Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

1970 VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1970 baseball card season saw the rise of many future Hall of Famers and all-time great players who were just starting their careers. While the cards from this era may not fetch million-dollar prices like some decades prior, there are still quite a few gems from 1970 that can bring in substantial returns for collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1970 baseball cards to keep an eye out for.

One of the true heavy hitters from the 1970 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Ryan was just starting his journey with the New York Mets in 1970 and went on to become arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher of all time. Low population combined with his legendary career has made his 1970 Topps rookie one of the most coveted in the sport’s history. In near mint to mint condition, it can sell for over $20,000. The card is clearly at the very top of the most valuable list for the ’70s.

Another rookie card that earns a spot towards the top is Johnny Bench’s 1970 issue from Topps. Bench burst onto the scene in 1969 as a 21-year-old catcher for the Cincinnati Reds and quickly proved to be one of the best ever behind the plate. He won the 1970 National League Rookie of the Year award. With his future Hall of Fame career and the scarcity of high-grade copies, Bench’s rookie card can net $15,000 or more for a true gem copy.

Reggie Jackson made his Topps debut in 1970 with the Oakland A’s and went on to have a famous career with the Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees. As one of the game’s most iconic power hitters and a member of the 500 home run club, Jackson’s cards hold significant worth. For a pristine 1970 Topps Reggie Jackson, expect to pay around $8,000-$10,000.

In 1970, Carl Yastrzemski was in his prime with the Boston Red Sox and won the American League MVP and batting title. “Yaz” went on to capture the 1967 AL Triple Crown and amass over 3,000 career hits. His 1970 Topps card isn’t quite as scarce as the rookie cards above, but still highly valuable in top grades. A NM-MT copy can be valued around $3,500.

One of the 1970 set’s more sought-after short prints is the Curt Flood card. In addition to being a superb defensive center fielder, Flood is well known for filing a pivotal 1970 lawsuit against Major League Baseball which challenged the league’s reserve clause. Only about 100 copies of his card are believed to exist in pristine condition, so a gem MT/MT+ version could sell for $3,000 or higher.

Moving into the $1,000-$2,000 range, other standout 1970 cards include rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Joe Morgan, and Tom Seaver. Aaron’s Milwaukee Braves card and Seaver’s early Mets issue are two of the key rookie cards collectors hunt. Morgan made his debut with the Houston Astros and went on to a sparkling career mostly with the Big Red Machine Reds.

Some dark horses that can approach $1,000 for top quality include Fergie Jenkins’ 1970 Phillies card, Rod Carew’s 1970 Twins card from his American League Rookie of the Year season, and Nolan Ryan’s 1972 Angels rookie substitute card which was actually issued a year early in the 1970 set due to a photo shortage.

While it may lack some of the mega-valuable cards of the 1960s, savvy collectors know there is still gold to be found in the 1970 Topps baseball series. Rookie cards of soon-to-be all-time greats like Ryan, Bench, Yastrzemski and more make this set highly collectible even decades later. For unopened wax packs or boxes in pristine condition, prices can easily hit five figures as well. The 1970s birthed many icons of the sport, and their early cardboard issues rightly earn places among the most prized baseball collectibles.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TOP 10

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from that year’s American and National Leagues. With 792 total cards, the ‘87 Topps set showcased all the biggest names and rising stars in the game at the time. While not the most valuable vintage set overall, it contained several highly sought after rookie and star player cards that have grown in popularity with collectors in recent decades. Here’s a look at the top 10 most important and valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards based on their historical and cultural significance, as well as current market values:

Barry Larkin Rookie Card (#356)

Barry Larkin would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, winning an MVP award in 1995. His rookie card from the ‘87 Topps set holds significance as one of the more affordable star player rookie cards from that era in good condition. Graded Mint 9 examples recently sold for around $80-150, showing its enduring popularity. Larkin was one of the premier shortstops of the 1990s and his Topps rookie remains a staple in sets from that time period.

Ozzie Smith (#92)

Already an All-Star and Gold Glove winner by 1987, Ozzie Smith was one of the premier defensive shortstops in baseball during the 1980s. His crisp, clean-cut look and back flipping antics made him a fan favorite as well. The 1987 Topps Ozzie Smith card remains one of the definitive baseball cards commemorating his impressive career. Higher graded versions in Mint 8 or above have sold for $150-300 in recent years, with its value steadily increasing among collectors.

Barry Bonds (#266)

Considered one of the greatest players of all time statistically, Barry Bonds’ career and legacy is still hotly debated among fans due to performance enhancing drug accusations later in his career. His rookie card from 1987 Topps is significant as one of the early cards showing his potential before drug controversies. Still a bit overlooked compared to other stars from that era, decent condition Barry Bonds rookies sell in the $80-150 range today. With time, this card may grow in notoriety and value.

Roger Clemens (#264)

Another dominant career marred by later steroid allegations, Roger Clemens established himself as one of baseball’s top pitchers starting in the late 1980s. His 1887 Topps rookie card remains an iconic piece from that vintage set. Higher graded CGA-slabbed versions in Gem Mint 9+ condition recently sold for over $400 due to his pitching accomplishments and notoriety. While tarnished now due to controversies, Clemens’ Topps rookie will likely remain a seminal card from the late 20th century era.

Eric Davis Rookie Card (#373)

Injuries prevented Eric Davis from reaching his full potential, but he was a superstar when healthy based on speed, power and defense ability. His rookie card has appreciated well in recent years due to his flashy playmaking style and the scarcity of pristine graded copies. A PSA 10 version last sold for over $800, and even lower graded copies in the $100-200 range are steadily climbing in secondary market value among collectors. Davis’ speed and highlight reel plays made this one of the more exciting rookies from 1987 Topps.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#150)

Even prior to breaking Lou Gehrig’s famed consecutive games played streak, Cal Ripken Jr. was one of baseball’s most promising young stars in the late 1980s. His dependable performances helped restore faith in the game during that period. The 1987 Topps Ripken rookie remains iconic for capturing him at the beginning of his epic career. Higher graded PSA/CGA Gem Mint 10 examples now sell for $2,000-3,000 due to his hallowed status in Cooperstown. A true cornerstone of the hobby from the vintage ‘87 set.

Rafael Palmeiro (#613)

With over 3000 career hits and 500 home runs, Rafael Palmeiro put together a Hall of Fame caliber resume prior to later steroid scandals clouding his legacy. His Topps rookie is quite scarce in pristine condition due its late card number (#613). As a result, even lower graded copies remain popular investments at $100-300. A PSA 10 Palmeiro rookie sold very recently for over $2000. An intriguing but controversial star player card from the set.

Mark McGwire (#207)

Already displaying prodigious power in 1987, Mark McGwire’s iconic battle with Sammy Sosa helped revive baseball’s popularity in the late 1990s. His Topps rookie is one of the most well-known from that decade. High-grade PSA/BGS versions bring thousands today due to nostalgia for Big Mac’s home run race and MLB single season record. Even amid later revelations, McGwire’s ‘87 Topps RC remains a cherished piece of baseball card history.

Jose Canseco (#667)

As MLB’s first 40/40 player, Jose Canseco was a revolutionary five-tool talent when debuting in the late 1980s. His rookie card is among the scarcest in the ‘87 Topps set due to its late printing number. Even heavily playednear-raw copies sell for $50-100 based purely on his notoriety from the ‘Bash Brothers’ era. Pristine Canseco rookies grade 9 or above are worth $400-800 today and likely to appreciate over time as a genuine piece of baseball innovation history.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)

Widely considered the most prized baseball card in existence, Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie debuted as the coveted card #1 slot in Topps flagship 1987 set. “The Kid” became a 13x All-Star known for dazzling athleticism and joy for the game. His smile, swing and talents captured the imagination of a generation of fans. PSA 10 Griffey rookies have reached $10,000-25,000 depending on market conditions, showing no signs of losing value long-term. Simply put, for culture impact and investment potential, Griffey’s Topps RC stands alone as the most important card in the set.

While conditions have prevented some from holding value as strongly, the 1987 Topps set contained iconic rookie cards and players that still hold nostalgic appeal for collectors across generations. Stars like Ripken, McGwire, Griffey and others defined the late 80s/90s eras and have ensured this set remains a cornerstone in the vintage baseball card market.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 70S AND 80s

Leave a reply

The 1970s and 1980s were a golden era for baseball card collecting. Many hall of famers were still actively playing at the peak of their careers during this time period. As a result, cards from these decades featuring star players often command big money from collectors today. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought after baseball cards from the 1970 and 1980s.

One of the most iconic and valuable cards is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. This card predates the 1970s/80s timeframe. During the late 70s/early 80s, Mantle was still widely considered the best switch hitter of all time and one of the greatest players ever. His 1973 Topps card, featuring Mantle in a Yankees uniform at the end of his career, has grown substantially in value. High graded PSA 10 examples often fetch over $100,000 due to Mantle’s legendary status.

Speaking of legendary Yankees, the 1977 Topps Reggie Jackson ” Mr. October” card is highly coveted. Jackson cemented his postseason hero status with the Yankees in 1977, smashing three home runs in World Series game 6 off three different pitching changes by the Dodgers. High end PSA 10 copies of this coveted card have sold for close to $50,000. Another Yankee great, the 1976 Topps Thurman Munson rookie card also sells for big money, around $15,000 in top condition.

National League stars were well represented in the ’70s as well. The 1973 Topps Hank Aaron card holds extra significance as it was Aaron’s last season before breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Pristine PSA 10 examples have sold for about $25,000. The 1979 Topps Willie Stargell “Pops” card is also extraordinarily valuable in top grades due to Stargell’s leadership of the “We Are Family” Pittsburgh Pirates World Series teams. A PSA 10 recently changed hands for close to $20,000.

Moving to the 1980s, rookie cards began taking on greater importance as collectors looked to obtain stars from the beginning of their careers. Arguably the biggest ’80s star and one of the most valuable rookie cards ever is the 1984 Topps Traded Wade Boggs card. Boggs won five batting titles in the 1980s and this scarce traded set rookie has sold for an astonishing $100,000+ in pristine condition. Likewise, the high end of the market for mint 1985 Topps Roger Clemens and 1987 Topps Barry Bonds rookie cards is around $50,000-$60,000 due to their all-time greatness.

Two extremely valuable ’80s Dodger cards are the 1981 Topps Fernando Valenzuela rookie and the 1986 Topps Kirk Gibson “Walk-Off” World Series hero card. An iconic moment captured on a baseball card, high grade Gibson cards consistently surpass $20,000 at auction. The Fernandomania rookie captures one of the most unlikely Rookie of the Year seasons ever and can reach $15,000 PSA 10. Also hailing from the west coast, the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is rightfully legendary. Even well-circulated mid-grade copies sell for over $1,000 today.

On the whole, the 1970s and 1980s hold some of the most iconic and cherished baseball cards ever created. With legends like Mantle, Aaron, Jackson, and Ripken still playing alongside emerging talents like Boggs, Clemens, and Griffey Jr. the investment potential remains quite lucrative for high quality specimens from this era. While the cards may never reach the stratospheric prices fetched by their early ’50s counterparts, condition-sensitive premium examples will likely continue gaining value for astute collectors and investors.

1952 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

Leave a reply

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. It was Topps’ first major foray into the baseball card market after taking over production from Bowman in 1951. The design and visuals established in 1952 would go on to define the standard baseball card format for decades to come.

With PSA’s rigorous grading standards, a high-grade 1952 Topps card in a PSA holder represents the pinnacle of condition and preservation for what is now a 70-year-old issue. Collectors are willing to pay huge premiums for PSA-graded gems from this classic set. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes 1952 Topps so desirable and explore some of the record prices PSA examples have sold for in recent years.

The 1952 set consists of 379 cards featuring players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. The cards have a simple yet iconic design with a solid color background, black-and-white photo of the player, and stats and information printed below. What makes the condition and centering of 1952s so important is that the cards were relatively small at 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Even minor flaws or centering issues are easily noticeable.

Topps’ distribution methods in the early 1950s also make high-grade examples quite rare today. The cards were primarily inserted as gum trading cards found in wax packaging or cigarette cartons. This exposed them to potential damage, creases, stains or wear over decades of use and storage. Many were thrown away instead of being saved and preserved long-term.

PSA is the undisputed leader when it comes to third-party grading of sports and non-sports cards. Their rigorous authentication and grading process ensures collectors can have confidence in the condition, centering and quality of any PSA-holdered card. A PSA-graded 1952 Topps receives far more attention and demand from serious collectors and investors.

Let’s look at some record sale prices PSA-graded 1952 Topps have achieved in recent years:

In 2018, a PSA Gem Mint 9 Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for an astounding $2.88 million, making it the most valuable baseball card ever sold at auction up to that point.

Also in 2018, a PSA 8 Willie Mays rookie card sold for $525,000, showing the huge premiums paid for even high-grade examples of star rookies from the set.

In 2021, a PSA 8 Duke Snider rookie card changed hands for $236,000, reflecting the strong demand for star players from the iconic ’52 issue.

A PSA 8 Whitey Ford rookie sold for $93,600 in a 2019 auction, more than 10x the value of an ungraded example.

Even non-rookie star cards have achieved huge prices. A PSA 8 Ted Williams sold for $180,000 in 2021 due to his legendary status.

More common players still achieve strong prices in PSA holders. A PSA 8 Eddie Mathews sold for $20,400 in 2020, far above raw cards.

The 1952 Topps set established the classic baseball card format and visuals that defined the industry for decades. PSA’s authentication and grading process ensures collectors can have confidence in condition and quality. As a result, PSA-graded 1952 Topps have shattered records and premiums continue to grow as demand increases from investors, enthusiasts and museums. For condition-sensitive vintage issues like ’52 Topps, PSA provides the gold standard in third-party grading services.

2007 TOPPS ANGELS TEAM SET BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps Angels team set was released as part of Topps’ annual MLB team sets during the mid-2000s. This 36-card team set provided Angels fans with portraits of every player on the 2006 roster. Some key facts and highlights about the 2007 Topps Angels team set include:

The 2006 Angels finished with a record of 89-73, good enough for second place in the AL West division behind the Oakland A’s. The team was led by star players like Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Garret Anderson, and Kelvim Escobar. Topps’ team set captured each of these stars with individual photography cards.

Aside from the main roster, the set also included three manager/coach cards – one each for Mike Scioscia, Bud Black, and Ron Roenicke. Scioscia had been the Angels’ manager since 2000 and led the team to a World Series title in 2002. Black and Roenicke were both bench coaches under Scioscia in 2006.

Rookies on the 2006 roster like Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis, and Ervin Santana each received their own rookie cards in the 2007 team set. This provided collectors the chance to obtain the first Topps cards featuring these up-and-coming young players as they began their MLB careers. Kendrick in particular went on to have a long, productive career primarily with the Angels.

Highlights of the photograph selection for the player cards included dramatic action shots for pitchers like John Lackey and Jered Weaver, close-up portrait images emphasizing the facial features of hitters like Figgins and Anderson, and full-body photos showcasing the batting or throwing motions of two-way talents like Guerrero and Mathis. The photography selection made each card portrait unique.

The design template for the 2007 Topps Angels set featured a simple white border around each photo with a blue and red colored team logo in the upper-left corner. Player names and statistics were printed in white text at the bottom of each card front. The back of each card contained a headshot, personal stats from 2006, and a brief career summary. No autographed or memorabilia cards were included.

To complete the set, collector’s needed to track down short printed cards like the rookie cards of Ervin Santana (#29) and Jeff Mathis (#31) which were inserted at lower rates. The #1 card was designated for Vladimir Guerrero as the team’s offensive star and franchise player of the era. Other chase cards included John Lackey (#8) and Chone Figgins (#13) as respected veterans on the roster.

While not worth as much in the secondary market as high-end flagship Topps sets from the same year today, the 2007 Angels team issue provided an affordable option for die-hard Angels collectors to build a complete, photographic set of their favorite 2006 roster. Prices for commons in the set currently range from under $1 to just a few dollars for the more scarce short prints. As a snapshot of that Angels team over 15 years ago, it remains a fun collection for fans of the Orange County ball club.

The 2007 Topps Angels team set was a 36-card issue focused entirely on providing photographs and stats for every active player on the 2006 Angels roster, including stars, rookies, and coaches. While a fairly basic and low-end product in Topps’ annual baseball offerings, it served as an attainable collectible for Angels fans looking to preserve images of that 2006 team in card form. Today it provides a fun retrospection on a mid-2000s Angels squad for collectors two decades later.

CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

Leave a reply

The 2022 baseball season was another successful one for the St. Louis Cardinals franchise. Under veteran manager Oliver Marmol, the Redbirds went 93-69 and clinched a playoff spot with a National League Central division title. While the team fell short of a World Series championship, there were many outstanding individual performances that baseball card collectors celebrated.

Top rookies Brendan Donovan and Andre Pallante had breakout seasons that made their 2022 rookie cards highly sought after. Donovan, a versatile utility player, hit .281 with an .806 OPS in his first full MLB season. Pallante emerged as a reliable starting pitcher or long reliever, going 7-5 with a 3.24 ERA in 57 innings pitched. Their Topps Chrome Update rookie refractors and Topps Finest rookie parallels became hot commodities on the secondary market.

Veteran stars Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado continued their all-star caliber play. Goldschmidt led the NL with a .317 batting average and hit 35 home runs, cementing his status as a perennial MVP candidate. His autographed Topps Finest patch cards and Topps Chrome Update refractor parallels were highly coveted by collectors. Arenado smacked 30 home runs of his own while playing Gold Glove defense at third base. His Topps Fire autographs and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors maintained strong collector demand.

Pitchers Adam Wainwright and Miles Mikolas anchored the Cardinals rotation all season long. The ageless Wainwright went 11-12 with a 3.71 ERA in 32 starts at age 41. His longevity and success have made his older cards from the 2000s and 2010s very valuable for vintage collectors. Mikolas bounced back from an injury-plagued 2021 with a 12-13 record and 3.57 ERA. His Topps Fire autographs and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors were popular pickups.

Reliever Ryan Helsley emerged as the Cardinals’ shutdown closer, notching a career-high 18 saves with a sparkling 1.25 ERA. The flame-throwing righty saw his rookie cards from 2021 jump in value, while his 2022 Topps Finest autographs and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors became must-have cards. Young outfielders Dylan Carlson and Lars Nootbaar also had breakout seasons at the plate that increased interest in their 2021 rookie cards and 2022 prospect cards.

Veteran catcher Yadier Molina played his final MLB season in 2022 at age 40. In his 19-year Cardinals career, Molina established himself as perhaps the greatest defensive catcher in baseball history and a beloved franchise icon. Collectors eagerly snapped up his Topps Finest 1/1 printing plates, Topps Fire autographs from his final season, and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors to commemorate his legendary tenure in St. Louis. Molina’s retirement has also driven renewed collector interest in his older rookie cards from the early 2000s.

While the Cardinals fell short of a World Series title, their 2022 season under Marmol brought renewed optimism that the team could remain competitive for years to come behind their talented young core. The performances of stars like Goldschmidt, Arenado and newcomers Donovan and Pallante excited collectors and led to strong early demand for their 2022 cards on the secondary market. Veterans Wainwright, Molina and Mikolas also saw collector enthusiasm for documenting their careers. As the offseason progresses, 2022 Cardinals cards will remain a focus of hobby enthusiasts tracking this storied franchise.

BASEBALL CARDS OKC

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been collecting dust and bringing joy to kids for over 150 years. In Oklahoma City, the tradition of trading, collecting and admiring baseball cards dates back to the early 20th century. From humble beginnings with simple tobacco cards, to the modern era of memorabilia cards and high-priced rare finds, baseball cards have been a part of the fabric of Oklahoma City for generations.

One of the earliest organized baseball teams in Oklahoma City was the Oklahoma City Indians, which began play in 1902 as part of the Texas League. While players’ statistics and accomplishments were documented in local newspapers, it wouldn’t be until decades later that Oklahoma City kids could collect and trade physical representations of their favorite players and teams in the form of modern baseball cards.

In the early 1900s, tobacco companies like American Tobacco, Goodwin & Company and Allen & Ginter began inserting illustrated baseball cards into cigarette and tobacco products. These original “tobacco era” cards from the late 1800s and early 1900s featured iconic players like Honus Wagner and Cy Young. It would take until the 1930s for the baseball card collecting craze to really catch on in Oklahoma City, as production and availability of cards increased.

Kids in 1930s Oklahoma City could find the most recent baseball card releases in local drug stores, corner markets and tobacco shops. Brands like Goudey and Play Ball issued sets showcasing the biggest stars of the day like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx. Young fans eagerly awaited the next year’s releases to add to their collections. Swapping duplicate cards was a popular pastime at school, and local card shows began popping up on weekends.

In the post-World War 2 era, the golden age of baseball cards was in full swing. More children than ever had disposable income to spend on wax packs containing the vibrant new cards from manufacturers like Topps. In 1948, Topps secured the exclusive rights to produce major league cards, ushering in an iconic visual style that remains popular today. Oklahoma City kids rushed to local shops to grab the newly released Topps packs, hoping for prized rookies like Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays.

During the 1950s, many future baseball legends had their earliest cardboard appearances. Hometown heroes like Mickey Owen and Bob Carpenter, who played for the Oklahoma City Indians and 89ers minor league teams, received their first baseball cards. Card collecting was no longer just a child’s hobby – it became a serious endeavor for many Oklahoma City teenagers and adults as well. Local card shows at venues like the State Fair saw crowds of enthusiasts trading and selling.

The 1960s saw new innovations in baseball card production that captivated Oklahoma City fans. Topps introduced the first multi-player cards, known as “team” or “team-action” cards. Color photography started appearing on cards in 1967, making players seem more lifelike than ever before. That same year, the Oklahoma City 89ers minor league team had one of its best seasons, no doubt inspiring many new young collectors. In 1969, Topps broke new ground by putting statistics on the back of cards for the first time.

The 1970s was another boom time for baseball cards in Oklahoma City. As the city’s minor league teams like the 89ers continued, a new generation of fans was introduced to the hobby. Stars like Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench and Nolan Ryan received wide distribution in wax packs. Oklahoma City card shops like Sports Collectors Universe, which opened in 1975, saw lines of customers on release days. The rise of specialty card shows and conventions also took off. In 1973, the first National Sports Collectors Convention was held in Oklahoma City.

In the 1980s, several important developments in the baseball card industry had an impact in Oklahoma City. The arrival of upper deck in 1987 marked the first serious competitor to Topps in decades. This new competition led to flashier photography, embossed logos, and increased production quality. The popularity of trading and collecting cards reached a new high. The increased rarity and value of vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s became more widely recognized as well. In Oklahoma City, local card shops stayed busy appraising collections and facilitating trades and sales.

During the 1990s, several economic factors led to a speculative boom and bust cycle in the baseball card market. The allure of investing in rare vintage rookies like a T206 Honus Wagner spurred immense interest and skyrocketing prices industry-wide. In Oklahoma City, the ‘card bubble’ brought out many first-time adult collectors and investors. Overproduction of modern cards during this period led to a crash. Still, the city’s passion for collecting was undeterred, and new innovations like refractor parallels and autograph cards captured fans.

In the 2000s and 2010s, baseball cards found a balance of nostalgia, investment, and fun for new and old fans alike in Oklahoma City. While the speculative fervor of the 1990s faded, card collecting remained a popular leisure activity. The rise of the internet let enthusiasts easily research players, swap duplicates, and stay on top of the latest releases. Oklahoma City’s longstanding card shops like Sports Collectors Universe and Collector’s Den thrived through multiple generations of customers.

Today, baseball cards remain a ubiquitous part of Oklahoma City’s sports culture and memories. Modern parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards sit alongside well-worn vintage favorites in collections. The tradition of searching packs for stars, assembling sets, and appreciating players both familiar and new continues. Whether finding that first Mickey Mantle in a 1950s pack, or chasing down the latest prized rookie, baseball cards have provided decades of enjoyment to the city’s many fans. Their cardboard history in Oklahoma City is deeply woven into the fabric of the community.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HIGH NUMBERS

Leave a reply

The 1973 Topps baseball card set is most famous for breaking tradition by issuing cards past the typical player numbering limit of 520. From 1963 to 1972, Topps issued cards for active players and managers numbered from 1-520. In 1973, they decided to continue numbering players past this threshold, coining the term “high numbers” for cards #525 and above.

This expansion allowed Topps to include more minor leaguers, recent call-ups, and veterans who appeared in only a handful of games in 1972. In total, the 1973 set included cards #1-642, creating an additional 122 “high number” cards beyond the norm. These novel late additions captured the attention of collectors and helped popularize the hobby of chasing complete vintage sets including all variations.

Some key aspects of the 1973 Topps high numbers include:

Player Composition: The additional cards focused on filling out rosters, including lesser known players who didn’t warrant a standard low-numbered card. Many depicted minor leaguers making their MLB debut or veterans nearing retirement with only a game or two played in 1972.

Design Differences: The high numbers kept the same design elements as the base set but used a slightly lighter border color and slightly thinner font for the black player names at the bottom. The photograph size was also reduced slightly to make everything fit in the smaller card frames.

Rarity: With fewer copies printed, many of the high numbers are much rarer than the early numbers. The final few cards featuring very obscure players can be quite difficult to acquire in mint condition today. Conditions biases also tend to impact high numbers more significantly than early issues.

Complete Set Value: A 1973 Topps set with all 642 cards graded Gem Mint 10 is worth over $100,000 due to the rarity of preserving the high numbers in top condition over nearly 50 years. Even well-centered but lower graded sets still command premium prices of $10,000+ when 100% complete.

Key Cards: Some notable high numbers include #543 Joe Morgan (#528 in 1972), #547 Don Sutton (#531), #548 Willie McCovey (#535), #549 Tom Seaver (#537), #641 World Series cards, and #642 manager cards. These help bridge the player count gap between annual issues.

Impact on Hobby: Being the earliest viable vintage set with significant “bonus” cards, 1973 Topps helped establish the fun aspect of pursuing complete vintage rosters including variations like stars in high numbers. This highlighted the archival nature of sports cards capturing a season and minor organizational changes from year to year.

The groundbreaking high numbers of the 1973 Topps set opened a new chapter in the tradition of baseball card production. While causing collectors headaches with their rarity, they also increased hobby enjoyment by adding the novel pursuit of finishing full vintage rosters with all included player iterations. This helped popularize the set and sealed 1973 Topps’ place as a landmark issue in the history of sports card manufacturing and collecting. Their design tweaks and limited print runs established a collector appetite for variations that lives on today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARDS BASEBALL

Leave a reply

Baseball is a beloved American pastime, and for many avid fans of the sport a big part of their lives and identities. If you have a friend or family member who lives and breathes baseball, then a baseball-themed happy birthday card is a great gift idea that will surely put a smile on their face. These unique cards allow you to celebrate their special day while also honoring their love of America’s favorite pastime.

There is a wide variety of baseball birthday card options you can choose from. Many feature classic baseball imagery like baseballs, bats, gloves, and ballpark scenes. Common baseball card themes include a cartoon ballplayer blowing out candles on a baseball cake, a dugout party scene, or a birthday greeting written out in baseball lingo like “It’s your birthday, so step up to the plate and knock it out of the park!”. Some feature nostalgic black and white baseball photos from decades past. Many give a shoutout to the recipient’s favorite MLB team by including the team logo or mascot.

If the birthday boy or girl is a diehard fan of a particular MLB team, then consider seeking out a card that specifically represents their favored squad. Major league teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs and others haveofficial licensed cards available either through team stores online or at the local ballpark. These personalized cards allow you to wish them a happy birthday while also displaying their fandom pride. Options range from simple cards with just the team logo to more elaborate designs featuring action shots of star players or iconic ballpark scenes.

For statistic-minded fans, some unique cards incorporate baseball stats and facts into the birthday message. They may include their birthdate and age written out in batting average form (like “3-12 .287 years”) or wish them a year with stats as great as a particular Hall of Famer. Those who enjoy fantasy baseball or betting on games may get a kick out of cards with images of scoreboards or lineup cards. Retro and vintage styles inspired by baseball’s earlier eras are also popular for the nostalgia-inclined fan.

If you have an inside joke or shared memory connected to a certain baseball moment, consider seeking out a card that references it. For example, a card about your catch at a Little League game together or recalling a hilarious conversation you had watching a specific play. More meaningful, personalized touches can make already sentimental birthday cards even more special for the recipient. Don’t hesitate to add a short handwritten note inside sharing your baseball memories together.

For artists and makers, getting creative by designing your own unique baseball birthday card from scratch can be very rewarding. Sketch your own illustrations of the birthday fan at the ballpark catching a home run or pitching a perfect game. Incorporate favorite players, numbers, logos or inside jokes through DIY elements. Sites like Etsy offer baseball die-cuts, stickers and emblems that make customizing cards easy. Personalized baseball cards showing stats and accomplishments from their “career” can also make one-of-a-kind gifts.

So whether you go with a classic licensed design or put your own spin on a creation, any baseball lover is sure to appreciate the thoughtful gesture of a ballpark-themed happy birthday card. It honors both their special day and lifetime love of America’s pastime in one — delivering smiles both outside and inside. With so many great baseball card options to choose from, you’re sure to hit a home run gift that scores big for any birthday fan of the national pastime.

1994 FLEER SUNOCO BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1994 Fleer Sunoco baseball card set is most notable for featuring Ken Griffey Jr. on the cover in the midst of his back-to-back MVP seasons. While not Fleer’s flagship release that year, the Sunoco set still contained a large collection of star players from that era printed on high quality card stock. Nearly 30 years later, many of these cards still hold value for collectors thanks to the talented players featured and the insert parallel subsets included.

First, it’s important to understand the background and context of the 1994 Fleer Sunoco set. In the early 1990s, Fleer signed an exclusive deal with Sunoco to produce a licensed specialty baseball card set each year specifically for Sunoco gas stations. These sets were inserted in packs sold at the pumps similar to today’s Team Transportation sets at truck stops. As a licensed product tied to a major brand, the photography and production values matched Fleer’s main releases. The Sunoco sets were significantly smaller though, containing only 180 total cards compared to over 700 in the flagship Fleer sets.

As for the rookie class of 1994, it was absolutely stacked with future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Jim Edmonds, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jason Giambi. All of these players have maintained value over time in their Sunoco rookie cards. The true gems and biggest money cards from the 1994 Fleer Sunoco set revolve around three parallel insert sets – Gold Border, Silver Border, and Red Border parallels. Each of these subsets featured select stars on special parallel versions of their base cards with embossed gold, silver, or red foil borders around the image.

The Gold Border parallels were the most scarce, with opinions varying but general estimates placing them around 1 per case. This rarity has made early 1990s Gold parallels some of the most coveted and valuable parallels ever produced. Gold Borders of sluggers like Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire from 1994 Sunoco routinely sell for thousands. Even lesser known Golds can still fetch hundreds due to their extreme scarcity.

Silver Borders were inserted at a slightly higher rate estimated around 1 per mini box. While more available than Golds, prominent Silvers still hold immense value from this set. Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Roberto Alomar Silvers are some of the most expensive cards in the entire 1994 Sunoco set, often selling in the multiple thousands of dollars depending on grade and registry.

Finally, Red Borders were inserted at the highest rate but still relatively scarce at around 1 per 10 packs. Affordable Red parallels can still be found of stars like Craig Biggio, Pedro Martinez, and Tony Gwynn in the $50-300 range. Bigger names in Mint condition can also break $1000.

In addition to the parallel inserts, key rookie and star player base cards retain value as well. Mint or graded rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Griffey, Edmonds, Garciaparra, and Giambi can be $20-100 depending on the particular player variation. Star veterans like Bonds, Thomas, McGwire, Johnson, and Griffey command $5-50 for their basic base cards in high grade as well despite the larger print runs.

While not as widely collected as flagship releases, the 1994 Fleer Sunoco baseball card set remains an intriguing specialty product over 25 years later. The parallel subsets provide some true holy grails for collectors, while the base cards of star players and top rookies retain relevance and price tags proportional to their on-field accomplishments. For collectors looking to add vintage parallel inserts or sought-after rookie cards to their collections, 1994 Fleer Sunoco remains a very viable and affordable vintage option.