Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

91 FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1991 Fleer Ultra baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the early 1990s. Issued in packs from 1991-1992, the Ultra set featured vivid color photography and cutting edge design that made the cards really stand out on the rack. While the set does not have any true “superstar” rookies, several key factors have contributed to many of the cards retaining and even increasing in value over the past 30 years.

The set contains 330 cards total, with players and managers from both the American and National Leagues included. Ranging in number from 1 to 330, each card features a colorful action photo of the player along with their career stats and biographical information on the back. What set the Ultra cards apart visually from other sets of the time was the bright, neon colored borders that popped off the card. Fleer utilized a unique four-color process that resulted in vivid hues like teal, purple, orange and pink outlining each photo.

While players like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Barry Bonds had already established themselves as stars by 1991, none of them had true “rookie” cards in the Fleer Ultra set since they had debuted in prior years. There are several notable “star” cards that have held and increased in value due to the players’ sustained careers and Hall of Fame inductions. For example, the Nolan Ryan card (#’s 129) has an average PSA 10 gem mint value of over $500 given his status as a pitching legend. The Cal Ripken Jr. (#’s 190), Wade Boggs (#’s 50), and Ozzie Smith (#’s 224) cards also command three-figure prices for top-graded copies due to their Hall of Fame careers.

Another factor that has benefited the value of the 1991 Fleer Ultra cards long-term has been the lack of mass production that plagued many late 80s/early 90s sets. While still quite common in circulation grades, getting high-grade Ultra cards graded at PSA/BGS 10 is more challenging than other contemporary sets. This is due to some issues with centering and surface quality control on Fleer’s part nearly 30 years ago. For patient collectors willing to search, there are still pristine copies to be found in personal collections and older card shop stock. This rarity aspect has kept 1991 Ultra on the radar of both vintage baseball card investors and set collectors alike.

While star cards and condition scarcity provide a solid baseline value floor for the set, there are also several key “hit” cards that can net collectors substantial returns if obtained in top-grade. Chief among these are the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (#’s 249) and the Barry Bonds rookie card (#’s 249). Even in PSA 8-9 condition, copies of these rookie “superstar” cards routinely sell for $500-1000. But in the elusive PSA/BGS 10 gem mint, Griffey and Bonds rookies have reached the $15,000-25,000 range in recent auction.

Other noteworthy “hit” cards that can yield big profits include rookie cards of Tom Glavine (#’s 249), David Justice (#’s 249), and Chuck Knoblauch (#’s 249). All were future All-Stars who debuted in 1991 Ultra, making their rookie cards quite valuable to complete team and player collectors. Examples that have graded PSA/BGS 10 have sold in the $1,000-3,000 range. Two other cards that have gained value over time are the Cal Ripken Jr. All-Star card (#’s 197) and the Ozzie Smith “Wizard” card (#’s 224), which feature popular alternate images that collectors seek out.

While 1991 Fleer Ultra may lack true “rookie” cards of the biggest 90s stars, it still holds its own in the vintage baseball card market due to the factors mentioned. The nostalgic design, scarcity of high-grade copies, and presence of valuable rookie and star cards continue to attract collectors. With the set celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021, interest and prices for 1991 Ultra are likely to stay steady or potentially increase further in the years ahead as the early 90s period gains more nostalgia. By combining condition scarcity, star power, and fun neon design elements, Fleer created a truly unique and collectible set that remains a staple in the collections and portfolios of savvy baseball card investors.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 1992

Leave a reply

1992 was a landmark year in the baseball card collecting hobby. While the early 90s saw declining interest and sales due to overproduction in the late 80s, the 1992 crop of cards featured some of the all-time most valuable rookie cards and highly sought after inserts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top money cards from the 1992 set releases.

Perhaps the most well known card from 1992 is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s explosive rookie season and prodigious talent made this an extremely popular card upon release. Today, a Griffey Jr. rookie card in near-mint to mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars, with a perfect gem mint 10 grade specimen selling for over $10,000. The card’s rarity, Griffey’s legendary career, and stunning image by photographer James Fiorentino have cemented this as one of the true blue chip investments in the hobby.

Another massively valuable rookie card from 1992 is Frank Thomas’ Fleer Ultra card. Like Griffey, “The Big Hurt” burst onto the scene with one of the greatest rookie campaigns in MLB history. He won the AL Rookie of the Year and finished second in MVP voting. This led to huge demand for his Fleer Ultra rookie, which was one of the scarcer print runs that year. High grade Thomas rookies now sell for $2,000-$5,000, with a PSA 10 example recently selling at auction for over $12,000. Both Griffey and Thomas have proven to be two of the best long term investments in the card business.

While rookies tend to dominate discussions of valuable 1990s cards, one of the true gems from 1992 was the incredibly rare Mike Piazza SP rookie. Sporting Piazza taking batting practice on the front in beautiful photography, this SP (Special Parallel) issue had an extremely limited print run. In fact, some sources say it may have even been a factory test run that was never intended for release. As a result, Piazza SP rookies are among the most difficult vintage cards to acquire, even in lower grades. In gem mint condition, it would likely sell at auction for well over $100,000, cementing it as one of the true Holy Grails for vintage collectors.

Another highly valuable insert set from 1992 was the Stadium Club Chrome set. These refractors featured some of the game’s biggest stars shot with a unique chrome photography process on highly artistic designs. The chromes were quite scarce even in the early 90s. Today, a near-perfect PSA 10 Derek Jeter Stadium Club Chrome rookie would sell for $5,000-$10,000. Other top stars like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Cal Ripken Jr. also command thousands in high grades due to their rarity, iconic images, and popularity as some of the first mainstream Chrome/refractor cards.

One of the true oddball gems from 1992 is the elusive Nolan Ryan/Rickey Henderson Topps Tiffany parallel set. Topps produced a very limited luxury “Tiffany” version of their base set that was only distributed to select high-end retailers. The Tiffany parallels featured vivid colors and a true “gem” quality feel. They are exponentially rarer than even the coveted PSA 10 examples of standard issue cards. In the few times a complete Tiffany set has been broken up, the Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson cards have individually sold for $15,000-$25,000 due to their strong subjects, condition rarity, and status as some of the earliest “luxury” parallels produced.

In summary, 1992 was a watershed year that introduced collectors to some of the most valuable vintage cards ever produced. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Thomas, and Piazza led the way, but innovative inserts like Stadium Club Chrome and rare parallels also made their mark. For investors and collectors, high grade examples from sets like Upper Deck, Fleer Ultra, and Topps Tiffany have proven to be some of the best long term holdings in the hobby. The iconic cards, players, and innovative designs of 1992 set the stage for the modern collecting landscape.

2022 TOPPS UPDATE SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2022 Topps Update Series baseball cards were released in late September/early October of 2022, continuing Topps’ annual tradition of releasing an “Update” set midway through the MLB season. As with previous years, the 2022 Topps Update Series featured rookie cards, autographs, and parallels of players from the current season, with a focus on capturing any stats, accomplishments, team changes, or other notable updates from the first half of the year.

Some of the key storylines and players featured prominently in the 2022 Topps Update Series included rookie sensations like Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. Rodríguez in particular had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory and was prominently featured after being named an All-Star and finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rutschman and Peña also made their MLB debuts in 2022 and had rookie cards after being top prospects.

Veteran stars chasing milestones were also highlighted. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had cards after surpassing 1500 hits and 300 home runs. Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts was featured after hitting his 200th career home run. New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge received Update cards as he chased Roger Maris’ American League single season home run record of 61, which he would eventually break.

Trades and free agent signings from the offseason and first half were also chronicled. For example, the Update set included cards of Matt Olson in an Atlanta Braves uniform after being acquired from the Oakland A’s, and Carlos Correa in a Twins uniform after signing with Minnesota in free agency. Other midseason trades like Miguel Cabrera joining the Cardinals after being dealt by the Tigers also made the cut.

Parallels and inserts remained an important part of the Update product. The base Update set included 150 cards as usual but parallels and short prints added to the chase. Popular parallels included Gold /50, Green /25, and Black /5. Autograph and memorabilia cards of stars and prospects were also inserted throughout packs and boxes at various odds. New this year was the “Fractals” parallel, featuring fractal patterns on the front of the card.

Design-wise, the 2022 Topps Update Series maintained a similar aesthetic to the flagship Topps base set but with subtle differences. Most noticeably, the color scheme was shifted to grey borders rather than white, and the team wordmarks along the bottom were changed to a solid color block rather than the team logo. Photographs remained current action shots rather than posed studio images. As with past Updates, biographies on the back provided season recaps and stats to bring collectors up to date on player performances and storylines.

In terms of product, the 2022 Topps Update Series was available in a variety of formats at the traditional hobby shop, mass retailer, and online store level. These included blaster and hanger packs for retail, as well as hobby boxes, jumbo boxes, and high-end cases containing autograph or memorabilia cards. Like the flagship Topps release, Update also had a high-end “Chrome” parallel available with refractors and other premium parallels.

The 2022 Topps Update Series provided an excellent midseason snapshot of the MLB season. It captured the breakout performances of rookies like Rodríguez as well as the chase for milestones from stars. The parallels and inserts added to the excitement of the release, and the design maintained Topps’ modern aesthetic. For collectors looking to stay up to date on the latest players and storylines, Topps Update once again delivered an essential baseball card product chronicling the 2022 MLB season. Its place as a core annual release ensures the 2022 Topps Update Series will remain a set collectors seek out and enjoy for years to come.

PRICES FOR TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1938 and remains the dominant brand in the industry. As a result, Topps baseball cards make up the bulk of valuable vintage cards that enthusiasts and collectors seek. The prices cards command is tied to supply and demand as well as the significance of the player depicted and the condition or grade of the particular card. Several factors influence Topps card values over time.

Rookie and star player cards generally carry premium prices given the importance and notoriety of specific players. Iconic cards like the 1954 Hank Aaron rookie or the 1952 Mickey Mantle are literally worth hundreds of thousands in top grades due to their immense historical importance and the relative scarcity of high grade versions remaining today. More generally, star players from the pre-1970s era tend to have the most valuable rookie cards as printing and production methods limited distribution compared to later years.

Condition is paramount when it comes to Topps card values. Graded gem mint 10 cards regularly sell for exponentially higher amounts than inferior graded copies. This is because higher grades signify the card has been carefully stored and preserved, increasing its rarity and investment potential. Pristine 10s near the temporal origins of any given issue year represent the “peak” condition attainable and are accordingly highly coveted by discerning collectors.

Beyond iconic rookie cards and gem condition examples, prices also fluctuate based on the year of issue. Generally speaking, the further back in time a Topps set comes from, the more historically significant and valuable it tends to be. This aligns with the principles of supply and demand – decades of use and accumulation have simply winnowed the surviving population of early 1950s and 1960s Topps cards down to an infinitesimally small proportion of their original prints runs.

Condition census figures maintained by tracking services help prove this trend. For the flagship 1956 Topps set, around 130 gems are known to exist today out of approximately 160 million total original issue cards. The corresponding low availability drives values sky high, with common players selling for thousands in high grades from that pioneering vintage year. Contrast that to mid-1980s products, where condition is less critique and populations remain massive even after 35+ years.

Topps baseball cards from the formative years of the 1950s through the 1960s are understandably the most expensive, followed closely by the late 1980s and early 1990s as those issues gain acknowledgment and cachet of their own. The 1970s are more moderately priced outside of a few select star rookies. Sets from the early 2000s to present day can usually be obtained for face value or uncertified grading costs when in top condition due the sheer production numbers.

Of course, there will always be exceptions driven by true anomalies in terms of scarcity, condition, and player performance. A card like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is essentially priceless and defies evaluation through ordinary market analysis. But The pricing principles above regarding era, grade, and significance hold true across the dashboard of desirable vintage Topps baseball cards available today whether you’re a budget conscious beginner or advanced collector. With patience and research, finding valuable cards is achievable for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Topps baseball cards from the pre-1970s era tend to be the most expensive due to extremely low surviving populations stemming from limited initial print runs decades ago. Within those classic years, superbly graded examples of iconic rookie cards for all-time great players like Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle break record prices. But condition census data shows gems from any pre-1980s Topps set deserve premium valuation owing to their statistical rarity. While affordability exists across the decades, adhering to principles of vintage, condition and player impact guides collectors toward smart long term collecting and investment opportunities amongst the historic issues that built Topps into a trading card powerhouse.

1992 LEAF SERIES 2 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1992 Leaf Series 2 baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable and collectible issues from the early 1990s. With spectacular artwork and a wide range of star players and rookies featured, the 306-card base set saw huge popularity upon its release. While most commons from the set trade for just pennies today, there are several standout cards that can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on grade and condition. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1992 Leaf Series 2 cards that are among the most coveted and expensive for collectors.

Kicking things off is without a doubt the flagship rookie card of the set – Barry Bonds. Bonds had just begun to emerge as one of the game’s elite players in 1992 after winning his first Silver Slugger Award the prior season. His flashy rookie card features impressive artwork depicting Bonds mid-swing. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, examples regularly sell for well over $1,000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or 9 can still command $300-500. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history, cementing this as one of the most historically significant rookie cards. While most ’92 Leaf Series 2 rookies hold value in top grade, the Bonds stands above the rest.

Another rookie card generating big bucks is that of former Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez. Still early in his career when this was issued, Martinez possessed electric stuff that dazzled scouts. HisLeaf rookie features a closer action shot and has also gained legendarystatus over time. High-grade Martinez rookies sell within shouting distanceof the Bonds, demonstrating strong six-figure appeal long term for afranchise player. Though not quite the household name Bonds became, Pedroenthusiasts seek out this coveted first card.

Shifting to veterans, the star of the Dodger dynasty of the 1980s, Fernando Valenzuela, has an attractive autographed card (#220) that can reach $400-500 in PSA/SGC slabbed form. Though not quite as scarce as the rookies, an autographed Valenzuela remains a prized piece of memorabilia from the set. Meanwhile, ace reliever Dennis Eckersley’s basic blue bordered issue (#71) has gained steady value with collectors paying $100-150 for high-grade examples in recent years. Eck had reinvented himself as a dominant closer by 1992 and this card reminds fans of his solid peak seasons.

The set also included several other young stars who were just starting to make names for themselves industry-wide. Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., immortalized for his iconic streak, has an attractive card (#11) that fetches $150-200 PSA/BGS Gem. His rapid rise to stardom enhanced this issue. Elsewhere, catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. enjoyed breakout years in the early ’90s powering his basic card (#177) to the $75-100 range. Alomar developed into an elite defensive catcher and All-Star caliber player.

Shifting to the true oddballs and variants, 1992 Leaf Series 2 included parallel “Diamond Kings” insert cards numbered to /100 copies that feature different photo variations. The most expensive of these remains the Barry Bonds (#BK12) which has topped $1,000 in PSA 10. High graded versions of the Pedro Martinez (#BK25) and Cal Ripken Jr (#BK5) Diamond Kings have also surpassed $500 over the last year. Meanwhile, the set included limited “Gold Border” parallels numbered to /50 that exponentially drive up value of the biggest names. A PSA 10 Gold Border Bonds would easily clear $5,000.

While gambling type cards increase risk, the artwork and star power make 1992 Leaf Series 2 an absolute classic among baseball card product from the early 1990s. With Hall of Famers like Bonds, Martinez, and Ripken featured prominently, strong grades will retain major collector interest decades after the fact. While the commons remain incredibly affordable, savvy investors seeking the true heavy hitters know where to start with this beloved release – the rookies leading the way. The combination of timeless designs meeting historically significant careers makes 1992 Leaf Series 2 one of the true blue-chip issues that age like fine wine.

1953 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

Leave a reply

The 1953 Topps baseball card set holds an important place in the history of the hobby as one of the earliest post-war issues ever released by Topps. While production techniques and card design were still relatively basic compared to modern standards, these early Topps cards captured the excitement of the national pastime at a iconic time for the sport.

Not surprisingly given their age and rarity, high grade 1953 Topps cards certified by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) now command huge premiums in the collectibles marketplace. Of the 520 total cards issued, just a tiny fraction receive the coveted PSA Gem Mint 10 grade due to the fragile nature of the cardboard and glue used over 65 years ago. PSA authentication provides collectors assurance that these valuable vintage pieces are authentic and preserved in the best obtainable condition.

Some key details to know about 1953 Topps baseball cards include the set’s basic design layout of a player photo on front with stats on back printed using a simple one-color process. Each card measures approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Overall production was low for the era at around 650,000 sets. While complete common rookie and star cards in Excellent-MT 8 or lower grades can often be acquired for a few hundred dollars, true investment-grade specimens protected long-term in top holders are much more scarce.

A perfect PSA 10 example of the iconic Mickey Mantle rookie card #311 is the undisputed Holy Grail of the set, with auction records soaring into the millions of dollars as elite vintage sports memorabilia. Just a handful are known to exist in this pristine condition statement after traveling through nearly seven decades exposed to the elements. Other aging 1950s players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax also possess exceedingly rare PSA 10 rookies worth five figures or more for their pioneering cardboard cameos.

Continuing down the condition scale, PSA 9 NM-MT 1953 Topps cards still possess phenomenal eye appeal and remain highly sought by advanced collectors. An unchecked registry number on the back is the most obvious imperfection preventing the 9 grade from ascending into true mint territory. Examples selling between $500-5000 are fairly routine depending on the player, with rare blockbuster performers potentially commanding over $10,000. Memorabilia autographs can multiply values significantly if obtained professionally.

Satisfying the requirement of more moderate budgets, plenty of PSA 8 EX-MT specimens reside in the collectibles market today preserved in attractive original condition. Intact borders and fully readable stats but with light surface wear characterize the 8 designation. Examples often transact between $100-1000 range for typical Hall of Fame material. Rarer stars or complete setholders may pay a premium over standalone singles in the same assessment. Condition challenges like edge creases or stains typically prevent ascending higher on the 10-point scale.

While lower graded cards from PSA 7 down provide authentic vintage cardboard access at affordable levels, investment potential diminishes the further condition falls from pristine. Heavily played PSA 5-6 examples popular as affordable displays may cost just $20-100 depending on name value. Primary interest lies in maintaining set registry rather than long-term appreciation. Similarly, proofs, test prints and oddball parallel issues outside the base 520-card checklist carry additional surcharges over common issues due to their outlier status.

In summary, 1953 Topps baseball cards represent an early zenith of the publishing company’s legendary run creating collectible sports cards. While high-end specimens continue escalating to new record heights, more reasonably graded mid-range holdings from PSA still preserve nostalgia and nostalgia from a bygone Golden Age of the national pastime. With rarity the ultimate arbiter of value for vintage cardboard survivors, third-party authentication services like PSA provide reassurance that condition centurions are authentic remnants from baseball history’s pioneering formative years in the fledgling hobby.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL VARIATION CARDS

Leave a reply

Topps baseball cards are one of the most iconic and popular brands in the sports card industry. Each year, Topps releases their flagship baseball card set which contains cards of every player in Major League Baseball. However, Topps also inserts variation cards into their sets each year to add excitement and chase for collectors. Variation cards have alternate designs, photos, colors, parallels, or other differences compared to the base cards in the set. The 2023 Topps baseball card release is no exception, containing several exciting variation inserts that collectors will be eagerly pursuing.

One of the most popular types of variations Topps includes each year are photo variations. These feature the same card design but with an alternate action shot of the player. For 2023, Topps is including photo variations across all levels of rarity in the base set, including common, foil, and refractors. Collectors will need to carefully inspect each card they obtain to check for subtle photo differences compared to the base version of that player’s card. This adds an element of surprise to each pack or box opened.

Another variation collectors will find throughout the 2023 Topps set are “negative image” parallels. These feature an inverted color scheme where the colors are flipped, resulting in a mostly white card with black and gray accents and text. These negative image parallels pull double duty by not only being a variation, but also serving as an insert parallel to the base design. They will be inserted randomly in place of standard parallels throughout the set at various rarity levels like the photo variations.

Topps is also including retro-style design variations modeled after their 1970s and 1980s baseball card designs. These “Flashback Friday” variations feature a simplified color scheme and borders that mimic the classic old-school Topps look. They may feature different action shots than the standard card as well. These nostalgic variations pay homage to Topps’ rich baseball card history while adding modern rarity. They will be especially sought after by vintage collectors.

Another unique variation collectors can find is “negative image” autograph and memorabilia cards. These function similarly to the negative image parallels but feature autographed or memorabilia relic inserts with the inverted color treatment. Pulling a negative image autographed or memorabilia card of a star player would be an extremely rare and valuable hit.

Topps also includes “rainbow foil” and “prismatic” parallel variations across various parallel and insert sets like Topps Chrome, Finest, and Sterling. These feature intricate holographic foil patterns or spectra-style color-shifting effects on the card surface. Rainbow foil and prismatic parallels add tremendous visual appeal and allure for collectors. They are some of the flashiest and hardest parallels to pull.

Topps’ most elusive and coveted variations are 1/1 printing plate autographs. These unique cards consist of the printing plate used to create the standard base cards, featuring a full front image and autograph of the player. Due to their singular nature, printing plate autographs command enormous prices in the secondary market once they surface. It’s truly a unique piece of memorabilia to own a 1/1 printing plate variation.

Overall, Topps’ variety of different variation designs, photos, parallels, and autograph/relic combinations inserted throughout their 2023 flagship baseball set provide endless chase and collecting possibilities for hobbyists. Variations add mystery, excitement and rarity to each pack or box. The hunt to complete rainbow variation sets of favorite players or pull the 1/1 printing plates will keep collectors engaged with the 2023 Topps release all year long. Whether collecting for investment or enjoyment of the hobby, variations are a big part of what make annual Topps baseball releases so compelling for sports card enthusiasts.

BASEBALL CARDS OAHU

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been collected by enthusiasts for over a century, tracing their origins back to the late 19th century. While the hobby has waxed and waned in popularity over the decades, it remains a treasured pastime for many. The tropical island of Oahu, located in the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago, is no exception when it comes to baseball card fandom.

Oahu has a rich history with America’s pastime and baseball memorabilia, dating back to the early 1900s when semi-pro and amateur leagues first took root. In the post-World War II era, Little League and youth baseball saw explosive growth across the island. It was during this period that baseball cards truly took off in popularity among Oahu’s youth.

Local shops like Aloha Baseball Card Co. in Honolulu’s Chinatown district were early hubs for the trading and collecting scene. Founded in the 1950s, the shop remains the longest continually operating baseball card store in the state. It hosted weekly trading sessions and tournaments that drew kids from all over Oahu.

Topps was the dominant card manufacturer in those early years, with their iconic designs and gum-packed packs being highly coveted items. Local youth would scour drug stores, general stores, and mom-and-pop shops hoping to find packs with stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, or local Hawaiian heroes. Complete sets from the 1950s are now highly valuable, with mint condition cards fetching thousands of dollars each.

In the 1960s and 70s, the card collecting boom was in full swing. New competitors like Fleer and Donruss entered the market, increasing variety. Card shows started being held annually at venues like the Blaisdell Center, drawing collectors from across Hawaii. Star players from mainland MLB clubs and the minor leagues would sometimes make appearances.

At the same time, the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League was in its heyday, showcasing top amateur and minor league talent from the U.S., Japan, and other countries in a warm-weather setting. Homegrown Hawaiian stars like Makoa Fisher, Bernie Castro, and Alan Bannister had their own card issues that are now highly collectible, especially for fans in Hawaii.

As the 1980s arrived, card values started to escalate dramatically. The rise of speculators and investors looking to profit changed the nature of the hobby. Still, childhood collecting remained strong on Oahu through bubble gum packs, coin-op vending machines, and the new trend of sports card shows held on military bases. Expos drew thousands, with entire card collections sometimes changing hands for big money.

The 1990s saw another boom period, fueled partly by the debut of ultra-premium and insert sets from Upper Deck and Score. Retailers like Sports Card World in Aiea and Collector’s Corner in Kailua thrived by stocking the hottest new releases. The growth of the internet also allowed local collectors to easily trade with others worldwide.

Today, while the market has cooled somewhat, dedicated collectors and hobby shops still abound across Oahu. The annual Hawaii Sports Card and Memorabilia Show in February is a major event, bringing collectors together for buying, selling, and networking. Local groups like the Aloha State Collectors Club also help foster community.

Younger collectors have embraced online platforms like eBay to expand their collections. Vintage Hawaiian issues remain quite collectible and valuable to local fans. Modern stars like Kole Calhoun also have dedicated collector followings. And Aloha Baseball Card Co. continues to be a hub, celebrating over 60 years in business this decade.

Baseball cards have been an integral part of sports fandom and childhood nostalgia for generations in Hawaii. Oahu in particular has a long and rich history with the hobby, from its early 20th century origins to modern conventions and online communities. Local stars, shops, and events have helped cultivate a unique collecting culture that remains vibrant today.

BEST 2022 PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Panini Absolute has become one of the most coveted and collectible modern baseball card releases each year. The 2022 edition was no exception, featuring a variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that captured the attention of the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards collectors were chasing from this year’s Absolute release.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards in 2022 Absolute was Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. Baz had a breakout season in 2021 that was cut short due to injury but showed why he has one of the highest ceilings among pitching prospects. His base rookie card featured a sharp photo and borderless design that gave it a very clean and modern look. Collectors were really chasing the parallel and autographed versions of Baz’s rookie. The green /99 parallel brought some added rarity, while his autographed rookie patch card numbered to just 15 copies became one of the set’s biggest hits. Expect Baz’s Absolute rookie to continue gaining value as he develops further in the major leagues.

Another rookie that captured lots of attention in this year’s Absolute was Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby. Kirby made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately showed why he was such a highly-regarded prospect with his plus fastball and command. His base rookie card had a nice on-theme photo but it was the parallel and autograph versions that held the most appeal. The red /50 parallel brought some added scarcity, while his autographed rookie patch card numbered to just 10 copies became a true short print. With Kirby entrenched in the Mariners’ rotation long-term, these Absolute rookies should age very well for collectors.

No list of top 2022 Absolute cards would be complete without mentioning the rookie cards of Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson. After being taken number one overall in 2020, Torkelson made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed flashes of why he was such a coveted prospect. His base rookie card featured a perfect action shot but the parallels and autographs captured the most attention. The orange /25 parallel increased the rarity factor, while his autographed rookie patch card numbered to a minuscule 5 copies became one of the set’s biggest hits. With Torkelson poised to be a cornerstone player for the Tigers for years, these Absolute rookies are primed to gain value as his career progresses.

In addition to rookie stars of the present and future, 2022 Absolute also featured some of the game’s established superstars. One of the most sought-after veteran cards was Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Despite some recent injury issues, Kershaw remains one of the best pitchers of his generation when on the mound. His base card highlighted his legendary changeup but collectors were chasing the parallel and autograph variations. The gold /10 parallel took things up a notch in terms of rarity, while his autographed “A Cut Above” patch card numbered to just 3 copies became one of the set’s true short prints. For Kershaw collectors, these Absolute parallels and autographs were must-owns.

Another established star that collectors were chasing in 2022 Absolute was New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Coming off an epic 62 home run season in 2022, Judge had arguably the biggest year of his career and captured plenty of attention from the hobby. His base card featured a great action shot but the parallels and autographs really stood out. The silver /25 parallel increased the rarity factor, while his autographed patch card numbered to a tiny 3 copies became one of the set’s biggest hits. With Judge cementing himself as a true superstar and cornerstone of the Yankees, these Absolute cards are sure to gain value as his Hall of Fame career progresses.

In addition to young stars and veterans, 2022 Absolute also featured some exciting international talent with cards of Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After a breakout 2021 season that saw him finish second in MVP voting, Guerrero looked like a budding superstar at just 23 years old. His base card highlighted his impressive power but the parallels and autographs held more appeal. The black /10 parallel maximized the rarity, while his autographed patch card numbered to only 5 copies became one of the set’s true short prints. With Guerrero poised to compete for MVP awards for years, these Absolute parallels and autographs are sure to appreciate nicely for collectors.

While rookies and stars drew plenty of attention, 2022 Absolute also featured some exciting veteran talent like Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. Coming off an unprecedented 2021 season where he was the unanimous AL MVP, Ohtani had arguably the biggest year of any baseball player. His base card captured his two-way talents but collectors were chasing the parallels and autographs. The orange /25 parallel increased the scarcity, while his autographed patch card numbered to a tiny 3 copies became one of the set’s true short prints. With Ohtani doing things on the diamond that have never been seen before, these Absolute cards are sure to gain value as his unique career progresses.

In addition to current stars, 2022 Absolute also paid tribute to baseball legends with fantastic vintage-style throwback cards. One of the most sought-after legends cards was of New York Mets icon Tom Seaver. Seaver remains one of the all-time great pitchers and his vintage-style Absolute card in a Mets uniform was a true work of art. While the base card was impressive on its own, collectors sought out the scarce parallels and autographs. The red /10 parallel maximized the rarity, while his autographed “A Cut Above” card numbered to only 2 copies became one of the set’s most valuable hits. For vintage Mets collectors, adding these special Seaver Absolute cards was a must.

Another legends card that captured plenty of attention was of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams. Widely considered the greatest hitter of all-time, Williams’ vintage-style Absolute card in a Red Sox uniform was a true work of art paying homage to his incredible career. While the base card was a work of art on its own, collectors sought out the scarce parallels and autographs. The gold /5 parallel was extremely limited, while his autographed “A Cut Above” card numbered to only 1 of 1 copy became one of the set’s true crown jewels. For vintage Red Sox collectors and those who admire Williams’ hitting prowess, adding this 1/1 Absolute was a true prize.

In addition to rookies, stars and legends, 2022 Panini Absolute also featured some exciting insert sets that provided collectors fun chase cards. One popular insert set was “Diamond Kings” which paid tribute to franchise cornerstones for each team. Parallels like the green /99 and autographs like the ones numbered to 10 copies became hot commodities. Another popular insert was “Stars of the Game” which highlighted some of the sport’s biggest superstars. Short prints like the orange /25 parallels and autographed versions numbered to only 3 copies were true chase cards. Overall, 2022 Panini Absolute provided a fun mix of content to satisfy collectors across all areas of the hobby.

The 2022 edition of Panini Absolute Baseball once again delivered a premier high-end product that was a must-have for serious collectors. Featuring top rookies, stars, veterans, legends and fun inserts, the set had something for everyone. It was the scarce parallels and tiny autograph editions that really captured the most attention from the hobby. Rookie cards of Shane Baz, George Kirby and Spencer Torkelson led the way, while veterans like Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani also impressed. Tributes to legends like Tom Seaver and Ted Williams showed the vintage flair of the set. With the on-card autographs, patches and serial numbering, 2022 Panini Absolute Baseball delivered the true hand-crafted high-end experience serious collectors crave. It’s sure to remain one of the premier modern baseball releases to collect for years to come.

1990 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS PSA

Leave a reply

The 1990 Bowman baseball card set marked the beginning of a new era in the hobby. It was the first major issue from Bowman in over a decade and it heralded many new designs and innovations that would come to define baseball cards in the 1990s. While not as iconic or valuable as the 1952 Topps or 1955 Topps sets from the golden era, 1990 Bowman cards remain a highly collectible and popular vintage release.

The set totals 288 cards and contains rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Barry Larkin, and David Justice. It was also the first card set to include managers and coaches. Design wise, it featured a cleaner and simpler look compared to the cluttered 1980s issues. Photos were larger and brighter with fewer statistics. Standouts like Frank Thomas had superb action shots that really popped from the card. The design held up remarkably well over the years.

Grading has become an essential part of the baseball card hobby. Third party grading from professional sportcard authentication (PSA) brings standardization, integrity and added value. For 1990 Bowman cards specifically, a PSA/DNA graded gem mint 10 card can increase in value exponentially compared to a raw near mint card. Key rookies like the Maddux, Justice, and Larkin have seen PSA 10 models sell for thousands of dollars in recent years. Even stars from the set in pristine condition can net hundreds due to their increased rarity and preservation long-term.

Of course, acquiring a PSA 10 is no small feat for any vintage issue. The grading scale is unforgiving and truly “gem mint” specimens are exceedingly scarce after 30 years of potential damage or wear. Subtle flaws in centering, edges or color can knock a card from the perfect 10 rating down several points. For 1990 Bowman, PSA population reports show that a large majority of graded cards fall in the 7-8 range with very few achieving that near flawless status. Slabbing vintage cards is also considerably more difficult and riskier than modern releases.

Key PSA 10 rookies to watch out for include the Frank Thomas ‘Flagship’ card, pictured batting from both sides of the plate. Only 88 Tomasses have hit a perfect 10 with PSA to date. The Greg Maddux card is equally as coveted. As one of the most successful pitchers ever, his rookie shares top billing with Griffey Jr. and Bonds in the set. Just 76 PSA 10 Maddux rookies exist in the population report. Another rare find would be the PSA 10 Barry Larkin rookie card. While plentiful at a PSA 8 or 9 grade, pristine 10s of #73 Larkin have just a population of 68 copies.

Beyond the biggest stars, 1990 Bowman remains a highly valued set even for multicard PSA 10 grading. Horizontal ‘Diamond Kings’ parallels like Will Clark, Bret Saberhagen or Danny Tartabull can sell for hundreds graded mint. Ken Griffey Jr’s basic main set card has increased steadily in popularity and price in high grade as well. Team and league leader cards such as Andre Dawson’s NL stolen base placard or the National League Gold Glove lineup also bring significant coin in PSA 10 condition. Even players without much name recognition like Curt Simmons, Delino DeShields or Dave Silvestri can gain noteworthy collector interest and added value in a PSA 10 holder.

In the end, the appeal and relative affordability of 1990 Bowman compared to its predecessors has translated into immense graded card demand. Cards that receive that perfect PSA 10 mint rating become true trophy pieces of baseball history. As fans of the era enter advanced age and new collectors join the market, the set will likely maintain long term appreciation potential especially at the high end. Three decades since issue, 1990 Bowman remains one of the most iconic and collectible vintage card sets even before considering the substantial impact of third party authentication. Pristine PSA 10 specimens will continue capturing top dollar and represent the long term preservation of sports memorabilia in its purest form.