Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

EDDIE MATHEWS BASEBALL CARDS

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Eddie Mathews was a legendary third baseman who played for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves and Houston Astros from 1952 to 1968. Known as one of the greatest power hitters of his era, Mathews smashed 512 career home runs and drove in over 1,500 runs. His prolific play at the hot corner generated huge popularity among baseball card collectors during his playing days and after. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable Eddie Mathews baseball cards from over the years.

One of the earliest and most iconic Mathews baseball cards comes from his rookie season of 1952 with the Boston Braves. Sporting a clean-shaven young Mathews in a Braves uniform, the 1952 Topps #71 Eddie Mathews rookie card established him as a star player for collectors to follow. While production numbers for early Topps issues were massive, high grades of the Mathews rookie still fetch thousands due to his legacy. Another standout from his early years is the 1954 Topps #277 card, showing off Mathews’ powerful swing.

Mathews’ dominant play in the late 1950s made him one of the most prominent third basemen in the game. This popularity is reflected in highly sought after cards from this prime of his career. The 1957 Topps #379 card depicts Mathews mid-swing and is a favorite of collectors. High grade versions can sell for over $1,000. Also coveted is the 1959 Topps #500 card, which pictures Mathews crouched at third base. This iconic pose and the late 50s production period combine to make it a pricey collectible.

In addition to his mainstream Topps issues, Mathews has several notable oddball cards that intrigue collectors. The 1954 Bowman color card shows off Mathews’ intense focus at the plate. Only produced for one year, these early Bowman cards are a true rarity. Mathews also has a prized card from the 1960 Leaf set. With a colorful action photo and unique design, these underproduced non-Topps issues attract dedicated collectors. Later in the decade, the 1966 Topps #531 card presents a more mature Mathews in a classic straight-on portrait that endures as a fan favorite.

Mathews’ playing career extended into the 1960s as he became one of the elder statesmen on the Braves and later Astros. His 1961 Topps #139 card from Milwaukee is a solid issue from this period. Another standout is the 1968 Topps #500 card, his last in the regular Topps set before retirement. Picturing Mathews in an Astros uniform, it serves as a full-circle look back on his Hall of Fame tenure. After leaving the field, Mathews remained a respected figure in baseball lore.

In the decades since his playing days, Mathews cards have grown in demand among enthusiasts looking to own pieces of baseball history. While his early 1950s rookie cards set the standard for value due to rarity, all stages of Mathews’ career command interest. Whether it’s his iconic mid-swing poses from the late 50s or his later portraits as a veteran, Eddie Mathews cards resonate with collectors thanks to his legend as one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers. For fans of the golden era of the game, owning high-quality Mathews cardboard is a thrill and an investment in the enduring legacy of a true diamond great.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS IN 2009

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The 2009 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic rookie cards and inserts from the previous year. The sports card industry had started to rebound after struggling in the late 1990s and 2000s. More collectors were getting back into the hobby and sought after the hottest young players and unique parallel and serially numbered inserts. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most valuable baseball cards released in 2009 based on the players, designs, and parallels:

Stephen Strasburg Rookie Card (Topps Chrome RC Refractor #132) – Arguably the biggest baseball story of 2009 was the debut of Washington Nationals pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg. After being drafted #1 overall out of San Diego State, all of baseball eagerly awaited his first Major League start. When Topps Chrome released in June 2009 featuring Strasburg’s highly anticipated rookie card, it created a frenzy within the hobby. The refractors and parallels of his card skyrocketed in value, with PSA 10 examples of the base chrome now selling for well over $1000. His autograph and memorabilia cards from 2009 also broke records.

Bryce Harper Rookie Card (Topps #277) – While he didn’t make his MLB debut until 2012, 2009 Topps featured Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper’s first baseball card at just 16 years old. Scouts were already touting him as a can’t-miss superstar and “LeBron James of baseball.” The card captured Harper in his Cathedral Catholic High School uniform. With his hype continuing to build in the minors, low-numbered versions of his rookie quickly gained value as a card featuring a future superstar. PSA 10 examples now sell for over $500.

Mike Trout Rookie Card (Topps #323) – 2009 Topps also gave us Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie card, though he didn’t debut in the big leagues until 2011. Even back then, scouts saw Trout as a special five-tool talent. The design featured him in his Cedar Rapids Kernels uniform. Like Harper, as Trout blossomed into a perennial MVP candidate, all versions of his rookie card significantly increased in value. A PSA 10 can fetch over $1000 now.

Matt Kemp Rookie Patch Autograph (Topps Triple Threads #86) – Los Angeles Dodgers star Matt Kemp had a breakout season in 2009, hitting .290 with 26 home runs and 101 RBIs while finishing fourth in NL MVP voting. Topps Triple Threads inserted Kemp’s prized triple-patch autograph parallel featuring swatches of his jersey, batting gloves, and cap. Only 10 were produced, making this one of the rarest and most valuable Kemp cards available at around $5000+ in PSA 10 condition.

Adrian Gonzalez Rookie Patch Autograph (Topps Finest #86) – San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez established himself as one of baseball’s best hitters in 2009, batting .277 with 35 home runs and 101 RBIs. Topps Finest featured an ultra-rare triple-relic patch autograph parallel of Gonzalez’s rookie season card that was limited to only 5 copies. High-grade examples have sold for over $10,000, cementing it as one of the most valuable rookie patch autographs ever produced.

Clayton Kershaw Rookie Patch Autograph (Topps Triple Threads #85) – Kershaw exploded onto the scene as a 21-year-old rookie for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008. Topps Triple Threads paid tribute to his early success with an autographed triple-relic patch parallel that contained swatches from his jersey, cap, and pants. Only 10 were inserted, making this one of the key early Kershaw rookie cards to own. Graded PSA 10 examples have sold for over $4000.

Andrew McCutchen Rookie Patch Autograph (Topps Finest #163) – Fresh off winning the 2009 NL Rookie of the Year award with the Pittsburgh Pirates, center fielder Andrew McCutchen was featured in Topps Finest. A rare triple-relic patch autograph parallel was limited to a tiny production run of 3 copies. One recently sold for over $8000 in PSA 10 condition, showing how valuable early McCutchen memorabilia cards have become.

Dustin Pedroia MVP Patch Autograph (Topps Finest #213) – Second baseman Dustin Pedroia led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series title in 2007 and followed it up with an MVP season in 2008. Topps Finest included a 1/1 triple-relic patch autograph to recognize his achievements. It featured swatches from his jersey, batting gloves, and hat. As one of the rarest serially numbered cards available, it is considered one of the true Pedroia holy grails from the late 2000s.

Albert Pujols Triple Relic Patch Autograph (Topps Finest #164) – Even a decade into his career, Albert Pujols was still producing at an MVP level for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009. Topps Finest paid tribute with an ultra-rare triple-relic patch autograph parallel that was limited to a tiny print run of 3 copies. High-grade examples have sold for over $10,000, a testament to Pujols’ Hall of Fame talents and the scarcity of such a prized serially numbered card.

Ryan Braun Triple Relic Patch Autograph (Topps Finest #121) – After winning the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year and finishing fourth in MVP voting, Ryan Braun was one of baseball’s brightest young stars playing for the Milwaukee Brewers. Topps Finest included an extremely low-numbered triple-relic patch autograph parallel that was limited to a production run of 5 copies. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $4000.

So in summary, 2009 saw the release of many rookie cards, parallels, and autographed memorabilia cards that predicted future stardom and established new value benchmarks. Cards featuring players like Strasburg, Harper, Trout, Kemp, Gonzalez, Kershaw, McCutchen, Pujols and Braun showcased talented young players and veterans at the peak of their powers. The inserts in premium products like Topps Finest and Topps Triple Threads featured some of the rarest serially numbered memorabilia parallels ever. Overall, 2009 was a banner year for the baseball card hobby.

1989 TOPPS UNOPENED BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Produced by Topps, the 1989 issue marked the 57th year of Topps baseball card production. The set contains 792 total cards including regular issue cards, parallel cards, and special subsets. For collectors looking to invest in vintage wax packs or factory sealed boxes from this set, here’s an in-depth look at what keys factors influence the value and what you can expect to pay for 1989 Topps unopened product in various conditions.

One of the biggest things that drives value for any vintage sealed product is scarcity and the overall condition of the packaging. For the 1989 Topps set, factory sealed wax packs can range wildly in price depending on factors like centering, crimps, color fading, and pack integrity issues like tears or holes. Lightly played wax packs in above average condition typically sell in the $15-30 range on the secondary market. Near mint to gem mint wax packs without any noticeable issues can fetch $30-60 each. Loose packs that have been resealed or tampered with have little intrinsic value.

When it comes to full unopened displays of 24 wax packs, prices really start to climb depending on the condition. Displays in poor/damaged condition could sell for $150-300 while very nice above average displays in the $300-500 range are common. Top-notch gem mint displays with perfect packaging, centering and crimps have sold at auction for between $500-1200. The all-time record sale was a pristine 1989 Topps display that realized just over $2000. Factory sealed box breaks of 12 wax pack displays also exist but are significantly rarer and can sell for thousands depending on condition.

Several key parallels and variations also exist within the 1989 Topps set that can impact the perceived overall rarity and value of unopened product as well. The main flagships are the classic red parallel issued one per pack and the gold parallel issued one per every three packs on average. Finding undiscovered gems like rare errors, oddball parallels, or star rookies within sealed wax dramatically increases interest and pricing. Other special issue subsets include Traded, Update, Record Breakers, Leaders, and Team issues that spice up the base set.

Perhaps most importantly, the condition and allure of the cards within the packs themselves factor heavily into demand. With nearly 800 total base cards, the odds of finding a Ivan Rodriguez rookie, Larry Walker rookie, Ken Griffey Jr. Update issue, or other valuable pulls is high relative to most vintage sets. Pack-searching due to crimps, centering, and wear affects values drastically. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for displays and boxes that store near mint to mint cards protected all these years later.

While loose 1989 Topps wax packs can be had relatively cheaply, complete unsearched displays and factory sealed boxes from this classic vintage set can net serious returns depending on factors like scarcity, packaging preservation, and allure of potential hits. With strong rookie class depth, exciting parallels, and nostalgia for late 80s designs, the 1989 issue remains a favorite for investors and collectors alike. Condition truly is king when valuing this set’s unopened packaging after over 30 years on the shelf. For the right display or box, a collector may be willing to pay thousands to crack some of baseball card history’s untouched wax.

BASEBALL CARD DISPLAY STAND FOR TWO CARDS

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Baseball cards are a beloved part of American culture and collecting cards is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you have a prized rookie card of your favorite player or want to proudly display a couple of your best finds, a baseball card display stand is a great way to showcase your cards. Here is an in-depth look at baseball card display stands designed to hold two cards.

One of the most basic yet effective display options for two cards is a simple acrylic baseball card holder. These lightweight and affordable stands are made of clear acrylic that allows the full front of the cards to be visible. Acrylic stands are durable yet thin and compact, making them ideal for displaying a couple cards on a desk or shelf without taking up too much space. While basic, acrylic stands help protect the cards from dust and fingerprints while keeping them visible and accessible for viewing.

For those looking for a display stand with a bit more style and protection, wooden baseball card stands are a great choice. Wood displays the cards in an attractive natural material that can complement a variety of decor styles. Wooden stands are typically made of sustainable woods like bamboo that are finished to a high gloss to really make the cards pop. The wood provides ample protection from potential damage compared to thinner acrylic. Wood displays also tend to be a bit larger, allowing for more substantial baseball card holders that can firmly grip both the front and back of each card to keep them securely in place. This extra coverage gives an extra layer of security compared to basic acrylic displays.

For serious baseball card collectors, premium display cases offer the ultimate protection and presentation for prized pieces. Glass-front display cases are enclosed on all sides except the clear viewing front, fully enclosing the cards in a protective environment. These cases are made of durable acrylic, glass, or wood and some even have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental opening. The enclosed design protects cards from dust, fingerprints, scratches, and potential damage from accidental bumps or falls that open display stands leave the cards vulnerable to. Premium cases also include premium features like adjustable interiors that can securely hold cards of different sizes and premium lighting for really making the cards pop on display. While an investment, glass display cases are recommended for truly valuable baseball cards to keep them preserved long-term.

No matter your budget, there are baseball card display options that suit a wide range of needs. When choosing a stand, consider factors like intended display location, desired level of protection, aesthetic preferences, and of course, your budget. For casual at-home display of a couple favorite cards, a basic acrylic stand does the job nicely. But for serious collectors of high-value cards, the security of an enclosed glass display case is worth the extra cost. Proper display helps preserve the condition of beloved baseball cards and allows their visual enjoyment for many years to come. With the right stand, you can proudly showcase your baseball card collection and relive memories of America’s favorite pastime.

BASEBALL SCORECARDS PDF

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Baseball scorecards are a time-honored tradition that allow fans to keep a record of the game as it unfolds. While box scores published after the game provide basic statistics, scorecards offer a more detailed account of each at-bat and play on the field. For diehard baseball enthusiasts, keeping a scorecard is a cherished part of experiencing America’s pastime.

There are different styles of baseball scorecards, but they generally include spaces to record each half-inning along with columns to track details for each batter and pitcher. Basic information included on scorecards includes the teams playing, date, starting pitchers, and sometimes the umpires. More advanced scorecards have additional columns to note defensive shifts, stolen base attempts, pitching changes, and other unique plays.

While scorecards were originally just for dedicated scorekeepers at the ballpark, today there are many printable PDF scorecard templates available online for fans to download. Websites run by the MLB, individual teams, and scorekeeping hobbyists offer a variety of options to suit different scoring preferences. Generic scorecards with basic stat tracking are ideal for casual fans learning the fundamentals. More intricate templates appeal to statisticians who want to document every nuance.

The basic process for using a baseball scorecard is as follows:

At the top of each half-inning, record the inning number, home/away, and number of outs to start. Then for each batter, note their last name (or number) in the box corresponding to their spot in the batting order. As the at-bat progresses, track balls, strikes, fouls, the outcome of the plate appearance and any advanced stats in the appropriate columns. Was it a single, double, home run? Did they walk, get hit by a pitch or strike out?

For pitchers, log the starting and any relief pitchers in a row at the top. In their columns, mark each pitch result like you would for batters. Also note pitching changes, the new pitcher’s name/number and the number of pitches thrown by any relievers when they enter the game.

On defense, log putouts, assists and errors next to the fielding positions. You can also note double plays, caught stealings and pickoffs in a separate DP/CS/PO column. Special plays can be noted with abbreviations in the small boxes between batters.

As the scoreboard is updated, record the runs scored by each team at the end of each half-inning. Tally up batting and pitching stats like hits, runs, earned runs after the game. More advanced scorekeepers may also calculate WHIP, ERA, batting average and other advanced metrics.

There are a few tips for effectively using a baseball scorecard:

Have multiple writing utensils on hand like pencils, pens and highlighters to clearly mark balls/strikes vs. outcomes.

Leave space between batters/pitchers so stats are easy to tally later. Don’t cram.

Abbreviate player names if needed but make them legible.

Note defensive switches so you know who was playing where for each half-inning.

Date and label the scorecard clearly in case you want to reference stats later.

Practice scorekeeping alongside televised games to get comfortable with the flow.

Don’t get too far behind – estimate pitches if needed but stay engaged in the action.

Review box scores after for any stats you may have missed in real time.

With regular use, keeping scorecards becomes second nature. It deepens appreciation for the game by focusing attention on every play. Fans can look back with pride at a scorecard memento from an exciting matchup. Whether you’re at the ballpark or watching from home, scorecards are a fun tradition that enhances the baseball experience.

1968 XOGRAPH BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1968 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after issues in the modern era of cardboard collecting. Issued during one of the most turbulent and politically charged years in American history, the 1968 Topps set stands out both for its memorable photography and inclusion of some of the game’s biggest stars and rising talents at the peak of their powers. With 714 total cards spanning all 26 major league teams of the time and bold designs popularized during the psychedelic late 1960s, the 1968 Topps baseball card set has developed a massive following among collectors in the decades since.

Some key things to know about the 1968 Topps baseball card set include that photo negatives were shot in both late 1967 and early 1968, with imagery capturing players in action shots as well as staged posed portraits. The standard design featured a large color action photo taking up the majority of the front of the card, with team logo, player name and position printed in colorful script below. Statistical and biographical information was printed on the back of each card. Topps used a yellow and orange color scheme for borders, fonts and team logos that gave the entire set a bright, vibrant aesthetic fitting for the era.

Rookies featured prominently in the 1968 set included future Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, and Thurman Munson. Other notable young players just starting their big league careers included Tom Seaver, Sparky Lyle, Rick Wise, and Kenny Holtzman. The biggest star of baseball in 1968 was undeniably St. Louis Cardinals slugger Bob Gibson, coming off a virtually unmatched 1.12 ERA season en route to the National League MVP and Cy Young Awards. Gibson’s impressive action shot and stats make his common ‘68 Topps card one of the most iconic in the set.

Beyond future stars, the ‘68 issue also captured Atlanta Braves pitcher Pat Jarvis on the cusp of an amazing no-hitter just days after being traded to the team. It also featured soon-to-retire legends like Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Willie Mays in what would be some of their final baseball card appearances before leaving the game. The set as a whole forms an interesting snapshot of a rapidly changing MLB landscape at the end of the 1960s, with old guard future Hall of Famers steadily passing the torch to a new generation of stars.

In terms of scarce and valuable cards today, the coveted true gems of the 1968 Topps baseball set include the #130 rookie card of Hal McRae, with the star outfielder’s photo wrongfully featuring another player by the same name. Another ultra-rare variant is the #311 Mike Andrews card, which was pulled and replaced due to an incorrect first name being listed. The card is now among the most famous error issues in the history of the hobby. And for Yankee superstar Mickey Mantle, it was his last ‘regular’ baseball card before retiring, making the #303 in pristine condition hugely desirable for collectors today.

The massive following and spotlight surrounding the 1968 Topps issue has driven prices up in recent decades. In the 21st century, complete near-mint/mint sets in plastic holders have sold at auction for over $25,000. And singles for the previously mentioned key rookie and star cards often reach five-figure values or more if graded highly by services like PSA or BGS. Beyond pricey investment pieces, fans most appreciate the ‘68 Topps set for its historical significance and beautiful photography capturing a unique moment in the arc of America’s pastime during turbulent times. Five decades later, it remains one of the most iconic baseball card releases of the post-war era.

From its artwork and design highlighting the flower power zeitgeist to its inclusion of emerging rookie superstars and fading legends, the 1968 Topps baseball card set marked both change and continuity in sports card collecting. With over 950,000 total sets printed, it sparked countless young collector’s passions that continue to this day. As memorabilia from this pivotal year in baseball history and vintage culture appreciation, high grade ‘68 Topps cards remain a crowning jewel for investors and nostalgia buffs alike. Few other issues so thoroughly encapsulate the atmosphere and on-field action of their era through fun, meaningful little pieces of cardboard.

DONRUSS GRAND CHAMPION BASEBALL CARDS

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Donruss Grand Champion baseball cards were released annually by Donruss from 1990 to 1995. The Grand Champion set was Donruss’ flagship baseball card release and featured premium quality cards with high-end photography and design. While not as iconic as some other brands of the era like Topps or Fleer, the Donruss Grand Champion set established itself as a premier collectible for serious baseball card aficionados of the late 80s and early 90s.

Donruss had been producing baseball cards since 1981 but the Grand Champion set marked their transition to a more premium product. The inaugural 1990 Grand Champion set featured 405 cards with glossy photo fronts and player stats/career highlights on the back. Notable rookie cards in the 1990 set included Billy Ripken, Gregg Olson, and Juan Gonzalez. Standout veterans included Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson. The photography and design quality was a step above typical baseball cards of the time with larger photos and a more sophisticated aesthetic.

Card quality continued to improve in the 1991 Donruss Grand Champion set which featured 420 total cards. Rookie cards of future stars like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Bobby Higginson were included. The back of the cards now featured additional career stats as well as quotes from the players. The photos became even larger and higher resolution to really showcase the players. Parallels and inserts also began to be introduced like ‘Diamond Kings’ and ‘Grand Slam’ parallel sets which offered variations of the base cards.

1992 was arguably the peak of the Donruss Grand Champion run with its 450 card checklist highlighted by rookie cards of Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Todd Helton. Veteran superstars like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Greg Maddux graced the fronts. The card design transitioned to a cleaner white border around the photos. Backs featured more in-depth bios and career stats. Parallels and inserts were expanded with ‘Diamond Kings Premier’ parallel rainbow foil cards being the most coveted chase cards. This set is still highly regarded by collectors today.

Donruss continued pushing boundaries in 1993 with the 480 card Grand Champion checklist. Notable rookies included Jason Bere, Jason Varitek, and Nomar Garciaparra. The set introduced ‘Diamond Kings Signature’ cards which contained on-card autographs of the players, a true rarity at the time. New parallel sets like ‘Diamond Threads’ and ‘Grand Slam Gold’ parallels added to the excitement of each pack. While not quite reaching the heights of 1992, 1993 Grand Champion remained a must-have for serious collectors.

For 1994, Donruss upped the ante with a massive 600 card Grand Champion checklist. Rookies included Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jason Varitek in their true rookie seasons. Veteran stars included Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Pedro Martinez. New insert sets like ‘Diamond Kings Hall of Fame’ and ‘Diamond Threads Gold’ parallels pushed the insert game to new levels. The photography and design were as good as ever but competition from brands like Upper Deck was intensifying.

Donruss made their final Grand Champion release in 1995 with a 660 card checklist. Notable rookies included Hideo Nomo, Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciaparra in their true rookie seasons. Veteran stars included Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. New insert sets paid homage to the Negro Leagues and included ‘Diamond Kings All-Time Greats’ cards. While still a quality release, it was apparent the Grand Champion brand was losing steam against the rising tide of Upper Deck and other competitors. The 1995 set marked the end of an era for Donruss Grand Champion.

In the years since, Donruss Grand Champion sets from 1990-1995 have developed strong cult followings among vintage baseball card collectors. The premier photography, career statistics, and insert sets revolutionized the modern baseball card. Rookie cards and rare parallels still command high prices to this day. While short-lived, Donruss Grand Champion established itself as one of the most coveted baseball card brands of the early 90s boom period. They may not be in the same echelon of collecting fame as the iconic brands they competed against but Donruss Grand Champion cards remain a highly regarded part of the vintage baseball card landscape.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PACK

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was the 58th year Topps had produced baseball cards. It marked another classic year for the iconic brand. The set included photos of 792 total players and managers. Some of the key things collectors remember about the 1989 Topps baseball card set include:

Design and Photography – The 1989 design featured a simple red border with “Topps” angled at the top in white letters. Player names appeared below photos in white. Turning the card sideways revealed stats on the reverse. Additionally, Topps made changes to their photography that year. They instituted more uniform headshots with plain backgrounds instead of action shots. This allowed the players to stand out more clearly.

Rookies of Note – Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card was arguably the most coveted in the set. Considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey’s star power was apparent from the beginning. His vibrant smile and smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite. Other notable rookies included Andy Benes, Gregg Jefferies, and Tim Belcher. Griffey’s card now routinely sells for over $100 in near-mint condition.

Star Players – The set commemorated the careers of all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Tony Gwynn. It also captured career years from Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith. Mark McGwire blasted 29 bombs for the Athletics in 1989 as well. The set was a who’s who of talent from that era.

Design Changes – Topps made some subtle design changes that year. They altered the font slightly and enlarged the player photo size by about 15%. This shifted more focus towards the image rather than text. Glossy stock remained standard and lent a classic look overall. Airbrush touch-ups were still commonly used on older players as well.

Variation Cards – As with most Topps sets, errors and variations added mystique. Among the notable ’89 variations: Pete Incaviglia appeared without a team logo on his regular card. Nolan Ryan had an error with no statistics on the back. And Tommy John was pictured twice due to a photo swap glitch. Variations like these intrigue collectors to this day.

Inserts and Promos – Topps issued several specialty parallel insert subsets. The most popular were “Topps Traded” for players traded mid-season and “All-Star” for the AL and NL midsummer classic teams. Mini-posters and sticker promotions were also available in packs. As with Griffey’s, these scarce extras hold significant collector value today.

Legacy and Collectibility – Over 30 years later, the 1989 Topps set remains a historic representation of the game at that moment. Icons like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs and Tony Gwynn possessed the cards in their primes. Meanwhile, a young Griffey flashed the promise of greatness to come. Condition sensitive chases for star rookies and parallels keep the set popular with investors. Short prints like Incaviglia’s team-less issue especially intrigue completionists. All in all, the 1989 Topps baseball card set merits preservation as an invaluable slice of baseball card/pop culture history from the late 80s era. Its photographs and players carry immense nostalgia and collectible staying power.

BEST CARDS 1985 TOPPS BASEBALL

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The 1985 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. The design featured bright solid colored borders and large centered photos of the players. While not the most valuable set overall, it did feature several highly sought after rookie and star player cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the true gems from the 1985 Topps set.

One of the most well-known and valuable rookie cards from 1985 is Dwight Gooden’s. Gooden, known as “Doctor K”, had an incredible rookie season in 1984 where he won both the Rookie of the Year award and the Cy Young award. His dominance and electric stuff made him an instant star. The #150 Gooden rookie perfectly captures his overpowering fastball and youthful exuberance on the mound. In top graded gem mint condition, his rookie now sells for well over $1000.

Another hugely valuable rookie is Bret Saberhagen’s #500 card. Like Gooden, Saberhagen enjoyed early success by winning the AL Cy Young award in his first full season of 1985. His unique three-quarters sidearm delivery is showcased on this iconic rookie issue. High graded Saberhagen rookies can reach $400-500 in the current market.

While not rookies, two of the set’s most coveted stars are #1 Mike Schmidt and #7 Ryne Sandberg. Schmidt was in the midst of his Hall of Fame career and his classic batting stance and swing are beautifully captured on his iconic first card in the set. Meanwhile, Sandberg was blossoming into a perennial all-star and his slick fielding skills are on full display on his sharp looking issue. Both of these star-studded cards can sell for $100-150 in top condition.

The 1985 set is also known for featuring several stars in their last issued Topps rookie cards before retiring. One of those is #91 Nolan Ryan, who was still in his prime with the Astros. His blazing fastball is captured perfectly on this final rookie card. In mint condition, it sells for $50-75. Another is #331 Mike Cuellar, who enjoyed success earlier in his career but was wrapping up with the Angels in 1985. His rookie is a key issue for Astros and Orioles collectors.

The 1985 set also featured several other notable star players like #4 Wade Boggs with the Red Sox, #18 Don Mattingly with the Yankees, #130 Kirby Puckett’s second year card with the Twins, and #633 Ozzie Smith’s with the Cardinals. All captured these future Hall of Famers in their primes and in high grade can reach $25-50 each.

The design also lent itself well to capturing action shots. Two of the most dramatic action photos from the set include #99 Andre Dawson’s leaping catch for the Cubs and #662 Willie McGee’s full extension diving catch for the Cardinals. Both remain fan favorites to this day.

While it didn’t have the true superstar rookie class of years past, the 1985 Topps set endures because of its timeless design and featuring many all-time great players either in their early careers or primes. The iconic rookie cards of Gooden, Saberhagen, Ryan, and others will ensure the 1985 set remains both nostalgic and financially valuable for collectors for years to come. The combination of star power, design aesthetic, and key rookie issues give the 1985 Topps set a well-deserved place among the most storied releases in the hobby’s history.

MOST VALUABLE 1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the last year before some major changes were implemented and it featured many stars from what is considered the golden era of baseball in the 1950s. Not surprisingly, several high grade examples from this classic set have become extremely valuable over the years due to their historical significance and the players featured. Here are some of the most valuable 1959 Topps baseball cards collectors are seeking today:

Mickey Mantle (#312) – Widely considered the most iconic card of all-time, Mantle’s rookie is the undisputed king of the 1959 set. High grades of this card in near-mint to mint condition regularly bring six figure prices at auction. Just last year one gem mint PSA 10 copy sold for a record $2.88 million, making it not only the most valuable card from 1959 but one of the priciest ever. Mantle was already a 3-time MVP and had won the Triple Crown at this point in his career.

Willie Mays (#262) – As one of the other all-time greats featured, Mays’ card also fetches big money, especially in top condition. While not quite reaching Mantle levels, a PSA 9 brought $373,000 at one recent auction. Like Mantle, he was already well established as one of the game’s best players by 1959. At just 28, there was more greatness still ahead too from the Say Hey Kid.

Ted Williams (#316) – The last great card of the Splendid Splinter’s playing career, examples in high grade are particularly scarce and prized by collectors. Williams was in his final season in 1959, making his card all the more noteworthy as a piece of baseball history from that era. An NM-MT 7 copy sold for $80,800 back in 2018, showing the demand.

Hoyt Wilhelm (#244) – One of the big surprises of the 1959 set is that Wilhelm’s card is among the most valuable outside of the true superstar rookie cards. Part of this is likely due to the sheer scarcity of high grades – PSA has graded only two Gems out of thousands submitted. When a PSA 10 copy hits auction, it easily brings six figures as one of the marqueeCondition Sensitive cards from Topps’ entire vintage run.

Nellie Fox (#182) – Fox was a 5-time All-Star and 1959 AL MVP who finished his career with over 2,500 hits playing mainly for the White Sox. He was already 32 in 1959 but still near the top of his game. Well-centered, high graded examples have sold for upwards of $25,000 in recent years making his one of the key condition sensitive veteran cards.

Bob Gibson (#512) – The future Hall of Famer was just a rookie in 1959 and his card shows him as a member of the Cardinals. Any Gibson rookie in top-tier condition is a big ticket item, with the near-perfect gem mint PSA 10 eclipsing $100,000. Even an NM-MT 8 can reach five figures.

While stars like Mantle, Mays and Williams reign at the top, there are several other key 1959 rookies that also carry significant premiums based on the player and the rarity/condition of the individual card. Ernie Banks, Don Drysdale, Luis Aparicio and Nate Oliver are just a few more that can crack the over $10,000 barrier in top grades. Given their important place in the history of the set and the hobby, investment-grade examples of these key 1959 Topps cards will likely remain highly sought after for decades to come. For collectors, finding high quality specimens nearly 64 years after the set’s original release is becoming increasingly difficult. But for those who do invest and add these vintage pieces to their collection, the rewards in appreciation often prove very substantial over time.