Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

WHERE CAN I GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major professional sports card grading companies that most collectors use to grade their valuable baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp), and HGA (Hobby GradingAuthority). All of these companies employ expert graders who will thoroughly examine your cards and assign them a numerical grade based on factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces. The top grade is PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label which indicates a flawless and pristine card.

With PSA, you have a few submission options. For regular service which takes several months, you can submit cards online yourself through PSA’s website or use a PSA authorized dealer. For bulk submissions of 50 cards or more, you would want to use one of their large submission programs which offer volume discounts. For much faster turnaround times of just a few weeks but at a higher price, PSA also offers a variety of express grading services. No matter which service you use, PSA will slab your cards in their black label holders after grading to protect and authenticate them.

With BGS, the submission process is very similar. You can submit cards directly through their website or use one of their authorized dealers for assistance. BGS offers several tiers of service times and prices from their lowest cost standard service to much faster expedited options. Like PSA, BGS will encase your graded cards in plastic holders branded with their logo and holograms after completion.

SGC is usually a bit more affordable for collectors on a budget compared to PSA or BGS. Their website allows you to easily submit cards online yourself. Turnaround times are shorter at just a few weeks. SGC also offers different pricing tiers depending on how fast you need the cards back. The slabs they use to encapsulate cards after grading feature their distinct green label design and security features.

A relative newcomer compared to the others is HGA. They have been gaining popularity due to offering cutting edge grading techniques and a modern sleek black design for their protective slabs. HGA accepts submissions on their website. You can choose between several service levels with the fastest HGA Express option providing a turnaround time of just a few business days. All graded HGA cards are encased in tamper-evident holders clearly marked with their branding and security features.

No matter which grading company you use, be sure to carefully package your cards with ample protection to prevent any potential shipping damage. It’s also a good idea to purchase grading insurance in case anything were to happen to your cards in transit. Most major companies now even accept submission of video or picture proofs of your cards for instant online verification and quotes prior to shipping physical items. Once graded, your certified and authenticated baseball cards can gain significant collector value, especially top grades of PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label. Proper grading is essential for high end collections and cards you may look to sell at auction. With some research on pricing and turnaround times, you’ll be able to select the best grading service provider to fit your needs and budget. Regularly checking the websites of PSA, BGS, SGC and HGA is recommended to stay on top of any policy or service changes they may implement over time. With a bit of planning, certified graded baseball cards can truly enhance your collection.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS LOSING VALUE

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The value of baseball cards, like most collectibles, can fluctuate greatly over time based on several factors. In recent decades there have been indications that the worth of many vintage cards has declined or leveled off compared to previous boom periods in the 1980s and 1990s. The current baseball card market remains active with some subsets and individual high-grade specimens still appreciating in value under the right conditions.

One significant factor impacting the baseball card market is the huge surge in production during the late 1980s and early 1990s known as the “junk wax era.” During this time, card manufacturers greatly increased print runs and product offerings to cash in on the speculative frenzy surrounding the hobby. Sets from this period like Donruss, Fleer, and Topps had print runs often reaching into the multiple millions for common cards. This flood of available supply has undoubtedly contributed to lowering values long-term, as these cards are still readily obtainable in lower grades on the secondary market.

Another potential downside is the aging demographic of serious vintage card collectors. Many of the baby boomers who fueled high prices in the past are now reaching retirement age, so their demand may be decreasing. Younger generations showing less interest in cardboard collecting as a serious investment could also depress values long-term if not offset by new young collectors entering the marketplace.

It’s inaccurate to say collectible baseball cards across the board have no value or are a poor investment. Certain subsets from the pre-war era through the 1960s that are extremely rare still appreciate steadily. Gems and near-gems of legendary players from the T206, E90, 1933 Goudey sets routinely sell at auction for five and even six figures. Modern stars in pristine 10 graded cards can also become quite valuable, as this rarity draws the attention of completist collectors pursuing high-dollar autograph and relic “hits.”

Condition is absolutely critical to maintain or increase value over time. Well-cared for high-grade vintage cards that receive professional grading will hold their worth better than common muddy copies. In fact, third-party authentication and grading services like PSA, BGS, and SGC have become an important way for savvy investors to minimize risk when buying and selling. This added layer of certification provides assurance to the marketplace that a card is exactly as the label declares.

Demand is also heavily driven by events like milestone statistics, World Series performances, Hall of Fame inductions, and unfortunately – retirements due to injury or passing. These circumstances tend to bump up asking prices of related stars as collectors seek to commemorate their career or get in ahead of heightened attention. Young star prospects too can sharply gain value if they emerge as the next superstar. In-person local, regional, and national shows serve as important buying and selling forums that help set current market values.

While certain baseball card segments have likely seen some softening compared to prior speculative peaks, the overall hobby remains vibrant when approached strategically as both an entertaining collection and long-term investment opportunity. Well-preserved rare vintage specimens and modern star rookies from a select few production years can continue delivering worthwhile appreciative returns under the right conditions. Overall market health depends most on a balancing of steady supply and demand between informed collectors new and old. Those understanding these dynamics best will be the ones optimally positioned to succeed over time.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COLLECTIBLE BASEBALL CARDS

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Some of the most collectible and valuable baseball cards include vintage cards from the early twentieth century, rookie cards of all-time great players, and limited edition or rare insert cards. Let’s take a closer look at some specific examples that frequently top baseball card registries as highly sought after pieces for collections.

One of the holy grails of baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Produced between 1909-1911 as part of the American Tobacco Company’s prestigious T206 series, the Wagner card stands out as one of the rarest in the hobby. What makes the Wagner so unique is that the legendary Pittsburgh Pirate allegedly demanded that the American Tobacco Company cease production of his card, which drastically lowered the existing supply. As a result, it’s estimated that fewer than 60 copies are known to exist today in collectible condition. Examples that surface at auction regularly break records, with one mint condition example selling for $6.6 million in 2016.

Another pinnacle card for collectors from the same T206 series is the 1909-11 Eddie Plank. Like the Wagner, it’s believed that only around 60 are known to exist today. Examples in near perfect shape have reached the $2 million mark at auction in recent years. These ultra-premium early 20th century tobacco era cards demonstrate just how much quality vintage cardboard from the games earliest professional era can be worth.

Shifting focus to the post-war 1950’s, rookie cards of legendary players that went on to have Hall of Fame careers are incredibly sought after. Examples include the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (#311), 1952 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle, and the 1957 Topps #130 Rookie Card of Willie Mays. All three are consistently ranked among the most valuable sports cards ever due to the players immortal statuses in baseball history and their extremely low surviving population estimates after decades of wear and tear. High graded examples can reach 7 figures, like the recent $5.2 million sale of a PSA Gem Mint 9 Mantle rookie.

Continuing into the 1960’s, the 1969 Topps #550 rookie card of Nolan Ryan is a notable certificate of a record breaking career. Often regarded as one of the most prominent pitchers ever, examples still in their original mint packaging have topped $100,000. The 1968 Topps #544 rookie card of Tom Seaver also garners immense interest due to his legacy and Hall of Fame enshrinement as one of the greatest right-handed pitchers. Both are icons that every serious collection aims to acquire to represent the superb talents who defined that era.

In more modern times, limited print run insert cards and parallels grown enormously popular among collectors pursuing extreme rarities. The 1998 SP Authentic Gold Label parallel of a Griffey Jr. rookie, with a print run under 100 worldwide, was the first baseball card to break $100,000 at auction. More recently, serial numbered 1/1 cards from high-end sets like Triple Threads or Blowout Auto Patch have achieved astronomical prices north of $250,000 depending on the player featured. As new collector driven inserts proliferate sets each year, the rarest parallels have assumed heirloom status for those seeking the market pinnacle.

The old adage of “the older the better” still rings true when discussing the top echelon cards. As the hobby evolves collectibles are now being defined by increased scarcity through low print runs and serial numbering rather than purely vintage status. Whether a 100+ year old tobacco issue card or freshly pulled 1/1 serial number parallel, the most prized baseball collectibles universally represent all-time great players whose careers cemented them as legends of the game.

WHERE BUY BASEBALL CARDS

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Local Card Shops – One of the best places to buy baseball cards is at local card shops. These speciality stores focus exclusively on trading cards of all types, including baseball cards. They will have a large inventory of packs, boxes, and individual cards available. Many local card shops buy, sell, and trade cards, so they are a great place to browse through available cards, get expert advice from the shop owners, and buy singles or sealed products. They may also host card shows, tournaments, or invite players to do autograph signings which can be a fun experience for card collectors.

National Card Retailers – For a wider selection, there are several national retail chains that sell baseball cards alongside other collectibles at many locations across the country. Places like Wizard’s Comics, Collector’s Universe, and LCS Athletic are all chains with stores in multiple states. They tend to have the newest card sets and releases as well as more vintage cards. Prices are often consistent across locations. The downside is service may not be as personalized as a small independent shop.

Online Stores – In the internet age, buying cards online through dedicated websites is one of the most convenient methods. Sites like eBay, Amazon, and Cool Collect are excellent marketplaces to find almost any card you want from individual sellers. Online card shops like Steel City Collectibles, Blowout Cards, Cardboard Connection, and DA Card World also have very large inventories available, sometimes with better bulk and case purchase discounts than local stores. Shipping costs need to be considered. Reputable online sellers provide photos and grading guarantees to allowConditionBaseball Card Grading and Condition – The condition and grade of a baseball card can have a huge impact on its value. When paying for older, higher-end singles, it’s important to ensure the grade accurately reflects the card’s condition. PSA and BVG are the top two independent grading services that authenticate, encase, and assign letters grades to vintage cards based on their centering, corners, edges and surface quality. Slabbed” cards fresh grade and have a higher resale value. Though grading adds cost, it provides reassurance for expensive collectibles. buy with confidence.

Auctions – Platforms like Heritage Auctions and Lelands regularly hold sports collectibles auctions featuring all price ranges of baseball cards up for bid. This exposes cards to a global collector base and competitive market forces that can drive prices higher than typical listed online prices. Buyers need to factor in the cost of an auction house’s buyer’s premium on top of the final hammer price. Consignment is also an option for sellers hoping to maximize value through open bidding.

Card Shows – Local, regional, and national sports card shows bring together hundreds of individual vendors, grading services, breakers and more all under one roof. Admission usually ranges from $5-10 per person. This is a great way to compare prices across many sellers, get cards personally in hand before buying, and meet the community of collectors. Larger national shows like the National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City each summer are bucket list events for dedicated hobbyists.

Card Collector Forum Marketplaces – Online marketplace discussions on forums are another avenue, albeit more niche. Sites such as SportsCardForum.com allow users to post individual cards, sets or collections for sale to a concentrated collector audience. Communication happens through online private messages to coordinate payment and shipping logistics. Buyers save on fees but don’t have the same protections as major platforms. It’s best for experienced users of the forum.

While local brick and mortar card shops remain vital due to the interpersonal experience they provide, each method discussed has its benefits for finding both common and rare baseball cards. The key is researching prices online first for comparison across shopping options, and always inspecting condition details when spending larger amounts of money. With diligence, collectors can grow their collections through many reliable purchase channels.

WHAT BRAND BASEBALL CARDS SHOULD I BUY

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Topps is arguably the most iconic and popular brand in all of baseball cards. They have held the exclusive license to produce Major League Baseball cards since the mid-20th century. This means any Topps cards from recent years will feature current MLB stars and include valuable rookies. Topps puts out several different sets each year like Series 1, Series 2, Update, etc. They do a great job of design and photography. Topps cards will typically hold their value well long-term given their status as the official MLB licensed product.

Bowman is the second largest baseball card manufacturer and producer of some highly coveted rookie cards. Bowman cards are considered by many collectors to have the best photography and designs. They have exclusivity over MLB rookies and draft prospects. Some enormous stars like Mike Trout had their best and most valuable rookie cards produced in Bowman sets. Bowman puts out an annual Draft Picks & Prospects set solely focused on minor leaguers and amateur players. Their releases carry substantial appeal to investor-grade card collectors.

Fleer was one of the biggest names in the baseball card industry for many decades until losing the MLB license. They are now owned by Upper Deck. Modern Fleer cards feature retired players and hold collector interest for nostalgia purposes. Fleer produced some iconic cards throughout the 1980s and 1990s that are still highly respected among collectors today. Their photography and retro styling can give a fun vintage feel compared to more modern card designs.

Donruss was another huge ’80s and ’90s producer that lost the MLB rights later on but retains collector goodwill. Their retired star and vintage release cards continue to find an audience. Donruss was known for bold and colorful designs that pop visually compared to some cleaner, simpler designs today. Fun insert sets were also a Donruss specialty that introduced hit varieties like ’91 Stadium Club. Their older products hold appeal for vintage collectors seeking era-specific cards.

Leaf is a top independent card company without an MLB license that assembles collections through photographing minor and independent league players. They create a niche offering rookie cards and prospects outside of the Bowman ecosystem. Leaf produces high-quality cards that receive plenty of circulation at hobby shops nationwide. Their draft picks sets preview future MLB talent before reaching the majors. Leaf has developed a solid reputation and following among collector segments seeking alternatives beyond Topps/Bowman.

Panini acquired exclusive NFL and NBA licenses that previously belonged to Upper Deck, but they do not have MLB rights. However, Panini still puts out popular baseball releases through arrangements with retired players and teams/leagues below the Major League level. Their collegiate and international cards have collector demand. While not all Panini releases involve current MLB content, their products are colourful and offer something different compared to the main MLB licensed brands.

There are numerous additional smaller baseball card companies beyond the majors I’ve outlined here. Brands like Stadium Club, Limited, Score, and Pinnacle produced premium cards prior to losing MLB licenses as well. Their older vintage releases remain desirable to collectors. Independent companies like Golden, Triple Crown, and Gintak also cater to niche collectors. The top brands are Topps and Bowman for current MLB stars and prospects, with the others providing retro, niche, or non-MLB alternatives depending on collector preferences. When deciding which cards to purchase or open, focusing on brands with MLB licenses will give products with the longest-term potential for holding value.

Therefore, in summary some of the best baseball card brands for collectors to consider purchasing and collecting include Topps, Bowman, Donruss and Fleer for their iconic MLB license history and strong brand recognition continuing today. Bowman especially offers attractive rookie cards. Leaf opens up prospects beyond Topps/Bowman. And non-MLB licensed companies like Panini and independent brands provide alternative collecting options beyond the official MLB sets. Proper research into the brand history, available checklists and photographic quality should help any collector decide which products to prioritize based on their specific collecting interests in current stars, prospects or vintage players.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most common and reliable places to purchase Topps baseball cards is directly from Topps themselves through their official website at www.topps.com. On their site, you will find a wide range of current and past series available both as single packs, boxes of packs, and complete sets. They even have special edition boxes and autographed cards available from time to time. Shopping directly from Topps ensures you are getting officially licensed and authentic product. They offer regular domestic U.S. shipping and international shipping options as well. Ordering off their site may cost a bit more due to shipping fees compared to buying in person.

A popular local option for buying Topps cards are hobby shops and local card shops that focus on trading cards and collectibles. These can be found in most cities, towns and larger communities across the country. They will have the newest series available as well as older stock from past years mixed in. You can often find unopened boxes, special promotional packs only available at shops, and sometimes better prices per pack compared to retail stores. The staff at these shops are usually knowledgeable fans who can help you find specific cards, players, or sets you may be looking for as well. Browsing the individual cards and packs can also be more fun than just ordering online. Selection will vary depending on shop inventory.

Big box retailers like Walmart, Target, Meijer and CVS often have a small selection of Topps baseball card products available, usually just the most current series. They offer the convenience of being able to purchase online with store pickup or go pick them up yourself on a shopping trip. These places tend to have standard MSRP pricing though. Selection here is usually pretty limited to just a rack of random packs, boxes and sets and there is no expertise from staff. But the wide availability across many locations makes them an easy option in a pinch or when just looking for a quick pack or two of the new release to try your luck.

Collector card conventions are a great place to buy Topps cards, especially older sets, special autographed cards and rare variations. There are many card shows held around the country annually where dozens of card vendors will set up displays with thousands of items for sale. Attending conventions and browsing or setting up your own table as a seller allows you to interact with knowledgeable collectors and evaluate individual cards up close much better than online. Deals can sometimes be had too on group lot purchases. Travel costs and admission fees into the shows do affect overall pricing when compared to local shops.

Online card vendor sites like DaCardWorld, BlowoutCards, and Collector’s Cache also offer a huge selection of Topps cards across many baseball sets new and vintage. Prices tend to be lower than eBay since no fees are deducted from sales. Condition guides are provided and you can search by player, team, year to find specific wants. They ship protected in sleeves and boxes. Downsides are not seeing cards in person and slower search compared to a local shop’s inventory. But the massive selection from various vendor’s huge combined stocks makes finding rare, vintage Topps cards possible that may not be locally.

eBay remains one of the top places online to source any and all kinds of Topps baseball cards both common and especially rarer, oddball and vintage issues. With its ubiquitous marketplace, you have a very high chance of locating exactly the single card you’ve been looking for across the tens of thousands listed daily. Condition can vary greatly so reading seller feedback is important. Auctions create uncertainty and the overall ~13% total in buyer fees can increase costs compared to fixed vendor pricing. Authenticating vintage cards also requires sufficient knowledge on the buyer’s part to avoid potential scams. Still, unrivaled choice makes eBay a go-to for completeness.

With many reliable buying options that have varying pros and cons, any avid Topps card collector should be able to find what they need whether locally at shops or shows, directly from Topps themselves or through major online card vendors and marketplaces like eBay. Comparing prices across sources along with considering factors like selection, condition and immediacy of purchase can help you determine the ideal route. The excitement of the baseball card hobby begins with how and where you choose to build and grow your Topps collections.

IS IT WORTH GETTING BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

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Whether or not it is worth getting baseball cards professionally graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) depends on several factors. PSA is considered the gold standard in third-party card grading, but their services do come at a cost. There are submission fees, grading fees per card, and shipping costs to consider. The question really comes down to whether increased value from a high PSA grade outweighs these expenses.

One of the key reasons collectors seek PSA grading is because it provides an impartial, third-party assessment of a card’s condition and authenticity. This helps establish market value and gives buyers confidence in the grade/condition. While raw ungraded cards do still sell online and at auction, PSA slabs have become the norm for valuable vintage and modern rookie cards. A PSA credential is seen to guarantee authenticity and provide standardized condition grades that allow for fair price comparisons.

Some key advantages of PSA grading include:

Standardized condition assessments and numeric grades make it easy to compare similar cards across sales listings. This is important when establishing a fair price. Raw cards leave much more ambiguity around condition.

The slab protects the card from handling damage. Cards that have already been graded and encapsulated in hard plastic slabs require no additional protection during shipping or display. This preserves condition long-term.

Authenticated holograms/certificates of authenticity make it harder to fake a graded card. PSA’s reputation deters unscrupulous sellers from attempting to pass off reprints or altered cards.

Graded pop reports provide data on print run scarcity and how condition impacts value. Knowing precisely how many PSA 9 Ken Griffey Jr. rookies exist, for example, conveys important rarity information to buyers and sellers.

High PSA grades command dramatic premiums over comparable ungraded raw cards depending on the card. Elite vintage rookies in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition can appreciate exponentially versus even high-grade raw copies.

Slabs increase portability and resale convenience versus raw cards that require individual authentication and condition assessments each time they trade hands. PSA grades stay with the card.

The question then becomes whether the potential financial upside of a strong PSA grade covers the costs of submitting the card for authentication and grading. Important factors to consider are:

Card value – Low/mid-value cards often don’t justify the submission fee if sold raw versus graded. Cards under $100 raw usually don’t make financial sense to grade unless rare/key vintage pieces. Mid-value vintage cards $100-500 can potentially see a worthwhile boost. High-end cards $500+ usually grade well.

Expected grade – Cards in questionable/damaged condition have lower odds of a high grade. The costs often outweigh potential returns versus selling raw for parts/display. Cards needing restoration should usually stay raw versus risking a poor PSA grade. Predictably strong eyes-appeal cards have the best odds of higher grades.

Intended use – Cards intended for long-term PC collection and potential future resale grade well to preserve condition. Short-term flips where card stays in holder don’t require grading. Cards being sent to a population census service like PSA’s could potentially improve with census/registry data inclusion over time as well.

Turnaround times – Standard PSA grading has lengthy waits, so flipping a card quickly usually means selling raw. Express services costs far more but provide results in weeks versus 6+ months standard. Fast individual card authentication usually isn’t cost-effective either.

Multiple submissions – Bulk submission discounts at PSA offset costs for large collections, authentications of whole sets/team lots, or group submissions with others. Submitting cards in small batches is less efficient.

In summary – high value vintage singles $500+, key modern/rookie cards destined for long term holds, full PC collections, and bulky team/set submissions are the best candidates for PSA grading on average. Predictably strong condition mid-value cards can also make sense. But speculative low/mid-tier items, marginal condition cards, quick speculative flips, and single cards usually stay raw to avoid authentication costs outweighing potential returns. Careful consideration of grades likelihood, market, intended use and turnaround needs balances the value proposition of third-party authentication. While the PSA slab remains the gold standard in the hobby, not every card grades out as a financial winner in their holders. Discerning which cards stand the best chance provides the surest ROI from professional authentications.

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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The standard size for modern baseball cards that are found in packs sold by major card companies like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. This size has been commonly used since the late 1980s and remains the predominant size today. The size of baseball cards has varied over the long history of the hobby from the late 19th century to present day.

In the earliest days of baseball cards in the 1880s and 1890s, they were typically smaller than the modern size. Many of the tobacco cards inserted in cigarette packs and packaging during this era measured approximately 1.5 inches by 2.25 inches. As lithography became the dominant printing technique rather than hand-coloring of images, card sizes increased slightly. By the turn of the 20th century, sizes were closer to 2 inches by 2.75 inches on average.

During the formative years of the baseball card industry from the 1910s through the 1950s, sizes fluctuated more as different publishers experimented. The two most common early sizes were 2 inches by 3 inches and 2.125 inches by 2.5 inches. Some outlier sets also popped up such as more squared 2.25 inch sizes or slightly larger 2.25 by 3.125 inch sizes. Brands like Diamond Stars, Play Ball, and Goudey varied card dimensions over the decades.

The post-war boom in baseball fandom and modern card era beginning in the late 1940s saw sizes slowly increasing. Bowman, Topps, and other major companies settling on widths between 2.125 to 2.25 inches and lengths between 2.5 to 2.75 inches. By the mid-1950s, the standard size had evolved to approximately 2.125 inches by 2.5 inches. Topps used this dimension faithfully for several decades and set an industry precedent.

As major companies competed in the 1960s, Topps held the line on size while Fleer experimented briefly with slightly larger 2.25 inch by 2.75 inch dimensions. However, Topps’ model held dominance through the 1970s. Donruss joined the modern scene in 1981 and matched Topps’ size before both transitioned to the current square cut 2.5 inch by 3.5 inch format in the late 1980s.

This move allowed for larger photos and more information or stats on each card. It also made card production simpler as cardboard sheets could be cut to perfectly align without trimming waste. Despite some smaller niche releases, almost all modern sportscards follow this 2.5 by 3.5 inch standization. Variations of exact width and length within a fraction of an inch are tolerated.

Only specialized subsets, oddball issues, or promotional inserts tend to deviate with smaller sizes like 2 inches by 2.5 inches or collector focused premium cards approaching 3 inches by 4 inches. For the core packs found in stores or included in boxes and packs of MLB licensed products, 2.5 by 3.5 inches remains cemented as the baseball card size standard 40 years since its adoption and into the foreseeable future of the collecting hobby.

In closing, while baseball card dimensions were somewhat fluid for over 100 years, settling on the current predominant size of 2.5 by 3.5 inches has brought standardization, efficiency, and optimized card designs. This modern sizing suits the mass-produced nature of the multi-billion dollar collecting industry and shows no signs of meaningful change anytime soon barring unforeseen shifts in manufacturing or technology.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BASEBALL CARDS

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Creating your own baseball cards is a fun way to commemorate players or to make unique cards featuring yourself or friends. To make professional-looking baseball cards, you will need the right materials and tools as well as some design skills.

The first step is to choose which players or people you want to feature on your baseball cards. Make a list of names, along with any relevant stats or biographical information you want to include on the cards. This could include batting average, home runs, years played, or for personal cards hobbies, accomplishments, and other fun facts.

Once you have your roster finalized, you need to choose a template to design the front and back of each baseball card. There are various templates available online that mimic the look of real baseball cards you can print and customize. Download blank baseball card templates in JPEG, PNG, or PSD format. These layered image files allow you to easily add and arrange different elements like photos, text, graphics and more.

Now it’s time to start designing. For the front of each card you will need a high-quality headshot photo of the player. For personal cards, have people get their photo taken or use a nice selfie. The photo will be the main focal point. Be sure photos are cropped closely around the person’s head and shoulders.

Add basic identification elements around the photo including the player’s name in large font at the top, the sport (baseball) in smaller type, and their team or “rookie” at the bottom. You can also include additional stats like batting average or home runs in a box offset from the photo. Experiment with different graphic elements and color schemes to make each card visually appealing.

For the back of the card, add more in-depth biographical or statistical information. Include sections for things like career highlights and achievements, personal info for hobbies and background, and full career batting/pitching stats organized in easy-to-read tables. You can also leave space for an autograph. Play around with layouts and fonts until you have a cohesive baseball card design.

Once all the cards are designed, it’s time to print them. Commercial quality cardstock paper inweights between 13-16 pounds is your best bet to mimic real baseball cards. Load the printed JPEGs or PDFs of your cards onto the cardstock using a high-quality printer with settings optimized for cardstock. Be sure edges are perfectly cut and corners are sharp.

As an optional step, you can enhance your homemade baseball cards further with additional detailing. Try embossing team logos or names onto the front of the cards. Add glossy or matte protective top-loaders to safeguard the cards. Look for mini toploaders that fit standard baseball card dimensions. You can also customize the backs of the cards with stickers or by heat transferring team logos for a more authentic feel.

Display your unique baseball card collection proudly in stands, sheets or binders. Consider handing them out to the featured players as a fun memento. With the right tools and design skills, you can make highly customized baseball cards that look just like the real things while capturing meaningful stats and memories. Get creative with this fun project that combines art, design and baseball fandom.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90s WORTH MONEY

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Baseball cards from the 1990s can potentially be worth money, but whether any individual card from that era has significant monetary value depends on several factors. The 1990s saw major shifts in the baseball card industry that impact the current collectability and value of cards from that decade.

In the early 1990s, the baseball card market was in a massive boom period fueled by the tremendous popularity and high prices fetched by rookie cards of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Chipper Jones. The bubble burst in the mid-90s as an overproduction of cards flooded the market. Many consider 1994 to mark the end of the “junk wax era” as it corresponded with a decline in card values and the end of the monopolistic trading card industry that had been dominated for decades by Topps and Donruss.

The overproduction of common cards from this period means that most basic cards from sets like Donruss, Fleer, Leaf, Pinnacle, and Upper Deck Series 1 & 2 have very little value today, sometimes being worth just a few cents in near-mint condition. There are still certain 1990s cards that can sell for significant money, especially those meeting certain collectability criteria. Here are some key factors that determine if a 1990s baseball card might be worth money:

Rookie/Prospect Cards: Cards featuring the rookie seasons or early career years of all-time great players who went on to Hall of Fame careers remain highly valuable from the 1990s. Examples include a Ken Griffey Jr. upper deck rookie (1989) which can fetch thousands, or the ultra-rare Chipper Jones Leaf rookie which has sold for over $10,000. Early cards of emerging young stars like a Carlos Beltran rookie also retain value.

Premium/Parallel/Autograph/Memorabilia Cards: Within mainstream sets, shop for rare parallel or short-printed versions that are much harder to obtain. Autograph or memorabilia cards from the era can also sell for hundreds or more depending on the player. Pinnacle and Upper Deck brands tended to feature these premium card types.

Star Players: Popular players who were in their primes during the 1990s like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Cal Ripken Jr., Derek Jeter, etc. have cards retaining value, especially flagship cards from their best seasons. High-grade examples can sell for $50+ each.

Traded/Update/Rookie Variation Cards: 1990s versions of these special subset cards featuring rookie seasons, new teams, or milestone stats hold collector interest and typically outperform their base counterparts.

Error/Variation Cards: Mistakes happen in card production and rarer miscuts, pattern errors, or variations on uniform/statistic details become desirable collector oddities.

League Leaders/Award Winners: Anyone who led major statistical categories or won awards like MVP has cards retaining long-term interest.

Expos/Rockies/D-backs/Marlins: Teams joining the MLB in the 1990s and early 2000s have rookie cards maintaining value as their players were evenly distributed across early sets.

Graded Cards: Professional grading gives buyers confidence in a card’s condition and authenticity, helping premium graded examples far outperform raw cards in terms of profit potential.

While common 1990s baseball cards have little monetary worth, key rookie cards, stars of the era, and premium or unusual inserted cards can still hold significant collector value – especially in top grades. For investors, high-grade exemplars of the most coveted 1990s rookie cards remain the safest long-term investments. With patience, the right 1990s baseball cards certainly have potential to increase substantially in value over time.