The 2011 Topps All-Star Rookie Team featured a group of rising stars who showcased their talents with powerful hitting, swift defense, and dominant pitching. Here’s a breakdown of each player’s career, notable stats, and memorable moments.
J. P. Arencibia – C – Blue Jays
J.P. Arencibia brought impressive power to the catcher position in Toronto, belting 23 home runs with 78 RBIs in his rookie season. Known for his long-ball potential, Arencibia ended his MLB career with 80 home runs, 245 RBIs, and a .212 batting average. Though his strikeout rate was high, his ability to drive in runs made him a valuable asset to the Blue Jays’ lineup. Rookie cup only visible in Update as a short print (SP).
Mark Trumbo – 1B – Angels
Mark Trumbo, known for his power hitting, blasted 29 home runs with 87 RBIs in his rookie season. Over his career, he accumulated 218 home runs, 629 RBIs, and a .249 batting average. Trumbo earned an All-Star nod in 2012 and led the league in home runs with 47 in 2016. His powerful bat and ability to hit towering home runs earned him the nickname “Trum-Bomb.”
Danny Espinosa – 2B – Nationals
Danny Espinosa provided both power and speed to the Nationals, hitting 21 home runs and swiping 17 bases in his rookie year. Known for his strong defense and pop at the plate, Espinosa finished his career with 98 home runs, 316 RBIs, and 64 stolen bases. His versatility and powerful bat made him a valuable piece of Washington’s infield.
Brett Lawrie – 3B – Blue Jays
Brett Lawrie made an immediate impact with the Blue Jays, hitting .293 with 9 home runs and 25 RBIs in just 43 games during his rookie year. Lawrie showcased excellent defensive skills at third base and brought energy to the field. Over his career, he hit .261 with 71 home runs and 253 RBIs, becoming a fan favorite for his hustle and intensity.
Dee Gordon – SS – Dodgers
Dee Gordon, nicknamed “Flash Jr.,” inherited his father’s speed and quickly became one of the fastest players in MLB. He stole 24 bases in his rookie year and later won two All-Star selections and a Gold Glove. Known for his speed and contact hitting, Gordon posted a .286 career batting average with 333 stolen bases. He led the league in stolen bases three times and brought excitement with his base-stealing prowess.
Desmond Jennings – OF – Rays
Desmond Jennings brought athleticism and speed to the Rays’ outfield, hitting .259 with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his rookie season. Over his career, he batted .245 with 55 home runs, 191 RBIs, and 95 stolen bases. Jennings provided solid defense and a strong arm in the outfield, contributing to Tampa Bay’s success.
Josh Reddick – OF – Athletics
Josh Reddick made a strong impression in Oakland, hitting .280 with 7 home runs in his rookie year. Reddick became known for his powerful arm and defensive skills, winning a Gold Glove in 2012. Over his career, he hit .262 with 146 home runs and 575 RBIs, bringing consistent offense and defense to every team he joined, including the Astros and Dodgers.
Ben Revere – OF – Twins
Ben Revere, known for his exceptional speed, hit .267 with 34 stolen bases in his rookie season. Revere finished his career with a .284 batting average, 99 RBIs, and 211 stolen bases. His speed and contact hitting made him an asset as a leadoff hitter.
Jeremy Hellickson – P – Rays
Jeremy Hellickson won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2011, posting a 13-10 record with a 2.95 ERA. Known for his excellent changeup, Hellickson brought consistency to the Rays’ rotation. Over his career, he tallied a 76-75 record with a 4.13 ERA. Nicknamed “Hellboy,” Hellickson provided a reliable arm and became a key part of Tampa Bay’s pitching staff.
Craig Kimbrel – RP – Braves
Craig Kimbrel immediately dominated as the Braves’ closer, saving 46 games with a 2.10 ERA in his rookie season, which earned him the NL Rookie of the Year. Kimbrel’s blazing fastball and sharp curve have helped him save over 400 games with a 2.41 ERA over his career. With eight All-Star appearances and a World Series title, Kimbrel has solidified his legacy as one of the game’s greatest relievers.
Conclusion
The 2011 Topps All-Star Rookie Team featured remarkable talent, from Kimbrel’s relief performances to Gordon’s baserunning and Trumbo’s power. This group gave baseball fans memorable moments, and their careers highlight a combination of power, speed, and skill.