Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

HOW MUCH IS GEORGE BRETT NOT GRADED BASEBALL CARD WORTH TODAY?

1 Reply

George Brett was one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history during his career spanning from 1973 to 1993 primarily with the Kansas City Royals. Brett was an 18-time all-star, won the AL MVP award in 1980, and had his number 5 retired by the Royals. Given his talent and accomplishments on the field, George Brett cards are considered quite valuable to baseball card collectors and investors today. The value of any vintage baseball card, even of a Hall of Fame player like Brett, can vary greatly depending on several important factors related to the specific card such as the year, set, condition, and more. For an ungraded George Brett card being offered for sale today, one must take all of these attributes of the card into careful consideration to determine its fair value.

HOW MUCH IS GEORGE BRETT NOT GRADED BASEBALL CARD WORTH TODAY?
HOW MUCH IS GEORGE BRETT NOT GRADED BASEBALL CARD WORTH TODAY?

While it is impossible to put a definitive dollar figure on an ungraded Brett card without examining the specifics of that individual card, we can look at valuation guidelines and sale comps for graded examples to get an idea of the potential range in value. The most valuable George Brett cards would predictably be from his early career years in the 1970s when he first came up with the Royals and started making a name for himself. This includes flagship cards from the 1970s like his Topps, Post, and Donruss rookie cards from 1974 which are considered the key date issues in the Hall of Famer’s collection. In Gem Mint condition grades of 10, high-end examples of Brett’s Topps, Post, and Donruss rookie cards have recently sold at auction for tens of thousands of dollars up to and even well above $100,000 depending on set, demand, and the presence of other desirable attributes like perfect centering.

For ungraded examples or those in lower grades, the values would obviously be much less. Using recent online sales histories and market data, here are some helpful valuation guidelines for different condition ungraded George Brett cards based on year and set:

  • 1974 Topps rookie (good-very good condition): $1,000-3,000
  • 1975-1980 Topps/Donruss/Fleer (ex-good condition): $100-500
  • 1981-1990 Topps/Donruss (near mint-mint condition): $50-200
  • 1974-1978 Post cereal/Kellogg’s (good-very good): $500-1,500
  • Pre-rookie (minor league) issues from early 1970s (good+ condition): $200-800
  • Oddball/regional issues from 1970s-80s (good-very good): $50-300
  • Post-playing career insert/parallel cards from 1990s-2000s: $10-50

An ungraded George Brett card from one of his key early 1970s rookie season issues like 1974 Topps could demand $1,000-3,000 in good-very good condition based on recent sales. Meanwhile, a well-centered 1980s flagship card in near mint could ring in around $50-200. There are just too many variables without seeing the specific card to assign an exact figure. Condition, completeness, and presence of flaws or centering issues are major factors that could negatively impact perceived value. The best approach for a seller is to do research, examine comparables, and realistically price an individual Brett card for what the current market is showing as reasonable expectations.

YouTube player

OAK CITY BASEBALL CARDS (2)

Leave a reply

Attention all sports enthusiasts! Are you tired of searching for the perfect addition to your baseball card collection? Look no further than Oak City Baseball Cards, your one-stop shop for rare and valuable cards.

OAK CITY BASEBALL CARDS
OAK CITY BASEBALL CARDS

At Oak City Baseball Cards, we pride ourselves on our vast collection of rare and highly sought-after cards. From vintage classics to modern day superstars, we have it all. Our team of experts scours the market to bring you the most unique and valuable cards, ensuring that you will have a one-of-a-kind collection that will make any collector jealous.

But we don’t just stop at offering a wide selection of cards. Our team is also dedicated to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information about the history and value of each card. We understand that for many collectors, the story behind a card is just as important as the card itself. That’s why we have carefully researched and compiled detailed information about every card in our collection, making sure that you have access to the most credible information.

But don’t just take our word for it. Our satisfied customers rave about our top-notch customer service and the quality of our products. We believe in building relationships with our customers, and we will go above and beyond to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will assist you in finding the perfect card for your collection.

At Oak City Baseball Cards, we also understand the importance of authenticity. That’s why all of our cards are carefully inspected and certified by reputable third-party grading companies. You can rest assured that the cards you purchase from us are 100% authentic and of the highest quality.

But our dedication to the world of baseball cards doesn’t stop there. We also believe in giving back to the community. That’s why a portion of our profits goes towards supporting youth baseball programs in Oak City and surrounding areas. By purchasing from us, you are not only adding to your collection, but also making a positive impact on the future of the sport.

So what are you waiting for? Come visit Oak City Baseball Cards today and see for yourself why we are the go-to destination for all things baseball cards. With our extensive collection, credible information, and exceptional customer service, we guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. See you at Oak City Baseball Cards!

YouTube player

WHO WERE THE STANDOUTS IN THE 1993 LEAF GOLD ROOKIES SET?

Leave a reply

The 1993 Leaf Gold rookie card set featured some true star power among the first year players in that season. While it may be too early to tell the whole career impacts of some of the rookies from that year, there were certainly those that immediately shone and went on to great careers in professional baseball.

One of the biggest standouts from that rookie class that appears on Leaf Gold cards was catcher Javy López. Loepz had an incredible rookie season with the Baltimore Orioles, batting .235 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI in only 325 at bats as he shared catching duties. Those power numbers as a rookie catcher were eye-popping. López would go on to have a stellar 16 year MLB career, making 3 All-Star teams and playing until he was 38 years old while racking up 258 home runs and 854 RBI. He remains one of the most prolific offensive catchers of all-time. His 1993 Leaf Gold rookie is one of the key standalone cards from that set.

Another gigantic name from that rookie crop was pitcher Pedro Martínez. While he pitched only 10 games in relief for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1993, posting a 4.08 ERA, his talent was immediately apparent. Martínez would explode as a starter over the next several seasons, winning three Cy Young Awards between 1997-2000 while leading the league in ERA four times and strikeouts five times during his peak years with the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. In total, Martínez went 219-100 with a 2.93 ERA and 3154 strikeouts over his 18 year career. His electrifying stuff and dominance made his 1993 Leaf Gold one of the most desired rookie cards long before anyone knew his full potential.

Shortstop Derek Jeter also had his rookie season in 1993, playing 117 games for the New York Yankees and batting .259 with 10 stolen bases and 38 RBI in his first exposure to the Majors at age 19. While he wouldn’t break out offensively until the following season, Jeter established himself as the future face of the Yankees franchise and one of the game’s premier stars over a 20 year Hall of Fame career spent entirely in the Bronx. His combination of leadership, clutch hitting, and five World Series titles made Jeter one of the most beloved players ever. His rookie card from Leaf Gold is a true icon of the set as one of the sport’s defining players.

Another stellar offensive catcher rookie in 1993 was Mike Piazza with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In just 61 games that year, Piazza blasted 35 extra base hits including 35 doubles and 16 home runs while batting .318. His prodigious power from the catcher position foretold an incredible career that would see Piazza slug 427 homers and drive in 1,335 runs over 16 seasons. He was an All-Star in 12 of his full seasons and won 10 Silver Slugger Awards. Piazza’s memorable 1993 Leaf Gold card gained additional notoriety due to speculation about whether he was using performance enhancing drugs during his career.

Pitcher Jim Abbott had one of the most inspiring personal stories in all of professional sports as the only one-handed pitcher to ever reach the Major Leagues. After being drafted in the 1st round by the California Angels in 1988, Abbott made his MLB debut in 1993, starting 29 games and compiling a 4-9 record with a 4.15 ERA. While he was never an All-Star, Abbott enjoyed a solid 10 year career, going 87-108 overall with four different teams. His will and determination to reach the hightest level of baseball against all odds made the story behind his 1993 Leaf Gold rookie one of the most memorable in the entire set.

Those were surely the biggest star performers and most impactful rookies captured in the 1993 Leaf Gold set based on careers that followed. While some other solid players like outfielder Moises Alou, reliever Armando Benítez, and pitcher Orel Hershiser also had rookie cards that year, none could match what Javy López, Pedro Martínez, Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, and Jim Abbott went on to accomplish in Major League Baseball after their initial appearances on those iconic rookie cards with Topps’ competitor Leaf. Their individual tales of success made some of the most historically significant rookies ever, greatly adding to the revered status of the 1993 Leaf Gold set among collectors today.

YouTube player

WHERE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS IN DENVER?

Leave a reply

Sports Card Collector – This shop has two locations in Denver and is considered one of the best places to sell baseball cards in the city. They have been in business for over 20 years and have a large buyer base. They do individual appraisals and offer cash or store credit for cards. They look for rare and higher end cards from the 1950s-1990s. This is a great full-service shop run by experienced and knowledgeable card collectors.

Mile High Cards – Located in Denver, Mile High Cards is another great local shop to take cards to sell. They pay cash and do appraisals on the spot. They are primarily interested in vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s, especially those of Hall of Fame players in high grades. They get steady foot traffic from collectors. Selling to a shop allows you to get cash quickly versus waiting for an individual buyer online.

Denver Card Show – This is a large monthly card show that happens every fourth Sunday at the Denver Mart. It’s a great place to display your cards to many buyers at once. There are usually 50-80 tables of vendors buying and selling. You’ll need to research recent sell prices to price your cards competitively. Consider grouping similar cards to streamline transactions. This is best for larger collections and can take more work but provide access to many potential buyers.

COMC (Cards On Mount Cards) – This company allows you to sell baseball cards online by sending them your cards and handling photography, descriptions, and sales. They charge consignment fees to sellers. It’s a convenient option if you don’t want to meet anyone in-person but the fees can eat into your profit margins overtime. Your cards get exposure to their national buyer base. This platform is best suited for common to unique cards in the $5-100 range.

Denver Nugget Show – For big collections or collections with higher end value cards, consider taking the cards to this annual sports card and memorabilia show in June. It’s one of the largest in the Rocky Mountain region attracting buyers from across the country. Admission is charged to get in so make sure to price cards competitively. Bring research of recent PSA/BGS graded card comps to be taken seriously.

Sports Card Consignment – There are also a few Denver shops that will consign cards on your behalf like Sports Card Consignment in Highlands Ranch. They charge consignment fees lower than online companies. You’ll have to transport cards there but they handle pricing, displays, and transactions with buyers before sending you a check. This allows selling hundreds of cards easier than trying to sell them individually yourself.

Local Sport Card Facebook Groups – Be sure to also check out the numerous local and regional sports card Facebook groups and marketplaces. Post descriptions and prices of your cards for sale to potentially reach a broader range of Denver area buyers online. Facebook has become a popular selling platform since the pandemic began for sports memorabilia.

When selling in Denver, it’s best to target the local shops and shows first for highest sell through rates. Consider condition, age, and player attributes when pricing cards competitively to sell quickly. Transport cards safely and keep condition sleeves for assessing. Hopefully these in-depth local options for selling baseball cards provide helpful guidance! Let me know if you need any other Denver-specific advice.

YouTube player

HOW TO APPRAISE BASEBALL CARDS?

Leave a reply

There are several factors that go into properly appraising the value of a baseball card. The first step is to identify the card and get as much information about it as possible. This includes things like the player name, year the card was produced, card manufacturer (Topps, Fleer, etc.), series and card number. Knowing these details allows you to properly research comps (completed sales of similar cards) to find an estimated value.

After identifying the basic details, you’ll want to carefully examine the condition or grade of the card. Baseball cards can range drastically in value based on even minor defects or signs of wear. The most objective way to grade cards is using the 1-10 point scale from Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA). A PSA 10 gem mint card in near-perfect centered condition will be far more valuable than even a slightly off-centered PSA 8 very fine card. Taking photos of the front and back under good lighting can help document any flaws, scratches, or centering issues for research purposes.

Looking up recent auction results and sales data of identically graded cards is the best way to find a valuation range. Sites like eBay, Sportscard Forums, and PriceGuides.com allow searching by player, year, brand, and grade. Pay attention to dates of completed auctions, as values can fluctuate over time. It’s important to find comps within the last 6-12 months to account for market trends. Values also differ based on the card’s level of significance and rarity within a given set or year. Iconic rookie cards naturally demand higher prices.

After considering comp data, the next variables are sub-grades for centering, corners, edges and surface (CCES). Minor differences in one of these sub-grades could mean a $20 card or a $200 card, so examine closely. Cards with strong corners and edges often gain value compared to rounded or damaged copies. Surface flaws like scratches may decrease a cards grade and therefore price. Flagship sets like Topps tend to carry more value than regional or insert sets produced the same year.

Taking the card out of any magnetic holders or sleeves allows you to thoroughly check all surfaces with proper lighting. A jeweler’s loupe can magnify tiny defects not visible to the naked eye. Document any issues – even superficial ones can justify a lower assigned grade and valuation. Beyond condition, some cards have premiums for autographs, memorabilia relics, or special printing techniques like refractors or negatives. Account for premiums on top of raw condition value.

After inspecting the card and gathering recent comps of equivalently graded versions, come to an estimated value range based on various scenarios. For true appraisal purposes looking to establish insurance values, take conservative estimates toward the lower end or midpoint of seen comp prices. Always disclose comps used and note any conditions noticed during inspection that may diminish or enhance the card’s “true grade” versus an assumed PSA or other third party grade. Without professional grading, condition assessments are subjective.

With high-value collectibles, it’s also smart to consult with experienced dealers and authenticators whenever possible. Not only will they know markets thoroughly and help establish realistic value expectations, but their expert opinions can confirm authenticity and catch potential forgeries or re-creations that the untrained eye may miss. Appraising baseball cards takes diligent research of specifics, recent sales, sub-grades, and consultation with pros whenever substantial value is involved. Condition is paramount, so handle cards carefully throughout the entire inspection process.

YouTube player

WHERE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS IN DOTHAN AL?

Leave a reply

One of the best places to sell baseball cards in Dothan is Dave’s Sportscards. Located at 651 Reeves Street suite c, Dave’s Sportscards has been in business for over 30 years and is truly the top sports memorabilia and card shop in the entire Wiregrass region. They have a huge inventory of cards, memorabilia, supplies, and they are one of the few authentic brick and mortar shops left where you can get an accurate price quote and sell your cards to an experienced buyer.

The owners, Dave and his son Kyle, are extremely knowledgeable about the hobby and can evaluate even the most obscure or vintage cards quickly. They deal in all the major sports but have an especially deep knowledge of baseball cards. They pay some of the highest prices around for collectibles due to their large customer base and business relationships with collectors across the country. You can trust that you will get top dollar for your cards at Dave’s, as their reputation depends on fair and honest transactions.

When you go to sell your cards, be sure to have them organized by sport, player, year, and condition if possible to make the process quicker. Dave’s uses the Beckett price guide and websites like eBay sold listings to determine fair market value. For especially valuable rookie cards or vintage pieces, Dave’s may even be able to facilitate an online auction through their website and social media following. They can handle the entire transaction and mail the cards to the high bidder for you, taking a small commission but ensuring you maximize the final sale price.

In addition to cash payments, Dave’s also offers store credit that can be put towards new supplies, boxes, or any other inventory items. This is very convenient if you want to treat yourself to some new cards or gear for the collection after selling your duplicates or less valuable pieces. The large retail area gives you plenty to browse through as well. No matter the size of your collection or goal, Dave’s Sportscards truly is the premiere local destination for selling baseball cards in Dothan.

For a faster sale at a lower potential price, you could also consider taking your Dothan baseball cards to a local card and comic shop like TK’s Comic World. Located closer to downtown at 146 West Main Street, TK’s has a smaller inventory compared to Dave’s but they do buy collections on a regular basis. Here, you can expect to get paid a wholesale price on the spot in cash, with no waiting period. This is ideal for those just looking to liquidate cards quickly.

Because they move product so fast, their offers will generally be significantly less than what you could potentially receive at a specialty shop like Dave’s where cards are individually appraised. TK’s main business is in new and back issue comics, so their expertise lies more in that area than detailed sports card grading. Still, they provide a convenient cash option for Dothan residents looking to sell cards without a lot of hassle or for very common non-valuable pieces. Just don’t expect top dollar here like you would at a dedicated sportscard business.

For online selling of your Dothan baseball card collection, two of the best options are eBay and Facebook Marketplace. On eBay, you have access to collectors from around the world willing to bid on and purchase vintage or rare finds. Take high quality photos showcasing the front and back of each card and be sure to accurately describe any flaws or issues. You can usually charge a premium on eBay compared to a local sale due to the much larger customer pool. You will need to factor in shipping costs and eBay/PayPal fees which can eat into your profits.

Facebook Marketplace provides a free local alternative for selling cards in the Dothan area. Post clear photos with details about each card and the condition at a fixed “Buy It Now” price along with your general location. For local pickup only, you avoid shipping fees while still tapping into the collectibles market in your local Facebook groups and Marketplace visitors. Communication through Facebook’s Messenger also allows for a safer transaction compared to an in-person meetup with a stranger from an unknown site. For common cards, Facebook can be a quick sell whereas pricier items may do better on eBay.

Whether you have a small collection or thousands of cards to sell locally in Dothan, Alabama – your best bets are Dave’s Sportscards, TK’s Comic World cash option, or listing on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Dave’s will ensure top dollar but may take longer, while the latter two provide a fast sale at the risk of getting less than full value. Take the time to properly organize, photograph and research your cards to maximize their sale price no matter where you ultimately choose to sell.

YouTube player

HOW TO STORE YOUR BASEBALL CARDS?

Leave a reply

There are several important factors to consider when properly storing your baseball card collection. The main things you want to do are protect the cards from damage and prevent degradation over time. Baseball cards are collectibles that can be valuable, so taking the right steps to store them correctly is crucial to maintain their condition.

One of the best ways to store cards is in magnetic or screw-down baseball card pages. Magnetic pages have a slot for each card and a magnetic layer on the back that holds the card securely in place. Screw-down pages use small plastic screws to tightly affix each card. Using pages makes it easy to organize your collection by player, team, year or any other category. It also protects the edges and surfaces of the cards from bumps and scratches that could occur if they were loose in a box. Make sure to only purchase high-quality acidic-free pages that will not damage the cards over decades of storage.

Once you have your cards safely housed in pages, those pages need to be properly stored. A sturdy baseball card storage box is ideal. Look for an acid-free box made of archival-grade cardboard that has a tight-fitting lid. The box should be large enough to hold all your pages comfortably with no cramming but also not too big to prevent wasted space. Properly sealing the box is important to protect the contents from dust particles and other contaminants in the air.

Inside the storage box, consider adding small acid-free paper sheets between each set of pages for additional protection against scratches during transport or accidental bumps. Some collectors also like to slip each page into a transparent, polypropylene sleeve or toploader for a smooth, slick surface between the cards and pages. This further protects edges and surfaces.

Once your boxes are packed with organized pages and cards, find a cool, dry place to store them long-term. An area with stable temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit and 40-50% relative humidity is ideal. Fluctuations in temperature or humidity can damage the paper and ink over time. Basements are usually too damp while attics may experience extremes. The best spots tend to be interior closets, dedicated storage rooms, or even a safety deposit box. Make sure to elevate boxes a few inches off the floor in case of minor flooding.

Rotating your storage location every few years is also recommended to prevent light damage accumulation in any one spot. Ultraviolet light from windows can bleach card colors and damage the paper. For short-term storage of active collection areas while displaying other cards, specially-designed wood or metal card cabinets with acid-free materials work well too. Just be sure to move boxes occasionally.

Proper handling is also important when accessing your stored collection. Always wash or disinfect hands before touching cards to prevent acid/oil transfer from skin. Handle cards by the edges and corners only, avoiding direct fingerprint contact with surfaces. Get in the habit of storing cards securely back in their pages and boxes immediately after inspecting to prevent damage.

With the right enclosed storage boxes, acid-free binding pages, environmental storage conditions and careful handling techniques – your baseball card collection can be preserved safely for decades to come. Taking these small steps ensures the greatest longevity possible so future generations can still enjoy the collectibles as intended. Proper long-term storage is essential to maintain value over the years for valuable autographed, rookie or especially rare baseball cards.

YouTube player

CAN YOU STILL BUY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been collected for generations and remain a popular hobby. Even in today’s digital world, there is still a large market for buying and trading physical baseball cards. Some of the most common places to purchase baseball cards in 2022 include:

Retail Stores – Large retail chains like Target and Walmart typically have a trading card section where you can find the current year’s baseball card releases from the major brands like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck. Stores like these are convenient for finding the mainstream releases as they hit the market each season.

Sport Card and Memorabilia Shops – Specialty hobby shops dedicated solely to trading cards, memorabilia and collectibles are still prevalent across the country. These independent shops will have a much wider selection than big box retailers, with inventory spanning many previous seasons and brands beyond just the current year. They are a good one-stop-shop option for avid collectors.

Online Retailers – Websites like Amazon, eBay, and websites of individual card shops allow you to easily purchase cards online. This is especially useful for tracking down out of print older releases. Prices may vary more widely online compared to retail though due to individual seller pricing. Be cautious of fraudulent or inaccurate listings. Reputable sites and sellers are important.

Trading Apps – Apps like TradeDB and CardLadder provide an engaging platform for directly trading cards with other users. Most support buying and selling for cash as well through their internal marketplace functions. This opens up accessibility for collectors worldwide to find even the hardest to locate older releases.

Card Shows/Conventions – Regularly scheduled card shows are still happening across North America on weekends where hundreds of individual vendors come together to sell cards. This provides the opportunity to dig through boxes upon boxes and potentially find rare vintage gems. Larger national conventions draw collectors from far and wide as well.

Direct From Manufacturers – Companies like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck sell directly through their own websites. This is typically limited to the most recent couple years of releases and special direct-to-consumer exclusives/parallels though. Pre-orders are common for the upcoming season too on manufacturer sites before products arrive at mass retail.

While the baseball card market has fluctuated some over the decades, interest remains strong among both casual and serious collectors. Newer digital hobbies have by no means replaced the fun of searching through packs, building sets, and enjoying the art of the classic cardboard cardboard collecting experience. As long as baseball itself continues to thrive globally, its trading cards will surely remain an collectible commodity that people young and old love to discover, trade, and cherish for generations to come.

IS THIS THE LAST YEAR FOR TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

While Topps baseball cards have been a staple of the baseball card collecting hobby for decades, 2022 does represent major change and uncertainty for the future of Topps and their baseball card license. It is too early to say definitively that 2022 will be the absolute last year for Topps baseball cards.

Topps has held the exclusive license to produce Major League Baseball player cards since 1981. Their current license expired after the 2021 season. In late 2021, Major League Baseball opted not to renew their license exclusively with Topps, instead choosing to partner with Fanatics, the dominant online seller of sports merchandise, memorabilia and collectibles.

Fanatics then signed a multi-year deal to be the exclusive producer and licensor of MLB player cards and trading cards starting in 2026. However, Topps was still granted a non-exclusive license to produce baseball cards through the 2025 season as part of a separate bridge agreement they made with MLB.

So while Topps lost their monopoly on the MLB player license, they do still have approval to make traditional baseball cards through 2025. Whether or not they choose to exercise that full license or not remains unclear. Topps may see reduced production and promotion of baseball cards in the coming years as Fanatics starts making their own MLB cards in 2026 with the full backing of the league.

There are also additional complicating factors that could impact Topps’ long-term participation in the baseball card market. Perhaps most significantly, Fanatics acquired Topps as a whole in January 2022 for around $500 million. So while Topps and Fanatics were competitors for the MLB license, they are now under the same corporate ownership.

Some industry analysts have speculated that Fanatics’ new ownership of Topps could mean they may scale back Topps’ baseball card offerings sooner than 2025 in order to more quickly transition the baseball card business fully under the Fanatics brand name. Others argue Fanatics may want both brands operating separately to maintain choice for collectors. But ultimate decisions will be up to Fanatics’ leadership.

Another consideration is the recent boom in popularity of digital collectibles and mainstream interest in NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Both Fanatics and Topps have been leaders in the online collectibles market and see potential opportunities there. It’s possible traditional paper baseball cards could see reduced focus and resources applied as companies explore greater profits in digital spaces.

And while baseball cards remain a popular part of the sports collectibles industry, there are signs of weaker growth and interest compared to the 1980s-90s peak. Declining popularity among young people could make Topps and Fanatics reconsider the profitability of paper baseball cards in the coming years. Waning interest could cause companies to shift investments elsewhere sooner.

Baseball card collectors and nostalgic fans provide a dedicated customer base that is unlikely to completely abandon paper cards. As long as there remains sufficient collector interest and profits, it’s reasonable to expect Topps to keep making traditional cards through the end of their current MLB license in 2025 barring any unforeseen circumstances.

While 2022 does usher in major changes with Topps losing their exclusive license and coming under Fanatics ownership – it’s too early to say with absolute certainty that this will definitively be the final year for Topps baseball cards without knowing Fanatics’ long-term strategy and how the collector market evolves. Topps still has approval to produce cards through 2025. Continued strong collector interest could prompt companies to preserve the traditional product for several more years. But alternative outcomes are also quite plausible given industry trends and the shift in MLB’s license holder. Only time will tell how Topps’ iconic baseball cards continue, or whether 2022 does indeed end up as their valedictory season after over 70 years of production. But for now, their catalog will keep expanding baseball’s nostalgic allure and link to history for another few years at minimum.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR 2023

Leave a reply

One of the most anticipated rookie cards to look for in 2023 baseball card sets will undoubtedly be Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and #1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jackson Holliday. Holliday had a phenomenal debut minor league season in 2022 where he slashed .317/.392/.596 with 15 home runs and 77 RBI in just 82 games split between rookie ball and Low-A. His pedigree as the #1 pick and son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday makes Holliday one of the most hyped prospects in baseball. His rooking cards in 2023 sets like Bowman Chrome, Topps Series 1/2, and Topps Chrome are virtually guaranteed to be hot items.

Another highly sought after rookie card in 2023 will be Baltimore Orioles catcher and #1 overall prospect in baseball Adley Rutschman. After making his MLB debut in 2022, Rutschman put together an impressive rookie campaign where he slashed .254/.362/.430 with 7 home runs in 264 at-bats. Rutschman solidified himself as a future star and will be one of, if not the most desirable Orioles cards in upcoming sets. Cards from his true rookie season like Topps Series 1/2, Chrome, Bowman, etc. will all have value.

2023 could also be a breakout year for Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Julio Rodriguez. After tearing things up in his first full season in Triple-A in 2021, Rodriguez debuted with the Mariners in late 2022 and showed why there is so much excitement around his potential. He slashed .267/.329/.483 with 6 home runs in 53 games. Assuming he builds on that in 2023 and establishes himself as a star, his 2023 rookie cards have the potential to gain tremendous value, especially if he wins awards or makes the All-Star team.

Some other top prospects who could debut in 2023 and havetheir rookie cards increase in value include catcher Gabriel Moreno (Blue Jays), shortstop Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), outfielder Estevan Florial (Yankees), and pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles). All four had outstanding seasons in the minors in 2022 and appear on the cusp of MLB stardom. Their rookie cards would be ones to watch out for from sets like Topps, Bowman, and Chrome.

Looking at active players instead of rookies, some veterans who could rebound in 2023 and see their cards rise include Giancarlo Stanton, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, and Trea Turner. Stanton, Jimenez and Robert all dealt with injuries that limited their production in 2022, so a clean bill of health and return to All-Star form would increase interest in their cards. Meanwhile, Trea Turner remains one of the best pure hitters in baseball and continuing to rake as the new face of the Phillies could drive collectors towards his 2023 issues.

Mike Trout remains the undisputed king as one of the best and most desirable active players. Even in down seasons due to injury, his cards hold tremendous value. A return to AL MVP-caliber production in 2023 could see renewed interest, especially for flagship cards from Topps like base, short prints, autographs, and relics. Fellow superstars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. are also two to watch as they continue their comeback trails from injury next season. Strong performances from them could elevate their cardboard.

On the pitching side, cards of Jacob deGrom, Shane Bieber, Luke Weaver and Lance McCullers Jr. are ones to watch. All are aces when healthy, but injuries have hampered their production in recent years. Roaring back as All-Stars could translate to collectors pursuing their 2023 issued cards at higher rates. Meanwhile, young hurlers like MacKenzie Gore, Hunter Greene and George Kirby could all be primed for their own breakouts that drive card markets.

In terms of sets themselves, Topps Series 1 and Topps Chrome are usually the hottest releases that move the needle most in the hobby during their release windows. But Bowman 1st Edition and Bowman Draft are two sets in particular to watch in the first half, as they will feature the debut rookie cards of top prospects drafted and signed from the 2022 class like Jackson Holliday and Druw Jones. Those cards often gain value quickly based on prospect performance over the summer. And Topps Finest and Ultra are two high-end showcases that typically feature big hits collectors chase after in the second half.

Factors like player performance, award races, milestones such as 300 wins or 600 home runs, playoff performances and more will all influence how individual player cards trend. But this overview highlights some of the core names and sets to keep an eye on in 2023 that could present collectors opportunities. There figures to be no shortage of exciting new rookies, as well veteran risers and superstar performers over the coming year.