Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

WHERE BUY BASEBALL CARDS

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Local Card Shops – One of the best places to buy baseball cards is at local card shops. These speciality stores focus exclusively on trading cards of all types, including baseball cards. They will have a large inventory of packs, boxes, and individual cards available. Many local card shops buy, sell, and trade cards, so they are a great place to browse through available cards, get expert advice from the shop owners, and buy singles or sealed products. They may also host card shows, tournaments, or invite players to do autograph signings which can be a fun experience for card collectors.

National Card Retailers – For a wider selection, there are several national retail chains that sell baseball cards alongside other collectibles at many locations across the country. Places like Wizard’s Comics, Collector’s Universe, and LCS Athletic are all chains with stores in multiple states. They tend to have the newest card sets and releases as well as more vintage cards. Prices are often consistent across locations. The downside is service may not be as personalized as a small independent shop.

Online Stores – In the internet age, buying cards online through dedicated websites is one of the most convenient methods. Sites like eBay, Amazon, and Cool Collect are excellent marketplaces to find almost any card you want from individual sellers. Online card shops like Steel City Collectibles, Blowout Cards, Cardboard Connection, and DA Card World also have very large inventories available, sometimes with better bulk and case purchase discounts than local stores. Shipping costs need to be considered. Reputable online sellers provide photos and grading guarantees to allowConditionBaseball Card Grading and Condition – The condition and grade of a baseball card can have a huge impact on its value. When paying for older, higher-end singles, it’s important to ensure the grade accurately reflects the card’s condition. PSA and BVG are the top two independent grading services that authenticate, encase, and assign letters grades to vintage cards based on their centering, corners, edges and surface quality. Slabbed” cards fresh grade and have a higher resale value. Though grading adds cost, it provides reassurance for expensive collectibles. buy with confidence.

Auctions – Platforms like Heritage Auctions and Lelands regularly hold sports collectibles auctions featuring all price ranges of baseball cards up for bid. This exposes cards to a global collector base and competitive market forces that can drive prices higher than typical listed online prices. Buyers need to factor in the cost of an auction house’s buyer’s premium on top of the final hammer price. Consignment is also an option for sellers hoping to maximize value through open bidding.

Card Shows – Local, regional, and national sports card shows bring together hundreds of individual vendors, grading services, breakers and more all under one roof. Admission usually ranges from $5-10 per person. This is a great way to compare prices across many sellers, get cards personally in hand before buying, and meet the community of collectors. Larger national shows like the National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City each summer are bucket list events for dedicated hobbyists.

Card Collector Forum Marketplaces – Online marketplace discussions on forums are another avenue, albeit more niche. Sites such as SportsCardForum.com allow users to post individual cards, sets or collections for sale to a concentrated collector audience. Communication happens through online private messages to coordinate payment and shipping logistics. Buyers save on fees but don’t have the same protections as major platforms. It’s best for experienced users of the forum.

While local brick and mortar card shops remain vital due to the interpersonal experience they provide, each method discussed has its benefits for finding both common and rare baseball cards. The key is researching prices online first for comparison across shopping options, and always inspecting condition details when spending larger amounts of money. With diligence, collectors can grow their collections through many reliable purchase channels.

WHAT BRAND BASEBALL CARDS SHOULD I BUY

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Topps is arguably the most iconic and popular brand in all of baseball cards. They have held the exclusive license to produce Major League Baseball cards since the mid-20th century. This means any Topps cards from recent years will feature current MLB stars and include valuable rookies. Topps puts out several different sets each year like Series 1, Series 2, Update, etc. They do a great job of design and photography. Topps cards will typically hold their value well long-term given their status as the official MLB licensed product.

Bowman is the second largest baseball card manufacturer and producer of some highly coveted rookie cards. Bowman cards are considered by many collectors to have the best photography and designs. They have exclusivity over MLB rookies and draft prospects. Some enormous stars like Mike Trout had their best and most valuable rookie cards produced in Bowman sets. Bowman puts out an annual Draft Picks & Prospects set solely focused on minor leaguers and amateur players. Their releases carry substantial appeal to investor-grade card collectors.

Fleer was one of the biggest names in the baseball card industry for many decades until losing the MLB license. They are now owned by Upper Deck. Modern Fleer cards feature retired players and hold collector interest for nostalgia purposes. Fleer produced some iconic cards throughout the 1980s and 1990s that are still highly respected among collectors today. Their photography and retro styling can give a fun vintage feel compared to more modern card designs.

Donruss was another huge ’80s and ’90s producer that lost the MLB rights later on but retains collector goodwill. Their retired star and vintage release cards continue to find an audience. Donruss was known for bold and colorful designs that pop visually compared to some cleaner, simpler designs today. Fun insert sets were also a Donruss specialty that introduced hit varieties like ’91 Stadium Club. Their older products hold appeal for vintage collectors seeking era-specific cards.

Leaf is a top independent card company without an MLB license that assembles collections through photographing minor and independent league players. They create a niche offering rookie cards and prospects outside of the Bowman ecosystem. Leaf produces high-quality cards that receive plenty of circulation at hobby shops nationwide. Their draft picks sets preview future MLB talent before reaching the majors. Leaf has developed a solid reputation and following among collector segments seeking alternatives beyond Topps/Bowman.

Panini acquired exclusive NFL and NBA licenses that previously belonged to Upper Deck, but they do not have MLB rights. However, Panini still puts out popular baseball releases through arrangements with retired players and teams/leagues below the Major League level. Their collegiate and international cards have collector demand. While not all Panini releases involve current MLB content, their products are colourful and offer something different compared to the main MLB licensed brands.

There are numerous additional smaller baseball card companies beyond the majors I’ve outlined here. Brands like Stadium Club, Limited, Score, and Pinnacle produced premium cards prior to losing MLB licenses as well. Their older vintage releases remain desirable to collectors. Independent companies like Golden, Triple Crown, and Gintak also cater to niche collectors. The top brands are Topps and Bowman for current MLB stars and prospects, with the others providing retro, niche, or non-MLB alternatives depending on collector preferences. When deciding which cards to purchase or open, focusing on brands with MLB licenses will give products with the longest-term potential for holding value.

Therefore, in summary some of the best baseball card brands for collectors to consider purchasing and collecting include Topps, Bowman, Donruss and Fleer for their iconic MLB license history and strong brand recognition continuing today. Bowman especially offers attractive rookie cards. Leaf opens up prospects beyond Topps/Bowman. And non-MLB licensed companies like Panini and independent brands provide alternative collecting options beyond the official MLB sets. Proper research into the brand history, available checklists and photographic quality should help any collector decide which products to prioritize based on their specific collecting interests in current stars, prospects or vintage players.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most common and reliable places to purchase Topps baseball cards is directly from Topps themselves through their official website at www.topps.com. On their site, you will find a wide range of current and past series available both as single packs, boxes of packs, and complete sets. They even have special edition boxes and autographed cards available from time to time. Shopping directly from Topps ensures you are getting officially licensed and authentic product. They offer regular domestic U.S. shipping and international shipping options as well. Ordering off their site may cost a bit more due to shipping fees compared to buying in person.

A popular local option for buying Topps cards are hobby shops and local card shops that focus on trading cards and collectibles. These can be found in most cities, towns and larger communities across the country. They will have the newest series available as well as older stock from past years mixed in. You can often find unopened boxes, special promotional packs only available at shops, and sometimes better prices per pack compared to retail stores. The staff at these shops are usually knowledgeable fans who can help you find specific cards, players, or sets you may be looking for as well. Browsing the individual cards and packs can also be more fun than just ordering online. Selection will vary depending on shop inventory.

Big box retailers like Walmart, Target, Meijer and CVS often have a small selection of Topps baseball card products available, usually just the most current series. They offer the convenience of being able to purchase online with store pickup or go pick them up yourself on a shopping trip. These places tend to have standard MSRP pricing though. Selection here is usually pretty limited to just a rack of random packs, boxes and sets and there is no expertise from staff. But the wide availability across many locations makes them an easy option in a pinch or when just looking for a quick pack or two of the new release to try your luck.

Collector card conventions are a great place to buy Topps cards, especially older sets, special autographed cards and rare variations. There are many card shows held around the country annually where dozens of card vendors will set up displays with thousands of items for sale. Attending conventions and browsing or setting up your own table as a seller allows you to interact with knowledgeable collectors and evaluate individual cards up close much better than online. Deals can sometimes be had too on group lot purchases. Travel costs and admission fees into the shows do affect overall pricing when compared to local shops.

Online card vendor sites like DaCardWorld, BlowoutCards, and Collector’s Cache also offer a huge selection of Topps cards across many baseball sets new and vintage. Prices tend to be lower than eBay since no fees are deducted from sales. Condition guides are provided and you can search by player, team, year to find specific wants. They ship protected in sleeves and boxes. Downsides are not seeing cards in person and slower search compared to a local shop’s inventory. But the massive selection from various vendor’s huge combined stocks makes finding rare, vintage Topps cards possible that may not be locally.

eBay remains one of the top places online to source any and all kinds of Topps baseball cards both common and especially rarer, oddball and vintage issues. With its ubiquitous marketplace, you have a very high chance of locating exactly the single card you’ve been looking for across the tens of thousands listed daily. Condition can vary greatly so reading seller feedback is important. Auctions create uncertainty and the overall ~13% total in buyer fees can increase costs compared to fixed vendor pricing. Authenticating vintage cards also requires sufficient knowledge on the buyer’s part to avoid potential scams. Still, unrivaled choice makes eBay a go-to for completeness.

With many reliable buying options that have varying pros and cons, any avid Topps card collector should be able to find what they need whether locally at shops or shows, directly from Topps themselves or through major online card vendors and marketplaces like eBay. Comparing prices across sources along with considering factors like selection, condition and immediacy of purchase can help you determine the ideal route. The excitement of the baseball card hobby begins with how and where you choose to build and grow your Topps collections.

IS IT WORTH GETTING BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

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Whether or not it is worth getting baseball cards professionally graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) depends on several factors. PSA is considered the gold standard in third-party card grading, but their services do come at a cost. There are submission fees, grading fees per card, and shipping costs to consider. The question really comes down to whether increased value from a high PSA grade outweighs these expenses.

One of the key reasons collectors seek PSA grading is because it provides an impartial, third-party assessment of a card’s condition and authenticity. This helps establish market value and gives buyers confidence in the grade/condition. While raw ungraded cards do still sell online and at auction, PSA slabs have become the norm for valuable vintage and modern rookie cards. A PSA credential is seen to guarantee authenticity and provide standardized condition grades that allow for fair price comparisons.

Some key advantages of PSA grading include:

Standardized condition assessments and numeric grades make it easy to compare similar cards across sales listings. This is important when establishing a fair price. Raw cards leave much more ambiguity around condition.

The slab protects the card from handling damage. Cards that have already been graded and encapsulated in hard plastic slabs require no additional protection during shipping or display. This preserves condition long-term.

Authenticated holograms/certificates of authenticity make it harder to fake a graded card. PSA’s reputation deters unscrupulous sellers from attempting to pass off reprints or altered cards.

Graded pop reports provide data on print run scarcity and how condition impacts value. Knowing precisely how many PSA 9 Ken Griffey Jr. rookies exist, for example, conveys important rarity information to buyers and sellers.

High PSA grades command dramatic premiums over comparable ungraded raw cards depending on the card. Elite vintage rookies in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition can appreciate exponentially versus even high-grade raw copies.

Slabs increase portability and resale convenience versus raw cards that require individual authentication and condition assessments each time they trade hands. PSA grades stay with the card.

The question then becomes whether the potential financial upside of a strong PSA grade covers the costs of submitting the card for authentication and grading. Important factors to consider are:

Card value – Low/mid-value cards often don’t justify the submission fee if sold raw versus graded. Cards under $100 raw usually don’t make financial sense to grade unless rare/key vintage pieces. Mid-value vintage cards $100-500 can potentially see a worthwhile boost. High-end cards $500+ usually grade well.

Expected grade – Cards in questionable/damaged condition have lower odds of a high grade. The costs often outweigh potential returns versus selling raw for parts/display. Cards needing restoration should usually stay raw versus risking a poor PSA grade. Predictably strong eyes-appeal cards have the best odds of higher grades.

Intended use – Cards intended for long-term PC collection and potential future resale grade well to preserve condition. Short-term flips where card stays in holder don’t require grading. Cards being sent to a population census service like PSA’s could potentially improve with census/registry data inclusion over time as well.

Turnaround times – Standard PSA grading has lengthy waits, so flipping a card quickly usually means selling raw. Express services costs far more but provide results in weeks versus 6+ months standard. Fast individual card authentication usually isn’t cost-effective either.

Multiple submissions – Bulk submission discounts at PSA offset costs for large collections, authentications of whole sets/team lots, or group submissions with others. Submitting cards in small batches is less efficient.

In summary – high value vintage singles $500+, key modern/rookie cards destined for long term holds, full PC collections, and bulky team/set submissions are the best candidates for PSA grading on average. Predictably strong condition mid-value cards can also make sense. But speculative low/mid-tier items, marginal condition cards, quick speculative flips, and single cards usually stay raw to avoid authentication costs outweighing potential returns. Careful consideration of grades likelihood, market, intended use and turnaround needs balances the value proposition of third-party authentication. While the PSA slab remains the gold standard in the hobby, not every card grades out as a financial winner in their holders. Discerning which cards stand the best chance provides the surest ROI from professional authentications.

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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The standard size for modern baseball cards that are found in packs sold by major card companies like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. This size has been commonly used since the late 1980s and remains the predominant size today. The size of baseball cards has varied over the long history of the hobby from the late 19th century to present day.

In the earliest days of baseball cards in the 1880s and 1890s, they were typically smaller than the modern size. Many of the tobacco cards inserted in cigarette packs and packaging during this era measured approximately 1.5 inches by 2.25 inches. As lithography became the dominant printing technique rather than hand-coloring of images, card sizes increased slightly. By the turn of the 20th century, sizes were closer to 2 inches by 2.75 inches on average.

During the formative years of the baseball card industry from the 1910s through the 1950s, sizes fluctuated more as different publishers experimented. The two most common early sizes were 2 inches by 3 inches and 2.125 inches by 2.5 inches. Some outlier sets also popped up such as more squared 2.25 inch sizes or slightly larger 2.25 by 3.125 inch sizes. Brands like Diamond Stars, Play Ball, and Goudey varied card dimensions over the decades.

The post-war boom in baseball fandom and modern card era beginning in the late 1940s saw sizes slowly increasing. Bowman, Topps, and other major companies settling on widths between 2.125 to 2.25 inches and lengths between 2.5 to 2.75 inches. By the mid-1950s, the standard size had evolved to approximately 2.125 inches by 2.5 inches. Topps used this dimension faithfully for several decades and set an industry precedent.

As major companies competed in the 1960s, Topps held the line on size while Fleer experimented briefly with slightly larger 2.25 inch by 2.75 inch dimensions. However, Topps’ model held dominance through the 1970s. Donruss joined the modern scene in 1981 and matched Topps’ size before both transitioned to the current square cut 2.5 inch by 3.5 inch format in the late 1980s.

This move allowed for larger photos and more information or stats on each card. It also made card production simpler as cardboard sheets could be cut to perfectly align without trimming waste. Despite some smaller niche releases, almost all modern sportscards follow this 2.5 by 3.5 inch standization. Variations of exact width and length within a fraction of an inch are tolerated.

Only specialized subsets, oddball issues, or promotional inserts tend to deviate with smaller sizes like 2 inches by 2.5 inches or collector focused premium cards approaching 3 inches by 4 inches. For the core packs found in stores or included in boxes and packs of MLB licensed products, 2.5 by 3.5 inches remains cemented as the baseball card size standard 40 years since its adoption and into the foreseeable future of the collecting hobby.

In closing, while baseball card dimensions were somewhat fluid for over 100 years, settling on the current predominant size of 2.5 by 3.5 inches has brought standardization, efficiency, and optimized card designs. This modern sizing suits the mass-produced nature of the multi-billion dollar collecting industry and shows no signs of meaningful change anytime soon barring unforeseen shifts in manufacturing or technology.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BASEBALL CARDS

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Creating your own baseball cards is a fun way to commemorate players or to make unique cards featuring yourself or friends. To make professional-looking baseball cards, you will need the right materials and tools as well as some design skills.

The first step is to choose which players or people you want to feature on your baseball cards. Make a list of names, along with any relevant stats or biographical information you want to include on the cards. This could include batting average, home runs, years played, or for personal cards hobbies, accomplishments, and other fun facts.

Once you have your roster finalized, you need to choose a template to design the front and back of each baseball card. There are various templates available online that mimic the look of real baseball cards you can print and customize. Download blank baseball card templates in JPEG, PNG, or PSD format. These layered image files allow you to easily add and arrange different elements like photos, text, graphics and more.

Now it’s time to start designing. For the front of each card you will need a high-quality headshot photo of the player. For personal cards, have people get their photo taken or use a nice selfie. The photo will be the main focal point. Be sure photos are cropped closely around the person’s head and shoulders.

Add basic identification elements around the photo including the player’s name in large font at the top, the sport (baseball) in smaller type, and their team or “rookie” at the bottom. You can also include additional stats like batting average or home runs in a box offset from the photo. Experiment with different graphic elements and color schemes to make each card visually appealing.

For the back of the card, add more in-depth biographical or statistical information. Include sections for things like career highlights and achievements, personal info for hobbies and background, and full career batting/pitching stats organized in easy-to-read tables. You can also leave space for an autograph. Play around with layouts and fonts until you have a cohesive baseball card design.

Once all the cards are designed, it’s time to print them. Commercial quality cardstock paper inweights between 13-16 pounds is your best bet to mimic real baseball cards. Load the printed JPEGs or PDFs of your cards onto the cardstock using a high-quality printer with settings optimized for cardstock. Be sure edges are perfectly cut and corners are sharp.

As an optional step, you can enhance your homemade baseball cards further with additional detailing. Try embossing team logos or names onto the front of the cards. Add glossy or matte protective top-loaders to safeguard the cards. Look for mini toploaders that fit standard baseball card dimensions. You can also customize the backs of the cards with stickers or by heat transferring team logos for a more authentic feel.

Display your unique baseball card collection proudly in stands, sheets or binders. Consider handing them out to the featured players as a fun memento. With the right tools and design skills, you can make highly customized baseball cards that look just like the real things while capturing meaningful stats and memories. Get creative with this fun project that combines art, design and baseball fandom.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90s WORTH MONEY

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Baseball cards from the 1990s can potentially be worth money, but whether any individual card from that era has significant monetary value depends on several factors. The 1990s saw major shifts in the baseball card industry that impact the current collectability and value of cards from that decade.

In the early 1990s, the baseball card market was in a massive boom period fueled by the tremendous popularity and high prices fetched by rookie cards of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Chipper Jones. The bubble burst in the mid-90s as an overproduction of cards flooded the market. Many consider 1994 to mark the end of the “junk wax era” as it corresponded with a decline in card values and the end of the monopolistic trading card industry that had been dominated for decades by Topps and Donruss.

The overproduction of common cards from this period means that most basic cards from sets like Donruss, Fleer, Leaf, Pinnacle, and Upper Deck Series 1 & 2 have very little value today, sometimes being worth just a few cents in near-mint condition. There are still certain 1990s cards that can sell for significant money, especially those meeting certain collectability criteria. Here are some key factors that determine if a 1990s baseball card might be worth money:

Rookie/Prospect Cards: Cards featuring the rookie seasons or early career years of all-time great players who went on to Hall of Fame careers remain highly valuable from the 1990s. Examples include a Ken Griffey Jr. upper deck rookie (1989) which can fetch thousands, or the ultra-rare Chipper Jones Leaf rookie which has sold for over $10,000. Early cards of emerging young stars like a Carlos Beltran rookie also retain value.

Premium/Parallel/Autograph/Memorabilia Cards: Within mainstream sets, shop for rare parallel or short-printed versions that are much harder to obtain. Autograph or memorabilia cards from the era can also sell for hundreds or more depending on the player. Pinnacle and Upper Deck brands tended to feature these premium card types.

Star Players: Popular players who were in their primes during the 1990s like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Cal Ripken Jr., Derek Jeter, etc. have cards retaining value, especially flagship cards from their best seasons. High-grade examples can sell for $50+ each.

Traded/Update/Rookie Variation Cards: 1990s versions of these special subset cards featuring rookie seasons, new teams, or milestone stats hold collector interest and typically outperform their base counterparts.

Error/Variation Cards: Mistakes happen in card production and rarer miscuts, pattern errors, or variations on uniform/statistic details become desirable collector oddities.

League Leaders/Award Winners: Anyone who led major statistical categories or won awards like MVP has cards retaining long-term interest.

Expos/Rockies/D-backs/Marlins: Teams joining the MLB in the 1990s and early 2000s have rookie cards maintaining value as their players were evenly distributed across early sets.

Graded Cards: Professional grading gives buyers confidence in a card’s condition and authenticity, helping premium graded examples far outperform raw cards in terms of profit potential.

While common 1990s baseball cards have little monetary worth, key rookie cards, stars of the era, and premium or unusual inserted cards can still hold significant collector value – especially in top grades. For investors, high-grade exemplars of the most coveted 1990s rookie cards remain the safest long-term investments. With patience, the right 1990s baseball cards certainly have potential to increase substantially in value over time.

ARE THERE ANY BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80s THAT ARE WORTH MONEY

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There are certainly several 1980s baseball cards that could potentially be worth a significant amount of money if they are in mint or near-mint condition. The 1980s saw enormous growth in the popularity of collecting sports cards, especially baseball cards, fueled by the rise of television deals that broadcasted more games nationally. This increased interest led to larger print runs by card manufacturers which in turn means there are more of these cards still around today compared to earlier decades. Some 1980s rookie cards and cards featuring all-time great players still command high prices today if they are well-preserved.

One of the most valuable 1980s cards is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith from 1982 Donruss. Ozzie Smith established himself as the best defensive shortstop in baseball history and his icon status combined with the relatively low print run of his rookie card make it extremely coveted by collectors today. A mint condition 1982 Ozzie Smith rookie card could sell for over $10,000, while a near-mint copy might bring $3,000-$5,000. Another highly valuable rookie card is that of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. from 1981 Fleer. Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s iconic record of most consecutive games played and established himself as one of the most durable stars ever. With his status and the fact he only has one true rookie card in 1981 Fleer, a BGS or PSA graded gem mint 10 copy of his rookie would sell for $8,000-$12,000.

Dwight Gooden’s rookie card from 1984 Topps is also a tremendous asset if in pristine condition given his dominance as a rookie when he won both the Cy Young award and rookie of the year award. A black label BGS 10 graded copy could fetch $4,000-$6,000. Darryl Strawberry’s iconic 1980s Expos rookie card from 1980 Topps is also in demand considering his prodigious power and that he played on some powerful Mets teams. An intact mint copy could sell for $1,000-$2,000. Other valuable 1980s rookie cards include those of Don Mattingly (1982 Topps), Barry Bonds (1984 Topps Traded), Roger Clemens (1984 Topps and Fleer), Mark McGwire (1984 Topps and Fleer), and Kirby Puckett (1984 Fleer and Donruss). If in gem condition, any of these top rookie cards from the decade could command $1,000+ on the open market.

Beyond the obvious star rookie cards, several key cards of Hall of Famers and all-time legends from the 1980s hold value as well if graded highly. The 1979 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan card where he is pictured throwing a no-hitter for the Angels is incredibly iconic and valuable in a PSA 10 at $3,000-$5,000. His basic 1982 Topps card could pull $500-$1,000 in top condition as well given his all-time strikeout record. The 1983 Topps Update Barry Bonds rookie card is also interesting, as it was really his true rookie card printed after the 1984 ones. A PSA 10 would sell for $1,000-$2,000. The 1982 Topps Traded Robin Yount card where he is reaching for a low inside fastball is breathtaking and valued at $800-$1,200 in pristine condition considering his MVP career in Milwaukee.

Two other hugely iconic cards that bring top dollar are the 1987 Topps Griffey Jr. rookie cup parallel card (PSA 10 worth $3,000+ due to its rarity) and the wildly popular 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which could be valued at $800-$1,500 in mint condition. Upper Deck revolutionized the hobby in 1989 and Griffey’s card was the true star among rookies that year. Limited print runs and special parallel cards are also highly valued from the era. Examples include the 1985 O-Pee-Chee Fernando Valenzuela foil card (>$1,000 PSA 10) and the 1983 Fleer Update Kirby Puckett short print (>$500 PSA 10). So in conclusion, while 1980s production numbers were higher, condition sensitive stars and key rookie cards from the decade provide considerable upside for collectors if maintained in pristine condition. With names like Ripken, Gooden, Bonds, and Griffey, these classic cards never go out of style.

While 1980s production figures for baseball cards were higher than previous decades, there are still quite a few cards from the 1980s that can be worth significant money today, especially if they are in top-notch near-mint or gem mint condition. Rookie cards and key cards featuring all-time great players from the likes of Cal Ripken Jr., Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Nolan Ryan are some of the most desirable 1980s cards that can sell for thousands of dollars online or at auction if preserved excellently well. The increased popularity of collecting sports cards in the 1980s also led to more innovations and short print/parallel cards that are rarer and highly valuable to dedicated collectors. So with patience and a sharp eye, strong condition 1980s baseball cards can still provide a lucrative payoff for savvy collectors and investors in the modern marketplace.

HOW TO SCAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The quality of your scanned baseball card images depends on using proper scanning techniques and settings. While it’s possible to get passable scans with a basic flatbed or all-in-one inkjet printer scanner, the best results require using a dedicated photo scanner. Photo scanners have higher optical resolution than all-in-ones, usually 800 dpi and above, which is necessary to capture all the details in vintage and rare baseball cards. They also have dedicated photo scanning software that allows finer control over settings.

The first step is preparing your baseball cards for scanning. Gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints that could affect the scan quality. Check for creases, bends or other defects that may show up prominently in the scanned image. You want the card surface to be as flat and defect-free as possible when placed in the scanner.

For most scanning purposes, you’ll want to scan each baseball card individually rather than trying to scan a whole stack at once. Place the card evenly centered on the scanner glass. Close the scanner lid. Make sure there are no fingers or other items obstructing the lid closing completely for proper scanning.

In the scanning software, set the image size/resolution. At minimum scan baseball cards at 1200 dpi, but higher resolutions like 2400 or 3600 dpi are recommended if your scanner supports it and you have the storage space. Check “color” mode unless the card is known to be black and white. Leave the file type as JPEG for now.

For lighting and exposure, most scanners have an automatic photo scan mode that works well for baseball cards as a starting point. Make a test scan and check the image – the card details should be clear without being too dark or light in any areas. You may need to adjust the “image adjustment” sliders like brightness, contrast, saturation if the auto mode isn’t optimal.

Scanning multiple baseball cards? Set the file naming convention to include numbers so the files are sequentially named like “Card 1”, “Card 2” etc. This prevents overwriting files as you scan. You can also enable an auto crop feature if your scanner has it to neatly trim the scanned borders.

Finally perform the scan. Check the preview to ensure the scan looked good before closing. For valuable vintage cards, it’s recommended to do at least two scans in case one needs to be re-scanned for quality issues. Save files in a new sub-folder for that scanning session.

After scanning, you may want to perform some light image adjustments in photo editing software. Things like cropping tiny border remnants, levels/curves adjustments for exposure/contrast, or cloning out small print defects using the spot healing tool. But don’t over-edit as you don’t want to alter the authentic look of the card.

Always store your digitized baseball card collection properly backed up. Consider keeping the high resolution master files plus lighter JPEG copies for sharing online if needed. Organize in albums by year, players or other preferred categories. Scanning at high quality settings preserves the cards digitally for generations to enjoy with little degradation compared to the physical collecting items. With some practice scanning baseball cards can become a fun analytical process!

HOW TO GET FREE BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the best ways to get free baseball cards is by collecting coupon inserts or bonus packs from baseball card products. Almost all trading card companies include coupon inserts or bonus card packs in their packages as a way to entice collectors to purchase more products from them. These coupons can be redeemed online or by mail for free samples of upcoming card releases, special promotional packs, memorabilia cards, and more. Top companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck routinely offer these bonus packs and inserts. Keep any unused coupons or pass them along to a fellow collector.

Card and comic book shops that sell baseball cards often give away free promotional cards to regular customers. Many shops accumulate extra promotional items, misprints, short prints and team sets that didn’t sell and will gladly give them away to collectors who frequent the store and spend money there regularly. Stop by your local card shop and introduce yourself to the owner. Be friendly, browse the store’s inventory, and ask if they have any free cards they’d like to donate to a loyal customer. Establishing a good relationship can lead to occasional freebies.

Subscribing to baseball card company email newsletters is another reliable way to receive occasional freebies. Companies like Topps, Panini and Leaf use newsletters to promote upcoming products, events and special offers. Newsletters routinely offer digital card Giveaways where entrants can win free packs or player lottery cards. Occasionally there will also be contests where the prizes are physical card packs and memorabilia sent through the mail. Make sure to thoroughly read each newsletter for details on how to enter any ongoing free giveaways.

Attending local card shows and conventions usually provides opportunities for free card handouts. Vendors at these events will often have promotional posters, sticker sheets, miscut sample cards and more that they freely distribute while trying to attract customers to their display tables. Look for vendors giving away promotional items and be sure to ask what else might be available for free. Many will throw in an extra free pack or two if they’ve taken a liking to you as a customer. Some larger national card shows hosted by companies like the National Sports Collectors Convention even provide free group handouts of low-value promotional packs to all attendees. Beyond the freebies, these events allow for closer inspection of a vast array of cards and offers before buying.

The baseball card company Topps in particular has a tradition of including free bonus packs in wax box packaging of their flagship products like Topps Series 1, 2. These bonus packs usually contain a mix of common base cards, returning player photos and short printed inserts. While the packs have low odds of containing anything valuable, they add to the fun of the overall collecting experience and can sometimes yield a desirable rookie or star player. Panini, Leaf and other brands don’t regularly include free bonus packs in major sets but they do appear occasionally as unique promotions.

Major sports card manufacturers also occasionally do targeted direct mail freebie promotions. For example, Topps has mailed out smaller packs of baseball cards tied to current players achieving hitting milestones like 3,000 career hits just as a goodwill promotional gesture to fans. Completing online sign-ups, surveys or contests run through company websites increases chances of getting selected for these direct mail freebies. Companies evaluate consumer data and prior purchase history when determining who to send the limited free packs to.

Local youth baseball leagues and summer camps are other potential sources of free baseball cards. Topps has donated millions of cards over the years for coaches to distribute to young ballplayers so they can start building their own collections. Approach your child’s little league team coaches to see if any extra promotional packs have been supplied for free distribution. Coaches may even have some unused older cards they’re willing to donate rather than having them collect dust in storage. Youth-oriented programs want to encourage interest in the sport by supplying trading cards.

A number of charitable organizations also facilitate the donation of excess baseball card collections to distribute for free. Groups like cardsforvets.com accept donations of duplicate, damaged or unwanted cards which are then assembled into assorted packs and shipped to VA hospitals, children’s shelters and youth groups. Individual collectors can take part by culling through their holdings, donating extras and knowing they’re going to appreciate new homes rather than the trash. Even small donations add up when combined with others’.

Being creative and regularly checking various online baseball card forums can also turn up occasional freebies. Active members sometimes run group breaks, contests or informal pack/player swaps where minimal postage is the only expense. Free sample pack giveaways pop up too for major card release pre-orders. Subscribing to hobby news blogs like Blowout Cards and Beckett keeps you in the loop on any last minute free promotions from companies looking to boost excitement. There are reliable ways to supplement a collection without huge financial investment by taking advantage of the frequent free offers within the baseball card industry. With some effort, ingenuity and relationship building within the collector community, free cards can found with periodic luck.