Clearly, this does not come from the super popular run of 97-99 essential credentials. Still, as a great lineage and his numbered to /32 I believe. The red-on-red color match is an added bonus for me. I think it will take quite a while for these to one day catch on, but I bet they will do well over time and can still be had for a fraction of the price of the early credentials acetate parallels. being a Cardinals fan, I wasn’t too concerned about value, but I think I was able to snag this one for under $50.

Came across this Pujols in a box the other day…

Pujols was a rookie in 2001, so he missed the classic 97 through 2000 essential credentials parallels. This was not the most popular or best looking of credentials however it’s still very rare and very limited. As a Cardinals fan, I was able to get this one without breaking the bank.

As a life long Cardinals fan, it was amazing to have Albert Pujols on my favorite team. It’s not often that you get to experience a generational player and root for them. Yes, I wish he could’ve played whole career with the Cardinals, but I’m glad that he finished on such a high note in his last season. This is one of three different rookie autographs I have offense. I also have a logoman, and I’m still looking for another nice game used patch auto or bat barrel card.

2006 Topps Heritage #165 Albert Pujols (base) and red shirt (SP) variation.