Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

1991 BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

Leave a reply

The 1991 baseball card season marked several milestones for the hobby. For the first time, card manufacturers produced complete sets featuring every player in Major League Baseball. Rookies like Jeff Bagwell, Carlos Baerga, and Frank Thomas would appear in these massive checklists for the first time. For collectors seeking a challenge, obtaining a complete 792-card 1991 Topps set became the ultimate quest that year.

Topps had been producing standard size baseball cards since 1952 with checklists numbering around 660 cards. In 1991 they expanded to an all-time high of 792 total cards to account for every active player. In addition to team sets and flagship rookie cards,supplementary inserts were also included for the first time. On top of the standard player cards, collectors could find special subsets highlighting All-Star Game results, league leaders, rookie debuts, and more.

The massive undertaking required Topps to refine their production process. Card designs were simplified compared to previous years to help make room on the packaging for the increased checklist sizes. There was less emphasis on elaborate graphics or stats on the fronts to allow for more cards per sheet during printing. The backs also lost statistical tables in favor of basic career bios. It was a necessary sacrifice Topps had to make to achieve the first true “complete” set while maintaining reasonable costs.

Completists faced a daunting task collecting every single one of the 792 cards that year. With so much required inventory, the odds of encountering short prints, printing errors, or cards that simply didn’t make it to hobby shops increased dramatically. Even the most dedicated collectors struggled to finish the set in its inaugural year. While Topps produced the cards in sufficient volume for widespread distribution, the sheer size guaranteed attrition through loss, damage, or storage over the following decades.

As the years passed, completing that 1991 Topps flagship set grew into the holy grail for achievement-oriented collectors. With so many cards required and time taking its toll on available supply, locating that final missing piece became an increasingly difficult endeavor. Some collectors spent over a decade slowly collecting the needed cards through trades, shows, and online marketplaces. A complete 1991 Topps set still changes hands for thousands of dollars today when one does become available for purchase.

While Topps blazed the trail as the first true complete sets, their competitors were quick to follow suit that same year. In 1991, Donruss issued their most extensive baseball card checklist ever at 756 cards total. Like Topps, they incorporated every active MLB player along with inserts highlighting league leaders, rookie debuts, and Donruss Legends. Score Board also expanded beyond their typically paper checklist to produce 780 total cards for the first time.

These competing sets from Donruss and Score Board pushed card checklists past previous highs. The Topps flagship 792-card release remained the pinnacle that year in terms of sheer collectibility challenges thanks to their unrivaled distribution through hobby shops nationwide. Completists soon set their sights on obtaining not just a single complete 1991 Topps set, but full runs from all three manufacturers that truly captured every player.

Fleer was the lone exception, opting not to issue true complete sets in 1991. Their checklist numbered 660 cards as in previous years. The additional sets from Topps, Donruss, and Score Board providing true 100% checklists pushed the boundaries of what was possible for a modern trading card release. It established collecting standards that manufacturers have followed ever since to account for all active MLB players each season.

While massive in scale, the 1991 season is now looked back upon fondly by hobby veterans. Rookies like Frank Thomas are now ensconced in Cooperstown after Hall of Fame careers. Cards from their rookie years remain widely sought-after centerpieces for collections today. Obtaining a complete 1991 Topps, Donruss, or Score Board set in near-mint condition would be a true blue-chip holding. Even partially finished runs remain worthwhile investment pieces considering the strides made by the industry that formative year.

For today’s collectors, the 1991 season lives on as the genesis of the modern complete baseball card set concept. It showed what could be produced with advances in printing technology and distribution channels. While daunting at the time, collectors now appreciate what those inaugural true complete sets from Topps, Donruss, and Score Board helped establish. Finishing even one of the massive 756+ card releases from that year still stands as a benchmark collecting achievement over 30 years later.

BASEBALL CARDS KEN GRIFFEY JR FLEER 90

Leave a reply

The 1990 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards of all time. Griffey was just entering his early 20s and had already established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars with the Seattle Mariners. His debut with the Mariners in 1989 made him an instant fan favorite and his prodigious talent was on full display. Fleer captured Griffey in his prime on the cusp of superstardom with their 1990 issue, not knowing at the time it would become one of the crown jewels in the hobby.

Griffey was drafted number one overall by the Mariners in the 1987 amateur draft after a stellar career at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. He made his MLB debut in 1989 at just 19 years old and immediately started to turn heads with his combination of power, speed, defense and charisma. In his rookie season, Griffey hit .264 with 16 home runs and 61 RBI in just 108 games, finishing second in rookie of the year voting. He established himself as a budding superstar and one of the faces of baseball for the next generation of fans.

Fleer was quick to issue Griffey’s first official rookie card in 1990, featuring a clean photo of him in a Mariners uniform from the waist up. The simplicity of the design allows Griffey’s natural talent and charisma to shine through. Unlike some of the more elaborate cards of the era, the 1990 Fleer Griffey is uncluttered and lets the subject take center stage. It perfectly captured Griffey on the verge of superstardom and remains one of the most iconic baseball card photos ever taken.

The 1990 Fleer set marked the beginning of the junk wax era, which saturated the market with mass-produced cards in the early 1990s. However, Griffey’s card was clearly destined for greatness even amongst the sea of common players. It became evident very quickly that this would be one of the most valuable modern rookie cards ever issued as Griffey’s career took off. In just his first few seasons, he established records and earned honors that cemented his status as a future Hall of Famer and one of the game’s all-time greats.

By 1992, Griffey had won the first of his 10 Gold Glove Awards and was named the American League MVP after hitting .308 with 56 home runs and 121 RBI. He became the face of baseball in the 1990s and was already considered a surefire future Hall of Famer in his early 20s. As interest in collecting grew dramatically and Griffey’s legend expanded, his 1990 Fleer rookie card skyrocketed in value to become the crown jewel of any collection. In the early 1990s, ungraded examples could be acquired for around $25-50, but demand quickly drove the price much higher.

The Griffey rookie established price records in the 1990s that foreshadowed its status as one of the most valuable modern cards ever produced. In 1991, the highest public sale price achieved was $1,500. By 1993, an ungraded example sold for $2,800 and a PSA Gem Mint 10 fetched over $7,000. The card broke the $10,000 barrier for the first time in 1994. These prices were absolutely unheard of at the time for a card from the junk wax era, but Griffey’s unprecedented popularity and talent was unlike anything baseball card investors had ever seen before.

As Griffey’s career progressed and more accolades were added to his resume, like becoming the youngest player ever to hit 400 home runs in 2000, the value of his 1990 Fleer rookie only continued to climb. In the late 1990s, ungraded examples traded hands for $5,000-10,000 routinely and a PSA 10 was worth $25,000-50,000. By the early 2000s, the card had reached rarified air with a PSA 10 selling for over $100,000. This cemented it as one of the most valuable modern sports cards in the world and far surpassing any of its peers from the junk wax era in value.

The 1990 Fleer Griffey is the crown jewel of any baseball card collection from the modern era precisely because it perfectly captured a superstar at the absolute start of his legendary career. Selling for over $100,000 in a PSA 10 grade today, it is one of the most iconic and valuable cards ever produced. For baseball card investors, it was also one of the best and earliest examples of identifying and capitalizing on investing in young superstar talent before they achieved greatness. The Griffey rookie still holds up as one of the best and most valuable baseball card investments of all time due to how early and accurately it identified one of the game’s true immortals.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS SOLD AT AUCTION

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have long held a special place in the hearts of collectors due to their nostalgic feel and ability to transport fans back to memorable eras of the sport. While most cards hold little monetary value, some of the rarest examples that feature legendary players from baseball’s early days have shattered auction records by selling for millions of dollars. Here are the details on some of the priciest baseball cards ever purchased at auction.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner – $6.6 Million
The undisputed king of all baseball cards is the ultra-rare 1909 T206 Honus Wagner, of which it’s believed only 50-200 were even printed by the American Tobacco Company. In October 2021, serial entrepreneur and collector Ken Kendrick paid a whopping $6.6 million through Goldin Auctions to acquire a PSA NJC/Authentic grade 1.5 example of this fabled card. What makes it so desirable is that Honus Wagner, angry that his likeness was being used to promote tobacco, is said to have demanded his card be pulled, rendering it amongst the most elusive in the hobby. Even in low grade, it shattered all prior baseball card auction records and put this Wagner card firmly out of reach except for the ultra-wealthy.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $5.2 Million
The first card of Yankee Clipper Mickey Mantle’s legendary career with the New York Yankees, the 1952 Topps Mantle is arguably the most famous post-WWII baseball card. On August 27, 2021, Heritage Auctions sold a PSA EX-MT 6 example that had been freshly slabbed just days prior for a staggering $5.2 million, making it the new most valuable post-war card. What gives it such allure is that Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still considered one of the game’s greatest switch hitters and sluggers. Fewer are believed to exist in high grade compared to the Wagner, fueling serious collector demand.

1909 T206 Napoleon Lajoie – $3.12 Million
While not quite in Wagner and Mantle’s league, the ultra-rare 1909 T206 Nap Lajoie still fetched an impressive $3.12 million when sold by Heritage Auctions on August 18, 2018. Graded PSA Authentic, this example of the Philadelphia Athletics second baseman and future Hall of Famer Napoleon Lajoie was only the third highest graded known and could very well be one of the 50 examples known to exist. Like the other early tobacco cards, its scarcity and association to one of the games original stars drove the final auction price into the multi-million range.

1909 T206 Eddie Plank – $2.88 Million
Long considered one of the nicer looking early tobacco cards due to Plank’s focused image, an example of the 1909 T206 Philadelphia A’s ace pitcher Eddie Plank achieved the at the time second highest price paid for a single card when it hammered for $2.88 million in a January 2013 auction conducted by SCP Auctions. The sale surpassed the previous record amount of $1.26 million also paid for a T206 Plank less than a year prior, a testament to this particular card’s strong condition and visuals compared to what else was known. Graded PSA NM-MT 8, it highlights the enormous values that can be achieved by high quality examples from this ultra-premium tobacco issue.

1909 T206 Joe DiMaggio – $2.8 Million
While not the first card of Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio’s career, his appearance in the prestigious 1909-11 T206 set as a member of the minor league San Francisco Seals helped drive one example to become only the third tobacco card at the time to break the $2 million mark. On January 28, 2021, Collectible.com and Hunt Auctions sold an exceptionally well-preserved PSA NM-MT 8 graded DiMaggio for a final price of $2.8 million, showing the enduring appeal of this early DiMaggio issue nearly 75 years after his final MLB season.

1952 Topps Willie Mays – $2.88 Million
Selling for $2.88 million via Goldin Auctions on January 24, 2021, this particular example of Willie Mays’ breathtakingly captured rookie card became not only the most valuable of the legendary center fielder commonly referred to as ‘The Say Hey Kid,’ but the most valuable post-1950 card ever sold to that point. Like Mantle’s 1952 Topps, it was recently encapsulated and near pristine with strong eye appeal. Mays went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York and San Francisco Giants and remains one of the best all-around players in baseball history.

T206 Ty Cobb Back – $1.84 Million
While examples of Ty Cobb’s 1909-11 T206 tobacco card in standard orientation have sold for hundreds of thousands before, one with his image on the rear shattered expectations by achieving over $1.84 million when it crossed the auction block on January 9, 2021 via Heritage’s FUN auction. The cards dual image and in-your-face portrait of Cobb substantially increased its collector demand for the sole example known of its kind. As one of history’s greatest hitters and ferocious competitors, any Cobb issue remains a top priority for serious vintage baseball investors.

It’s clear from these astronomical sales that the upper tiers of the vintage baseball card market have reached astounding new heights in recent years due to a combination of increased collector interest, greater recognition of cards as alternative investments, and fewer truly high quality examples still around today from over a century ago. With rarities continuing to trade hands privately for even more money, this emerging class of vintage cardboard millionaires seems poised only to grow. While fantasizing about finding a long-lost Wagner or 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is part of the fun, these stories at least preserve an important part of baseball’s nostalgic heritage for posterity.

NCAA BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

NCAA baseball cards have a long history dating back to the 1950s when the college game was first gaining widespread popularity across the United States. Some of the earliest NCAA baseball card sets were regional in focus and highlighted colleges local to certain parts of the country. But by the 1980s, national brands had stepped in to produce complete sets covering all divisions of collegiate baseball.

Before then, smaller independent companies helped drive interest in college baseball cards. A Pennsylvania company called Parkhurst produced one of the earliest NCAA baseball card sets in 1956 focusing solely on teams from the Mid-Atlantic region like Penn State, Villanova, and Penn. These early cards showed action shots of players and basic stats on the back but lacked manufacturing quality and distribution found with modern trading cards.

Through the 1960s, other small regional sets emerged highlighting conferences like the Big Ten, SEC, or Pac-8 (now Pac-12). But it wasn’t until the 1970s that national brands produced the first true NCAA baseball card sets covering multiple conferences and divisions of play. In 1975, Topps issued an 80-card set as part of their high-quality sports card lineup which also included NFL, NBA, and MLB releases. This marked the first time collegiate players reached the same production values as the pros.

Topps continued producing NCAA baseball sets each year through the late 1970s, helping to generate interest across the country as college baseball’s popularity expanded. Their 1981 130-card set was among the largest to that point, with photos and bios of stars from top programs like Arizona State, Miami, Texas, and Stanford. Other brands like Fleer entered the NCAA baseball card market as well during this boom period. But lack of sufficient licensing agreements left some schools and conferences out of the early national releases.

The 1980s saw NCAA baseball cards truly breakthrough to the mainstream. Led by Topps and Fleer, polished sets now covered every Division I conference, providing collectors complete rosters of the sport’s rising talent pool that would feed directly into the MLB Draft. Donruss also entered the annual NCAA release rotation in 1983. Card designs improved with vibrant action shots and statistical updates beyond a single season.

Exclusive college licensing deals were further formalized which guaranteed inclusion of all schools now. The late 80s was the sport’s high water mark for popularity and correspondingly, the most NCAA cards produced with 1988 Fleer leading the way with a mammoth 400+ card master set. Inserts, parallels and player autographs started to appear to augment the core base sets as well.

In the 1990s, competition increased with more manufacturers chasing the lucrative college market including Score, Leaf, and Pinnacle. The NCAA’s crackdown on unauthorized usage of student-athlete names and likenesses impacted collegiate card production. Sets reduced in size and schools became more protective of their brands, making licensing tougher. The sports memorabilia industry also faced increased scrutiny over the commercialization of amateur sports at this time.

By the 2000s, just a few companies survived with official NCAA licenses like Upper Deck keeping the tradition alive. Reduced distribution made complete sets harder to assemble but parallels and redemptions became a bigger focus. Insert sets highlighted top prospects, awards, and postseason honorees. Teams started offering their own exclusive autographed or relic card partnerships as well. Dormant brands like Stadium Club reentered the fray in 2010.

In the 2020s, the NCAA baseball card market remains a niche but passionate segment for collectors. Panini now holds the exclusive collegiate license after acquiring competitor Donruss in 2017. Their annual ‘Donruss Elite’ sets stay true to the vintage design cues while amplifying new insert sets. Digital cards on platforms like Topps BUNT allow a new generation of fans to engage with the college game too. Autograph sledge inserts and 1/1 parallels ensure the chase aspect endures.

After over 65 years of production, NCAA baseball cards preserving the sport’s rich history, top players and finest moments. From regional oddities to glorious national releases in the hobby’s heyday, today’s streamlined offerings still honor baseball’s amateur roots. Whether completing a vintage rainbow set or pursuing the latest prospect parallels, collegiate card collectors keep the tradition going strong as the future of America’s pastime.

OLD BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE ON FACEBOOK

Leave a reply

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular destination for collectors and enthusiasts of all kinds to buy and sell items in their communities. Whether you’re looking for vintage Star Wars figures, vinyl records from the 1980s, or old baseball cards from the 1950s, Facebook Marketplace offers a digital flea market of sorts where local sellers can peddle their goods to a wide audience. For collectors of old baseball cards in particular, Facebook Marketplace allows them to browse listings from fellow collectors in their area looking to sell off parts of their collection or find cards they need to complete sets.

Some key advantages of using Facebook Marketplace to buy and sell old baseball cards include the local focus, ease of communication, and large potential audience. Since the platform prioritizes listings within 50 miles or so of a user’s location, it’s convenient for collectors who want to buy cards from a local seller to avoid shipping costs or wait times. Communicating with potential buyers or sellers is also simplified through Facebook’s built-in Messenger functionality. Collectors can easily share photos, discuss condition details, negotiate prices, and coordinate meeting up in person through secure private messaging. With billions of monthly active users on Facebook overall, any listings of valuable vintage baseball cards are almost guaranteed to reach a large pool of potential interested buyers.

In terms of the types of old baseball cards commonly offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace, some prime vintage eras that turn up frequently include the following:

1950s – The golden age of baseball cards saw iconic sets like Topps, Bowman, and Red Heart issue during this decade. High-grade legendary rookie cards from this time in the 1950s can fetch thousands depending on the player and condition. Examples include Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron.

1960s – The 1960s continued the hot streak of innovative baseball card designs and high-profile rookie issues. Chase cards from this era include rookie seasons of Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, and Johnny Bench. Completing 1960s sets like Topps, Fleer, and Post is a popular collecting goal.

1970s – The late 1960s/early 1970s witnessed the end of the “complete sets in bubble gum” model. Early 1970s issues marked a decline in design quality during this transitional period. Still, rookie cards like George Brett and Eddie Murray maintain collector interest.

1980s – The early 1980s saw a baseball card boom fueled by the rise of Sports Illustrated and increased sport card manufacturing. Key rookie debuts include Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, and Don Mattingly leading to heavy demand for these issues from sellers.

Pre-WWII – The rarest and most expensive vintage baseball cards originate from the earliest decades of issues in the 1900s-1930s. Complete sets from this era go for five figures or more. Individual key cards in high grades from luminaries like Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth can sell for over $1 million.

When perusing Facebook Marketplace listings for old baseball cards, savvy collectors know to pay close attention not just to the player, team, and set being offered but also the all-important condition or grade of the card. While lower grade commons or common players from the early 20th century can still be had for under $10, high-grade examples of key rookie stars or incredibly rare pre-war issues will command prices in the hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on their state of preservation. Collectors serious about protecting potentially valuable vintage investments properly grade and slab qualified cards with authentication companies such as PSA, BGS, SGC to determine their circulation and add resale value.

The Facebook Marketplace selling interface allows baseball card listings to be searchable by set, team, player name, or even condition/grade filters to help collectors efficiently browse only the cards that fit their interests. Descriptions should thoroughly explain identifying characteristics, shine a bright light on any flaws present, and provide ample photos so buyers understand exactly what they’re purchasing. Cryptic or inaccurate listings will likely deter serious collectors. Communication during negotiations is also key to establish trust between online strangers engaging in local transactions.

Agreed upon meetings for pick-up are typically arranged in public, safe locations like police station parking lots during daytime hours when buying and selling higher value cards. Cash payments remain the standard, though options like PayPal or Venmo could be possible between trusted parties. Once payment changes hands and both sides verify satisfaction, the deal is complete. Feedback left on each member’s profile helps build positive online histories to further facilitate future marketplace transactions.

In summary, Facebook Marketplace has emerged as a highly utilized internet selling channel for local collectors engaging in the never-ending quest to buy and trade baseball cards, especially coveted vintage pieces from the golden eras before cameras were common at ballparks. With careful browsing aligned to one’s collection goals, condition priorities, and budget, the e- marketplace offers an efficient way to buy cards directly from other enthusiasts in the community. Just a bit of caution, good communication and meeting in safe public spaces helps ensure smooth sales between online strangers in the name of growing baseball card collections worldwide.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 2020 PANINI

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century, with kids and adults alike enjoying searching packs for their favorite players. While many cards are worth just pennies, some rarer finds can sell for thousands or even millions of dollars. In 2020, the sports card market exploded in popularity again during the COVID-19 pandemic. One company at the forefront of modern baseball cards is Panini America, which produces high-end licensed trading card products for MLB, NFL, NBA and more. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable Panini baseball cards from recent years that collectors seek and what can make certain cards stand out.

Panini has the exclusive license to produce sticker-style baseball cards outside of the traditional cardboard format. Their “Prizm” and “Donruss” sets are highly sought after by today’s collectors. One of the most valuable modern Panini baseball rookie cards is that of Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout from the 2012 “Prizm” set. Trout had a phenomenal rookie season that announced his arrival as a superstar, and his card skyrocketed in value as his career took off. Pristine, gem mint Trout rookies now sell for thousands of dollars, with one recently reaching over $9,000 on auction sites. Trout’s dominance on the field coupled with the “Prizm” brand’s popularity makes this one of the most coveted modern baseball cards.

Another huge name with a valuable Panini rookie is Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant. Bryant’s 2015 “Donruss” sticker rookie is highly sought after, and mint condition copies have sold for over $2,000. Bryant led the Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century that year, fueling interest in his rookie card. Like Trout, Bryant has become one of the faces of MLB, making collectors eager to own a pristine copy of his first card. Serial numbered parallels of the Bryant rookie that are /99 or lower can reach the $5,000+ range. For Cubs fans and investors, this modern card holds a special place.

While stars on winning teams drive card values, breakout young talents can also create buzz. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. burst onto the scene in 2019 and had one of the best rookie seasons in baseball history. His 2019 “Donruss Optic” rookie sticker parallel numbered to /249 is a true gem, with copies grading a perfect Gem Mint 10 recently selling for over $4,000. At just 21 years old, Tatis is already one of the most exciting players in the game. His prodigious talent and highlight-reel plays make collectors eager to hold onto his rookie cards long-term. As his career progresses, this modern Tatis rookie is poised to become one of the most valuable from the 2010s.

Rookies aren’t the only cards that can hold big value from Panini sets. Superstar veterans with Hall of Fame careers and accomplishments also attract collectors. A perfect example is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw from Panini’s 2014 “Immaculate Collection” set. This ultra-rare parallel is serial numbered to just 5 copies in the world. One of these impossibly scarce Kershaw cards reached a staggering $27,500 in a recent auction sale. As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Kershaw’s legendary status and the extreme rarity of this parallel made it a true trophy card for wealthy collectors.

While on-card rookies and serial numbered parallels generate the biggest money, other factors can boost certain cards as well. Error cards containing mistakes that make them one-of-a-kind pieces are highly sought. In 2019, a printing plate error card of Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo from “Donruss Optic” sold for over $3,000. The miscut created a true unique in the set. Autograph cards for star players also hold value, such as a 2015 “Donruss” auto of Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu that reached $1,500. Unique serial numbers like #1/1, low numbered parallels, and exquisite on-card patches also attract serious collectors.

As the sports card market continues to evolve, Panini has established itself as a leader in the baseball card world outside of the Topps brand. Their modern sets showcase today’s biggest stars and have unearthed valuable rookie cards that will stand the test of time. With the combination of top licensed products, serial numbering techniques, and parallels, Panini gives collectors multiple avenues to find cards that can gain long-term value. As the collecting population grows, certain modern Panini cards profiled here have the potential to reach five and even six figures down the road. For savvy investors, they represent an accessible entry into the high-end baseball card market.

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1988

Leave a reply

The year 1988 produced some truly iconic and valuable baseball cards. While the decades of the 1950s and 1960s are usually thought of as the golden era of baseball cards due to the vast number of Hall of Famers who debuted during that time, the late 1980s generated several cards that have increased tremendously in value in recent years and remain highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable and expensive baseball cards from the 1988 season.

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (1988 Upper Deck #1): Widely considered one of if not the most valuable baseball card of all-time, the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is the undisputed star of the 1988 set. Griffey had just begun what would become a Hall of Fame career with the Seattle Mariners and Upper Deck perfectly captured his swing and youthful exuberance on the card design. With its modern look and perfectly centered photo on a white backdrop, the Griffey rookie took the hobby by storm. In pristine graded mint condition, examples have sold at auction for over $900,000, making it nearly priceless. Even well-worn copies in played condition can fetch thousands.

Frank Thomas rookie card (1988 Fleer): While overshadowed by Griffey in popularity, the 1988 Fleer Frank Thomas rookie has proven to be a powerhouse investment. Like Griffey, Thomas enjoyed a long, productive career and his rookie perfectly depicts his intimidating physique in the batter’s box. Mint condition Thomas rookies have been sold for over $50,000 in recent auction results. Any high-grade copy is worth at least a few thousand dollars.

Nolan Ryan express #3000 (1988 Topps): On August 22, 1987, Nolan Ryan achieved one of the most hallowed pitching milestones by striking out his 3,000th batter. Topps commemorated this historic achievement with a stunning card showing Ryan mid-windup in his Texas Rangers uniform. Only 1,989 copies were produced, making it one of the rarest modern cards. In a PSA 10 slab, it can earn six figures at auction.

Ken Griffey Sr. & Jr. (1988 Fleer): A true one-of-a-kind novelty card pairing father and son Griffeys together for the first and only time. Ken Sr. was playing alongside his superstar son in Seattle’s outfield during the 1988 season. While the photo is somewhat grainy, no other card can boast such an iconic familial baseball moment. High-grade copies have achieved five-figure auction prices.

Donruss Ted Williams (1988 Donruss): In 1988, Ted Williams was already a living legend enshrined in Cooperstown. Donruss paid homage to the Splendid Splinter with an elegant portrait card. With his signature red socks and noble facial expression, it’s one of the most visually striking cards of the era. High-grade examples remain quite rare and valuable, fetching over $5,000 in top condition.

Orel Hershiser (1988 Fleer) #59: In 1988, Orel Hershiser enjoyed one of the greatest pitching seasons in history for the Dodgers. He set a new modern era record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched and ultimately won the Cy Young and World Series MVP. Fleer captured Hershiser’s intensity with a close-up photo. This iconic card commemorating such a legendary achievement appeals greatly to collectors and has sold for thousands in mint condition.

Barry Bonds rookie card (1988 Topps Traded): While Bonds debuted toward the end of 1987, Topps saved his true rookie card for the high-number traded set release in 1988. A PSA 10 grade example recently auctioned for over $32,000, showing the immense demand for one of the game’s all-time great sluggers. Even well-worn copies hold value north of $100 due to Bonds’ legendary home run prowess throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Nolan Ryan #3000 (1988 Topps Mini): For collectors seeking a more budget-friendly version of Ryan’s milestone card, the 1988 Topps Mini checklist included the dramatic wind-up image in a smaller format more conducive to mass production. While not nearly as rare as the regular sized issues, pristine mini cards have still been sold for over $1,000, capitalizing on the prestige of the event depicted.

The incredible talents of Griffey, Bonds, Thomas and other all-time greats making their rookie debuts or entering their primes, coupled with singular milestones from legends like Ryan and Hershiser, make 1988 an extremely memorable and valuable year for baseball cards. Top players from that season continue to captivate collectors decades later. For the serious investor, high-grade vintage cardboard from ’88 deserves a strong look.

STL CARDS BASEBALL TODAY

Leave a reply

The St. Louis Cardinals have built one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history since their founding in 1882. While 2021 saw a disappointing early playoff exit, the Cardinals remain fiercely competitive with high expectations for 2022 and beyond. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the team is positioned heading into the new season.

After making the postseason in 2020 during the COVID-19 shortened season, the Cardinals fell short of expectations last year with a 90-72 record and a Wild Card round exit at the hands of the Dodgers. However, 90 wins is still a strong benchmark that illustrates the consistent winning culture in St. Louis. That winning tradition starts at the top with Cardinals’ leadership. William DeWitt Jr. has owned the team since 1996 and presided over three World Series titles and a commitment to fielding competitive teams each year. Longtime president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and manager Oliver Marmol will look to get the Cardinals back in the hunt in 2022.

On the pitching side, the Cardinals remain anchored by future Hall of Famer Adam Wainwright who re-signed for another year at age 41 after posting a 17-7 record in 2021. Wainwright continues to defy Father Time and provides invaluable leadership to the staff. Behind him, Miles Mikolas returns as the number two starter after an injury-plagued 2021 limited him to just two starts. A full, healthy season from Mikolas could provide a major boost. Jack Flaherty also hopes to rebound from a shoulder injury that cost him most of last season. When healthy, Flaherty is one of the best young power arms in the game.

In the bullpen, closer Ryan Helsley emerged as a force last season in saving 12 games with a microscopic 0.89 ERA. Fellow power arm Giovanny Gallegos has thrived in high-leverage relief roles as well. Jordan Hicks continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery and adds more flame throwing if he can regain past form. On the whole, St. Louis has one of the deepest and nastiest bullpens in the NL which gives them a distinct advantage each October.

Offense has usually not been the Cardinals’ strong suit in recent years but the lineup has slowly been improving. 22-year old rookie outfielder Dylan Carlson took a leap forward in 2021 and looks poised for stardom, slashing .266/.343/.437 with 20 homers. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt continues to produce at an All-Star level at age 34. Newly acquired core members Nolan Arenado and Tyler O’Neill from a blockbuster trade last season also settled in nicely in their first year in St. Louis.

Some question marks remain around returning starters Harrison Bader, who battled injuries last year, and third baseman Nolan Gorman, one of the organization’s top prospects who may push for regular playing time in 2022. Veteran catcher Yadier Molina also continues to defy Father Time at 39 years old but his production has declined and he will rely more on his legendary defense and pitch framing skills. With a balanced lineup and potent pitching staff, the Cardinals feel they have the necessary talent to contend once again in 2022.

Looking ahead to this season, the Cardinals have high expectations but will face challenges from defending NL Central champion Brewers as well as up-and-coming Reds and Cubs teams also looking to break through. With strong veteran leadership from the likes of Wainwright, Molina, Goldschmidt and Arenado combined with an influx of talented young players, optimism abounds for another October run in St. Louis. After last year’s disappointment, the 2022 Cardinals are a popular pick to reclaim their division title and make another deep playoff push. Under long-serving manager Oliver Marmol and president John Mozeliak, this franchise knows how to consistently field competitive teams. With one of baseball’s richest histories, the Cardinals look primed to add to their legacy this season.

While 2021 saw the Cardinals fall short of expectations, this franchise has proven time and again that they know how to reload and compete at a high level year in and year out. With a balanced roster featuring battle-tested veterans combined with an exciting young core, optimism is high that 2022 represents another opportunity for October baseball and a chance to add to the storied history of this iconic Midwest franchise. After 40 championships, the Cardinals remain one of the standard bearers for baseball success and they will be a popular pick by experts to hoist more hardware before the 2022 campaign comes to a close.

BASEBALL CARDS 1978

Leave a reply

The 1978 baseball card season was one of transition as the hobby emerged from its early years and began to take on a more modern form. While some traditions remained, several major developments in that year would have a significant impact on the future of the collecting landscape.

As in previous decades, the main producers of baseball cards in 1978 were Topps, Kellogg’s, and Red Man. Topps had dominated the market since the 1950s and remained the clear industry leader with their iconic design and photography style. Their flagship set featured 596 cards as usual, though the design received a subtle update with a cleaner layout and smaller player photos.

Kellogg’s and Red Man continued to include baseball cards as incentives in their tobacco products, though rising health concerns were beginning to impact that model. Kellogg’s 1978 set included just 132 cards while Red Man had a set of only 40 cards inserted in cans. Both sets featured far less exciting photography and production values compared to Topps.

A new player in 1978 was Fleer, which produced their first modern baseball card set since the 1930s. With innovative action photography and glossy card stock not seen before, the Fleer set shook up the industry. Their use of unique action shots instead of posed portraits was a major stylistic departure. The set totaled just 132 cards but made a big splash that signaled changes coming to the traditionally staid baseball card market.

One of the most significant developments in 1978 was the emergence of star rookie cards as major collectibles. The two biggest rookie stars that year were Cal Ripken Jr. and Ozzie Smith, both of whom appeared prominently in the Fleer set with exciting action photos showcasing their talents. While neither was a true “rookie” having played in 1977, these served as some of the first true modern rookie cards to take on premium status with collectors.

Another rookie who debuted in 1978 and had a coveted card was Ryne Sandberg of the Philadelphia Phillies. His card is one of the more iconic from the 1970s and is highly sought after today. Sandberg went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Chicago Cubs. His rookie card in the Topps set became the standard for what a star rookie card should be – featuring great photography of an up-and-coming talent before they achieved stardom.

The rise of the star rookie card was driven both by the growing collector base and the emerging superstar players themselves in the late 1970s. Names like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan were achieving widespread popularity and recognition, making their early cards highly desirable. This kicked off a long-running trend where the hottest young players would have the most sought-after rookie cards in a given season, which remains very much the case today.

Beyond the emerging star power of the players, 1978 also saw growth and evolution in the collector demographic itself. The generation that had grown up with the early 1950s baseball cards were now young adults fueling interest and demand within the hobby. This helped drive broader recognition and popularity for the sport through cards. It also led to more sophisticated approaches to collecting, including an increased focus on completing full sets and acquiring stars’ rookie cards.

While 1978 represented many positive developments for the baseball card industry, it also had its share of challenges. The rising concerns over tobacco products led Kellogg’s and Red Man to significantly scale back or eliminate their baseball card insert programs in subsequent years. This opened the door for new competitors but also contributed to dwindling production levels industry-wide. The early collector boom meant high demand for the 1978 rookie stars, driving prices up quickly and making completing sets more difficult.

In summary, 1978 saw baseball cards transitioning into more of a modern collectibles market. New companies like Fleer brought exciting changes while established stars like Ripken, Smith, and Sandberg helped launch the premium rookie card trend. Strong collector interest fueled broader popularity and sophisticated approaches, though production and health issues also began impacting the traditional model. The ’78 season established important foundations that still influence the baseball card industry today.

1994 DONRUSS TRIPLE PLAY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1994 Donruss Triple Play baseball card set was among the most popular and highly anticipated card releases of the year. Issued during the height of the baseball card boom in the early-to-mid 1990s, the Triple Play set delivered exciting triple photographs on each card alongside sharp vintage-style designs that enticed collectors.

Donruss was coming off a hugely successful 1993 season which saw them issue innovative sets like Diamond Kings and Studio that pushed the limits of card production. For 1994, they looked to build on that momentum with a whopper of a release – Triple Play. The set would feature each player photographed from three different angles on each card for a truly unique visual presentation.

Triple Play cards arrived on store shelves in packs, boxes, and factory sets at the start of the 1994 baseball season amid palpable collector fervor. At 550 total cards, the mammoth set portrayed every player on all 26 Major League teams at the time in their typical action poses from three perspectives – front, side, and back views. The card backs also included career stats and a write-up on each player.

Design-wise, Donruss shined with a retro-styled template that channeled the 1950s-era tobacco cards. A distressed parchment coloring was layered over the photographs with serifed fonts for the player names. Uniform designs were also faithfully recreated down to the smallest stitching details. For collectors harkening back to baseball’s golden age, the Triple Play look was a hit.

While the triple photograph concept was groundbreaking for 1994, Donruss faced immense technological and logistical challenges to pull it off. Each individual photo had to be perfectly aligned across all three shots while maintaining consistent lighting and angles. Any flaws would be immediately noticeable upon close examination.

Through trial and error during pre-production, Donruss found the proper camera positioning and lighting techniques required to seamlessly integrate the three photos as one unified design element. Impressively, they then repeated the intricate triple photograph process over 550 times without any noteworthy misalignments or flaws to be found in the final product.

On the collectors market, 1994 Donruss Triple Play packs and boxes flew off hobby shop shelves. At the mainstream retail level, they could regularly be found in places like Walmart and Target where the cards were snapped up quickly. The highly sought-after rookie cards of players like Jason Giambi, Derek Jeter, and Ramon Martinez added extra allure.

Upper Deck and Fleer baseball releases were also strong that year, but the Triple Play cards truly stood out from the pack. The concept was so attention-grabbing that even casual collectors and non-sports fans took interest. For many, it was their first introduction to the intense but rewarding world of trading, collecting, and building baseball card sets.

In the years since, the 1994 Donruss Triple Play set has continued gaining prestige and desirability among vintage collectors. Many consider it the high water mark of innovation for 1990s-era baseball cards before the market crashed. Pristine graded examples of star rookie and parallel color variations have been known to fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.

For players enshrined in the Hall of Fame like Ken Griffey Jr., the Triple Play cards hold a special fascination as artifacts capturing them at such an early stage. The unprecedented behind-the-scenes photographs afford a rare glimpse of these future legends in action during their formative MLB seasons.

Unlike some other flagship sets of its time, the Triple Play has proven extremely durable without noticeable print run issues or defects emerging long-term. They remain bright and vivid even after nearly three decades since production. True gems can still be uncovered in bargain boxes or in collections cleaned out from attics and basements.

The Donruss Triple Play baseball card set of 1994 was a monumental creative achievement and commercial success that left an indelible mark on the hobby. By expertly engineering an innovative concept and marrying it with timeless vintage design sensibilities, Donruss created cards that endure as a cherished piece of both baseball and collectibles history. For fans and collectors alike, theTriple Play cards continue transporting us back to the glorious peak of the cardboard craze.