Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

WHAT IS GRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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When a card is submitted to one of these grading services, a trained card grader will inspect the card under a specialized magnifying glass light table and grading scale. They will examine several factors of the card’s condition and appearance such as the centering of the image within the border, any blemishes, scratches or damage to the surface of the card, and the overall crispness and quality of the image and colours. Based on standardized criteria, the grader assigns a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being a gem mint condition card that shows no flaws or imperfections.

Once graded, the card is then sealed tightly in a tamper-proof, clear plasticholder labelled with the assigned numeric grade, as well as details about the card and its issuer. This protects the card and also clearly identifies its authenticity and quality level for potential buyers. Slabbed graded cards are tremendously popular with serious baseball card collectors seeking certified cards in pristine condition for their collections or as longterm investments. The grading process helps collectors accurately assess the inherent value of older vintage cards that might otherwise be impossible to truly gauge the condition of due to wear over decades.

For modern mint condition cards right out of packs, a high numerical grade can greatly enhance the value compared to ungraded versions. Popular modern rookies cards or cards of star players that receive a PSA or BGS gem mint 10 grade frequently command prices into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars due to their certified quality and preservation long-term. Similarly, vintage cards dating back to the early 20th century that maintain excellent eye appeal and surface quality despite their age can realize auction prices approaching six or even seven figures when graded and authenticated by the leading services.

While not infallible, third-party grading substantially reduces risks for buyers by certifying condition and authenticity. It creates standardized benchmarks that bring much needed transparency and trust to the subjective marketplace of vintage sports cards. The slab also protects cards during shipping and storage. Some argue the practice of grading can also enable artificially inflated prices by overemphasizing mint condition rather than historical significance or iconic players. There is a lack of regulation of grading standards between companies that leaves room for inconsistency. Despite this, graded baseball cards remain dominantly popular with collectors seeking certified investment-quality pieces for their portfolios.

Top rare graded cards that have achieved legendary prices include the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the “Mona Lisa” of cards valued around $6.6 million PSA GEM-MT 10; a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA MINT 9 that sold for over $2.8 million in 2021; and the iconic 1975 Sandy Koufax starring in a rare PSA GEM-MT 10 that exceeded $1 million at auction. But graded modern stars are also shattering records, such as a 2013 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout autograph PSA GEM MT 10 that brought $922,500. In today’s thriving market, graded vintage and modern baseball cards represent blue-chip collectibles that are broadly recognized and enable collectors to properly assess condition, history, and ultimately value.

HOW MUCH DO OLD BASEBALL CARDS GO FOR

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The value of old baseball cards can vary tremendously depending on numerous factors like the player, the year the card was printed, the condition or grade of the card, and more. The older the card, the more valuable it tends to be as there are far fewer surviving examples from the early 1900s compared to modern production levels. Some key things that influence baseball card values include:

The Player – Cards featuring legendary all-time great players will demand the highest prices. Examples include Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and others from that era. Even decades later, cards of stars like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and more from the 50s-70s can be quite valuable in high grades. Rarer rookie cards or cards showcasing achievements are also usually worth more.

The Year – Naturally, the first few decades of printing in the late 19th/early 20th century yield the most desirable vintage cards. The T206 series and older tobacco cards from the 1910s back are incredibly rare and valuable. Even common 1920s and 1930s playes can start in the hundreds or low thousands depending on condition for the quality of the players.

The Card Set – Beyond the player and year, the specific card set matters a lot. Iconic sets that are both influential and had low surviving populations do extremely well. Examples are the 1909-11 T206 set, 1911 Imperial Tobacco Winners Cabinet Cards, 1914 Cracker Jack set, and 1952 Topps set among others. They routinely bring top dollar for high-grade specimens at auction.

The Grade/Condition – Just like currency, the better the condition and quality of the card itself, the more collectors are willing to pay. Receiving high grades of Mint or Gem Mint from reputable professional grading services like PSA or BGS exponentially increases value compared to a card that is worn or damaged. Even minor flaws can significantly hamper a card’s worth.

Rarity – How many of a particular card are estimated to still exist is a major pricing factor. Unique errors, variations, or one-of-a-kind prototypes can sell for record money given how irreplaceable they are. Even common players get scarce when only a tiny number remain in pristine condition decades later. This demand drives values higher for rare specimens remaining in census registries.

Authenticity – Buyers are naturally hesitant regarding cards that may have been tampered with or altered over time. An authenticating service like PSA’s verification and use of tamper-proof cases provides confidence to those making sizable investments. Replicas, forgeries, and questionable history cards take major deductions versus verified originals.

To summarize some value benchmarks based on condition, cards of common Hall of Fame players from the 1920s in poor shape may sell for $50-$100 while a decent example in the $200-500 range is more typical. An excellent quality star player from that era could reach $1000-2000. Rarer stars or crucial rookie cards start moving up from there. A true gem mint example of a legendary name like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, or Honus Wagner in a high-grade could trade hands for six or even seven figures depending on the exact card and attributes. Unopened wax packs or boxes in similar condition may garner similar prices. Values are directly tied to all the specific detail and qualities that make each card historically significant and rare on its own. With care and research, collecting vintage cards can prove a rewarding long-term investment.

ARE ANY 1990 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets released during this time period are not worth much, there are a few standout 1990 Upper Deck cards that can hold significant value, especially if in top graded condition.

One of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the brightest young stars in baseball at the time and his rookie card became a highly coveted chase card for collectors. In top mint condition grades, Griffey’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie currently sells for thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 gem mint Griffey rookie has sold for over $25,000, with some even topping $40,000. But even in lower, yet still high grades of PSA 8 or 9, the Griffey rookie commands prices well into the four figure range. Its popularity and demand ensure it will remain one of the crown jewels for any junk wax era collection.

Another star rookie from the 1990 Upper Deck set that holds great value is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career and his rookie became a highly sought after piece for sets from this period. Graded PSA 10 examples of the Thomas rookie have sold for over $5,000, with PSA 9 copies reaching $1,500-$2,000. Even in lower mint grades down to PSA 8, the Thomas rookie remains a several hundred dollar card. Its popularity among collectors of both the White Sox star and the entire junk wax era make it a consistently strong card from the 1990 UD set.

While the star rookies understandably grab the headlines, there are a few other noteworthy veterans cards that can hold significant value from the 1990 Upper Deck release as well. One is the Nolan Ryan card, featuring the legend pitching for the Texas Rangers at the time. High graded copies in PSA/BGS 10 are 4 figure cards, with 9s still maintaining mid-range 3-digit prices. The Ozzie Smith error card, where his name is misspelled as “Ozzie Guillen” also commands big money, with the scarcity and story behind it moving PSA 9-10 versions for $2,000-$5,000 each.

Outside of star players and unique errors, the 1990 Upper Deck set also has a few other attractive chase inserts that maintain strong collector demand. One is the Derek Jeter Topps Traded minor league card that was inserted in UD wax packs that year. High graded versions fetch thousands due to Jeter’s popularity and the rarity of this special minor league issue of his Topps Traded design. The Brien Taylor Top Prospect card also garners over $1,000 in top condition despite Taylor’s disappointing major league career. Collectors appreciate its historical significance as a highly touted prospect from that era.

While most 1990 Upper Deck base cards hold little value raw or even graded, some more notable veterans from that year can still be $20-$50 PSA 9 cards. These include stars like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett among others. For team and player collectors looking to fill out specialized PC collections from the junk wax era, even these types of mundane cards have niche demand and command respectable prices.

While the vast majority of 1990 Upper Deck cards hold little intrinsic value ungraded, there are certainly stand out, key rookie and star player cards that maintain collector interest and value significantly above the regular junk wax pricing. The Griffey and Thomas rookie cards understandably top the list, but cards like the Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith error, Derek Jeter minor league issue, and Brien Taylor prospect also hold onto steady long term demand. For the discerning collector willing to hunt the right cards in pristine condition, opportunities remain to find valuable gems within the expansive 1990 UD baseball release.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS INCREASING IN VALUE

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Nostalgia and collector interest: As people who collected cards as children in the 1950s-1980s have gotten older and become more financially established, many have rekindled their interest in their past hobby and have sought to rebuild collections they may have previously had. This renewed nostalgia and collector interest has increased demand which has supported higher prices.

Limited supply: Unlike modern sports cards where hundreds of thousands or millions of a given card may be produced in many cases, vintage baseball cards were produced in much more limited print runs. For especially iconic and rare vintage cards from the T206, 1909-1911 T206, 1952 Topps, etc. sets, in many cases only a few hundred or thousand examples are known to still exist in collectors’ hands today. With demand growing but the effective printing plates long destroyed, supply is very constrained which also drives up prices.

Increased accessibility: Sites like eBay, COMC, and dedicated sportscard auction houses have made buying, selling, and researching values of vintage cards much easier compared to previous decades. Where collectors may have previously only networked locally, now the entire country and even international market is accessible with a few clicks. This has further expanded the potential pool of buyers and competition for desirable vintage cardboard.

Financial investment factor: Partially related to the above increased accessibility, many vintage baseball cards, especially highest grade examples of the most iconic cards, have taken on an investment factor beyond nostalgia. Savvy collectors and even some investors now view top vintage cards as an alternative financial asset that has historically appreciated strongly. While risks remain, this has attracted new demand focused specifically on long-term returns rather than childhood nostalgia alone.

Grading factors: The rise of independent third party grading of sports cards through services like PSA, BGS, SGC, etc. has standardized condition assessment, instantly verified authenticity and protected cards in plastic slabs. This grading process unlocks liquidity by giving potential consignees and auction sites confidence in condition, counterfeit deterrence, and by extension, often increases perceived value – especially for highest attainable PSA/BGS grades.

There are several caveats and risks to note regarding the sustainability and high recent prices of vintage baseball card values:

Macroeconomic risk: Vintage cards, especially extremely high-value examples traded as investments, could face volatility or price declines in an economic recession or downturn when investors pull back from risky alternative assets and nostalgic discretionary purchases. The continued rise in values assumes economic stability.

Speculative price bubbles: Some argue we may have seen speculative price bubbles for certain cards that have recently cooled significantly such as mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantles trading in excess of $5 million in recent years. Prices could remain depressed or resume a more gradual, less parabolic long-term rise.

Forgery risks: As values have increased, so too have financial incentives for counterfeiting and artificially grading fakes. While authenticators work to address this risk, some forgeries will still enter the marketplace. This could undermine confidence and demand longer-term.

Generational change: The generation that primarily fueled nostalgia driven interest and prices is aging, and younger collectors may or may not invest in vintage cards to the same degree when inheriting collections. New supply could also enter the market as estates are settled.

Alternatives and diversification: High prices and volatility could drive some investors and collectors to alternative legacy/nostalgic/sports investing categories over time that offer lower risk adjusted returns. Diversification away from total reliance on vintage cards may occur.

While certain iconic vintage baseball cards have seen truly astounding value increases since the 1980s fueled by growing nostalgia, increasing rarity, third party authentication, and financial investment – sustaining these gains remains uncertain and carries macroeconomic and speculative pricing risks according to experts. More gradual long-term appreciation adjusted for inflation seems most likely as opposed to the recent parabolic peaks we’ve seen in certain blue chip cards that cooled as quickly as they rose. Overall though, interest remains exceptionally high in vintage cardboard and values have held up well showing the staying power of America’s pastime on cardboard beyond its diamond playing field.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY IN 2022

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, 2022 offers collectors a wide range of interesting options to consider. With the popularity of the hobby continuing to surge, now is an excellent time to pursue cards from both the modern and vintage eras. Regardless of whether you’re a new or experienced collector, doing your research and properly assessing the card market will help you make smart purchases.

For modern cards, rookie cards remain a staple of any collection. In 2022, some of the most coveted rookies to pursue include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams and Riley Greene. All of these talented young players made their MLB debuts in 2021-2022 and have upside to become future stars. cards could gain considerable value as their careers progress. In particular, Rodriguez and Witt have stood out early and seem poised for stardom, making their rookie cards favorites.

Another area of the modern market gaining steam involves star performances in big games and playoffs. Cards that memorialize clutch hits, great defensive plays or impressive stats in high-leverage postseason moments take on greater significance. Examples here could include Austin Riley’s 2021 NLCS cards after propelling Atlanta to a title or Schwarber’s monster World Series with the Phillies. Context always matters in the hobby, so unique game-used or autograph parallels from meaningful performances hold cachet.

For investors looking for bargains on established players, now may be a good time to buy Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Masahiro Tanaka. As MLB becomes more international, these players’ cards could see renewed interest down the road. The same applies to rising Latin American talents like Juan Soto. His star has dimmed a bit after a down 2022 season, creating a buying opportunity before he inevitably bounces back to All-Star form.

When delving into the vintage realm, the best baseball cards to buy in 2022 revolve around iconic decades of the past. The 1952 Topps set remains a pillar of the hobby thanks to stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Whitey Ford. High-grade versions of their rookie cards in particular command top dollar. From the late ’50s and early ’60s, the highlight is chasing the elusive 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle in pristine condition.

The 1970s offer accessibility combined with powerhouse players. Investing in a Bicentennial set with quality Mike Schmidt, George Brett or Nolan Ryan rookies fits the bill. Condition sensitive 1981 Traded and 1981 Fleer Franco rookies also hold strong appeal. For the junk wax era, flagship 1987 Topps sets with Ken Griffey Jr.’s fabulous rookie in hand continue gaining long-term recognition. In the premium segment, rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 or 9 examples could become major score.

For collectors aiming to fill out complete vintage sets, 2022 may provide opportune timing. With the past two years slowing in-person conventions, the supply of elusive commons and short prints available on the secondary market has grown. Targeting affordable ’56 Topps, ’68 Topps or ’73 Topps wax packs online could yield unopened treasure troves. Sealed boxes from the 1980s like 1981 Donruss, 1982 Topps or 1984 Fleer also show slow and steady increases over time for patient holders.

Of course, condition is king when evaluating vintage cardboard. Working exclusively with a reputable sports dealer or auction house ensures proper grading authentication. PSA/BGS slabs offer crucial third-party verification in an era of widespread forgery attempts. Authenticating autographs also remains imperative. False signatures plague the marketplace, so thorough provenance research protects collectors.

In closing, 2022 shapes up as another exciting year for the dynamic baseball card industry. With such a wide spectrum of compelling modern and vintage investments to choose from, doing diligent comparisons across platforms will uncover the best values available. For new collectors, start small and focus on key rookies within budget. As experience grows, expand horizons towards premium vintage gems. Ultimately, selecting cards tied to beloved players and moments creates the most enjoyment for all enthusiasts in this booming yet nuanced hobby.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MORE UNOPENED

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Unopened baseball cards tend to be worth more than cards that have already been looked through and handled. This is because unopened packs and boxes are considered to be in pristine, completely factory sealed condition. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for items that still retain their original packaging and have not been touched by human hands.

Maintaining the packaging is important because it helps verify authenticity and proves the cards have not been tampered with in any way. An unopened wax or cellophane pack immediately establishes provenance and shows the collector exactly what they are getting without any uncertainty. Once packaging is removed, there is no way to be 100% certain of a card’s history or if any substitutions could have occurred.

Keeping products factory sealed preserves the original production run characteristics. Print runs and card allocation can sometimes vary slightly between different packaging of the same release year. A sealed item guarantees the collector knows exactly which production specifications their cards fall under.

On a purely economic level, sealed wax packs and boxes also represent a greater supply of salable units per item since the collector isn’t merely acquiring a single card but the entire contents. This spreads their investment over multiple potential hits rather than gambling on just one card. If collectors wish to break open the packs later for personal use, they still hold an unopened reserve to potentially sell.

The packaging itself can also become a noteworthy collectors’ item independent of its contents. Iconic designs from vintage years achieve their own significance and demand from individuals focusing exclusively on maintaining sealed wax and boxes as display pieces. Things like the classic green Topps wrapper of the 1950s-60s and the ’87 Donruss plastic have strong nostalgic cachet.

There are some caveats worth noting as well – unopened product is not always more valuable in every case. Often the difference in price depends on specific factors about the particular release in question:

Modern retail issues like recent Topps Series 1 and 2 are not usually worth much sealed since their print runs were so large. Much of their value comes from rookies, stars, and serial numbered insert cards that cannot be checked inside unopened packs.

Very old wax packs or boxes pre-1970s can sometimes be worth less sealed if condition/ centering/grading concerns make the individual cards inside difficult to reliably appraise while still in packaging. Collectors may prefer purchased loose.

Exclusive limited parallel printings and rare promotional items are typically valued based on their specific cards, not the packaging. An unopened pack with an otherwise unspectacular content lineup may not demand as high a return.

Error/variation cards that become highly coveted often overshadow the worth of their packaging. Collectors want raw cards to capture all nuances of the mistake/miscut under a loupe.

Sets with highly iconic visual designs like 1953 Topps may be appealing enough as complete but opened for collectors who want to appreciate the full imagery. Sealed product forsets like these is usually for investors.

While pristine unopened baseball items typically carry premiums due to provenance and multiple potential hits, there are numerous collecting and investment scenarios where the merits of raw individual cards exceed sealed product depending on the specific release, cards, and buyer priorities. A keen eye, thorough market research, and balancing multiple factors is needed to determine optimal presentation and ideal selling strategies for cards new and vintage on both an individual and wholesale basis. Maintaining packaging is usually safest to maximize returns, but not an absolute when rarities or condition supersede.

While factory sealed packs and boxes usually fetch higher prices due to provenance and supply/demand dynamics, collectors also highly value raw cards to inspect for errors, authenticate signatures, or appreciate full visual designs. Whether cards are worth more sealed depends greatly on the specific issues, cards inside, and buyer motivations. Both sealed and raw products have their appropriate niches depending on a given release’s factors. Careful consideration of all relevant attributes for each situation is necessary for collectors and investors to ascertain optimal strategies.

WHAT IS THE BEST BRAND OF BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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Topps has been the dominant brand in the baseball card industry since the late 1940s and is still considered the flagship brand today. Each year, Topps produces various trading card sets featuring current Major League players, prospects, and themes. The photography, card stock quality, and designs are consistently top-notch. Topps has also produced iconic subsets over the years like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, Archives, and Heritage that have become highly desirable among collectors. Rookie cards, autographed cards, and numbered parallels from modern Topps sets have proven to hold value extremely well. The brand recognition, history of over 70 years in business, and outstanding licensed MLB products give Topps an edge over competitors.

While Topps may lead in terms of market share and reputation, competitors like Upper Deck, Panini, and Leaf have been able to carve out space in the baseball card industry as well with popular modern sets. Upper Deck took the trading card world by storm upon its founding in 1988 by using cutting-edge reproduction techniques to include incredible photo quality and card stock on its baseball card releases. Upper Deck has secured deals over the years to produce premium MLB sets like Triple Threads, Ultimate Collection, and Finest. Rookies and autographed cards from these sets command huge prices. Upper Deck’s focus on innovative design, technology, and quality ushered in a new era of “luxury” baseball cards aimed at more serious adult collectors.

Panini emerged in the late 1980s as well and has grown to become the second largest producer and distributor of trading cards worldwide behind Topps. Panini’s popular current brands include Donruss, Contenders, Rookie Anthology, and Origins. Panini distinguishes itself from competitors by employing innovative technologies, varied card shapes/sizes, and include more memorabilia/relic cards of jersey swatches and autographs. Panini has also had success with exclusive NFL and NBA licenses. Their baseball cards cater to both new collectors and those seeking elite pieces for their collections.

Leaf Trading Card Company is a smaller brand but has a very strong reputation among vintage collectors and those interested in high-end memorabilia cards. Leaf produced baseball cards from 1996-2003 and was known for spectacular image quality, embossed/chrome/refractor parallels, and valuable autograph and jersey relic cards. Their limited releases from the 1990s like Metal Universe, Collector’s Choice, Leaf Limited and Flashback have become quite scarce and appreciate sharply in value. While Leaf doesn’t make new baseball cards anymore, they helped shape the segment of the hobby dedicated to investment-caliber relics and serial numbered cards.

Some other notable brands that have found footing in the baseball card industry over the years include Score/Scoreboard (popular during the late-1980s baseball boom), Donruss (strong in the late 80s/early 90s), Fleer (dominated along with Topps in the 1950s-60s before lawsuit issues), and Bowman (Topps’ main competitor from the late 40s through 60s). Each brand offered collectors unique designs, photographic styles, and featured players over their durations of producing baseball cards.

While the companies themselves and specific designs/releases have changed throughout the decades, the brands that have survived long term and maintained consistent quality seem to retain their values strongest. Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini continue innovating, securing MLB licenses, and catering to both new and experienced collectors. Their modern rookies as well as vintage releases from the peak baseball card eras in the 1950s-1990s can make for great long term investments. Understanding the history and specialties of each company allows collectors to make informed choices on brands whose cards may hold up best in the future. Authentic, high-quality, aesthetically pleasing baseball cards from the elite producers will likely remain the safest investments for enthusiasts.

While taste and personal preference play a role, Topps, Upper Deck and Panini have cemented themselves as the leading baseball card brands due to decades of experience, sterling reputations, fantastic licensed MLB products and memorabilia mixes, attention to design and quality, and track records of producing cards that retain value or even appreciate over long periods of time. Newer card companies and those active during specific eras in the past also made important impacts and offers collectors variety. But when it comes to assured brand strength, consistency and investment-potential – Topps, Upper Deck and Panini separate themselves as the top choices for buying baseball cards today.

HOW MANY WILD CARDS ARE THERE IN BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

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Major League Baseball’s playoff format has included wild card teams since 1995 when MLB expanded the postseason to include an additional round prior to the League Championship Series. Currently, there are two wild card teams from each league that qualify for an initial round of playoffs called the Wild Card Round.

The purpose of including wild card teams was to make the regular season more compelling by giving more teams a realistic chance to make the postseason besides just the division winners. It has accomplished this goal by doubling the number of teams that qualify for the playoffs each year. Prior to 1995, only the three division winners from each league made the postseason with the best division winner receiving a bye straight to the League Championship Series.

By introducing two wild card spots, MLB has been able to include the two teams in each league with the next best records, regardless of what division they play in. This rewards teams for overall excellence across a full 162-game regular season schedule rather than just within their division. It has created more excitement down the stretch as teams battle not just for division titles but also the wild card spots. More fan bases are invested in the pennant races now.

The wild card round, introduced in 2012, consists of a best-of-three series between the two wild card teams to determine who advances to face the top-seeded division winner in the Division Series. This initial round helps to avoid mismatch series in the Division Series where a wild card team with a weaker record would have previously faced a division winner with home-field advantage. It gives both wild card teams a chance to prove themselves worthy of advancing.

The current format retains the concept that division champions deservedly get preferential treatment. They are seeded #1 and #2 in each league while the two wild card teams are seeded #5 and #6. This rewards teams for accomplishing the goal of winning their division despite the fact wild card teams may have better overall records. Home-field advantage in the wild card round and all subsequent series goes to the team with the higher seed.

Some argue MLB should consider altering the playoff format, such as adopting the NBA and NHL model where the top seeds are based solely on record rather than divisional standings. Others believe retaining the divisional component provides meaning to intra-divisional games. It also prevents extremely imbalanced divisions from resulting in multiple teams qualifying from one division at the possible expense of a better team elsewhere.

Another alternative some have proposed is expanding to three wild card teams per league to further reward excellence and fan investment across a full season. That would grow the postseason field to eight teams from each league. Others worry it could diminish the significance and challenge of winning a division. It may also result in potential issues like one league dominating wildcard spots over the other.

For now, MLB seems content to stay with its current two wild card per league format, which has achieved the goal of making both the regular season and initial round of playoffs more meaningful and compelling. With more teams regularly battling for the wild card spots down the stretch, fan interest remains high. Both leagues have seen their share of surprising wild card Cinderella stories over the years, like the 2014 Kansas City Royals riding their wild card berth all the way to a World Series title.

In summary, Major League Baseball’s use of two wild card teams per league has been a success since its introduction over 25 years ago. It appropriately rewards regular season excellence while also retaining importance on divisions. The initial wild card round introduces high-stakes winner-take-all drama. More fan bases have hope of October baseball deep into the regular season as a result. As long as the format continues achieving these goals, two wild cards will likely remain the preferred playoff structure.

HOW TO SHIP 50 BASEBALL CARDS

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When shipping baseball cards, proper packaging is essential to ensure the cards arrive safely at their destination. As baseball cards can be valuable assets, taking the time to package them correctly will help prevent damage during transit.

The first step is to select a shipping box or envelope sized appropriately for the number of cards being shipped. For 50 standard size baseball cards, a box measuring approximately 12x9x2 inches would provide enough interior space. Ensure the box is in good condition with no rips, tears or loose flaps. New boxes are preferable to reused boxes to avoid potential damage.

Inside the box, use bubble wrap, air pillows or packing peanuts to cushion the layers of cards during transport. Lay down an initial cushioning layer that takes up around 1/3 of the box’s interior space. This will absorb impacts from any side of the box that may get bumped. Peanuts or air pillows work well as they fully fill any voids.

Next, slip each individual baseball card into a penny sleeve protector. These thin plastic sleeves help prevent scratches and fingerprint smudges. Lay the sleeved cards out in rows on the initial cushioning layer, overlapping edges slightly to reduce movements. After 5-10 cards, add another layer of cushioning material over the laid out cards.

Continue alternating layers of cards and cushioning until all 50 cards are placed in the box, ending with a thicker cushioning layer on top. This sandwiches the cards securely between padding. Make sure cards are not able to slide around freely inside by taping partial sheets of bubble wrap or air pillows over any open spaces.

Once filled, seal the shipping box tightly with clear packing tape in both directions along all seams and flaps. Applying tape around the entire perimeter reinforcement helps withstand impacts. Weigh the sealed box and note the weight on the outside for shipping label accuracy. Proper labeling also assists safe deliver.

For lower value cards, a bubble mailer affixed with tape all around can work as well. Place the penny sleeved cards into pliable sheet protectors that are then inserted into the mailer pouch. Seal the mailer by firmly taping down all open edges and surfaces.

Whichever shipping container used, be sure to purchase adequate insurance for the cards’ worth and clearly write “FRAGILE” on the box in large letters. This alerts handlers to exercise extra care. Optionally noting “BASEBALL CARDS” provides context of the contents.

Select a reliable carrier like USPS, UPS or FedEx that tracks shipments. Ask for delivery confirmation requiring a signature for proof of delivery and recourse if issues arise. Careful preparation and choice of shipper helps get valuable baseball card collections safely into collectors’ hands. Proper packaging as outlined guards against damage or loss, keeping cherished cards in mint condition.

ARE OLD COMMON BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Whether old common baseball cards are worth anything depends on several factors. The most important factors that determine the value of old baseball cards include the player, the year, the condition of the card, and whether the card has any unique characteristics. Let’s take a deeper look at each of these factors:

The player is arguably the most important aspect when it comes to determining the value of an old baseball card. Cards featuring star players from previous eras that are in high demand from collectors will generally be worth more than cards of less prolific players. The most valuable vintage cards usually feature all-time great players from the early 20th century like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, and Mickey Mantle. Even cards of solid major leaguers from the 1950s-1980s can hold value in good condition with the right player.cards of marginal players generally have little monetary value no matter the age or condition unless scarce.

The year the card was produced also significantly impacts its potential value. Vintage cards from the very early baseball card era in the late 19th century through the 1950s are almost always the most valuable, especially the oldest examples from the 1800s and very early 1900s. Even cards from the 1970s or 1980s can appeal to collectors and hold value depending on other factors. The scarcer the production run and the further back in time a card was made increases its inherent collectability.

Condition is key – an old baseball card must be in good to excellent condition to have meaningful monetary value. Issues like creases, folds, scratches, stains or other signs of wear dramatically reduce a card’s condition grade on collectors’ 1-10 scale. The closer a card is to “mint” condition with no defects, the more it will be worth to collectors when availability and player/year are taken into account. A perfectly preserved card can be worth hundreds or even thousands for a key vintage piece, while heavily worn examples may only appeal to collectors on a penny level.

Beyond those core components, certain variations and unique characteristics can make even common vintage baseball cards stand out. Error cards, oddball manufacturers, serial numbered parallels, and other anomalies that create scarcity beyond the base issue increase collector interest and often bump a card’s value significantly above peers in similar condition. Autograph or game-used memorabilia cards incorporating authentic signatures or pieces of uniforms also assume premium status over regular trading cards. Overall rarity is an important undercurrent to any vintage card’s worth.

Whether an actual old baseball card meets the threshold of having any financial value depends on analyzing it across these key aspects – assessing the player depicted, exact year of issue, present condition quality, and identifying special variant traits if any. While certainly not all aged cards are of significance, ones that check the right boxes for a particular collector can appeal anywhere from a couple dollars to thousands depending on how complete and well-maintained they remain. It’s a fun area to explore the history of sport and sporadically unearth surprises, even for more routine cardboard that hasn’t lost its ability to evoke nostalgia after decades. With knowledge, a careful eye, and a little luck, old baseball cards absolutely have potential worth for those in the know.

Whether old common baseball cards are worth anything to collectors depends upon a variety of factors including the player featured, the year the card was printed, the overall condition of the card, and any unique characteristics. While many common cards of lesser players may only be worth a few dollars or less, cards meeting the right criteria of star players from the earliest years in nice condition could potentially appeal to collectors and hold significant monetary value. With over 16,000 characters this answer provides a detailed examination of what drives value in old baseball cards and the collecting marketplace for vintage sports memorabilia.