Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

WHERE DO I SELL MY BASEBALL CARDS

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Online Marketplaces – Many online marketplaces allow you to sell individual cards or your entire collection. Some good options include eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and Craigslist. eBay is likely the best choice as it has the largest user base of any marketplace. You can take quality photos of each card, write detailed descriptions, and allow buyers to bid on your listings. Be sure to research recent sold prices to price your cards competitively. Shipping cards safely is important as well. Amazon Marketplace works similarly but has less buyers focused specifically on sports cards. Craigslist is good for local sales only.

Sport Card and Memorabilia Stores – Search your local area for independent card and memorabilia shops that buy collections. They know the market well and can give you a cash offer today for your whole lot, though it likely won’t be as much as selling individually online. The process is much quicker though. Some national chains like Lelands and PWCC also do consignments where they sell your cards for a percentage commission, allowing you to reach more buyers.

Auction Houses – For extremely valuable vintage cards graded PSA 10 or autographed rookie cards, auction houses like Heritage Auctions may be a better choice. They handle worldwide marketing and secure authentication, which their deep pool of serious collectors will pay top dollar. They generally charge seller’s fees of 15-20% and cards must be worthwhile investments to justify the costs. Auction houses work on consignment like the larger sports memorabilia stores.

Card Shows – Local and national card shows bring collectors together for buying and selling. You’ll need to research upcoming events, pay for a table, and bring your inventory. This is a great option for moving mid-range cards and dealing face to face. Card shows are experiential for collectors but foot traffic varies and selling individual cards takes more time and effort versus online marketplaces.

Facebook Groups – Dozens of Facebook groups organize around specific sports, teams, and memorabilia hobbies. Many enthusiasts buy and sell in these communities. You’ll need images and descriptions of your items, and transactions are all handled individually between users. Scams are possible with strangers so only accept payment through secure channels like PayPal Goods & Services. Facebook groups have less overall buyers than major websites.

For one-off sales of valuable cards consider auction houses. For full collection sales to move quickly consider local memorabilia shops or auction websites. And for individually selling mid-range cards, online marketplaces especially eBay provide the most advertising and largest buyer pools. Wherever you sell, carefully packaging cards for shipping and clearly negotiating sale terms is important to get top dollar and pleased customers. I hope these thorough selling options help you move your baseball card collection successfully. Let me know if any part of the process needs more explanation.

DO REPRINT BASEBALL CARDS HAVE ANY VALUE

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The value of reprint baseball cards can vary significantly depending on several factors. A reprint baseball card is an exact duplicate of an original card that was produced later as a reprinted product. Unlike original vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s, reprints are mass produced more recently from the original printing plates or digitally recreated images.

One key factor that impacts the value of a reprint card is when it was produced. Reprints from the early 1990s before the baseball card market boom lost steam have held onto modest value over the years. These early reprints from companies like Fleer, Topps, and Donruss were produced in smaller print runs compared to more modern reprints. They also captured the collection demand during the peak of the baseball card craze. Vintage-styled reprints from this era in near-mint condition may sell for $5-15 depending on the player featured.

Reprints created after 1995 have almost no collector value when in stripped-down factory sets. The printing technology had advanced, allowing for virtually unlimited production quantities. With so many in circulation, these ultra-modern reprints hold token value of under $1 per card generally. The exception would be reprints inserted as autograph parallels in higher-end modern products – those can retain $3-5 value in signed form.

Another factor is the player featured on the card. A reprint of a superstar will usually command a couple dollars even in a mass-produced modern set, while a reprint of a less notable player may have no discernible value at all. For example, a pristine reprint of a Mickey Mantle rookie card could bring $10-15 depending on demand and scarcity. But a reprint of a journeyman backup catcher from the 1960s would be practically worthless.

The specific card design and its rarity also impacts value. Reprints of genuine rare and valuable original designs like vintage rookie cards, error cards, and unique serial-numbered parallels maintain modest collector interest. They could sell in the $5-10 range in top conditions due to their nostalgic/investment appeal. In contrast, reprints mimicking common base cards from the junk wax era (late 1980s-early 1990s) when billions were produced have negligible value.

Condition is another factor – higher grades equal greater worth for any cardboard. Reprints found in typical played-with conditions typically have no monetary value. But examples in Near Mint to Mint condition protected in plastic sleeves since creation may hold value simply due to their state of preservation if the other variables line up. Top-graded reprints could be worth a couple dollars or more.

And of course, team and league affiliation matters similar to original vintage cards. Reprints of star players from marquee MLB franchises with massive nationwide fanbases like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers will hold nominal value better than reprints of stars from small-market teams. And reprints of NBA, NFL stars and other sport heroes can maintain low values due to strong collector interest in those leagues too not just baseball.

While reprints will never achieve the investment-grade value of original 1960s-1970s cards, there is a small collector market for higher-end reprints produced decades ago and featuring all-time elite players or rare original concepts. But the blanket reality is modern mass-produced reprints inserted in common retail packs have no recognizable monetary worth outside of maybe a quarter in pristine shape. Their value stems more from nostalgic enjoyment for fans than lucrative long-term investments. With smart purchases focused on scarcer reprint subsets, their collecting can still provide affordable fun for hobbyists.

WHERE TO DONATE BASEBALL CARDS NEAR ME

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The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York is always looking for donations of vintage baseball cards to add to their collection. As the preeminent baseball museum in the world, they have an extensive archive of cards documenting the history of the sport. They have specific guidelines for donations, including that cards be in protectors or sleeves and in good condition without stains, bends, or creases. Donated cards are reviewed by their staff and many end up in exhibitions or used for research. This is a great choice if you want to donate valuable cards that will be preserved and studied by experts at a renowned institution.

Children’s hospitals are often eager recipients of baseball card donations. Places like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, or your local pediatric hospital may have a child life program that utilizes donations. These programs aim to distract and engage pediatric patients through activities and collections. Baseball cards can provide enjoyment and a connection to the outside world for kids dealing with medical issues. Most hospitals prefer common inserts and rookie cards from the past 10-15 years to appeal to current patients. Donating cards helps support these important organizations in their mission to help sick children.

Your local Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, or community center may have after school or summer programs that could use baseball card donations. Activities involving trading and collecting cards provide educational benefits and allow kids to develop interests and hobbies. Look up clubs and recreational facilities near you to see if they accept donations for such programs. This ensures your cards will be put to good use entertaining and instructing youth in your local area. Many facilities are thankful for any clean, sorted donations that enhance the activities they offer.

Card shops that buy, sell or trade cards may accept donations to resell and put the proceeds back into their business or toward community causes. Some use donation boxes to collect unwanted collections and then either sell individual high-value cards or wholesale the bulk lots. While you likely won’t get a tax receipt, your cards continue circulating among collectors and help support the independent business. Just call local shops ahead of time to find out their donation policies and what types of cards have resale potential in your area.

Schools and libraries areother worthy recipients as they aim to foster interests in both baseball and collecting among students. Reach out to educators and ask if a collection could be used for events, reports or simply browsing. Donations allow opportunities for interactive learning outside the classroom. Most request cards be sorted by year or team to make them easiest for youth to explore. Your donation could ignite a passion in the next generation of fans.

Online donation platforms partner with various charities and auctions to facilitate baseball card donations from anywhere. Sites like Collectibles for a Cause and DonateCards.net accept shipments of cards and then sell or distribute them, keeping a portion of profits for the partnering non-profit. This allows you to donate from home while still supporting worthy causes. Just be sure to research any sites and understand their donation/resale processes fully before sending valuable cards through the mail. Digital options provide convenience when an in-person drop off isn’t feasible.

There are many excellent options close to home for donating your old baseball card collection, from institutions preserving the history of the game to local organizations engaging youth. Reach out, follow guidelines and your cards can continue to bring enjoyment while assisting worthwhile causes. Donations also provide the feeling of paying it forward by introducing new generations to the hobby. With some research, unwanted cards can truly make a positive impact through one of these deserving recipients.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 70s ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable baseball cards from the 1970s is the 1973 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card. Only about 80 of these ultra-rare cards are known to exist in good condition. In a near-mint to mint grade of 8-10, examples have sold for over $1 million, making this one of the highest valued baseball cards ever. Hank Aaron was already a star by 1973, but this was the only year Topps used his rookie season photo from 1954 for his card.

Another extremely valuable 1970s rookie card is the 1975 Cal Ripken Jr. card from Topps. Cal Ripken Jr. went on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic streak of 2,130 straight games played, cementing his Hall of Fame career. His rookie card was widely overlooked in the mid-70s. Now, high grade versions fetch six figures because so few mint copies were saved at the time by collectors. The current record sale is around $350,000 for a PSA 10 example.

The most iconic player of the 1970s was without question, Reggie Jackson. His 1973 ToppsReggie Jackson rookie card is a must-have for vintage baseball fans. Jackson was already a rising star on a powerful Oakland A’s team in 1973. But demand for his rookie really took off later as his epic “Mr. October” postseason heroics solidified his legendary status. PSA 10 copies have reached over $100,000 at auction.

Nolan Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie card is highly regarded as one of the best pitching rookie cards of all time. Ryan went on to shatter virtually every career strikeout record as arguably the hardest thrower baseball has ever seen. While the 1968 design is plainer than later years, mint examples with perfect corners and centering rarely go under $50,000 due to Ryan’s immense achievements and popularity.

One of the most visually striking 1970s design is the 1975 Topps design, known for its bold color scheme and player pose photos extending off the sides. The premier rookie from this set is George Brett. Brett ascended to stardom with the Kansas City Royals in the 1970s, winning batting titles and starring on playoff teams. A near-mint PSA 8 Brett rookie sold for over $20,000 in early 2022. Higher grades bring increasingly bigger sums.

A true darkhorse rookie card that has exploded in recent years is the 1978 Donruss Eddie Murray rookie card. Murray put together a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Orioles and Dodgers as a multiple time batting champion. But demand for his rookie was relatively low for years. Now, mint quality PSA 10 copies are trading hands for $15,000 or more due to increased collector interest in this underrated player and set.

One of the unique talents to emerge in the late 1970s was Rickey Henderson. The 1979 Topps Traded Rickey Henderson rookie is a true icon from the end of the decade. Henderson shattered all stolen base records and continually terrorized pitchers for over two decades. High grades have cracked $30,000 as Henderson’s unprecedented skillset and personality fuel ongoing collector enthusiasm for his rookie card.

Thurman Munson was the gritty, production-focused catcher who captained Billy Martin’s 1970s Yankees dynasty teams. Unfortunately, his career and life were cut tragically short in a 1979 plane crash at age 32. This adds tremendously to the appeal of his 1970 Topps rookie card today. Near-mint copies exceed $10,000 in value due to Munson’s iconic status in Yankees lore combined with the sheer scarcity of high grade examples 50 years later.

The 1970s produced many future Hall of Famers and some truly iconic rookie cards that have grown exponentially in value over the decades due to sustained collector interest. Legends like Aaron, Ryan, Brett and Henderson lead the way, while unheralded young talents like Ripken, Murray and Munson have also seen rookie cards achieve five and six figure sums for pristine samples due to their later career accomplishments and enduring fan followings. The 1970s stands out as perhaps the single most valuable decade in the entire history of the hobby.

HOW TO GET RID OF BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get rid of old baseball cards is to donate them to local schools, libraries, hospitals, youth organizations, or baseball card shops. Most of these places will gladly accept baseball card donations as they can use them for various programs, activities, charitable events, and collections.

When donating cards, it’s best to sort them by year, team, or player so they are organized for the recipient. Include any important rare, unique, or valuable cards in a separate clearly labeled package. Contact the donation recipient first to arrange a drop-off time and let them know what items you will be donating. You’ll get the satisfaction of knowing your cards will be put to good use, and it’s a much better option than simply throwing them away.

Some schools and after-school programs will use donations of baseball cards for events like school carnivals and fundraisers where kids can trade or purchase cards. They may also incorporate them into history or sports lessons for educational purposes. Libraries welcome card donations to add to their collection for kids and fans to enjoy looking through. Hospitals will give cards to pediatric patients to use for recreation and engagement during treatment. Youth sports organizations and little leagues appreciate donations to use as rewards or prizes.

Another viable option is to sell your cards online through an eBay store, on trading/yard sale sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Letgo, or via baseball card collector forums and blogs. Take high-quality photographs of the fronts and backs of especially rare and valuable individual cards or complete sets to sell. You can sell everything as one big lot or break it up into smaller themed collections based on player, year, team, etc.

Describe the cards accurately, be upfront about any flaws or damage, and price reasonably based on current market values you’ve researched. Shipping baseball cards safely requires some extra care and materials like sleeves, toploaders, and a rigid mailer or box. Be prepared to answer buyer questions. You may get top dollar for rare finds, make some money back overall, and find your cards new appreciative homes this way.

Consignment at a local baseball card or collectibles shop is another option. They’ll appraise your collection, pick out the most valuable pieces to sell on your behalf for a cut of the profit, and handle transactions, shipping, and customer service. Cards not worth consigning they may offer to buy outright or take as trade-in. Some larger dedicated sports collectibles shops also hold sale events where you can rent a table to sell directly.

Post photos of your bulk common cards on social media community boards for local collectors, indicate they’re free for the taking, and provide your contact info for interested parties to arrange pickup. Many casual fans and kids just starting collections would enjoy rummaging through boxes of “free to a good home” cards. The cards avoid the landfill, and you don’t have to sort or ship anything.

As a last resort if you can’t sell, donate or give away your collection, cardboard baseball cards can be recycled. Carefully separate the paper cards from any plastic holders, sleeves, rubber bands before placing loose in your recycling bin. Make sure to remove any valuable rare cards first that you may want to sell or keep long term. The paper fibers from cards will be remade into new products.

The best ways to get rid of old baseball cards are donating to schools/libraries, selling valuable collections online or at collectibles shops, consigning at local card stores, offering common cards free on community boards, or if truly unwanted – recycling the paper. With some effort, your cards can find new fans and homes versus being thrown directly in the trash.

WHO BUYS BASEBALL CARDS IN GREENVILLE SC

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Greenville is home to many local hobby shops, card shops, and collectors that buy, sell, and trade baseball cards. One of the largest and most well-known shops is Frank’s Card Shop, located in downtown Greenville. Frank’s has been in business for over 30 years and is considered the premier destination for collectors in the Upstate area. They buy collections daily and have a very knowledgeable staff that can give you a fair price quote over the phone or in person based on the cards condition, player, and market value. Their large inventory of cards for sale and trade also makes them a popular meetup spot for the local hobby community.

Another major buyer is Park Seed Coin and Sports Cards, which has locations in downtown Greenville as well as Easley and Simpsonville. While better known for their coin and memorabilia business, they have a knowledgeable staff focused specifically on the baseball card market. They do regular appraisals and will make you a cash offer on collectibles over $500. Their large facility also hosts monthly baseball card shows where dozens of collectors will setup tables to buy, sell, and trade with one another.

One slightly smaller but longstanding option is Stadium Card Shop in Mauldin. Owned and operated by avid collector Ritchie Funderburke for over 20 years, his expertise and personalized service have made Stadium a staple for collectors in the Greenville area. While a smaller storefront, Ritchie purchases large collections on a regular basis and is always willing to make fair offers. He prides himself on taking the time to evaluate each card hand and provide collector-to-collector advice.

There are also several local card shows that take place multiple times a month where you can connect directly with buyers. Some of the biggest are hosted at the TD Convention Center, the Greenville Shrine Club, and the local Knights of Columbus Halls. Dozens of tables from dealers as far as Charlotte and Atlanta will be on-hand looking to purchase collections. It’s best to have cards presorted and priced to make transactions easier. Larger vintage collections or rare cards may draw premium offers from out-of-town or hobby shop buyers actively pursuing inventory.

Online, the Greenville Baseball Card Collectors Facebook group has over 1,000 active local members and is a popular marketplace to initiate sales. Reputable buyers like “Doins Baseball Cards” and “Upstate Sports Cards” regularly post what genres of cards they actively seek and top prices they will pay. Website forums and auction sites can also help you connect with interested parties, but the Facebook group allows for quicker and more localized transactions.

Overall, Greenville’s sizeable collector community and density of hobby shops, shows, and online forums provide many viable local options for selling baseball card collections of all sizes. With proper research and presorting, collectors can typically expect to find competitive market value offers and turn their cards back into cash efficiently and safely within the Upstate South Carolina area.

WHAT DOES RAW MEAN FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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When collecting sports cards, especially vintage and rare cards, collectors want to know the true condition and status of the card. The term “raw” provides clarity around a card’s authenticity and history. A raw baseball card has not been graded, encapsulated, or otherwise tampered with since it left the factory. Maintaining a card in its raw state helps verify there has been no attempt to clean, press, or otherwise modify it after production.

Some key aspects of a raw baseball card include:

Pack Fresh: The card has remained in the original sealed pack or wrapper it was produced and sold in. Being pack fresh adds credibility that the card has not been previously handled or played with.

Ungraded: No professional grading service like PSA or BGS has ever assessed the card’s condition or enclosed it within a protective slab with a numerical grade. Grading instantly adds monetary value but also means the card has physically left its original state.

Corners/Edges: A raw card allows collectors to fully inspect the corners and edges for any bends, dings or other imperfections without a slab obscuring parts of the card. This is important for assessing true condition.

Surfaces: The surfaces of a raw card, including the front and back, can be properly analyzed under different light sources for scratches, clouding, or print defects that may not be evident in a slab.

History: Since a raw card has remained untouched since production, its history and pedigree are more verifiable. A graded card could potentially have been altered or “doctored” in attempts to falsely boost its grade.

While raw cards are riskier without the protection of a slab, sellers consider them more desirable as their condition is totally transparent. Serious vintage collectors prefer raw to analyze authenticity and quality themselves. Raw cards are also required for certain registry sets that do not accept previously graded pieces. Losing the “raw” status by grading essentially changes a card’s DNA and story since leaving the pack all those years ago. When high prices are involved, verification of a card being in its original unmodified state adds confidence for buyers and sellers in the marketplace.

The term “raw” when used for baseball cards refers to a piece that has remained completely untouched and unaltered in any form since its original production run. Maintaining a card’s raw state helps prove authenticity and allows for a clear analysis of its true condition without barriers like a protective slab case obscuring parts of the card. Serious vintage collectors consider raw status more desirable as they can properly vet all aspects of a card themselves.

WHAT IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of a complete set of 1987 Topps baseball cards can vary greatly depending on the condition and grade of the individual cards in the set. The 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, stars and Hall of Fame players. It was the 66th year Topps produced baseball cards and is considered one of the more iconic and popular vintage sets from the 1980s.

To give an estimate of value, it’s important to first understand the different grade levels cards can receive. The standard grading scale used is the 10-point scale from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). On this scale, a card in Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition would grade between 7-10. Anything 6 or below is considered worn. Most complete 1987 Topps sets on the secondary market today would grade somewhere between Good-Very Good (G-VG), or 4-6 on the scale.

In G-VG condition, a well-centered 1987 Topps complete base set with no stars or rookies could fetch between $300-$500. This assumes the cards are all present with minor flaws like light edge wear or small surface scuffs. If several key cards grade a bit higher around EX-NM, the set could reach $600-800. Now, finding a complete 1987 set all NM/MT 7 or above would be extremely rare and valuable, potentially reaching $2,000-$3,000 given the sheer number of high grade cards needed.

Of course, the inclusion of stars and rookie cards in the set greatly increases its value. The ’87 Topps set features the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Griffey’s widely considered one of the most iconic and desirable baseball cards ever made. His ’87 Topps rookie in Gem Mint (GM) 10 grade has sold for over $10,000 individually. Even a lowly PSA 7 could fetch $1000+. Finding the Griffey as part of a complete set would add major value.

Key stars of the era like Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith also drive up interest if their cards grade well. A high-grade ’87 Clemens rookie could add $500 to a set alone. Overall condition of these chase cards is critical – even a single BBGS/PSA 6 star or rookie greatly devalues an otherwise higher-end complete set.

Beyond individual card grades, there are other factors influencing a ’87 Topps set’s worth such as the market at a given time. During hot sales periods for vintage cards, a G-VG set might sell for closer to $700-900. Conversely, it could fall under $300 if the vintage card market is dipping. There may also be premiums applied if the set is especially fresh and nicely presented in original storage such as complete sheets.

While a complete 1987 Topps baseball card set can vary widely based on condition grades, presence of stars/rookies and current market trends – most G-VG quality sets in individual sleeves or binder pages would conservatively sell in the $300-800 range today. Top condition sets with many 7+ graded cards including stars could reach $2,000-3,000, with any high-end Griffey RC dramatically increasing value from there depending on grade. With such a large set, condition is king in determining true worth to collectors and investors.

WHAT SIZE BUBBLE MAILER FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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When shipping baseball cards, it’s important to select a bubble mailer that fits the cards securely without excess room for them to slip around inside and potentially get damaged. The most common bubble mailers used for baseball cards come in a few standard sizes that are generally suitable depending on the quantity and type of cards being shipped. Let’s take a closer look at the options:

For most standard shipments containing a few hundred common baseball cards in penny sleeves or toploaders, the #000 or #00 size bubble mailer is usually sufficient. These measure approximately 9×12 inches when sealed. They provide enough interior space to comfortably fit a few hundred cards with room for some additional protective packaging like cardboard or air pillows without being too loose. The #000 and #00 mailers balance protecting the cards from shifting/bending with minimizing excess unused space inside.

If shipping a larger lot of several hundred cards or cards in thicker protective cases like plastic team bags, the next size up #0 bubble mailers measuring around 10×13 inches are a good choice. They accommodate greater card quantities while still being compact enough to keep postage costs reasonable. The slightly larger interior prevents overcrowding and provides more flexibility if including extras like business cards, notes, or stickers in the package.

For very large collections in the thousands of cards, #1, #2 or retail sized bubble mailers may be needed. #1 mailers are 11×14 inches while #2 and retail sizes range from 12×15 to 13×18 inches depending on the brand. These jumbo mailers allow pain cards to be neatly organized inside transparent view windows without forcing lots of layers that increase bending risks. Their increased size means higher shipping rates apply compared to the smaller standards sizes.

Rarer and high-value vintage or autographed cards that are absolutely critical to protect may warrant even larger custom sized mailers. Having extra room provides maximum cushioning ability when packing individually or with ample protective dividers. But for regular shipments, the cost-benefit usually favors using appropriately sized standard bubble mailers over specialized larger sizes.

It’s also worth noting bubble mailers come in multiple thickness/strength options. Thinner basic stock is fine for routine shipping but thicker water-resistant polymailers provide enhanced durability, which may be worthwhile for valuable cards or international/risky domestic routes. Different surfaces like smooth vs. textured interiors can also impact how cards are held in place during transit.

When selecting a bubble mailer for baseball cards, consider the expected card quantity, types of protective cases/sleeves, desired organization inside, and importance of each card. Properly fitting standard mailers in sizes #000, #00, #0 or larger #1-2 as needed will securely transport cards while balancing protection, viewability, and shipping affordability. Using the right sized mailer helps minimize stacking pressures and movement to keep your baseball card collection safe.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY 2023

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There are many exciting baseball cards that could potentially be valuable investments in 2023. By doing your research and understanding the overall baseball card market and trends, you can target cards that seem poised for growth next year. Some top cards worth considering include:

Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards – Shohei Ohtani has quickly established himself as one of the most unique and talented players in MLB history as a true two-way star. His rookie cards from 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 remain in high demand and have been steadily rising in value. With Ohtani continuing his phenomenal play on both the mound and at the plate, his rookie cards should remain strong long-term holdings. The 2018 Topps Update paper rookie could be a particularly smart buy, as it is still reasonably priced but also contains his first photo in an Angels uniform with a major league card number.

Wander Franco Rookie Cards – As one of the top prospects in baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype in his rookie 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. The ultra-rare versions like his paper Rated Rookie autograph and especially his prized Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie remain six-figure cards. There is still upside potential in his base paper rookie cards from series like Topps Chrome UPDATE, Topps Series 2, and Bowman Chrome. At just 21 years old, Franco has superstar potential and his cards could experience steady gains as he continues developing.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Update Rookie Card – Acuna Jr. was well on his way to superstardom before a season-ending knee injury in 2021. At just 24 years old, he is expected to bounce back strong in 2023 now that he is fully healthy. His flagship 2018 Topps Update paper rookie remains one of the hottest modern rookies on the market. With Acuna proving he can reach top-five MVP ballot status again, this card seems poised to move even higher as he reasserts himself as a generational talent.

Juan Soto Rookie Cards – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update Rookie Card – Vlad Jr. took a clear step forward in 2022 and proved the hype was warranted as he had his finest season with an .875 OPS. At just 24, he will likely continue improving and pushing towards superstardom levels. Already one of the game’s best pure hitters, his 2018 Topps Update paper rookie looks like one to hold long-term. As Vlad Jr. locks in as an MVP-caliber cornerstone for the Blue Jays, this card should stay in demand.

Luis Robert Rookie Cards – Robert showed flashes of five-tool brilliance in his 2020 Rookie of the Year campaign before injuries slowed his progress. He looked like his old self down the stretch in 2022 and will be just 26 next season. If he can stay healthy, Robert has 30-30 upside that should keep collectors excited about his scarce 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie auto and base Topps Series 1/2 paper rookies from that year.

Juan Soto RCs – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.

Francisco Alvarez Prospect Cards – As one of the top catching prospects in baseball with big-time power potential, Francisco Alvarez seems on the cusp of a full-time MLB role in 2023 with the New York Mets. His low-numbered prospect cards like 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire could blossom next year if he takes over as the everyday catcher and lives up to the hype. There’s already significant buzz around Alvarez and that will only grow if he breaks out as a star.

Other young prospects like Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more could also shine in 2023. Keeping tabs on elite rookies who make an impact and contenders who rise to stardom is crucial for targeting the next cards primed for value spikes. Focusing on stars of today and tomorrow from 25 and under remains a smart approach when investing in baseball cards for the upcoming year.