Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE MAINE

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Baseball cards have been a beloved collectible item for over a century, with kids and adults alike enjoying searching packs for their favorite players or chasing rare and valuable cards. The hobby has continued to grow in popularity over the decades, and in the state of Maine there are many options for collectors to buy, sell, and trade baseball cards.

Whether you’re looking to build upon an existing collection, start a new collection, or sell off duplicates and cards of players you no longer follow, Maine offers various avenues. Some of the top places collectors in the state turn to include local card shops, card shows, online marketplaces, and peer-to-peer selling platforms.

Local card shops like Past Time Cards in Portland and The Card Shop in Bangor are mainstays for many collectors in Southern and Central Maine. Both shops maintain extensive inventories of new and vintage baseball cards available to buy either loose or in factory-sealed wax packs and boxes. They also provide a space for collectors to meet, trade, and talk baseball. Shop owners are knowledgeable about the hobby and can help collectors locate specific chase cards.

For those wanting to cast a wider net, some of the largest and most well-attended card shows in New England take place annually in Maine. The Southern Maine Sports Card & Memorabilia Show happens each January in Portland, drawing hundreds of dealers selling everything from common cards to rare game-used memorabilia. In July, the Bangor Card & Memorabilia Show transforms the Cross Insurance Center into a baseball card lover’s paradise. Both shows give collectors a fun day to peruse tables in search of deals.

Online marketplaces like eBay and Mercari have become very popular for collectors in Maine to buy and sell cards remotely. With the click of a button, it expands the potential buyer or seller pool across the entire country. Sites like eBay especially see high card volumes daily. Condition and rarety are important to evaluate on any vintage listing. For authenticated autographed rookie cards of star players, prices can soar into the thousands.

Peer-to-peer Facebook groups focused on Maine sports cards are another effective selling avenue. The largest groups have thousands of members across the state actively buying and selling. Photos are posted of individual cards or entire collections for sale, with secure payment and shipping typically handled through established online platforms. This allows collectors to keep trades local.

While the above options represent some of the most well-traveled paths, collectors should also be on the lookout for pop-up card shops or shows that periodically open in areas like Old Orchard Beach, Freeport or Waterville. Smaller local card stores not focused solely on sports may also carry limited baseball supplies. Yard sales or thrift stores can occasionally yield unexpected finds too.

Whether just starting out or a seasoned veteran, the opportunities to buy and sell baseball cards are plentiful for collectors residing in Maine. With the combination of brick-and-mortar shops, large-scale shows, online marketplaces and social media, finding those key cards to add to your collection or offloading duplicates has never been easier in the Pine Tree State. The community of collectors also helps keeps the rich tradition alive for future generations.

1994 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1994 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and highly sought after sets in the modern era of card collecting. Issued at the height of baseball’s steroid era, the 1994 Topps set showcased dominant sluggers like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and the set’s flagship player, Barry Bonds. With 762 total cards in the base set plus additional insert sets, the 1994 Topps cards gave collectors a snapshot into the raw power being displayed on the diamond during that time.

Topps had the baseball card license locked down in 1994, so they were able to fully capitalize on the excitement around the game. The steroid controversy was still somewhat under the radar, allowing collectors to simply enjoy the mammoth home runs and video game like statistics certain sluggers were putting up. For many kids in the 90s, the 1994 Topps cards were their introduction to future Hall of Famers and the stars who defined that era.

At the forefront of the ’94 Topps set was San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds. After winning his first MVP award in 1993, Bonds was pictured in the classic “home run” pose on the very coveted #1 card in the set. Bonds would go on to hit .476 with 37 home runs and 123 RBI’s that season, winning his second consecutive MVP. His staggering numbers made him the perfect showcase player to highlight the power of that year’s crop of hitters.

Ken Griffey Jr. also landed one of the prized cardboard spots at #65. Fresh off back-to-back seasons with over 40 home runs for the Seattle Mariners, “The Kid” was already one of the most exciting players in the game at just 24 years old. Griffey’s sweet left-handed swing and effortless grace in centerfield translated perfectly to his 1994 Topps card, which is among the most iconic in the hobby.

Other stars who were prominently featured in the 1994 set included Frank Thomas (#145), Roberto Alomar (#168), Gregg Jefferies (#270) and Don Mattingly (#598). But the real allure of ’94 Topps came from chasing the complete 762 card base set and various hard-to-find chase cards inserted throughout. Among the special parallel sets were Topps Finest, Topps Special Edition, and Topps Extra.

For collectors, some of the toughest pulls from 1994 Topps included the elusive printing plate cards and elusive stadium photo variation cards. Only 50 printing plates were produced for the entire set, with each player’s plate card randomly inserted. Similarly, there were just 50 stadium variation cards showing action shots from specific ballparks. Ultra-rare short prints like the Edgar Martinez (#373) and Ivan Rodriguez (#590) cards have achieved legendary status among traders due value and mystique.

The design aesthetic of 1994 Topps had great eye appeal as well. With bold color schemes, dynamic action photos and quality stock cardboard, the cards maintain their visual pop even after almost 30 years. The borders are a brighter red than previous Topps releases and each player’s team name and logo are prominently displayed. The simplicity and focus on photography make ’94 Topps cards hold up well against modern designs.

As the years passed and players from the 1994 set neared retirement, collectors grew increasingly nostalgic for their childhood hobby. Meanwhile, the performance stats and home run totals from the steroid era took on a mythical status. In the hobby, it all combined to drive values of complete 1994 Topps sets and individual stars sky high. Today, a pristine near-mint condition run of the base cards can fetch thousands of dollars. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey and Bonds regularly pull in hundreds apiece, even in well-worn shape.

In the decades since their initial release, 1994 Topps baseball cards have attained legendary status among collectors and become synonymous with the steroid era of the 1990s. They captured one of the most powerful offensive periods in the sports history and connected a whole generation of fans to the superhuman achievements they witnessed. As long as there are people reminiscing nostalgically about their childhood and wanting a tangible piece of sports history, demand for complete ’94 Topps sets will remain strong. The iconic photography, all-time great athletes, and mystique of chasing elusive chase cards cement this collection among the most beloved in the hobby.

MOST VALUABLE BOWMAN 1989 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is highly regarded by collectors due to the quality rookie cards it featured. While not the most iconic rookie class of the late 80s/early 90s era, the ’89 Topps set launched the cardboard careers of stars like Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Randy Johnson. As a result, certain cards from this 700+ card release hold significant value, especially in high grade. Here are the five most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 pop reports and recent auction prices.

Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 19 years old, Griffey burst onto the MLB scene in 1989 with an impressive rookie campaign where he smacked 26 home runs and drove in 67 runs for the Seattle Mariners. His athleticism and immense talent marked him as a future superstar. Naturally, his rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1989 Topps set. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, it has reached upwards of $6,000 at auction. Even in lower grades from 8-9, it can still pull $150-$500. Griffey’s dominance and popularity as “The Kid” ensures this will remain one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards.

Barry Larkin – Most consider Larkin one of the greatest shortstops of all time, known for his defensive wizardry and clutch hitting during his Hall of Fame career spent entirely with the Cincinnati Reds. His rookie card shows promise of that excellence to come. In a PSA 10, it has sold for over $1,000, clearly making it the second most desirable card from the ’89 set. Like Griffey, even well-centered lower grade versions hold value ranging from $50-250 depending on condition.

Greg Maddux – One of the most dominating and consistent pitchers ever, Maddux is remembered as a master of pinpoint control and changing speeds to outwit hitters. His early years showed that brilliance beginning, as his outstanding rookie campaign helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the NL East title. Predictably, his rookie card garners high demand from collectors. PSA 10s have hit around $800 while 8-9s go between $75-200.

Randy Johnson – Big Unit’s huge 6’10” frame and pure gas made him one of the most intimidating hurlers to ever toe the rubber. His rookie card is particularly sought after given his explosive career evolution from inconsistent young starter into arguably the greatest lefty of all time. Johnson’s card has topped $500 in Gem Mint. More common mid-range examples still sell for $50-150 based on condition.

Barry Bonds – As one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history and still the all-time single season record holder, Bonds is forever enshrined in the sport’s record books. His promising rookie season foreshadowed greatness to come. As a result, his ’89 Topps RC is another in high demand. In a flawless PSA 10 grade, it has reached up to $450 at auction when elite examples become available. Mid-range 8-9 copies trade hands from $75-200.

While not quite as iconic or valuable as sets like 1987 and 1988 Topps, the 1989 release does hold significance both on the diamond through star rookies and in the collecting marketplace. As long as demand remains high for the talents of Griffey, Larkin, Maddux, Johnson, and Bonds, their rookie cards should continue appreciating over time. For today’s investors and enthusiasts, hunting down pristine copies in strong grades represents an opportunity to own influential pieces of baseball history at the players’ earliest cardboard stages. The 1989 Topps set launched careers that took the sport to new heights and still invigorate collector passion decades later.

BEST APP TO SCAN BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball card collecting has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years. With more and more people getting back into collecting or starting new collections, the need for efficient ways to catalog and track cards has also increased. Thankfully, advances in technology have provided collectors with several excellent mobile app options for scanning their baseball card collections. In this article, we will explore some of the top apps available for scanning baseball cards and discuss their key features.

TopCard Mobile App

One of the most full-featured and popular scanning apps is TopCard. With over 10 million scans completed by users, it has emerged as the industry standard scanning solution. The app allows you to scan the front and back of a card with your phone’s camera, and it will automatically detect the card and add it to your collection database. Key features include:

Automatic detection of most modern baseball cards from the major manufacturers like Topps, Upper Deck, etc. This saves a lot of time versus manually entering details.

Detailed card database with prices and conditions. As you scan cards, it references against the internal database to autofill key details. You can also manually enter details for older/obscure cards.

Cloud sync and backup. Your entire collection and scan history is securely stored in the cloud and accessible from any device with the app installed. This allows you to protect your collection from loss.

Price guide and valuation features. See estimated current market values for your scanned cards based on their condition, serial number, and other attributes. Helps track collection value over time.

Social features. Connect your collection to the TopCard community to follow friends, join group breaks, and show off rare cards.

Regular database and feature updates. New cards are added frequently, and the developer continuously enhances the scanning engine and adds new tools.

While a paid subscription is required for all features, TopCard is worth considering for its industry-leading scanning capabilities and robust feature set. A basic free version also allows scanning a limited number of cards.

Collector’s Assistant App

Another highly capable option is Collector’s Assistant, which has a similar feature set to TopCard but with a few differentiators. Key pros include:

One-time purchase with no subscription fees afterwards. A lifelong license can be a better value for long-term collectors.

Supports scanning autographs and memorabilia in addition to standard cards. Useful for collections containing more than just cardboard.

Integrates directly with trading card database websites like Beckett, PSA, and BVG. Streamlines researching obscure items without third-party sites.

Custom collection views and advanced sorting/filtering. Organize physically or virtually in many customizable ways.

Extensive manual entry options. Perfect for entering vintage cards or items not in the app’s database.

Backup/restore to external storage. Provides redundancy beyond cloud for mission-critical collection data.

While not quite as full-featured out of the box compared to TopCard, Collector’s Assistant is a highly capable scanning solution and database manager without ongoing subscription costs. The one-time license fee may make it more economical for serious collectors.

Other Notable Apps

A few other scanning apps worth mentioning that have loyal followings within the baseball card community include:

Sports Card Collector – Free app with basic scanning and database features. Good starting point but more limited than paid options.

Collector Universe – Scanning plus social features and connection to Beckett grading history look-ups. Focuses more on authentication.

Trading Card Database – Huge database of checklists and values, less emphasis on scanning but great companion to other apps. Web/mobile access.

Card Ninja – Simple and intuitive scanning interface. Good for quick mobile scans but lacks robust database features of TopCard or Collector’s Assistant.

Collectr – Similar to TopCard but with subscription or one-time purchase options. Robust but not quite as polished an experience overall.

TopCard and Collector’s Assistant are the top recommendations due to their fully-featured scanning, database management, and valuation tools. But the other options also have loyal followings and offer some unique benefits too.

Scanning Tips and Best Practices

No matter which app you choose, there are some best practices that will help you get the cleanest, most accurate scans:

Use a scanning mat or backdrop. This provides contrast to help the app better detect card edges and filter out background clutter.

Make sure both the front and back are fully illuminated. Bright, even lighting is key for top scan quality.

Hold cards flat and steady. Avoid any shadows, glare, or movement which can cause recognition errors.

Clean cards first if very dirty or worn. Grime can interfere with detection, but be gentle – don’t damage surfaces.

Adjust focus before scanning. Make sure the app can clearly see all card details at maximum resolution.

Retake scans if needed. Don’t be afraid to redo problem scans until you’re fully satisfied with the result.

Organize cards in scanning order. Group by team, year, sport, etc. This streamlines the process.

With practice, you’ll be able to quickly capture perfect scans of even your most valuable vintage cardboard. Taking care with setup and technique pays off with pristine digital copies of your collection.

Whether you’re a casual collector or serious investor, mobile scanning apps provide an invaluable tool for digitally cataloging baseball card collections. Top options like TopCard and Collector’s Assistant set the standard, with robust features for scanning, database management, research, and more. Whichever app you choose based on your needs and budget, digitizing your collection brings major benefits like convenience, security, organization, and valuation tracking. Scanning is truly a game-changer for modern-day collectors.

TOPPS 1958 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1958 Topps baseball card set was the seventh series of baseball cards produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. and is considered a classic among baseball card collectors and historians. Issued in 1958, the set features all players from the 1957 Major League Baseball season and highlights several interesting facts and milestones from that year.

Some key things to know about the 1958 Topps set include that it contains 518 total cards – 516 individual player and manager cards along with two league leader proof cards bringing the total to 518. The design departs slightly from the previous year’s Topps set by featuring completely different border designs including prominent team logos at the top left corner and fun patriotic borders coloring the sides and bottom of each card. Another notable design change was the elimination of the player’s and manager’s signature that had been featured on the bottom of cards in the ’57 Topps set.

The 1958 Topps set is especially notable for showcasing careers, milestones and seasons of several all-time great players and Hall of Famers. For example, the cards highlight the final seasons of legendary New York Giants outfielder Willie Mays, Detroit Tigers great Al Kaline, and Boston Red Sox first baseman Ted Williams. Williams’ 1958 card commemorates his final at-bat and hit in the majors, a home run. Other notable Hall of Famers showcased include Orlando Cepeda, Eddie Mathews, and Richie Ashburn among many others.

Beyond individual stars, the ’58 Topps set also highlighted championship teams from 1957 including the World Series champion Milwaukee Braves and All-Star squads. 1957 had been a memorable season that saw the Braves defeat the New York Yankees for their first World Series title since moving to Milwaukee in 1953. Many cards from the 1958 set depict All-Star players and starters from the 1957 Midsummer Classic that was hosted in historic St. Louis at Sportsman’s Park.

In addition to star players and teams, the 1958 Topps issue also marks several more obscure milestones and “firsts.” For example, card #13 features San Francisco Giants pitcher Stu Miller, who recorded the first save in Major League history during the 1957 campaign. Additionally, 1958 would be the final Topps card to include legendary minor league pitcher, manager, and executive Charlie Metro as he passed away prior to the 1959 season at the age of 65.

The condition and demand of specific cards and players from the 1958 Topps set has varied greatly over the decades. Generally speaking, the condition of the cards from this period were not as carefully preserved as modern issues. High-grade specimens of stars like Mays, Kaline, Williams and others consistently achieve strong prices in the collector marketplace. Rarer short-print and error cards have also gained notoriety including the #130 Billy Gardner card that was accidentally printed with no photo opening.

The 1958 Topps baseball card set holds an important place in the history of the hobby as both a classic mid-century issue and one that encapsulated careers of all-time legends on the verge of retirement. While condition challenges exist, the iconic designs, star power and unique snapshots in time continue capturing the imaginations of collectors decades later. Whether chasing personal collection goals or making a sound investment, 1958 Topps remains a highly coveted release that defined the post-war peak of the traditional “bubblegum” baseball card era.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 1960s

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The 1960s were a golden age for baseball card collecting. Stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax and Hank Aaron graced the fronts of Topps, Fleer and other card brands during this decade. For collectors today looking to build sets or find vintage gems, 1960s baseball cards remain a popular option to pursue.

Topps dominated the baseball card market in the 1960s. They produced annual sets each year from 1960 through 1969. The 1960 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic of the decade with clean designs and classic photos of the era’s biggest names. A near mint condition Mickey Mantle rookie card from 1960’s Topps series in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can fetch over $500,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies still sell for thousands.

Other key 1960s Topps sets to watch for include 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968. The 1961 issue marked the debut of the modern 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ card size still used today. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Seaver from 1967 are also highly sought after. The 1968 Topps set featured the final cards for legends like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays before their retirements.

While Topps ruled, Fleer also made attempts to break into the baseball card market during the 1960s. In 1961, Fleer produced the first modern gum-less card set. However, Topps owned the exclusive rights to produce cards with gum. As a result, Fleer cards from 1961 are extremely rare today. Just over 400 complete sets are known to exist. Individual cards can sell for thousands in top grades.

Fleer’s 1963 and 1964 issues were more widely distributed but are still quite scarce compared to Topps products. Their designs were simpler compared to the elaborate photography of Topps. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Gary Peters are key chase cards. Fleer’s 1966 and 1967 sets featured the company’s attempts at more creative designs like action shots and team logos.

Outside of the big two manufacturers, other 1960s brands included Post Cereal issues in 1961 and 1962. These featured Frank Torre and Bob Aspromonte among the rookie cards. Candy manufacturer Leaf also released regional sets targeting the Midwest in 1965 and 1966. Their designs were similar to Topps but production was low.

When searching for 1960s baseball cards to buy, there are several factors to examine that determine value:

Condition: Even minor wear can decrease value significantly. Top grades of NM-MT 7 and above are ideal.

Scarcity: Rarer sets like 1961 Fleer are exponentially more valuable intact than common issues.

Authenticity: Reproductions exist, so buy from reputable sources with a return policy.

Rookie cards: Stars’ first card years are key, like Seaver’s 1967 Topps RC.

Star players: Mantle, Mays, Koufax are always in high demand from collectors.

Complete sets: Having a full 1960s Topps or Fleer set is an achievement for any collector.

Whether pursuing complete sets, individual star cards or just enjoying the designs, 1960s baseball cards remain a staple for collectors. Condition is critical to value, so patience is required to find high grade examples from this classic decade in the hobby’s history. For those willing to search, the 1960s can still yield treasures to enjoy for years to come.

MCGWIRE BASEBALL CARDS

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Mark McGwire, better known as “Big Mac,” had one of the most impressive careers in Major League Baseball history. As one of the game’s most prolific home run hitters, McGwire’s accomplishments garnered national attention and made his baseball cards extremely popular collectibles.

McGwire made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 1986. His rookie cards from that season are not nearly as valuable as those from later in his career. While debut seasons usually garner low print runs, McGwire was still an unknown commodity in 1986 and his rookie cards can often be found for under $10.

It was in 1987 that collectors started taking notice of McGwire. He launched 19 homers that season to establish himself as a budding power threat. His 1987 Donruss and Topps rookie cards started increased in value, though remained relatively affordable for new collectors. By 1989 though, McGwire’s cards were on the verge of stratospheric appreciation.

That’s because in 1989, McGwire exploded onto the national scene by blasting an MLB-leading 49 home runs. At age 25, he established the single-season rookie home run record. His impressive power display made McGwire a household name and immediately skyrocketed the value of his available baseball cards, especially from 1987-1989.

Leading up to the 1990s, McGwire’s 1989 Topps and Donruss rookie cards had ascended to the $100-200 range. But it was in the steroid era of the late 90s when McGwire’s cards reached their apex in terms of value, demand and collectibility.

In 1997, McGwire dueled with Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa in a home run race for the ages as the two shattered Roger Maris’ single season record of 61 home runs. McGwire ultimately won the race by crushing an unbelievable 70 longballs, annihilating the record.

The excitement and intensity surrounding McGwire and Sosa’s pursuit of Maris captivated the country. They were national superstars and the MLB even experienced its first ratings increase in years as people tuned in daily to see if McGwire or Sosa could top Maris.

Naturally, as McGwire’s on-field exploits reached their zenith in 1998, so too did the demand for his impressive baseball card collection. His 1989 Topps and Donruss rookie cards skyrocketed in value to thousands of dollars apiece. Even his common cards from the late 80s and 90s trading upwards of $100 a piece.

For the ultra-rare and highly-sought after McGwire rookie cards, prices reached previously unfathomable highs. His 1986 Fleer rookie card achieved auction prices above $25,000. Meanwhile, his indispensable 1987 Topps Traded and 1987 Tiffany rookie cards established records by selling for over $100,000 each.

Unfortunately for McGwire collectors, the steroid scandal that enveloped baseball in the early 2000s took much of the shine off of his accomplishments. When he admitted to using steroids during his record-setting 1997-98 seasons, the legitimacy of those feats were called into question.

As a result, the demand for McGwire’s prized rookie cards cooled considerably in the wake of the scandal. Prices fell sharply from their astronomical peaks. Today, while still highly collectible, the biggest McGwire rookies have settled in the $5,000-15,000 range depending on condition rather than 6-figure sums.

Nevertheless, McGwire still possesses some of the most historically-significant baseball cards of the modern era. As one of the first true “monster mashers” of the power surge 1990s, he broke records that captivated fans. Even with steroids tainting his legacy, McGwire’s baseball cards document one of the game’s all-time prodigious home run hitters and will remain a crucial part of the sport’s collectible history.

MOJOBREAK BASEBALL CARDS AND MORE

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Mojobreak Baseball Cards and More: Your One-Stop Shop for Sports Cards, Memorabilia, and Collectibles

Since 1992, Mojobreak Baseball Cards and More has been one of the premier sports collectibles stores in the Midwest. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Mojobreak offers a massive selection of baseball, football, basketball and hockey cards from the vintage era all the way up to the present day. In addition to cards, the store also stocks an extensive array of signed memorabilia, autographed photos and balls, jerseys, bobbleheads, and more from some of the biggest names in sports history.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector searching for that elusive rookie card to complete your set or a casual fan looking to start a new hobby, Mojobreak has what you need at competitive prices. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer advice, appraisals, and assistance to help customers build or curate their collections. Beyond purchases, the store also hosts regular events including group breaks, meet-and-greets with retired players, autograph signings, and card shows attracting collectors from across the Midwest and beyond.

Baseball Card Selection
Mojobreak prides itself on maintaining one of the most extensive baseball card inventories in the country, spanning all eras from the late 1800s T206 tobacco cards up to the present day. Some highlights of their impressive baseball card selection include:

Vintage: An amazing array of pre-war tobacco cards like 1909-11 T206, 1914 Cracker Jack, 1933 Goudey Big League Chewing Gum, and others. Rarer vintage singles and complete sets available.

1950s-1970s: Iconic baseball cards from the 1950s-70s golden era including 1952 Topps, 1957 Topps,1968 Topps, and complete flagship Topps and Kellogg’s 3D sets.

1980s: Mojobreak offers a deep selection of commons and stars from the 1980s explosion of the hobby like 1983 Topps Traded, 1984 Donruss, and 1986 Fleer flagship rookies.

1990s: Rosters of All-Stars and Hall of Famers from the 1990s can be found including 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr., 1991 Ultra Mark McGwire, and 1994 Score Juan Gonzalez.

2000s-present: Every year of modern baseball cards stocked with rookie cards, parallels, autographs and more including 2018 Topps Update Shohei Ohtani and 2021 Topps Series 2 Bo Bichette.

Signed Memorabilia and Autographed Items
Beyond just cards, Mojobreak has established itself as a destination for authenticated signed sports collectibles. Their cases are filled with hundreds of memorabilia pieces signed by the legends of all the major sports including:

Bats, balls, photos and jersey pieces signed by stars from Babe Ruth and Ted Williams to Hank Aaron, Mike Trout and more.

Rosters of football Hall of Famers like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Walter Payton represented with signed helmets, photos and balls.

Authenticated signatures of basketball icons Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on cards, jerseys and more.

Pucks, sticks and photos bearing the autographs of hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.

An On-Site Grading Service
While at Mojobreak, customers are encouraged to take advantage of their on-site grading services provided through a partnership with respected third party authentication companies like PSA, SGC and BGS. Having cards professionally graded greatly enhances resale value while also protecting cards in durable plastic slabs. Services include:

Standard grading turnaround times of 2-4 weeks on most submissions.

Same day Express grading options for urgent submissions.

Unlimited resubmit privileges for cards that don’t meet a customer’s grade expectations.

Bulk submission discounts for customers with larger collections to grade.

Complimentary inspection of raw cards to assess grade prior to submitting.

Online Store and Social Media
In addition to visiting their brick and mortar location, collectors can also shop Mojobreak’s extensive inventory online at Mojobreak.com. The user-friendly website allows searching by sport, player and year, with detailed photos accompanying new inventory added daily. Cards, memorabilia and supplies can be easily purchased and shipped worldwide.

Mojobreak is also highly active across social media platforms. Their Facebook page provides a behind-the-scenes look at the store with photos of new arrivals and event coverage. The company also has a strong presence on Instagram highlighting individual cards, collections and special in-store finds. On Twitter, the Mojobreak account interacts with the collector community answering questions and staying up to date on the latest hobby news and releases.

Community Engagement and Events
Mojobreak prides itself on being more than just a store – they aim to foster a true community atmosphere among collectors of all sports and experience levels. Through regular meetups, the staff forms relationships with customers and other enthusiasts that last for years. Some of their most popular annual events include:

Vintage Card Shows in April and October that fill the store with tables of vintage dealers.

National Baseball Card Day in August with pack break promotions and giveaways.

Black Friday Box and Case Break Blowout with attendees competing for hit cards alongside staff members.

Holiday Customer Appreciation Party featuring food/drinks and chances to win store credit.

This dedication to community engagement is what has kept Mojobreak as Omaha’s hometown sports collectibles destination for three decades running. Whether you’re a new collector browsing their huge selection or a veteran completing vintage sets, their knowledgeable staff and community-focused approach ensures a welcoming visiting experience. So for all your sports card, memorabilia and grading needs, Mojobreak Baseball Cards and More remains the premier Midwestern destination.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS THROUGH THE YEARS

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Bowman Baseball Cards: A Brief History from 1948 to Today

Bowman Gum Company has been producing baseball cards for over 70 years, documenting players, teams, and the evolution of America’s pastime through colorful cardboard collectibles. What started as a small promotion for their chewing gum has grown into one of the hobby’s most iconic brands. Let’s take a look at the rich history of Bowman baseball cards through the decades.

The Early Years (1948-1955)

Bowman debuted their first baseball card set in 1948, including 160 black-and-white cards inserted into packs of gum. Some notable rookie cards from that inaugural set include future Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Roy Campanella, and Hank Aaron. The 1949 and 1950 issues continued in a similar vein before Bowman made the jump to color photos starting in 1951. These early Bowman sets helped popularize the modern baseball card collecting craze.

Golden Age of Design (1956-1961)

The mid-1950s saw Bowman hit their creative stride with innovative card designs and colorful illustrations. The 1956 set showcased action shots on a yellow background, while 1957 switched to close-up headshots on a light blue field. Perhaps the most iconic Bowman design came in 1958, featuring borderless close-cropped portraits on a white background. These simple yet striking cards captured the essence of the players and established a classic Bowman aesthetic.

Topps Dominance and Bowman’s Hiatus (1962-1981)

In 1962, Topps gained the exclusive Major League Baseball license, forcing Bowman out of the standard size card market. They continued to produce smaller 3×5 photo cards into the mid-1960s before discontinuing baseball cards altogether. During their absence, Topps established themselves as the clear market leader. Bowman wouldn’t return to the hobby until 1981.

The Comeback Kid (1981-1994)

Bowman made their long awaited return in 1981 with a set featuring player photos on a blue bordered design. They hit the ground running with innovative initiatives like the ’82 set featuring team logos and the ’83 issue containing oddball parallel subsets. The late 1980s saw Bowman introduce exciting rookie cards of future stars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. While still playing second fiddle to Topps, Bowman had reestablished themselves as a major force.

Modern Era Innovation (1995-Present)

Starting in 1995, Bowman began releasing sets at a much faster annual cadence with innovative concepts. Highlights include the premiere Bowman Chrome and Draft Picks & Prospects sets focusing on minor leaguers in 1996, as well as introducing autographs and memorabilia cards in the late 1990s. Into the 2000s, Bowman continued finding new ways to spotlight prospects with releases like Prospect Premieres, Draft, and Best of the Best. Today, Bowman issues over a dozen baseball card products each year across multiple tiers, documenting the next generation of MLB stars from prospect to professional.

Over its 70+ year history, Bowman Baseball has grown from a small regional gum company insert set into one of the hobby’s cornerstone brands. Through innovative designs, attention to prospects, and documenting the game’s rich history, Bowman cards continue to capture the essence of America’s pastime on cardboard. Their iconic designs and rookie cards of legends cement Bowman’s place as a standard bearer in the collecting community for generations to come. Whether reliving childhood memories or discovering future Hall of Famers, Bowman Baseball cards remain a gateway for fans new and old to experience the joy of the game.

1974 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS GALLERY

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The 1974 Topps baseball card set was the 23rd series issued by Topps and featured photos and player information from the 1973 MLB season. Some key highlights and facts about the 1974 Topps set include:

The set contains 660 total cards and was sold in wax paper packs with 3 cards per pack. The design features color photos of players in action shots on a white background with team logos at the top. Player names and positions are printed below photos along with career stats on the back. The design is very similar to the two previous season’s sets.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt, Craig Nettles, and Ron Guidry are found in the 1974 set. Other notable rookies included future 20-game winner Ed Whitson and Bruce Sutter, who would go on to save 300 career games. The highest numbered card is #660 featuring Dodgers reliever Jim Brewer.

The set is highlighted by the final cards of recently retired all-time greats including Hank Aaron (#12), Willie Mays (#20), Eddie Mathews (#22), and Roberto Clemente (#55). Clemente’s card took on additional significance as he tragically died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua at the age of 38.

Topps continued the “Traded” subset introduced the previous year to spotlight players who were traded during the offseason. 26 cards in the 1974 set feature a small “T” logo at the top indicating the player was traded in 1972-73. Notable traded players include Reggie Jackson (from Athletics to Orioles), Nolan Ryan (from Mets to Angels), and Gaylord Perry (from Indians to Rangers).

The highest valued cards in the 1974 set include the Mike Schmidt (#583) and Ron Guidry (#601) rookies, as well as the final Hank Aaron (#12) and Roberto Clemente (#55) cards. High-grade examples of these cards in mint condition have sold for thousands of dollars each. Other premium cards include the Reggie Jackson (#76T) and Nolan Ryan (#91T) traded subsets.

While not as iconic or collectible as some other vintage sets, 1974 Topps remains a historic issue that captured the final season stats and photos of all-time great sluggers Aaron and Clemente. For fans and collectors, it also provides the first card glimpses of future Hall of Fame talents like Schmidt, Nettles, and Guidry. The design is clean and straightforward, allowing the photography and stories of these legendary ballplayers to shine through.

Over the decades, the 1974 Topps set has grown in popularity as more collectors seek to complete full vintage runs or explore the rookie cards and traded subsets. While a complete set in good condition can still be acquired for a reasonable price relative to some other years, individual high-value cards command premium prices. For baseball card historians and aficionados of the 1970s era, the 1974 Topps issue remains an important set worth exploring for its memorable photos and marking a transition period between the dawn of the modern baseball card boom and the sport’s cultural dominance of the upcoming decade.