Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

1952 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of the hobby. It was just the second year Topps had produced cards after entering the baseball card market in 1951. The design featured large color photos on a white background, with players’ names and positions below the image. At the time, it was a breakthrough in design and production quality compared to previous card offerings.

Today, the 1952 Topps set is among the most valuable issues for collectors and enthusiasts. Prices for individual cards greatly depend on condition and the player featured, but there are several notable cards that routinely command five-figure sums or more for high-grade examples. Let’s take a look at some of the key cards and valuation guides for this beloved mid-20th century release.

One of the true holy grails for any vintage baseball card collection is the Mickey Mantle rookie card from 1952 Topps. In pristine mint condition, ungraded examples have sold for well over $1 million. Even poorly-centered, yet higher graded copies in the PSA 7-8 range can fetch $100,000+. Mantle is arguably the most significant player ever featured on a baseball card, making his rookie one of the crown jewels.

Another true icon of the set, and all of hobby, is the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card. As the first black ballplayer in the integrated Major Leagues, Robinson shattered racial barriers and changed the game forever when he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. High-grade copies of his second-year card from ’52 are equally as scarce and valuable as the Mantle, frequently commanding six-figure prices or more for examples in PSA 8-9 condition.

While those two may be out of reach for most collectors, there are still other star players that make worthy vintage card investments. Willie Mays’ rookie from 1952 Topps routinely brings around $30,000-$40,000 for a PSA 8. Whitey Ford’s attractive pitcher portrait in the same grade will pay around $15,000-$20,000 at auction. Top Dodger starters Duke Snider and Don Newcombe can reach $5,000-$8,000 for nice PSA 8 copies as well.

Going further down the condition scale, there are still excellent collecting and value opportunities to be had. A Mickey Mantle in overall nice shape but graded only PSA 5 might sell for $10,000-$15,000. Even an average condition Jackie Robinson could make $3,000-$5,000 at auction depending on visual appeal. Just about any Hall of Famer from the set, like Roy Campanella, Stan Musial, or Ted Williams, has value potential if grading a PSA 6 or better.

For builders of complete sets, lower graded but still presentable common players make acquisition feasible compared to chasing individual stars. A PSA 4-6 graded 1952 Topps set in average condition regularly sells in the range of $15,000-$25,000. One in higher grades of PSA 7 or 8 would likely command five figures or more. Meanwhile, there are also opportunities to acquire individual commons for just $10-$50 depending on the name and grade.

The 1952 Topps baseball card set established design standards that still carry influence today. Its rookie cards of legends like Mantle and Robinson make it one of the most valuable issues ever produced. Even for collectors on a budget, there are prospects to build value through astute grading assessment of Hall of Famers or locating decent common singles. The ’52 Topps release is sure to stay an iconic and fascinating part of the hobby for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS GOODWILL

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Baseball cards are a collectible item that many enjoy seeking out and building complete sets of. With the rise of online auction sites and card shops, it can sometimes feel difficult to find affordable cards. Thrift stores like Goodwill can offer a treasure trove of baseball card finds if you know where to look. Here are some tips for having success locating cards at Goodwill.

Start by regularly checking the toy, game, and book sections of Goodwill stores. Many people donate old collections of cards that get sorted into these areas. Look through bins and on shelves for loose packs of cards or full albums filled with players from various eras. Goodwill prices cards very reasonably, often a few dollars or less for large collections. Be sure to thoroughly look through anything you find, as valuable rookie cards or error cards could be hiding within.

Beyond the designated sections, also scan other areas like clothing and household goods. People sometimes donate boxes of childhood belongings containing cards. Folders or envelopes tucked inside boxes or bundled with papers/photos are easy to miss but can hold gems. Thoroughly inspecting donations gives you the best chance of discovering hidden card caches.

Timing your Goodwill visits for when new donations come out can up your odds. Ask employees when they receive the largest volume of donations each week. Those early days after an influx offer the freshest pickings before other shoppers scoop things up. Morning and midday weekday visits tend to have fewer shoppers competing for finds.

Consider expanding your search radius to multiple Goodwill locations. Larger metro areas may have several stores worth checking regularly. Suburban and rural Goodwills sometimes get more unique donations not picked through as quickly. Make a morning of hitting multiple stores in one outing.

Beyond just cards, keep an eye out for related collectibles like books, magazines, equipment, and unopened packs/boxes too. People sometimes donate full collections with cards still sealed in their original packaging. These can contain valuable pre-production samples or oddball promotional items.

Bring a phone or tablet along to quickly research anything interesting you come across. Sites like eBay let you check recent sold prices to gauge potential value. This helps determine if something is worth purchasing or leaving for another collector. Only buy condition-appropriate cards worth a few times what Goodwill is asking to ensure profit potential.

Get to know the Goodwill employees. Mention your interest in cards and that you’re a regular shopper. They may hold items aside or give you a heads up about large donations coming in. Employees often have insight into what areas tend to yield the best finds for different collectors. Developing relationships helps optimize your Goodwill card hunting adventures.

Consider donating your own duplicates and bulk commons to Goodwill too. This pays it forward while also advertising your collecting interests. Other local collectors will discover your donations and may reach out to trade. You never know what other treasures you could acquire through kind gestures within the thrifting community.

With some strategy and regular visits, Goodwill can become a reliable source of affordable baseball cards. Just be sure to thoroughly search in unexpected areas, time your trips smartly, and get to know the staff. With some luck and perseverance, you’re bound to uncover gems that add to your collection for a steal. So get out there and happy thrifting – you never know what baseball history could be waiting on the Goodwill shelves.

2023 TOPPS ARCHIVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Archives baseball card set is one of the most anticipated card releases each year from Topps. As the name implies, Topps Archives pays homage to classic designs from years past. For 2023, Topps is digging back to the 1970s for inspiration with designs from 1972 and 1979.

1972 was a pivotal year for Topps designs. It marked the debut of the iconic design featuring a player photo centered on the card with their name and team name arched along the top. This clean, simple design became the standard look for Topps baseball cards through much of the 1970s and 1980s. The 2023 Topps Archives set will feature cards that precisely replicate the look and feel of the original 1972 issues, including the green border that surrounded most of the player photos that year. Fans of vintage designs are sure to love seeing modern players depicted on the classic 1972 template.

In addition to the 1972 design, Topps Archives 2023 will also include cards patterned after the 1979 design. While still retaining Topps’ traditional look, the 1979 set featured some subtle changes like a thinner border around the player photo and team name now listed straight across the bottom as opposed to arched at the top. 1979 also saw Topps begin color-coding teams by division on the borders. The National League East had green borders while the NL West was yellow, for example. Topps Archives will faithfully re-create these 1979 nuances for an authentic vintage experience.

Like all Topps Archives sets, the 2023 edition will include parallel and short-printed “hit” cards to add to the excitement of the chase. Topps Archives Silver Pack Parallels will feature a silver border around the player photo. The Gold Parallels upgrade to a gold border. Topps also has a tradition of including 1/1 printing plate autograph cards in Archives sets. These ultra-rare cards consist of the printing plate used to create the base card, signed by the player featured. Other hit possibilities include autographed jersey and memorabilia cards of today’s top players.

When it comes to the checklist, Topps Archives aims to include the biggest names in the game for its vintage designs. For 2023, expect to see cards of superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Juan Soto among many others. Rookies will also be represented, giving collectors a chance at vintage-style cards of players just starting their MLB careers. Topps Archives typically includes around 300 base cards plus hits and parallels, so set builders will have their work cut out to complete this premium release.

Secondary market demand for Topps Archives is consistently strong given the limited print runs and nostalgia factor of the vintage designs. Completed sets and especially hit cards often carry substantial premiums over their initial pack odds. For example, a 1/1 printing plate from 2022 currently lists for over $2,000 on auction sites. Even base rookies can sell for $50-100 or more a piece for stars like Wander Franco. With its 1972 and 1979 templates, the 2023 Topps Archives release looks poised to continue capturing the imagination of collectors both old and new. Between the authentic retro designs, star-studded checklist and coveted hit cards, it’s easy to see why Topps Archives remains one of the most anticipated card sets each year.

BASEBALL CARDS WHOLESALE

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Baseball cards are one of the most popular collectibles in the world. The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been around since the late 19th century and continues to grow with new generations of fans. For those looking to get involved in the business of buying and selling baseball cards, wholesaling is a viable option.

Wholesaling baseball cards involves purchasing large quantities of cards directly from distributors or manufacturers and then reselling them individually or in smaller lots to retailers, local card shops, or collectors. By buying cards wholesale, dealers are able to obtain inventory at lower prices per card compared to retail prices. This allows them to still earn a profit even after marking cards up for individual resale.

Some of the largest baseball card wholesalers include Sportlots, Blowout Cards, Beckett, DA Card World, and Star Company. These companies purchase cards directly from Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other manufacturers. They offer a wide selection of both modern and vintage baseball cards available in bulk quantities. Common wholesale purchase amounts start around 500 cards and go up from there. Larger orders of several thousand cards or more result in even lower per card pricing.

In addition to direct purchases from major wholesalers, another option is to buy collections broken down into team or player lots from individual collectors looking to liquidate large holdings. Sites like eBay enable dealers to bid on and win wholesale quantities of sorted cards this way. Care must be taken to thoroughly inspect condition and verify authenticity when acquiring inventory through secondary sources rather than manufacturers.

Once a wholesaler obtains cards, the next step is breaking bulk quantities into smaller retail lots for resale. Common retail lot sizes include 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 cards and more. Within these lots, cards may be sorted by player, team, year or set for specialized collectors. Higher end vintage cards identified as particularly valuable gems would usually be offered individually.

Setting competitive retail pricing is important for wholesalers to earn profits while also attracting buyers. Factors considered include the overall supply and demand for particular players, years or sets as well as the general condition and scarcity of each card. Price guides from Beckett, PSA, and other grading services provide baseline market values that can then be adjusted up or down based on individual card traits.

In addition to online sales platforms, wholesalers may sell to local shops on consignment taking a percentage of profits or selling outright in bulk. Attending major card shows and conventions allows face-to-face transactions and evaluation of inventory condition that online sales lack. Networking is also vital for building relationships within the hobby.

Wholesaling requires capital outlay for large initial inventory purchases but offers benefits of volume discounts and leveraging others’ retail infrastructure. With diligent sourcing, careful grading/pricing, and savvy marketing, baseball card wholesaling can be a lucrative small business. Ongoing trends like increased nostalgia, rising player values and new collectors ensure the industry remains active for years to come.

1975 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1975 Topps baseball card set was issued by Topps during the 1975 baseball season. The set totals 792 cards and was the 24th year of production for Topps baseball cards. Significant events during the 1975 season included Carlton Fisk waving the Red Sox on to victory in Game 6 of the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Design and Printing
The set includes photos of 730 past and present major league players and managers on the front. Career statistics and biographical information are on the backs of each card. The cards featured color photos that were cropped with a white border. At the top of each card is the Topps logo printed in purple and red. Below that is a large vintage style player nameplate. The photos are embedded within a gray border that covers about 2/3 of the card. Career stats are listed below along with other notable info. The backs utilize a uniform format showing batter stats on the top half and pitcher stats below if applicable.

Highlights and Key Rookies
Some top rookie cards included Don Baylor, Bert Blyleven, Bobby Grich, Ken Griffey Sr., Joe Nolan, Ted Simmons and Robin Yount. The 1975 set is also known for having the rookie card of Hall of Famer Jim Rice, who had a tremendous rookie season batting .309 with 22 home runs and 102 RBIs for the Red Sox. Another noteworthy rookie was Fred Lynn of the Red Sox, who won the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in 1975. Popular veterans included Lou Brock, Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Tom Seaver and Hank Aaron chasing the all-time home run record.

Variation Cards
There are a few variations of significance within the set. Card #1 is the horizontally offset error card of Nolan Ryan which is significantly more valuable. Other variations include miscut cards which cut into the portrait or stats on the back. The Hank Aaron card #402 is also known for an error where the “9” in his career home run total is cutoff. The Ozzie Smith rookie card #585 is also one of the more notable variations due to miscuts.

1975 Standouts and All-Stars
The 1975 season featured an exciting World Series between the Red Sox and Reds that went the full 7 games. Carlton Fisk’s dramatic game-winning home run in the bottom of the 12th won Game 6 for Boston and forced a Game 7. Cincinnati ultimately won the Series 4 games to 3. In the AL, Jim Rice of Boston led the league with a .309 batting average. Carlton Fisk of the Red Sox was tops with 24 home runs while Ben Oglivie of Milwaukee drove in 114 runs to pace the AL.

NL stars included Joe Morgan of the Reds hitting .327 and Joe Morgan also stole 60 bases to pace the league. Mike Schmidt of the Phillies swatted 36 homers while Dave Parker of the Pirates knocked in 125 runs. On the mound, Jim Palmer of the Orioles was 23-11 with a 2.42 ERA to win the AL Cy Young. Tom Seaver of the Reds took home the NL Cy Young going 22-9 with a 2.38 ERA. Other notables starters included Bert Blyleven, Vida Blue, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver.

The 1975 Topps set remains one of the most popular vintage issues and is a great way to collect the stars of that mid-1970’s era. Key rookie cards, variations and stars of that classic World Series make it a fun and historic set for collectors nearly 50 years later. The photographs and uniform design hold up well even decades later.

RARE DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1991

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues in the brand’s history. While it lacked the huge rookies and stars of years past, several scarce short prints and oddball parallels make individual 1991 Donruss cards some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby.

The base set featured 332 cards with design cues taken from the hugely popular 1990 set. With simple white borders and team logo/color blocks at the bottom, the visuals had a classic, clean look collectors loved. The checklist was led by stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Kirby Puckett. Rosters were complete though some lesser players saw surprisingly low print runs.

While zero rookies went on to the Hall of Fame, the 1991 Donruss set had its fair share of valuable short prints and rare insert subsets. Among the most difficult base cards to find are:#P249 Brooks Kieschnick, #P312 Bo Jackson, and #P332 JerryReuss. These ended production early and have estimates under 10 surviving copies each. Graded examples have sold for over $1000 apiece.

Additionally, Donruss issued several parallel sets with different photo variations and borders/coloring. The ‘Ultra Premium’ version used cream borders and reproduced the photos in a glossier, higher quality finish. Only 1000 of each card were printed, making any Ultra Premium nearly impossible to locate in gem mint condition. High-grade examples can cost thousands.

Another parallel was the ‘Premium Gold Stamp’ subset. Fifty randomly inserted gold stamped parallels were mixed into packs for each player. Considered the rarest Donruss parallel ever, pulling one of these spectacular looking cards had odds below 1 in 10,000 packs. Just a handful are confirmed to exist today.

Among the most iconic 1991 Donruss inserts were the ‘Circles of Greatness’ retrospective cards honoring past stars. Only 25 copies of each of the 8 players were produced, including legends like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Willie Mays. In high grades, these so-called ‘1/1s’ can sell for over $50,000 given their unprecedented rarity.

The fun ‘Diamond Kings’ insert depicted players with jewel-encrusted uniforms. While somewhat common ungraded, mint condition examples have earned thousands. Perhaps most notorious were the ‘Crisp’ parallel versions, distinguishable by their razor-sharp photo crispness. Only 10 of each player were inserted, making these specimens nearly impossible to obtain.

While lacking the rookie class of past years, the 1991 Donruss set endures due to its spectacular shirts, parallel sets and inserts with unprecedented low print runs. Keys like the Ultra Premiums, Gold Stamps and Circles parallel sets rank among the most valuable modern sports cards ever produced. For dedicated collectors, hunting a gem mint example of these iconic rarities provides the ultimate 1991 Donruss chase.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED PACK

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is among one of the most popular and valuable vintage card sets from the late 1980s. Packs of unopened 1989 Topps cards can still be found in hobby shops and collectibles stores over 30 years later. As time goes on, sealed wax packs from this era become harder to find and command substantial prices when they do surface on the secondary market. For collectors and investors, an unopened pack of 1989 Topps baseball cards represents a time capsule into the past that could hold cards of some of the game’s all-time greats from that season.

The 1989 Topps set features 660 total cards including 22 player photo variations. Some of the notable rookie cards included are Barry Bonds, Gregg Jefferies, Randy Johnson, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas. Veterans like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett also had flashy cards in the set. The design features player photographs with team logos across the bottom and grey borders on a white background. The backs have standard stats and career highlights written in a single column of text.

While wax packs from the late 1980s and early 90s don’t hold the mystique or cachet of the 1950s or 1960s, they are still prized by collectors today for their vintage appeal and investment potential. An unopened pack could contain a lucrative hit like a rookie card of Bonds, Glavine, or Thomas in pristine near-mint or gem mint condition protected by the wrapper. Even common cards of recognizable names from that era sealed in the original wax would carry a premium today. Consider that in 1989, Topps packs retailed for just $1 each.

When collecting unopened wax packs, there are several factors that determine their potential value such as the sport, year, estimated number of sealed packs remaining, and any notable rookie cards or stars featured in the set. For 1989 Topps baseball, another attribute that makes it especially collectible is how the popularity of the players from that year has grown in retrospect. Players like Bonds, Clemens, Griffey Jr., and others really came into their own in the 1990s — a time period now seen with much nostalgia. This enhances interest in products related to when they were new to the scene as rookies and young stars.

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Packs of 1989 Topps in particular seem to be less intact than some others years, likely due to how affordable they once were. But surviving sealed examples can still fetch four-figure prices today. In December 2020, a collection of 11 unopened 1989 Topps wax packs sold for just under $11,000 on eBay. Meanwhile in February 2021, a lone 1989 Topps wax rack pack went for $2,050. For hardened vintage collectors, the potential value isn’t just in monetary terms either. Opening a time capsule of cards from when they themselves were kids holds significant sentimental worth.

While 1989 Topps packs may not be quite as scarce or acclaimed as some other vintage issues, they deserve recognition among aficionados of 1980s and 90s wax. Rookie stars, familiar names, and memories of a bygone baseball era make them beloved items for collectors today. As with all vintage sealed product, finding intact packaging from this set has become an epicurean hunt. But for those possessing an unsearched pack after all these years, the thrill of the rip and chance at discovery still endures – now only with much higher stakes.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT RIGHT NOW

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The baseball card collecting hobby is as popular as ever, with values of vintage and modern cards climbing each year. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to add to your collection, here are some of the top baseball cards you’ll want to target on the secondary market right now.

A top player who continuously shatters records each season, Mike Trout is undoubtedly one of the faces of baseball today. As the ongoing active player with the highest collectible value, Trout cards are always a sound investment. One of his most coveted rookie cards is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor parallel card, which has sold for over $400,000. Even base rookie cards in Near Mint to Mint condition can fetch $10,000+. For a more attainable option, look for his 2012 Topps Update Series rookie card, which routinely sells for $500-1000 even in well-worn condition. Any Trout card from his early seasons holds value.

Shohei Ohtani’s two-way playing abilities make him a truly unique star attracting worldwide attention. His 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie card was one of the most sought-after modern issues upon release and prices have only risen since. Near Mint copies can go for $1000-1500 in today’s market. Ohtani’s rarity and playing spectacle ensure strong long-term collector demand. With continued success on both sides of the ball, his rookie cards remain a top pick for investing in an active player.

Jacob deGrom may not have the name recognition of other Mets like Tom Seaver or Dwight Gooden, but his pitching dominance these past few seasons is generating huge card interest. Short prints and parallels of his 2014 Topps Rookie debut have 6 figure price tags. Even the base is a $500+ card today. As one of the elite arms in baseball, deGrom cards across all of his early issues present an opportunity to acquire a potential hall of famer at relatively affordable prices before recognition and values potentially explode.

The generational talents of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto are fascinations for collectors. Their 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie cards were so in-demand upon release that PSA 10 Gems now sell for $2,000-3,000 each. Even well-centered raw copies can fetch $400-500. Any parallels and short prints from Acuna and Soto’s early Topps issues are prized collector pieces. As they establish themselves amongst the game’s brightest young stars, their already lofty rookie card values seem poised only to grow higher in the coming years.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took the MLB by storm with his 2019 debut and subsequent All-Star seasons. As one of the most impactful Blue Jays ever, Vladdy Jr.’s cards exploded in the collectors market. His prized 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card parallels can exceed 6 figures for PSA 10’s. Base rookies in Gem Mint sell around $1500-2000 right now. He remains one of the young sluggers with highest potential and card values will likely rise steadily through his remarkable career.

One of the game’s all-time greats, Ken Griffey Jr.’s hobby presence endures more than two decades after his final season. His rookie cards from 1989 Upper Deck, Fleer, and Bowman continue rising in worth as fewer high grade examples remain on the secondary market. PSA 9’s of the iconic Upper Deck rookie sell for around $15,000. PSA 10’s have surpassed $100,000. Any Junior card from his Mariners years hold tremendous nostalgia and collector value thanks to The Kid’s unparalleled charisma and cultural impact. His cards represent some of the safest long term investments in the vintage category.

With over 700 career home runs and ongoing contributions on the field, Albert Pujols remains a living legend collecting ball cards. His 2001 Bowman Chrome and Topps rookie refractor parallel cards are some of the most valuable modern issues, as PSA 10 examples easily crack the $5,000 threshold. Even worn Pujols rookies hold their ground at $300-500. Any early 2000’s Pujols issues showcase a first ballot hall of famer still producing at an elite level and hold significance as a result.

Aaron Judge emerged as one of the biggest stars of the late 2010’s with back-to-back Rookie of the Year and MVP caliber seasons for the Yankees. His 2017 Topps Series 1 rookie is a cornerstone modern card sought by collectors. Near Mint copies trade hands for $300-500 quite regularly with the prices sure to climb higher the deeper he goes into his career. Any Judge rookie parallels, refractors and short prints are prized trophies for serious collectors. As the face of baseball’s most legendary franchise, Judge’s early cards present an opportunity on one of the active greats.

While prices have cooled some from the dizzying pandemic highs, vintage stars like Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron continue appreciating slowly and steadily as condition census grades diminish. Any high quality vintage HOFers from the 1950’s-1970’s represent blue chip collectors pieces with virtually guaranteed future increases in worth. Condition is paramount, with PSA/BGS 9’s and especially 10’s the most investment-worthy examples across even the most common vintage issues. The provenance and nostalgia attached to baseball’s earliest superstars secures these cards’ spots among the most beloved collectibles.

This covers just a sampling of the top baseball cards attracting traders and collectors alike in today’s robust hobby market. With a mix of investments in promising young stars and established legends, savvy collectors can build a balanced portfolio of cards primed to appreciate over the long haul. Studying trends, monitoring the auction grapevine and pouncing on opportunities will help collectors acquire these kind of blue chip cardboard at their best prices. Having the patience to hold items long-term through inevitable market fluctuations is key to realizing the full returns these historically significant sports collectibles offer.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1989 TOPPS

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1989 Topps Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced during baseball’s steroid era, the ’89 Topps set featured many superstar players in the primes of their careers. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key cards from this 792-card release and provide estimated price values for high-end vintage condition examples.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #316)

Widely regarded as one of the most coveted modern-era rookie cards, Griffey’s debut is the crown jewel of the ’89 Topps set. As one of the great five-tool players of his generation, Griffey would go on to hit over 600 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in center field. In pristine mint condition, this rookie currently fetches prices upwards of $5,000. Very good-excellent copies can be acquired for $300-800 depending on centering and corners.

Nolan Ryan (1989 Topps #1)

As a legendary power pitcher even in his 40s, Ryan’s iconic image leads off the ’89 checklist. This is one of the most iconic non-rookie cards from the set. High-grade versions have sold for over $1,000. Most well-centered near mint copies can be found between $150-300.

Rickey Henderson (#166)

The all-time stolen base king, Henderson was in his prime stealing bases for the Oakland A’s in ’89. His electric speed made him one of the most exciting players of the era. Near mint Rickey Henderson’s have recently sold for $600-800. Very good copies are around $150-250.

Barry Bonds (#250)

One of the most feared sluggers of the late 80s and 90s, Bonds was just entering his power prime in Pittsburgh. His ’89 Topps is a key pre-Giants card. Near mint examples have topped $500. Most very good/excellent copies sell between $150-300.

Ozzie Smith (#500)

A perennial Gold Glover at shortstop for the Cardinals, “The Wizard” was in his athletic prime in 1989. High-grade Ozzie’s have brought over $400. Very good copies are around $100-200.

Ken Griffey Sr. (#629)

As Griffey Jr.’s highly-regarded father, this card has gained popularity as a father-son connection. Near mint copies have sold for $300-400 recently. Most very good Sr.’s sell between $75-150.

Roberto Alomar Rookie (#679)

One of the finest second basemen ever, Alomar’s rookie is a key card for Blue Jays collectors. Near mint copies have topped $400. Very good/excellent Alomar rookies are $150-300.

Don Mattingly (#710)

The smooth-swinging Yankees first baseman was a perennial batting champion and fan favorite in the late 80s. High-grade Mattingly’s have surpassed $300. Very good copies are around $75-150.

Other notable stars like Wade Boggs (#30), Roger Clemens (#50), Kirby Puckett (#90), Jose Canseco (#150), and Dennis Eckersley (#680) can also be found in the $75-250 range depending on condition for near mint copies.

The 1989 Topps set also featured several popular team/league leaders and prospects that can yield value:

Mark McGwire AL Home Run Leader (#50) – $150-300 NM
Gregg Jefferies Prospect (#762) – $100-250 NM
Will Clark NL RBI Leader (#650) – $75-150 VG/EX

The ’89 Topps set is loaded with stars from baseball’s steroid era in the primes of their careers. Key rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Alomar paired with iconic veterans make this a highly invested vintage release. With the original print run estimated around 50 million, condition is critical – but there are affordable collecting and investment opportunities across all price grades for this beloved issue.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023 SERIES 2

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Topps Baseball Cards 2023 Series 2 Release

The second series of Topps’ 2023 flagship baseball card set is scheduled for release in late June/early July 2023, continuing Topps’ tradition of releasing high-quality cardboard collectibles celebrating America’s pastime. Series 2 will feature cards showcasing the biggest stars and top rookies from the 2023 MLB season so far as well as nostalgic retrospective cards honoring iconic players and moments from baseball history.

Like previous years, Series 2 will come in traditional wax packs as well as in special high-end hobby boxes targeted at seasoned collectors. The standard packs will contain 11 total cards including 1 guaranteed rookie or prospect parallel card per pack. The set count is expected to be in the 490-500 range like recent years to ensure coverage of all 30 MLB teams while still providing scarcity. Parallels, short prints, autographed memorabilia cards, and more are sure to be present as Topps once again tries to satisfy the wants of new and experienced collectors alike.

Series 2 is particularly anticipated this year due to the excitement around the new crop of rookies that have broken into the big leagues in 2023. Names like Dodgers shortstop Jordan Walker, Guardians outfielder George Valera, and Astros righty Hunter Brown are sure to receive extra attention from collectors seeking those prized first Topps cards of tomorrow’s stars. Established young talents like Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Michael Harris II who made their Topps debuts in Series 1 will see additional showcase cards as well with their ascendant play early in the season.

Veteran sluggers Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani are locks to receive some of Series 2’s premier chase cards reflecting their early MVP-caliber campaigns. Fresh off setting the AL home run record in 2022, a Judge autograph parallel would sell for big bucks. Ohtani’s unique two-way talents ensure he remains one of the faces of the game. And Vladdy has developed into the best hitter in baseball in his age-23 season with the Blue Jays. Other top talent like Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, and Juan Soto should get flashy cards refining their star status too.

Series 2 will also feature tribute cards honoring MLB legends and notable anniversaries from seasons past. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the ’73 “You Gotta Believe” Mets, so Tom Seaver, Jon Matlack, and other members of that surprising pennant winner are deserving of retrospective inserts. The 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 may inspire poignant parallels of #42. And icons of the sport like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more are always worth celebrating in Topps sets old and new with classy reprisals of their iconic photos and stats.

For collectors, picking up a box of 2023 Topps Series 2 offers the thrill of the hunt for the next big rookie stars, parallels of established talents, and nostalgic nods to baseball history. The combinations of high-quality cardboard, rich visuals and fun nostalgia have kept Topps the predominant brand in the hobby for decades. While resellers may list individual flagship cards online, there’s nothing like finding that hit in your own pack fresh from the store. The mid-summer release of Series 2 promises more opportunities for today’s fans to build their collections of cards capturing the past, present, and future of America’s favorite pastime.