Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

1981 TOPPS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1981 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the entire history of sports card collecting. Issued during a time when collecting cards was at the height of its popularity in America, the ’81 Topps release captured the careers of some true legends of the game who were in their prime at that time. While not quite as scarce as some vintage sets from the 1950s, finding high grade examples of the top rookie and star cards from ’81 Topps can still be a challenge for collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most noteworthy cards and storylines within this beloved 570 card checklist.

One of the biggest storylines of the 1981 season was the chase for Pete Rose to break Ty Cobb’s all-time career hits record. Topps wisely chose to feature Rose prominently on the set’s second card in anticipation of this milestone. While Rose would not actually pass Cobb until September 11th of that year, earning card #2 was a huge honor at the time. High quality PSA 10 examples of this Rose card can fetch over $1000 today given his place in baseball history. Another hitting milestone was captured on card #451, depicting Carl Yastrzemski of the Red Sox collecting his 3000th career hit. Yastrzemski was in the twilight of his storied career by 1981 but remained one of the game’s most revered figures.

In terms of the year’s rookie class, none have stood the test of time quite like Ferguson Jenkins on card #268. Already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, Jenkins put together one of the greatest pitching careers ever seen over the next two decades following his debut here. High grade versions of his rookie are among the crown jewels for collectors hunting complete ’81 Topps sets. Another future Hall of Famer found on card #304 is Dave Winfield, who was already establishing himself as a five-tool superstar in his early days with the Padres. Both Jenkins and Winfield rookies can fetch well over $1000 in PSA 10 condition today.

Two American League favorites make strong impressions with their ’81 Topps designs as well. In Toronto, catcher Ernie Whitt joins slugger Willie Upshaw on card #265 in what is arguably the best Blue Jays card of the entire set. The exciting “Killer B’s” era was just getting underway in Pittsburgh, and Dave Parker appears in full on card #455 ready to dominate with his MVP caliber play. Over in the National League, fans were thrilled by Fernando Valenzuela’s meteoric rookie season after debuting on card #557. “Fernandomania” took the sport by storm with one of the greatest rookie campaigns in baseball annals. All three of these stars remain highly sought after cards within the ’81 checklist.

Of course, no discussion of ’81 Topps cards would be complete without mentioning the true titans who graced the hobby during that era. On card #1, Reggie Jackson seemed poised to lead the Athletics franchise to new heights. Over on card #3, George Brett was in the midst of a decade-long reign as one of baseball’s great hitters. And if any one player truly towered over the league at that time, it was Nolan Ryan on card #268. At age 34, Ryan was entering the most dominant stretch of his legendary career and clearly looks the intimidating ace every boy of the 1980s dreamed of being. High grade examples of Reggie, Brett, and Nolan from ’81 Topps can all command prices well in excess of $1000 today.

The 1981 Topps set captured perfectly the essence and excitement of ’80s baseball while memorializing careers of all-time greats like Rose, Winfield, Brett, and Ryan. Factors like the sheer size of the 570 card checklist, the plentiful rookie stars, and milestone moments frozen in time, all contribute to ’81 Topps being heralded as one of the most crucial issues in the entire hobby. Whether collecting for enjoyment or long term investment, this vintage release remains an essential building block for any dedicated baseball card aficionado. Its memorable designs and subjects ensured ’81 Topps would withstand the test of time as one of the true crown jewels in the entire sports card realm.

MOST VALUABLE 1980S BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980s were a unique time in the sports card industry that produced many highly collectible and valuable cards. During this decade, the modern sports card collecting craze was in full swing which led to several iconic rookie cards being released that are now some of the highest valued in the hobby. While the junk wax era of the late 80s saw an overproduction of cards that has depressed the value of most from that time, there are still several 1980s baseball cards that can fetch huge prices if graded and preserved in mint condition. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1980s baseball cards that still excite collectors and enthusiasts today.

One of the true Holy Grails of the hobby is the 1986 Fleer Griffey rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card ever made, it perfectly encapsulates Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and youthful enthusiasm for the game on the cardboard. The 1986 Fleer set had terrible centering, corners and edges which means finding high grade examples of Junior’s rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint is extremely rare. As a result, PSA 10 1986 Fleer Griffey rookie cards have sold for well over $100,000 when one crosses the auction block. Even graded PSA 9 copies still bring in tens of thousands, showing the card’s unmatched collectibility decades after it was released.

While the ’86 Griffey sets the bar extremely high in value for 1980s cards, one that can still fetch five figures is the 1987 Topps Traded Jose Canseco rookie card. Canseco broke out with 33 home runs as a rookie in 1986 and his card became one of the hottest commodities for collectors the following year. Like Griffey’s, it captures Canseco perfectly in action during his playing days with the A’s. PSA 10 Canseco rookies have sold for over $20,000 due to their scarcity. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies still sell in the $5,000 range or more depending on the day’s market. The Canseco maintains strong demand because it memorializes one of baseball’s first true slugging superstars in the steroid era.

A card with tremendous potential value given its subject and scarcity is the 1984 Fleer Update Frank Thomas rookie card. Thomas had one of the sweetest left-handed swings of all-time during his Hall of Fame career mostly spent with the White Sox. His rookie was part of Fleer’s late season ’84 Update set and was only produced in limited quantities before being pulled. As a result, high grade Thomas rookies are exceedingly rare with only a handful graded PSA 10 believed to exist. Two ungraded Thomas rookies from 1984 Fleer Update sold at auction in 2020 for $360,000 and $96,000 respectively, showing the card’s immense raw value without a grade. Even in a PSA 9 holder, it could be a six figure card for the right buyer.

While flagship sets produced most of the coveted 1980s rookie cards, autograph cards also hold tremendous worth. Consider the unique 1988 Donruss Bobby Bonilla autograph card from the set’s autograph giveaway promotion. Bonilla signed approximately 5,000 of these hologram sticker autograph cards that were inserted at random in 1988 Donruss factory sets during the ill-fated promotion. One of the scarcest signed rookie cards ever, a Bonilla holo auto recently sold for just under $15,000 in PSA 9 condition on eBay. It’s believed less than a hundred high grade examples remain in existence today. The card’s rarity and Bonilla’s status as an All-Star make it an intelligent chase for well-heeled vintage autograph collectors.

Back in the 1980s, Topps owned the baseball card market and consistently produced some of the most iconic cardboard ever. A prime example is the 1988 Topps Traded Mark McGwire rookie card which captured “Big Mac” approaching his prodigious first home run as an Athletic. McGwire went on to smash a rookie record 49 home runs that year. In pristine PSA 10 condition, a 1988 Topps Traded McGwire rookie sold at auction for over $80,000 in late 2019. His monster home run season and cards are forever linked to the steroid era, for better or worse. But their historic significance gives examples like his ’88 Topps Traded rookie strong future value.

While usually considered “junk wax” era products due to overproduction, certain oddball 1980s cards defy that notion with their rarity and subject matter. A prime example is the Roger Clemens 1987 Fleer ProCards award card only produced as an insert in factory sets. It features Clemens in a unique Fleer pose that distances it from his Topps and Donruss rookie cards from the same year. With a print run around 100, this is one of the rarest non-parallel Clemens cards ever made. In high grade it can command in excess of $5,000 today. Another obscure but valuable card is the 1984 Donruss Kevin Mitchell subject card, known as one of the rarest centerpieces from that set with a print run estimated at only 200 or less. Desirable examples have sold for thousands in recent years.

While almost all flagship 1980s rookie cards like those from Topps, Fleer and Donruss are highly available and affordable in lower grades, rare parallel prints from the era can be financial gems. A case in point is Barry Bonds’ toughest professional card, the 1988 Topps Traded Tiffany parallel printing where the card stock has a distinctive purple hue. Only 110 were produced compared to the original blue-backed issue. One in pristine mint grade realized $20,000 at auction in 2019. Similarly scarce is the parallel 1985 Topps Traded Red Back Nolan Ryan card made on red cardboard instead of the standard blue. Less than a handful are known to exist, potentially making a PSA 10 example worth over $100,000 to the right collector one day.

In summarizing, while there were millions upon millions of 1980s baseball cards produced and saved in collections, certain rare gems hold tremendous modern worth. Iconic rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr., Canseco, McGwire and Frank Thomas maintain astounding values due to their irreplaceable historical significance and extremely low populations remaining in pristine condition. Lesser known oddball and parallels also excite advanced collectors willing to pay up for their finite scarcity. For savvy investors, carefully selecting and acquiring the best conditioned examples of these top 1980s cards represents an intelligent area of sports collectibles to target. But regardless of price, the cards also endure as tangible memories preserving the magic of some all-time great 1980s MLB stars and moments.

BEST 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was a highly coveted and valuable release during the height of the baseball card boom in the late 1980s. While not quite as iconic or valuable as the flagship 1952 or 1957 Topps sets, the ’89 Topps cards featured many of the game’s biggest stars and rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most noteworthy cards and rookies from the 1989 Topps set that have become highly valuable over the past 30+ years.

One of the true gems and most valuable cards from the 1989 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s electric smile and smooth left-handed swing made him an instant fan favorite. His rookie card quickly became a highly sought after chase card for collectors. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s ’89 Topps rookie has sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even well-worn near mint copies still fetch thousands. The card perfectly captures Griffey at the dawn of what became one of the most prolific careers in baseball history.

Another hugely valuable rookie card from 1989 Topps is Greg Maddux. Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily known for his pinpoint control and dominance on the mound. His rookie card isn’t quite as iconic or flashy as Griffey’s, but for collectors it’s still a highly important piece of cardboard. Pristine Maddux rookies have sold for over $10,000. The card is a reminder of how dominant “Mad Dog” was from the very beginning of his big league career with the Chicago Cubs.

In addition to rookie stars, the 1989 Topps set also had update cards featuring some of baseball’s biggest names like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith that have become highly valuable in the decades since. Ryan’s card from his final season at age 42 with the Texas Rangers has sold for over $1,000 in top condition. The card pays homage to Ryan’s incredible longevity and status as one of the game’s most prolific strikeout artists. Ozzie Smith’s card from his 15th and final season with the St. Louis Cardinals also regularly sells for $500-1000. It’s a fitting tribute to “The Wizard’s” brilliant defensive skills and popularity among collectors.

The 1989 Topps set also included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio. Glavine debuted with the Atlanta Braves and went on to win 305 games and 2 Cy Young awards over his storied career. His rookie card can be acquired for $100-300 depending on condition. Cellmates Smoltz and Biggio each had lengthy and productive careers that have made their ’89 rookie cards valuable at $75-150 a piece. The cards provide a unique opportunity for collectors to obtain rookie pieces of these Cooperstown-bound players.

In addition to star rookies and veterans, error cards from the 1989 Topps set have also gained notoriety among collectors. Specifically, the Ken Phelps error card, which features Phelps in a Mariners uniform despite being traded to the Cubs prior to the season. Only 10-20 of these rare error cards are believed to exist, and mint condition copies have sold for over $10,000 at auction. The card serves as a fascinating mistake from the height of the baseball card boom era.

While produced during the peak of mass production, the 1989 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible release. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux, Glavine and Biggio hold significant value. Update cards paying homage to all-time greats like Ryan and Smith are also prized possessions for collectors. Even obscure errors like the Ken Phelps card have achieved legendary status among enthusiasts. The ’89 Topps set provided a snapshot of baseball on the cusp of a new decade and features many of the game’s enduring stars.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SHORT PRINTS

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2022 was another exciting year for Topps baseball cards, as the company released their flagship Series 1, Series 2, and Update sets. One aspect collectors look forward to each year are the short print cards inserted throughout the base sets. Short prints are harder to find than standard base cards, adding an element of chase and excitement to the hobby.

For 2022, Topps introduced short prints at approximately a 1-in-10 pack ratio across Series 1 and Series 2. These short prints were immediately noticeable due to their parallel-style design, featuring a bright pink border around the image. Some of the most sought-after short prints included rookie cards of Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and Julio Rodriguez. Veterans like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani also received pink border short prints due to their star power.

In addition to the base short prints, Topps unveiled “Super” short prints for the first time in 2022. These were inserted at an ultra-rare 1-in-150 pack ratio. Unlike the pink border design, Super short prints featured a gold foil logo on the front. Rokies like Adley Rutschman and C.J. Abrams received these coveted gold cards. Top veterans Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Bryce Harper rounded out the Super short print selections.

For collectors chasing complete sets, the short prints added an extra layer of difficulty. While Pinky and Goldys, as they became affectionately known, were highly sought-after on the secondary market. Complete pink border short print sets for Series 1 and Series 2 routinely sold for thousands of dollars on eBay. Individual Pinky rookie cards also commanded premium prices due to their rarity and popularity with collectors.

Topps’ 2022 baseball card Update release in September also featured short prints. These had a simpler design with a solid pink fill behind the player picture. Update short prints included rookie sensations Oneil Cruz, Matt Brash, and Jonatan Clase. Established stars Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani rounded out the checklist. Update short prints were inserted at approximately the same 1-in-10 ratio as the Series sets.

Beyond the flagship releases, Topps also incorporated short prints into specialty and high-end products. The 2022 Topps Chrome baseball offerings featured short prints with a pink refractor parallel design. Chrome short prints star rookies like Spencer Strider and Bobby Witt Jr. were highly sought. In hobby-exclusive releases like Topps Transcendent and Topps Gold Label, short prints boasted exquisite parallel designs like pink Velocity and gold Inception. These short prints from luxury products accounted for some of the most valuable cards on the secondary market.

Looking ahead to 2023, Topps is likely to continue issuing short prints at similar ratios across their main baseball sets. Collectors will no doubt chase rookie short prints of top prospects like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Termarr Johnson. Established stars carrying premium rookie short prints like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should remain hot commodities. Topps will probably evolve the short print designs as well to keep the parallel chase exciting for collectors. Regardless, short prints are sure to remain a cornerstone of the yearly Topps baseball card experience.

In summary, Topps short prints from the 2022 season breathed new life into the baseball card hobby. Between the base pink borders, ultra-rare gold super versions, and specialty parallel designs – collectors had plenty to chase after. Short prints added scarcity, excitement, and substantial value increases for the hottest rookies and stars. As long as Topps continues innovating with new short print types each year, the parallel chase is guaranteed to keep die-hard collectors enthralled.

COOL VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Vintage baseball cards from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are highly collectible pieces of sports memorabilia that provide a unique window into the early years of professional baseball. Cards from this era are considered “vintage” and can fetch high prices depending on the player, year, and condition of the card.

Some of the coolest and most valuable vintage baseball cards date back to the very beginnings of printed baseball cards in the late 1880s. In 1886, the American Tobacco Company began inserting non-sport cards into packages of cigarettes and tobacco as promotional materials. In 1887, they issued the earliest known baseball cards as promotions. These tobacco-era cards from the 1880s and 1890s are exceedingly rare today in any condition and can sell for well over $100,000.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable vintage baseball card is the 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, the card features Hall of Fame shortstop Honus Wagner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It is believed that Wagner asked the tobacco company to withdraw his card from production out of modesty. As a result, only 50-200 examples are known to exist today in varying conditions. In pristine mint condition, a T206 Honus Wagner has sold at auction for over $3 million, making it likely the most valuable trading card of all time.

In addition to the ultra-rare T206 Wagner, other particularly valuable and desirable early 20th century tobacco era cards include T206 cards featuring Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Nap Lajoie. High grade examples of these can sell for $100,000+ depending on the player and condition. Additional iconic early sets include the 1909-11 T205 Gold Border set, 1910 E90-1 set, and 1911-13 M101-3 set produced by different tobacco companies. Individual star cards from these sets can also carry high values.

The 1910s and 1920s saw the rise of prominent baseball card companies like American Caramel, Boston Collection Candy Company, and Baltimore News American. Their cards from this period are highly collectible as well. The 1914 Cracker Jack set introduced the now-familiar concept of including baseball cards as incentives in food products. Highlights of this set include cards of Shoeless Joe Jackson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Walter Johnson. Individual key cards can sell for over $10,000 in top condition.

In the 1920s, baseball cards began including color lithographs and team logos on the fronts for the first time. Companies like Play Ball (1923), Sweet Caporal (1924-25), and Goudey Gum Company (1933) issued some of the most visually appealing vintage cards of the era. The 1933 Goudey set is particularly prized by collectors for its vibrant color images and inclusion of legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx. Top-graded examples can reach over $50,000 today.

The late 1930s and World War II era saw several iconic sets issued as well. In 1938, the Goudey Gum Company released their second and final set featuring even more Hall of Famers like Mel Ott and Pie Traynor. High-grade ‘38 Goudeys can sell for over $10,000 each. Sets like Play Ball Patches (1939), Leaf Baseball Gum (1941), and World Wide Gum (1941) featured innovative card designs and included future legends like Ted Williams and Stan Musial as rookies.

As you can see, vintage pre-war baseball cards offer a unique historical perspective on the early MLB careers of legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. Their visual designs also evolved significantly over the decades. For the serious collector, finding high-quality, intact examples from tobacco and candy store era sets is the holy grail. With such scarcity and demand, the finest vintage cards can realize astronomical prices. But for a glimpse into the earliest days of the national pastime on cardboard, nothing can top these truly cool pieces of sports collectibles history.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2011

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Baseball Card Price Guide 2011

Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for decades, with some rare vintage cards fetching millions of dollars at auction. Whether you’re looking to start a new collection or evaluate cards you already own, staying up to date on current baseball card values is important. This comprehensive baseball cards price guide provides estimated values for thousands of individual cards from the modern era through the 1990s based on the current collecting market.

The Modern Era (1980s-Present)

The modern era of baseball cards began in 1981 with the dawn of licensed MLB sets from Topps, Donruss and Fleer. These mass-produced cards make up the bulk of what is on the market today. Condition is extremely important when determining value for modern era cards.

Base Rougned Odor 2016 Topps – $2-3 (mint condition)
Base Mike Trout 2009 Topps Rookie Card – $100-150 (mint)
Base Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck RC – $50-75 (mint)
Base Chipper Jones 1990 Bowman RC – $30-50 (mint)
Base Derek Jeter 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor RC #150/150 – $300-500 (mint)

Rookie cards and stars of the day typically hold the most value from modern sets. Refractors, parallels and serially numbered cards command premiums over base versions. Graded Gem Mint 10 rookie cards can be worth 10x ungraded copies.

The 1990s

Cards from the early 90s are now considered vintage and hold strong collector interest due to players like Griffey, Jeter, Pujols emerging. Top 90s values include:

Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC PSA 10 – $2,000+
Jeter 1996 Topps Chrome RC PSA 10 – $1,500+
Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome RC PSA 10 – $1,000+
Frank Thomas 1990 Score RC PSA 9 – $500
Chipper Jones 1990 Bowman RC PSA 8 – $250
Mark McGwire 1989 Upper Deck RC PSA 9 – $200

Maintaining high grades is essential for 90s cardboard to retain peak worth in today’s market. Popular parallels like Finest, Chrome and Refractors in top condition also sell well.

The 1980s

Vintage 80s cardboard sees the most fluctuation in value. Top stars and rookie cards hold collector interest but condition is even more critical:

Roger Clemens 1984 Fleer RC PSA 8 – $800
Barry Bonds 1986 Topps Traded RC PSA 8 – $700
Donruss Wade Boggs RC PSA 8 – $500
Ozzie Smith 1981 Topps Traded RC PSA 7 – $400
Kirby Puckett 1984 Topps RC PSA 8 – $300

Icons like Rickey Henderson, Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry have found renewed popularity. High-grade 80s rookies in PSA 8-10 condition can still fetch four-figure prices. But well-worn copies often sell for just $20-50.

Pre-1980 Legends

Moving back before 1980, condition and eye appeal become paramount. Even small flaws can drastically cut into value for these highly collectible vintage cards:

Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps PSA 2 – $50,000
Willie Mays 1952 Topps PSA 5 – $25,000
Hank Aaron 1954 Topps PSA 6 – $15,000
Roberto Clemente 1964 Topps PSA 8 – $5,000
Nolan Ryan 1968 Topps PSA 7 – $3,000
Tom Seaver 1971 Topps PSA 8 – $2,000

Icons from the 50s/60s like Mantle, Mays and Aaron are blue-chip investments grading high. But most pre-1970s cards in below PSA 7 condition sell for just a few hundred dollars or less. Authenticating vintage cardboard is also important due to the presence of reprints.

The Future of Baseball Card Values

As the collector market grows, so does interest and prices for historical cardboard. Rookies from the 1990s/2000s that slipped under the radar are being rediscovered, while stars of today like Trout and Harper are already establishing strong followings. Condition and scarcity will remain the ultimate drivers of value going forward for all eras. With proper care, storage and grading, prized pieces from your collection could gain even more worth in the years ahead.

BASEBALL CARDS 947 DODGERS 1947

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The 1947 season was a significant year for the Brooklyn Dodgers franchise and their fans. After over a decade without a championship, the Dodgers won the 1947 National League pennant behind stellar performances from Jackie Robinson and shortstop Pee Wee Reese. Robinson’s rookie season in 1947 helped break Major League Baseball’s color barrier as he faced intense racism but thrived on the field.

The 1947 Dodgers baseball card set was also groundbreaking as it was the first year that Leaf brand issued cards for every player on each of the 16 MLB teams. Previous years had often featured far fewer than a full roster of cards for each club. The 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers subset contained 33 baseball cards, each numbered from 1 to 33 to represent each player on the team’s 40-man roster.

Some notable Dodgers stars featured included #1 – Jackie Robinson, #5 – Pee Wee Reese, #9 – Dixie Walker, #11 – Eddie Stanky, #15 – Carl Furillo, #21 – Billy Cox, #22 – Joe Hatten, and #26 – Van Lingle Mungo among others. Robinson’s rookie card is widely considered one of the most iconic and culturally significant in the history of the sport. It was among the first to prominently feature an African American player during baseball’s period of segregation.

The 1947 Leaf brand design incorporated a color photo of each Dodgers player in their uniform along with their name, position, batting average from 1946, number of home runs and runs batted in from the prior season. On the reverse side was a paragraph with background information and stats. The cards measured 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches and had a green border and printing on high quality thick paper stock. They remained the standard size for baseball cards throughout the 1950s before gradually increasing in dimensions.

While production numbers for the 1947 Leaf set as a whole ran into the millions, high grade examples of especially the star Dodgers players have become exceedingly rare and valued tremendously over the decades. The Jackie Robinson rookie in near mint to mint condition has traded hands for over $500,000 at auction. Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider rookies have also cracked the $10,000 mark. Other key rookies like Furillo and Cox can fetch thousands in top grades as well due to their significance in Dodgers history.

The 1947 season itself was one of the most impactful and revolutionary the franchise had seen up to that point. In addition to Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier, the Dodgers posted a 96-58 record to capture the National League flag. They went on to lose to the New York Yankees in a seven game World Series, but it marked Brooklyn’s first Fall Classic appearance since 1920. Momentum was building for what would become one of baseball’s most passionate fan bases in the late 1940s and 1950s.

While tobacco companies like Fleer and Topps would come to dominate the baseball card market in later decades, 1947 remained the high water mark for the Leaf brand. They were unable to maintain exclusive licensing deals and production levels to compete long term. Their release of the first true full team set in 1947 that established the iconic size and design template for postwar baseball cards cemented their place in the hobby’s history. The iconic Dodgers players featured have become treasured pieces of collectibles that still ignite nostalgia and fandom over 70 years later.

For serious Dodgers collectors, locating high grade examples from the scarce 1933 Goudey set featuring Babe Herman and Van Lingle Mungo remains the holy grail. But the 1947 Leaf issue serves as both a reminder of the team’s breakthrough season and a marker of the onset of the golden age of baseball cards in the postwar period. Key rookies like Robinson, Reese and Furillo take on even greater significance considering the sociocultural context of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. Their inclusion in the first true complete team set by Leaf was truly ahead of its time and helped usher in baseball card mania among fans young and old. Even three quarters of a century later, the 1947 Dodgers cards retain their power to astonish and inspire a new generation of collectors with their rich history and iconic imagery of one of the most legendary clubs in MLB.

BASEBALL PRINTABLE LINEUP CARDS

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Baseball printable lineup cards are an essential tool for any baseball coach. They allow the coach to easily communicate the starting lineup and batting order to players, umpires, and scorekeepers for each game. While lineup decisions can change throughout a season, printable cards provide an organized way to set the initial batting order at the start of each contest.

There are several key elements that should be included on a baseball lineup card. At the top, the most important information is the date of the game and names of the two opposing teams. Below this, list each of the defensive positions from left to right across the field, including pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. Then, underneath each position, print the name of the starting player filling that role.

The batting order is also critical to define on a lineup card. Number each batting position from one to nine or more if using a designated hitter. Write the last name of the player listed beside their assigned spot in the order. Coaches can opt to also include first initials if they have players with common last names. Placing a “L” or “R” by each player’s name indicates their batting handedness, which umpires and other teams will want to know.

Additional information that adds value to a baseball lineup card includes uniform numbers listed beside each player’s name. This allows fans and scorers to easily identify athletes. You may also want to note any special designations like captains, if using a DH, or pitchers scheduled to appear in relief. Leaving room for notes is also handy in case of late lineup adjustments.

When designing printable baseball lineup cards, use a simple template with defined sections for all the key elements. This keeps information organized and easy to read at a glance. Print on cardstock for durability if submitting physical copies. Digital lineup cards work as well if shared electronically before games. Consider having extras printed in case of changes during the season too.

Proper execution of lineup cards is important for communication and organization in baseball games. They allow coaches to set their preferred defensive positioning and batting order while informing everyone of who will be playing what role. Umpires need to be aware of substitutions and the order of batters. Scorekeepers rely on accurate information to record plays and statistics correctly. Well-designed, complete lineup cards help facilitate a smooth game experience for all involved.

There are many free, basic baseball lineup card templates available online that coaches can customize with their team information. Or graphic design software allows creating personalized templates from scratch. When filling out cards, take care to print legibly so information is clear. Double check for accuracy too, as small errors can cause confusion. Proper use of well-designed baseball lineup cards is a hallmark of prepared, organized coaching to help teams get the most from each contest. They remain a simple yet valuable tool for communicating a team’s on-field composition and strategy from the get-go.

Baseball lineup cards serve an important logistical purpose for coaches and those involved in running a smooth game. Templates provide an organized format for listing all pertinent details about defensive positioning, batting order, and player identification. Taking the time to properly fill out accurate, legible lineup cards sets the stage for effective on-field performance while informing others of a team’s game plan from the outset. Their simple design belies the important role they play in communicating a starting lineup for baseball games.

86 RECORD BREAKER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball card releases of all time. While the entire set contains many notable rookie cards and stars of the era, several stand out as true record breakers that shattered long-held MLB records in 1985-86. These unprecedented performances were perfectly captured on the cards in the 1986 Topps set, making them highly coveted by collectors to this day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant record breakers featured in the ’86 Topps checklist.

Perhaps the most famous record-setting card from 1986 Topps is card #30, featuring Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox. In 1986, Clemens put together one of the greatest pitching seasons in baseball history. He went 24-4 with a minuscule 1.93 ERA and 238 strikeouts, leading the AL in all three pitching triple crown categories. Clemens’ 238 K’s shattered the single-season record that had stood for over 100 years since Nolan Ryan struck out 237 batters in 1974. The Clemens ’86 Topps card perfectly captures the excitement of his record-setting season and is one of the most valuable cards in the entire set today.

Another ace pitcher who dominated in ’85-86 was Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets. As a 20-year-old in 1985, Gooden went 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts, leading the NL in wins, ERA, strikeouts and winning percentage. His 268 strikeouts broke Clemens’ newly-set AL record from the previous season. Gooden’s incredible ’85 campaign is memorialized on his ’86 Topps card (#76). Like Clemens, Gooden’s record-setting season card is a true gem in the set worth a premium today.

On the offensive side, Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees had an all-time great season in 1984. The smooth-swinging first baseman hit .343 with 35 home runs and 145 RBIs to lead the AL in batting average for the only time in his career. Mattingly’s .343 average broke the long-standing AL batting title record of .340 set by Ty Cobb in 1925. His incredible ’84 season, which earned him the AL MVP award, is showcased on his ’86 Topps card (#30). As one of the most popular players of the era, Mattingly’s record-setting card remains a highly sought-after piece for collectors.

In 1986, Roger Maris’ single-season home run record of 61, which had stood since 1961, was eclipsed not once but twice. First, slugger Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies crushed 40 home runs in the strike-shortened 1987 season, setting a new NL single-season record. Schmidt’s NL-record 40 homers are commemorated on his ’86 Topps card (#495). Then, late in the season, Yankees outfielder Don Mattingly’s teammate Dave Winfield smashed his 43rd home run to set a new AL single-season record. Winfield’s AL-record setting season is featured on his ’86 Topps card (#165).

The most famous home run record-breaker of all from 1986 was, of course, the Bambino himself, Roger Maris. After 25 years, Maris’ hallowed single-season home run record of 61 was finally broken in spectacular fashion by “The Hammer”, Hank Aaron, when playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in ’74. Aaron’s legendary chase of the Babe and his record-setting 715th career home run, which broke Babe Ruth’s all-time career record, are forever immortalized on his classic ’86 Topps card (#1). As one of the most culturally significant cards ever issued, the ’86 Aaron is truly a prized piece of baseball memorabilia.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is packed with stars, rookies and one-of-a-kind record-setting cards. From Clemens to Gooden, Mattingly to Schmidt, and Aaron to Winfield, the incredible individual performances and record-shattering stats from 1985-86 were captured perfectly in the ’86 Topps checklist. Over 35 years later, these unprecedented seasons still resonate strongly with collectors, making the cards of these record breakers extremely valuable and desirable pieces within the set. The 1986 Topps release immortalized some of the most hallowed records in baseball history at the time they were set, cementing its place as one of the most historically significant and collectible issues in the hobby.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 1989

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the late 1980s. While it may lack the star power and immense collectability of sets from the 1952-1978 era, there are still several key cards from the ’89 Topps set that can fetch solid money from dedicated collectors and investors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards that have retained or grown substantially in value from the 1989 Topps release.

Undoubtedly, one of the most desirable and expensive cards to track down from the 1989 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. As one of the greatest players of his generation and one of the most charismatic stars in baseball history, Griffey’s rookie card is a true Holy Grail for collectors. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, Griffey’s ’89 Topps rookie regularly sells in the $2,000-$3,000 range and occasionally above $4,000 for flawless specimens. Even well-centered excellent or very good conditioned copies can still bring in $400-$800 at auction. This places Griffey’s RC among the most valuable modern era cards and absolutely at the top of the ’89 Topps hierarchy in demand and secondary market value.

Besides the Griffey rookie, which is the undisputed big ticket card, there are some other noteworthy 1989 rookies and prospects that also carry premiums today. Greg Maddux, who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career as one of the greatest pitchers ever, has a very respectable rookie in the ’89 Topps set. High grade Maddux rookies currently sell in the $100-$300 range. Also of note is the Don Mattingly traded version card, which can eclipse $50-$100 in pristine condition due to its added rarity factor over the standard issue card. Ken Caminiti’s rookie, as well as cards featuring prospects like Jeffrey Leonard, Jeff Bagwell, and Barry Larkin could also pull in $25-$75+ based on grade and demand.

In terms of star veterans and all-time greats featured prominently in the ’89 Topps set, two particular cards stand well above the rest – the Nolan Ryan and Orel Hershiser cards. Ryan, already a living legend at this point of his career, has his 1989 Topps card escalate into the $50-$100 range for mint copies. Hershiser’s card carries a premium largely due to his record-setting 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988, leading to eye-catching investment potential for high grade examples in the $40-$75 range. Other strong vintage 1980s names that can still attain respectable prices include Gary Carter ($15-30), Ryne Sandberg ($10-25), Wade Boggs ($10-20), and Kirby Puckett ($8-15) depending on condition.

Rarity and error variants are additional avenues that can significantly increase the values of specific 1989 Topps cards beyond typical assigned grades and player/name recognition alone. One such example is the extremely rare Rod Beck rookie card, of which it’s believed fewer than 10 copies were ever produced with the “Rookie” banner missing on the front. Prices for this hugely scarce error variant have escalated into the mid-four figure range when one surfaces. Other notable printing plate variations in the set featuring Griffey, Sandberg, Carter, and Rickey Henderson can also eclipse the $100-200 range depending on the specific parallel.

While it may lack the true vintage appeal of 1960s-70s sets, the 1989 Topps release still offers collectors plentiful opportunities to find cards that have retained strong modern relevance and secondary prices appreciably above their original issue values. For investors or collectors patiently acquiring and holding onto well-preserved copies of the big star rookie cards, key veterans, and scarce variants over the decades, the ’89 Topps set continues demonstrating lasting value and collectability within the baseball card market. With names like Griffey, Maddux, Hershiser, Ryan and others destined to remain fan favorites and icons of the game for generations, their rookie and starring cards from this aesthetically pleasing 1980s Topps issue should stay firmly entrenched in the portfolios of dedicated card collectors and investors.