So, you've probably seen him on YouTube. Zack Hample is that guy. The one with a glove in his hand, a range of different team hats in his bag, and a seemingly supernatural ability to track down baseballs in the stands. Love him or find him incredibly annoying, there is no denying he is a permanent fixture of modern baseball culture.
But here is something many casual fans don't realize: the man actually has his own official baseball card. It isn't just a custom job or a "fancam" giveaway. It is a legitimate Topps release.
Finding a Zack Hample Topps card is kinda like finding Hample himself at a stadium—you either weren't looking for it and it landed in your lap, or you’re hunting it down with aggressive intensity. Specifically, we are talking about the 2017 Topps Archives Fan Favorites Autograph set. This wasn't a standard base card you'd find in a cheap pack at Target. It was a high-end insert, and honestly, its existence still triggers some pretty heated debates in hobby shops across the country.
The Story Behind the 2017 Topps Archives Release
In 2017, Topps decided to get a bit experimental with their Archives brand. They wanted to celebrate not just the players, but the "personalities" that make the game what it is. Enter Zack Hample.
Hample was included in the Fan Favorites Autographs subset. His card, numbered #FFA-ZH, features him in a generic blue shirt (Topps couldn't exactly put him in a specific team's jersey without a licensing headache) holding a handful of baseballs. It’s exactly what you’d expect.
What makes this card actually "real" for collectors is the hard-signed autograph. These aren't stickers. Zack actually sat down and signed hundreds of these things. Some even come with inscriptions like "10,000+ balls" or "Carpe Diem."
Rarity and Parallels
If you’re a completionist, you should know that there isn't just one version. Topps loves their "parallels," and the Zack Hample Topps card follows the standard rainbow format of that year:
- Base Autograph: The most common version, usually found for anywhere between $40 and $70 depending on the day.
- Peach Parallel: Numbered to 150.
- Blue Parallel: Numbered to 75.
- Red Parallel: Numbered to 25.
- Gold Parallel: The elusive 1-of-1.
Basically, if you find the Gold version, you’ve found the "holy grail" of YouTuber memorabilia. Whether that's worth more than a Shohei Ohtani rookie is... well, let's just say the market has its opinions.
Why Does This Card Even Exist?
Topps isn't stupid. They know that Hample has a massive following. As of 2026, his YouTube channel continues to pull in millions of views. By putting him in a set, they bridge the gap between "old school" card collectors and "new school" social media fans.
It was a brilliant marketing move, even if it frustrated some purists. You’ve got to remember that the 2017 Topps Archives set was designed to feel nostalgic. Seeing a guy who grew up "ballhawking" at Shea Stadium fit that vibe in a weird, modern-day way.
The Controversy Factor (The "Hample Tax")
You can't talk about Zack Hample without talking about the "L" word: Loser. Or at least, that’s what Marcus Stroman called him after a particularly testy incident at Coors Field.
Because Hample is such a polarizing figure—due to his "aggressive" tactics and that time he snagged a seat at the Fort Bragg game meant for military families—his card carries a unique stigma. Some collectors refuse to own it. I've seen guys at card shows literally push the card back toward a seller like it’s cursed.
On the flip side, this "infamy" makes it a fascinating conversation piece. It’s a "villain" card. In the world of collectibles, being hated is sometimes better for value than being ignored. People buy the Zack Hample Topps card precisely because it represents a weird, controversial era of baseball fandom.
What is it Worth Right Now?
Prices for the #FFA-ZH vary wildly. Honestly, it depends on whether Hample has been in the news recently.
Generally, a raw (ungraded) base autograph sells for about $45 to $60. If it’s a high-grade PSA 10, you might see it push past $150. The parallels, specifically the Red (/25), can occasionally fetch several hundred dollars if two "Hample-heads" get into a bidding war on eBay.
It is worth noting that Leaf also got in on the action later. In 2023, the Leaf Pro Set released a Hample autograph (PA-ZH1), which is usually a bit cheaper than the Topps version. But for most serious collectors, the Topps brand name still holds the most weight.
Should You Buy One?
Look, if you like the guy or just want a weird piece of baseball history, go for it. It’s objectively one of the strangest cards Topps has ever produced in a mainstream set.
But if you’re looking for a "Blue Chip" investment that will appreciate like a Mickey Mantle? Probably not. Hample is a niche celebrity. His value is tied entirely to his personal brand. If he stops posting videos, the market for his cards will likely dry up faster than a rain delay at Wrigley.
Real Talk for Buyers:
- Check the Inscriptions: If you're buying the Topps Archives version, look for one where he wrote something extra. It adds a layer of "story" to the card.
- Condition Matters: Like any 2017 Archives card, the edges can be finicky. Check for white chipping on the back.
- The "Vibe" Check: Don't buy this card if you're going to feel embarrassed showing your friends. You have to embrace the chaos of owning a Hample.
Final Insights on the Hample Hobby
Whether he’s catching Alex Rodriguez’s 3,000th hit or getting yelled at by security in Colorado, Zack Hample isn't going away. The Zack Hample Topps card remains a permanent record of a time when a fan became as famous (or infamous) as the players on the field. It's a weird, glossy slice of 2.5 x 3.5-inch history.
If you are hunting for one, keep an eye on eBay auctions rather than "Buy It Now" listings. You can often snag them for a steal when the "Hample hate" is peaking and sellers just want to get rid of them.
Next Steps for Collectors:
- Search eBay specifically for "2017 Topps Archives Zack Hample" to see the most recent sold prices.
- Compare the Topps version to the 2023 Leaf Pro Set if you just want any autograph and don't care about the brand.
- Check COMC (Check Out My Cards) for bulk listings of his base inserts, which are much cheaper than the autographs.
