Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

1990 LEAF BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1990 Leaf baseball card set was unique for its time, eschewing glossy photographs in favor of artist renderings on each card. While an unorthodox approach, the rendered cards produced some true baseball treasures that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest stars and most valuable cards from the 1990 Leaf set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1990 Leaf set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already showing superstar promise in his early MLB seasons with the Seattle Mariners and his rookie card captured the excitement of his arrival on the scene. The simplicity of the front, showing a front facing portrait of Griffey against a dark blue background, lets his talent shine through. The card ranks as one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever issued, in high grade it can fetch thousands of dollars due to Griffey’s incredible career and lasting fan popularity.

Nolan Ryan Express Card: Pitching legend Nolan Ryan was in his late 30s but still dominant when this card was issued. It showcases “The Ryan Express” in a full windup, his long hair flowing as he prepares to unleash a 100 mph fastball. The action shot on a dark teal background is dynamic and thrilling. As one of the most feared and respected pitchers ever, any Ryan card from his playing days holds value but this 1990 Leaf stands out for its captivating artwork. Graded mint copies have sold for over $1000.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Like Griffey, Barry Bonds was just getting his career going in 1990 but already displayed his five-tool talent. His rookie card features a close-up view of the teenage Bonds in the on deck circle, bat on his shoulder with a stern, intense expression. It encapsulated his serious, dedicated approach from the beginning. As one of the all-time greats, high grade copies of Bonds’ rookie card continue to gain in value and recognition years after his retirement.

Rickey Henderson Card: Baseball’s all-time stolen base king, Rickey Henderson, is depicted dashing towards third base on his 1990 Leaf issue. The action shot on a blue field perfectly captures Henderson’s blazing speed and daring base running. He was a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate for much of the 1980s and early 90s, making this card a must-have for collectors. Even in low grades it retains value due to Henderson’s unique talents and status as a fan favorite.

Ozzie Smith Backflip Card: Defensive wizard Ozzie Smith was known for his acrobatic backflip celebrations after making spectacular plays at shortstop. His 1990 Leaf card recreates one such moment, with Smith high in the air and mid-twist following a stunning defensive gem. It’s an iconic snapshot of “The Wizard” doing what he did better than anyone. The dynamic pose and artwork make it a desired Smith card for collectors to this day.

Dennis Eckersley Card: Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley was in the midst of his dominance as the Oakland A’s top reliever during this time period. His card shows him poised on the mound, glove held out staring down batters in the late innings. His intense, no-nonsense demeanor was perfect for shutting teams down and the card captures his clutch, intimidating presence on the mound. It’s among the more valuable cards in the set for collectors today.

Kirby Puckett Card: Future Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett was an established star centerfielder for the Minnesota Twins by 1990. His card portrays him camped under a high fly ball, glove ready to make the catch against a starry sky background. It highlights Puckett’s gold glove caliber defense as a key part of his all-around excellence. Due to his six batting titles and World Series heroics, Puckett cards from his playing days carry lasting desirability in the hobby.

These were just a few of the top stars and standout cards from the unique 1990 Leaf baseball set. While an untraditional design, the hand-drawn artwork produced lasting collectibles celebrating the biggest names in the game from that season. Three decades later, cards of rookie stars like Griffey and Bonds or legends like Ryan, Henderson and Puckett retain immense value as cherished pieces of baseball history for dedicated collectors. The 1990 Leaf set showed creativity can uncover true gems that stand the test of time.

1991 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1991 Fleer baseball card set was issued at the tail end of the junk wax era during which production of baseball cards exploded, decreasing scarcity and therefore collectors’ value. The 1991 set featured 660 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, stars, and variations.

Some key highlights and valuations about specific cards in the 1991 Fleer set include:

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (#501): Considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all-time. Griffey was already a rising star in 1991. High grade examples can sell for thousands in individual auctions but most complete sets don’t have pristine Griffey rookies. Still, it adds significant value to any ’91 Fleer set.

Juan Gonzalez rookie card (#500): Gonzalez went on to have a solid career winning back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1998-1999. Due to lower supply versus Griffey, grade NM-MT examples can reach $100-300 individually.

Andy Benes rookie card (#516): As the #1 pick in the 1988 draft, Benes had promise but an eventual mediocre career. His rookie holds little current value at $5-10 individually.

Don Mattingly card (#25): Mattingly was one of baseball’s biggest stars in the late 80s/early 90s. His commons may fetch $5-10 while higher graded versions could reach $50-100 individually for a true star/HOF collector.

Nolan Ryan card (#90): Even in his aging 40s, Ryan was still one of baseball’s most popular players. His commons hold steady value around $5-10 while more desirable versions reach $20-50.

Ozzie Smith card (#98): The Wizard was a fan favorite for his defensive wizardry. Common versions of his ’91 Fleer card are $3-7 while better condition copies may reach $20-40.

Bo Jackson card (#134): Even though his baseball career was cut short, Jackson remained one of the most physically gifted athletes of all time. His ’91 Fleer card tends to sell in the $8-15 range.

In their untouched state straight from 1991 factory-sealed wax packs, complete sets usually sell in the range of $75-150. As with most late 80s/early 90s sets, condition is key. Near complete runs (650-660 cards) in excellent centered Near Mint condition with only a handful of flaws could fetch $250-500 from avid collectors. And a true gem mint set graded by PSA or BGS with all cards grading high could potentially reach $1,000-2,000 from dedicated hobbyists, especially if the big name rookies grade well.

Long term, as millennials and younger generations enter their peak spending years, demand for stars of their childhood from the late 80s/90s is likely to remain strong. And iconic rookie cards like Griffey which were mass produced but have since held value despite supply could continue their steady appreciation over the decades. But for less desirable common cards, values are likely to remain flat. In the end, the ’91 Fleer set constitutes an affordable way for collectors to acquire cards of their favorite players from baseball’s previous eras, provided they can find complete high grade examples. While less valuable than earlier vintage issues, it still encapsulates a snapshot in time from the early 90s game.

While mass produced sets like 1991 Fleer don’t rival the value of true vintage cards, complete near mint examples with stars and key rookies grading nicely continue to hold collector interest three decades later. Condition sensitive, they sell most often in the $75-500 range depending on overall quality, with true gem mint10 examples potentially reaching $1,000-2,000 for dedicated collectors and investors. The inclusion of a legendary rookie card like Ken Griffey Jr. adds much to any ’91 Fleer baseball set’s long term appeal, keeping this particular issue relevant amongst fans and collectors of the era.

SELL BASEBALL CARDS CHICAGO

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Chicago is a Major League Baseball town with some of the most passionate baseball fans in the country. As such, it is also a hot market for buying, selling, and trading baseball cards. Whether you are looking to get rid of old cards collecting dust in your attic or start a new collection, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to sell baseball cards.

One of the best ways to sell cards in Chicago is by consigning them to a local card shop. There are numerous independent baseball card stores scattered throughout the city and surrounding suburbs that buy and sell cards on consignment. When you consign cards, you leave them with the shop to sell on your behalf in exchange for a percentage of the sale price, usually around 50%.

Some of the most popular baseball card shops in Chicago that accept consignments include Burbank Sports Collectibles, Jabs Sports Cards and Comics, and Chicago Sports Collectibles. These shops all have large retail stores with shelves of cards organized by team, player, and year available to browse. They also attract heavy foot traffic from diehard collectors. Consigning allows your cards to be seen by thousands of potential buyers while not requiring you to be present for transactions.

Another option for selling cards in Chicago is to set up a vendor table at one of the many card shows held in the area throughout the year. Shows like the Illinois Card Show, Cook County CollectorFest, and Midwest Sports Collectible Convention are major events that draw hundreds of attendees looking to buy, sell, and trade. Vendor space usually costs around $100-200. Shows provide direct access to serious collectors with deep pockets without any upfront consignment fees. You’ll need to transport your inventory and be present all day to negotiate deals.

If you don’t have a large enough inventory or rare enough cards to warrant consigning or attending shows, peer-to-peer marketplaces are a good fallback. Facebook groups like “Chicago Baseball Card Collectors” and “Chicago Sports Card Buy/Sell/Trade” have thousands of active members constantly posting cards for sale. Buyers on these pages are mainly hobbyists and flippers rather than top-dollar vintage collectors. Make sure to read group rules, price competitively, and only accept payment through protected platforms like PayPal to mitigate risks.

Websites such as eBay and Mercari have also become popular selling venues for individual cards or large collections. They charge small transaction fees but provide the widest potential buyer reach, especially for unique, high-dollar items. Search sold listings on the platforms to properly value your cards before posting to be competitively priced. Always thoroughly describe conditions, include plenty of photos, and promptly ship insured with tracking to make the online experience positive for buyers.

For unloading huge bulk lots of common cards, the Chicago Vintage Baseball Card Show offers a once-monthly blowout event where dealers buy collections by the pound. While you likely won’t get top dollar, it’s a hassle-free way to liquidate cards quickly in a single transaction. Another wholesale option is backpagebaseballcards.com, a website run by Midwest buyers who purchase collections sight-unseen for pre-negotiated per-pound prices based on condition and marketability. Just pack securely and ship.

You have the choice of directly selling cards to individual buyers. Make listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or community bulletin boards with descriptions and prices. Meet buyers safely in well-lit public areas like coffee shops or card shops to complete sales. Understand some collectors may try to lowball, so research values beforehand to avoid getting taken advantage of as an individual seller. With patience and persistence, you have the potential here to find buyers willing to pay appropriate prices.

For those looking to offload baseball card collections, Chicago offers various reputable in-person and online venues to sell to collectors. With some research and legwork, collectors should be able to find buyers and maximize profits no matter the size or grade of inventory they have to sell in the Windy City’s thriving baseball card market. Learning supply and demand values will ensure happy transactions all around. Chicago truly is a collector’s paradise.

RAFFLE BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball card collecting has been a beloved American pastime for decades, with kids and adults alike developing cherished collections showcasing their favorite players from years gone by. While simply amassing cards through purchases has always been popular, another form of collection that became widespread in the latter half of the 20th century was raffle baseball cards.

Raffle cards operate on a simple premise – groups like youth sports teams, churches, or schools would purchase unopened factory sets or boxes of new cards and then sell numbered raffle tickets for a chance to win the entire unopened package. This model allowed organizations to raise funds for their activities while also giving card collectors an exciting opportunity to potentially win a valuable set for a comparatively small monetary investment versus retail prices.

The emergence of raffle cards likely grew out of the trading card boom of the late 1980s, when sports cards exploded in mainstream popularity due in large part to the rise of the hobby’s resale market. Groups saw raffles as a low-cost, low-effort way to capitalize on this newfound interest for fundraising purposes. Within the collector community as well, the thrill of winning an intricate factory set for a few dollars per ticket proved immensely appealing.

While raffle cards could involve any sport, baseball naturally reigned supreme given its status as America’s pastime. The most common raffle prizes centered around the flagship releases from manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. Highly sought after annual sets like Topps Flagship Series, Fleer Update, and Donruss Studio drew the largest raffle interest. But specialty products spanning grading, inserts, parallels and more were also regularly up for raffles.

Additional factors made the format even more enthusiastically received. Chief among these was the prospect of potentially winning cards of huge stars from years past enclosed within coveted unopened packages. The unpredictability involved in not knowing specifically which players’ cards one might end up with only amplified the sense of fun and anticipation. Raffles allowed even casual collectors a cost-effective path to obtaining complete sets for their collections or investment portfolios.

At their peak in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, local card shops commonly had daily raffle drawings advertising the latest prize on offer. Meanwhile, any organization with access to trading cards leveraged them for fundraising through raffles. Schools, little leagues, churches, police youth clubs – virtually any youth or charity group participated. Advertisements in collector publications helped expand geographic reach, too.

By the late 1990s, the broader sports card market began to decline from its lofty heights. Rarer prizes, lower ticket demand and the rise of alternate entertainment saw raffles accordingly decline in prevalence over the 2000s, though diehard collectors kept the tradition alive at smaller regional conventions. In the 2010s, a resurgence of nostalgia and renewed collector interest has reignited baseball card raffling to a degree, now often conducted online through group Facebook pages and forums versus exclusively in-person.

Despite lower modern profiles compared to card collecting’s golden age, raffle cards retain significance both historically and presently within hobby circles. The shared memories, community bonding, and intangible thrill they facilitated endure as feel-good aspects of the baseball card experience. And who knows – with a little luck, today’s raffle tickets could still yield new additions to treasured lifelong collections developed over generations.

BASEBALL CARDS 1960 TOPPS

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The 1960 Topps baseball card set was the ninth series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. It marked several notable firsts and featured many star players from what was an exciting era in Major League Baseball. The 1960 set consists of 520 total cards and is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the “Golden Age” of baseball cards between the late 1940s and 1970s.

One of the biggest stories in 1960 MLB was the emergence of a new dynasty, as the Pittsburgh Pirates won the World Series under manager Danny Murtaugh. Stars like Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski, and Vernon Law led the Bucs to their first title since 1925. Their success generated new interest in the sport and collectors sought cards of the Pirates’ heroes. Clemente’s impressive 1960 Topps card, showing him batting left-handed, is among the most desirable from the entire set.

1960 also saw Topps make important changes to its baseball card design and production. For the first time, all cards had photographic images rather than illustrations. The move to photos standardized the look of the set and allowed for more realistic portrayals of players. Topps also began randomly inserting cards into wax packaging, an innovation that helped popularize the modern concept of collecting cards. These developments increased the appeal of the hobby for children and adults alike.

Rookies featured prominently in the 1960 Topps set, as several young stars broke into the majors that year. Future Hall of Famers like Pete Rose, Tom Seaver, and Johnny Bench had their first baseball cards produced. Rose’s rookie card shows him as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, while Seaver and Bench debuted as members of the expansion New York Mets. High-grade examples of these historic rookie cards can fetch over $10,000 each today.

In addition to rookie standouts, the 1960 Topps set highlighted many established superstars through impressive action shot photography. Cards of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Ted Williams depicted these sluggers mid-swing or in dynamic fielding poses. Mantle’s card from 1960, which pictures him batting left-handed, is one of the most iconic in the entire hobby. High-quality versions can sell for well over $100,000 due to The Mick’s enduring popularity and status as a poster boy for the early Topps era.

Beyond star power, the 1960 Topps design incorporated several visual flourishes that added to the attractiveness and memorability of each card. A thick yellow border wrapped around most of the front image area, while a blue banner along the bottom provided statistical and biographical info. On the back, a light blue field contained paragraphs on each player’s career highlights. Topps also used a variety of color combinations for team-specific borders and lettering. These vivid design elements reinforced the brand and made cards instantly recognizable as 1960 Topps issues.

In the ensuing decades, the 1960 Topps set gained legendary status among collectors for its historical significance, star-studded rookie class, and memorable photography. While production numbers were high for the time at over 500 cards, high-grade examples have become quite scarce. As one of the first true “modern” sets, 1960 Topps cards retain a special appeal that continues to drive collector demand and prices to new heights. Examples of the most coveted rookie cards can sell for over $100,000 in top condition. Even common player cards in pristine “mint” state often trade hands for thousands of dollars due to this issue’s iconic place in the hobby’s history. The 1960 Topps baseball card set remains one of the most popular and valuable in the industry.

OLD BASEBALL CARDS FOUND IN ATTIC

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One of the greatest joys of exploring an old attic or basement is coming across forgotten treasures from the past. For sports fans and collectors, nothing can compare to discovering a stash of vintage baseball cards tucked away and left untouched for decades. While old cards in poor condition may not hold much monetary value, the nostalgia and glimpse into history they provide is truly priceless.

Most old baseball card finds originate from the late 19th/early 20th century heyday of tobacco cards between 1888-1916. During this period, nearly all sports cards were included in tobacco products as premiums or advertising incentives. Companies like Allen & Ginter, American Tobacco, and Sweet Caporal issued year sets featuring the top players of the day that were collected and traded voraciously by kids. Once the American Tobacco Company lost an antitrust lawsuit in 1911, the use of cards as premiums declined rapidly.

The next golden age of baseball cards came during the postwar boom years between 1949-1952. Bowman, Topps, and Leaf issued beautiful color photo cards that really captured the stars and styles of the era. Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and other legends had their iconic images frozen in colorful gum card format. These sets are highly prized by collectors today and finding a complete run in good shape would be an incredible treasure.

Most attic discoveries are of more common cards from the 1930s-1950s golden age. EvenSingles and doubles from this period in average condition can still bring a smile due to the nostalgia and peak out at $10-20 each depending on the player featured. Rarer 1909-11 T206 tobacco cards or 1933 Goudey cards in good condition could bring hundreds if graded and sold to serious vintage collectors.

When exploring an old trunk or box, there are some typical signs that vintage baseball cards may be inside worth further investigation. Packets or stacks of cards loose, in shoeboxes, or old albums are obvious places to look. Also be on the lookout for torn or battered wax packaging indicating cards were once present. Other clues include yellowed newspaper clippings about baseball glued or taped inside that were saved with related cards.
Old baseball mitts, gloves, or other paraphernalia increase the chances cards were also saved there from long ago.

Once found, care must be taken to properly assess condition and potential value of the cards. Look for signs of aging, bending, staining or damage due to moisture, dust or pests over the decades. Gently rubbing a cotton swab can help reveal if only surface dirt obscures bright colors underneath. Professionally graded high-end cards in top condition bring the biggest bucks, so seriously valuable finds should be carefully packaged and submitted for authentication.

Even well-loved cards in average “used” condition that bring back memories can be a true treasure. Whether given to a young baseball fan long ago or simply tucked away and forgotten, old cards form a tangible connection to history every bit as rich as photographs or documents from the past. For nostalgic collectors and fans, the thrill of discovery makes any attic baseball card search well worth the effort in hopes of uncovering a glimpse into the national pastime’s storied history. You never know what legendary players or forgotten treasures might be waiting years later to shine once more.

TOP 300 BASEBALL CARDS

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The hobby of baseball card collecting has been around for over 150 years, starting with printed cards inserted in packages of tobacco in the late 1800s. Ever since, card manufacturers like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer have been printing millions of baseball cards every year featuring current and retired players. Some of these cards have gone on to become extremely valuable, fetching tens of thousands and even millions of dollars depending on condition and scarcity. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most coveted and expensive baseball cards that make up the top 300 based on condition and demand.

One of the true “holy grail” cards of the hobby is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company as part of their infamous T206 series, it is widely considered the rarest and most valuable trading card ever made. It is estimated only 50-200 of these cards were printed during this time period, making them incredibly scarce over a century later. The Wagner card stands out for depicting one of the early game’s superstars at the peak of his career who later banned the use of his likeness in tobacco products. In 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for $6.6 million, setting records. Other ultra-high-grade T206 Wagners have reached $3-5 million.

Another early tobacco card near the top is the 1913 Batman Cracker Jack D114 Babe Ruth rookie card. Distributed by Cracker Jack, it marks the first baseball card issued of the legendary “Bambino.” Only a small number were printed due to Ruth’s early career, prior to his superstardom with the Red Sox and Yankees. High-grade examples have reached $5 million, though most grade out in only Good to VG condition due to the fragile stock used over 100 years ago. The 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth rookie card also reaches seven figures for pristine PSA/SGC Gem Mint 10 specimens.

The 1933 Goudey #53 Jimmie Foxx is renowned as one of the most attractive vintage designs ever produced. Foxx was arguably the best player in the game at the time the card was released midway through his Hall of Fame career. Examples in top-graded Gem Mint 10 condition have sold for north of $500,000. Other early 1930s Goudey greats like #74 Lou Gehrig and #181 Lefty Grove can reach six figures as well.

When it comes to postwar cards, the flagship 1952 Topps set paved the way as the last printed before the golden age of the 1950s. The iconic Mickey Mantle rookie headlines the set desirability-wise, with the highest-quality examples changing hands for $2-3 million. The ’52 rookie of Willie Mays (#311) also commands over $1 million. Others like Duke Snider (#321), Yogi Berra (#312), and Whitey Ford (#253) have reached $200,000+ as PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10s.

The decades of the 1950s and ’60s are considered the golden age of baseball card design, photography, and production volume as the hobby exploded in popularity. Iconic sets from this 20+ year stretch litter the top of price guides. The1957 Topps #130 Mickey Mantle is recognized as the most valuable regular issue card ever, with an ultra-rare BGS/PSA Mint 9 copy selling for $5.2 million in 2021. His ’58 PSA 10 is over $4 million while ’61 tops $3 million. The ’58 #205 Hank Aaron rookie and ’66 #548 rookie of Johnny Bench pull multi-million dollar figures as well. Other ’50s-’60s greats like Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente have their best individual cards reach seven figures.

The 1968 Topps set is renowned for its bold photographic style and inclusion of the final rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson. His #468 is valued over $500,000 PSA 10. A notable inclusion from this period is the high-valued 1971 Kellogg’s #96 Nolan Ryan poster insert, which has reached $450,000 for the scarce unfolded Mint condition examples.

Entering the 1970s, Fleer began utilizing innovative techniques like foil stamping that really launched the brand competitively. The bold 1971 design is highlighted by rookie stars like #56 Thurman Munson and #96 Carlton Fisk, topping out over $150,000 each. Later ’70 Fleer rookies making waves are #549 George Brett ($200,000+) and #436 Mike Schmidt ($150,000+). The first Ted Williams issued after his retirement, the 1972 Topps #479, pulls over seven figures for pristine copies.

One of the hobby’s most desired stars of the 1980s was Ken Griffey Jr, whose upper echelon rookies from 1989 Upper Deck, Score, and Bowman establish him as the most valuable contemporary player. clean ’89 UD Griffey rookies have crossed the $500,000 milestone. Other 1980s must-haves are the ’87 Topps Mark McGwire ($100,000+) and ’86 Fleer Update Roger Clemens ($75,000+) rookie cards. The vintage-style design of 1988 Fleer is exceptionally popular with stars like #430 Barry Bonds, #168 Randy Johnson, and #123Greg Maddux.

Modern standouts are led by the early rookie cards of superstars like 1991 Upper Deck Griffey ($150,000+), 1992 Bowman Chipper Jones ($100,000+), and 1993 SP Derek Jeter ($75,000+). The 1998 SP Authentic #399 Cal Ripken Jr. Final Homestand insert has become one of the more coveted contemporary parallels thanks to Ripken’s iconic career. The 2003 SP Authentic #57 Shawn Green /300 Gold Refractor parallel also commands major money for this short-printed parallel depicting Green’s record-setting four home run performance.

This covers many of the most expensive and desirable individual cards across the century-long history of the hobby based on their rarity, star power, and iconic status within certain sets and years of release. Collectors continue adding to their registries by pursuing modern greats like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Fernando Tatis Jr. It is impossible to predict which cards in the future may emerge to join the ranks of the highest value cards, but one thing is for certain – the collecting legacy of the game of baseball lives on through these treasured pieces of memorabilia. Whether you’re pursuing vintage stars like Mantle and Mays or contemporary talents, the top 300 sets the standard for inclusion into any serious card collection.

BASEBALL CARDS CLIVE IOWA

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century, chronicling the players, teams and history of America’s pastime. While many think of baseball card collecting hubs in large cities like New York or Los Angeles, the small suburb of Clive, Iowa has developed an unlikely reputation as a hotbed for baseball card collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts over the past few decades.

Clive is located just west of Des Moines, with a population of around 17,000 residents. On the surface, it seems an unlikely place for serious baseball card collectors to congregate. Beginning in the 1970s a few avid collectors began holding informal meetups to trade and discuss their collections. Word quickly spread through collector circles and before long, collectors from all over Iowa and even bordering states like Nebraska and Missouri began making the trip to Clive on a regular basis.

One of the pioneers of the Clive baseball card scene was a man named Fred Johnson. In 1973, Johnson had amassed one of the largest and most valuable baseball card collections in the Midwest. Seeking others to share his passion with, Johnson began placing small ads in collector publications announcing monthly meetups at a local diner in Clive. Dozens of collectors showed up to Johnson’s first few gatherings, and he was surprised by the enthusiasm. Johnson lobbied the city to set aside space at the public library for larger collector events, helping turn Clive into a destination.

Through the 1970s and 80s, the Clive baseball card shows grew exponentially. Collectors appreciated the laidback Midwestern vibe and lack of competitiveness compared to bigger city shows. Vendors also took note – they could rent tables for less cost and interact with customers one-on-one without massive crowds. By the late 80s, the bimonthly Clive shows were regularly drawing over 1,000 collectors and becoming a staple on the Midwest circuit. National memorabilia companies soon set up permanent brick-and-mortar shops in Clive to cater to the local collector base.

The 1990s saw unprecedented growth in the popularity and value of vintage baseball cards. Fueled by superstar rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds, the entire collecting hobby boomed. Clive’s shows grew into huge weekend-long extravaganzas held in the high school fieldhouse, with collectors coming from all over the world. National memorabilia auctions were regularly held, and rare vintage cards changed hands in Clive for six figure sums. The economic impact of the card shows on the town was immense.

As baseball card values peaked in the late 90s, the collectibles industry began struggling with overproduction and loss of consumer interest. The large national companies pulled out of Clive as the market crashed. But local collectors refused to let their hobby die. Smaller “Super Swap Meets” continued on a monthly basis, and a dedicated core group kept the Clive tradition alive through the 2000s. Younger collectors also began joining as interest in vintage cards renewed.

Today, Clive remains one of the top destinations in the region for serious collectors. Quarterly mega-shows still draw thousands, while weekly swap meets keep the local scene buzzing. A historic baseball card store from the 90s boom was converted into the Clive Baseball Card Museum, preserving the town’s memorabilia legacy. Though the values and sizes of past shows can never be matched, the tight-knit Midwestern collector community that Fred Johnson first fostered in Clive over 50 years ago continues to pass a love of the hobby between generations.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938

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Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as printed cards inserted in tobacco products allowed for mass production and widespread distribution. While the early decades of the 20th century saw numerous baseball card sets released, the 1938 set stands out as a pivotal year that helped transform the hobby into what it is today.

Released by the American Caramel Company, the 1938 set is widely considered the first “modern” set of baseball cards. It featured cards of all 16 major league teams at the time neatly organized into team subsets. Each player’s photo was accompanied by their team, position, and batting average from the 1937 season printed on the back. This basic formula set the template for most baseball card releases that followed.

The 1938 set is also notable for being one of the last true “tobacco era” issues as the 1951 trading card ban phased out inserts in cigarettes. This scarcity makes high quality examples from 1938 quite valuable today. Here is an overview of pricing trends for different players and conditions from the seminal 1938 set:

Common Players (PRC 1-3) – Cards featuring less notable players from the era in Poor-Good condition can be acquired for $5-20. Notable examples include backups and role players.

Solid Veterans (PRC 4-6) – Established major leaguers who were past their prime fetch $20-50 in Good-Very Good condition. Think pitchers like Lon Warneke or position players like Joe DiMaggio.

Future Hall of Famers (PRC 7-8) – Rookie cards or early career cards of inductees command $100-300 in Excellent-Mint condition. Examples include Bob Feller, Ted Williams, and Joe Medwick.

Superstars (PRC 9-10) – Iconic players in their prime like Hank Greenberg, Mel Ott, and Jimmie Foxx can bring $300-1000+ in pristine Near Mint-Mint condition, especially for their rarer team issues.

The condition and eye appeal of the card is paramount to pricing. Even common players jump up significantly in higher grades. The 1938 set is also notable for containing the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Bob Feller, Ted Williams, and Joe Medwick. Their cards are especially valuable, with a PSA 10 Williams rookie bringing over $500,000 at auction.

While star rookies and future legends dominate the high-end, the 1938 set as a whole remains very collectible and affordable for most budgets. Even common players can be found for just pennies in lower grades. This accessibility along with its historical significance make it a perfect set for any baseball card collector just starting out or looking to fill in an older set from the pioneering tobacco era. Its simple yet iconic design also ensures the 1938s will always have strong nostalgic appeal among hobbyists.

The 1938 baseball card set was hugely influential as one of the first “modern” issues. Over 80 years later, it remains a cornerstone of the collecting hobby both for its affordability across all player tiers and scarcity as a true tobacco era release. Condition is paramount, but examples can be found to fit any budget. The 1938s established many of the traditions still seen in baseball cards today and deserve their place as one of the most important sets in the long history of the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE NEAR ME

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby of collectors for decades. From vintage cards from the early 20th century to modern rookie cards, finding baseball cards for sale is easier than ever thanks to online marketplaces and local card shops. Whether you’re looking to build your collection, find a rare gem, or cash in on valuable cards, there are plenty of options near you to purchase baseball cards.

One of the best places to start your search for baseball cards for sale near you is by checking local card shops in your area. Independent card shops have been fixtures in many communities for generations as a place for collectors of all ages to buy, sell, and trade sports cards and memorabilia. These local businesses often have a wide selection of new and used baseball cards available as well as knowledge staff who can help you find what you’re looking for.

Card shops will typically have boxes upon boxes of loose baseball cards for sale sorted by player, team, set, or year. This is a great way to build your collection or find affordable commons and uncommons. Shops also sell factory-sealed wax packs, boxes, and cases of modern baseball card products if you enjoy the thrill of the rip for a chance at hitting big rookie cards. Beyond loose cards and sealed packs, many shops also offer individual graded vintage and modern rookie cards from the likes of PSA, BGS, SGC and others.

For those in or around major cities, be sure to check out card shows and conventions as well. These multi-day events are baseball (and sports) card enthusiast Meccas that attract hundreds of vendors under one roof selling everything imaginable. Admission is usually nominal and it’s a fun way to spend a whole day browsing thousands upon thousands of cards from dealers around the country all in one location. Shows take place year-round in most regions.

Another excellent local option is checking Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or community sale pages on social media for people selling personal collections in your area. Individual collectors are often more willing to negotiate on price compared to shops and you may find some hidden gems. It’s recommended to meet in a public place for any local sale and carefully inspect cards before exchanging money.

If you don’t have any luck finding what you want near you or want to cast a wider net, there are numerous online marketplaces that specialize in vintage and modern baseball cards for sale. Websites like eBay, COMC, and Sportlots have millions of individual cards and complete sets available from sellers around the globe. The convenience can’t be beat but you’ll need to account for potential shipping costs and wait times.

Graded gem mint cards from the likes of Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and other legends from the 1950s can fetch thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of dollars on the high end. But there are plenty of affordable vintage and modern options online too for collectors of all budgets. Prices on modern rookie cards tend to fluctuate greatly based on player performance so it’s wise to do research before investing heavily in any one player.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add key pieces or a newcomer just starting out, with a little searching you should be able to find plenty of baseball cards for sale from local shops, shows, individuals, and online. Take your time browsing, learn about different eras, sets and players, and most importantly have fun growing your collection – that’s what it’s all about! With so many avenues available, it has never been easier to build your stack of baseball cardboard. Get out there and happy hunting!