Every year, for all the major sports championships, there is one or two players that become hobby heroes overnight due to incredible performances. On the biggest stage in their sports, the players have earned stripes that few have earned, which leads to huge spikes in their value. Before last month, I wasnt even aware the two big guys from this past postseason existed, let alone were worth any attention in the hobby.

David Freese and Allen Craig of the Cardinals are now world series champions, and both are commanding huge values now that they are responsible for the majority of success during the world series. I have always said that one of my favorite sports moments of my life, was sitting in left field when Kirby Puckett hit his game 6 winning home run in 1991. Therefore, I am not shocked at how much Cardinal fans are chasing Freese’s cards, as what he did happens once every 20 years.

In an age when every one has at least one autograph, Freese’s Topps Chrome autos are exploding. Not only is he the hero of one of the best games in World series history, but he is now the MVP as well. When Albert Pujols is on your team, that says something.

Check out these crazy prices:

David Freese 2009 Topps Chrome Red Refractor Auto

David Freese 2009 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Auto

David Freese 2009 Topps Chrome Base Auto

Allen Craig had a great run through the post season, including a number of clutch home runs and game winning hits. Like Freese, his cards started spiking the moment he started performing, but after last night they hit an all time high. Before this post season, his autographs were barely breaking three dollars. Now, they are up around 30 bucks. Its really amazing just how much postseason performance means.

Here are some examples:

Allen Craig 2009 Bowman Gold Refractor Auto

Allen Craig 2009 Bowman Xfractor Auto

In the end, both of these guys will probably die off in their value. I would say to wait to buy, but if I were a Cardinals fan, Id be right next to everyone else on the Craig/Freese bandwagon buying the cards too. Its tough to ignore a world series victory, and these guys, like their predecessors, will forever be etched in history.