When it comes to investing in baseball cards, 2022 offers collectors a wide range of interesting options to consider. With the popularity of the hobby continuing to surge, now is an excellent time to pursue cards from both the modern and vintage eras. Regardless of whether you’re a new or experienced collector, doing your research and properly assessing the card market will help you make smart purchases.
For modern cards, rookie cards remain a staple of any collection. In 2022, some of the most coveted rookies to pursue include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams and Riley Greene. All of these talented young players made their MLB debuts in 2021-2022 and have upside to become future stars. cards could gain considerable value as their careers progress. In particular, Rodriguez and Witt have stood out early and seem poised for stardom, making their rookie cards favorites.
Another area of the modern market gaining steam involves star performances in big games and playoffs. Cards that memorialize clutch hits, great defensive plays or impressive stats in high-leverage postseason moments take on greater significance. Examples here could include Austin Riley’s 2021 NLCS cards after propelling Atlanta to a title or Schwarber’s monster World Series with the Phillies. Context always matters in the hobby, so unique game-used or autograph parallels from meaningful performances hold cachet.
For investors looking for bargains on established players, now may be a good time to buy Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Masahiro Tanaka. As MLB becomes more international, these players’ cards could see renewed interest down the road. The same applies to rising Latin American talents like Juan Soto. His star has dimmed a bit after a down 2022 season, creating a buying opportunity before he inevitably bounces back to All-Star form.
When delving into the vintage realm, the best baseball cards to buy in 2022 revolve around iconic decades of the past. The 1952 Topps set remains a pillar of the hobby thanks to stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Whitey Ford. High-grade versions of their rookie cards in particular command top dollar. From the late ’50s and early ’60s, the highlight is chasing the elusive 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle in pristine condition.
The 1970s offer accessibility combined with powerhouse players. Investing in a Bicentennial set with quality Mike Schmidt, George Brett or Nolan Ryan rookies fits the bill. Condition sensitive 1981 Traded and 1981 Fleer Franco rookies also hold strong appeal. For the junk wax era, flagship 1987 Topps sets with Ken Griffey Jr.’s fabulous rookie in hand continue gaining long-term recognition. In the premium segment, rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 or 9 examples could become major score.
For collectors aiming to fill out complete vintage sets, 2022 may provide opportune timing. With the past two years slowing in-person conventions, the supply of elusive commons and short prints available on the secondary market has grown. Targeting affordable ’56 Topps, ’68 Topps or ’73 Topps wax packs online could yield unopened treasure troves. Sealed boxes from the 1980s like 1981 Donruss, 1982 Topps or 1984 Fleer also show slow and steady increases over time for patient holders.
Of course, condition is king when evaluating vintage cardboard. Working exclusively with a reputable sports dealer or auction house ensures proper grading authentication. PSA/BGS slabs offer crucial third-party verification in an era of widespread forgery attempts. Authenticating autographs also remains imperative. False signatures plague the marketplace, so thorough provenance research protects collectors.
In closing, 2022 shapes up as another exciting year for the dynamic baseball card industry. With such a wide spectrum of compelling modern and vintage investments to choose from, doing diligent comparisons across platforms will uncover the best values available. For new collectors, start small and focus on key rookies within budget. As experience grows, expand horizons towards premium vintage gems. Ultimately, selecting cards tied to beloved players and moments creates the most enjoyment for all enthusiasts in this booming yet nuanced hobby.
