The hobby of collecting baseball cards experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2020. With sports on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to collecting cards as a fun way to stay connected to their favorite sports. 2020 also marked several notable anniversaries and milestones that made certain cards particularly desirable for collectors. While there are always flagship rookie cards that gain attention, this year featured cards that commemorate key events and players that drove increased interest and values.
One of the most notable cards to gain value in 2020 was the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in Near Mint to Mint condition. Mantle is considered one of the all-time greatest baseball players and the 1952 Topps is his premier rookie card. In prestigious auctions this year, graded PSA 8 copies were selling for over $300,000 while a PSA 9 specimen went for an astounding $1.12 million, setting records for the most expensive post-war card ever sold. The large sums illustrate Mantle’s unmatched status in the hobby as the sport’s most legendary switch-hitter and center fielder reaches his 68th year removed from his debut season.
The iconic 1952 Topps set also contained the premier rookie card for pitcher Whitey Ford, who enjoyed a decorated career primarily with the Yankees. Ford’s rookie in top condition also commands six-figure prices. Yankee fans and collectors sought 1952 Topps cards to celebrate the franchise’s storied players from the dynasty years of the 1950s. Other older, high-grade vintage cards that spiked in demand include Honus Wagner’s ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 tobacco card, which sold for $3.12 million in a private sale.
More recent cards gained increased interest as well due to milestone anniversaries. 2020 marked the 35th anniversary of Ken Griffey Jr’s major league debut with the Seattle Mariners. Always one of the hobby’s favorite players for his smooth left-handed swing and gregarious personality, Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie from 1989 in high grades climbed above the $10,000 threshold. Holders of this card anticipate further gains as Griffey’s playing career and status become more nostalgic. 1989 and 1990 Upper Deck Griffey rookie variants, along with his more common 1989 Topps and Bowman cards remain hot prospects.
2020 also saw the 20th anniversary of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price’s major league debut with the franchise, then known as the Devil Rays. The former American League Cy Young winner’s well-recognized 2002 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors parallel card reached five-figures this year. Tampa collectors displayed renewed interest in Price rookies and prospects from his breakout seasons there in tribute to the left-hander, who was later traded. On the opposite coast, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts achieved his first World Series ring while playing for the hometown team in the championship season. Betts’ impressive 2012 Bowman Sterling Prospect card climbed significantly in value.
Several other highly-sought prospects had breakout major league campaigns that upgraded their rookie cards. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr continued living up to a massive contract extension by slashing .277 with 17 home runs over 59 games. His flair for acrobatic defensive plays and do-it-all abilities captivated collectors. The Dominican born wunderkind’s 2017 Bowman Prospect Parallel Autograph now demands over $5,000 raw. Wander Franco, ranked the top minor league prospect by MLB.com before the 2020 minor league season was canceled, sparked Cuban baseball fanfare with his talent and demeanor at age 19. Franco’s serial-numbered 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autograph gained more than 100% in value, reflecting anticipation for his potential debut with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Additional factors like autographed memorabilia moved the hobby in intriguing directions. With many spring training camps closed and fewer in-person card shows and events, collectors increasingly pursued autographed baseballs, jerseys, bats, and photos through online auctions. Signatures from living legends in their twilight attracted six-figure spending. A signed baseball by recently retired Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols went for $99,999 in September. An autographed Babe Ruth baseball fetched $236,389. And a game-used, signed jersey from Yankees closer Mariano Rivera’s final All-Star Game appearance sold for around $50,000.
Memorabilia provided new collecting avenues that transcended traditional card investing. Cards with inlay autographs or limited serial numbers stayed in high demand as investments due to scarcity. But collectors especially treasured one-of-a-kind goods reflecting their appreciation for iconic performers. While the sports world paused amid pandemic uncertainty, the thriving memorabilia market showed how certain hobbies can unite people. In a tumultuous year, the pull of collecting baseball’s rich history gave comfort and promise for the future.
In summary, 2020 highlighted cards and memorabilia from many eras that connect directly to collecting passions and milestones from baseball’s storied past and present. Whether fueling nostalgia, honoring anniversaries, marking emerging talents or showcasing autograph relics, these standout collectibles demonstrated the continuing ability of the hobby to stimulate appreciation and investment even during challenging times.
