KEN GRIFFEY SR BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Sr. had a long, productive major league career mostly spent with the Cincinnati Reds, yet his baseball cards are not nearly as well known as those of his talented son Ken Griffey Jr. However, Griffey Sr.’s cards from the 1970s still hold value for dedicated collectors thanks to his solid playing career and memorable moments on notable Reds teams. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more significant Griffey Sr. baseball cards from his playing days.

One of Griffey Sr.’s earliest issued cards comes from his rookie season of 1973 with Topps. Sporting Reds red uniforms on a blue background, the simple design shows Griffey from the waist up in a classic batting stance. The stats listing on the back provide a glimpse at Griffey’s early potential, with a .281 batting average, 6 home runs, and 35 RBI in 88 games as a part-time player in his first MLB action. While not exceedingly rare at this point, Griffey Sr.’s 1973 Topps rookie card remains a noteworthy piece of his collecting portfolio.

In 1974, Griffey started to become an everyday player as he hit .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI in 138 games. This breakout season is captured on his 1974 Topps card, where he is again featured from the waist up but now with an action shot of his smooth left-handed swing. The stats on the reverse now reflect Griffey’s emergence as a quality major league hitter. His 1974 offering isn’t particularly scarce on the collecting market but holds value for any Griffey completist.

Griffey truly began making his mark during the Big Red Machine era of the 1970s Reds dynasty. His 1975 and 1976 Topps cards stand out for depicting Griffey amid that championship context. The 1975 issue shows Griffey crouched in the on-deck circle at Riverfront Stadium with teammates Pete Rose and Tony Perez visible in the backdrop. It appropriately lists Griffey’s career-best .301 batting average from 1975 on the back. In 1976, Griffey followed that up by hitting a career-high 13 home runs as depicted on his ’76 Topps card in another on-deck circle action shot. Both remain very obtainable cards but hold extra significance for collectors due to Griffey’s involvement with those renowned Reds clubs.

Injuries hampered Griffey for much of the 1977 and 1978 seasons, limiting him to 54 and 50 games respectively during those campaigns. When healthy he continued hitting well, including a .327 average in 1977 portrayed on his ’77 Topps issue. Both of these lightweight years from Griffey have become fairly tough pulls for collectors nowadays. Then in 1979, Griffey enjoyed a minor career resurgence at age 32 by playing in 130 games and hitting .301, a rebound captured on his solid ’79 Topps card which also remains obtainable but not incredibly common in higher grades.

After 13 seasons with the Reds, Griffey was traded midway through 1980 to the Yankees, where he spent the remainder of his career. His 1980 and 1981 Topps cards from his brief NY tenure depict Griffey in pinstripes, including an action photo on the ’81 issue swinging from the left side. While donning an unfamiliar uniform, the cards commemorate the closing chapter of Griffey’s playing days. He retired after the 1981 season having amassed a respectable .296 career batting average over 1,887 total games played spanning 16 seasons from 1973 to 1981.

In summarizing Griffey Sr.’s baseball card catalog, his 1970s flagship Topps issues from his Reds tenure remain the most historically relevant and available at affordable prices relative to other players from that era. Condition and demand factor into individual value, but even higher grade examples can often be acquired for under $10 each. His 1973 rookie and breakout 1974 and 1975 issues provide affordable entry points for collectors, while the more iconic 1976 card amid the Big Red Machine stands out. Later 1970s/early 1980s Yankees issues also commemorate Griffey’s solid career. Though overshadowed by son Ken Griffey Jr.’s epic 1990s cards, Griffey Sr.’s collection documents a quality career deserves recognition from collectors.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 1991

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The 1991 baseball card season was one of the most exciting years in the hobby. Led by superstar rookies like Frank Thomas and Chuck Knoblauch, the ’91 crop featured many iconic cards that have stood the test of time. While hindsight is always 20/20, here’s a look at some of the cards from ’91 that were truly standouts.

Frank Thomas RC (#1) – Arguably the most coveted rookie card of the entire decade, Frank Thomas’ debut Bowman issue skyrocketed in value after “The Big Hurt” went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His massive 6’5″ frame and prodigious power made him a fan favorite, and the card captured him in his prime rookie season with the White Sox. PSA 10 gem mint copies now sell for thousands.

Chuck Knoblauch RC (#2) – Another star-studded rookie, Knoblauch burst onto the scene as the second baseman for the World Series champion Twins. His 1991 Topps debut card showed Chuck batting from the left side with his unique high leg kick. He went on to win four Gold Gloves before a throwing yip derailed his career. Still a highly sought after rookie.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#3) – While not technically a rookie since he had played in 1989, Junior’s official Topps rookie card from 1991 is one of the most iconic in the modern era. The perfect combination of star power, photography, and design made this card an instant classic. Even back in 1991, collectors recognized Griffey’s potential to be one of the game’s greats.

Roberto Alomar RC (#4) – Alomar made an immediate impact in 1990 by winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. His 1991 Topps rookie card showed his slick fielding skills and became a highly valuable rookie. Alomar went on to a Hall of Fame career and Gold Glove caliber defense at second base that spanned over 17 seasons in the majors.

Tom Glavine RC (#5) – The ace lefty for the Atlanta Braves made his card debut in 1991 Donruss. Glavine won the NL Rookie of the Year and would go on to 305 career wins, two Cy Young Awards, and five 20-win seasons. His rookie card is one of the most iconic from the brand’s heyday in the early 1990s.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#6) – While not technically a “rookie” since he broke in over a decade earlier, Ripken’s 1991 Topps update card was hugely popular. It showed him batting right-handed with his trademark squat stance during his record-breaking streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games. A true iron man of the game.

Nolan Ryan (#7) – At age 43, many thought the “Ryan Express” was finally slowing down. But his 1991 Topps card captured him still firing 100 MPH fastballs in a Rangers uniform. It served as a reminder of his incredible longevity and dominance on the mound. One of the most legendary pitchers of all-time.

Barry Bonds (#8) – Entering his physical prime in 1991, Bonds was already one of the game’s best players as evidenced by his 1990 NL MVP award. This Topps issue showed his impressive athleticism and foreshadowed the statistical greatness still to come later in his career.

Roberto Clemente (#9) – Not a new player, but Clemente’s moving 1978 Topps tribute card was included in 1991 sets after his tragic death on New Year’s Eve 1972. It served as a reminder of his excellence on the field and humanitarian work off it. A true legend of the game and one of the most impactful baseball cards ever made.

Ryne Sandberg (#10) – The smooth-swinging second baseman of the Cubs was having an MVP-caliber season in 1991. His iconic Topps card from that year captured his rifle arm and showcase his skills that would eventually lead to the Hall of Fame. One of the most talented players of his generation.

While cards of future Hall of Famers like Craig Biggio, Tom Glavine, and Mike Piazza also debuted in 1991, those 10 issues stood out as some the most iconic, valuable, and historically significant cards from the year. Collectors recognized the greatness of players like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Roberto Alomar, and Barry Bonds very early on. Thirty years later, 1991 remains one of the true landmark seasons in the entire history of the baseball card hobby.

89 FLEER BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was one of the most iconic issues of the late 1980s. The design featured colorful player photos on a white background with team logos and player stats. Fleer released 792 total cards as part of the main set in 1989. While not the most valuable vintage baseball card set overall, it featured several hugely popular rookie cards and stars of the era that have stood the test of time.

One of the biggest storylines from the ’89 Fleer set was the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux. Griffey’s rookie card quickly became one of the most sought after in the hobby due to his incredible talent and popularity as “The Kid”. Even at a young age, it was clear Griffey had the potential to become a true superstar and his card remains one of the most iconic in the modern era. Maddux’s rookie is also highly regarded as he went on to have a first ballot Hall of Fame career mainly with the Atlanta Braves, winning 4 Cy Young awards. Both Griffey and Maddux rookies hold significant value today for collectors, often grading out in the thousands of dollars if in pristine condition.

In addition to the star rookies, the ’89 Fleer set included cards featuring many of the game’s biggest names from that time period. One of the most visually striking and potentially valuable cards is the Kirby Puckett showcase card on the set number #765. Puckett was already a six-time All-Star and regarded as one of baseball’s premier outfielders by 1989. His card stands out with its bright purple and white design. In top grades, Puckett’s ’89 Fleer card can fetch well over $1000. Another Twins star with an eye-catching card is Kent Hrbek on card #443, known for his memorable home run in the 1987 World Series.

Pitching greats also had some of the most aesthetically pleasing cards in the set. Nolan Ryan’s action shot on card #99 remains one of the most recognizable from the late 80s/early 90s. His intimidating delivery and Hall of Fame resume give this card lasting appeal. Meanwhile, Orel Hershiser’s dominance in 1988, winning the Cy Young and MVP while setting the MLB record for most consecutive scoreless innings, made his card #105 a popular choice. Both Ryan and Hershiser cards can reach well into the triple digits even in lower grades.

The ’89 Fleer set also provided the first cards for some future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine and Craig Biggio, who were just starting their rookie seasons. While not the costliest rookie cards, they hold significance as the first glimpse of these players’ careers. Veterans like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens were also featured prominently after established careers of success up to that point. The vibrant designs helped make these star cards stand out in the sets.

In terms of chase cards and inserts, the ’89 Fleer set included several short prints and one-of-ones to entice collectors. The Frank Viola All-Star MVP short print (card #389) and the Nolan Ryan 3000th Strikeout short print (#99SP) are two of the most valuable variations. The 1/1 Ken Griffey Jr. insert card signed by “The Kid” himself is the true crown jewel and most valuable card from the entire set – often valued well into the six figures.

While production and print runs were much higher than today’s modern issues, the 1989 Fleer baseball card set still holds a special place in hobby history. Featuring rookie cards of future legends alongside the game’s biggest active stars, vivid designs made these cards instant classics. Even after 30+ years, the ’89 Fleer set continues to excite collectors with unforgettable cards from Griffey, Maddux, Ryan, Puckett and more. For vintage baseball card enthusiasts, the memories and historic significance of this particular issue ensure it remains one of the most revered releases from the late 1980s/early 90s era.

BEST JUNK WAX BASEBALL CARDS

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The late 1980s were the peak of the baseball card bubble, with massive production numbers flooding the market and driving prices down. This era from 1987-1994 is often referred to as the “junk wax era” by collectors, as the sheer numbers printed made individual cards seem nearly worthless. Even within the junk wax era there are certain standout cards that have retained value better than others. While they may not be worth a fortune, some junk wax cards from this period are still regarded highly by collectors today.

One of the most iconic and sought-after junk wax cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from 1989 Upper Deck. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars by 1989 and his rookie card was the very first issued by the then-new Upper Deck company. While production numbers were high at around 1.8 million copies, Griffey’s star power and the card being the first Upper Deck kept demand high. Today a pristine Griffey rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can fetch over $1000, far higher than any other 1989 card. Even well-worn raw copies still sell for $20-50 due to Griffey’s enduring popularity.

Another rookie card that holds up well is the Barry Bonds rookie from 1986 Topps. Bonds went on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and his rookie is the only card many collectors have from his Pittsburgh Pirates days before steroid allegations tainted his legacy. The 1986 Topps set had massive production but Bonds rookies still sell for $10-30 even in played condition thanks to his iconic status. Higher grades can reach $100-200.

Two of the most aesthetically pleasing and visually iconic junk wax cards are the Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith 1991 Studio cards. This was one of the first years for ultra-modern photographic technology in cards and the close-up portraits of Ryan and Smith are just classic images that are still fan favorites today. While 1991 Studio had massive print runs, high grade Ryan and Smith examples can reach $20-50 due to their enduring popularity.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers are often the best long term investments from the junk wax era. Other rookies that hold significant value include the Griffey Jr. rookie from 1989 Bowman, the Piazza rookie from 1989 Topps, the Chipper Jones rookie from 1991 Leaf, the Jim Thome rookie from 1991 Fleer, the Derek Jeter rookie from 1992 Bowman, the Nomar Garciaparra rookie from 1996 Bowman, and the Todd Helton rookie from 1995 Fleer. While these players were not quite the superstars Griffey and Bonds became, their Hall of Fame careers still make their rookies desirable even from the junk wax period, with high grades reaching $50-150.

For team collectors, there are also certain standouts from the junk wax era. The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr./Barry Larkin rookie combo card for the Cincinnati Reds is a favorite, currently around $30-50 even in low grades thanks to Griffey and Larkin’s Reds tenure. The 1990 Topps Nolan Ryan/Jeff Bagwell Houston Astros teammates card also has nostalgia value, at $10-20. And the 1992 Topps Frank Thomas/Jack McDowell Chicago White Sox card captivates Sox fans to the tune of $15-30.

Condition is especially important for junk wax era cards to have retained any significant value. While PSA/BGS gem mint 10 grades will always demand the highest prices, even lower grades of 8 or 9 can still be worthwhile investments for the right players. The masses of junk wax cards in worn 6s and below are usually only worth a dollar or less to dedicated team/player collectors. In the end, focusing on the biggest star rookies and cards with true nostalgia appeal will yield the best returns, even within the much-maligned junk wax period of the late 1980s-early 1990s. While they may never reach the heights of vintage cards, some junk wax gems continue to prove their lasting popularity and value among collectors.

CHEAP VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Cheap Vintage Baseball Cards Offer Collectors Affordable Options

While mint condition rookie cards of stars like Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, the vintage baseball card market offers plenty of affordable options for collectors of all budgets. Many older cards that are not in pristine condition or do not feature all-time great players can still be obtained for just pennies on the dollar.

For collectors just starting out or looking to build large sets from earlier eras on a limited budget, scouring the bargain bins is a great way to add vintage cardboard to your collection without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for finding cheap vintage baseball cards to satisfy your nostalgia without emptying your wallet.

Focus on Commons from the 1950s-1970s

The most abundant and inexpensive vintage baseball cards come from the 1950s through 1970s. These decades produced billions of cards that were inserted haphazardly in packs without much care or protection. As a result, many survived but show creases, corners rounding from age or slight discoloration from exposure over the decades.

Even well-loved examples of common players from this era can often be acquired for $1-5 each depending on the condition. Great values can be found among cards of role players, pitchers, backups and stars past their prime. Complete your team and league sets from this period on the cheap.

Target Less Popular Teams

When building a vintage set, cards from smaller market clubs and non-contenders will usually cost less than equivalent cards from glamour franchises. For example, a 1969 Topps card of an average Houston Astro may cost just a dollar while that same graded condition card of a comparable Cincinnati Red could be $5-10 due to fanbase size differences.

Mining sets from the 1950s-60s for Kansas City A’s, Washington Senators and pre-expansion teams can yield deals. Later on, focus on clubs like the Padres, Expos and Brewers rather than the Yankees or Dodgers if you want rock-bottom prices.

Consider Promotional and Local Issues

Lesser known regional, promotional and hostess-reward issues from the early decades of the card boom can provide unique finds for budget-conscious collectors. Examples include Bell Brand, Red Heart, Post, Kool and Top Value cards inserted in food packages or distributed by local businesses.

While sometimes lacking the production quality of national brands, these obscure issues showcase the same players and teams. Many can be acquired for well under $10 each. With perseverance, you may even uncover complete overlooked sets at affordable prices.

Take Advantage of Discount Bins

Most serious card shops will have a discount area or box where thousands of commons from overproduction eras like the late 1980s are sold for 10-25 cents each. Careful digging can uncover true gems among these bargain cards, and it’s easy to quickly build huge vintage sets this way for just dollars.

Online Auctions and Classifieds

With patience and diligence, incredible deals on bulk lots of vintage cards can be found through online auction sites like eBay. Check the 50-cent and free sections of classified ad sites as well for local collectors unloading duplicates. It’s not uncommon to acquire hundreds of cards for just shipping costs through these avenues.

Grading has also made mint cards from the 1970s more affordable as thousands of high-grade examples flood the market each year with realistically attainable values under $10-20 each. Creatively bundled dollar bins at conventions and free tables are additional spots to scope out potential steals.

The key is being proactive, open-minded and willing to search beyond the biggest stars. With some elbow grease, any collector can build an impressive vintage baseball card collection full of history and nostalgia without spending a fortune. By targeting lesser-known players, teams and issues or shopping discount sources, you’re sure to make many exciting discoveries within your budget.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1970

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The 1970 baseball season produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in the hobby’s history. It was a crossover year that bridged the transition from the classic post-war era designs to the more photography-driven styles that would come to define the 1970s. While the 1969 Topps set is generally considered the pinnacle vintage issue in terms of overall completeness and design quality, the 1970 set stands out for featuring some of the most historically significant players and rookie cards in the game. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 1970 Topps set that continue to captivate collectors decades later.

Perhaps the most famous and coveted card from the set is the Reggie Jackson rookie card. As a member of the Oakland Athletics at the time, Jackson had a promising rookie season in 1969 but had yet to emerge as the superstar slugger he would become. The 1970 rookie card captured Jackson in the beginning stages of his Hall of Fame career and is one of the iconic cards that helped cement his legacy in the hobby. High grade copies in near mint to mint condition regularly sell for thousands of dollars. Another notable rookie from 1970 was Ted Simmons of the St. Louis Cardinals. As a catcher, Simmons had a long and productive career that saw him inducted into the Hall of Fame. His rookie card from this set is also highly valuable in top grades.

Two of the biggest stars of the 1970 season and beyond also had defining cards in the 1970 Topps set – Johnny Bench and Nolan Ryan. Bench captured his second NL MVP award in 1970 while cementing his status as the best all-around catcher in baseball. His card from this set is one of the most iconic in the hobby. Meanwhile, Nolan Ryan was still in his early years with the California/California Angels but was already showing signs of the dominance he would demonstrate for decades. Both Bench and Ryan cards retain significant collector interest and command high prices.

The premier pitchers of the 1960s were also featured prominently in the 1970 Topps set. Two of the most coveted cards are those of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers. By 1970, Koufax had already retired after years of shoulder issues cut short his incredible career. His card serves as one of the last depictions of the lefty on the diamond. Meanwhile, Drysdale remained an Ace on the Dodgers staff and his card captured him during his playing days. High grade versions of these cards often trade hands for thousands.

The 1970 Topps set also marked the beginning of a new dynasty on the mound – the Oakland A’s “Swingin’ A’s” led by Vida Blue. As a rookie in 1969, Blue went 8-4 with a 1.82 ERA and took home AL Rookie of the Year and AL Cy Young honors. His flashy rookie card from the 1970 issue highlights his long dreadlocks and aggressive delivery on the mound. It’s among the most visually appealing and desirable cards from the set in high grade.

The dominance of the Baltimore Orioles also shone through with definitive cards of future Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, and Frank Robinson in the 1970 set. For collectors, high grade copies of these stars in the classic O’s uniform remain highly sought after pieces from the vintage era. Ultimately, the 1970 Topps set stands out for presenting key rookie cards, final cards of legends, and encapsulating superstars amid their primes. Nearly 50 years later, it continues to be a cornerstone release for vintage collectors around the world.

The 1970 Topps baseball card set offered collectors a cross-section of the biggest names and emerging talents from that memorable season. Rookie cards like Reggie Jackson and Ted Simmons, final cards like Koufax, and definitive issues highlighting the greats like Bench, Ryan, and the Baltimore Orioles make it one of the most historically resonant vintage sets. Graded high quality examples of these stars command significant collector interest and will undoubtedly retain their place as prized possessions in collections for generations to come. The 1970 set serves as a bridge between eras and highlighted many players who have shaped the game and hobby permanently.

1990 YELLOW BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Topps baseball card set had a memorable design that featured yellow borders around each card. This unique yellow coloring has led collectors to commonly refer to the 1990 Topps set as the “yellow baseball cards.” The set includes cards of all major league players and managers from the 1989 baseball season. Some key things to know about the 1990 Topps yellow baseball cards include:

The set includes 792 total cards with photographs of players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. The design features a yellow border surrounding each photo along with basic statistics and career highlights printed in black text. On the front of each card is the team logo printed in the upper-left corner. The 1990 set was the 65th series of Topps baseball cards issued and carried on Topps’ tradition as the flagship baseball card manufacturer.

Some of the notable rookie cards featured in the 1990 Topps set included Sandy Alomar Jr., Carlos Baerga, Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Jefferies, Randy Johnson, and Dennis Martinez. While not true rookie cards, the 1990 set also included early career cards of future Hall of Famers such as Barry Larkin, Frank Thomas, and Jim Thome. The inclusion of so many star players who would go on to have impressive careers has made many of the cards from the 1990 Topps set valuable in the decades since.

Beyond star players and future Hall of Famers, the 1990 Topps set was also memorable for including several interesting variations and subsets within the base set. For example, the cards numbered to 409 featured yellow borders and team logos, while cards 410 to the end featured white borders and team logos instead of yellow. Additionally, Topps issued 75 hand-collated “Traded” variation cards showing players who had been traded between the 1988 and 1989 seasons with their new teams. Short prints were also included at a ratio of 1 per wax box.

One fun subset included in the 1990 Topps set was the “Manager of the Year” cards, which included separate cards for the AL and NL award winners. Furthermore, Topps created subsets highlighting the league leaders and award winners in various statistical categories for 1989 such as RBI leader, ERA leader, and stolen base leader. There were also specialty cards within the set honoring Hank Aaron’s 715th home run and Nolan Ryan’s 5000th strikeout.

While primarily known for its traditional baseball card design, Topps experimented with some non-sports cards mixed into the 1990 series. The set included 40 non-sports entertainment memorabilia cards showing pop culture figures on one side and statistics or facts about them on the reverse. Subjects ranged from movies and TV shows to bands and historical events/people. Additionally, Topps produced a 12-card Desert Shield military tribute subset thanking U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East during 1990.

When the 1990 Topps baseball set was issued, the baseball card market was in the midst of its late 1980s/early 90s boom period. Wax boxes of 1990 Topps baseball cards retailed for around $1-2 and included either 18 or 24 packs with 11 cards per pack, including one per pack guaranteed to be a star player. In the ensuing decades since, the 1990 Topps cards have become popular with collectors and maintained strong secondary market values thanks to its memorable yellow design and inclusion of so many stars. Singles and complete original sets from 1990 can still fetch hundreds or thousands depending on condition and specific players/cards included.

For collectors of both vintage and modern-era cards, the 1990 Topps yellow baseball cards hold a memorable place in the hobby. Not only were they visually distinct with their yellow borders, but they also encapsulated the late 80s/early 90s baseball era and have remained a sought-after set more than 30 years later. The stars, short prints, variations, and parallels included make finding and completing the 1990 Topps baseball card set an interesting collecting challenge that many hobbyists still pursue to this day.

TOPPS BIG BASEBALL CARDS 1988

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The 1988 Topps Big baseball card set was one of Topps’ most ambitious sets from the late 1980s. Produced in partnership with Parkhurst, it featured oversized 3.5” by 5” cards to showcase large player photos in addition to career stats and biographical info. With 144 cards in the base set plus additional inserts, 1988 Topps Big really delivered in terms of content and collectibility for baseball card fans at the time.

The large card size allowed for vivid, high quality color photos that made each player really pop off the card. Full body shots or action photos were the norm and the increased surface area meant finer details could be seen compared to typical smaller cards from Topps or other competitors. All of the key stars from 1987 were included, from superstars like Rickey Henderson and Ozzie Smith to breakout young talents like Mark McGwire and Will Clark. Design-wise, the cards had a clean and elegant look with plenty of negative space around each photo.

In addition to the player photos and names on the fronts, the backs of the cards featured statistical tables showcasing career totals as well as 1987 season stats. This was a great addition since it allowed collectors to easily compare players at a glance. There was also a lengthy paragraph of biographical information for each athlete, detailing their career paths and accomplishments up to that point. Everything was laid out in an easy to read font which added lots of value and allowed each card to really tell each player’s story visually.

Some of the notable rookie cards found in the base 1988 Topps Big set included Greg Maddux, Jay Bell, and Terry Mulholland. With these large rookie cards picturing young upcoming stars, their values have grown steadily over the decades. Other valuable and sought after stars in the set included base cards of Orel Hershiser, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and George Brett. With their fame and Hall of Fame caliber careers, graded examples of these popular players in Topps Big have sold for large sums over the years.

In addition to the large base set, Topps Big in 1988 also included several inserts ranging from traded players to traded draft picks as well as photo variations of selected stars. For example, there was a 25-card traded set highlighting players who were dealt to new teams prior to the 1988 season like Kirk Gibson and Frank Viola. Recognizing the increasing importance of the amateur draft, Topps also created a 13-card draft pick subset to showcase recently selected prospects. With the inserts and variations, there were over 200 total cards to find in 1988 Topps Big factory sets.

While very popular upon release and a strong investment for collectors in the late 80s, the immense size of Topps Big cards presented preservation challenges over time that standard sized cards did not. Issues like creasing from improper storage, fading or damage to the large photos, as well as the increased rarity of high grade specimens all contributed to the set increasing steadily in resale value in the vintage trading card market from the 1990s onward. As a truly one-of-a-kind tobacco-era release, graded 1988 Topps Big have reached into the thousands of dollars per card for true gem mint examples.

Specifically, the George Brett (#1), Ozzie Smith (#19), and Tom Seaver (#40) base cards in PSA/NGC 10 Gem Mint condition have all exceeded $10,000 at auction due to their superb iconic photos and the players’ all-time great careers and fan followings. Rookie cards like Terry Mulholland (#116) and Greg Maddux (#133) in top grades have also gained immense value over time, regularly hammering for over $1,000 each now given how their careers have panned out.

For serious vintage baseball card collectors, owning a high quality 1988 Topps Big set has become an impressive troph

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the company’s long history. It was the 66th series produced by Topps and contained 792 total cards, split between traditional sized player and manager cards as well as oversized leader and record breaker cards.

As was customary for Topps releases during this era, the 1987 checklist featured major stars from both the American and National Leagues. Some of the biggest names included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg, Rickey Henderson, Dwight Gooden, and Ozzie Smith. The class of rookies debuting in this set made 1987 especially memorable. It introduced future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas to baseball card collectors.

The design for the 1987 Topps cards had a clean, simplistic aesthetic typical of 1980s sports card artwork. A solid colored banner ran across the top containing the team name and position. Below was a centered vertical photo of the player in uniform. To the left was their name and statistics on the reverse. What stood out was the enlarged font size for players’ names, making them readable from a distance at a glance. This standardized appearance allowed for a high volume of cards to be efficiently produced on a tight publishing schedule.

A key factor to the success and popularity of any Topps release is obtaining rights to use team logos and uniforms. The brand had longstanding agreements in place granting these permissions, so fans could enjoy authentic and accurate representations of their favorite clubs and stars. This visual authenticity was particularly appealing to collectors seeking to build complete roster sets that mirrored the current season.

Some notable variations within the 1987 Topps checklist included “Traded” cards updating a player’s team midway through the season due to a deal. Specialty cards were issued highlighting individual and team accomplishments from the previous season. This included “Record Breaker” cards like Roger Clemens’ 20 strikeout performance and “Leader” cards honoring the league batting average champions from 1986 in Wade Boggs and Stan Javier.

While most cards depicted major and minor leaguers active in 1987, the set also contained special tribute issues. This included the hugely popular Donruss-style “Turn Back The Clock” cards recreating iconic moments in baseball history through retro graphics and photography. Fan favorites featured Babe Ruth’s called shot and Bill Mazeroski’s 1960 World Series walk-off home run. There were also “Farewell To…” sendoff cards recognizing the careers of recently retired veteran players.

The 1987 Topps checklist possessed an amazing wealth of young talent that would define the game for decades. This was best exemplified by the rookie cards of superstars Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas. Maddux’s Atlanta Braves rookie card remains one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever produced due to his Hall of Fame career. Meanwhile, Thomas established himself as one of the most feared power hitters in the AL with the Chicago White Sox. Both are staples in collections to this day.

Beyond star rookies, the 1987 set had crossover appeal across all levels of fandom. Regional and minor league issues allowed fans to collect players throughout various baseball systems. Even managers, coaches and officials received dedicated cardboard to spark enthusiasm for the administrative roles powering the sport. The expansive nature of Topps’ coverage ensured something for everyone with an interest in America’s pastime.

When assembled, the 1987 Topps baseball card checklist formed an impressive visual document of that year’s Major League season. In the following decades, it has become regarded as one of the most beloved releases in the hobby’s history. Strong, consistent secondary market values reflect collectors’ affinity for this iconic set from their childhoods. Whether seeking stars, rookies or role players, the 1987 offering had it all – making it invaluable to building a complete collection and understanding where the game’s greats got their start.

BEST 1950 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1950 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the early 1950s. Issued by the Bowman Gum Company, the 1950 set features players from both the American and National Leagues and includes some true legends of the game that are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1950 Bowman set.

One of the true gems of the 1950 Bowman set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Willie Mays. As the iconic center fielder for the New York and San Francisco Giants throughout his career, Mays is considered one of the greatest players of all time. His exciting style of play made him a fan favorite and his talent and accomplishments have cemented his legacy as a true baseball icon. His 1950 Bowman rookie card in near mint condition can fetch over $200,000 at auction today due to its significance. Mays rookie is the undisputed crown jewel of the entire set and is a prized possession for any serious baseball card collector.

Another highly valuable rookie card from 1950 Bowman is that of Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn. As the ace of the Milwaukee and Boston Braves staff for over two decades, Spahn established himself as one of the game’s all-time great left-handed hurlers. He won 363 games over his career and helped lead the Braves to nine National League pennants and one World Series championship. Spahn’s rookie card in top condition can sell for $60,000 or more. It’s a truly rare and important piece of cardboard chronicling the beginning of a pitching legend’s career.

In addition to rookies of Mays and Spahn, the 1950 Bowman set also features the cards of several other future Hall of Famers, including Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Roy Campanella. Williams’ powerful left-handed swing made him one of the best hitters in baseball history and his 1950 Bowman card can reach $15,000 PSA GEM MT 10. Musial was the consummate all-around player and his 1950 Bowman is also quite valuable at $10,000 plus. Campanella, DiMaggio, and others help round out a true who’s who of baseball immortals captured early in their careers by Bowman in 1950.

While rookies and Hall of Famers understandably grab the spotlight, there are several other highly coveted veteran cards from the 1950 Bowman set as well. One is the card of Brooklyn Dodgers’ pitcher Don Newcombe. As one of the first African American pitchers in the major leagues, Newcombe went on to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in 1949 before the 1950 Bowman set. His card can sell for around $8,000 in top grade. Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller, who had already established himself as one of baseball’s hardest throwers by 1950, also has a very valuable card at $6,000 PSA MT 10.

The 1950 Bowman set also included stars like Mickey Vernon, Johnny Mize, Red Schoendienst, Nellie Fox, and others who were fixtures on their respective teams. While not rookies, these proven veterans are still highly sought after by collectors today. Even more common players can have value depending on the grade. For example, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded copy of Cleveland Indians second baseman Bobby Avila’s card can reach $1,500 due to its superior condition. Overall condition is extremely important when evaluating value for any card from the iconic 1950 Bowman set.

The 1950 Bowman baseball card set launched the careers of future legends like Willie Mays and Warren Spahn while also capturing other Hall of Famers and stars of the day. Rookie cards will always be the most valuable, but there are also plenty of desirable veteran cards that make this early Bowman issue highly collectible even over 70 years later. For the history, visual appeal, and investment potential it presents, the 1950 Bowman set remains one of the crown jewels of the entire baseball card collecting hobby.