355, another recognizable rookie-era card.
Papelbon became a six-time All-Star and one of the premier closers of the late 2000s, helping Boston win the 2007 World Series.
Mickey Mantle Returns to Card #7
One of the most historically interesting aspects of 2006 Topps is the return of Mickey Mantle to card #7.
From 1997 through 2005, Topps left card #7 unused after retiring the number in Mantle\'s honor. In 2006, Mantle returned to the flagship checklist and once again occupied card #7.
That makes Mickey Mantle #7 another notable card in the complete set.
Superstar & Hall of Fame Checklist
The set also features an excellent collection of established stars, including:
- Derek Jeter
- Albert Pujols
- Ichiro Suzuki
- Ken Griffey Jr.
- Barry Bonds
- Alex Rodriguez
- David Ortiz
- Miguel Cabrera
- Mariano Rivera
- Roger Clemens
- Randy Johnson
- Pedro Martinez
- Greg Maddux
- Chipper Jones
- Vladimir Guerrero
- Frank Thomas
- Jim Thome
- Craig Biggio
- Manny Ramirez
- Todd Helton
- David Wright
- Joe Mauer
- Mark Teixeira
- Johan Santana
The combination of established Hall of Famers and young stars such as Cabrera, Pujols, Mauer and Wright gives the set excellent player depth.
Factory Set Exclusive Rookie Bonus Cards
Standard 2006 Topps factory sets also contain factory-set-exclusive rookie bonus cards, with the exact cards determined by the factory-set configuration.
Retail Factory Set Bonus Pack:
- Nick Markakis
- Kelly Shoppach
- Jordan Tata
- Ruddy Lugo
- Josh Wilson
Nick Markakis is the standout from this group.
Hobby Factory Set Bonus Pack:
- Fernando Nieve
- Sendy Rleal
- Jason Kubel
- James Loney
- Fabio Castro
James Loney and Jason Kubel headline the Hobby bonus group.
Topps also issued additional factory-set configurations containing other exclusive rookie groups.
Special Holiday Factory Set Rookie Cards
Holiday factory sets received additional exclusive rookie cards, including:
- Jonathan Broxton
- Eliezer Alfonzo
- Jason Hirsh
- Rajai Davis
- Henry Owens
- Kevin Frandsen
- Matt Garza
- Chris Duncan
- Chris Coste
- Jeff Karstens
These cards were divided among the special factory-set configurations rather than appearing in the regular 659-card checklist.
The Famous Alex Gordon #297 Situation
The 2006 Topps release is also famous for the Alex Gordon #297 error/short-print card.
Topps had prepared Gordon\'s card before the new MLB rookie-card regulations took effect. Because Gordon had not yet reached the Major League roster, Topps was required to remove his card from the product.
Some copies nevertheless escaped into packs, including normal and altered versions. These became highly collectible short prints. However, Alex Gordon #297 is not required for a standard 659-card complete factory set and should not be expected inside a regular sealed factory set.
Factory Set Variations & Special Hits
Topps produced several special factory-set versions in 2006.
Certain specially marked Target factory sets included an exclusive 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle-style memorabilia card containing a piece of Mantle-worn material. Topps specifically identified this material as Mantle-worn rather than game-used.
Topps also produced team-specific factory sets, including Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals and Cubs versions with their own exclusive five-card bonus sets.
Unless the packaging specifically identifies one of those versions, those special bonus cards should not be assumed to be included.
An Excellent Mid-2000s Factory Set
The 2006 Topps Baseball Complete Factory Set offers an excellent combination of early cards from major stars and established baseball legends.
Highlights include Justin Verlander #641, Prince Fielder #639, Ryan Zimmerman #617, Jonathan Papelbon #355, Kenji Johjima #616 and Mickey Mantle #7, along with Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, Ken Griffey Jr., Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz and many more.
The addition of factory-set-exclusive rookie bonus cards gives sealed examples another layer of collecting appeal.
A strong choice for collectors of Topps complete sets, Justin Verlander cards, rookie cards, Mickey Mantle cards, Hall of Famers, and factory-sealed baseball card sets.
