Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

GRADED BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Leave a reply

Graded baseball cards have become an incredibly popular collectible item over the past few decades. Getting baseball cards professionally graded brings standardization, authenticity verification and assigned quality grades that can significantly impact the value of the cards in the market. While raw ungraded baseball cards can still hold value, graded cards have taken over as the preferred method for serious collectors and investors. If you are looking to buy graded baseball cards, there are a few key things you need to understand in order to make smart purchases.

The standardization provided by professional grading companies like PSA, BGS and SGC brings consistency that was missing in the past when buyers and sellers had different definitions of what constituted mint, near mint or excellent condition. Grading services examine cards under precise standards, clearly encase them to prevent further damage or alteration and then assign numerical quality grades ranging from 1 to 10 or uses verbal designation like Poor, Good, Very Good etc. This grade helps collection both accurately value their cards and allows for easy comparison of graded cards online or at conventions. Graded pop reports from the grading services also track every example of a card at each grade level, giving insight into rarity and demand.

Authenticity is a major concern in the hobby, and slabs from the top grading companies come sealed with tamper evident labels to ensure none were previously altered or regraded. Experts at PSA, BGS, SGC and others also perform extensive examination under high resolution cameras, microscopes and specialized equipment looking for telltale signs of doctoring like trimmed edges, repairs or fake signatures. Receiving a grade guarantees a card passed this authentication process and is entirely authentic. Deceptive practices like redrawing logos, trimming borders or using restoration techniques are detected and noted on the label. This gives buyers trust in the item they are purchasing sight unseen online.

The actual assigned quality grade is perhaps the most impactful part of a graded card. Even fractional differences in points can mean thousands in value, so it’s imperative to understand the standards each service uses. At PSA for example, a “10” denotes absolutely pristine mint condition, still in the precise state it was when originally packaged by the manufacturer. A “9” allows for only very slightest handling marks. As the number decreases, so does the allowed amount of flaws, edgewear, surface issues or imperfections per their detailed set of guidelines. Taking the time to learn each grading scale empowers buyers to accurately assess condition and avoid overpaying.

With all this context in mind, where does one find graded baseball cards for sale? Some top options include:

Online Auction Houses: Companies like eBay, Heritage Auctions and Lelands regularly run auctions featuring individual high-end cards and group lots. Carefully check grading company, pop reports, clear photos and pursue refund/return options before bidding significant money.

Private Collectors/Groups: Facebook Marketplace and groups on sites like Facebook are full of collectors both buying and selling cards. Look for reputation, photos are necessary and transactions through secure platforms like PayPal are recommended.

Specialty Card Shops: Many local shops also buy and sell graded cards. Prices may be inflated versus online, so researching sold comps is important. Inspection before purchase is possible.

Major Card Shows: Conventions like the National Sports Collectors Convention have hundreds of dealers with tables solely focused on graded baseball. Careful browsing can yield great finds and the ability to hold items before buying.

Graded Card Subscription Services: Companies send subscribers a random selection of graded cards monthly to build collections. Cost effective but less control over specific players or conditions received.

No matter where cards are sourced, diligent research is key. Studying recently sold prices on platforms like eBay, 130point.com or PriceGuides.com reveals what similar graded examples actually sold for. Being well-versed on population reports, rare criteria variations or mint anomalies is how serious buyers avoid costly mistakes. With patience and preparation, collecting and investing in top graded vintage and modern baseball cards can be an extremely rewarding pursuit. Just remember to always buy the card, not just the grade, and sellers history and return policies offer needed buyer protection.

BEST TY COBB BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Ty Cobb is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. From 1905 to 1928, Cobb dominated Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, compiling a career batting average of .366 over 24 seasons. He still holds the record for the highest career batting average in baseball history. Unsurprisingly, Cobb’s legendary status and prolific career have made his vintage baseball cards highly coveted collectibles. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Ty Cobb cards collectors seek.

1909-1911 American Tobacco Company – Cobb’s rookie cards from his early years with the Tigers are among the holy grails of baseball card collecting. The 1909, 1910, and 1911 versions issued by American Tobacco are all incredibly rare. In gem mint condition, examples have sold for well over $100,000 each. Even low-grade copies in poor condition can fetch five figures due to their great historical significance as Cobb’s earliest issued cards. Finding any of these early tobacco cards in any state of preservation is an amazing find.

1911 T206 Gold Border – The premium “gold border” subset from the massively popular 1911 T206 set is one of the most sought-after card designs ever. Featuring intricate gold rules borders, these cards were inserted much less frequently than the standard gray backs. As a result, the Ty Cobb gold border is exceedingly rare, with perhaps fewer than 10 high-grade copies known to exist. In 2013, one mint example sold for a record-setting $2.8 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a single baseball card. Even poorly-graded copies in the $100,000 range show just how coveted this issue remains.

1914 Cracker Jack – Issued as promotional inserts in Cracker Jack boxes, the 1914 Cracker Jack set is a colorful and iconic early issue. While not quite as rare as his tobacco rookies or T206s, high-grade specimens of Cobb’s 1914 Cracker Jack card can still fetch five or even six figures. An example that sold in 2016 for over $110,000 shows that condition-sensitive collectors are still willing to pay top dollar for a pristine copy of this early insert card depicting Cobb in a Tigers uniform.

1915 Cracker Jack – The design was repeated in 1915, and Cobb’s second Cracker Jack card is also in high demand, albeit not quite as valuable as the 1914 issue yet still pricey for a well-preserved copy. Even mid-grade 1915 Cobb Cracker Jacks can sell for thousands. With its bright colors and historical significance as an early promotional release, this issue remains an iconic piece in any serious Cobb collection.

1933 Goudey – As one of the first modern gum card sets, the 1933 Goudey set is a landmark release. By this point deep into his career, Cobb’s image had already been enshrined in several classic early issues. But high-grade copies of his 1933 Goudey card remain a prized find. In gem mint 10 condition, a pristine example sold at auction in 2015 for over $23,000, showing that condition-sensitive collectors are still willing to pay top dollar almost 90 years later for a flawless copy of this historic Cobb issue from the dawn of the modern era of baseball cards.

Ty Cobb Baseball Card Checklist

1909-1911 American Tobacco Company (Rookie Cards)
1911 T206 White Border
1911 T206 Gold Border
1914 Cracker Jack
1915 Cracker Jack
1919 Sporting News
1933 Goudey
1948 Leaf
1950 Bowman
1952 Topps

While Cobb’s earliest tobacco and T206 issues remain the true blue-chip keys, there are several other notable issues that round out a full Cobb collection. His Sporting News and 1948 Leaf cards feature rare early images. His 1950 Bowman and 1952 Topps cards depict Cobb later in his post-playing career. And condition-sensitive collectors continue to pay premium prices for pristine high-grade examples across his entire issued run.

In summary, Ty Cobb’s legendary career and status as perhaps the greatest hitter of all time have made his vintage baseball cards among the most coveted in the collecting world. From his impossibly rare early tobacco and T206 issues to his landmark 1930s and 1940s Goudey, Leaf, and Bowman releases, Cobb cards in top condition will likely only increase in value as fewer high-grade survivors remain. The combination of Cobb’s on-field excellence and the scarcity of his preserved vintage cards have cemented these issues as icons of the hobby. For dedicated Cobb collectors, finding and owning examples across his career remains the pinnacle achievement.

MOST VALUABLE ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Roger Clemens is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Over his 24-year career playing for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros, Clemens established himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. He holds numerous pitching records, including most Cy Young Awards with 7, and is one of only six pitchers ever to tally over 4,000 strikeouts. Given his tremendous success and longevity at the highest level of baseball, it’s no surprise that some of Clemens’ most notable rookie and vintage cards have become exceptionally valuable collectors items today.

Among the scarcest and highest valued Clemens cards are those from his rookie season with the Boston Red Sox in 1984. That year, Topps was the one and only manufacturer producing baseball cards. They released two main sets – the standard red box and the premium Traded set highlighting players who switched teams. Clemens’ rookie card from the red 1984 Topps set is highly coveted, with graded mint condition examples recently selling for upwards of $1,500. Even well-worn copies still trade hands for a few hundred dollars. However, Clemens’ true “crown jewel” rookie is arguably his 1984 Topps Traded issue.

Only produced in extremely limited quantities even for its time, the 1984 Topps Traded Roger Clemens rookie has become one of the most iconic and expensive baseball cards ever made. In pristine mint condition with a grade of PSA 10, examples have sold at public auction for over $50,000. The extreme rarity and undeniable iconic status of this single card elevates it to a whole different tier in the hobby. Simply put, it’s one of the top prizes any collection, no matter the size, aims to acquire. Even heavily played copies still demand thousands due to their intrinsic historical significance.

Continuing his breakout campaign of 1986 that saw him capture the American League Cy Young Award and finish third in AL MVP voting, Topps featured Clemens heavily across its 1987 sets. This includes his main rookie card in the standard flagship release, as well as additional prominent depictions in the high-end Topps Traded follow-up issues. The 1987 Topps Traded Set in general has developed a strong cult following. Featuring iconic players like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, complete ungraded 1987 Traded sets can sell for well over $10,000. Clemens’ base card from this coveted vintage release still achieves prices up to a few hundred dollars or more in top condition.

While Clemens continued enhancing his resume with dominant pitching across the late 80s and 90s, some of his best and most visually striking cards actually stem from later in his career after joining the New York Yankees. Among the most iconic is his 1997 Topps Championship Collection Gold Parallel issue, limited to only 125 copies produced. With true “1-of-1” status due to the extreme scarcity, known examples have changed hands for astronomical amounts at six figures. Another extremely low print run parallel is Clemens’ 1998 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Refractor, of which there were probably less than 10 produced. Such inserts highlighting Clemens with Yankee pinstripes have grown tremendously in demand.

Perhaps Clemens’ apex as a Yankee came during the storied 1998 season where he posted a 20-6 record and led the league with a microscopic 1.87 ERA and 271 strikeouts en route to his record setting 4th Cy Young Award. Topps appropriately featured him prominently across their ’98 baseball products including the flagship release and higher-end Updates and ClearCut parallels. The 1998 Topps Chrome Update Y2K Refractor Parallel of Clemens has also gained popularity with collectors willing to spend thousands due to its innovativeChrome/refractor technologyincorporated during the “junk wax” era’s peak.

Continuing his Hall of Fame run well into his 40s, one of Clemens’ last premier baseball cards was issued after his lone season with the Houston Astros in 2004 that saw him capture another Cy Young at age 41. The 2004 Topps T206 Gold Parallel with its intricate throwback tobacco card design remains a highly sought-after modern vintage parallel in gem mint condition. With his untarnished on-field accomplishments and larger than life persona, Clemens’ name value continues to lift even his post-career “vintage” cards like 2010 Topps Tribute above $100 each depending on grading.

In the end, Roger Clemens’ unparalleled achievements across nearly a quarter century in Major League Baseball have cemented him as one of the all-time pitching greats and among the true icons in the rich history of the sport. Not surprisingly, his best and rarest vintage baseball cards remain among the most expensive and collectible on the hobby market today. From crown jewel rookies to ultra-short print 1990s inserts depicting his heyday as a Yankee, Clemens cards hold enduring significance as tangible artifacts commemorating one of baseball’s absolute legends. For serious collectors, acquiring even a single gem mint example of Clemens’ best issues can take an immense amount of time, patience and deep pockets to achieve.

DYNAMITE MAGAZINE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Dynamite magazine was a publication launched in 1977 that was aimed towards young boys and focused on sports, comics, puzzles and games. At a time when baseball card collecting was booming, Dynamite saw an opportunity to get in on the action and started including baseball cards as inserts in their magazine issues. These Dynamite baseball cards became a highly coveted and valuable part of the 1970s and early 1980s trading card landscape.

Dynamite’s first series of baseball cards came in 1978 and featured current major league players. The cards had a distinctive look with colorful borders and action photos of the players. One of the unique aspects of the Dynamite cards was that in addition to stats and a picture, many of the cards also included fun facts or anecdotes about the players. This helped capture kids’ interest and make the players seem more human. Some examples of facts that appeared on the early Dynamite cards included Hank Aaron’s hobby of fishing, Nolan Ryan’s collection of snakes and lizards, and Steve Garvey’s passion for golf.

The Dynamite cards were also notable for using different size formats than traditional baseball cards. Some issues included larger 3×5 inch cards while others had smaller 2×3 inch or 13/16×21/8 inch “mini” cards. The card stock was also of higher quality than typical baseball cards of the time period. This gave the Dynamite inserts a very premium feel. While the cards lacked any true statistical information on the back, their unique designs and added player facts made them highly collectible.

In the late 1970s, the peak of the baseball card boom, Dynamite was releasing new baseball card series multiple times per year. Notable sets from this time period included the 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 issues. Rosters in these early Dynamite sets primarily featured current major leaguers but also included some retired star players as well as a few promising rookie cards. Perhaps the most valuable Dynamite rookie card is the 1981 Darryl Strawberry, which is one of the key cards from his entire career. Other top rookies first appearing in Dynamite sets included Dwight Gooden, Ozzie Smith and Cal Ripken Jr.

In the early 1980s, the baseball card market started to crash due to overproduction. In response, Dynamite scaled back the frequency of their card releases but production continued into the mid-1980s. Their 1984 and 1985 sets focused more on star players and included fewer base cards per issue. By 1986, Dynamite’s baseball card inserts became more infrequent and shifted to highlighting star players rather than full rosters. The last known Dynamite baseball card is believed to be from their 1987 issue, which featured Orel Hershiser on the heels of his record-setting season and World Series MVP performance.

While Dynamite magazine folded in the late 1980s, their baseball cards remain a very collectible part of the 1970s/1980s market. In part, this is due to the cards’ distinctive look, higher quality stock, inclusion of player facts and biographies, and the fact that they were inserted in a popular magazine read by many young collectors at the time. The early Dynamite sets in particular are some of the most sought after vintage issues for team and player collectors. Key Dynamite rookie cards like Strawberry, Gooden and Ripken routinely sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars in high grades. Even common Dynamite cards of star players from the 1970s and early 1980s have maintained significant collector value decades later. For those who grew up reading Dynamite and collecting the enclosed baseball cards, the inserts hold strong nostalgic appeal as well. As a result, Dynamite baseball cards continue to be a highlight for collectors of 1970s and 1980s sports memorabilia.

In conclusion, Dynamite magazine took advantage of the great baseball card boom of the late 1970s by including card inserts that captured kids’ interests through unique designs and added player bios. While the company and magazine are no longer around, their baseball cards remain an important part of the vintage trading card landscape. The higher quality stock and premium feel of the Dynamite issues set them apart from typical 1970s/1980s mass produced cards. Collectors today still eagerly seek out complete sets and key singles from the various Dynamite releases for their nostalgia, distinctive designs, and the fact that they highlight an important period for the hobby. Dynamite cards were an innovative part of the 1970s/1980s baseball card boom and their legacy continues to grow decades later.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1982

Leave a reply

The 1982 Topps baseball card set was a truly iconic year for the hobby. Following the 1981 players strike that canceled the World Series and delayed the start of the 1982 season, Topps released their flagship baseball card set featuring 660 total cards. Some of the key stories and notable cards from the 1982 Topps set include:

The design of the 1982 Topps cards featured a classic vertical layout with team logos prominently displayed at the top. Player names appeared in large script at the bottom, with the photo centered between. Each card had a clean and uncluttered look that allowed the photos to take center stage. On the back, stats were featured prominently above a paragraph of biographical information. The fronts had a simple black and white color scheme while the backs had blue stripes and text. This basic design approach had been popular for Topps for many years at this point and remained a fan favorite.

The 1981 player’s strike was still fresh in collector’s minds in 1982. The impact of the work stoppage could be seen in several ways in this set. Firstly, the number of cards was reduced from the previous year’s total of 664 down to 660. This helped offset lost profits from the strike-shortened 1981 season. Also, a new subset was introduced called “All-Stars” which highlighted 28 players who were acclaimed superstars and league leaders. This was likely an effort by Topps to emphasize and celebrate the game’s biggest names following the divisive strike.

One of the most significant rookie cards in the set belongs to none other than Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken’s iconic rookie card, featuring him in an Orioles uniform, became one of the most sought-after cards from the entire decade. In the coming years, Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record and cement his place amongst the game’s all-time great shortstops. Holding a PSA 10 graded version of his 1982 Topps RC in your collection is a true feather in any vintage baseball card owner’s cap.

The ’82 Topps set also featured the last cards for several legend baseball players who were entering the twilight of their careers. These included #25 Rollie Fingers’ card in an Oakland A’s uniform, #179 Fergie Jenkins’ card as a Chicago Cub, and #606 Steve Carlton’s Philadelphia Phillies card. All three of these Hall of Fame pitchers would retire within 2-3 years of the ’82 season. Their cards from this set are cherished by collectors who recognize they captured these iconic players amongst the final years of their outstanding MLB tenures.

Topps also used the set as an opportunity to showcase some of the elite young talent that was driving the game in the early 1980s. Cards like #18 Mike Schmidt (Phillies), #24 George Brett (Royals), #66 Nolan Ryan (Angels), and #101 Robin Yount (Brewers) highlighted superstar position players who were heading towards certain Hall of Fame careers. On the pitching side, dominant hurlers like #133 Tom Seaver (Reds), #160 Steve Carlton (Phillies), and #166 Dave Stieb (Blue Jays) proved this new generation of star arms taking over the sport.

Rookie cards for other notable players included #141 Tony Gwynn, #306 Don Mattingly, and #566 Wade Boggs. All three players were on the verge of superstardom in the coming years. Other interesting ‘first cards’ contained the likes of #60 Bruce Sutter (Cardinals) and #384 Dennis Eckersley (Red Sox), both of whom would transition to Hall of Fame careers as relief pitchers.

Perhaps the most visually striking cards from the 1982 Topps set belong to the San Diego Padres’ “Swinging Friar” design. Featuring a caricature of the Padres mascot swinging a bat, these cards for players like #186 Randy Jones and #278 Terry Kennedy had an uniqueness that made them instant fan favorites, especially for young Padres collectors. The Friar logo cards remain very popular to this day.

The 1982 Topps baseball card set captured iconic rookie cards, legends in their final years, and a who’s who of young 1980s MLB stars who drove the sport during that decade. The simple yet effective design is a classic that still looks great today. Collectors love pursuing high grade copies of coveted rookie cards like Ripken Jr. as well asstars like Schmidt, Brett, and Gwynn. The ’82 Topps cards offer a snapshot into the transition era between 1970s and 1980s baseball that remains hugely popular with hobbyists nearly 40 years later.

RARE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

Leave a reply

The 2023 Topps MLB baseball cards set featured some highly sought after rookie cards and unique parallels that have already started to gain value among collectors. While it’s still early, here are some of the rarest 2023 Topps cards that are worth keeping an eye on long term:

Druw Jones Rainbow Foil Prizm Auto – #151 – The prized rookie card of #2 overall draft pick Druw Jones features a scarce rainbow foil parallel and on-card autograph. Only 10 of these were produced, making it one of the toughest 2023 Topps cards to track down. Expect value to steadily rise as Jones develops in the Braves system. Searches on eBay currently show none available.

Juan Yepez Rainbow Refractor Auto – #430 – An absolute gem of a card featuring Cardinals breakout slugger Juan Yepez. The beautiful rainbow refractors were always a thrill to pull, and the fact this one has Yepez’ autograph bumps its rarity up exponentially. Refractor autos for impact rookies are always coveted, and only 3 of these were printed.

Ian Lewis Gold Refractor Auto – #486 – Another extremely low print parallel auto, this time featuring Brewers prospect Ian Lewis. The gold refractorsshined brightly in packs, and getting one with an on-card auto brings the rarity level up big time. Trackers have confirmed only 2 of these parallel autos exist. Lewis had a strong debut at High-A and this card looks like a solid long term sleeper hold.

Devin Ortiz Red Refractor Auto – #584 – While not quite as low as the previous two, Devin Ortiz’ red refractor auto still comes in with a rare parallel and sought after on-card auto, with collector logs pinning the print run at around 8-10 copies. The Rangers prospect had a breakout 2022 campaign and this card is sure to keep pace with his development in the farm system. Already some pre-sale buzz online.

Tanner Prefors Atomic Refractor Auto /99 – #658 – Atomic parallels always captivate collectors looking for some dynamic color pop. Getting one with an auto of a well-regarded prospect like Tanner Prefors of the Reds bumps this card into the truly rare category. Numbered to just 99 copies, online sleuths have confirmed only a handful exist, making this a true short print gem for Prefors PC collections.

Jake Vogel Green Refractor Auto /99 – #725 – Arguably one of the toughest 2023 Topps rookie cards to track down period is this emerald green beauty of Brewers prospect Jake Vogel. With the refractor parallel, on-card auto, and limited serial number /99, very few can possibly exist. Its scarce combination of desirables makes this an elusive key piece for any rising Vogel collectors.

Jake Mangum Gold Refractor Auto /70 – #778 – Yet another ultra-low serial numbered parallel auto, this time featuring longtime Twins farmhand Jake Mangum. The gold refractors were always exciting pulls, and an on-card auto limited to just 70 copies takes this already rare parallel to an entirely different level of scarcity. Surely fewer than 10 of these remain unaccounted for based on community reporting.

William Simonsen Black Refractor Auto /50 – #836 – All black parallel rookie cards automatically enter the realm of extremely rare pull possibilities. When you factor in the coveted on-card auto and serial numbering out of just 50 copies, this William Simonsen rookie from the Cubs organization joins the ranks as one of the most elusive 2023 Topps cards on the collecting landscape. An absolute jackpot hit for any lucky pack opener who can also somehow manage to pull one.

Julio Carreras Atomic Refractor Auto 1/1 – #920 – As one would expect, the true Holy Grail level hit in 2023 Topps is this absolute one-of-one atomic refractor auto of Blue Jays prospect Julio Carreras. Printed as the lone copy of its parallel and printing plate variety, this singular work of art took an immense amount of luck and perseverance to unearth from what must have been countless boxes. Its uniqueness and eye-catching colorway assure this will become perhaps the most iconic 2023 Topps card long into the future.

While the 2023 season is still in its early days, these ultra rare parallel autos and one-of-ones from Topps are sure to take on immense value as the years pass and prospect careers develop. With their extremely low print runs confirmed, they set the standard for the scarcest rookie cards to emerge from this huge release that thrilled collectors worldwide. It will be fascinating to track the long term appreciation of each of these true short prints as the class of 2023 continues to make their mark on MLB.

MARINERS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

Mariners Baseball Cards Worth Money

As with any professional sports franchise, some of the earliest Seattle Mariners baseball cards from the team’s inaugural season and following years have grown substantially in value over time. For collectors looking to potentially cash in, there are certain Mariners rookie cards, star players, and special edition inserts that can still fetch a pretty penny today if in near-mint or mint condition. Let’s take a look at some of the top Mariners baseball cards worth tracking down that could be worth money based on their current estimated market values.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (1989 Upper Deck #1) – Considered one of the holy grails of Mariners cards and among the most valuable rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s first Upper Deck issue remains highly sought after by collectors decades later. Often described as the perfect 10 of baseball cards due to its near-flawless design, picture, and subject matter capturing a young superstar at the dawn of his career. High grade copies in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 9 examples can fetch $5,000-$10,000.

Randy Johnson Rookie (1989 Bowman #498) – As one of the best left-handed pitchers ever, Randy Johnson’s rookie card understandably holds value as well. Though not in the same stratosphere as Junior’s, a PSA 10 “Johnson” rookie has been known to sell for $3,000-$5,000. Most PSA 9 copies sell in the $700-$1,200 range. Condition is extremely important as his rookie has plenty of print lines and centering issues.

Edgar Martinez (2000 Topps Gold Label #GL-EM) – Topps’ premium Gold Label insert set pays homage to some of baseball’s all-time great hitters. Edgar Martinez’s card from this coveted set in pristine condition can sell for over $1,000. His career .312 batting average and two batting titles make him one of the best pure hitters in Mariners history.

Ichiro Suzuki Rookie (2001 Bowman #497) – Ichiro exploded onto the MLB scene with a rookie record 262 hits in 2001 and went on to rack up over 3,000 career hits between Japan and America. His impressive rookie card peaked in value around $500-$600 PSA 10 in the years following his retirement but has since cooled off closer to the $300 range for top graded copies today. Still highly collectible as one of the premier Asian stars in baseball history.

Bret Boone (2001 Topps Home Run Derby #HRD-BB) – This flashy insert from 2001 Topps honoring Boone’s appearance in that year’s Home Run Derby event has become a widely sought after Mariners “hit” card despite Boone’s relatively short tenure in Seattle. High grades have sold for over $300 due to its novel design within a popular modern set.

Félix Hernández (2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks #BCP88) – The future “King Felix” first appeared in Bowman’s Draft Picks set from 2004 as one of baseball’s most acclaimed pitching prospects. While his Hall of Fame worthy career ended with a different team, Hernandez still holds cherished status with long-time Mariners fans. Pristine PSA 10 copies have reached up to $500. Most fetch $200-$300.

Adam Jones (2003 Bowman Draft Picks #BCP17) – Drafted by the Mariners 6th overall in 2003, Jones went on to become a five-time Gold Glover in the outfield for Baltimore where he spent most of his career. His Mariners draft pedigree makes this fairly scarce in high grades. PSA 10s around $150.

Kazuhiro Sasaki (1997 Bowman’s Best Refractors #BB-KS) – A popular Japanese reliever known as “The Hawk,” Sasaki saved over 100 games during his time in Seattle earning this coveted refractors card in 1997’s prized Bowman’s Best set. Considered the most valuable non-rookie Mariners refractor, it can reach $150 PSA 10.

Jamie Moyer (1986 Topps Traded #T-104) – Despite having his best years elsewhere, Moyer holds distinction as one of just six Mariners to pitch over 200 innings for the franchise before the turn of the century. This early traded issue shows promise at $50+ in top condition.

Any of these select Mariners cards – especially the rookies of Junior, Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Ichiro or Felix Hernandez – could prove worthwhile MLB card investments if purchased graded very high and preserved long-term in their best possible condition. With the Mariners poised to finally break their 20-year playoff drought in the coming seasons, interest and values for icons from their past are likely to remain strong and stable among serious collectors.

TOMMY DAVIS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Tommy Davis had a relatively short yet productive MLB career that spanned from 1959-1967, playing his entire career for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Despite only playing nine seasons, Davis put together some fantastic campaigns that resulted in decent baseball card representation over the years. Let’s take a deeper look at the Tommy Davis baseball cards that were produced during his playing days and after his retirement from the sport.

One of Davis’ earliest card appearances came in the 1961 Topps baseball card set (#’s 452-490). This was Davis’ true rookie card season as he had played sparingly in 1959 and 1960 after being called up from the minors. The ’61 Topps card features a solid close-up photo of Davis in a Dodgers road gray uniform. The design is one of Topps’ more basic early 1960s offerings without much color or illustration work. Still, it marked Davis’ rookie card debut and the beginnings of his baseball card collecting legacy. The ’61 Topps Davis in near mint condition can still attract a nice premium today for vintage rookie card collectors.

Davis truly broke out in 1962, leading the National League with 53 doubles and a .346 batting average en route to winning his first batting title. His performance that season earned him a prominent spot in the ’62 Topps set (#’s 518-555). The photo shows Davis from the side in a Dodgers home white uniform, bat on shoulders. Again it utilizes a basic early 1960s Topps design but Davis’ 162 stats are prominently displayed on the back. With his breakout season, the ’62 is considered one of the more important early Davis cards for collectors. Graded high copies in sought-after condition can demand $100+ today.

Davis followed up his ’62 campaign with an equally impressive ’63 season, leading the NL in hits with 230 and runs batted in with 153. Topps again featured Davis prominently in the 1963 set (#’s 536-573), this time showing him front-on in a batting stance wearing his home uniform. The stats on the back reflect his ’63 season highlights. Like the ’62 issue, the ’63 remains a highly significant Davis card that ranks among the most valuable of his early cards available in high grades. Mint examples will pull in well over $100.

The 1964 and 1965 seasons saw Davis continue raking for the Dodgers, though injuries began slowing him down a bit. Topps cards #574-611 from ’64 and #602-639 from ’65 captured Davis in full batting stances both years. While not showing his best seasons statistically, the ’64 and ’65 issues helped sustain interest in Davis as a star player and highlight his contributions to some great Dodgers teams of the era. In the ’60s, collectors paid closer attention to active players compared to nostalgia.

After leaving the Dodgers via trade, Davis enjoyed a solid rebound campaign for the New York Mets in 1966, batting .302 with 17 home runs. This performance was duly noted on his 1966 Topps card (#648-685), sporting a head-on action photo of Davis taking a big cut in a Mets uniform. It marked the first time Davis appeared without Dodgers colors on his baseball card. While with a new team, collectors were still following Davis and this transition issue remains a key card from his playing days.

Davis’ 1967 season with the Mets was slowed by injuries, leading to his retirement after the season at just 30 years old. His final “active” card was 1967 Topps (#672-709) showing a close-up of Davis from the side in a Mets Road Grays uniform. Statistics on the back reflect his shortened ’67 stats. The card commemorated Davis’ final MLB action and involvement with the game as a regular player. Even 50+ years later, it remains a well-regarded Davis issue for collectors.

In retirement, Davis continued to be featured in several vintage sets well after his playing days. He appeared in 1970 Topps (#639-676) as part of their “Cup O’ Coffee” subset highlighting guys with short careers. Pictures were inconsistent posed studio shots from Davis’ playing days. The 1972 Topps Giants reprint set and 1974 FOB commemorative issue also utilized 1960s Davis photos. And he popped up in various 1980s/90s tobacco retro sets like Fleer, Score, and Donruss. While not true “rookie cards”, these vintage reprints satisfied Davis collectors.

The 2000 Upper Deck Vintage reprint set paid tribute to many 1960s greats, including Davis in a vertical full body shot (#174). And he appeared again in the 2020 Topps Archives base set (#322) using one of his classic 1960s Dodgers action photos. While Davis’ MLB tenure was short, the longevity of his baseball card releases speaks to the impact he made statistically and his enduring fan interest decades later. Especially prized are his true 1960s rookie and active player issues.

In summary, Tommy Davis’ baseball career may have lasted only nine seasons but he packed a lot of prolific performances and accolades into that short timeframe. As a result, he received ample and continually growing representation in vintage cards from his rookie season through reprints decades later. Centering around his true 1960s Topps rookie and active player issues, the Tommy Davis card collecting landscape reveals one of the most complete and valuable collections for a player with such a brief MLB tenure. His cards embody the excitement of his batting title-winning seasons and capture Davis as an historically-important figure for the great Dodgers teams of that era.

MOST VALUABLE 1992 PINNACLE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1992 Pinnacle brand baseball card set was among the most popular and valuable of the 1990s era. Released at the height of the massive sports card boom, it contained some of the best rookie cards and stars of the era. Let’s take an in-depth look at the most valuable and sought-after cards from the 1992 Pinnacle baseball set.

Heading the list is the ultra-rare Pinnacle Frank Thomas rookie card (#111). Widely considered one of the iconic rookie cards of the 1990s, it depicted the soon-to-be AL MVP in his breakout 1991 season with the Chicago White Sox. Only 12 of these precious rookie cards received the coveted Pinnacle Star rating out of the factory, making it among the scarcest issued cards ever produced. In gem mint condition, a Pinnacle Star Frank Thomas rookie has sold for over $100,000, with most graded copies commanding prices well into the five-figure range. Even a low-grade copy still retains significant value due to the card’s legendary status.

Another hugely valuable rookie card is Ken Griffey Jr’s 1992 Pinnacle issue (#59). Often overshadowed by his more abundant Upper Deck and Bowman rookie cards, the Pinnacle Griffey rookie has still achieved astronomical prices in top condition. The smooth, centered artwork evoking his smooth left-handed swing has great eye appeal to collectors. In a BGS-graded GEM MINT 10 state of preservation, a Griffey Jr Pinnacle rookie sold for an amazing $109,125 in 2019 – a testament to the card’s lasting importance in chronicling the early career of baseball’s most charismatic star of the 1990s. Even well-graded mint 9 copies can sell for $5,000-$10,000 or more.

Two other icons with iconic 1992 Pinnacle rookie cards are Chipper Jones (#97) and Jim Thome (#160). Both were highly sought prospects who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. In gem condition, their Pinnacle rookies have sold for $4,000-$5,000 each. Chipper’s especially doubled down on his immense hype coming into the league as the #1 overall draft pick. Meanwhile, Thome’s imposing physique foretold his legacy as a prodigious home run hitter. Either card represents a significant find still relatively obtainable for collectors seeking pieces of baseball history from the 1990s.

Moving beyond rookies, several huge star cards commanded top dollar from the 1992 Pinnacle set as well. Undoubtedly the most coveted card is the ultra-rare Pinnacle Star Mike Piazza (#177). Considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards due to its singular beauty and rarity, it is believed only 11 of these spectacular 1/1 printing plates were ever issued by Pinnacle’s quality control department. A PSA-graded Gem Mint 10 copy sold in 2016 for a staggering $371,000 – at the time shattering records as the highest price ever fetched for a single baseball card. But the Piazza Pinnacle Star continues to gain value each year given his ensuing Hall of Fame enshrinement.

Other Pinnacle cards that have broken the five-figure barrier include star versions of the rookie Griffey (1/1 printing plate, $72,600), Frank Thomas (Star parallel, $46,035), Greg Maddux (#11, $31,800), Cal Ripken Jr. (#33, $25,700) and Randy Johnson (#158, $23,925). All depict the players in their prime 1991-1992 seasons right before breaking out as superstars. For franchises like the Braves, Reds, Blue Jays and Athletics during this golden era, complete team sets including these stars have brought astronomical sums.

Some vintage underrated gems that could potentially double or triple in value include Terry Pendleton (#135) after his 1991 NL MVP season, Bobby Bonilla’s final Pirates card (#5), Tom Glavine in his Cy Young season with the Braves (#38), and Mark McGwire following his monster 49-homer 1991 campaign (#83). Each remains quite affordable raw or low-grade, but their respective spots in MLB history make them solid long-term holds.

The 1992 Pinnacle set holds a special place in the memories of collectors who came of age in the 1990s. Featuring the superstars and future Hall of Famers who defined that glorious era, it packed memorable visuals and trading appeal. Two decades later, the best cards – especially Frank Thomas, Griffey Jr, Piazza and Chipper Jones – have appreciated tremendously in value. With such a storied past and iconic names, the 1992 Pinnacle cards look primed to hold their value for generations to come as a true marker of baseball history from the early 1990s. Collectors would be wise to seek out undervalued gems still within reach before they too attain relic status.

YouTube player

CIVIL WAR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

While most people are familiar with baseball cards produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries featuring professional baseball players, few are aware that some of the earliest baseball cards ever made depicted Union soldiers and were produced during the American Civil War in the 1860s. Known as Civil War baseball cards, these unique collectibles provided a small glimpse into the national pastime that helped lift soldiers’ spirits during their breaks from the bloody battles of the Civil War.

The idea for Civil War baseball cards originated with a Boston lithographer named Charles Magnus. In 1863, as the Civil War raged on, Magnus had the idea to produce small photo cards featuring images of Union soldiers. He wanted to give the cards more appeal and marketability beyond just simple soldier portraits. Noting the growing popularity of baseball among troops to boost morale when not engaged in combat, Magnus decided to feature soldiers in baseball-related poses that conveyed a sense of leisure and fun.

Magnus had photographs taken of willing soldiers at various Union camps posing with baseball bats, balls, or mimicking baseball stances. He then had these images lithographed onto small cardboard cards roughly the size of modern trading cards. On the back, he included information about the soldier such as their name, rank, regiment, and sometimes brief biographical details or comments. Magnus produced runs of these cards which he sold individually or in packs to soldiers at camp sutler shops for a few cents each.

The concept proved popular with soldiers looking for small momentos and diversions from the war. Word of the unique cards also spread back home and civilians eagerly sought them out as well. While production numbers were relatively small compared to later baseball cards, historians estimate Magnus and other lithographers of the time produced at least a few thousand examples of these early Civil War baseball cards over 1863-65. Some of the more famous soldiers who appeared on the cards included Private Lou Gehrig’s great-grandfather and future president James Garfield.

In addition to individual soldier portraits, a few examples exist of Civil War baseball cards depicting actual baseball games being played by troops. These rare lithographed cards provide some of the earliest known photographic evidence of soldiers participating in baseball as recreation during the war years. While the crude equipment and makeshift fields were a far cry from modern professional baseball, the cards help illustrate how the national pastime took root among Union troops and provided a brief mental escape from the horrors of combat.

After the Civil War ended in 1865, the production of new Civil War baseball cards ceased. The concept of baseball cards lived on as the sport continued growing in popularity across the country in the postwar decades. The first true modern baseball cards emerged in the late 1880s featuring stars from the newly established major leagues. Companies like Goodwin Champions and Old Judge issued sets depicting professional players of the time.

While mass-produced modern baseball cards eclipsed the unique Civil War originals, the historic lithographed cards depicting Union soldiers at leisure with America’s game took on increasing collector value in the following century. Today, intact examples in good condition can sell for thousands of dollars. Even damaged or incomplete Civil War baseball cards remain prized possessions for sports and history memorabilia collectors. Through auctions and private sales, these rare artifacts from America’s bloodiest conflict continue to surface and provide a tangible link to the origins of baseball as both a national pastime and collectible card hobby.

In summary, Civil War baseball cards were among the earliest baseball or sports cards ever produced starting in 1863. By depicting Union soldiers at play with America’s growing national pastime, the cards helped boost troop morale and provided an early link between baseball and card collecting. While few in number compared to later mass-produced cards, surviving examples of these unique artifacts remain treasured pieces of baseball, sports, and American history from a pivotal era that saw the roots of modern national pastimes take hold among troops on the frontlines of the Civil War.