When it comes to collecting baseball cards, the brand you choose to focus on can have a big impact on your enjoyment and success as a collector. While there are many brands that have produced baseball cards over the years, some stand out as consistently providing higher quality cards that retain or increase in value better than others. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at some of the most reputable brands in the hobby and what makes them great options for collectors.
Topps is widely considered the premier brand in the baseball card industry. Founded in 1938, Topps is the longest running baseball card producer and has the largest share of the market. Topps cards from the 1950s through the 1980s are especially coveted by collectors, as these decades represented the golden age of baseball cards when the hobby was at its peak of popularity. Topps has excellent quality control and their cards are known for sharp photos and durable stock that holds up well over decades. Topps also has a near-monopoly on MLB player licensing rights, so their cards will always feature the biggest stars. For these reasons, Topps cards from vintage and modern eras tend to maintain strong resale value.
Fleer was Topps’ main competition during the heyday of baseball cards from the 1950s to 1980s. Fleer cards are highly sought after by collectors due to their more limited print runs compared to Topps. Fleer was also more aggressive about signing young star players to exclusive contracts, so their sets featured some names not found in Topps that year. However, Fleer went out of business in the early 1990s. Their cards from before this time period, especially the 1960s and 1980s, are highly valuable today. Fleer Ultra cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s also gained a strong cult following.
Donruss had a smaller but respectable market share during the 1980s and produced some popular sets. Their 1987 baseball cards were the first to feature rookie cards of players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Tom Glavine. Donruss had a reputation for bolder and more colorful designs compared to the more conservative Topps and Fleer. While not as valuable overall as vintage Topps and Fleer, Donruss cards can still be affordable for collectors on a budget. They also offer a unique aesthetic.
Bowman was acquired by Topps in 1992 and became their main competitor again in the 1990s and 2000s after Fleer’s demise. Bowman is best known for featuring prospects and rookie cards of future stars who had not yet debuted in the majors. Their 1952 set is considered the most valuable vintage issue. Modern Bowman cards, especially the highly anticipated Bowman Chrome and Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects sets, are where today’s top prospects are first introduced each year. These carry great potential to appreciate in value.
Upper Deck burst onto the scene in 1989 and quickly became the third major brand behind Topps and Fleer. Upper Deck revolutionized the industry by using cutting edge production techniques that resulted in sharper photos and card stock of a higher quality not seen before. They also pioneered the use of serial numbers, autographs and memorabilia cards. While Upper Deck produced baseball cards into the 2000s, their most coveted issues are from the late 1980s and 1990s boom period. Their rookie cards of stars like Chipper Jones are especially sought after.
When starting a baseball card collection, focusing on vintage and modern issues from the major brands of Topps, Fleer, Bowman and Upper Deck will provide the highest potential for appreciation, the most enjoyment from collecting iconic designs, and the easiest resale marketability down the road. Within these brands, the decades of the 1950s-1980s as well as modern prospect-heavy Bowman releases tend to be the smartest places to start. With patience and a long-term outlook, collecting the right cards from reputable producers can make for a rewarding and potentially profitable hobby.
