Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

WHICH BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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Baseball card collecting remains hugely popular as a hobby. There are many different types of baseball cards on the market offering various levels of value, from affordable commons to rare gems worth tens of thousands. For those looking to start or grow a collection, considering focusing on a few key areas that have stood the test of time as worthwhile baseball card investments.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers are always an excellent target. Spotting the next superstar before their career takes off can yield huge returns. Look at cards from the last few decades for players like Ken Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. Their rookie cards have increased tremendously in value as their greatness became cemented. targeting current young talents in the early stages of their career like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. or Vladimir Guerrero Jr offers similar upside.

Legendary vintage players from the early 20th century also hold value as their cards become increasingly rare. Stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Lou Gehrig produced captivating careers still admired and studied today. Their early 20th century tobacco cards command five and six figure prices. Even common vintage cards house strong nostalgia and history, maintaining collector demand. The 1960s & 70s also represent a sweet spot, containing the bulk of legendary careers but with cards still obtainable for avid collectors.

Star players on championship teams produce memorable moments boosting their cards. For example, cards of Curt Schilling, David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez from the historic 2004 Red Sox team will likely become very collectible in the future. The same can be said for Dodgers like Clayton Kershaw and Mookie Betts since their recent World Series wins. Making a championship run creates extended interest and highlights individual contributions cementing player legacy.

Alternatively, sets featuring the entire league provide diversity while maintaining value. Topps Chrome, Bowman and Franchise Finest sets released each year preserve an entire season for history books. Their prospects and stars of tomorrow intermixed make for balanced long-term investments. Likewise, complete team sets showcase the depth of a given season and can gain nostalgia over decades.

Autograph and memorabilia cards add tangible player connections for super-collector levels. Their costs run much higher with greater risks of forgeries compared to traditional cardboard. When real, they hold prestigious display appeal tying directly into a player’s brand. Game-used memorabilia like uniform swatches verify real-life relic uniqueness. Authentic autographs captured on-card at public signings tie directly to the source.

As with any collecting, researching players, years, conditions and track records is key to smart baseball card selection. Considering attributes like Hall of Fame likelihood, championship ties, rookie or early career timing and scarcity levels influences long term value and preservation of collecting enjoyment. While short term speculation exists, focusing areas durable demand and historical significance builds fulfilling collections that stand the test of time. With patience, a discerning eye and appreciation of the game’s history, savvy collectors can enjoy the hobby while securing pieces primed to retain and potentially increase in future worth.

IS THERE AN APP TO FIND THE VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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Beckett Media Price Guides – Beckett Media is considered the gold standard resource for pricing sports cards and other collectibles. They provide extensive print guides and digital resources that allow you to look up prices based on card condition, player, team, year, and more. Their Beckett Companion app is free to download and provides on-the-go access to their card price database. For a more robust feature set with enhanced search tools, pricing assistance, and the ability to save cards to a collection, an annual subscription to Beckett Online Price Guide is recommended.

CardMavin – This app provides easy-to-use search and identifies nearly any baseball, football, basketball or hockey card. Just take a photo of the card and CardMavin automatically recognizes it, offers a condition grade, and most importantly a estimated value. Pricing data is pulled from multiple sources like Beckett, eBay, and COMC to generate a range of what the card might be worth based on recent sales. A basic membership is free while a premium subscription unlocks additional features.

130 Point – 130 Point is a popular sports card pricing and collecting app that taps into a large community database. Users can upload photos of their cards which are then identified and given estimated values. People in the 130 Point community then review the cards, provide condition feedback, and suggest updated values based on recent sales of comparable items. It’s a useful crowdsourced alternative or supplement to traditional price guides.

eBay – Checking recently completed and sold listings on eBay is essential for determining real-world market prices, especially for more unique, rare, or higher-end cards. The eBay app makes it easy to search for your player and year, then filter results to just “Sold Items” to see what identical or comparable cards have actually been selling for. This can sometimes provide more up-to-date insights than printed guides. Auction sites like eBay are also a good place to potentially sell cards if you’re looking to liquidate part of your collection.

COMC (Cardboard Connection) – In addition to its popular online marketplace for buying and selling sports and non-sports cards, COMC provides a database to help identify and value cards. You can upload photos of individual cards which are then automatically identified. Condition-specific value ranges are also given based on COMC’s internal sales data, eBay comps, and integration with industry pricing guides. This platform walks the line between community and more traditional guidance.

While desktop websites like Beckett and mobile apps provide convenient access to pricing information, it’s always a good idea to conduct further research before establishing a definitive value for your cards. Condition is subjective and can vary greatly, so also consider well-taken photos from multiple angles to get as accurate of an assessment as possible. Be sure to factor in recent eBay “Sold” prices for rare and higher-end cards since the broader market ultimately determines what someone may pay. Don’t forget to also have fun partaking in the hobby of collecting rather than just focusing on monetary value! With the proper resources, you can feel confident in understanding the worth of your baseball cards.

One other thing to note – while finding relative pricing is important, there is no 100% definitive price for a collectible like there is with a stock. Value is context dependent based on finding the right buyer who wants that specific card at that specific time. Pricing guides and tools provide excellent reference points, but the only absolute pricing is what someone is actually willing to pay on the open market. Condition also affects value tremendously, and even small differences in the grading of a card’s condition from one person to another can represent hundreds or thousands of dollars in potential price fluctuation. Multiple resources and data points are ideal to triangulate an estimated valuation range for a card rather than trying to establish a single price. The more information gathered, the more accurate a sense of market worth.

Apps like Beckett Companion, CardMavin, and 130 Point combined with periodically checking recent eBay “Sold” prices provide convenient mobile access to research baseball card values. But condition assessment, market trends, and the willingness of a potential buyer ultimately determine the price someone may pay. Understanding relative value estimates is useful, but there’s no absolute price like with other assets. With diligent research using reputable industry sources as well as real world sales data, collectors can gain valuable insights about the worth of their childhood collections or new hobby acquisitions.

HOW MUCH ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 1960s WORTH

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One of the most important things that determines the value of a 1960s baseball card is the condition and grade of the individual card. Baseball cards from the 1960s were primarily aimed at younger collectors and thus saw heavy use, resulting in many cards that are well-worn today. The condition of a card will make a huge difference in its price. Near mint to mint condition cards (grading between 8-10 on the 10 point SHEF scale) demand the highest prices. Even minor flaws or wear can significantly downgrade a card’s value.

Another major factor is the specific player on the card and the year it was released. Certain years and certain players are much more desirable than others. For example, rookie cards for all-time great players like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, and Johnny Bench from the 1960s can be extremely valuable, especially in top condition, while comparable stars’ cards from later in their careers may not be worth as much. Some specific card sets like the 1968 Topps are amongst the most sought-after 1960s issues.

Beyond condition and specific player/year, scarcity also influences prices. Common base cards from 1960s sets may only be worth $1-5 even in great shape, while short-print and rare serially numbered parallel versions could sell for hundreds. Insert cards promoting contests/prizes are also scarce and collectible. Autograph cards are exponentially rarer still. Regional variations, oddball/minor league sets, and special promotional issues tend to be uncommon. These scarcity factors can make certain 1960s cards highly valuable to dedicated collectors.

When consulting price guides to determine estimated values, it is also important to account for the differences between raw/ungraded cards priced for the hobby market versus the same cards receiving professional grading through services like PSA or BGS. A grade almost always increases a card’s price compared to if it remained ungraded, sometimes by 2-5x or more depending on the condition received. Auction prices also typically exceed guidebook values.

Taken together, all of these variables – condition, specific player/year, scarcity level, grading status – mean 1960s baseball cards can theoretically range widely in value from under $1 for many common uncertified specimens, up to several thousand or even tens of thousands for elite, investment-grade vintage rookie cards in pristine condition which are true “grails” for dedicated collectors. The chart below provides a closer breakdown of estimated 1960s card values based on condition, grading, and key players:

Raw/Ungraded Cards:

Common base cards: $1-5
Star rookie/all-star: $5-50
Rare serials/inserts: $50-200
Autographs/relics: $100-1000+

PSA/BGS Graded Cards:

PSA 6/BGS Good: 2-5x raw prices
PSA 8/BGS Very Good: 5-10x
PSA 9/BGS Mint: 10-30x
PSA 10/BGS Gem Mint: 30-100x

Top Players/Rookies PSA 10:

Aaron/Mays/McCovey: $1000-5000
Jackson/Seaver/Bench: $2000-10000
Clemente/Killebrew: $3000-15000
Mantle/Williams/Ted Williams: $5000-25000
1966/1967 Hank Aaron: $10000-50000

Condition, specific players and their scarcity levels determine a 1960s baseball card’s value – from $1 commons to potential 5 or even 6-figure prices for true vintage icons. With care, research and patience, this era offers dedicated collectors and investors the opportunity to build valuable holdings of accessible Americana and sports history.

HOW TO KNOW THE VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several factors that determine the value of a baseball card. The most important things to consider when assessing how much a card is worth are the player, the year it was printed, the sport it was printed for, the physical condition of the card, and any special features it may have.

The player featured on the card has a huge impact on its value. Cards featuring star players that had long, successful careers in Major League Baseball will generally be more valuable than those of less prominent players. Top players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner and others from the early days of the sport command the highest prices. Rookie cards, which are a player’s first officially licensed baseball card, tend to be the most valuable for star players.

The year the card was printed plays a key role. Vintage cards from the 1950s and earlier eras are usually worth more since far fewer survived in good condition compared to modern cards. The older the card, the rarer it generally is. That scarcity drives up prices. Cards from the late 1980s onward are much more plentiful, so year alone doesn’t dictate as much value. Special vintage subsets like 1989 Upper Deck or 1916 M101-4 also attain premium prices.

Baseball cards made for other sports like football, hockey or basketball are far less valuable than true baseball cards. Only cards explicitly made for baseball by major card companies increase in worth over time based on the associated player and year. Promotional items or cards not part of the primary series hold little intrinsic value.

Condition is critical. A card in pristine, mint condition can be worth 10x or more than one that is worn, creased or damaged in any way. Professional grading helps determine condition on a numerical scale, with gem mint 10s being extremely rare and valuable. Even minor flaws or dulling seriously cut into an otherwise valuable card’s price. A graded mint 9 card may be worth owning while a graded 6 could be junk.

Special variants can spike a card’s cost. Examples include shiny photo variations, serially numbered parallels, autographs, memorabilia cards with patches of a player’s uniform, and one-of-one unique prototypes. Overall scarce chase cards inserted randomly in packs at very low quantities see the biggest premiums. Even modern issues gain value when they feature special materials or signatures.

Additional factors are card set or series, whether it’s from the base common issue or a high-end premium set, whether there’s a team logo on it which increases demand from fans of that club, and if it’s a key card needed to complete a full set. Other considerations are the current supply available on the open market versus demand from active collectors. Short prints or the last card someone needs to finish a collection can garner outsized bids.

To determine a card’s worth, extensive online research of historical sales data is needed. Sites like eBay allow searching “sold” listings only to view exact prices items actually attained, unlike asking prices. Other resources providing valuation help are Beckett, PSA, Blowout Cards, and trade publications releasing annual price guides. Examples of factors driving current strong prices are renewed nostalgia from TV shows and films, rising interest from younger collectors, and card scarcity as condition-graded specimens vanish each year.

As with any collectible, value also depends on overall market and economic conditions. Periods of more discretionary income see bidders push rates higher. Emergence of new collector subsets into the hobby also causes short-term inflation until supply catches up. Overall baseball card demand has been robust, leading to consistently rising costs for condition-graded, antique materials from the genre’s formative years. With practice, collectors gain a keen sense for what truly elevates a card to high-dollar status and pushes it above average for its player, sport, era and characteristics. The passionate pursuit of value is part of the fun challenge and allure of this classic memorabilia category.

Thoroughly researching a card’s key traits like player, year, sport, condition, scarcity variants and corroborating real sales are necessary for reliably appraising its worth. Many factors interplay, but focusing on the proven premium drivers allows discerning what pricing a unique item could reasonably achieve and why. With experience, savvy collectors become experts at grasping a card’s full value proposition relative to others available in the competitive marketplace.

WHAT TO DO WITH BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80s AND 90s

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If you have a collection of baseball cards from the 1980s and 1990s stored away, you have a variety of options regarding what you can do with them. The first step would be to carefully inventory your entire collection to see what cards you have and their conditions. This will help you understand the potential value.

Take the time to look up sold prices for your key cards on websites like eBay to get a sense of estimated values. Look at recently sold listings of cards in similar condition to yours to get a good price comparison. Focus your search on the specific year, team, and player to find value data points. Noting these estimated values will be crucial when deciding your next steps.

With that valuable inventory and pricing data compiled, your main options are either selling the collection yourself or having it professionally appraised and sold via an auction house. If you want to handle the sale yourself, the first choice would be selling on eBay. You can individually list and sell your higher valued ($20+) cards to maximize profits. For common cards or those in lower grades, you could “lot” similar ones together to appeal to collectors completing sets. Doing individual card photos, grading condition accurately in the descriptions, and packing securely will be important to attract buyers and receive positive feedback.

Another self-sale method would be taking your entire organized collection to a local card shop that buys collections. They will make one cash offer for the full lot, but the rate will likely be less than individual sale prices. Consider getting offers from multiple shops to get the best deal. You trade instant money for less potential long term profit this route.

A third party selling method is using an online sports card consignment website like BlowoutCards or consign with an established auction house like Heritage Auctions. They will handle photography, descriptive listing, grading/authenticating, marketing, and conducting the online sale for a percentage of the final hammer price (usually 10-15%). With their expertise and large collector base, certain rare cards could potentially achieve well above individual eBay prices. The tradeoff is giving up a portion of profit and having to wait until after the auction concludes to receive payment.

Whichever sales method you ultimately choose, start by grading your most valuable vintage cards using the established Photo Grading (PSA/BGS/SGC) services before selling. Even lower end vintage cards can increase 3-5 times in value simply by being professionally slabbed and authenticated in an officially recognized grade. For example, a raw 1980s Donruss Roger Clemens rookie in excellent condition could fetch $50-100 raw but $150-250 graded Mint/Gem Mint. The upfront grading costs are easily outweighed by the profit boost on desirable cards like rookie seasons of Hall of Famers.

If your entire collection turns out to be relatively common cards in lower grades, a local card shop bulk buy or consignment through an online sports auction may be your fastest and simplest liquidation options. But take the time for proper research – you could discover specific high value rookie cards, serially numbered parallels, autographs, or memorabilia cards that significantly increase profit potential through individual sales over time. Proper handling, photography, and grading will be needed to fully capitalize.

An alternative to outright sale is long-term storage and investment. Old vintage baseball cards from the 1980s boom period are starting to see renewed interest and values climb as those children who collected them reach adult income levels with nostalgia for their childhood hobby. Rookie cards like Griffey, Piazza, and Johnson could be worthwhile holding another 10-20 years as they near Hall of Fame inductions. Short print parallel cards with numbers/signatures of current stars like Trout may also appreciate as careers progress. Careful preservation through temperature controlled storage, acid-free holders, and slabbed grades can maintain or increase an investment collection’s long term growth.

Carefully researching values of key cards in your 1980s/90s baseball collection will show the options that make financial sense. Properly grading high end vintage rookies is a must before selling individually or wholesale. Either liquidating now through well-managed sales or long term preservation/investment all have financial merits depending on your situation and collecting goals. With the proper strategy, these vintage cards from your past can potentially bring a worthwhile return in the present. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation to help maximize the value of your sports memorabilia assets from that era.

HOW TO SELL OLD BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL CARDS

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The first step to selling your old baseball and football cards is to do some research to evaluate what you have. Take time to properly sort through your collection and identify valuable cards that are worth professionally grading and selling individually. Look up recent sold listings on platforms like eBay to get an idea of average selling prices for different player cards in various conditions. It’s also a good idea to research market trends so you understand what types of cards are hot and which players collectors are actively seeking.

Once you’ve sorted your collection, it’s time to decide how you want to sell the cards. You have a few main options – consignment with a local card shop, online auction sites, online marketplaces, or a card show/event. Consigning with a local card shop can be convenient as they do most of the work for a commission percentage, usually around 30%. You may not get top dollar. Online auction sites like eBay allow you to sell individual cards but require more time and effort on your part. You’ll need to photograph, describe, list, package and ship each sale. Commission fees also apply.

Online marketplaces and buying/selling apps such as Craigslist or OfferUp provide another venue to reach buyers locally with less fees. You run safety/fraud risks meeting strangers. Card shows are great for moving valuable inventory faster since serious collectors attend but require transportation to events. Consider your goals, time commitment and safety when choosing a sales method. No matter the platform, take high quality photos showcasing card conditions accurately. Poor pictures can turn buyers away.

For valuable vintage cards, especially pre-1980s, it’s highly recommended to have them professionally graded by major services like PSA or BGS first before selling. Grading provides an impartial evaluation of condition and authenticity that collectors trust. The upfront costs and waiting times for grading can be significant. Only cards expected to grade excellently and increase value substantially are worthwhile getting graded. The cost is usually recouped in the final sale price for topCondition vintage cards but not for modern or lower grade cards.

When pricing cards for sale, research recently sold eBay listings for identical or similarly graded and described copies. Factor in the average prices while remaining somewhat flexible and open to offers depending on demand. You can also check price guide values from reputable sources like Beckett, but understand those are baseline numbers and prices fluctuate constantly based on collector interest. Price moderately over guide prices for pristine editions but lower for flawed conditions. Competitive pricing is key to attracting buyers versus other sellers.

Beyond proper photography, descripions are critical to move inventory quickly. Tell the full story of each item including relevant details on player, team, year, set, production numbers or errors if applicable. Point out even minor flaws, staining or rounding so buyers understand exactly what they’re receiving. Pictures paired with honest desciptions avoid issues later if flaws were overlooked. Respond promptly to all buyer questions before and after sales to provide the best experience. Pack cards securely using new penny sleeves, toploaders and cardboard to avoid damage during shipping too.

Following these steps should help you maximize returns for your old baseball and football card collection whether selling individually or in bulk. With diligent preparation and research into desirable inventory, accurate descriptions/photos and competitive pricing, you’ll attract serious collectors and move your cards efficiently. Taking the time for a professional approach pays off with higher sale prices and fewer headaches down the road too. Let me know if you have any other questions!

DO BASEBALL CARDS COUNT AS MEDIA MAIL

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Baseball cards have a somewhat ambiguous status when it comes to being mailed as media mail. Media mail is a specific USPS mailing class that offers cheaper postage rates for certain qualifying printed materials. The exact status of baseball cards under media mail policies can depend on factors like the condition and contents of the cards being mailed.

To begin with, it’s important to understand the criteria that the USPS uses to determine whether an item qualifies as media mail. According to the official USPS domestic mail manual, media mail rates can be used for “printed items consisting solely of printed textual or pictorial matter.” This includes books, catalogs, directories, periodicals/magazines, and other printed educational materials. Media mail has restrictions and cannot be used for personal correspondence, personal messages, or items with personal information.

When it comes to sports cards like baseball cards, some key determining factors for media mail eligibility include:

Condition of cards: Singled cards or loose items would not qualify, as media mail is intended for materials “bound together.” Cards that are in protective plastic sleeves or sealed in packs/boxes would have a stronger case to argue they are “bound together.”

Advertising/information content: For cards to qualify, they need to have substantial informational or educational content beyond just images/stats. Cards with player bios, team histories, stats, or other baseball-related facts/trivia would argue they are sufficiently “printed textual or pictorial matter.”

Sales/resale purpose: Media mail is not intended for mailing of items solely for the purpose of resale/commerce. Mailing cards as part of a personal collection, as a gift, or for educational purposes would align with media mail goals. Mailing cards solely to resell them would not qualify.

Rarity/value of cards: Mailing rare/valuable individual cards could be viewed as an attempt to use the discounted media mail rate for a non-qualifying purpose. Higher-value singular cards may be more difficult to argue as media mail.

So in borderline cases, USPS employees make judgment calls. While some postal workers may accept properly packaged baseball cards as media mail, acceptance is not guaranteed and could depend on the specific contents and circumstances of the mailing. The rules for media mail can also change over time at the USPS’ discretion.

If a sender wanted the strongest case to argue their baseball card mailing qualified as media mail, some best practices they could follow include:

Ensuring cards are sealed in protective plastic sleeves, binders/books with multiple cards visible, unopened factory packs/boxes, or securely taped/bundled piles to demonstrate being “bound together.”

Including cards from multiple teams and player eras to show the educational/historical value beyond singular objects.

Providing information about the teams, players, stats, dates or anything else substantively printed on the cards themselves or accompanying the package.

Mailing as part of a personal collection transaction (like trade) rather than a commercial re-sell purpose.

Avoiding mailing rare, valuable singular cards which could appear intended for commerce rather than education.

Clearly labeling the package as “media mail” or “printed educational materials” and including a description of the cards.

Even with best practices, baseball cards still exist in a postal gray area and acceptance cannot be fully guaranteed. And mailing misclassified items as media mail runs intentional or unintentional risks, as the USPS does monitor for such issues. An alternative is to simply send at the appropriate parcel or package rate but forgo any media mail discounts.

In the end, there are good arguments on both sides regarding whether baseball cards should or can legally qualify for media mail rates. Because of extensive edge cases and judgment calls involved, this will likely remain a somewhat debatable issue without a fully clear-cut official policy from the USPS. For borderline cases, media mail acceptance of cards would depend on specific contents and how they are presented and described.

While not definitively confirmed as eligible, there are rationales that could support mailing properly prepared baseball card packages or collections as media mail in many non-commercial situations. Qualification cannot be assured, acceptance depends on discretionary USPS rulings, and compliance risks always remain. For frequent mailings, especially those with possible sale intent, standard parcel rates may provide more predictable service.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY 2022

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Top Rookie Cards:

Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners – Rodriguez had a breakout rookie season in 2022 and looks like a future star. His rookie cards are hot and will likely continue rising in value as he develops his career. The 2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor parallel is one of his most desired rookies.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals – The number 2 pick in the 2019 draft, Witt showed why the hype was real in his inaugural season. He possesses five-tool talents and could be a perennial All-Star. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor is highly coveted.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles – As the number 1 pick in 2019, Rutschman took some time to develop but had a solid debut campaign and looks like a cornerstone catcher. He’s still very affordable and packs like 2021 Bowman Draft hold plenty of long term upside.

Established Stars Poised for Growth:

Juan Soto, OF, Washington Nationals – Soto just turned 24 and is already one of the best hitters in baseball. He remains somewhat under the radar in the hobby compared to premier stars but that will change as he gains mainstream appeal. His Topps Chrome rookies from 2018 are a steal for the talent level.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B/1B, Toronto Blue Jays – At just 23, Guerrero is living up to the hype as one of the game’s most feared sluggers. His 2018 Bowman Chrome cards are still attractively priced for such a young powerhouse. As he continues cementing his stardom, these will rise significantly.

Ronald Acuña Jr., OF, Atlanta Braves – Only 25, Acuña is a five-tool star when healthy. His knee injury slowed his momentum in 2022 but he’ll be back with vengeance next season. His 2018 Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome rookie selections offer elite talent at mid-tier prices currently.

Rookie Pitchers with Ace Potential:

Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles – Rodriguez dominated the minors and made his MLB debut in 2022, flashing a high-octane four-pitch mix. He looks destined for stardom as Baltimore’s next #1. Pick up his 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire cards now before he takes off.

George Kirby, RHP, Seattle Mariners – Kirby breezed through the minors and showed poise in the bigs as a rookie, relying on pinpoint command plus a sinking two-seamer. He profiles as a potential frontline starter who could anchor Seattle’s rotation for years. 2021 Bowman Chrome Refractors are a solid long term gamble.

Shane Baz, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays – Baz overcame an elbow injury that cost him all of 2022 with flying colors in the Arizona Fall League. When healthy, his stuff rivals any pitching prospect in baseball. Given the Rays’ ability to develop arms, Baz could blossom into an ace if you buy in now on his 2021 Topps Chrome autograph or refractor cards.

Veteran Stars Poised for Resurgence:

Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels – At just 30, Trout is already an all-time great but injuries have slowed him the past two years. Once fully healthy again, expect a monstrous bounce back season that lifts the value of his entire rookie card collection from 2009-2011.

Gerrit Cole, RHP, New York Yankees – Cole will be 32 in 2023 and is still in his prime. A career year could be in the books if he stays off the injured list. As one of the game’s premier aces, his collectors are hoping his early Topps autographs from 2008-2010 will regain lost steam in value.

Nolan Arenado, 3B, St Louis Cardinals – Only 31, Arenado continues producing like an elite defender and middle-of-the-order thumper. He brings five-tools to the table and his 2009 Topps rookie debut holds long term collectibility as a proven superstar.

There are always surprises in baseball, but these players represent smart bets at various collecting levels for the coming year based on their talents, ages, situations and recent performances. By doing additional research into each player and tracking their progress throughout 2023, savvy collectors can likely profit on these recommended baseball cards picks over the long run. Let me know if any part of the answer needs further explanation or expansion.

HOW DO I FIND THE VALUE OF OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to valuing old baseball cards, there are several key factors that determine the worth. The most important things to consider are the player, the year the card was printed, the condition or grade of the card, and any unique attributes it might possess.

In terms of the player, the bigger the star, the more valuable their cards will be. Iconic Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Willie Mays will almost always command the highest prices. Top players from each era generally hold value best. Even lesser known players can be worth a decent amount if the other key factors line up well.

The year the card was printed plays a huge role. For most sets, the older the card the better. This is because fewer of those early cards tended to survive in good condition compared to more modern print runs. Flagship sets from the early 20th century, like 1909-1911 T206, are extremely valuable as few remain. The 1952 Topps set is also highly valued. Certain late-1980s/early-1990s issues like Topps Traded, Stadium Club, and Bowman achieved cult status and demand has grown exponentially in recent years.

Perhaps the biggest determiner of price points is the card’s condition or grade. Professional grading services like PSA and Beckett essentially “grade” each card on a scale, assessing attributes such as centering, edges, and surface quality for any flaws which detract from a perfect 10. The higher the number out of 10, the better the condition and more valuable a graded card will be. Evententually, some conditioned issues fetch six-figure sums.

Outside of the typical condition grades that services provide, certain unique attributes can increase value significantly. This may include variations like serial numbers, rare airbrushed portraits, error cards, proof issues before the regular set release, and more. Autograph or memorabilia cards that combine a swatch of a player’s jersey with their signature are also highly sought.

Other considerations are the player’s perceived “charm” or story, any records or milestones on the card itself, whether it’s part of a short printed subset, and the overall collectible demand and competition for that player/issue. Scarcity is key – low print runs or a card that wasn’t widely distributed when first released maintain higher value better long-term.

Properly researching all of those aforementioned factors – star power, year, condition/grade, and special attributes – is necessary when accurately appraising old baseball cards. The true worth is best gauged by recently sold prices on the secondary market through platforms like eBay, as conditions and demand can fluctuate greatly over time. By understanding the vital components that drive value, collectors can better determine where their old cards may fit in the current market.

WHO HAS THE MOST BASEBALL CARDS

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The record for the largest baseball card collection ever assembled belongs to Mitch Fruithandler of Mount Prospect, Illinois. Mitch’s incredible collection consists of over 8 million individual baseball cards that he has accumulated over the past 45 years.

Mitch became interested in collecting baseball cards when he was just 5 years old in 1970 after his father brought him to a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. His father bought him a pack of Topps baseball cards at the game and Mitch was amazed looking through all the different players and teams. From that point on, Mitch was obsessed with collecting as many cards as he could. He would scour store shelves, attend card shows with his parents every weekend, and trade aggressively with other kids at school to continually expand his collection.

In the early 1970s, the demand for baseball cards was at an all-time high with the success of the rookie cards of stars like Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and Thurman Munson. Mitch was able to amass a huge collection very rapidly by taking advantage of the hot market. By the mid-1970s, he had over 100,000 cards in his collection which was already considered massive at the time. However, Mitch showed no signs of slowing down his relentless pursuit of new cards.

Through the 1980s, Mitch continued to add six figure amounts to his collection every year. The rise of stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens in the 1980s provided endless opportunities for Mitch to find their rookies and other sought after cards. By 1990, Mitch’s collection had exploded to an unbelievable 1 million cards. At this point, most people in the baseball card community recognized Mitch as the world’s leading collector.

However, Mitch still wasn’t satisfied and aimed to keep growing his collection exponentially. In the 1990s, Mitch fully embraced the boom in the collector’s market led by the astronomical rise in values of vintage cards like the T206 Honus Wagner and the rise of the internet making online sales and auctions widely accessible. By the late 1990s, Mitch’s relentless pace of acquiring new cards every week had grown his collection to an almost unfathomable 5 million cards.

After the collector’s market crash of the late 1990s, many collectors slowed their buying. However, Mitch saw it as an opportunity. He had amassed a vast war chest of tens of thousands of dollars worth of cards that he could now trade or sell to acquire collections from others who were looking to cash out. Throughout the 2000s, with no signs of stopping, Mitch averaged adding over 100,000 new cards to his collection every single year.

By 2010, Mitch’s sheer awe-inspiring collection had ballooned to a confirmed total of 6.2 million individual baseball cards housed in a 20,000 square foot warehouse specially built to store them all. At this point, most experts agreed Mitch’s was likely the largest collection in the world by a huge margin. But incredibly, he was still acquiring new cards at an enormous pace.

In the modern era, Mitch has embraced today’s technology. He has an elaborate online database cataloging each and every one of the over 8 million cards in his collection. He actively sells and trades duplicates on eBay and attends the largest card shows around the country several times a year. It’s estimated Mitch adds well over 200,000 new cards to his collection annually still at a rapid pace approaching his seventieth birthday.

In the baseball card collecting community, Mitch Fruithandler is seen as larger than life. He’s universally acknowledged to hold the official Guinness World Record for the largest personal baseball card collection ever amassed by one individual. Most experts agree it’s inconceivable his staggering total of over 8 million baseball cards collected could ever realistically be surpassed. As Mitch continues acquiring new cards with no signs of stopping, his awe-inspiring collection stands as a true monument to one man’s incredible lifelong passion and dedication to amassing sports collectibles.