BASEBALL CARDS COLLECTIBLES STORE

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 150 years and remain one of the most popular collectibles in the world. With the growing popularity of baseball card collecting, specialized baseball cards collectibles stores have emerged to cater to collectors of all levels. These stores provide a one-stop shop experience for finding, trading, and selling cards.

Whether you’re a casual browser or a serious investor, baseball cards collectibles stores offer a treasure trove of cards from every era of the game. From vintage cards from the 1800s to the latest rookie cards, you can spend hours flipping through boxes searching for your favorite players or hidden gems. Many stores organize their inventory by sport, team, player, or year to make browsing their extensive selection easier.

Along with individual cards for sale, stores also offer factory-sealed wax packs, boxes, and cases from past and current seasons. This allows collectors to experience the thrill of the pack-rip without having to purchase an entire case. Vintage wax packs and boxes that are still sealed fetch a high premium since they represent an unsearched piece of card history.

For collectors looking to build or complete sets, baseball cards collectibles stores are an invaluable resource. Many keep boxes organized by set so you can easily find all the cards you need. Staff are also knowledgeable about the various sets released over the decades and can help track down tough-to-find chase cards. Stores may have multiples of common cards available to facilitate easy set building.

Beyond just cards for sale, these shops host many events and services for the local collecting community. Frequent weekend card shows allow collectors to meet and trade face-to-face. Consignment services let collectors sell high-end individual cards or entire collections through the store. Grading submission services authenticate and encase cards to verify condition and increase value.

The knowledgeable staff at baseball cards collectibles stores are also on hand to offer appraisals, answer questions, and share insights into the market. They can provide guidance on current trends, investment opportunities, and strategies for building a valuable long-term collection. Many veteran collectors and dealers got their start by simply hanging out and learning from the regulars at their local card shop.

In addition to singles, packs, boxes and sets, stores offer an array of accessories to help collectors organize and protect their treasured cards. Storage supplies include magnetic and screw-down holders, toploaders, sheets, boxes and full-scale cabinets. Display cases and shadow boxes let you proudly show off prized cards. Grading submission holders and autograph authentication items are also available.

For investors and serious collectors, the auction consignment services provided by many baseball cards collectibles stores are extremely valuable. Whether you have a single rare vintage card or an entire collection to sell, shops can professionally market and sell your items to reach a global buyer base. Their industry experience and relationships maximize the realized value through online and in-person auction sales.

As the internet has connected collectors worldwide, many baseball cards collectibles stores have adapted by building robust online storefronts. While the in-person experience remains integral, virtual shops allow browsing of inventory and placing orders from anywhere. Items can be shipped safely and tracking is provided. Online communities let collectors interact, and video content shares industry news, interviews and product reviews.

Whether you’re a new collector just starting out or a lifelong fan, baseball cards collectibles stores serve as hobby headquarters. Browsing the endless selection of cards, talking shop with knowledgeable staff, and connecting with the local community are great ways to feed your baseball card passion. Their vast selection, expertise and community focus make these specialized shops perfect one-stop destinations for all your collecting needs.

ZACH DUKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Zachary Alan Duke is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played in the big leagues from 2005-2017. Over his 13 season career, Duke became a well-traveled veteran, making stops with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations. While he was never an All-Star, Duke had a long MLB career thanks to his durability and ability to eat innings out of the bullpen. He remains one of the more prominent pitchers of his era to be featured on baseball cards.

Duke’s rookie cards came in 2005 after being selected by the Pirates in the 1st round of the 2001 MLB Draft. Some of the notable rookie cards featuring Duke include 2005 Bowman, 2005 Donruss, and 2005 Topps baseball cards. These early issue cards showcase Duke during his debut season with the Pirates where he made 25 appearances, including 12 starts, and posted a 4.82 ERA over 94.1 innings pitched in 2005. It was an inauspicious beginning statistically but the rookie cards marked Duke’s arrival in the big leagues and are still sought after by collectors today.

In the following years, Duke established himself as a reliable mid-rotation starter for the Pirates. His 2006 Topps, 2007 Topps, and 2008 Topps base cards depict him during this time as a mainstay in the Pittsburgh rotation. The 2006 card in particular shows growth from his rookie season, reflecting Duke’s 3.91 ERA and 179 strikeouts over 183.1 innings in 2006. Upper deck released parallels and inserts of Duke in 2006-2008 sets as well to keep up with his development as a rotation piece. Duke’s success with the Pirates led to several prominent young star cards in sets like 2007 Topps Tiffany and 2008 Topps Total during his arbitration years.

After being non-tendered by the Pirates following the 2009 season, Duke latched on with the Diamondbacks for 2010. He appeared in a career-high 32 games that season while posting a respectable 4.00 ERA in relief and as a spot starter. Duke’s 2010 Topps and Upper Deck cards highlight this period of transition as he adapted to a bullpen role. He followed it up with a strong 2011 campaign, putting up a 3.38 ERA in 83 appearances out of the D-Backs pen. Upper Deck released several parallels and inserts in 2011 featuring Duke in an Arizona uniform after two solid seasons with the club.

Entering his arbitration years, Duke accepted salary arbitration from the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2012 season. He delivered with career-bests in games (80), innings (104), and strikeouts (86) primarily serving as a setup man. 2012 Topps Update and later Allen & Ginter releases featured Duke in a Cardinals uniform. He performed adequately again in 2013, re-establishing himself as a durable reliever before hitting free agency that offseason. Upper Deck produced several inserts highlighting Duke’s contributions to the Cards playoff-contending teams in 2012-2013.

After short stints with the Brewers and White Sox to kick off 2014, Duke latched on with the Twins and enjoyed a career renaissance. He posted a 1.90 ERA in 55 appearances for Minnesota that year and was called upon to pitch in high leverage spots late in games. Several manufacturers, including Topps Update, produced parallel and insert varieties in 2014-2015 sets to signify Duke’s solid season and important bullpen role. The Twins opted not to tender Duke a contract after 2015 and he moved on to stints with the Dodgers and back with the Brewers in 2016-2017 before retiring. Later base cards like 2016 Topps Heritage and 2017 Topps Update captured Duke finishing out his career.

While Zach Duke never achieved major individual accolades in his career, he appeared in over 600 games across 13 MLB seasons with 9 different organizations, a reflection of his durability and adaptable skillset as both a starter and reliever. His baseball cards from his debut in 2005 through the tail end of his career in 2017 depict Duke’s evolution from young starter to crafty veteran reliever. Even after retirement, collectors still seek out earlier rookie cards and parallels highlighting Duke’s sustained big league tenure making him one of the more prominent pitchers represented in baseball card sets from the mid-2000s through the 2010s.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th annual set produced by Topps and featured photos and profiles of baseball players and managers from the 1986 MLB season. Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps set include:

Set Details: The 1987 Topps set included 792 total cards and featured players and managers from all 26 MLB teams at the time. Each brand new wax packaging contained 11 cards. Some of the notable rookie cards included in the 1987 Topps set were Mark McGwire, Matt Williams, and Andy Benes. There was also a special “Hall of Fame” series insert highlighting past baseball greats.

Design and Photography: The design style for the 1987 Topps cards was quite similar to the previous few years. Each card featured a vertical photo of the player along with their name, team, and positional information printed beneath. Card numbers were located on the lower right hand corner. The photography and image quality was very good overall but some cards featured oddly cropped or poorly lit photos. The colorful team logo stickers were also included on many cards.

Notable Stars: Many of baseball’s biggest stars of the 1980s were prominently featured, including Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Rickey Henderson. Tom Seaver’s card was one of the most sought after as he had just reached the 300 career win milestone. Other veteran stars like Eddie Murray, Steve Carlton, and Nolan Ryan also had popular cards.

Rookie Cards: While the 1987 rookie class didn’t have future Hall of Famers, there were some promising players just starting out. Mark McGwire’s rookie card would prove to be one of the best investments from the set years later. Other notable rookies included Matt Williams, Andy Benes, Chad Kreuter, and Bobby Thigpen. None of the rookies in the 1987 set went on to the same career heights as McGwire however.

Chase Cards: The most sought after cards from the 1987 Topps set included Don Mattingly’s regular issue card, Cal Ripken Jr.’s card where he is shown without a batting helmet, and Ozzie Smith’s card where he makes a sliding catch. Tom Seaver’s 300th win card was also very popular. Rookie cards for players like Mark McGwire and Matt Williams also gained value in later years.

Production Details: The 1987 Topps set was printed by the Topps company in the United States and featured the “Bowman Gum” advertising on the rear of each card stock. The cardboard used was of average thickness and quality for the time. Later analyses found print runs were larger than usual without documentation, which hurt the scarce factors of some rookie cards long term.

Grading and Preservation: Many of the higher value cards from the 1987 Topps set have been professionally graded over the years by services like PSA and BGS. This includes star players, rookie cards, and parallel/insert variations. Cards that grade highly as Gem Mint 10 can be quite valuable in the current vintage sports card market. Most collectors store and display their 1987 Topps cards in protective plastic holders or cardboard to preserve the surfaces.

Legacy and Value: While not quite as iconic or valuable as some earlier decade’s issues, the 1987 Topps set remains popular with collectors today. The rookie cards of players who went on to stardom like Mark McGwire have increased greatly in secondary market prices in recent decades. The 1987 set is also a favorite of completionists seeking to own a full factory set from the 1960s-80s era of baseball cards. In top grades, a full 1987 run can be worth thousands today.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set provided another year of baseball card collecting fun while also preserving the photos and stats of stars from a unique period in the sport’s history. Popular designs, rookie cards, and inserts have kept the issue memorable and in demand with vintage collectors to this day.

ENLIGHTENMENT THINKERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Age of Enlightenment was a period in the late 17th and 18th centuries in which reason and individualism rather than tradition were promoted in various spheres of life. This era saw immense progress in science, philosophy, and thinking that challenged the status quo. While not all were supporters of baseball, we can imagine what baseball cards for some of the great enlightenment thinkers might look like if the sport had existed during their time. Here are fictional baseball cards for five influential enlightenment figures:

Isaac Newton (1643-1727) – Pitcher/Shortstop
Nationality: English
Stats: 20-5 record, 2.35 ERA, .280 BA, 25 SB
Bio: Widely considered one of the most influential scientists of all time, Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation were groundbreaking discoveries. With a blazing fastball and rocket arm from the mound, and elite fielding skills and speed on the basepaths, Newton was a true five-tool player. His deep understanding of physics gave him an edge in both pitching and playing small ball. Known for being meticulous in his preparation and approach to the game.

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) – Third Baseman
Nationality: English
Stats: .290 BA, 65 RBI, 25 Doubles
Bio: A political philosopher best known for his book Leviathan, Hobbes was an early proponent of social contract theory and believed humans were primarily self-interested. At the hot corner, Hobbes showed no fear going after tough ground balls and making spectacular plays, exemplifying his belief that self-preservation was paramount. Known for coming through in clutch situations and providing steady run production from the cleanup spot.

Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) – Starting Pitcher
Nationality: Dutch
Stats: 18-12, 3.05 ERA, 178 Ks
Bio: A rationalist philosopher of Portuguese origin, Spinoza made groundbreaking contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. On the mound, Spinoza lived up to his rational approach by utilizing pinpoint control and changes of speed to outwit hitters. He mixed up his pitches like a chess master, keeping batters constantly guessing. Known for his calm, stoic demeanor and ability to methodically pick apart lineups.

John Locke (1632-1704) – Second Baseman
Nationality: English
Stats: .310 BA, 35 2B, 15 HR, 80 RBI
Bio: A hugely influential Enlightenment philosopher, Locke is known for developing the classical liberal view of limited government. Locke was a table setter at the top of the order who could do a little bit of everything—spray line drives, leg out doubles, and show some pop. His views on property rights and the social contract translated well to turning doubles into runs with smart baserunning. Known for leading the team both on and off the field.

Voltaire (1694-1778) – Relief Pitcher
Nationality: French
Stats: 2.85 ERA, 32 Saves, 110 Ks
Bio: A philosopher, historian, and writer who embodied the Enlightenment, Voltaire advocated civil liberties and freedom of religion. In high-leverage relief appearances, Voltaire lived up to his reputation as a witty provocateur by baffling batters with his array of off-speed pitches. With a lively fastball and deceptive changeup, he excelled at getting outs when the game was on the line. Known for his satirical sense of humor and ability to poke fun at rigid institutions and customs.

While these baseball cards depict fictional stats and careers, they provide an imaginative way to think about how some of history’s greatest thinkers may have approached and succeeded in America’s pastime if given the opportunity. The Enlightenment challenged old ways of thinking and celebrated the power of human reason—traits that would have served these intellectual giants well on the baseball field as well as in their fields of study. Their diverse talents, backgrounds, and philosophies showcase the rich diversity of ideas that flourished during this seminal era.

F.H.F. BASEBALL CARDS

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F.H.F. baseball cards were a unique series produced from 1922 to 1930 by the Franklin Highway Flier Candy Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Printed on card stock and included in packs of F.H.F. candy, these early baseball cards helped popularize the collecting hobby and documented the players and teams of the era.

The Franklin Highway Flier Candy Company was founded in 1919 by Franklin Harris as a small, regional candy maker based in Cleveland. Looking for new promotional ideas to help sell their products, Harris decided in 1922 to include collectible baseball cards in F.H.F. candy packs. Each pack would contain 5 cards showing photos of current major league players from that season.

The 1922 set was the first F.H.F. card series and included 60 total cards featuring players from the American and National Leagues. Photos were simple headshots with the player’s name and team printed below. Despite their basic design, these early F.H.F. cards captured the sport’s biggest stars of the time like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson. They represented some of the earliest mass-produced baseball cards and helped spark the collecting craze that still thrives today.

In the following years of 1923-1925, F.H.F. released new card sets each season with 60 cards each. The designs remained largely the same as the debut 1922 issues. The photos and rosters were updated to show that year’s players. Notable rookies who appeared included Lou Gehrig in 1923 and Mel Ott in 1926. F.H.F. cards from this period are considered the most common of the series in the hands of today’s collectors.

A major change came for the 1926 F.H.F. card set. That year, Franklin Harris decided to significantly increase production numbers to capitalize on the growing popularity of baseball cards. The 1926 set ballooned to a massive 150 cards, nearly triple the size of previous years. Cards also featured larger 3⁄4 length photos of players for the first time. This expansion made F.H.F. cards the largest and most complete sets yet for documenting all major leaguers of that season.

In 1927, F.H.F. card production continued to grow with another enlarged set of 200 cards. Photos remained the larger 3⁄4 length style and card designs stayed basic but colorful. Roster-wise, it was one of the most complete annual sets ever issued up to that point. The massive size took a financial toll on the Franklin Highway Flier Candy Company. Facing rising costs, Harris was forced to scale back in subsequent years.

The 1928 and 1929 F.H.F. sets reverted to the original 60 card count but kept the larger photo sizes. Designs saw only minor changes like the addition of a banner with the player’s team name. Production quality remained high and these sets captured the talent of stars like Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove. They represent some of the finest examples of F.H.F. cards produced during the company’s run.

In 1930, Franklin Harris made one final F.H.F. card set before calling it quits. Citing poor candy sales, the effects of the Great Depression, and no longer being able to cover costs, the 1930 60-card issue would be the last from the Franklin Highway Flier Candy Company. Featuring the usual top players, it served as a fitting conclusion to a nearly decade-long run producing some of the earliest American baseball cards.

While short-lived compared to modern card manufacturers, F.H.F.’s contribution to the hobby was immense. As one of the pioneering companies to include baseball cards with candy, they helped spread interest in collecting players. Their sets documented the rosters and provided photos of the 1920s, considered the “Golden Age” of baseball. Today, complete runs of F.H.F. cards from 1922-1930 remain highly sought after and valuable to vintage collectors. They represent a fascinating part of the origins and growth of what became America’s favorite collectible – baseball cards.

HOTTEST BASEBALL CARDS TODAY

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The baseball card market is as hot as ever, with collectors and investors clamoring to get their hands on the sport’s top rookie cards, autographed memorabilia cards, and cards featuring some of the game’s all-time great players. While the vintage cards of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays will always hold mystique, today’s market has shifted toward cards from the 1990s through the 2000s, as well as modern-day rookie cards that could turn into valuable pieces of memorabilia in the coming decades.

Leading the way as one of the hottest baseball cards on the market right now is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Autographs Superfractor card of Mike Trout. Widely considered the best all-around player in baseball today, Trout’s elite rookie card is his 1/1 autograph rendition from his draft year of 2009, before he made his MLB debut. With Trout achieving superstar status and on pace to become one of the greatest to ever play, PSA Gem Mint 10 graded copies of this ultra-rare Trout card have fetched over $400,000 at auction. Even well-worn PSA 6 copies still sell for five figures.

Trout isn’t the only modern star driving frenzied collector interest though. Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card from 2019, graded a PSA 10, is another white-hot ticket in today’s market. As one of baseball’s most exciting young players, his scintillating rookie season in 2020 energized collectors chasing cards from his early career with the Padres. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for over $20,000 so far. Meanwhile, other emerging stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Wander Franco continue gaining more notoriety – and making their leading rookie cards more coveted and valuable.

While today’s biggest stars reign supreme, collectors still remain laser-focused on vintage cards too. The iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card maintains its pedestal as the Holy Grail of the hobby. High-grade PSA 8+ copies frequently hit $1-2 million at auction. The legendary 1952 Topps rookie card of Dodgers great Jackie Robinson also fetches top dollar, with a PSA 9 example recently selling for over $480,000. These groundbreaking cards, which introduced two of baseball’s most notable pioneers, will likely never be topped in both cultural significance and collectibility.

Memorabilia cards, which fuse traditional trading cards with authentic signed or game-used memorabilia pieces, inhabit a hot sector unto themselves. A 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter manufactured patch card signed by Shohei Ohtani that was issued as a 1/1 exclusive for Goldin Auctions fetched over $47,000. A serial numbered Babe Ruth autograph card from an add-on release to 2009 Topps Tribute, considered more scarce than standard issues, has brought $40,000+. And a single-signed ball card of Nolan Ryan from 1992 Fleer, certified with an on-card auto, has crossed auction at upwards of $15,000. Today’s top signers like Mike Trout and Fernando Tatis Jr. featured in distinctive memorabilia card formats ignite similar collector arousal.

Looking beyond the present, cards from players who competed in the legendary eras of the 1950s and 1960s also retain immense popularity. High-grade vintage issues of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax attract scores of drooling collectors. As nostalgia expands the collector pool, a PSA 8 example of a 1956 Topps Mays rookie recently changed hands for over $180,000. Collectors also pay handsomely for graded gems from the hallowed 1968 Topps set, chasing iconic rookies of future Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, and Nolan Ryan. Even aging star cards like a mint 1967 Topps Roberto Clemente can command $5,000+.

Whether a Mint Mike Trout rookie, a signed Tatis Jr. patch, or a crackerjack Mantle, top performers from both past and present help drive skyrocketing demand in the relentless $2 billion sports card market. With star power, iconic designs, and each card possessing its own compelling story and place in history, it’s clear why these top baseball treats remain must-owns for legions of avid collectors. And as nostalgia beds deeper and today’s crop of phenoms progress their careers, baseball’s hottest cards will continue endowing joy while retaining rock-solid financial staying power for generations to come.

1 MILLION BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS

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The story of 1 million baseball cards located in St. Louis is one that began with a dream and blossomed into one of the largest private baseball card collections in the world. At the heart of this massive hobby is a lifelong fan named Bill Chastain.

As a child growing up in the 1950s, Bill became enamored with baseball and started collecting whatever baseball cards he could get his hands on. He spent hours looking through his small collection, studying the stats and photos on the back of each card. This initial spark of interest soon grew into a lifelong passion for the sport as well as the business of collecting baseball cards.

After graduating college in the late 1960s, Bill decided to pursue his passion more seriously. He began regularly attending card shows and auctions, searching for deals to grow his collection. In the 1970s and 80s, when the collecting hobby first started to explode, Bill was there making important finds. He amassed boxes upon boxes full of cards from the early 20th century all the way up to the modern era.

It was in the 1990s when Bill’s collection truly started ballooning in size. This was the height of the speculative baseball card boom, where investors were snatching up unopened boxes of cards, hoping to make a profit down the road. Bill took a different approach – instead of sealed product, he focused on building complete sets through diligent hunting at shows, auctions, and through online dealers. His collection grew from only a few boxes into an entire room dedicated to storage.

By the late 90s, Bill’s collection had grown so large it encompassed multiple rooms in his suburban St. Louis home. He had assembled complete and near-complete sets from the 1910s all the way through the 90s. His most prized cards included Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, and several 1910 Tobacco cards in pristine condition. With over 500,000 cards now in his possession, Bill realized he had one of the largest single-owner collections in the world.

In the early 2000s, Bill made the decision to turn his massive private collection into a full-time business. He converted part of his home into a large warehouse and retail space, which he named “Chastain’s Baseball Card Shop.” Here, potential buyers could browse his enormous inventory in person. He also ramped up his online sales presence on eBay and through a fledgling website. Word began to spread nationwide about Bill’s seemingly endless supply of vintage and modern cardboard.

Through the 2000s, Bill’s business boomed as the collecting hobby continued growing rapidly. He was purchasing entire collections on a regular basis to fuel his growing inventory. By the late 2000s, Bill’s card count had exploded to over 1 million individual baseball cards housed in his St. Louis warehouse. It had become one of the largest organized card collections under one roof anywhere. Visitors traveling from across the country specifically to see Bill’s famed warehouse collection.

In recent years, as the hobby has matured and modern card production has slowed down, Bill has transitioned his focus. He now mostly runs his multi-room warehouse as a museum and research library for other lifelong collectors and scholars of the hobby. People can schedule appointments to peruse his meticulously organized collection and research sets from different eras. The collection is truly a love letter to the history and allure of baseball cards from the early 20th century boom all the way to today.

So in summary – what started as a childhood dream for one St. Louis native named Bill Chastain became a reality through decades of dedicated collecting. His amassed collection of over 1 million individual baseball cards stands as a landmark in the hobby. Chastain’s famed warehouse has become a sort of mecca for collectors worldwide, preserving the past, present, and future of our national pastime on cardboard. It remains one of the most impressive private collections in the sports memorabilia field.

BASEBALL CARDS AT 5 BELOW

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Baseball cards have long been a collectible item for fans of America’s pastime. For over a century, kids and adults alike have enjoyed amassing collections of their favorite players through buying, trading, and opening packs of cards. Collecting cards can be an expensive hobby if you’re looking for rare, valuable cards from years past.

This is where discount stores like 5 Below come in. 5 Below is a national chain known for offering a wide variety of products for $5 or less. In recent years, they have expanded their selection of trading cards to include various sports leagues as well as movies, TV shows, and more. Their baseball card selection in particular offers fans a fun and affordable way to build a collection or find cards of current stars.

Some key things to know about 5 Below’s baseball card selection and deals:

Pricing – As the name implies, all individual packs, boxes and other baseball card products at 5 Below are priced at $5 or less. This provides a very budget-friendly entry point for the hobby compared to specialty card shops or online retailers.

Variety of years and sets – 5 Below stocks a wide range of years and specific sets from the modern baseball card era. This spans from the late 1980s to present day. You’ll find many annual mainstream releases from Topps, Upper Deck, Leaf and more.

Chance for stars – While you likely won’t find rare rookie cards of legends from the early 20th century, 5 Below packs offer a shot at pulling current stars and recent Hall of Famers. Each year brings the chance for rookie cards of that season’s top prospects too.

Bulk packs and boxes – In addition to regular packs, 5 Below frequently stocks larger “bulk” packs with 10-20 cards as well as re-sealable boxes containing factory packs. This offers better overall value for the money.

Promotions and exclusives – Keep an eye out for special 5 Below-exclusive card designs. Plus occasional baseball card bundle packs themed around current MLB events or milestones. These serve as a unique addition to any collection.

Non-sport trading cards too – Don’t forget to browse 5 Below’s ample selection of non-sports cards too. Build collections from movies, TV shows, video games and more all for $5 a pack.

In-store experience – Browsing the trading card aisle is part of the fun at 5 Below. Flip through packs to preview the year and players before deciding what to add to your collection.

While you may not unearth rare vintage gems, 5 Below offers collectors an affordable way to build volume and hunt for current stars. The low price point makes it easy to try multiple years, sets and sports. It’s a perfect place for new or younger collectors to get started as well as casual fans looking to relive memories or stock up for trade nights. Savvy collectors also check 5 Below for bargain deals, especially as stores clear out older inventory to make room for new releases.

The trading card selection varies some between individual 5 Below locations. But stores generally restock popular products on a regular basis. It’s worth stopping by the card aisle every few weeks to see what’s new. Be sure to check end caps and other spots besides just above the main trading card section too. With products always $5 or less, it’s easy to take a chance on a pack or two each visit.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just a casual baseball fan, 5 Below offers an affordable way to build a fun collection. The deals make it easy to try multiple years and player lots without breaking the bank. It’s a unique destination for finding cards of legends from the past as well as today’s rising stars. Most importantly, browsing 5 Below’s baseball selection is simply a fun experience that can fuel memories of summers past and foster new hobby enjoyment for years to come.

TOPPS 1981 BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1981 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. It contains 792 total cards including inserts and variations. Even after 40 years, the 1981 Topps checklist is still followed closely by collectors looking to complete their vintage baseball card collections.

Some key details about the 1981 Topps set make it stand out. The design featured a clean look with mostly white borders and simple black font. On most cards, the players’ names were listed in capital letters above their photo. Statistics and factoids were included on the back of each card. Glossy finishes gave the cards a high-quality feel that has held up well over the decades.

The massive checklist included every active major leaguer as well as some prospects and recent retirees. Some of the biggest stars to appear included Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett. Rookies included Fernando Valenzuela, Rick Sutcliffe, and Steve Sax. Hall of Famers like Carl Yastrzemski and Luis Aparicio rounded out the veteran section.

A key defining trait of the 1981 Topps set was the inclusion of franchise third basemen Mike Schmidt on the very first card in the checklist. This was an homage to Schmidt winning the National League MVP award three consecutive times from 1980-1982. His dominant run established him as perhaps the best player in baseball at the time the cards were produced.

Topps also found creative ways to acknowledge milestone achievements within the 1981 checklist. Cards were produced to commemorate Pete Rose reaching 4000 career hits, Carlton Fisk catching his 200th career home run, and Steve Garvey’s 1000th RBI. These historical markers were weaved directly into the base set numbering instead of being issued as separate inserts.

Errors and variations added further intrigue to collecting the 1981 Topps set in its original release format. A small handful of cards were printed with swapped photographs, including those of Steve Rogers and Joe Sambito. Another change saw Jose Cruz’s picture replaced with that of a mystery player by mistake. Variations in font sizes, colors and positioning existed as well due to the analog printing techniques of the era.

Additional inserts within regular 1981 Topps factory sets included Leaders cards highlighting single-season and career records. Multi-player cards were also produced highlighting Top Hitters and Strikeout Kings. Backs of certain cards containedfun regional promotion contests with the opportunity to win prizes by mailing in proofs of purchase. These added chase elements kept young collectors eager to rip open new packs.

The condition of 1981 Topps baseball cards varies wildly today depending on storage and care over the decades. Well-kept examples can still achieve strong grades of Mint or Near Mint. Conversely, heavily played copies have experienced significant wear due to constant handling. Edges may be rounded, corners can sport creases, and surfaces often exhibit scratches or staining due to exposure to the elements in the years since production.

Pricing has risen dramatically for coveted 1981 Topps rookies and stars in high grades as interest in vintage issues continues to grow. A Mint condition Mike Schmidt rookie card can fetch over $10,000. Fernando Valenzuela, Rick Sutcliffe and Steve Sax are also in high demand. Common players require only minimal cost to acquire, often just a few dollars per card. But grading and authenticating costly vintage pieces remains an important process before sealing major deals.

In the years since its 1981 release, the Topps baseball card set has maintained a legendary status. Its clean and classic design stood the test of time as a snapshot of the sport in that era. Modern collectors can relive and research the history within cards featuring great teams and individual performances. For established and budding hobbyists alike, chasing and completing the 792-card 1981 Topps checklist remains a treasured challenge more than 40 years later.

2019 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year. Topps Chrome is known for its photo negative “chrome” design and paper-thin card stock that gives collectors a high-end modern look at the current Major League Baseball season. The 2019 Topps Chrome set was released on August 28, 2019 and contained several exciting rookie cards and variations that made it a must-have for both vintage baseball card collectors and investors.

Some of the key details about the 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball card set include:

The base card design features a photo negative look on chrome-like card stock and players are pictured in their team uniforms from the current MLB season. Backgrounds are colored to represent each team.

The base set contains 330 standard cards featuring current Major League players from all 30 MLB franchises. Serial numbering runs from 1 to 330.

In addition to the base cards, the set contains 44 additional insert cards of star players like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger. Popular insert sets include Chrome Update, Chrome Parallels, Chrome Refractors and more.

Several highly anticipated rookie cards were included such as Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., Victor Robles, Shane Bieber and Eloy Jimenez. These rookies had breakout seasons and their Topps Chrome rookie cards are very valuable.

Various parallels and variations added to the card rarity and collectibility. Popular parallels included Gold (/50), Silver (/99), Orange (/150), Blue (/299) and Green (/399). Refractors had no print runs.

The largest and most valuable rookie card in the set was Pete Alonso’s base rookie card. Alonso smashed an MLB rookie record 53 home runs, won the Home Run Derby and took home NL Rookie of the Year honors. His Topps Chrome rookie prices skyrocketed.

Other stars with increased value included 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger, AL MVP Mike Trout and breakout stars like Christian Yelich, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. Their rookie cards and base cards are highly sought after.

Many top prospects made their MLB debuts and had rookie cards in Topps Chrome including Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Gavin Lux, Keston Hiura and more. These rookies all had outstanding debuts.

Topps Chrome Baseball cards are considered the “chrome version” of the standard Topps Baseball set but feature a more visually appealing design and premium card stock that makes for great presentation and longevity.

The set is highly popular with investors and collectors looking for modern rookie cards and inserts of star players they can potentially grade and hold long term. Pristine Topps Chrome rookie cards from the 2010s have increased greatly in value as players establish themselves.

Hobby boxes of 2019 Topps Chrome retail for about $100-150 and contain 12 packs with 4 cards per pack. On average, one autograph or memorabilia card can be pulled per every two hobby boxes.

The 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball set contained several key rookies and stars that all had breakout seasons, driving up values for their coveted rookie cards considerably compared to release prices last year. Several rookies won major awards.

According to Beckett Price Guides, the current PSA 10 value of the Pete Alonso Rookie is over $1,000 alone. Tatis Jr., Bellinger, Yelich, and Acuna rookies have all steadily increased since release. Holding graded Chrome parallels could yield high returns.

The modern design, thin card stock and hype around star rookie cards each year make Topps Chrome a favorite among collectors. With top rookies sustaining early success, the 2019 edition has proven to be one of the strongest releases of the past decade. Values are projected to only continue rising long term.

The 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball set stands out as one of the most investment-worthy and collectible issues in recent years due to some truly elite rookie classes breaking into the majors. Stars like Alonso, Tatis Jr., Bellinger and others all had monster campaigns that line up perfectly with the release of their coveted rookie cards in this premium modern set. Long-term, graded examples from this release should retain and gain significant worth.