Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

FREE PRINTABLE BASEBALL LINEUP CARDS

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Baseball lineup cards provide coaches, managers and players with an organized, printed list of who is in what position for each game. Whether it’s for your little league team or a high school varsity squad, lineup cards allow everyone to be on the same page in terms of positions, batting order and substitutions. While some may opt to write the lineup by hand on a whiteboard or piece of paper, free printable baseball lineup cards offer a clean, professional presentation without costing you anything to create.

There are many free baseball lineup card templates available online from sites dedicated to the sport. These templates provide positions listed down the left side with space to the right to write in player names. Some include additional details like team name, date, opponent and game number. The templates are generally PDF or image files that can be easily downloaded and printed at home. Most printers nowadays have duplex or double-sided printing capabilities allowing you to print the lineup on both sides of a standard sheet of paper for a neat, consolidated card.

When using free printable baseball lineup cards, you’ll want to choose a template layout and design that best suits your needs and preferences. Consider things like available roster space, inclusion of extra stats or notes sections, and overall visual appeal. Don’t feel limited to basic single page designs either – some templates offer expanded multi-page versions so more stats or full player bios can be included if desired. And don’t forget to proofread your lineup entries once printed for any typos or errors before presenting the cards at game time.

Whether you need a simple one-game lineup or a booklet containing lineups for your entire season schedule, free templates provide a budget-friendly solution. With some basic computer skills and a printer, you can create fully customized printable baseball lineup cards without spending any money on pre-made sheets, laminated cards orTemplates. Some coaching tips for getting the most benefit from your lineup cards include:

Print multiple copies for various uses like the dugout, press box, opposing coach. This prevents issues if one gets dirty, lost or passed around.

Consider laminating cards for protection from elements if printed single-sided. Dry-erase laminated cards allow lineup changes to be wiped off and rewritten as needed during the game.

Leave space on the cards for notes on pitching matchups, tendencies, subs plans or other strategic information.

Have players sign their own names on cards to foster ownership and accountability knowing their names will be presented.

Distribute cards ahead of games for players to review batting orders and commit positions to memory before taking the field.

Collect cards from previous games to track stats and development over the season for individual players and the team.

When it comes to free baseball lineup card templates, there is no limit to tweaks and customizations possible. Consider adjustments like drop shadows, custom fonts, backgrounds, logos, colors and graphics to match your team brand. Software like Word, Publisher and online design tools make it simple to modify templates as desired with basic computer skills. And with free unlimited access, you can tweak and experiment with different designs risk-free before settling on your favorite lineup card template with endless potential uses.

BASEBALL CARDS BLOOMINGTON MN

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Baseball Cards in Bloomington, Minnesota: A Rich History of the Hobby

Located just south of Minneapolis, the city of Bloomington, Minnesota has a long history with the hobby and business of baseball cards. For decades, collectors from throughout the Twin Cities area and beyond have come to Bloomington to peruse its many shops specializing in sports collectibles, particularly vintage baseball cards. Whether you’re a casual browser or a serious investor, Bloomington offers a wealth of opportunities to indulge your passion for America’s pastime on cardboard.

Some of the earliest baseball card shops in Bloomington date back to the 1970s, when the hobby first began booming in popularity nationwide. Stores like Champs Sports Cards and Collectibles, which opened in 1972, helped fuel local interest during the sport’s most iconic eras, like the rise of stars from the 1960s like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. They stocked the latest wax packs, boxes, and sets from Topps, Fleer, and other manufacturers, allowing kids to build their collections pack by pack with hopes of scoring a valuable rookie card.

By the late 1980s, as the financial potential of vintage cards became increasingly clear, dedicated card shops specializing solely in older material began to emerge. Pantheon Sports Cards was an early pioneer in this approach when it launched in 1988, focusing its inventory on high-grade vintage cardboard from the 1950s onward. Its expertise made Pantheon a magnet for serious collectors seeking key pieces to complete sets or fill out their player collections. Meanwhile, shows featuring tables of collectors selling and trading with one another also became common in the Bloomington area during this time.

Into the 1990s and 2000s, the city continued cultivating its reputation as a hotbed for baseball card activity. National chains moved in alongside the independents, with shops like Dave & Adam’s Card World and Midwest Cards & Collectibles offering massive selections. Meanwhile, local businesses like The Baseball Card Exchange and Minnesota Sportscards kept the hometown flair alive. All stocked the latest releases while maintaining deep stocks of investments-grade vintage as the market steadily advanced. Signature events like National Sports Collectors Convention also brought collectors from around the globe to Bloomington.

Today, over four decades since the earliest shops opened, Bloomington remains a vibrant hub for the baseball card community. While the internet allows collecting from afar, many still appreciate perusing selections in-person. Champs and Pantheon have been joined by newer outfits like The Card Vault, which opened in 2013. Meanwhile, annual vintage card shows at venues like the Bloomington Event Center keep the trading tradition alive, with hundreds of tables of material to explore. Prices have risen exponentially, but Bloomington keeps nurturing new generations of fans through its shops, shows, and passion for the cardboard keepsakes of summer’s game.

Whether you’re looking to build your Mickey Mantle collection, add key pieces to vintage sets, or just grab the latest packs, Bloomington, Minnesota offers a wealth of opportunities. With multi-generational shops, large national retailers, and events catering to collectors of all levels, the city has cemented its place as a true hotbed for the baseball card industry. Its passionate local community and knowledgeable businesses make it a can’t-miss destination for any fan of America’s pastime preserved on cardboard. After over four decades in the hobby, Bloomington shows no signs of slowing down—it remains one of the top baseball card destinations anywhere.

SELECT BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The new year brings with it a fresh crop of baseball cards from the top manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. 2023 promises several highly anticipated rookie cards as well as cards featuring major milestones and achievements from the previous season. Several factors influence which modern-era cards stand to gain significantly in value in the coming years. Rookie cards of emerging young stars, prestigious vintage parallels, and cards commemorating historic career stats are usually a safe bet. Let’s take a closer look at some select baseball cards to watch out for in 2023.

Perhaps the biggest story in baseball cards for 2023 will be the arrival of phenom Julio Rodriguez’s rookie offerings. The Seattle Mariners’ 21-year-old wunderkind had a stellar rookie campaign that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His spectacular combination of power, speed and defense have cemented him as a budding superstar. Julio’s flagship Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #184RC is poised to become one of the most desirable modern rookie cards. Limited parallels like the /5, /10, Auto, and 1/1 Rainbow Foil versions have the potential to gain the most value in the years ahead as Rodriguez’s career blossoms. His flagship Topps base paper rookie #338 sells for around $50-100 already and may fetch triple digits within a couple years.

Another can’t-miss rookie to follow is Atlanta Braves’ starter Spencer Strider. The flame-throwing 23-year-old broke out in 2022 with an 11-5 record and 2.67 ERA over 31 games started. Strider’s electric fastball-slider combo has drawn comparisons to Jacob deGrom. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor #336RC sells in the $30-50 range but offers huge long-term upside. Limited parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards may be worthwhile holds. Rookies like Braves’ centerfielder Michael Harris II and White Sox prospect Oscar Colas also deserve attention after impressive debut campaigns.

Vintage collectors will want to seek out 2023 issues celebrating the trading card debuts of all-time greats like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Roberto Clemente. Topps’ 2023 Legacy set is expected to feature cards honoring these Hall of Famers’ first ever appearance in the 1952 Topps set. Numbered parallels and autograph cards highlighting their rookie seasons could prove exceptional long-term investments. Upper Deck’s Allen & Ginter set may also pay tribute to vintage stars with retro-style artwork and serial-numbered inserts.

Milestone accomplishments in 2023 create exciting modern card chasing opportunities as well. Cards marking Albert Pujols’ 700th home run from 2021 are hot. In 2022, Miguel Cabrera reached 3,000 hits – a feat only accomplished by 33 players in MLB history. His Topps Update #US375 parallel rainbow foil sell for $200-400 already. Should Aaron Judge eclipse Roger Maris’ AL home run record of 61 this season, any card showing that achievement would be iconic. Autographs, patches, and 1/1 versions of such landmark stats secure cards’ legacies for generations of collectors.

Subset and insert sets also gain followings. Topps’ Top Ten parallels featuring the year’s best at each position are popular, as are similar sets released by Leaf, Panini, and Bowman’s Best. Players like Shohei Ohtani who dual-position stars often gain added appeal. Serial-numbered parallels sell for premiums. insert sets highlighting young All-Star performers like Brewers’ Christian Yelich or Mariners’ Ty France can foreshadow future success. Autograph and memorabilia cards inserted in products like Topps Chrome, Allen & Ginter, Topps Tier One and Bowman Sterling command high prices.

All in all, 2023 promises a year of opportunity for card collectors following the performances of rookie stars as well as cards commemorating history-making milestones. With patience and an eye towards notable achievements, a prudent collector can diversify across players, inserts and parallels that appear attractively priced but poised to increase in value over the long run. While new cards carry risks inherent in any investment, the hobby remains a reliable way to appreciate iconic moments in baseball’s storied past and emerging present. With smart collecting guided by the fundamentals, 2023 cards offer prospects for building collections that may gain value for generations to come.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2022 WALMART

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Topps has been producing baseball cards for decades and remains the leader in the baseball card industry. Every year, they release new sets featuring the latest MLB stars from the previous season. 2022 was no different, as Topps debuted several new baseball card products available at Walmart stores and online.

Topps 2021 Series 2 Baseball Cards

One of the first 2022 baseball card releases available at Walmart was Topps 2021 Series 2. As the name implies, this was the second series of cards from Topps’ 2021 season long flagship set. Series 2 carries on the traditional design of the base cards but features a new crop of players and rookies that were omitted from Series 1 in the spring. Walmart received shipments of Series 2 blaster and hanger packs beginning in late May/early June 2022.

The release gave collectors a second chance at rookie cards of breakout players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jonathan India, and Randy Arozarena. It also offered base cards of established stars signing new contracts like Freddie Freeman with the Dodgers and Carlos Correa with the Twins. The odds of pulling an autograph or memorabilia card from a Series 2 pack were on par with Series 1, making these affordable packs a fun rip for fans. With a $20 MSRP per blaster, Series 2 was accessible for casual collectors stopping by their local Walmart.

Topps 2022 Series 1 Baseball Cards

Of course, the highly anticipated flagship release from Topps in 2022 was Series 1. Featuring the traditional design and focusing on capturing the previous season’s top rookies and performances, Series 1 is considered the foundational set in any collector’s collection each year. Walmart received exclusives on certain Series 1 products in the early months of 2022.

From January through March, hobby boxes, jumbo packs, and blaster/hanger multi-packs of 2022 Series 1 were stocked almost immediately upon the set’s official release date and remained on shelves as one of Walmart’s top basketball card SKUs. Key rookie cards of 2021 standouts like Jonathan India, Randy Arozarena, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. as well as base cards of big stars like Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr. drew customers seeking to rip packs. Walmart’s MSRP of around $19.98 for blasters made 2022 Series 1 accessible for many new collectors.

Topps Big League Baseball Cards

In mid-2022, Topps and Walmart partnered to launch an exclusive Big League baseball card set only available at retail. Big League took Topps’ standard base card design and photo quality but tweaked the borders and colorscheme with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme celebrating America’s pastime. Like some past “Walmart exclusive” releases, the Big League set featured variations like green and purple parallels in addition to the red bordered base design.

Cases containing 24 packs with 12 cards apiece landed on Walmart pegs from June through August. Priced just under $10 a pack, Big League offered budget collectors and kids a low financial commitment to rip packs. While the set lacked big rookie stars, pulling autographed and memorabilia cards of MLB veterans was still enticing. Overall, Big League helped Walmart sustain in-store baseball card sales over the summer months between larger Topps flagship releases.

Topps Allen & Ginter’s Baseball Cards

A unique non-sport release available at Walmart in summer 2022 was Topps Allen & Ginter’s Baseball variant. Taking beloved elements of the standard Allen & Ginter’s checklist like baseball legends, serial numbered parallels and vintage trade cards, this spin-off incorporated baseball photography and relic and autograph chase cards. Cases hit Walmart shelves from July through September featuring 24 packs with 15-20 cards per box at a $9.98 MSRP.

Collectors enjoyed the throwback visuals mixed with modern baseball stars. Relic cards featuring swatches and autographs of historic figures like Babe Ruth paired nicely with patches and signatures from active MLB all-stars. Allen & Ginter’s showed Topps’ creativity keeping the hobby fresh between traditional releases. While it may not suit purist baseball collectors, the Allen & Ginter’s variation satisfied fans’ itch for a fun rip at affordable prices readily available at their local Walmart.

Topps Archives Snapshots Baseball Cards

Releasing in late summer/early fall 2022, Topps Archives Snapshots provided Walmart shoppers another unique nostalgia-themed product exclusive to retail. Taking visual cues from 1970s-era Topps design aesthetics, Snapshots cards shrunk modern baseball photography down to postage stamp-sized snapshots embedded within a flip frame mockup. The retro-inspired design increased demand for Snapshots among collectors with a fondness for vintage styling.

Snapshots arrived at Walmart in 24-pack boxes at $9.98 per box from August through October. Additional bonuses like extra snapshot cards celebrating MLB hall of famers and autographs added intrigue to each pack. With a focus on established veterans and stars versus rookies, Snapshots appealed more to hobbyists seeking specific players versus being a true “rippable” release. Still, the vintage packaging drew customers to the candy aisle at Walmart seeing Topps’ tribute to the early days of the hobby.

Overall, 2022 saw Topps maintain their strong partnership bringing new and exclusive baseball card releases to Walmart. From flagship products to various specialty sets with one-of-a-kind designs, Topps kept shelves stocked with intriguing options at affordable price points. With Walmart’s massive retailer presence nationwide, these releases helped introduce new collectors to the baseball card hobby and gave veterans multiple opportunities to add to their collections each quarter of the year. Topps and Walmart’s synergy continues fueling popularity and interest in the traditional sports card market. Fans can expect this successful partnership to deliver more new releases landing exclusively at Walmart stores in baseball card season 2023 and beyond.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 PRICING

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1987 Donruss Baseball Card Pricing Guide

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. With its vibrant photography and classic design aesthetic, the ’87 Donruss set launched the careers of several future Hall of Famers while also chronicling the end of eras for legendary stars nearing retirement. In this in-depth pricing guide, we’ll examine key factors that influence the value of 1987 Donruss cards and provide estimated price ranges for the most valuable rookie cards and legends of the set.

Release Details and Product Mix: The 1987 Donruss baseball card set consisted of 792 total cards issued in wax packs, factory sets, and cello boxes. The base card design featured a colorful team logo at the top with a large action photo taking up most of the front of the card. Short player stats were listed on the bottom back. Parallels included ’87 Update, Traded, and Glossy versions of selected cards.

Rookie Phenoms Drive Interest and Prices: Two of the most coveted rookies in the entire ’80s era debuted in the ’87 Donruss set – Toronto’s Roberto Alomar (#444) and Cincinnati’s Eric Davis (#481). In near-mint to mint condition, their rookie cards can fetch $150-$300 for Alomar and $100-$250 for Davis. Other valuable ’87 Donruss rookies include Frank Thomas (#628 – $75-150), Tom Glavine (#679 – $50-125), and David Justice (#701 – $40-100).

Stars of the Day Hold Strong Value: While no longer rookie cards, the flagship players of the late ’80s shine bright in the ’87 Donruss set. A PSA 10 graded Wade Boggs (#29) can sell for $500-800. The cards of Roger Clemens (#99), Ozzie Smith (#165), and Kirby Puckett (#268) regularly bring $150-350 in top condition. Darryl Strawberry (#315), Don Mattingly (#360), and Rickey Henderson (#386) round out premium star cards valued between $100-250.

Veteran Legends Near Retirement: Icons entering the twilight of their careers still attract collectors to the ’87 Donruss issue. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan (#469) recently sold for over $400. Other elder statesmen such as Mike Schmidt (#502 – $150-300), George Brett (#527 – $125-250), and Jim Rice (#588 – $75-150) maintain strong followings.

Team and Parallels Variations: For dedicated team collectors, complete ’87 Donruss team sets can be quite valuable – especially for flagship franchises. A Chicago Cubs team set recently sold for nearly $1,000. Parallel cards like Traded and Glossy versions often double or triple the value of base counterparts in high grades. ’87 Update cards are also popular, with stars fetching over $100 in top condition.

Condition is King: As with any vintage sports card issue, the all-important grade from services like PSA or BGS can make or break the value of an ’87 Donruss card. Near-mint examples in the 8-9 range often settle in the $10-50 range depending on player. But that $400 Nolan Ryan was a rare PSA 9. Cards need to be very well-centered and show sharp corners/edges to achieve true high-end grades. Even small flaws can cut values significantly.

In Closing: The 1987 Donruss baseball card set endures as a classic of the era and remains a must-have for collectors of the sport’s biggest stars and rookie debuts. Key rookie phenoms and veteran legends lead the way in terms of demand and price points. But solid condition examples of almost any Hall of Famer or All-Star from the set retain collector interest and value. For those hunting true near-mint gems, the potential rewards could be well worth the effort.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent years. Topps has the exclusive license with Major League Baseball, so their flagship release each season is the de facto rookie card and base card issuer for current MLB players.

2023 marks Topps’ 65th year as the MLB’s official card maker. To celebrate this milestone, Topps is pulling out all the stops with innovative designs, extensive rookie class coverage, special parallels and inserts, and iconic “retro-style” parallels to honor the company’s rich baseball card history since entering the market in the late 1950s.

Base Card Design

For the base card design, Topps is going with a clean, classic look reminiscent of their 1980s and 1990s issues. The front features a large action photo with minimal borders. Player name and team name/logo are positioned below the image in all capitalized font.

The back provides career stats and bio info in a straightforward layout. Manufacturing info is printed in the lower left with the Topps logo watermark prominently across the bottom. Card stock feels premium – not too glossy or slick. Overall it’s a sharp, understated design that allows the photography to take center stage.

Rookies and Prospects

As always, rookie class coverage is the most anticipated aspect of the Topps release each year. The 2023 set includes over 200+ rookies, including the entire class of players that made their MLB debut in 2022. Top prospects that didn’t debut last year like Gunnar Henderson and Emerson Hancock also receive rookie cards in Series 1.

Paramount Authentic parallels on card #150 and #499 provide the flagship rookie cards for #1 overall picks Druw Jones and Elijah Green. Additional color parallels like Gold, Black, and Rainbow Foil ensure these rookies have plenty of “high-end” versions for collectors. Topps also includes Update rookie cards later in the year for any players who debut after Series 1 is released.

Retro Parallels

Topps has created some truly unique and desirable parallels to celebrate their 65th anniversary. The “65 Years of Topps” inserts feature retro-styled designs inspired by Topps issues from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Parallels include 1965, 1975, 1985 “wood-grain” style, and 1992 “foilboard” designs. Player photos and stats are recreated faithfully in the aesthetic of that respective era. These inserts will undoubtedly become highly sought after by collectors looking to build full rainbow sets in the different retro styles.

Additional Inserts

Topps continues including hit-or-miss inserts in their flagship baseball releases. This year fans can expect:

“Then & Now” – Vintage photos paired with modern shots of the same player

“Stars of the Game” – Highlights big performances from the previous MLB season

“Topps Originals” – Reproductions of some of the most iconic early Topps cards

“65th Anniversary” – Short print retrospective cards honoring Topps history

Autographs, Patch Cards, Memorabilia Cards of current stars

SP and 1/1 parallels throughout the base set and inserts

The 2023 Topps release shapes up to be one of the most complete rookies class sets in years. Between the classic base design, extensive parallels and inserts, and nostalgic “Retro” parallels, Topps is delivering something for collectors both young and old. With the perfect storm of new star rookies and Topps’ 65th anniversary celebration, this issue is sure to be a long-term standout among baseball card investors and enthusiasts.

2022 YANKEES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 New York Yankees had high expectations coming off a 92-70 record in 2021 that saw them make the AL Wild Card game. While they fell short of a World Series appearance, there were many standout individual performances that have collectors excited about the 2022 Yankees baseball card crop. Rookies and veterans alike had memorable seasons in the Bronx that will be immortalized in cardboard.

Top Yankees rookie cards to watch include OF Estevan Florial. After several years in the minors, Florial got his first extended MLB playing time in 2022 and impressed with his athleticism and defense. While he only hit .216 in 54 games, Florial’s five home runs, 12 RBI, and seven stolen bases tantalized scouts. As one of the organization’s top prospects for years, Florial’s rookie cards could appreciate in value if he breaks out in 2023.

Another exciting Yankees rookie is 3B/OF Oswaldo Cabrera. Cabrera got the call in August and slashed .231/.286/.385 with 5 HR in 56 games while playing solid defense at third base and in the outfield corners. The 23-year-old switch hitter showed impressive versatility and pop in his bat that makes his rookie cards a worthwhile investment, especially for the always-popular Yankees.

On the pitching side, righty Clarke Schmidt made his MLB debut in 2022 after battling injuries. In 13 appearances (5 starts), Schmidt posted a 3.33 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while showing three solid pitches. The 27-year-old former 1st round pick remains a high-upside arm and his rookie cards are a buy for those bullish on his future.

Beyond the rookies, veterans Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton had monster seasons at the plate that make their 2022 cards highly sought after. Judge smacked an AL-record 62 home runs in winning the Triple Crown while slashing .311/.425/.686. His mammoth shots and MVP caliber play have made Judge the face of the franchise. Stanton also stayed healthy, bashing 35 HR with an .875 OPS. Both superstars are primed for huge seasons again in 2023.

On the pitching side, Nestor Cortes Jr. emerged as the staff ace in 2022. In a career-best 163.1 innings across 28 appearances (27 starts), Cortes posted a league-leading 2.44 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. The crafty lefty uses an array of pitches to keep hitters off balance and became a Cy Young candidate. At just 27, Cortes has cemented himself as a core part of the Yankees rotation for years to come. His rising star status makes his 2022 cards a smart long-term hold.

Relievers Clay Holmes and Lou Trivino also had stellar seasons in pinstripes worth highlighting. Holmes joined the Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline and solidified the back-end of the bullpen in 2022 with a 1.46 ERA and 20 saves. Meanwhile, the durable Trivino threw 76.1 innings with a 2.61 ERA after coming over from Oakland. Both veteran righties bring reliability to the Yankees ‘pen that should keep their cards relevant.

While the Yankees fell short of the World Series, they had many individual accomplishments that make their 2022 cards compelling. Rookies like Florial, Cabrera and Schmidt offer breakout potential. Stars like Judge, Stanton and Cortes continue cementing their legacies in pinstripes. Underrated contributors like Holmes and Trivino provide steady production. With a talented young core and financial might, the Yankees remain perennial contenders. Their 2022 cardboard captures a season to remember in the Bronx. For collectors, Yankees cards from this year present opportunities for both enjoyment and potential future appreciation.

BEST CARDS IN 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it didn’t feature any rookies that would go on to the Hall of Fame, there are still several cards that stand out as some of the best from that year. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards collectors seek out from the 1987 Topps set.

One of the most well-known and valuable cards from 1987 Topps is the Roger Clemens card. Clemens was already establishing himself as one of the game’s elite pitchers and would go on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 1986 and 1987. His card features him in a Boston Red Sox uniform and carries a photo negative image that makes it quite distinctive. In near mint condition, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card can fetch hundreds of dollars due to his pitching dominance and fame.

Another pitching great with an outstanding card is Nolan Ryan. By 1987, Ryan was in his late 30s but was still overpowering hitters as a member of the Houston Astros. His Topps card shows him mid-windup and his blazing fastball made him a fan favorite. Like Clemens, Ryan’s card remains quite valuable in high grades. His on-field accomplishments and iconic status in the game give this card lasting appeal for collectors.

A third pitcher with an elite 1987 Topps card is Dwight Gooden. As a 22-year old phenom with the New York Mets, “Doc” Gooden’s rookie season in 1984 saw him win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award. By 1987, he was still in his prime and his ball-and-strike count Topps photo is a classic. Gooden’s early career success and his role in reviving baseball interest in New York City make this one of the most sought-after rookie/early career cards from the set.

While pitchers dominate the high-end cards from 1987 Topps, there are also position players with outstanding issue. One is Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs. The 1987 season was Boggs’ first winning the American League batting title and his card shows him in the batter’s box. Boggs would go on to be a first ballot Hall of Famer and his consistent excellence at the plate gives his common Topps card strong collector demand.

Another position player card with lasting popularity is Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Bell. The 1987 season saw Bell win the American League MVP award by batting .308 with 47 home runs and 134 RBI. Not only was his MVP season career-defining, but his fun-loving persona made him a fan favorite in Toronto. Bell’s award-winning 1987 campaign is memorialized in his action-shot Topps card that remains a Canadian sports collectible classic.

While stars on winning teams receive the most acclaim, some players’ cards stand out due to unusual circumstances. One is Chicago Cubs first baseman Leon Durham. His 1987 Topps issue shows him in the field but is notorious for featuring the wrong team logo. Instead of the Cubs’ “C”, it shows the St. Louis Cardinals logo in error. While a mishap, the logo error makes Durham’s card one of the most intriguing anomalies in the set that collectors love to find.

The 1987 Topps set didn’t yield any rookie cards that reached icon status. It perfectly captured the performances of superstar pitchers like Clemens, Ryan, and Gooden who were dominating the league. Position player standouts like Boggs, Bell, and even the erroneously logo’d Durham card add to the set’s appeal and memory-making moments in baseball history. For these reasons, the cards of the game’s biggest stars from 1987 continue to entice collectors and rank among the most iconic and valuable in the entire set.

NOLAN RYAN BASEBALL CARDS 1985

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Nolan Ryan established himself as one of baseball’s fiercest competitors during his Major League Baseball career from 1966 to 1993. His years pitching for the Houston Astros from 1980 to 1988 were some of his most prolific and memorable. In 1985, Ryan dominated on the mound at age 38 while also achieving several major career milestones. As a result, his baseball cards from 1985 are highly coveted by collectors today.

1985 was Ryan’s 19th season in the big leagues and his sixth with the Astros. He was already considered a legend for his blazing fastball and record-setting strikeouts. However, 1985 would prove to be one of Ryan’s most impressive seasons statistically. He made 35 starts, completing 8 of them, and pitched a league-leading 276 innings. Ryan’s earned run average was an excellent 2.68 and he allowed just 206 hits over the course of the year.

Most impressively, Ryan struck out 270 batters in 1985, easily leading the National League and surpassing his previous single-season record of 283 Ks set in 1981. This new mark of 270 strikeouts stood as a new MLB single-season record. Ryan became just the second pitcher in MLB history to reach the 4,000 career strikeout plateau, further cementing his status as one of the greatest strikeout pitchers of all time.

Ryan’s dominant performance and career milestones in 1985 made his baseball cards from that season some of the most noteworthy and desirable in the hobby. Some of the top Ryan cards from 1985 include:

1985 Topps Nolan Ryan (#138): Ryan’s main base card from the flagship Topps set. Featured an action photo of Ryan mid-pitch. This is one of the most iconic Ryan cards and a key piece for any collection. Graded mint condition examples can fetch $100+ today.

1985 Donruss Nolan Ryan (#110): Another prominent base card, this time from the competing Donruss set. Similar action pose to the Topps issue. Still widely available but earns $10-15 depending on condition.

1985 Fleer Nolan Ryan (#316): The third major base card release. Ryan is depicted glaring intensely off the card’s surface. Near the $10-15 range like his Donruss issue.

1985 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T60): Part of Topps’ special traded set issue. Showed Ryan readying his windup. More scarce than the base cards and can earn $25-30 or more graded.

1985 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan (#138): Canadian variation of the Topps base card. Slightly thicker stock and French/English writing make it a true variation. Still affordable at $5-10 but intriguing for collectors.

1985 Sportflics Top Strikeout Kings Nolan Ryan insert: Commemorated Ryan breaking the all-time single season K record. Bright red design. Can fetch $50-75 in high grade due to the subject matter marking a huge career moment.

No player statistics or accolades in 1985 cemented Ryan’s cards from that year as truly iconic in the hobby. His record-setting season performances and milestones made him one of the most notable players featured that year. 35 years later, 1985 Nolan Ryan cards remain some of the most recognizable and sought-after issues for Astros, Ryan and baseball card collectors everywhere due to everything Ryan accomplished during that amazing campaign. Whether seeking base cards or valuable insert variations, 1985 remains the definitive year for collectors pursuing one of the most legendary pitchers in MLB history.

GLOVES FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Handling your valuable baseball card collection requires careful attention so your cards don’t get damaged. That’s where investing in a high-quality baseball card glove comes in. A protective glove is essential for safely transporting and storing your cards while keeping them in the best condition possible.

There are many glove options on the market at a wide range of price points. When choosing the right glove for your collection, consider factors like budget, storage needs, card volume, and desired features. Top brands like Upper Deck, Ultra Pro, BCW, and CarbonFiber offer card gloves constructed from materials like leather, nylon, and carbon fiber. Prices range from $15 up to $100 or more for professional-grade gloves.

At the core of any card glove is durable construction designed to shield cards from damage. Leather is a classic material that develops a soft patina over time. It provides snug protection and a premium feel. Synthetic alternatives like nylon cost less but remain very sturdy. Carbon fiber gloves are ultra-light yet extremely strong – ideal for frequent transport. Opt for reinforced stitching and tough zippers/clasps to guard against tears.

Consider the capacity and fit of a glove for your needs. Standard sizes hold 500-1,000 standard baseball cards. Jumbo gloves accommodate larger cardboard collections, team sets, or oversized cards. Measure the thickness of stacked cards to ensure a glove with ample room. Adjustable closure options like lacing, drawstrings or Velcro assist with a customized fit. Some gloves feature divided card compartments for organizational benefits.

Special features further safeguard collections. Hardened plastic or metal plates inside the back adds an extra layer of impact protection. Reinforced corners on larger gloves protects vulnerable edges. Carbon lined interiors dampen scratching. Internal sleeves or pockets let you store penny sleeves, toploaders or other accessories alongside cards for one-trip storage/transport. Waterproof nylon avoids moisture damage.

Carefully consider accessories to make card handling even smoother. Portable display cases let you show off a few prized cards anywhere. Card carriers in various divided storage designs assist with organization. Magnetic sheet protectors maintain mint condition during transport. Toploaders and sleeves keep individual cards scratch-free when swapping in/out of the glove. Multi-purpose organizers integrate storage and mobility all in one.

Maintenance keeps your card glove functioning at its best. Wipe leather exteriors with a soft dry cloth as needed. Avoid harsh cleaners. Store away from direct sun to prevent cracking. Inspect zippers/clasps and reinforce with glue if worn. Replace well-loved gloves once construction degrades to prevent potential card damage. Proper care helps gloves last through years of valuable collection protection.

Whether you’re a casual collector or serious investor, the right baseball card glove is a worthwhile purchase. Consider features that meet your individual needs from capacity to add-ons. Reputable brands like Upper Deck, Ultra Pro and BCW back their gloves with quality construction to guard your prized cardboard. With the right glove, you can store and transport baseball cards in maximum security while maintaining their pristine condition for years of enjoyment. Your collection’s condition and value will thank you!