FIVE BELOW BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Five Below is a discount retail store that primarily sells products for $5 or less, known for their wide selection of toys, games, candy, electronics, and more. In recent years, Five Below has expanded their offerings to include sports collectibles like baseball cards, providing budget-friendly options for collectors of all ages and experience levels.

Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, allowing fans to own pieces of their favorite players, teams, and moments from the game’s history. The hobby has often been seen as expensive, with valuable vintage cards or special premium card releases priced out of reach for many. Five Below aims to make baseball cards more accessible and affordable for casual collectors on a tight budget.

Their baseball card selection varies but typically includes a few different newly released premium sets alongside value packs of older cards from the 2000s and 1990s. Some examples of what can be found include 2002 Donruss packs, 1999 Fleer Tradition packs, 2021 Topps Series 2 hanger boxes, and 2021 Topps Big League value packs. Occasionally exclusive Five Below exclusive assortments are produced as well.

While Five Below cards won’t yield rare Griffey rookie cards or $100 autos, they provide an inexpensive entry point and fun surprise factor that many new collectors enjoy. Opening packs is half the fun, even if the odds of landing star hits are lower than pricier wax. With packs usually costing $1-3 each, it allows fans to rip multiple packs and build sets more reasonably.

The variety found also exposes collectors to different card designs, player photos, uniform variations, and team logos spanning several decades of baseball history. Even common cards from past eras can be interesting to look through, helping educate new fans on players from before their time. Organization and storage is half the fun, whether showing off completed sets or arranging cards in traditional binder pages.

Perhaps the best value can come from Five Below’s occasional discounted assortments. Previous examples include a 50-card value pack of 2010 Topps baseball cards for $3, or 150 Topps series 1 and 2 commons from 2018-2020 for $5 total. Deals like this provide an abundance of cards to meaningfully build sets, player collections, or fuel trade fodder for just pocket change.

Of course, the secondary market value of Five Below cards will be quite low compared to mint graded gems. For collection purposes instead of investment, they represent a low-stakes way for budget collectors to participate. Kids especially can enjoy ripping packs and assembling complete rosters without fears of damaging expensive cards. It fosters a love of the card collecting hobby without heavy financial commitment.

While retailers hope impulse buys lead to higher-priced future purchases, Five Below’s selection remains honest about the product quality offered compared to premium memorabilia. For those wanting to try collecting on a tight budget or give the gift of packs to young baseball fans, their baseball cards hit the right inexpensive sweet spot. Multi-packs provide social fun for family outings too, whether trying to build sets cooperatively or competing to gather favorites players.

Overall, Five Below has intelligently cornered a niche within the wider baseball card market. Their frequent assortments keep the browsing experience fresh for collectors, whether dropping in occasionally or perusing new releases each trip. Whether the goal is fun cards for kids or affordable ways for adults to quietly feed their collection habit, Five Below serves it up for five bucks and under. As baseball card collecting continues growing more mainstream and accessible for all, their selection should remain an inexpensive introduction many enjoy.

TOPPS 85 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1985 Topps baseball card set was a truly iconic release from the hobby’s leading manufacturer. Issued during America’s pastime’s golden age, the ’85 Topps cards captured the sport at the peak of its popularity and have remained beloved by collectors for decades.

Featuring 660 total cards, the 1985 set showcased every active major league player and manager from that season. Some of the biggest stars of the era like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Andre Dawson, and Dave Winfield graced the fronts of many collector’s prized cards. Rookies like Bret Saberhagen, Stanley Jefferson (better known as Milt Cuyler), and Mark Salas also debuted in the 1985 set that served as their official rookie cards.

Aesthetically, the 1985 Topps design had a classic, no-frills look that remains timeless. Bright team color borders surrounded each player’s photo with their name, team, position, and batting or pitching stats printed plainly below. The simple yet effective layout allowed the photography and subjects to take center stage. Topps often utilized unique action shots that captured the energy and excitement of America’s national pastime.

Beyond the physical cards themselves, there were also several memorable variations and inserts in the 1985 Topps set. The Super Veteran Subset paid homage to players with 10 or more years of major league service like Steve Carlton, Fergie Jenkins, and Mike Schmidt. Other special parallels included die-cut cards, gilded foil cards, and oddball photography variations that intrigued collectors.

Perhaps most renowned were the 12 Superstar cards featuring the biggest names in the game like Wade Boggs (#22), Rickey Henderson (#51), and Dwight Gooden (#177) that were emblazoned with foil lettering on a gold background. These parallel versions remain among the most coveted and valuable cards from the entire 1980s decade.

Beyond its compelling on-card content, the 1985 Topps set also carried significant nostalgia and cultural cachet. Issued during baseball’s golden era of the 1980s when stars like Gibson, Gwynn, Ripken Jr., and others were in their prime, the cards channeled the nationwide passion for America’s favorite pastime. Everyone from kids on playgrounds to adults at ballgames collected and traded these iconic cardboard treasures.

The 1985 Topps set also holds relevance as a snapshot of MLB during pivotal transition. It was the first year that player’s union contracts standardized the size and shape of cards. The final season before the arrival of ultra-modern stadiums like Camden Yards also makes the ‘85s a link bridging baseball’s past and future. Nostalgia for the era further fuels collector demand for these authentic relics of the sport’s history.

While production numbers were enormous for 1985 Topps, not all cards have stood the test of time equally. Higher graded examples of the most coveted rookies and stars regularly sell for thousands in auctions today. Iconic specimens like the superstar parallel of Roberto Clemente (#164), one of the last images taken of the legendary Pirates outfielder before his tragic death, can fetch over $10,000 in pristine condition.

Even relatively common players hold nostalgic value when preserved in high grade. The sheer number of factor-sealed unopened 1985 wax packs still existing also adds to the collectability of complete sets. Many regard building a full 660-card rainbow of prospective grades as a lifelong dream project.

In the over 35 years since their original release, the 1985 Topps baseball cards have only grown more beloved with collectors old and new. They were the last truly “vintage” design before modern embellishments and serve as a compelling historical artifact. For players who came of age in the 1980s, the images and stars on these cardboard rectangles hold a powerful resonance. They preserve a snapshot of America’s favorite pastime at the absolute pinnacle of its mainstream popularity. In the collecting community, the 1985 Topps baseball set remains a veritable touchstone of the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS AND PICTURES

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors since the late 19th century when cigarette and candy companies began including cards as promotional items. Over time, baseball cards have evolved from simple advertisements to intricate works of art that capture iconic moments in the game. Whether you have a treasured childhood collection or are just starting to learn about the hobby, baseball cards remain a fascinating window into the history of America’s pastime.

Some of the earliest baseball cards date back to the 1870s when tobacco companies like Goodwin & Co. printed simple illustrated cards to promote their products. It was not until the 1880s that baseball cards really took off. In 1886, the American Tobacco Company began the first major baseball card series by including cards in packs of cigarettes. These tobacco era cards from the late 1800s are among the most sought after by collectors today due to their rarity and historical significance. Icons of the early game like Cap Anson, Pud Galvin, and Kid Nichols had their likenesses distributed nationwide in these early sets.

In the early 20th century, the popularity of baseball cards skyrocketed as new companies entered the market. From 1909 to 1911, the landmark T206 tobacco card series was produced, featuring stars like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. These gilt-edge cards with vibrant color illustrations are considered some of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby. In the 1920s, candy manufacturers like Joy, Peanut, and Cracker Jack began inserting baseball cards as prizes, further spreading the cardboard craze among America’s youth. Players from the Deadball Era like Babe Ruth, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Home Run Baker achieved new levels of fame through their widespread portrayal on baseball cards.

As baseball’s Golden Age got underway following World War II, card manufacturers took the hobby to new heights. In 1948, Bowman Gum began the first modern set with photographic cards rather than illustrations. Topps soon dominated the market beginning in 1951. Their cards featured cutting edge color photography, fun facts on the back, and ever more detailed stats and career highlights. Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax became household names as their cards spread from coast to coast. Meanwhile, regional brands like Red Man, Leaf, and Play Ball produced their own sets highlighting the game’s greats. The 1950s and 60s are considered the golden age of baseball cards when collections were a rite of passage for American youth.

Through the 1970s and 80s, Topps and Donruss battled for baseball card supremacy while new stars like Reggie Jackson, Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. had their careers immortalized on cardboard. The late 80s saw a modern boom in the hobby as collectors sought vintage cards with renewed fervor. This led to the sharp rise of the sports memorabilia business. In the 1990s, innovation continued with the rise of premium “rookie cards” featuring first-year shots of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter. Insert cards with game-worn memorabilia gave collectors new thrills, driving demand and prices higher.

Today, baseball cards remain a multi-billion dollar industry. Alongside the flagship Topps and Bowman/Topps Chrome series, new companies like Panini, Leaf, and Archives release innovative sets each year. Relic cards, autographs, and 1-of-1 parallels push the limits of rarity. Meanwhile, vintage cards from the T206 set to the iconic 1952 Topps have become highly sought investments. Online platforms allow collectors worldwide to buy, sell, and trade 24/7. Whether you focus on modern stars or vintage greats, building sets or chasing rare singles, baseball cards continue capturing our national pastime in miniature. For over 150 years, the simple cardboard wonders have fueled young dreams of playing in the Show while preserving the legends of the diamond for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS EVANSVILLE

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors of all ages for decades. As the birthplace of legendary players like Don Mattingly and Jim Thome, Evansville, Indiana has always had a special connection to America’s pastime. This city’s rich baseball history is reflected in its vibrant community of baseball card collectors and traders.

Evansville’s baseball card scene began gaining popularity in the late 1980s as the hobby experienced a nationwide resurgence. Local card shops like Pastime Cards and Comics sprang up to meet the growing demand. They stocked the latest packs, boxes, and supplies to fuel the collecting craze. Kids flocked to these shops after school and on weekends to trade, buy, and sell with others in the community.

Throughout the 1990s, Evansville developed into a true hotbed for the baseball card trade. Weekly trading sessions regularly drew hundreds of collectors of all ages to local venues like the Eagles club and Burdette Park pavilions. People would spend hours poring over boxes full of duplicates, searching for needs to complete sets or acquire new stars. The social aspect was just as big of a draw as the cards themselves. Lifelong friendships were forged through a shared love of the hobby.

By the late 90s, the rise of eBay opened up even more opportunities for Evansville collectors. Suddenly, they had access to a worldwide marketplace to buy, sell, and trade cards. Local collectors like Dan Miller and Todd Hudson gained national reputations among the hobby’s top traders online. Their meticulously organized collections featured some of the rarest vintage and modern gems in the industry.

As the 2000s rolled around, the baseball card scene in Evansville continued to evolve. While online sales boomed, local brick and mortar shops still played a vital role. Pastime Cards stayed at the forefront, run by lifelong collectors like owner Randy Smith. They hosted signings, group breaks, and contests that kept the community engaged. Newer stores like Sportscards Etc. and The Trading Post also welcomed collectors with the latest releases and events.

During this era, the hobby began to splinter into specialized niches. While set collecting remained popular, subsets focusing on specific players, teams, uniforms, and more emerged. Local collectors developed reputations for excelling in certain areas. Jim Schmitt amassed one of the finest collections of Don Mattingly cards in the world. Darin McGlothlin dominated the market for vintage Cincinnati Reds pieces. Their extensive research and obsessive dedication pushed their collections to the highest levels.

As the 2010s rolled around, the local scene remained as strong as ever. Weekly trading sessions and national conventions like National Sports Collectors Convention still brought collectors together. While online sales boomed on platforms like eBay, Facebook, and COMC, local brick and mortar stores found innovative ways to stay relevant as well. Pastime Cards began hosting group breaks of high-end modern products that were livestreamed worldwide. Stores like Sportscards Etc. and The Trading Post found success focusing on exclusive releases, personalization, and unique customer experiences that the online world couldn’t replicate.

Evansville’s baseball card scene today remains one of the most vibrant hobby communities in the country. While the internet opened up a massive worldwide marketplace, local collectors still flock to shops, shows, and social media groups centered around the Tri-State area. An upcoming generation of kids, fueled by the resurgence of the sport during players’ strikes and COVID, has reignited interest as well. Places like Pastime Cards and The Trading Post welcome collectors young and old to continue building upon Evansville’s rich baseball card history and culture for decades to come. Whether hunting vintage gems or chasing the latest stars, the hobby’s passion runs as deep here as the city’s connection to America’s pastime.

1990 BOWMAN MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1990 Bowman set marked the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic brands in the history of vintage baseball cards. While not quite as valuable as some earlier landmark issues such as the T206 and 1952 Topps sets, the 1990 Bowman set introduced baseball collectors to an entirely new generation of future Hall of Famers and stars at the start of their careers. Several key rookies and short printed cards from the 1990 Bowman set have gone on to become extremely valuable over the past 30+ years.

One of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1990 Bowman set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Given Griffey’s legendary career and status as one of the game’s great five-tool players, his rookie card has always been one of the crown jewels of any serious baseball card collection. While production numbers for 1990 Bowman are not exactly known, the Griffey rookie is considered one of the most short printed rookie cards in the modern era. In near mint to mint condition, examples of the Griffey rookie regularly sell for well over $1000 and pristine mint PSA 10 examples have been known to fetch over $10,000 at auction. The Griffey is clearly the most valuable card from the flagship 1990 Bowman set.

Another hugely valuable rookie from the 1990 Bowman set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As a lifelong Atlanta Brave and future Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones developed a huge fan base in Atlanta over his 19 year career. Like Griffey, the Jones rookie is quite scarce in high grades. PSA 10 examples are worth around $3000-4000 while even well-centered near mint versions bring over $1000. The elite conditioning and sound authenticity of PSA/BGS slabbed Chipper Jones rookies adds tremendous value.

While not quite as iconic or expensive as the rookies of Griffey and Jones, the 1990 Bowman Derek Jeter rookie holds tremendous value of its own. As perhaps the greatest Yankee of the modern era and a surefire future Hall of Famer, Jeter developed a huge nationwide following over his 20 year career in pinstripes. High grade Jeter rookies are fairly scarce but even well-centered near mint copies still fetch over $500. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached over $3000 at auction. The Jeter retains tremendous nostalgia and recognition that drives prices higher for this influential New York sports hero.

In addition to rookie star power, the1990 Bowman set also featured several valuable short prints and parallel variants that add to its retrospective appeal. The Billy Ripken “F*** Face” error card, showing an inappropriate phrase printed on his bat, became one of the set’s most infamous anomalies. Examples in any grade regularly sell for well over $100 due to its controversial notoriety. The 1990 Bowman Frank Thomas “Airbrush” error, where an error in the printing process removed an airbrushed logo from his uniform, is also highly sought after by error card collectors.

The 1990 Bowman set also introduced “Studio” parallel rookie cards featuring specially designed photographic variants of Griffey, Jones, Jeter, and others. These Studio parallels carry a substantial premium over the base rookie cards due to their sharply reduced printing runs. High grade PSA 10 examples of the Griffey, Jones, and Jeter Studio rookies can reach the $1000-2000 range depending on the player pedigree.

While production numbers are uncertain, the 1990 Bowman set undoubtedly marks the start of an new modern era of baseball cards following the late 80s boom. Future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Jones, Jeter, Thomas, and Ripken introduced legions of new collectors to the hobby. Short prints, errors, and parallel variants added intrigue and scarcity that bolstered the sets longterm appeal. Three decades later, the 1990 Bowman set, led by the superstar rookie class, retains tremendous nostalgia and demand that keeps its most valuable cards among the sought after trophies of the hobby. Whether in sets or as singles, the 1990 Bowman rookie class will assuredly remain anchor pieces in collections for generations to come.

1990 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set is regarded as one of the most iconic and valuable complete sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While individual cards from this set hold little value on their own due to the immense numbers produced, holding a complete master set in pristine graded condition brings significant worth.

Upper Deck broke into the baseball card market in 1989 and revolutionized the industry by using innovative technology, higher quality paper/cardstock/printing and stricter quality control compared to competitors like Donruss and Fleer who flooded the market. The attention to detail helped establish Upper Deck as a premium brand which collectors sought out. For 1990, Upper Deck continued its formula and produced 792 total cards in the base set along with various insert sets.

The 1990 Upper Deck set contains cards of all players from that season along with short printed variations. Some key short prints or rare inserts include Frank Thomas SP (card #126), Larry Walker SP (card #429), Ken Griffey Jr. SP (card #440), Nolan Ryan jersey card (numbered to 100), Ozzie Smith autograph card (numbered to 150), and a Roberto Alomar autograph which was one of the first major autographed cards inserted by a manufacturer. While these individual cards hold value of $50-$300+ each depending on condition, it is completing the master set that yields the real worth.

Recent sales data from major auction houses like PWCC, Goldin, and Heritage show that 1990 Upper Deck complete master factory sets in Near Mint-Mint (NM-M) condition along with all associated inserts and short prints in the sameCondition grading acombined 9+ out of 10 often trade in the $3,000-$5,000 range. Meanwhile, graded gem mint (GM) complete sets often bring $5,000-$8,000 at auction,with a few ultra high-end specimens grading mint 9.5 out of 10 or better achieving prices up to $12,000.

There are several factors that influence the value of a 1990 Upper Deck complete set. First, true “complete” sets must include not just the base 792 cards but also all known variations and necessary inserts to qualify. Slightly “mostly complete” sets that are missing 1-3 hard-to-find pieces often sell closer to the $2,000-$3,000 range. Secondly, condition and grading matter greatly. Lower graded complete sets in EX-NM or “strong” condition don’t typically exceed $1,000 no matter how rare the cards inside. The inclusion of coveted autographs like the Alomar or graded population report rarities boost thevaluehighly.

Demand remains strong for pristine 1990 Upper Deck setsdue to nostalgia for the brand’s inaugural seasons as well as the challenge of completing all variations nearly 30 years later. Values are supported by the limited surviving population of true complete master sets in top condition.Graded gem mint sets are especially rareas many were broken up years ago for resale of individual high value cards.Serious vintage collectors are willing to pay premium prices for the opportunity to obtain a high-quality example for their showcase collection.

While overproduction killed short-term interest and values in the 1990s, the first UDset hassince gained appreciation as collectors rediscovered the importanceof condition, completeness and historicalsignificance.Today it is regarded as one of the most iconic baseball cardreleases and desirable complete setsto acquire from the early modern era.With roughly three decades of volatilityin the hobby, the 1990 UpperDeckbaseballcard set’s consistent resalelevelsin the $3,000-$12,000 rangefor top examplesreflectsits stayingpoweras a blue-chipintact investment forcardcollectors.

While individual cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set hold little intrinsic value, obtaining a true “complete master set” in pristine graded condition opensup significant worthpotential.Examplescontinuallytrade hands for $3,000up to over $12,000 for the mostqualifiedgem mint specimens.Thirtyyears later, the 1990UD release proudlystands as both a benchmark achievementin sports card history aswell asa highly regarded intact set pursuitfor patientinvestorsand exhaustivecompletists.Collective nostalgia and raritycontinueto fueldemand for intact examplesof this iconic early modern baseballrelease.

EXPENSIVE 90’s BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1990s were a transformative decade for the baseball card industry. After skyrocketing in popularity and value during the late 1980s bubble, the baseball card market crashed in the early 90s due to overproduction. Several high-profile rookie cards from the 1990s have since become extremely valuable gems for savvy collectors. While it took some time, many 90s rookie cards now command prices in the thousands due to the superstar careers of the players featured on the cards.

One of the most expensive 90s baseball cards is the 1992 Bowman Chrome Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already a can’t-miss prospect coming up through the Mariners system, and his rookie cards were hot commodities. The Chrome Refractor version took things to another level. Printed on ultra-premium chrome card stock, these refractors had an eye-catching shine that made them instant classics. With Griffey going on to have a Hall of Fame career and cement his status as one of the greats of the game, demand for his rookie refractor skyrocketed. In near-mint condition, examples now sell for over $100,000, making it arguably the most valuable baseball card of the entire decade.

Another hugely expensive 90s rookie is the 1992 Bowman Derek Jeter rookie card. Like Griffey, Jeter was a can’t-miss prospect who became a Yankee legend and surefire Hall of Famer. In pristine mint condition, his rookie tops out at over $50,000. The card has sustained high values over the decades as Jeter’s legacy has grown. He was the longtime face of the Yankees franchise and one of the best shortstops in MLB history. No collection of valuable 90s cards is complete without this iconic rookie at the top.

The 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card also consistently sells for big bucks, around $20,000-$30,000 in top condition. As the first Griffey rookie card issued after he was called up to the majors, it took on special significance for collectors. The iconic Upper Deck design and Griffey’s explosive rookie season made it one of the most coveted and high-grade examples from the early 90s market. While not quite as expensive as the chrome refractor variation, it’s still one of the true blue-chip investments from the decade.

The 1990 Bowman Chipper Jones rookie card has also gained serious value over the past 30 years. Jones was a can’t-miss prospect who became a career Atlanta Brave and surefire Hall of Famer. He was the top player of the 1990s as voted by MLB.com and helped define an exciting new era of baseball. High-grade Jones rookies now sell for $15,000-$20,000. Like Jeter, his is a card that is indispensable in any collection focusing on the best of the best from the early 90s issue.

Two other noteworthy expensive 90s rookies are the 1992 Bowman Manny Ramirez ($15,000+) and 1992 Bowman Jim Thome ($10,000+) cards. Both players enjoyed Hall of Fame careers defined by prodigious power production. While neither was as decorated as Griffey or Jeter in terms of championships and awards, they were true superstars who put up huge numbers at the plate. As two of the top young stars of the mid-90s, their rookie cards retain significant collector interest and valuation decades later.

The ultra-premium 1991 Fleer Ultra Sammy Sosa rookie card also commands big money, topping out at $10,000. Sosa’s career is perhaps the most complicated of the bunch, but as one of the main protagonists of baseball’s late 90s home run surge, his rookie card captured lightning in a bottle. The Fleer Ultra design aesthetic added to its appeal. While some question parts of Sosa’s legacy, for collectors his rookie remains a pivotal piece of 90s card history.

While it took some time, many of the best rookie cards from the 1990s baseball card boom have proven to be wise long-term investments. Players like Griffey, Jeter, Jones, and Ramirez became generational talents whose early cards were scooped up by collectors who recognized their specialness. After riding the ups and downs of the collectibles market for decades, these rookies are now solidified as the most expensive and sought-after 90s cardboard in the hobby. For those able to acquire high-grade examples, they serve as tangible pieces of history from one of the most memorable eras in baseball.

MLB 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL TRADED SERIES SET OF 132 CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps Traded baseball card set was issued midway through the 1989 MLB season as a complementary set to the main 1989 Topps baseball card series. With 132 total cards, the Traded set featured players who had been traded to new teams since the regular Topps set was finalized earlier that year. As with most Traded sets, it provided baseball card collectors the opportunity to get updated cards showing players in their new uniforms on different clubs.

Some notable players featured in the 1989 Topps Traded set after being dealt included Ken Phelps (traded from the Cubs to the Mariners), Jeff Ballard (traded from the White Sox to the Royals), Jack Clark (traded from the Cardinals to the Yankees), and Lee Smith (traded from the Cubs to the Red Sox). Other big names included Orel Hershiser (traded from the Dodgers to the Indians that year), John Franco (traded from the Reds to the Mets), and Lance Parrish (traded from the Tigers to the Phillies).

In total, the set encompassed players from 24 different MLB teams who were included after trades involving 28 separate transactions between teams during the early part of the 1989 season. Each card featured the standard cardboard stock and design elements of the main Topps flagship set but with smaller photos and no team logo shown on the uniforms since many players had switched clubs.

Beyond just updating cards for recently dealt veterans, the 1989 Topps Traded set also served to provide the collecting community its first card issues for several promising rookie and young prospect players who found themselves on new teams due to trades. This included cards for players like Gregg Jefferies (traded from the Royals to the Mets), Kevin Maas (traded from the Pirates to the Yankees), and Dave Rohde (traded from the Angels to the Blue Jays).

In terms of chase cards and ones garnering attention from enthusiasts at the time, one of the more popular items was the Orel Hershiser card since he was fresh off winning the 1988 World Series MVP and Cy Young awards with the Dodgers. His trade to Cleveland represented a big change and his card in an Indians uniform was highly sought after. Other frequently talked about cards included Jack Clark with the Yankees after leaving the Cardinals and Lee Smith in a Red Sox jersey after his time with the Cubs.

The design of the 1989 Topps Traded set largely mirrored Topps’ standard baseball card template from that year with a photo taking up most of the front. What set it apart slightly was a different color border used and placement of the player’s name and team directly underneath the image rather than across the front. On the back, complete statistics from the previous season were provided along with a short career recap. No gum was included since the cards were sold solely in wax packed form.

When released during the summer of 1989, the 132 card Traded set retailed for $1.00 per wax pack with 11 cards inside on average. Availability was initially limited as Topps produced the complementary updated series in smaller quantities than the flagship release which contained over 700 total cards. Strong initial demand led the company to do multiple subsequent print runs that year to keep up with collector interest.

In the years since its original issue over 30 years ago, the 1989 Topps Traded baseball card set has endured as a seminal release that provided fans and enthusiasts a snapshot of the many midseason moves that reshaped MLB rosters. While players’ careers and stats may have changed in the decades following, the cards still serve as a record of where notable names like Phelps, Ballard, Clark, and Hershiser stood at that particular juncture. For collectors of the time and those who have since acquired the set, it remains afun nostalgic reminder of late 80s baseball trades.

RAREST TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

Leave a reply

Topps released another highly anticipated set of baseball cards in 2022 with its flagship Series 1 and Series 2 sets. While not every card in modern releases can achieve ultra-rare status like cards from the 1950s and 60s, some individual cards have already emerged as considerably scarce and prized possessions among collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the rarest Topps baseball cards from 2022 that are commanding big prices less than a year after their initial release.

One of the hardest base rookies to obtain across all of 2022 Topps has been the Jonathan India rookie card. As the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year, India’s debut Topps card was highly sought after by collectors. Only appearing as a base rookie in Series 1, the India RC has proven extremely elusive in high grades. PSA 10 examples rarely come up for sale and usually trade hands for well over $1000. In raw pack-fresh condition, a centered India rookie is still a big ticket item worth several hundred dollars minimum.

Another rookie that has shot up the rankings of rarest 2022 cards is the Bobby Witt Jr. debut from Topps Series 1. As baseball’s top overall prospect heading into the 2022 season and a solid performer in his first MLB campaign with the Royals, Witt’s popularity as an investment piece has exploded demand for this base RC. PSA 10 copies have eclipsed $2000 and will surely climb even higher if Witt lives up to his potential as a perennial all-star. Even low-grade examples in PSA 8 or lower range cost several hundred dollars.

The Fernando Tatis Jr. rainbow foil parallel from 2022 Topps Series 2 takes the cake as far as scarce parallels from the flagship sets this year. About one per case typically, these super short printed Tatis foil cards have already reached astronomical prices. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $10,000, showing just how difficult it is to acquire this card in pristine condition. Even well-centered raw copies demand north of $1000. With Tatis’ talent and fan favorite status, his scarce parallels will remain at an elite level of rarity.

Beyond the big three rookies, a couple of other key cards have also proven surprisingly rare from 2022 Topps. Shohei Ohtani’s base card in Series 1 is no slouch, with a PSA 10 selling for around $500 due to the massive popularity of the two-way Japanese phenom combined with a relatively low print run. The Mike Trout SP variant from Series 1 – featuring different artwork than the base version – has become a real sought after short print. Only one SP per case on average, a Trout specimen still sealed in its original pack sold recently for almost $900 on eBay.

When focusing exclusively on serial numbered parallels and autographs insert cards from 2022 Topps, the rarity scale is kicked up a notch further still. Some examples include the Wander Franco Topps Fire #/25 parallel (>$3000 PSA 10), Adley Rutschman The Rosin /99 auto (>$2000 PSA 10), and a Julio Rodriguez Clearly Authentic auto patch 1/1 (sold for over $25,000). As for the flagship Series 2 set, early standouts pulling big bucks include a rare Fernando Tatis Jr. /5 parallel auto (>$6000 PSA 10) and a Bobby Witt Jr. Fractor auto /150 (>$1500 PSA 10).

As more 2022 Topps collections are broken and the player performances unfold, certain cards could rise or fall in perceived rarity and demand over the next year. Given the ultra-limited print runs Topps has utilized for parallels and short prints in recent sets combined with breakneck collector interest, many of the cards profiled here are sure to maintain an extremely scarce presence in the hobby for a long time to come. Their prices seem poised only to climb higher as a result barring unforeseen circumstances. For discerning collectors seeking the true pinnacle of modern rarity, 2022 Topps elite rookies, parallels and low-numbered hits offer accessible investment opportunities rivaling vintage cardboard treasures.

CHRIS VOLSTAD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Chris Volstad Baseball Card History and Statistics

Chris Volstad is a former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 2008 to 2015. While his MLB career was relatively short-lived and unremarkable statistically, Volstad has an interesting baseball card history spanning his time in minor league and major league uniforms. Let’s take an in-depth look at Chris Volstad’s baseball cards and the story they tell of his professional baseball journey.

Volstad was drafted out of high school by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round (16th overall) of the 2005 MLB Draft. As is common for top draft picks, Volstad’s professional debut was highly anticipated and documented on baseball cards. His first card came in 2006 Topps Triple Threads #TT44, showing Volstad as a member of the Peoria Chiefs, the Cubs’ Class A affiliate. This marked the beginning of Volstad’s journey from prospect to major leaguer being chronicled on cardboard.

Volstad rose quickly through the Cubs’ farm system, debuting with Triple-A Iowa in 2007 at age 20. He had established himself as one of Chicago’s most promising pitching prospects, earning inclusion in the 2008 Topps Triple Threads Cubs prospects subset #TTC12. Scouts praised Volstad’s size (6’8″), control, and developing repertoire. With these accolades, expectations were high as Volstad began his first full season of 2008.

He received his first major league card that year in 2008 Topps #608. Volstad made his MLB debut on July 31, 2008 versus the Brewers, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings in a no-decision. While he showed flashes of promise in a September call-up, posting a 3.38 ERA in 5 starts, Volstad struggled with consistency. He bounced between Chicago and Triple-A Iowa in 2009 and 2010, producing mediocre results. Volstad cards from this period like 2009 Topps Heritage #465 and 2010 Topps Update #US265 reflected the ups and downs of his early career.

In 2011, Volstad took a step forward with the Cubs, making 31 starts and posting a career-best 4.59 ERA. This performance was recognized with a base card in the 2011 Topps Series 2 set #S2-31. After a poor start to the 2012 season in which he went 1-6 with an ERA near 6, Volstad was traded to the Miami Marlins in a six-player deal on May 24, 2012. His Marlins tenure was highlighted by 2012 Topps Update #US265, showing Volstad in his new Miami uniform for the first time on a card.

With the Marlins, Volstad initially found more success, going 7-8 with a 3.59 ERA in 25 games (21 starts). This performance led to inclusion in the 2013 Topps Series 1 set #S1-63 as Miami’s opening day starter. Injuries and inconsistency soon returned. After posting an ERA over 5 in 2013, Volstad was released by the Marlins and signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals in December 2013. He spent most of 2014 in Triple-A, earning a brief September call-up but failing to secure a card.

Volstad signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2015, hoping to resurrect his career. After beginning the season in Triple-A Indianapolis, he received his last MLB card to date in 2015 Topps Series 2 #S2-132 when called up in June. However, Volstad made just 3 appearances for Pittsburgh, allowing 11 runs in 8 innings, before being released and retiring at age 28. While his 6-year MLB career fell far short of expectations, Volstad’s humble baseball card journey reflects the ups and frequent downs most prospects face trying to stick in The Show.

In summary, Chris Volstad debuted with much promise but could never quite put everything together consistently at the major league level. From his first minor league issue to brief stints with 4 big league clubs, Volstad’s baseball cards tell the story of a hard-throwing righty who battled injuries and struggled with command. Though his MLB tenure was brief, Volstad left an impression as a tall, projectable arm that kept collectors following his development and career through annual card releases. While he may not be a household name, Chris Volstad holds a place in the history of baseball cards as an example of prospects who gave it their all but ultimately came up just short of sustained MLB success.