Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

1997 BASEBALL CARDS DATABASE

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The 1997 baseball card season marked one of the most iconic years for collectors in the modern era of the hobby. Several major stars were entering their prime years and had monster campaigns that have become legendary. The abundance of star rookies also made the 1997 set highly desirable among collectors both now and at the time of release.

While physical card databases that organized players by team, position, stats, and other variables existed before the internet, online databases provided an accessible way for collectors of any experience level to research players, trades, retired numbers and more from any 1997 baseball card set. What made the 1997 season such a milestone is just how much talent emerged that would go on to define the latter part of the 1990s and early 2000s.

The rookie class of 1997 included names like Jermaine Dye, Todd Helton, Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra, Darren Dreifort, and Vernon Wells who all had highly productive MLB careers. No names loomed larger as rookies than those of Albert Pujols and Ichiro Suzuki. Pujols burst onto the scene with 37 home runs and 130 RBI winning Rookie of the Year and beginning a likely Hall of Fame career. Ichiro meanwhile set the single-season hits record as a rookie with 242 while playing in Japan’s Pacific League the prior year.

In addition to star rookies, database sites helped users track which established veteran players were entering their prime or late career years in 1997 based on stats from 1996. Ken Griffey Jr. posted 56 home runs and 147 RBI winning the MVP award. Larry Walker had 49 HR, 130 RBI and batted .366 taking home the NL batting title. Randy Johnson struck out 291 batters shattering the single season record. Pedro Martinez went 17-8 with a 1.90 ERA and 0.923 WHIP coming off his 1996 Cy Young win.

The late 1990s also saw an influx of high profile player movement between teams. Databases helped keep track of who was traded where in the offseason. For example, the 1997 season was Albert Belle’s first with the Chicago White Sox after being traded from the Cleveland Indians in a blockbuster deal. Pedro Martinez also had just been dealt from the Expos to the Red Sox in another major trade. Meanwhile, baseball was seeing expansion with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays beginning play as theleague’s 28th and 29th franchises.

Upper deck had the premier license in 1997 and produced one of the most comprehensive standard release sets ever with 762 total cards spanning all 30 MLB teams at the time. The base cards featured vibrant action shots and team colors. Insert sets within included Ultimate Baseball, Embossed Crusades, and Futures Game among many memorable parallel and short print variations. For collectors of star rookies, parallels like Gold Medallion refractors added tremendous value. Score and Fleer also had sizable releases while Pinnacle put out a smallerchecklist set that focused more on stars than prospects.

The internet allowed collectors to organize player bio information, stats, and card checklists in sortable databases to track individual player storylines across different card issues each year. This was useful for high-end collectors looking to complete definitive player collections from a single season like 1997. It also helped beginning collectors learn about the game, different players and teams, and decide which players they wanted to focus onfinding in packs or on the secondary market. The rise of digital databases played a key role in growing interest and making the hobby more accessible worldwide.

In addition to digitized binders full of player cards easily searchable online, some early baseball database sites even had robust trade and sell/buy sections integrated where collectors could propose or accept card swaps and sales right on the message boards. This helped drive even more collector interaction and card circulation beyond just local card shops and shows which was still the primary hobby hub in the late 1990s before online marketplaces like eBay. The 1997 season was documented like never before thanks to the exciting on-field product and growing digital accessibility at the time through early baseball card databases. Collectors could relive the magic of the year through online research and discussion for decades to come.

The 1997 baseball season gave collectors incredible stars, rookies and storylines to chase after. At the same time, digital database platforms were emerging to organize all the cardboard in an easily searchable online format for free. This marriage of a spectacular year on the field alongside early technology changed the collecting hobby by making information and connections more accessible than ever. The legacy of names from 1997 like Pujols, Griffey Jr, Martinez, and Ichiro have stood the test of time cementing it as one of the most significant seasons in the modern baseball card era.

1992 DONRUSS MCDONALDS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Donruss McDonald’s baseball card series was a unique and valuable set issued as a special promotion between Donruss and McDonald’s restaurants. At the height of baseball card mania in the early 1990s, fans flocked to McDonald’s for a chance to collect this special 89-card series featuring stars of the day. While production numbers were high given the promotional distribution method through a major fast food chain, the 1992 Donruss McDonald’s set stands out for its rarity, iconic promotion, and featuring some of the game’s all-time great players.

Donruss was the official baseball card of McDonald’s in 1992 as part of a licensing deal. McDonald’s sought a promotional baseball card set to drive customers to its restaurants, and Donruss was excited by the prospect of wide distribution. The result was an 89-card McDonald’s stamped base set featuring cards of most major league players from the 1991 season. Unlike the standard Donruss release of that year which was a larger 400-500 card set, the McDonald’s cards were trimmed down to only show the biggest and most popular names.

Card distribution began on April 6, 1992 at participating McDonald’s nationwide. With each kids’ meal purchase, customers received a random foil wrapped McDonald’s Donruss card. Additional packs were available separately for around $0.25 each. The promotion was a massive success by any standard, with some estimates of over one billion cards handed out before the nearly 3 month long promotion ended on June 30th. The nature of the mass distribution through a restaurant promotion gives these cards their unique character and leads to both high print runs but also spot shortages.

While production numbers were undoubtedly in the tens if not hundreds of millions for the most popular star players, certain short prints and rookie cards stand out for their rarity. For example, the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the set is considered the crown jewel. With Griffey already establishing himself as a budding superstar in 1991 and his iconic swing capturing the imagination of a generation of fans, high demand for this Griffey rookie led to it being one of the most scarce cards in the set. Graded mint examples often sell for over $1000 today, showing its immense collector demand despite the giant print run.

Another factor adding to the mystique and value of these cards is the distinctive McDonald’s stamp on the fronts. While some may see this as a detraction compared to the standard Donruss releases of the time, the unique branding has become part of the character and charm that makes these cards a desirable niche collectible today beyond just the baseball card itself. Having that iconic golden arches logo takes collectors back to the memories of rushing to McDonald’s for the promotion as kids. The stamp confirms the limited production run and distribution method, which collectors appreciate.

Other star rookies and short prints that command big money include Bobby Bonilla, Dennis Eckersley, Tom Glavine, Juan Gonzalez, Ozzie Smith, Bryce Florie, and Jeff Montgomery. Even common players fetch $1-5 in higher grades today showing the robust secondary market. The true longshot finds are unnumbered short prints which are the holy grails. In top condition, a short print rookie could sell for thousands. Overall population reports also show many of the biggest names having print runs under 5 million copies, which is low considering over 1 billion total cards were distributed.

In addition to star rookies and short prints, having a complete set has become a major achievement for vintage baseball card collectors. In fact, a near-complete set with just a couple missing sold on eBay recently for over $10,000. With the sheer number of cards, random distribution through restaurants, time elapsed since 1992, and naturallosses due to condition, finding that elusive final card to finished a set is a major feat. As fewer completed sets exist in the collecting population, pristine examples with great eye appeal will gain value each year going forward.

The 1992 Donruss McDonald’s baseball card set holds a unique place in the history of the hobby as one of the most widely distributed promotions ever yet also contains the rarities that excite serious collectors. Thanks to its iconic fast food tie-in, featuring stars of the early 1990s, distinct McDonald’s stamp branding, and short print collector chasers, this set continues to entice collectors and drive interest in the memorabilia from baseball’s golden era of the late 80s to 90s. Values remain strong and steady for the biggest stars, and can explode for condition census short prints that stay elusive. It’s a niche collectible with wide appeal, making for a strong long term investment opportunity for savvy collectors today.

2021 MOSAIC BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Mosaic baseball card set saw the return of the popular Mosaic brand by Panini after a year hiatus. Fans were excited to see what new technologies and designs Panini would incorporate after the successful 2020 NBA Mosaic release. While not as large as recent Topps flagship sets, 2021 Mosaic baseball offered collectors coveted parallels, memorabilia cards, and rookie sensations. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most sought after cards investors and collectors targeted from the 2021 release.

Wander Franco Green /49 – Arguably the biggest star of the 2020-2021 rookie class, Wander Franco’s autographs and parallels exploded in demand after his stellar Tampa Bay debut season. The Rays’ top prospect transcended the usual hype around rising prospects with his consistent production at just 19-years old. As one of the lowest numbered parallels available of Franco at /49, the Green parallel became the crown jewel rookie card for many collectors. Early PSA 10 examples of this short print Parallel sold for over $2,000 showing Franco had firmly cemented himself as a true franchise player investors had strong long term confidence in.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Blaze Orange /10 – Considered one of the game’s true five-tool phenoms, Ronald Acuna Jr. had established himself as one of baseball’s brightest young stars before an injury cut short his 2021 season. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is one of the most valuable modern cards, but 2021 Mosaic offered Acuna collectors high-end memorabilia and parallel options like the ultra-rare Blaze Orange /10 parallel. With true generational talent and a lengthy career still ahead, these single digit Acuna parallels continue gaining value each year as more collectors seek them out. Early PSA 10 Blaze Orange ones surpassed $4,000 sales.

Sandy Alcantara Auto /99 – While not a true rookie, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara broke out in 2021 with major Cy Young consideration behind an NL leading six complete games and 228 innings pitched. Alcantara established himself as a steady workhorse ace still early in his prime at just 26-years old. His first auto in the 2021 Mosaic set at the low /99 parallel became a hot commodity for Marlins PC collectors seeking a cornerstone piece for their favorite hurler’s collection. PSA 10 versions have been selling in the $900 range showing growing belief in Alcantara’s stardom.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Green Wave /10 – The enigmatic superstar shortstop for the Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr. is already one of the faces of MLB while still just 23-years old. After a monster breakout campaign in 2021 that saw him hit .281 with 42 HRs and finish third in NL MVP voting, Tatis became one of the primary cover athletes for Topps in 2022. Green Wave parallels were some of 2021 Mosaic’s most popular inserts, and the Tatis /10 became a must-own for Tatis PC collectors. Early PSA 10 examples sold over $1,000, the same price as high-end base rookies showcasing Tatis’ star power.

Ohtani & Trout Dual Auto /49- Perhaps the two biggest names currently in MLB, the dynamic pairing of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout were featured in several 2021 Mosaic dual memorabilia cards. None were more sought after than their /49 parallel dual auto, one of just a handful in existence featuring arguably the two most talented players today. Selling initial for nearly $3,500 raw, PSA 10 grails of this dual auto have since crept past $5,000. Investors see both Trout and Ohtani as surefire Hall of Famers destined for many more accolades, making this 1/1 type card an elite long term hold.

Bo Bichette Rainbow Foil Auto /25 – As one of the heads of Toronto’s promising young core, Bo Bichette had established himself as an all-star caliber player by 2021 still just 24-years old. His popularity continued growing that year with a career high 27 home runs. The 2021 Mosaic Rainbow Foil Auto parallel presented collectors a true 1/1 style option of Bichette at the hyper short-print /25 edition size. Early PSA 10 sales eclipsed $1,000 for this premiere Bichette parallel showing strong belief in his continued breakout the coming seasons.

Bobby Witt Jr. White Sparkle Auto /10 – Bobby Witt Jr. did not disappoint as the #2 overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, showcasing 5-tool talent right away in the minors. Highly anticipated for a 2022 debut, Witt mania was in full effect going into the ’21 season. Investors and PC collectors targeted his premiere White Sparkle Auto in Mosaic as one of the set’s true crown jewels at the ultra-short /10 parallel size. PSA 10 examples sold initially over $2,000, demonstrating Witt had one of the hottest signatures in the prospect hobby even before reaching the majors.

Overall, 2021 Mosaic offered collectors parallel versions and memorabilia options of some of baseball’s hottest young stars and established franchise players. With several true short print parallels numbered under 25 copies and ultra-rare dual memorabilia cards, the set provided high-end collector opportunities and major investing pieces. 2021 established several rookies like Franco and Witt as generational talents attracting major card value already. With many of these stars still young with Hall of Fame potential careers ahead, the premiere 2021 Mosaic cards profiled will likely only increase in desirability and value for years to come.

BUYING BASEBALL CARDS

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Buying Baseball Cards: A Beginner’s Guide

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for generations, allowing fans to collect pieces of the game’s history and showcase their favorite players. Getting started in the baseball card market can seem daunting, as there are many factors to consider when purchasing cards. This comprehensive guide will help beginners learn the ins and outs of buying baseball cards, from deciding on a budget to researching cards and sellers.

Setting a Budget

One of the most important first steps is determining how much money you want to spend. Baseball card collecting can become very expensive depending on the cards and condition you pursue. It’s best to start modestly until you learn more. A $50-100 monthly budget is reasonable for a beginner to build a basic collection and learn the market. You may spend less at first as you’re finding your focus. Don’t feel pressured into overspending before you’re ready – there will always be more cards available.

Deciding on Players or Teams

Do you want to collect cards of your favorite team? Specific players? Or are you more interested in a certain era of the game? Knowing your interests will help guide purchases. For example, modern star cards may be affordable commons, while vintage legends could demand higher prices. Collecting by team is easy to build on over time. Player collections require more planning as stars’ cards fluctuate in cost. Consider what you most enjoy before diving in.

Grading and Condition

The condition or “grade” of a card greatly impacts its value. Mint condition cards fresh from packs are most desirable and valuable, while worn or damaged cards sell for less. Take time to learn how condition is assessed on a scale of 1-10 by professional grading companies like PSA or BGS. Cards graded by these experts are considered the gold standard and may carry premiums over raw, ungraded copies. For beginners, raw near-mint cards in protective sleeves are fine. Don’t overpay for condition until you can properly evaluate it.

Researching Prices

Do your homework before bidding or buying to avoid overspending. Check recent eBay “sold” listings to see actual prices people paid for comparable cards. Online price guides like PSA SMR Price Guide and Beckett provide ballpark valuation help too. Consider grades, autographs, serial numbers, parallels and more when comparing. Be patient – the right card will come along if you’re willing to wait for a fair deal. Rushing into purchases often leads to paying over market value.

Reputable Sellers

When starting out, stick to well-known and reviewed sellers on eBay or reputable brick-and-mortar card shops and shows. Sellers with many positive reviews and return policies provide buyer protection against scams or misrepresented items. Consider reaching out to local card shops too – their expertise and personal service is invaluable for beginners. Avoid private sellers with no feedback who can’t be traced. Stick with the big names until you’re comfortable navigating the marketplace independently.

Authenticating Cards

As the hobby has grown, so too has the presence of counterfeit cards seeking to scam collectors. Take time to learn telltale signs of fake cards to avoid being duped, like poor centering, miscuts, off-color printing and more. Reputable graded slabs from companies like PSA, BGS, SGC and others provide authentication peace of mind. For raw cards, compare details to a known genuine example if possible. Don’t be afraid to ask experts for input, especially on expensive vintage cards, until your eye is trained to spot fakes.

Building Your Collection

Start by purchasing common base cards to build your favorite teams and players. Participate in group breaks for affordable box/case hits. Consider bargain bins at shops too. Attend local card shows wearing your favorite gear – vendors often give new collectors discounts. Collect player collections in penny sleeves and binders or team sets in annual albums. Display your favorites in magnetic holders. Most of all, have fun with it! Your collection should be a joy, not a chore. Enjoy the hunt for your PC (personal collection) cards.

Selling and Trading

If your interests change over time, you may wish to sell extra cards. Again, research recent sold prices on the major platforms before listing yours for best returns. Or consider trading online or at shows – many collectors enjoy swapping duplicates for needs. Just be sure any trades are even value on both sides to avoid getting taken advantage of. Proper storage and safeguarding your collection is also important should you decide to sell pieces later.

Starting a baseball card collection is an enjoyable way to engage with the game’s history while building an investment. With prudent budgeting, research skills and guidance from veteran collectors, beginners can confidently navigate the marketplace in search of affordable PC additions. Most of all, have fun assembling your personal collection through the card buying process over the years. The hobby offers endless enjoyment for any baseball fan.

2020 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 2020 Topps baseball card release featured another iconic design and several highly sought after rookie cards. After a widely popular 2019 set that celebrated the history of the brand, Topps went with a more traditional styling for their 2020 offering while still including noteworthy rookie cards and parallel variations to chase. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2020 Topps cards collectors searched for.

Perhaps the highest profile rookie in the entire set was Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux. Lux was one of baseball’s elite prospects and collectors knew his Topps rookie card would be highly valuable. The base Lux RC carried a pre-release hype and any parallel or autographed variations immediately shot up collector lists. Some speculate Lux will become a superstar and his rookie cards could gain Walker Buehler or Cody Bellinger levels of value over time. Finding Lux’s Topps chrome, negative, or refractor parallel rookies was a top priority.

Another exciting Dodgers rookie was Dustin May. The flamethrowing righty burst onto the MLB scene in 2019 and collectors raced to find his Topps rookie. Like Lux, any parallel or autographed May RCs were hot ticket items. Of the parallels, the May Topps chrome refractor /150 was especially tough to track down. Both Dodgers rookies kept the hobby buzzing throughout 2020 release season.

Speaking of tough pulls, finding the prized Mike Yastrzemski Topps chrome autograph rookie from heritage was like winning the hobby lottery. Only /5 produced, Yaz’ flagship Topps RC auto easily became the most valuable card in the base set. San Francisco Giants fans were thrilled to see “Yaz” emerge in 2019 and this ultra-rare card captured his exciting first season in the majors.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays continued his monster rise in 2020 by slugging his way to AL honors. As such, collectors went wild trying to locate his Topps Update Series rookie photograph variation. Pictured from the chest up in a closeup image instead of the typical full body shot, this Vlad Jr. variation carried significant odds and popularity. It instantly became a holy grail addition to Guerrero PC’s the moment it was unveiled. Finding it in a higher end parallel elevated the excitement and challenge.

Another exciting non-rookie was Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. Expected to one day win MVP honors with his highly entertaining playing style, demand for Tatis Topps cards remained through the roof. His featured autograph and negative refractors from 2020 Topps Update were must-have chase cards for Padres PC builders. Like Guerrero Jr., any variations of Tatis were destined to hold value.

Looking internationally, fans followed two prized Cuban prospects very closely in 2020 – Jazz Chisholm and Jasson Dominguez. As they established themselves in the minors, collectors fixated on finding and acquiring their initial Topps RCs. Chisholm’s made waves in Heritage while Dominguez mania took over Topps Update Series. Both featured electrifying tools and tons of hype that translated well to the secondary market. Their base rookie cards proved elusive for many as the season progressed.

Variations always add collectors looking to “hit” the rarities and Topps 2020 offered a few serious rainbow builders. The aforementioned Vladdy photo variation tops those lists. Acuña Jr. and Soto also featured short printed photograph variations to chase across series. Additionally, Topps Update Series introduced an exciting Mike Trout negative refractor parallel /50 that became another high priority card, especially for Angels collectors. Finding any of these short printed hits while ripping packs provided an immense thrill.

Autographs remained a driving force in the 2020 release cycle as well. Top talents like Juan Soto, Acuña Jr., Bo Bichette,and Gleyber Torres signified future superstars on the rise. Their Topps Chrome autos from Factory Set, Heritage High Number, and Update Series were among the “white whales” countless collectors sought. Acquiring even a base auto of these young stars meant having an investment piece to hold long term. Of course, finding a true 1/1 printing plate auto would elevate the excitement to another stratosphere.

When reviewing the 2020 Topps baseball release, the key rookie cards like Lux, May, Chisholm, and Dominguez led many collector quests. National treasures like Tatis Jr., Yaz, Guerrero Jr., and Trout were major targets for PC builders as well. And of course, the thrill of chasing premier short printed parallels and autographs of Soto, Acuña Jr. and more kept the chase alive all year long. Whether ripping packs or scanning the secondary market, these were truly some of the top cards to look for from Topps’ 2020 flagship offering. Hope this gives you a better sense of what drove collector demand throughout the exciting season. Let me know if any other details would be helpful!

1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set was issued by Topps and consists of 714 total cards. Some of the key highlights and facts about the 1972 Topps set include:

The set featured 667 regular player and manager cards as well as 47 rookie cards for some of the game’s biggest stars who were just starting their careers in 1972. Several future Hall of Famers had their rookie cards in this set including a young Reggie Jackson, Bill Madlock, and Rollie Fingers.

Despite coming off a World Series victory in 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates did not have a player featured on the very valuable and sought after #1 card in the set, which instead showed long time Giants pitcher Gaylord Perry. This was one of the few times that a non-All Star was featured on the #1 card in Topps’ flagship baseball set.

Following the #1 card of Gaylord Perry, the #2 slot featured the great Hank Aaron, who was nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career but still putting up solid power numbers for the Atlanta Braves. Aaron would finish his career with 755 home runs, passing Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list in 1974.

Fan favorite Nellie Fox was featured on card #3. Fox had just retired after a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Chicago White Sox but spent his final season with the Houston Astros in 1971. Fox was known for his durability, winning the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1959.

Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants took the #4 spot in the set. At age 41, Mays was in his final major league season but still capable of producing, batting .271 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI for the Giants in 1972. This would be Mays’ last Topps card before his retirement.

The Cincinnati Reds’ powerful lineup of the early 1970s was represented with slugger Johnny Bench on the #5 card. Bench was coming off an MVP season in 1972 where he led the National League with 40 home runs and 125 RBI while batting .293.

Future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton of the St. Louis Cardinals was featured on the #6 card in the set. Carlton was entering his prime in 1972 and would go on to win 27 games and the NL Cy Young award that season while leading the league in strikeouts.

Oakland A’s pitching ace Vida Blue, fresh off winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1971, took the #7 slot. Blue helped lead the A’s dynasty of the early 1970s and was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball during this time period.

Perennial American League batting champion Rod Carew of the Minnesota Twins was pictured on the #8 card. Carew hit an impressive .318 in 1972 while leading the league in hits for the third consecutive season.

Boston Red Sox slugger Carl Yastrzemski, the 1967 American League MVP, rounded out the premium cards in the set with the #9 spot. Yaz was still a star player for the Red Sox and hit .286 with 25 home runs in 1972.

The coveted #10 card featured another future Hall of Famer in Hank Aaron’s Atlanta Braves teammate Joe Torre. Torre was in his final season with the Braves before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals and was still a force offensively, hitting .297 in 1972.

Some additional notable rookie cards found in the 1972 Topps set included a young George Brett of the Kansas City Royals on card #651, future 300-game winner Don Sutton of the Los Angeles Dodgers on card #232, and Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry’s final rookie card appearance on card #353 after previously having rookie cards in the 1962 and 1963 Topps sets. Perry started his career with the San Francisco Giants but was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1972.

The design elements featured on the 1972 Topps baseball cards paid homage to Topps’ prior sets with a yellow border on most cards. Player names were printed along the bottom in blue font. On the reverse, stats from the previous season were shown along with a black and white photo. Topps continued its tradition of featuring border variations on the rookie cards as well to distinguish them.

In terms of conditions and valuations today, high grade examples of the key rookies from the 1972 Topps set like Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers and Bill Madlock routinely sell for thousands of dollars. But there is also demand for star players and Hall of Famers throughout the set in top grades of Mint or Gem Mint. Even well-centered, Near Mint examples of the premium cards featuring Aaron, Mays, Bench, Carlton, Blue, Carew and Yastrzemski command pricing well into the hundreds. For collectors, the 1972 Topps baseball issue opened the door to many future all-time greats and is remembered as one of the most historically significant releases from the brand.

The 1972 Topps baseball card set showcased a who’s who of the sport at the time both in terms of established superstars and young players who were on the verge of greatness. Containing several highly valuable and desirable rookie cards alongside presentation of the eras biggest names, the ’72 Topps issue rightfully remains a highly collectible and researched set for both casual and serious collectors of the hobby. Its place in baseball card history is cemented both by the talent featured and the nostalgia it conjures for aficionados of the vintage era of the pastime.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2020

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The 2020 baseball season was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting play for months. The hobby of collecting baseball cards remained strong as collectors looked for new ways to stay engaged with their favorite sport. While the season was shortened significantly, card manufacturers still produced an abundance of new baseball card releases throughout the year featuring the game’s biggest stars and top rookies. With so many great cards to choose from in 2020, narrowing down the best options was a difficult task. Here are some of the standout baseball cards released last year that any collector would love to add to their collection.

Perhaps the most coveted rookie card of 2020 was San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel. Tatis had a breakout season in 2019 that positioned him as one of the brightest young stars in baseball. He continued that momentum in the shortened 2020 campaign by batting .277 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI in 59 games. Tatis’ electrifying play and flair for the dramatic quickly made him a fan favorite. His Chrome Yellow Refractor captured the excitement around his budding superstardom in a visually stunning parallel format. Only 10 of these rare yellow refractors were produced, making it extremely difficult to track down and highly valuable for Padres PC collectors.

Another highly sought-after rookie was Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis. Lewis took home AL Rookie of the Year honors after batting .262 with 11 home runs in just 58 games. His prized rookie card was the Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor parallel, which featured an eye-catching blue color and serial numbering of only 5 copies. Lewis burst onto the scene in 2020 and showed all the tools to be a future star in Seattle. The sapphire refractor captured that momentum perfectly in one of the rarest parallels of the year.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued building on his breakout 2019 campaign by emerging as the most feared hitter in the Blue Jays’ lineup in 2020. One of the best Guerrero cards released last year was his Topps Chrome Gold Refractor parallel, numbered to only 10 copies. Guerrero batted .262 with nine home runs and 33 RBI in 2020 while still being just 21 years old. His talent and pedigree as the son of a Hall of Famer made him one of the most intriguing young stars in baseball. The gold refractor highlighted that superstar potential in a rare and valuable parallel format.

Rookie sensation Ian Anderson made a major impact on the mound for the Atlanta Braves in 2020. Anderson went 3-2 with a 1.95 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 41.2 innings pitched, showing ace-caliber stuff from the right side. His prized rookie card was the Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor, which joined Lewis as one of just five produced. Anderson played a pivotal role in the Braves’ run to the NLCS and looks poised for stardom for years to come in Atlanta. The sapphire refractor captured his early dominance on the game’s biggest stage.

While the 2020 season was short, rookie pitcher Dane Dunning made the most of his time by going 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA for the Chicago White Sox. One of the top Dunning cards was his Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel, limited to a tiny run of only three copies. Dunning showed impressive control and stuff while helping push the White Sox to the playoffs. As with Tatis, the yellow refractor highlighted Dunning’s breakout potential in a rare parallel that will hold great value for years as his career progresses.

Veteran star Mookie Betts had a dominant first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being acquired in an offseason trade. Betts led the NL with a 1.092 OPS while batting .292 with 16 home runs in just 52 games. One of the best Betts cards from 2020 Topps Chrome was his Gold Refractor parallel, limited to only 10 copies worldwide. As one of the game’s premier five-tool talents, Betts shined under the LA spotlight. The gold refractor captured his superstar status on one of the hobby’s most popular modern products.

While rookie cards tend to get most of the hype, legendary veterans can also have hugely valuable modern issues. One such card was a Mike Trout Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel from 2020, with an edition size of a minuscule three copies. Even in a shortened season disrupted by injury, Trout still showed why he’s a perennial MVP candidate by batting .281 with 10 home runs in just 37 games. As perhaps the greatest active player, any Trout parallel carries immense cache and this yellow refractor highlighted his continued greatness in one of the rarest forms.

Those were just some of the many outstanding baseball cards produced in 2020, a year that was unique but still found ways to excite collectors. While the season was shortened significantly due to the pandemic, the hobby remained as strong as ever. Top rookies like Tatis Jr., Lewis and Anderson emerged as future stars, while veterans like Betts, Guerrero and Trout continued their excellence on the field. Parallels like yellow, gold and sapphire refractors captured those storylines in some of the most visually stunning and rare formats available. Even in a turbulent year, the 2020 baseball card class featured several true gems that will hold their value for dedicated collectors for many years to come.

MICHAEL JORDAN UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

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The Michael Jordan baseball card storyline is one of the most unique twists in sports card collecting history. After winning three straight NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, the legendary Michael Jordan shocked the sports world in the fall of 1993 by announcing his retirement from professional basketball at the young age of 30. Speculation ran rampant about Jordan’s true motivation for leaving basketball, with many theorizing it had more to do with Jordan’s desire to try his hand at pro baseball rather than simply burnout from basketball. That spring, Jordan began pursuing his childhood dream of playing minor league baseball in the Chicago White Sox organization.

As arguably the most famous athlete in the world made this unexpected career change, Upper Deck seized the opportunity to capture the moment. In 1994, they released two separate Michael Jordan baseball card sets – Jordan’s Return To Baseball and Pro Set Michael Jordan Minor League. These sets focused entirely on Jordan’s attempt to make it in pro baseball rather than his legendary basketball career. At the time, it was uncertain whether Jordan would actually succeed in minor league baseball or if it was merely a publicity stunt before an inevitable NBA return. Nonetheless, collectors snatched up Jordan’s baseball cards, enthralled by the novelty and intrigue of the storyline.

In Jordan’s Return To Baseball, Upper Deck featured a mixture of on-field baseball action shots as well as portraits of Jordan in his White Sox uniform. The set totaled 75 cards with parallel “Bat” and “Jersey” autograph and memorabilia card inserts mixed in. Despite not having played a single professional baseball game yet, Jordan’s name recognition and mystique alone made these sets a huge collector success. Prices climbed rapidly on serial numbered parallels as Jordan mania gripped the hobby. Even basic commons fetched far above normal minor league prices.

The Pro Set Michael Jordan Minor League set took Jordan’s baseball cards to an even greater level. Pro Set produced a whopping 132 cards focused only on Jordan split between three differentParallel sets – Minor League, Minor League Autographs, and Minor League Memorabilia. The base Minor League set included plenty of on-field action shots along with biography and stats cards chronicling Jordan’s athletic background. Serial numbered parallels pushed the excitement and hype around an unknown future for Jordan in pro baseball to a fever pitch. Meanwhile, the autograph and memorabilia cards inserted were considered true prizes for collectors with only a handful produced.

While playing for the Birmingham Barons, Jordan’s baseball skills were put to the test during the 1994 season. As expected for a 31-year-old who hadn’t played competitive baseball in over a decade, Jordan struggled mightily at the plate. In 127 at-bats over the course of the season Jordan managed only a .202 batting average with just 3 home runs and 51 strikeouts. He showed average fielding abilities with decent speed for his age but lacked any real power hitting ability or plate discipline. Questions swirled about whether Jordan was really serious about making a career out of baseball or if it truly was just a publicity stunt before an inevitable NBA return.

That speculation ended abruptly in March 1995 when Jordan shockingly announced he would return to the NBA and the Chicago Bulls. Jordan cited his desire to prove he could still compete at a high level in basketball as his primary motivation rather than a failure in baseball. As one of the most anticipated sporting comebacks of all time, Jordan’s return sent shockwaves through the NBA and inspired fans around the world. It also gave his baseball cards a new dimension of intrigue as physical reminders of Jordan’s brief experiment playing another professional sport. Years later, many of those early baseball rookies from 1994 have grown to rival or surpass Jordan’s comparable rookie basketball cards in value.

While Jordan’s baseball career lasted less than a single season, collectors maintain tremendous interest in chronicling and celebrating this little known chapter of his biography. Many see Jordan’s attempt at baseball as a remarkable display of will, determination and competitive drive rather than a failure. His cards from 1994 served to freeze frame a moment in Jordan’s amazing journey and career that few saw coming. Interest remains strong for parallel and serial numbered autograph and memorabilia versions that push rarity and collectibility to a maximum. Meanwhile, basic commons continue to appeal to Jordan completionists and fans honoring the fact that he was brave enough to fulfill his baseball dreams, even if only for a short time. Overall, Michael Jordan’s baseball cards ensure this brief baseball interlude is not forgotten or overlooked within the context of his legendary athletic career and collectible endeavors.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 2023

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Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century and there are certain cards that are worth significantly more money than others. While the vast majority of baseball cards have little monetary value, there are some rare and iconic cards that can be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on their condition and year. Here are some of the baseball cards that are most likely to be worth money in 2023 based on recent sales and demand.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The crown jewel of baseball cards is the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Only around 60 authentic examples are known to exist and it is widely considered the most valuable trading card in the world. In recent years, Honus Wagner cards in top condition have sold for well over $1 million. Even lower graded versions can sell for six figures. The iconic status and rarity of the Honus Wagner make it the undisputed king when it comes to cards worth serious money.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is one of the most iconic in the hobby and highly sought after by collectors. Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and his rookie card captures him at the start of what would become a Hall of Fame career. High grade 1952 Topps Mantle rookies in mint condition have sold for over $2 million in recent years. More modestly graded copies can still fetch five and six figures.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Another card capturing a baseball legend at the very start of his career is the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth. Known for its beautifully illustrated design, the 1933 Goudey Ruth rookie has also cracked the million dollar mark in top condition. Even well-centered examples in lower grades with some issues can sell in the low six figures. The card’s rarity, subject, and iconic early design make this a highly valuable piece of collectible history.

1954 Topps Sandy Koufax – The 1954 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie is considered one of the key vintage rookie cards. Koufax went on to become one of the greatest pitchers ever, winning three Cy Young awards and one MVP during his brilliant but abbreviated career. High grade 1954 Topps Koufax rookies have sold for over $500,000 in recent years. Most graded examples still sell for five figures and up depending on condition.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – The 1957 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card captures “Hammerin’ Hank” in the early stages of his record-breaking career. Aaron went on to hit 755 home runs, setting one of baseball’s most enduring records. Pristine examples of Aaron’s 1957 Topps rookie in a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 grade have sold for over $350,000. Most graded versions still sell for low five figures and up.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – The 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card is highly sought after by collectors due to Ryan’s status as a pitcher’s pitcher with a record 7 no-hitters. Top graded versions have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Most graded examples in the PSA 8-10 range still sell for thousands. Even raw ungraded versions in excellent shape can be worth over $1,000 due to Ryan’s popularity and the iconic 1969 design.

1988 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. – Ken Griffey Jr. was a once-in-a-generation talent and his 1988 Topps rookie card is among the most iconic and valuable from the modern era. High grade PSA/BGS 10 examples have cracked the $100,000 mark in recent sales. Most graded versions still sell for thousands depending on condition. Even raw near-mint copies can sell for over $1,000 due to Griffey’s enduring popularity as one of the greats.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – While not quite as rare as the Wagner, high grade examples of the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card can still sell for six figures. Plank was a star pitcher for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s dynasty in the early 1900s. Only around 50 authentic Plank cards are known to exist in a landmark tobacco era design.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – Another key rare tobacco era star is Sherry Magee, who had a stellar career at the turn of the 20th century. His iconic T206 card has an estimated surviving population under 100 copies. Top grades have sold in the low six figures in recent years.

1957 Topps Willie Mays – Considered one of the greatest five-tool players ever, Willie Mays’ 1957 Topps rookie card is a highly coveted piece for vintage collectors. High grades have cracked six figures. Most graded examples still sell for thousands depending on condition.

There are certainly other vintage and modern rookie cards that can be worth money depending on the player and grade, but these represent some of the highest value baseball cards that smart investors target. Condition is absolutely critical, so investing in top graded gems or raw near-mint examples makes the most financial sense long term. While prices can fluctuate over time, iconic cards for all-time greats like Mantle, Ruth, Aaron and others should retain value as long as there is demand from collectors. With smart buying and selling, astute collectors can potentially make a nice return on baseball memorabilia investments.

1970 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1970 baseball card season was a transitional time for the sports collecting hobby. Following a period of dominance by Topps in the 1950s and 1960s, other competitors like Fleer and Kellogg’s began inserting themselves more aggressively into the baseball card market in the late 1960s. Meanwhile, players were pushing for higher payments for the usage of their names and likenesses on cards. All of these factors contributed to a 1970 season that featured multiple card manufacturers all trying to stand out, with many notorious short-prints and rookie cards that are highly valuable to collectors today.

Topps remained the 800-pound gorilla in 1970 with their main 660-card flagship set. For the first time they faced competition from Fleer, who released their second baseball card set after starting up again in 1966. The 1960 Fleer set is legendary for being one of the hobby’s first true “rookie card” releases, headlined by future Hall of Famers like Dick Allen and Lou Brock. In 1970, Fleer continued innovating by being the first to feature player information on the back of each card, as Topps hadn’t started the reverse stat tradition yet. Fleer’s 1970 set contains only 132 cards and is especially notable for including rookie cards of Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Joe Torre, and Tom Seaver.

Kellogg’s also began inserting baseball cards into boxes of their cereal in 1970. Their cards are quite varied in size and design compared to the traditional card manufacturers. As a promotional product more than a true “set,” the 1970 Kellogg’s cards seldom garner huge sums. The rookie card of Hall of Famer Tony Oliva from that year occasionally tops $1,000 in high-grade condition. Oliva’s is one of the more valuable non-Topps/Fleer rookie cards collectors seek.

Speaking of Topps, their 1970 offering as always contained the top veteran stars and hottest young prospects. Perhaps the single most notable card from that year’s set is the Bobby Orr card, commemorating the famed hockey player’s record-setting season. Orr cards from any sport are tremendously collectible, with the 1970 Topps baseball variation priced over $10,000 in top condition.

Another massive card from 1970 Topps worth mentioning is #1, the annual “poster” card featuring an action photo too large to comfortably fit into a standard baseball card slot. Mickey Mantle’s giant #1 card sells for upwards of $7,500 in mint condition due to his iconic status and the visual spectacle of the oversized card.

Some key high-dollar 1970 Topps rookie cards worth highlighting include Thurman Munson (#579), George Brett (#139), and Don Baylor (#610), all three of which can reach into four-figure territory depending on grade. Arguably the single most significant rookie from that year though is #232, Nolan Ryan of the Mets. Ryan’s first Topps issue is one of the true Holy Grails of the hobby, routinely hitting five-figures or more for pristine examples. Ryan went on to have an unprecedented 27-year career as one of the game’s most dominating pitchers ever.

Being one of the earliest Fleer sets, conditions on the 1970s are harder to find in high grades compared to later decades. The previously mentioned rookie cards of Reggie Jackson (#130), Tom Seaver (#136), and Joe Torre (#78) attain tremendous sums when they surface in mint condition. Based on his Hall of Fame career and lore as “Mr. October,” Jackson’s maiden Fleer card often exceeds $10,000 when it grades SGC/BGS Gem Mint 10. Both Seaver and Torre can also reach five-figures in pristine shape.

Additional 1970 Fleer rookies that hold value include Davey Lopes (#111), Bernie Carbo (#45), and Sparky Lyle (#126). Though not a rookie, one star’s 1970 Fleer issue particularly stands out – #99 featuring Oakland A’s slugger Reggie Jackson in the process of digging in at the plate with legendary intensity. Jackson’s aggressive batting stance captured on this card has made it hugely popular with collectors over the years despite it not being a true “first” card. Graded examples typically reach the $3,000-$5,000 price range.

When it comes to 1970 Kellogg’s cards, relative affordability and scarcity has to be considered versus the mainstream manufacturers. That said, there are still a few standouts like the previously noted Tony Oliva card that demand over $1,000 in flawless condition due to his excellence and Hall of Fame induction. Another impressive rookie from Kellogg’s ’70s is Tommie Agee of the Chicago White Sox, who had a solid career highlighted by a 1966 World Series MVP with the Mets. His scarce Kellogg’s first card can approach $500 for well-preserved copies.

In summary, 1970 was a watershed year that saw increasing competition disrupt Topps’ monopoly while also incubating iconic rookie cards. Names like Ryan, Jackson, Brett, and more started their journeys to Cooperstown. With multiple manufacturers all trying new ideas, the 1970 season created a lot of notable short-prints and varieties that maintain high values today. For collectors, the 1970s offer opportunities to acquire legendary early issues from familiar Hall of Famers for affordable prices compared to their even earlier cards, assuming the conditions can be found. After all these years, 1970 remains majestic in the eyes of many who love the cardboard history of America’s pastime.