Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

BEST CARDS FROM 89 FLEER BASEBALL

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The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases in the modern era of the hobby. While not quite as valuable as sets from the late 1980s like 1987 Topps or 1988 Donruss, 1989 Fleer still featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. The set is also notable for being one of the first to feature traded players in their new uniforms, helping collectors stay up to date on offseason transactions. With 700 total cards issued, 1989 Fleer had no shortage of memorable and desirable rookie cards, inserts, and stars of the day. Here are some of the most noteworthy cards collectors still seek out over 30 years later:

Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card (Card #1)

He may go down as the greatest player to never win a World Series, but Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card from 1989 Fleer is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and valuable cards ever produced. Featured as the set’s first card in the checklist, Griffey’s rookie introduced baseball fans and collectors to one of the game’s most talented five-tool players and future Hall of Famer. With its bright colors, action pose, and subject matter, the Griffey rookie established itself as the crown jewel of the 1989 Fleer set from day one. Over the decades, strong demand has driven PSA 10 examples of this card into the range of $10,000-20,000 depending on market conditions. Even well-centered raw copies still command four-figure prices.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #91)

While not quite as heralded as some other rookies from the late 1980s, Greg Maddux’s first card remains one of the more iconic and sought-after from 1989 Fleer. Maddux would go on to win four Cy Young Awards and establish himself as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history with his pinpoint control and mastery of changing speeds. His rookie card features an action shot of the young righty in a Cubs uniform, foreshadowing great things to come. High-grade Maddux rookies still trade hands for $1,000-2,000, a testament to his Hall of Fame career and the lasting appeal of his debut issue.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #144)

Barry Bonds is one of the most polarizing figures in baseball history, but his prodigious talent is undeniable. His rookie card from 1989 Fleer is one of the most historically significant issues from the entire set. Bonds would go on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record seven MVP awards, cementing himself as perhaps the greatest pure hitter ever. High-grade examples of his rookie in Pirates black and gold still demand $1,000-2,000. While not in the same league as Griffey or Maddux rookies value-wise due to Bonds’ controversial legacy, this iconic issue remains a highly sought trophy card for collectors.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #161)

While overshadowed in the hobby by flashier rookies from 1989 Fleer, Roberto Alomar’s debut is still a highly coveted issue recognizing a surefire Hall of Famer. Alomar broke into the big leagues with the Padres and is pictured in brown and yellow with “San Diego” across his chest. He would go on to have a stellar career with the Blue Jays, Orioles, Mets and others while establishing himself as a premier defensive second baseman. Alomar rookies have risen in value over the years to the $300-500 range for high-quality specimens, a testament to his excellent 20-year MLB tenure.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #182)

Another relatively “underrated” rookie from 1989 Fleer is that of Tom Glavine. The lefty broke in with the Atlanta Braves and while not boasting huge strikeout totals, established himself as one of the best control pitchers in baseball history. Glavine rookies were relatively plentiful upon release but have risen steadily in value as the left-hander gained entry into the Hall of Fame based on his 305 career wins and two Cy Young Awards. PSA 10 Glavine rookies now bring $400-600, reflecting his excellent 21-year MLB career spent primarily in a Braves uniform.

Nolan Ryan Insert Card (#I-NR)

While not technically a “rookie” card, the popular insert featuring legendary flamethrower Nolan Ryan stood out amongst the 1989 Fleer checklist. Shot in classic Astros garb before his later years with the Angels and Rangers, the iconic image of Ryan winding up remains one of the most iconic in the entire set. Numbered to only 99 copies, high-grade versions of this popular insert card reach into the $500-1,000 range depending on condition. It’s a must-have for any Ryan or Astros collector.

Ozzie Smith Insert Card (#I-OS)

Complementing the Nolan Ryan insert was this sharp photo of Wizard of Oz Ozzie Smith backflipping in a Cardinals uniform. Like the Ryan, it was limited to only 99 copies amongst the 1989 Fleer checklist. Widely considered one of if not the greatest defensive shortstop in MLB history, Smith’s career and this iconic action shot are captured in card form. Top-graded versions regularly sell between $300-600 based on his surefire Hall of Fame career and the rarity/iconic nature of the insert imagery.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Card #338)

While overshadowed upon release by bigger star rookies, Frank Thomas’ debut with the White Sox has risen steadily in demand and value over the decades. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas established himself as arguably the premier right-handed power hitter of the 1990s while winning back-to-back MVPs. His rookie card from 1989 Fleer is quite scarce in high grades due to the photo cutting off at the top. PSA 10 examples have broken the $1,000 barrier in recent years, a testament to Thomas’ Hall of Fame playing career.

Other Key Cards

In addition to the headlining rookies, inserts and stars above, 1989 Fleer featured many other iconic veterans and future Hall of Famers in their primes:

Kirby Puckett (#15): Perennial All-Star entered his peak years with the Twins.

Wade Boggs (#21): Hit .325 for his career and the face of the Red Sox’s late 80s success.

Ozzie Smith (#25): The Wizard was in his defensive prime with the Cardinals.

Don Mattingly (#29): The 1985 MVP was the face of the Yankees franchise.

Roger Clemens (#33): Already one of the best pitchers in the game with the Red Sox.

Rickey Henderson (#45): Stole more bases than anyone in history and in his prime.

Mike Schmidt (#56): The Phillies legend was in his final seasons but still raking.

George Brett (#63): Future Hall of Famer’s career was winding down but still productive.

Nolan Ryan (#71): The Express was still dealing in his early 40s with the Astros.

In summary, 1989 Fleer remains a hugely popular and iconic vintage release due to its star-studded checklist featuring the likes of Griffey, Maddux, Bonds, Alomar, and many other all-time greats. While some individual cards have appreciated significantly, full sets can still be acquired for reasonable prices relative to other late 80s/early 90s issues. The iconic rookie cards, inserts, and photos make this a must-have grouping for any vintage baseball card collector.

MISTAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Mistake Baseball Cards: Rare Find For Collectors

Baseball card collecting is a multi-billion dollar hobby with millions of avid participants worldwide. While most collectors seek out pristine near-mint condition cards of their favorite players, some instead choose to hunt for the rarest and most unique mistakes, anomalies, and errors found within sets over the decades. Known as “mistake cards,” these fugazi flakes of cardboard have the potential to be exponentially more valuable than their properly printed counterparts. From misspelled names to missing stats and swapped photos, mistake cards offer a truly one-of-a-kind collecting challenge that rewards those with a keen eye and willingness to scour racks.

One of the earliest and most famous mistake baseball cards dates back to 1951, just the second year of modern card production by Topps. The “Baltimore Orioles” error card features Hall of Famer Roy Sievers, but incorrectly lists his team as the hapless St. Louis Browns instead of his actual squad, the Washington Senators. Even more remarkably, Sievers hadn’t even been traded to the Browns yet. Estimated to only 10-20 copies in existence, one mint condition example sold at auction in 2016 for nearly $50,000, making it one of the most valuable post-war cardboard oddities out there.

Name mistakes have also proved quite valuable over the decades. In 1970, Topps incurred one of its most famous slip-ups by labeling slugger Johnny Bench as “Johny Bench” on his flagship rookie card. Only a small number bearing the typo were printed before the error was caught and corrected. Ingeminate condition examples routinely fetch over $10,000 today. Other costly name booboos include a 1990 Score card wrongly denoting slugger Mark McGwire as “Mike McGwire” and a 1993 Fleer Ultra card labeling pitcher Chris Nabholz as “Chris Nabbolz.”

Beyond names, photography mix-ups have also created precious paper anomalies. In 1988, Topps put out a Wally Joyner card that actually featured a photo of pitcher John Cerutti in uniform instead. Less than a dozen are known to exist. Even more rare is a 2009 Topps 206 parallel card that shows Cleveland Indians pitcher Kirk Saarloos but labels him as Seattle Mariners hurler Ian Snell. Only one of these frankencards is accounted for, making it arguably the most singular mistake card ever.

Statistics and position errors have also endowed otherwise mundane cardboard with immense scarcity value. The 1979 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. rookie lists his position as SS instead of his career-long 3B. Very few of the mislabeled copies were printed before Topps caught and fixed it. In 1992, Donruss absurdly credited Cubs pitcher Mike Harkey with 118 wins instead of his actual 18. Less than 10 of these ludicrously incorrect cards are known. And in 1994, an Ultra mistake dubbed Frank “Thomas” instead of the proper “Frank Thomas” on his sticker, a ultra-rare variation that recently sold at auction for over $12,000.

Perhaps the most peculiar error cards come not from mistakes at all, but deliberate miscuts made in manufacturing. These “crooked cut” or “offset” cards feature partial images from the card printed next to it haphazardly splayed across. Among the most coveted is a 1994 Collector’s Choice Tim Raines card missing a sliver of its left side but retaining a snippet of fellow Expo Marquis Grissom visible on the trimmed portion. Another highly valuable miscut shows a small portion of 1995 Finest Ken Griffey Jr. appearing on the right edge of a Scott Cooper card.

While mistakes are nothing new to mass production baseball cards, today’s mega pop culture franchises and highly coveted rookie cards have increased the potential payoff of any error. Flaws slip through the cracks less frequently in the digital age, making each new mistake card a mini-lottery ticket waiting to be discovered. With so few errors made in the 2010s onward, the hunt is increasingly challenging but promises an even greater reward for those eagle-eyed collectors willing to sift painstakingly through mountainous stock. For the risk-taking mistake chasers of the hobby, the rare rush of finding cardboard gold makes it all worthwhile in the end.

2021 TOPPS BASEBALL COMPLETE SET BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Baseball complete base set consists of 132 cards that span all 30 MLB teams. While there are no true super short printed cards in the base set like in years past, there are some notable rookie cards and parallels that hold more value than others. Let’s take a look at some of the best cards collectors should target from the 2021 Topps Baseball complete set.

Perhaps the most sought after card in the 2021 Topps base set is the Wander Franco rookie card. As the top prospect in baseball, Franco dominated in his brief MLB debut late in the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. His rookie card (#331) can fetch $50-$100 even in the common base variant. Franco also has several valuable parallel versions like the rainbow foil (#331), green foil (#125), and gold foil (#70). These parallels that number less than the base often sell for $200 or more in graded gem mint condition.

Another highly desired rookie card is Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic (#332). After being considered one of the top prospects in the minors, Kelenic struggled in his initial MLB action but is still expected to develop into an All-Star. His base rookie commands $30-50 while parallel versions like the rainbow (#332), green (#126), and gold (#71) are worth $100+ graded.

San Diego Padres shortstop C.J. Abrams (#333) had one of the quickest ascents through the minors and made his MLB debut late in 2021. His star potential makes his base rookie a $20-30 card, with the rainbow (#333), green (#127), and gold (#72) parallels valued much higher for serious Padres PC collectors.

Rookies Spencer Torkelson (#334) of the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (#335) also have nice cards as top prospects that made their MLB debuts late last season. While neither cracked the everyday lineup yet, their longterm upside keeps their cards in the $15-25 range for the base and $50-100 for premium parallels depending on grade.

Red Sox star Rafael Devers has one of the more aesthetically pleasing cards as the subject of the flagship “Hitting Stars” card (#57). These popular inserts featuring the games elite hitters can fetch $15-25 graded. His rainbow parallel (#57) and gem mint gold parallel (#74) are amongst the most valuable and desirable Red Sox cards in the set, valued over $100 each.

Mike Trout collectors never have to search hard to find one of the best cards. His flagship “All-Time Greats” insert card (#1) is one of the icons of the set. While common, the rainbow parallel (#1) takes on added scarcity being limited to only /50 printed. Either version grades a gem can sell for $50-100 longterm. Fellow superstar Mookie Betts (#6) also has an iconic “All-Time Greats” card with value parallels.

Other star players that catch the eyes of collectors include Ronald Acuña Jr. (#25), Juan Soto (#28), Fernando Tatis Jr. (#31), and Shohei Ohtani (#33) on their respective main base cards. Their parallels like golds and greens sell robustly whenever pulled in pristine mint condition.

The “Topps Now” insert set takes a spotlight with cards featuring big moments from the 2021 season. Brandon Crawford’s cycle card (#TN5) or Tyler Matzek’s NLCS-clinching performance (#TN21) are ones that stand out in collectors’ minds from recent playoff runs. These low printed parallels also carry value.

In the value department, autograph and memorabilia cards are highly sought after insert sets. Freddie Freeman’s (#174) and Juan Soto’s (#176) autographed cards have sold for over $150 each graded flawless. Numbered parallel autographs of top prospects like Frankie Tovar (#123) and Evan Carter (#140) hold future potential as well. On the relic front, game used uniforms, bats, balls etc of stars raise the excitement.

While the base set is rather affordable to complete with most cards under $5, it’s the valuable rookie cards, superstar inserts, and low numbered hits that create the excitement in hunting the 2021 Topps Baseball release. Collectors will always look for the cards of today’s budding talents as well as icons of the past within the flagship hobby brand’s release each year. The 2021 Topps complete set offers plenty of quality cardboard for players both established and emerging, making it amongst the premier releases for any baseball collectors.

1975 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The 1975 Topps baseball cards are a beloved set for collectors and fans of the vintage baseball era. The set features the usual team designs and action photography that Topps was known for in the 1970s. Card collectors and investors are always on the lookout for 1975 Topps singles and complete sets to add to their collections.

Some notable aspects of the 1975 Topps design include team designs in the borders incorporating each franchise’s logo and colors. Player names are printed vertically along the left side of each card front. Photos showcased action shots from the 1974 season. On the back, stats from 1974 are listed along with a brief career summary. Topps prints a typical run of around 700 cards per year for the base set.

The 1975 set is regarded as one of the more affordable vintage issues that collectors seek out. Some key rookie and star player cards still carry a premium. For example, George Brett’s rookie card from 1975 is highly coveted. Brett went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his first Topps card remains a popular chase. Other rookie gems include Don Sutton, Gary Matthews, and current broadcasters Bob Costas and Tim McCarver.

The 1975 set also included Nolan Ryan’s only season as an Angel before being traded to the Texas Rangers. Ryan is pictured winding up one of his many strikeouts that helped him lead the AL in strikeouts in back to back seasons from 1974-1975. The Houston Astros officially changed their name in 1975, so their cards list them as the “Houston Astros NL” to signify the name change.

The 1975 set also included stars reaching the height of their careers like Hank Aaron chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record and Reggie Jackson having an MVP season in Oakland. Cy Young winners Jim Palmer, Tom Seaver, and Mike Marshall also had strong representation in the ’75 set. As with any vintage production, Topps’ photography and design quality was still improving compared to modern standards, lending authentic charm to the era.

When seeking out 1975 Topps cards for resale, there are a few factors that influence value such as the condition grade and which player or rookie cards are being evaluated. Near mint to mint condition examples of stars and key rookies can often fetch $10-$50 per card. Complete near mint sets in factory sealed wax boxes are considerably more scarce and valuable, potentially reaching $1,000+ in investment grade condition.

P pristine mint condition rookies could push north of $100 if centering and corners are sharp. Even common player cards in high grades have gained collector interest as enthusiasts look to build pristine vintage sets over time. Topps has also engaged in reprint issues of popular 1970s series in recent years to meet renewed collector demand, so it’s important to verify reprints don’t replace the appeal and value of true vintage cardboard.

When buying and selling 1975 Topps, reputable online auction sites provide a sensible marketplace. Established coin and collectibles shops can also appraise condition and help facilitate knowledgeable sales. Close scrutiny of centering, edges and corners will help determine the true condition grade and accurate potential value. Factors like player performance updates on the back extending the cards’ historical relevance adds to collector interest years later as well.

The 1975 Topps baseball card set remains a fun and affordable entry point for collectors to own vintage cardboard from the sport’s “Golden Era.” As with any collecting category, condition is king when investing in this classic Topps production. Taking the time to seek investment grade examples will serve buyers well to appreciate or potentially profit down the road as values remain steady or climb with the enduring popularity of the 1970s baseball card aesthetic.

BEST CARDS 1983 TOPPS BASEBALL

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The 1983 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the 1980s. The set features 792 total cards including player and manager cards as well as special subsets. While there are many desirable rookie cards and star players featured, some cards stand out more than others in terms of their collectibility, condition, and value. Here are some of the best cards from the 1983 Topps set that any serious collector would want:

Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card (#526) – Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, Ripken’s debut is the true crown jewel of the 1983 Topps set. Ripken went on to have a Hall of Fame career and break Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak. In mint condition, this card can fetch over $10,000 and even well-worn copies still sell for hundreds. The card features Ripken batting from the left side with an action photo that highlights his skill and potential.

Ryne Sandberg (#500) – Another Hall of Famer, Sandberg’s 1983 rookie card is one of the most visually striking in the set with a bold yellow and blue color scheme. Sandberg was already establishing himself as a star for the Cubs in just his second season. High grade copies can sell for over $1,000 due to his legendary career and the eye-catching design on this card.

Dale Murphy (#461) – Murphy won back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1982 and 1983, making his 1983 Topps card one of the most significant issues of the year. The card features a great action shot of Murphy batting and his stats from the previous season. In mint condition, this card can sell for over $500.

Ozzie Smith (#255) – Known as the “Wizard” for his flashy defensive skills, Smith was already establishing himself as the best defensive shortstop in baseball in 1983, his 4th big league season. High grade copies of this card featuring “The Wizard” doing his thing in the field can sell for $300-400.

Darryl Strawberry Rookie Card (#660) – While not as iconic as Ripken’s rookie, Strawberry’s debut issue remains highly sought after due to his prodigious power and the success he had early in his career. In gem mint condition, examples can sell for over $500. Even well-centered, but lower grade copies still trade hands for $100-200 regularly.

Goose Gossage (#209) – One of the most intimidating and dominant relief pitchers of his era, Gossage’s 1983 card is highly collectible due to his legendary status. The card features a great action shot of Gossage mid-windup. High grade copies can sell for $200-300.

Carlton Fisk (#264) – Fisk was a 12-time All-Star who played in the majors for 24 seasons and was already a star catcher for the Chicago White Sox in 1983. The iconic photo on this card of “Pudge” giving his signature home run stance makes it a highly desirable issue, with mint copies selling for $150-250.

Don Mattingly (#541) – Mattingly’s rookie season was 1983 and he immediately established himself as one of the game’s best young hitters. High grade copies of this iconic rookie card featuring the future MVP and Yankees captain sell for $150-200. Even well-centered but played copies still trade for $50-100.

Robin Yount (#277) – The 1982 AL MVP and 14-time All-Star, Yount was already a superstar for the Brewers in 1983. This card features a great action photo of Yount in the field. Mint condition copies can sell for $100-150.

Pete Rose (#1) – As the set’s first card, Rose’s issue is highly sought after for its significance as the #1 card as well as his legendary playing career and status as the all-time hits leader. High grade examples can sell for $100-150.

Other notable star players like Mike Schmidt (#338), Eddie Murray (#599), and Fernando Valenzuela (#660) also have valuable 1983 Topps cards that regularly sell for $50-100 depending on grade. The set also features several popular traded and update variations that are key to many collectors. With its iconic rookie cards, future Hall of Famers, and memorable photography, the 1983 Topps set remains one of the most historically significant issues and continues to be a hot commodity for collectors decades after its release. The cards highlighted here truly represent some of the very best that ’83 Topps had to offer.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FULL SET

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The 2023 Topps Baseball Card set is the 67th annual release from Topps and contains several exciting new features for collectors. The full base set contains 330 cards as Topps continues their trend of releasing larger and more comprehensive rookie class sets in recent years. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman making their MLB debuts in 2022, the 2023 Topps set is loaded with exciting young stars for collectors to chase.

The design of the 2023 Topps cards takes inspiration from classic Topps sets of the past with a clean white border and team logo at the bottom. All cards feature updated player photos from the 2022 season in action shots. The front of the base cards also include each player’s team, position, name, and stats from the previous season. On the back of each card collectors will find additional stats, career highlights, and fun facts about each player.

Topps continues to find creative ways to insert parallels, short prints, and chase cards into their annual flagship release. The 2023 set includes several exciting inserts collectors will enjoy hunting. The Topps Chrome insert set again features refractors and parallels on card #s 1-99 with various color variations. Topps also brought back their popular “Rainbow Foil” parallels on select cards that feature vibrant colors when held to the light.

Rookies and prospects are highlighted with Special Edition Green parallels on their base cards. Topps also created a “Stars of the Future” insert set featuring prospects like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Miller, and Spencer Steer. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top prospects can be found in hobby boxes as exciting chase cards. Veteran stars are featured in “Hall of Fame” inserts highlighting players’ careers and accomplishments.

Topps paid tribute to iconic players who retired after the 2022 season with “Farewell” inserts of Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Yadier Molina. They also created “League Leaders” inserts to commemorate players who led their respective leagues in major statistical categories last season. For the first time, Topps included Braille variations on select cards to make the hobby more inclusive for visually impaired collectors.

Hobby boxes of the 2023 Topps Baseball set contain 18 packs with 11 cards per pack. Each box is guaranteed to contain three autograph or memorabilia cards overall. The odds of finding short prints, parallels, and hit cards vary depending on the specific insert or parallel. Boxes are readily available at local hobby shops, card shows, and online retailers.

The 2023 Topps release saw several new additions to their popular “Topps Now” on-demand digital card program as well. Topps created physical card variants of popular Topps Now moments from the season which can be pulled from hobby boxes. They also introduced a new “Topps Now Moments” insert set highlighting some of the most memorable performances and milestones from the year.

As one of the final sports card releases of 2022, the 2023 Topps Baseball set offers collectors a comprehensive and exciting way to look back at the past MLB season. With such a deep rookie class and variety of parallels and inserts to hunt, it’s sure to be a popular set on the secondary market in the years to come. While the base cards can be found with relative ease, the hit cards like autographs of stars and short prints will retain the most value long term. Whether you’re a casual collector or serious investor, the 2023 Topps Baseball release has something for every type of fan.

The 2023 Topps Baseball Card set delivers another high quality annual release from the industry leader. With 330 cards in the base set spotlighting the biggest names and top prospects, collectors have no shortage of content to enjoy sorting through and adding to their collections. Topps found creative ways as always to insert valuable chase cards and parallels that will excite the hobby. Whether you’re a long time Topps collector or just starting out, the 2023 release is a must-have to commemorate the past MLB season and kick off the offseason collecting cycle.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE SAVANNAH GA

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Baseball Cards for Sale in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia has a rich history of baseball and a thriving collectibles scene, making it an excellent place to find baseball cards for sale. From local card shops to card shows to online marketplaces, Savannah offers collectors plenty of opportunities to add to their collections or find that elusive grail card.

Local Card Shops

Savannah is home to a few local card shops that are great places to browse cards and talk shop with other collectors.

Chatham Sports Cards – Located just outside of downtown Savannah, Chatham Sports Cards has been in business for over 30 years. They have a huge inventory of cards from the 1950s to present, with an emphasis on vintage and high-end cards. They regularly attend card shows around the Southeast and can help collectors complete sets or track down specific player cards.

The Card Cache – A smaller shop than Chatham Sports Cards, The Card Cache focuses more on newer releases and commons/uncommons that are perfect for set building. They do occasional group breaks as well which are a fun way for collectors of all levels to add to their collections. The owner is very knowledgeable about the hobby and local card scene.

Game On Cards – Game On Cards is Savannah’s newest card shop, having opened in 2021. While still building up their inventory, they offer a wide selection of new and vintage basketball, football, baseball and non-sports cards. They also host weekly Friday Night Magic events for those into Magic: The Gathering and other trading card games.

Card Shows

For those wanting to browse thousands of cards from multiple dealers in one place, Savannah hosts several large card shows each year that are not to be missed.

Savannah Card Show – Held quarterly at the Savannah Convention Center, this is one of the largest and longest running shows in the Southeast. Hundreds of tables of cards covering the entire history of the hobby. Great place to find bargains and complete sets.

Coastal Empire Sportscard Show – A smaller but still significant show held biannually at the Savannah Civic Center. Focuses on sports cards, memorabilia and related collectibles. Popular with both casual collectors and serious investors.

Online Marketplaces

While in-person browsing can be fun, Savannah collectors also rely on popular online marketplaces to buy and sell cards:

eBay – Still the biggest online marketplace for sports cards of all eras. Use Savannah, GA as a location filter to find local sellers. Reputable national sellers also ship to Savannah.

COMC (Cardboard Connection) – Huge selection of reasonably priced vintage and modern cards. Easy to complete sets through their “Want Lists.” Fast and safe shipping to Savannah.

Facebook Groups – Several local Facebook groups like “Savannah Sports Card Collectors” help collectors connect to buy/sell/trade locally without fees. Safest to meet in a public place like a card shop.

Popular Players and Sets

When it comes to baseball cards for sale in Savannah, some players and sets are consistently popular among collectors:

Rookie Cards – Savannah collectors love hunting for affordable rookie cards of all-time greats like Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones and more.

Local Players – Cards featuring Georgia natives like Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and others from the Atlanta Braves glory years are always in high demand.

Vintage – Savannah has no shortage of collectors seeking vintage gems from the 1950s/1960s like Topps, Fleer, Post etc. High-grade vintage can command top dollar.

Junk Wax Era – Sets from the late 1980s/early 1990s like Donruss, Fleer, Score are abundant but fun to collect on a budget. Nostalgic for many collectors.

Modern RCs – Savannah collectors stay on top of the latest rookie class, seeking affordable cards of current young stars like Acuña, Soto, Guerrero Jr. before they break out.

Autographs/Memorabilia – For those willing to spend, game-used bats, jerseys and signed cards of all eras are popular specialty PC items.

Whether browsing locally or shopping online, Savannah offers collectors plenty of opportunities to build their baseball card collections through shops, shows, and a robust local community. With such a storied baseball history in Georgia, interest in the cards remains strong.

FIRST YEAR OF BASEBALL CARDS

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The First Year of Baseball Cards: 1909 and the Birth of the Modern Trading Card

The year was 1909. Theodore Roosevelt was president, the Model T had just been introduced by Henry Ford, and baseball was America’s pastime. That year also marked the birth of the modern baseball card as we know it – enclosed in packs of cigarettes and designed for young collectors to swap and trade.

Prior to 1909, baseball cards existed but were produced sporadically and in limited quantities. They were included occasionally in sets produced by tobacco companies as promotional items or inserted loosely into packages of cigarettes and chewing tobacco. However, 1909 saw the first mass production of baseball cards by the American Tobacco Company specifically as collectible trading cards for kids.

American Tobacco produced cards for its most popular brand, Hazeltine cigarettes. Each pack contained 5 cards featuring photos of major league ballplayers. Over the course of the season, a full set of over 500 cards was released in waves to encourage repeat purchases by young collectors. The cards were a hit, and the baseball card craze was born.

Some key things to know about those pioneering 1909 T206 cards (named for the tobacco set designation):

Size: The cards measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, establishing the standard size that would be used for decades.

Photography: For the first time, cards featured actual photos of players rather than illustrated images. This helped make the players seem more real to young fans.

Rarity: Only about 60 of the over 500 different 1909 cards produced are known to still exist in high grades today, making many of the early issues highly valuable to collectors.

Players featured: In addition to stars like Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb, the 1909 set included players from all 16 major league teams of the time, immortalizing the early careers of legends like Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson.

Condition issues: Being inserted loosely in cigarette packs led to many cards becoming worn, bent, or damaged over time. Few survived in pristine condition like they were first issued.

Design innovations: The 1909 T206s established many design elements that would carry through to modern cards like team logo artwork, player statistics, and fun extras like tobacco coupons on the reverse.

The immediate success of the 1909 baseball card venture led American Tobacco and rival tobacco firms to continue annual baseball card releases for over a decade. Sets from 1910-1911 and 1912 are also considered key early issues. Competitor tobacco companies like Goodwin & Company and Ogden’s Sun Cured issued their own baseball card series in the early 1910s seeking to copy American Tobacco’s formula.

As the decade progressed, improvements were made to the production process. Cards began to be inserted more securely into wax paper packs rather than loose, helping more survive in better condition. Color tinting and sepia tones were sometimes used to make photos more vivid. Backs featured more extensive player stats, manager endorsements, and promotions for the sponsoring tobacco brand.

By the mid-1910s, annual sets from American Caramel, Sweet Caporal, and others joined the baseball card boom. The rise of World War I and anti-tobacco sentiment would see production dwindle later in the 1910s. When the war ended, tobacco companies shifted focus away from baseball cards for nearly a decade.

It wasn’t until the late 1920s that production fully resumed, led by the Goudey Gum Company issuing the famous 1933 Goudey Baseball Card set. But the foundation and blueprint for the modern baseball card collecting hobby had already been established in that pioneering year of 1909 with the introduction of cigarette-packed trading cards featuring the game’s biggest stars. Those original T206 cards remain some of the most coveted and valuable in the entire history of the hobby.

The year 1909 was truly the birth year of the modern baseball card as we know it today. By mass producing photos of major leaguers as collectible trading cards inserted in tobacco products, companies tapped into kids’ passion for the sport and helped cement baseball’s status as America’s favorite pastime for generations to come.

1990 TOPPS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Topps Major League Debut set commemorated the rookie cards of baseball players who made their professional debuts in 1989. As Topps had done periodically since 1971, they issued a special set separate from the regular annual release focusing specifically on players’ first appearances in Major League Baseball. This set helps capture a memorable moment in the early careers of many notable players.

Some of the most prominent stars to have their rookie cards in the 1990 Topps Major League Debut set include Ken Griffey Jr., Juan Gonzalez, Gregg Jefferies, and Barry Larkin. Griffey in particular would go on to have one of the most decorated careers in baseball history and is widely considered one of the greats of the game. His debut card in this set, showing him with the Seattle Mariners, is one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever issued by Topps.

In total, the 1990 Topps Major League Debut set contains 67 cards highlighting the first MLB seasons of 67 different players. This provides a unique snapshot into some of the promising young talent that was just starting to emerge in the late 1980s. In addition to Griffey, Gonzalez, Jefferies, and Larkin, other notables included in the set with their rookie cards are Bip Roberts, Jeff Blauser, and Randy Johnson.

The design of the cards remained fairly basic and true to typical Topps cards of the late 80s/early 90s era. Each has a vertical full color photo of the player on the front, with their main stats and biography on the back. What set these apart from the regular annual issues was the prominent “Major League Debut” designation across the top, and text on the back specifically highlighting when and for which team the player made their first appearance in the majors.

Distribution of the 1990 Topps Major League Debut set was through the standard wax pack format, with collectors able to build the full 67-card set by purchasing various quantities of the packs over the course of the release period. While individual cards could also be obtained through trade with others completing their sets. Given the increasing popularity of the hobby in the late 80s, this debut set was readily available to many collectors at the time through normal retail channels.

In the decades since, as the careers of players like Griffey, Gonzalez, and Larkin played out, their rookie cards from the 1990 Topps Major League Debut set have taken on great significance in the market. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of Griffey’s debut card in particular routinely sell for thousands of dollars today. But other star players’ cards also carry substantial value. Even more modest debut cards of journeyman players serve as a unique piece of baseball history considering how they marked early points in careers.

The 1990 Topps Major League Debut set stands out not just for highlighting some future Hall of Fame talents, but also for the wider context it provides into baseball in the late 80s. Rookie cards are always beloved by collectors interested in the origins of players’ careers. But sets focused exclusively on debuts like this one take on extra nostalgia by commemorating that first season at a time before future success was predetermined. For both casual fans and serious collectors, 1990 Topps Major League Debut remains a definitive baseball product from its era.

The 1990 Topps Major League Debut baseball card set serves as an important historical collection for documenting the rookie seasons of 67 players who broke into the majors in 1989. Headlined by future superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Juan Gonzalez, the set endures as one of the most iconic baseball card releases ever due to highlighting early career milestones that would later proved hugely significant. Both avid collectors and casual fans alike appreciate it for capturing a special moment in time for many notable MLB talents just starting out in their professional careers.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE PRICE GUIDE

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. With 792 total cards in the set, it featured superstar players like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan who were leading their respective teams to success. While not one of the most coveted vintage sets, the 1989 Topps cards provide a snapshot of the game during an exciting era and several key rookie cards that can hold value for collectors today.

Among the top draws of the 1989 set are the rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux. Griffey’s card, featuring him with the Seattle Mariners, has long been one of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards in the modern era. In near mint to mint condition, examples can fetch $100-$250 raw or $300-$500 graded by PSA or BGS in high grades. Maddux’s Atlanta Braves rookie is highly regarded as well, with mint copies valued around $50-$150 depending on grade.

Another noteworthy rookie is that of multi-time all-star Edgar Martinez. As a key member of the Seattle “Refuse to Lose” teams, his card remains popular with Mariners collectors. Martinez rookies in top condition sell in the $30-$80 range. Chicago Cubs pitcher Jamie Moyer, who pitched until age 49, also has a rookie card in the 1989 set worth $15-30 for high grades.

Amongst star veterans, the highest valued cards tend to belong to pitchers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. Both were absolute dominating forces on the mound in the late 1980s. A PSA 10 or BGS Black Label gem mint Ryan is potentially a $500+ card in today’s market. Clemens, winner of the 1988 AL Cy Young and MVP award, has 10 grade examples reach $150-300.

Other notable star cards include Ozzie Smith ($20-50 PSA 10), Wade Boggs ($15-30 PSA 10), and Rickey Henderson ($10-25 PSA 10). Keep in mind, condition is crucial – most raw copies of these star cards in worn, played condition may only fetch $1-5. Beyond the biggest names, many other star players have $5-15 values across the board in top grades as well.

For team collectors, there are several key rookie and star player cards that maintain strong demand. In addition to the Griffey, Maddux, and Martinez cards already mentioned, highlights include the Ken Oberkfell Reds rookie ($10-20 PSA 10), the Mark McGwire A’s rookie ($10-20 PSA 10), and the Nolan Ryan Angels veteran ($10-20 PSA 10). Seattle Mariners fans covet the Griffey, Martinez, and Jay Buhner rookies especially.

Beyond flagship rookies and stars, there are also several sought-after short prints and serially numbered cards in the 1989 Topps set that hold added value. Key serially numbered cards include the #1 Ken Griffey Jr. (est. $200-400 PSA 10), #350 Ozzie Smith (est. $50-100 PSA 10), and #700 Nolan Ryan (est. $40-80 PSA 10). Some of the scarcer short prints like Robin Yount and Mike Schmidt can reach $20-40 in top condition as well.

While not as iconic or valuable as some of the 1980s flagship sets, the 1989 Topps set remains an accessible and affordable vintage release for collectors. Like most older baseball card products, condition is king – with mint examples of stars and key rookies potentially worth 10x raw, worn copies in many cases. For teams outside the big baseball markets, there can also be hidden gems amongst franchise favorites as well. When searching to build a hobby collection or make an investment, keeping conditions and team/player collectibility in mind is important with the 1989 Topps set.

While the 1989 Topps set does not contain any true ultra-high end cards, it provides a great snapshot of the late 1980s MLB landscape with several Hall of Fame rookie cards and star veterans that retain affordable values even in top grades. For collectors looking to add a classic 1980s set to their collection or investors browsing for cost-effective vintage investments,1989 Topps baseball cards offer a great option. With desirable Hall of Fame rookies and low overall production costs, the set maintains relevance and carries valued cards over three decades later.