Future Watch: Walker Buehler Baseball Rookie Cards, L.A. – A first round selection in the 2015 MLB Draft, Walker Buehler was the 24th overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers. This talented pitcher has a lot going for him. He showed off a considerable amount of his well-rounded arsenal in college at Vanderbilt before being slated for elbow surgery last August.
In a weird twist of fate, Buehler was diagnosed with “Tommy John” and underwent successful surgery for the now common injury. Obviously many pitchers have suffered from it through the years, but the fact that John played for the Dodgers when diagnosed, as did Buehler, makes it a bit of an anomaly.
The 6′-2″ righty was originally drafted by the Pirates in 2012. He decided to go the college route instead and that has seemed to be the right choice. As a sophomore, he went 12-2 with 111 strikeouts. He’s the kind of pitcher that averages more than a strikeout per inning.
Just before his surgery, he had a chance to pitch in the College World Series. Buehler pitched in the deciding game but only managed three innings. Later when he revealed he’d need surgery it all made sense.
He didn’t get a national title but he did get a signing bonus from the Dodgers. Which really says something for the organization’s belief in him, knowing they wouldn’t see him pitch again for another year or how he would respond coming off surgery.
Walker Buehler’s first MLB licensed autographed baseball card debuted with the release of 2015 Bowman Draft Baseball, card number BCA-WB.
Here’s a look at him in action:
According to his MLB.com draft profile:
“When he’s healthy and at his best, Buehler features four potential solid-or-better pitches and throws all of them for strikes. His best and most reliable offering is his 90-96 mph fastball. He sometimes gets caught in between his curveball and slider, though both can be weapons, as can his changeup.” ETA 2018
A lot of pitchers have overcome this so they’re not worried. Collectors can get his cards now but they’ll have to show the same kind of patience as the Dodgers before seeing any reward.
Future Watch: Walker Buehler Baseball Rookie Cards, L.A.
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