Mariano Rivera arguably the best relief pitcher and best card in 1992 Bowman set

It’s hard to believe that some consider Mariano Rivera’s rookie card #302 in the 1992 Bowman set the best of the lot.
After all, it just features a young Rivera leaning against a wall wearing a casual pair of white khakis and a blue golf shirt.
But it doesn’t seem to matter for collectors who value the best relief pitcher who’s ever played the game.
Maybe it’s because his card in the 1992 Bowman set is considered to be his only rookie card – a rarity more these days where one player can have multiple rookie cards from more than one brand.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that his career stats were remarkable making him a heavy favorite as a first-ballot hall of famer in 2019. And it’s a bonus that he played for the New York Yankees.
Once he enters the hall, you can expect a modest bump in the value of his rookie card. But even if it didn’t, Rivera’s rookie card, which is still accessible at an affordable price (PSA Graded Mint 9 = $50) is a must-have for any baseball fan’s collection.
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