CASE BREAKS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Case breaks have become a popular way for baseball card collectors of all levels to acquire new cards without having to purchase full hobby boxes or cases themselves. The basic concept is that groups of collectors will pool their money together to purchase an entire sealed case of cards, which usually contains between 12 to 24 boxes. Then, the cards in that case are randomly broken up and distributed to the participants based on predetermined rules.

This allows collectors a chance to enjoy the thrill of opening packs without having to spend thousands of dollars on an entire case. It also gives them access to rarer and more valuable cards they may not otherwise pull from just a few packs or boxes. There are some risks involved as well that collectors need to be aware of before joining a break. Let’s take a deeper look at how case breaks work and some of the key factors collectors should consider.

The first step is finding a reputable breaker to host the event. Many local card shops, as well as individual collectors, will run regular breaks and advertise them on sites like eBay and on social media platforms. It’s important to check reviews and ensure the breaker has a solid track record of running fair breaks and promptly shipping out cards after completion. Scammers do exist, so don’t join breaks from unknown entities without doing thorough research first.

Once you’ve selected a breaker you feel comfortable with, you’ll purchase spots or teams in their upcoming break. Spots usually cost $20-50 each, depending on the product and number of spots available, and entitle the buyer to a random player or team from the cards pulled. Alternatively, some breaks are team-based where you pay extra to claim rights to a specific MLB franchise. The breaker will take payments via PayPal or other secure methods.

On the scheduled break date, the breaker will go live on a platform like YouTube or Facebook to document the entire process. They’ll start by carefully unsealing the case to verify the seals are intact and nothing suspicious. Then each box will be opened one at one, with all hits and valuable pulls immediately sleeved and tracked. As cards are revealed, the corresponding spots/teams are awarded to participants in real-time.

Top rookies, stars, and memorabilia cards usually get their own spot while base cards are grouped by team. At the end, all cards will be sorted and shipped out promptly. Reputable breakers take security very seriously, using tamper-proof shipping and tracking to ensure safe delivery. They’ll also provide a full recap video for anyone who couldn’t attend live.

The biggest appeal of breaks is the chance to land ultra-rare, game-used autographs or 1/1 relic cards that can be worth thousands. There are no guarantees – you may end up with only base Reds rookies while someone else hits the $5,000 Babe Ruth autograph. Beginners should be aware of this risk and only join breaks they can afford to lose. Stick to spots/teams priced reasonably for the product to avoid disappointment.

Communication is also key, as breakers should clearly outline rules, pricing, payout structures, and their policies on shipping costs, damaged cards, disputes, and returns upfront. Read all the details carefully before committing funds. And never feel pressured by high-pressure sales tactics into breaks outside your budget or comfort level. At the end of the day, it should be an enjoyable hobby rather than a source of financial stress.

With proper research and realistic expectations, case breaks can be a thrilling way for collectors of all levels to participate in the hunt for treasures. Just be sure to vet breakers thoroughly, understand the risks, and only join events you can afford to have fun with rather than trying to “get rich quick.” Following these best practices will help ensure positive experiences in the growing world of break culture.

BASEBALL TRADING CARDS DONRUSS90

Leave a reply

The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was released at the start of the new decade and marked a transition period for the popular brand. While Donruss continued producing cards in the familiar design that collectors had come to expect throughout the 1980s, the 1990 set showed some stylistic changes that hinted at things to come in future years.

Containing 792 total cards, the 1990 Donruss set featured all major leaguers as well as minor leaguers, managers, and umpires. Some of the biggest stars to grace the cards included Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith. The design featured a color photo of the player in action on the front, with stats and career highlights on the back. Unlike previous Donruss sets, the borders were thinner and featured a wood grain texture pattern around the edges.

Card numbers in the set ranged from 1 to 792, with the higher numbers belonging to minor leaguers and others. The design was familiar to collectors but with a cleaner, more modern look compared to the busier designs of the late 80s Donruss issues. Color separation was sharp, with photos showing good clarity and saturation. The thinner borders allowed more of the photo to be visible compared to past designs as well.

While still adhering to the tried-and-true formula that made Donruss a fan favorite brand, the 1990 issue showed the company was willing to evolve and simplify aspects of the set design. This likely helped attract new collectors at a time when the baseball card market was booming in popularity. The transition to cleaner, more streamlined designs would continue in 1991 and beyond.

Some of the top rookies featured in the 1990 Donruss set included Bobby Witt, Chuck Knoblauch, Gregg Olson, and Todd Van Poppel. These players would go on to have solid major league careers after first appearing in the set as promising young talents. The cards of rookie stars like Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas from their early years are still highly sought after by collectors today.

In addition to the base set, Donruss also released inserts with the 1990 issue. Among the more popular parallel sets were Glossy Sendbacks, which featured selected players on glossy cardstock that could be mailed back to Donruss. Other inserts included Diamond Kings, which honored some of the game’s greatest players throughout history. Mini leaders cards and Team Cards were also included as insert sets beyond the main 792-card roster.

While production numbers for specific Donruss card issues are not precisely known, the overall size of the baseball card market in 1990 was massive. An estimated 3.5 billion cards were printed that year by all manufacturers combined. With Donruss being one of the top three brands along with Topps and Fleer, their 1990 output was likely in the hundreds of millions of cards. This level of production helped drive down individual card values over time compared to much lower print runs of earlier decades.

Still, the 1990 Donruss set remains a highly collectible issue today due to its transitionary design and star-studded rookie class. Graded examples of Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and other top names can still fetch hundreds of dollars when in pristine mint condition, showing the enduring appeal and investment potential of the set even after 30 years. For collectors of the era and Donruss enthusiasts in particular, the 1990 issue holds a fond place in their collections as one of the brand’s most recognizable designs.

The 1990 Donruss baseball card set marked an evolutionary period for the popular brand as it refined its designs heading into the 1990s. Featuring many future Hall of Famers and rookie stars, along with innovative parallel inserts, the issue remains a highly collectible part of sports card history from the peak of the industry’s boom period. While mass produced at the time, examples in top grades retain value as desirable pieces of memorabilia from baseball’s golden age of trading cards.

MOST EXPENSIVE 2013 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2013 Topps Baseball card release featured some of the most sought after and valuable rookie cards in recent years. While most packs and boxes of 2013 Topps did not yield extremely expensive cards, a select few rookies and veterans emerged as true heavyweight collectors items commanding huge prices on the secondary market. Let’s take an in depth look at the 5 most expensive 2013 Topps baseball cards as of late 2022 based on recent eBay sales data and information from PSA and BGS population reports.

Coming in as the undisputed number 1 most valuable 2013 Topps card is the Mike Trout rookie autograph refractor #RC-MT. Widely considered one of the holy grails of the modern collecting era, Trout had already established himself as a true superstar by 2013 but his rookie cards were still in high demand. Nearly 10 years after its release, the Trout auto refractor commands astronomical values. A PSA 10 example of this rare parallel sold for a staggering $900,000 in January 2022, shattering records and cementing its status as the most expensive standard size card of the decade so far. Low pop PSA 9 copies have still fetched over $500,000 as well showing Trout’s ridiculous market dominance.

In the number 2 spot is another angel, Shohei Ohtani’s prestigious rookie autograph #RC-SO. As a true two way player who was just starting to display his awe inspiring talents on both the mound and in the batter’s box in 2013, Ohtani cards were a hot ticket. His autographed rookie from Topps takes the second highest sum, with a pristine PSA 10 copy selling for $358,000 last fall. That price surely reflects the growing legend of Ohtani in both Japan and America as a truly unicorn type talent never seen before. Lower graded Ohtani auto rookies have still brought close to six figures too.

At number 3 is probably the biggest surprise – Jason Heyward’s short printed red parallel rookie #RC-JH. Heyward had established himself as a can’t-miss five tool outfielder with the Braves in 2010 and 2011 before appearing in his first Topps set in 2013 as a member of the Atlanta organization. For reasons still unclear, the red parallel of his base rookie is insanely scarce, with PSA estimating a population of just 3-5 graded 10s. A true 1/1 that recently went for $220,000. While Heyward never reached the superstardom expected, his red remains an anomaly due to its minuscule print run.

The fourth priciest 2013 Topps card resides with another dominating Angel, Mike Trout’s standard base rookie #TTM. Despite being the most pulled rookie in the set, pristine PSA 10 examples of Trout’s debut card have escalated well into five figures. One mint copy achieved $195,000 last year. The sheer output and widespread appeal of Trout ensures this will remain one of the most significant rookies in the sport’s history, and prices regularly stay north of $100k for unflawed examples.

Rounding out the top 5 is one of the biggest names in the game – Robinson Cano’s base rookie card #RC-RC. Cano was already a two time All-Star by 2013 but collectors still clamored for his debut cardboard. PSA 10 Cano rookies have twice sold for right around $185,000 showing the New York Yankee second baseman’s continued fandom. While not quite in the same galaxy as Trout and Ohtani, a pristine Cano rookie remains an extremely costly get for dedicated collectors.

In summary, 2013 Topps had several monumental rookies like Trout, Ohtani and Heyward that have evolved into truly epic modern treasures worth mind boggling sums. Textbook quality examples of their star attractions command five and even six figure values nearly a decade later. While most packs were busts, determined collectors who pulled the right parallel or sought the prized autographed hits struck absolute gold. 2013 Topps serves as a powerful reminder of the massive long term investments that can be found within the modern trading card landscape.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1990S PRICES

Leave a reply

The 1990s were perhaps the peak era for baseball card collecting popularity and it produced some of the most iconic and valuable modern cards. While the 1980s saw explosive growth in the industry, fueled in large part by the immense popularity of stars like Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs, it was the arrival of youthful talents like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Frank Thomas in the early 90s that captivated a new generation of collectors.

Thanks to the huge boom in collectors at the time and limited print runs by manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Score, many rookie and star cards from the 1990s have increased tremendously in value in the intervening decades. For collectors and investors, these vintage 90s cards remain some of the most desirable holdings in a vintage baseball card portfolio. Here’s a rundown of some of the most expensive and sought-after baseball cards from the 1990s based on their current average auction values:

1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. #1 RC BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $25,900
Widely considered the single most iconic and valuable baseball card of the 1990s, Griffey’s rookie card is the undisputed king of the decade. An incredibly photogenic young star, Griffey shattered rookie records and seemed poised for a Cooperstown career from day one. In a BGS 9.5/GEM MT grade, Griffey’s rookie currently fetches an average of nearly $26,000, making it one of the highest valued modern baseball cards period.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Jim Abbott #AR1 /999 BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $10,900
The enormous hype surrounding rare ‘refractors’ in the late 90s is best personified by Abbott’s legendary limited parallel from 1998 Bowman’s Best. Numbered to just 999 copies and featuring a dazzling rainbow prism effect, Abbott refractors have escalated greatly in value thanks to their extreme rarity and iconic design. A pristine BGS 9.5 now sells for nearly $11,000 on average.

1997 Upper Deck SP Autograph “Jersey” #128 Ken Griffey Jr. BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $7,800
Upper Deck scored big by securing Griffey autographs and jersey swatches for their 1997 Top Prospects set. Considered the true “holy grail” of 90s Griffey autographed parallels, these breathtaking dual-authenticated cards only heightened collectors’ Griffey mania. Even ungraded examples can sell for $5,000+.

1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. #49 RC PSA 10 – $7,000
While not his true rookie card debut, Griffey’s first Topps issue from his memorable 1989 call-up season has become one of the mostcollected vintage 90s RCs. High-grade Mint editions continue their ascent, with a PSA 10 now reaching the $7,000 threshold on average.

1994 Pinnacle Ken Griffey Jr. “Refiners Fire” #RF-KG BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $6,400
Pinnacle scored big with hugely popular ‘refractor’ parallels in the mid-90s. Griffey’s rare ‘refractors’ from 1994 Pinnacle set collectors ablaze during the height of “Kenny Power” mania. Only around 12 are known to exist in pristine BGS 9.5 condition, driving values up considerably.

1995 SP Authentic Ken Griffey Jr. #131 “Griffey Under Glass” on-card auto /100 BGS 9/GEM – $6,200
The original “SP Authentic” brand from1995 was THE set to chase if you wanted Griffey autographs. This rare swatch/auto parallel numbered to just 100 is one of the most visually stunning 90s Griffey autograph cards known. Sells for over $6,000 in top grades.

1994 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. SuperFractor #156/100 BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $5,500
One of the true “holy grails” of 90s collecting, Griffey’s exceedingly rare SuperFractor parallel numbered to just 100 copies regularly achieves epic prices proportional to its mythic status. Conditions above a BGS 9 are almost unheard of for this legendary piece.

1997 Donruss Elite Extra Editions Ken Griffey Jr. #EE-KG BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $4,950
The stunning refractors produced by Donruss for their 1997 “Elite Extra Editions” parallel sets became instant classics, and none more so than Griffey’s beautiful green-orange color combination card. Roughly a dozen are known to exist in mint condition, buoying values today.

1992 stadium Club Frank Thomas Rookie #317 RC BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $4,800
“The Big Hurt’s” imposing rookie card generated huge attention in the early 90s and has maintained legendary popularity ever since. High grades remain among the most valuable and aesthetically pleasing vintage Frank Thomas issues available to collectors today.

1997 Upper Deck SPx Ken Griffey Jr. Autograph #127 BGS 9/GEM – $4,600
This rare swatch/auto parallel from Upper Deck’s high-end 1997 SPx release is one of the scarcest 90s Griffey autographs on the market. Finding them in pristine BGS 9 condition is exceedingly difficult, which helps explain today’s inflated prices.

1993 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr. Hologram #156 BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $4,300
Ultra’s innovative “hologram” parallels were a revelation in ’93. Griffey’s popular issue in this parallel remained among the most creative and visually stunning baseball cards ever produced. Prices have soared in recent years for high-grade specimens like this Gem Mint 9.5.

1996 Topps Gold Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor #96 BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $4,000
During the fleeting “refractor boom” of 96-97, Topps Gold parallel issues mesmerized collectors with their colorful foil patterns. Griffey’s high-number refractor beauty from this landmark set reaches a staggering $4,000 value in top condition today.

1995 Collectors Choice Ken Griffey Jr. Jersey #97 BGS 9.5/GEM MT -$3,900
Collectors Choice set the standard in the 90s for coveted swatch parallel subsets. Griffey’s dual-swatch card numbered to only 50 copies became the crown jewel of this forgotten but historically important brand’s run. An investment-grade 9.5/10 condition example easily clears $3,900 today.

1999 Pacific Ken Griffey Jr. #185 Booklet Auto /99 BGS 9.5/GEM MT – $3,800
The ultra-rare Premier Prospects “Booklet” parallel cards inserted one per case of Pacific in 1999 were the most spectacular baseball card product of their time. Griffey’s scarce dual-material issue numbered to a tiny 99 is among the true holy grails of 90s card collectors. Pristine BGS 9.5 specimens reach average resale prices of $3,800.

While 1990s cards featuring talents like Frank Thomas and Chipper Jones have also gained tremendous value over the decades, it is largely due to the immense popularity and memorable career of Ken Griffey Jr. that cards featuring “The Kid” dominate this list of most valuable issues from baseball’s golden card decade. Whether due to spectacular rookie cards, innovation parallels, or ultra-rare autographs, Griffey’s iconic 90s baseball cards remain must-have trophies for dedicated vintage collectors today. As one of the most charismatic and talented players of his generation, Griffey’s enduring appeal and on-field success continue to make his 1990s rookie and starring issues among the most coveted modern baseball card investments available.

BASEBALL CARDS METS

Leave a reply

The New York Mets have a rich history that is well documented through baseball cards since the franchise began play in 1962. Some of the earliest and most valuable Mets cards provide a window into the early years of the ballclub.

One of the first Mets cards collectors look for are the 1962 Topps cards, which were the first to feature the expansion team. Standouts from that set include a rookie card for Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, who would go on to anchor the Mets pitching staff for over a decade. Other notable rookie cards in the 1962 set include Ed Kranepool and Al Jackson. While not in mint condition, high grade 1962 Topps Mets cards can fetch thousands of dollars due to their historical significance.

The 1963 and 1964 Topps sets continued highlighting the developing Mets roster that was cutting its teeth in the new National League. Rookies like Cleon Jones, Ron Hunt, and Jerry Koosman entered the league during these early seasons. Fans at the time collected and traded these cards, helping to build interest in the still struggling club. For collectors today, it’s fascinating to see the raw talent on display before the Mets broke through to success.

That success came suddenly in 1969, when the “Miracle Mets” shocked baseball by winning the World Series in just their 8th year of existence. Topps captured the magic of that championship season with their 1969 cards. Rookies like Jerry Grote and Donn Clendenon made appearances, while the star players like Seaver, Jones, Agee, and manager Gil Hodges took center stage. High grade versions of these iconic cards documenting the ’69 title are quite valuable in the collectibles marketplace.

The 1970s brought continued success to the Mets franchise. Their 1973 National League pennant is remembered on the cards from that set. Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt had his rookie card in 1973 as well. Tom Seaver won the 1974 Cy Young Award, an achievement immortalized on his ’74 Topps issue. Nolan Ryan’s final season as a Met was in 1971, and his card from that year remains a key piece for any Mets collection.

Trading card companies captured more Mets magic in the 1980s. Darryl Strawberry’s raw talent was on full display in his early rookie cards. Gooden’s record-setting rookie year of 1984 was well documented too. The 1986 World Champion Mets were honored on that year’s Topps and Fleer cards. Keith Hernandez, Lenny Dykstra, and Gary Carter led those clubs to prominence. Highlights of the Subway Series battles against the Yankees added intrigue for collectors at the time.

In the 1990s, the cards began to focus more on individual player stats and accomplishments rather than just team highlights. But the Mets still made appearances. Bobby Bonilla, Howard Johnson, and John Franco starred for those clubs. Rookies like Todd Hundley and Rey Ordonez entered the league. And in 2000, Mike Piazza joined the Mets in a blockbuster trade documented on that year’s cards.

Modern issues continue the tradition. Jacob deGrom, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor are some of the current Mets stars showcased in today’s top sets from companies like Topps, Panini, and Bowman. Parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards have expanded the options for collectors too. And through it all, the baseball cards have preserved the history of this storied New York franchise for fans and collectors to enjoy.

Whether it’s chasing the early 1960s rookies, completing a 1969 World Series set, or adding the latest stars to a collection, Mets cards remain a vital part of chronicling the team’s ups and downs over six decades. For historians and fans alike, flipping through the cardboard is a portal to relive the great moments and players that have made the Mets a beloved New York institution. Their story will continue to be told through future issues as well.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

When it comes to sports collectibles that have retained or increased their value over time, baseball cards have long reigned supreme. From rookie cards of Hall of Fame players to iconic designs and printing errors, some baseball cards are worth hundreds or even millions of dollars today. While baseball cards provide fond nostalgia for many, serious collectors and investors covet high-value pieces that showcase the rich history of America’s pastime.

Among the most prized and valuable baseball cards that regularly sell for astronomical prices are vintage rookie cards from baseball’s Golden Age in the 1950s and 60s. These early cardboard collectibles chronicling legendary players in their debut seasons are exceedingly rare to find in pristine condition today. Featuring iconic players in their formative years before superstardom, demand from aficionados drives escalating prices.

A prime example is the legendary 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Widely considered the Holy Grail of baseball cards, only a handful are known to exist in near-mint or gem condition. A PSA 9 example sold for $2.88 million in 2021, making it the highest price ever achieved for a single modern-era sports card. Mantle’s iconic status as a New York Yankees legend and Hall of Famer adds to its allure. Other top vintage rookie cards include the 1953 Topps Willie Mays, the 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax, and 1957 Topps Hank Aaron, all regularly valued over $100,000 in high grade.

The T206 Honus Wagner cabinet card from 1909-11 holds the record as the most valuable trading card of all time after one gem mint example fetched $6.6 million at auction. The scarce Wagner card is exceedingly rare with only 50-200 copies known to exist due to the printing plate being destroyed at the request of the Pirates’ star. Its mystique as one of the first modern sports cards only adds to desirability for serious collectors. Other early tobacco cards like the 1909-11 T205 White Border set have also sold for six figures depending on player and condition.

Modern stars can also net huge sums for pristine rookie cards issued after the 1970s transition to mass-produced cardboard. A mint PSA 10 example of the Griffey rookie card from 1989 Upper Deck sold for over $500,000 in 2021. The iconic “Air Jordan” rookie card featuring Michael Jordan in a Chicago Bulls uniform from 1984-85 Fleer fetches over $100,000 increasingly. Baseball icons like the Aaron Judge 2017 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie or rare parallel editions also routinely sell for $50k+.

In addition to star power and rarity by player, condition is everything when it comes to valuable baseball cards. Those earning the coveted PSA/BGS black label or gem mint 10 grades consistently command the strongest prices. For example, the 1959 Topps Ted Williams card is worth around $5,000 in a PSA 8 but jumps past $50,000 in a PSA 10. Error and variation cards can also hold significant value when scarce. Examples include rare printing plates, missing team logos, miscut designs, and redemptions redeemable for game-worn memorabilia.

Of course, not every old cardboard stub retains headlining value, as condition, age, and often plain luck play a huge part. Still, vintage baseball cards from the early 20th century remain a reliable and engaging alternative asset class. As more collectors get priced out of fine art and antiques, timeless cardboard with rich sports heritage may offer a compelling niche. With care and insight, amassing a prized collection of mint Hall of Famers could prove a sound long-term investment.

Valuable baseball cards represent tangible links to legendary players and the storied history of America’s pastime. Iconic vintage rookies, impossible-to-duplicate errors, condition sensitive modern stars, and more attract serious collectors willing to spend fortunes. With rarity, quality, and nostalgia fueling prices, precious pieces of cardboard celebrating the national pastime will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable sets from the 1970s and 1980s. While it does not contain any extremely rare cards overall, there are a number of stars and rookie cards from the set that can fetch a good price depending on condition. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1979 Topps baseball cards that are worth money for collectors.

One of the most valuable regular issue cards from the 1979 set is the Nolan Ryan card (#534). Ryan was already an established star pitcher by 1979 but his card remains popular with collectors decades later. A Ryan card in near mint to mint condition could sell for $50-$100. If the card grades gem mint 10, it could potentially sell for over $200. What makes the Ryan card so sought after is his status as a baseball legend with 7 no-hitters during his career.

Another pitching star with a valuable 1979 card is Tom Seaver (#531). Seaver was in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds in 1979 after a trade from the Mets. Like Ryan, his name value and career accomplishments continue to drive interest in his rookie and early career cards such as the 1979 issue. An excellently preserved Seaver could sell for $50-75, while a true gem mint might attract a $150+ price tag.

Two of the biggest rookie cards from the 1979 set are Don Mattingly (#97) and Robin Yount (#635). Mattingly had a breakout season as a 23 year old first baseman for the Yankees in ’79 while batting .297 with 13 home runs. The Mattingly rookie in high grade could sell for $75-150 depending on condition, with a true gem specimen reaching up to $300-400. Meanwhile, Robin Yount won the AL MVP award as a shortstop in ’82 but his promising rookie season in ’79 makes his first Topps card very popular as well. An absolutely pristine Yount rookie could sell for $100-200.

Staying with Yankees theme, the Thurman Munson (#487) and Catfish Hunter (#525) cards are also quite valuable from the 1979 set when found in top condition. Munson was the heart and soul of the late 70s Yankees dynasty as the team’s captain and catcher before his tragic death in 1979 plane crash at age 32. His final Topps issue has become somewhat of a commemorative card for Munson collectors. A Thurman Munson in mint-gem condition could sell for $50-100. Catfish Hunter was also a leader of those Yankees squads and had already racked up over 150 career wins before 1979. An exceptionally graded Hunter card could command $50-75.

Other star players with desirables 1979 Topps cards worth owning include Rod Carew (#174), Steve Garvey (#325), Dave Parker (#443), Mike Schmidt (#558), and George Brett (#145). When found in near mint to mint condition, these star cards usually sell in the $20-40 range but true gem mint specimens could reach $75-150 depending on level of grading. George Brett’s dominance in the 70s-80s makes his 1979 rookie card among the generally cheaper options to acquire from the set, with a mint copy selling for under $10.

Perhaps the rarest 1979 Topps card is the Andre Dawson rookie (#474). Dawson enjoyed a Hall of Fame career primarily as an outfielder for the Cubs and Expos but his rookie season was split between the Expos and Montreal. As a result, there are two different variations of his rookie card – one with Expos team logo on the front and one with Montreal team name. The Montreal variation is extremely scarce and one that has graded PSA 8 sold recently at auction for over $1,000. Even the more common Expos variation rookie in top condition can sell for $100-200.

While not the most valuable set overall compared to flagship years like 1952, 1957, or 1969 – canny collectors can still profit nicely by acquiring and holding onto well-preserved rookie cards and stars from the 1979 Topps baseball set long-term. Key cards like Mattingly, Yount, Ryan, Seaver, Munson and others in mint condition will likely continue appreciating for dedicated investors. For budget-minded collectors, commons and short prints from the 792-card set remain quite affordable to fill out. Grading invaluable high-grade examples is also strongly advisable to maximize potential resale value for valuable ’79s in the years ahead.

1995 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1995 Score Select baseball card set was one of the more unique issues from Score in the mid-1990s as it focused on special storylines and statistical accomplishments from the 1994 MLB season. Score Select sets from this era strayed away from the traditional format of showing a player’s picture on the front along with basic stats on the back. Instead, they zeroed in on specific moments or feats to highlight through photographs, graphics and extensive statistical breakdowns.

The 1994 MLB season saw some noteworthy individual performances and franchise milestones that made for interesting subjects to feature in the 1995 Score Select set. A few of the highlighted cards included a focus on Ken Griffey Jr.’s then-record breaking 40 home runs before the All-Star break, a retrospective on the Montreal Expos excellent season that saw them finish with the best record in the National League, and cards dedicated to major career achievements by Rickey Henderson, Tony Gwynn and Eddie Murray.

Perhaps the most notable card in the set was #58 which paid homage to Matt Williams and his pursuit of Roger Maris’ single season home run record. In 1994, Williams launched 43 home runs for the Cleveland Indians as he threatened to break Maris’ longstanding mark of 61 set in 1961. The card breaks down Williams’ power surge that season month-by-month along with statistics on how his home run pace compared to Maris. While Williams fell just short of the record, his prolific power display made for one of the more compelling storylines of that MLB campaign.

Some other top cards in the 1995 Score Select set included:

#5 – A retrospective on the career of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and his then-record of 5,717 career strikeouts.

#15 – A tribute to Tony Gwynn’s astounding .394 batting average in 1994 which was the highest single season mark since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.

#29 – A breakdown of Rickey Henderson’s 1990 MLB record for most career stolen bases which he increased to 1,406 by 1995.

#46 – A celebration of Eddie Murray reaching 500 career home runs on August 6, 1994 while playing for the Cleveland Indians.

#61 – A spotlight on the Career .300 Hitting Club which paid homage to players who achieved a lifetime .300 batting average.

While baseball card sets in the 1990s generally stuck to a predictable format, Score Select offered collectors something different by focusing more on historical statistics and achievements rather than just straightforward player snapshots. For fans interested in detailed data mining and baseball records, the 1995 issue provided extensive statistical breakdowns across its 70 cards spotlighting some of the most notable storylines and accomplishments from the 1994 season. Two decades later, these unique cards chronicling individual prowess and franchise accomplishments remain an interesting relic from the peak of the baseball card boom era.

The 1995 Score Select set highlighted a variety of compelling moments and milestones while also showcasing the meticulous statistical analysis that Score became renowned for during the early to mid-1990s run of their baseball issues. Cards like the Matt Williams home run chase retrospective and tributes to all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn and Eddie Murray presented baseball history and achievements in a visually appealing format backed by statistical substantiation. While not necessarily the most coveted issue from its time strictly from a collector’s standpoint, the 1995 Score Select set stands out among its contemporaries as one of the more innovative in terms of original content highlighting specific storylines rather than basic player photos and stats. Its focus on meaningful stats and historical contexts from the previous season made it an interesting statistical deep-dive for sports card collectors and baseball fans alike.

90S ERROR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1990s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. After decades of dominance by Topps, new competitors like Upper Deck emerged and revolutionized card design. This new competition pushed the boundaries of innovation and quality, but also led to an increase in production errors. Several scarce and valuable 90s error cards were accidentally produced that have captured the imagination of collectors.

In 1989, Topps lost the MLB license to Upper Deck, who debuted as the premier brand in the hobby. Upper Deck’s state-of-the-art printing and card stock set a new standard that Topps had to work hard to match. In 1992, Topps regained the MLB license and rushed their production to get cards to market. In the haste, several errors slipped through that are now highly sought after by collectors.

Perhaps the most famous 90s error card is the 1992 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card missing the “Jr.” This error is so rare that it has been valued as high as $100,000 in mint condition. Only a handful are known to exist as the “Jr.” was mistakenly left off the printing plates in the rush to compete with Upper Deck. Griffey was already a star and his rookie was highly anticipated, making any mistakes on the card especially notable to collectors.

Another major Topps error from 1992 features Barry Bonds with no statistics on the back of the card. Bonds was coming off his breakout season and statistics were a key part of baseball cards at the time. With his stats missing, the error stands out starkly from the standard issue cards. Only a small number are reported to exist with this glaring omission. Like the Griffey error, the scarcity and significance of the player make this a valuable find for collectors.

Upper Deck also had their share of notable errors during the card boom of the early 90s. In 1991, an Ivan Rodriguez card was accidentally printed twice on the same sheet, resulting in “double print” errors that are incredibly rare. Finding one intact double print card from the sheet is a huge find considering how slim the odds are of it surviving production intact. Upper Deck errors from this time period command high prices due to the company’s prestige in the late 80s-early 90s.

The increased competition and larger print runs of the 90s also led to more variation errors than previous decades. A famous example is the 1992 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. card that was accidentally printed with a photo from his rookie season instead of an updated image. The error stands out since Griffey’s appearance had changed in the few years between. Other 90s variation errors saw players like Kirby Puckett and Cal Ripken Jr. printed with different uniform numbers, creating scarce transitional versions.

As the decade continued, production errors remained common in the increasingly fast-paced card industry. In 1996, Topps printed a Derek Jeter rookie card missing the team logo on the front. Only a small number are reported to exist without the iconic Yankees logo. That same year, a rare Stan Musial “bat” error saw the Hall of Famer printed holding his bat in the opposite hand by mistake. Errors featuring legends are particularly valuable to collectors.

Into the late 90s, printing and cutting mistakes persisted. In 1998, Topps produced Starling Marte rookie cards years before he debuted, highlighting the increased risk of errors with larger print runs. The same year, an error saw Nomar Garciaparra printed with a missing hand on his baseball card. Errors that are easily identifiable, like missing body parts, tend to be some of the most coveted by collectors. They represent rare production mistakes that slipped through quality control.

As the baseball card market matured through innovative competition and new technologies in the 90s, errors became more common. They also became much more visible and collectible than in previous eras. High quality printing revealed mistakes that may have gone unnoticed before. While annoying for manufacturers, errors have captivated collectors through their scarcity and uniqueness. The most significant 90s errors related to star players like Griffey, Bonds, and Jeter have become extremely valuable assets decades later. They represent an intriguing part of the card industry’s history during its most transformative period.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1988 SPORTFLICS

Leave a reply

1988 Sportflics Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1988 Sportflics baseball card set was issued during a boom period for the baseball card industry in the late 1980s. Sportflics was a smaller brand compared to industry giants like Topps and Donruss but still produced quality cards that baseball collectors enjoyed. The 1988 set contains 132 total cards and features players from both the American and National Leagues. While not the most valuable set from the era, certain cards from 1988 Sportflics have increased in value over the years for various reasons. Let’s take a deeper look at the 1988 Sportflics set and get an understanding of how much different cards are worth today according to the current market.

The design of the 1988 Sportflics cards was fairly basic but effective. Each card featured a color photo of the player in action on the front with their name, team, and stats printed below. On the back, more stats and a short biography of the player was provided. The card stock was of decent thickness and quality. An interesting aspect of the set was that card numbers were assigned randomly instead of sequentially based on the player’s importance. This led to some star players receiving much higher numbers than expected. The front of each card had a Sportflics logo printed in the bottom left corner along with the player’s position.

In terms of the overall condition and scarcity of 1988 Sportflics cards on the secondary market, most are fairly obtainable in at least played/good condition. Finding high grade mint or near-mint examples can be challenging for some key players. The set has maintained decent collector interest over the decades but is not as widely collected as other brands from the era. This means values are generally lower than comparable cards from Topps flagship sets from the same year. Still, there are some notable rarities and stars that command premium prices.

Let’s examine some standout cards from the 1988 Sportflics set and estimate their current market values based on recent sales:

Nolan Ryan (Card #121): As one of the set’s biggest stars and arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, Ryan’s card is highly sought after. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, it can fetch $300-400. Lower graded copies in the $75-150 range are more common.

Ozzie Smith (Card #83): The Wizard of Oz was a fan favorite and his defense made him a surefire Hall of Famer. High grade versions regularly sell for $150-250.

Roger Clemens (Card #2): The Rocket’s rookie card year and one of the premier pitchers of the 1980s/90s. A PSA 10 could go for $500+. Most sell in the $100-200 range.

Wade Boggs (Card #12): The hit king and Red Sox star. His card holds value due to his prolific career. PSA 10s have sold for $150-250.

Kirby Puckett (Card #100): The Twins legend and 6-time All-Star. Known for his clutch hitting. PSA 10 recently sold for $400. Lower grades around $100.

Rickey Henderson (Card #62): The all-time stolen base leader and leadoff hitter extraordinaire. Even PSA 8s have sold for $150-250 given his iconic status.

Don Mattingly (Card #55): The 1985 AL MVP and career Yankee. His star power drives prices to $75-150 range across all grades.

Dwight Gooden (Card #119): Dr. K’s rookie season and one of the most dominant ever. PSA 10s have topped $500 due to his hype. Most sell $150-300.

There are several other mid-range stars and prospects that can reach $50-100 in top condition depending on player performance and career arcs. This includes cards of Will Clark, Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Gregg Jefferies among others. For common players that were role players or never panned out, their cards are only worth a few dollars.

While not the most valuable set from the boom era, 1988 Sportflics does contain some fairly scarce stars and rookie cards that collectors prize. For key Hall of Famers or players with huge careers like Ryan, Smith, Boggs, Henderson, and Puckett – their cards can net hundreds in top grades. Young stars like Gooden and Clemens also hold strong value. For most of the set, condition is important when pricing vintage Sportflics from 1988. With care and some patience, this affordable set can still be completed by today’s collectors.