BASEBALL CARDS BEST SCANNER

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Choosing the best scanner for your baseball card collection can seem daunting with so many options on the market. Whether you have a few vintage cards or a massive collection spanning decades, finding the right scanner is important to properly preserve and showcase your cards. In this article, we will explore some of the top scanners for baseball cards and consider factors like speed, image quality, scanning size, and pricing to help you make the right choice.

One of the most popular scanners for baseball cards is the Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Color Photo and Document Scanner. This scanner offers fast scanning at up to 24 photos per minute in color or grayscale. It can scan both sides of a photo or document in one pass, which is ideal for scanning the front and back of baseball cards quickly and efficiently. The maximum scan size is 8.5 x 11.7 inches, which accommodates most standard baseball card sizes with room to spare. Image quality is excellent thanks to 4800 dpi optical resolution. You can scan directly to your computer, tablet, or phone wirelessly via the Epson iPrint app. Priced around $150, the FF-680W provides great speed and image quality at an affordable cost.

For those wanting to digitize larger collections, a flatbed scanner may be preferable to handle higher volumes. The Canon CanoScan LiDE 220 is a solid flatbed option. It has a scan size of 8.5 x 11.7 inches, letting you scan multiple standard cards at once to streamline the process. Image quality tops out at 2400 x 4800 dpi for preserving fine details. An auto mode automatically detects the size of what you’re scanning to optimize settings. You can scan to common image formats and share scans via included software. At around $100, it’s quite affordable for the scan size. Just be aware it’s slower than dedicated photo scanners, though suitable if speed isn’t the top priority.

Those with rarer, valuable cards may want to invest in a higher-end scanner. The Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner stands out, capable of scanning film negatives and slides in addition to photos up to 8.5 x 11.7 inches. Optical resolution is incredible at 6400 x 9600 dpi for capturing every nuanced detail. Advanced technologies like dual LED lights and 3-dimensional color image processing ensure accurate color reproduction. Scans can be saved as 16-bit TIFF files for professional-level archiving. Connect via USB or Wi-Fi and scan directly to programs like Adobe Photoshop. At $350 it’s pricier but well-suited to scanning prized vintage cards worth thousands.

For those wanting to digitize entire longboxes of cards at once, a large format scanner is best. The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 scanner handles pages up to 13 x 19 inches, letting you lay out pages of cards four across to batch scan. At a resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi, every stat and image will be captured crisply. An integrated feeder automatically pulls pages through for hands-free scanning. Save time by scanning multipage cards and documents in one go without reloading the scanner. Priced around $800, it’s an investment but can pay for itself by vastly speeding up digitizing large collections.

No matter your budget or collection size, choosing the right scanner is key to preserving your baseball cards digitally for years to come. Consider factors like scan size, speed, image quality, and your needs now and in the future. Top choices we’ve highlighted include the Epson FastFoto FF-680W for speedy scanning on a budget, Canon CanoScan LiDE 220 for affordable flatbed scanning, Epson Perfection V600 for high-end scanning, and Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 for batch scanning entire longboxes. With the right scanner, you can feel confident your collection will be archived beautifully for generations of fans.

2006 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2006 Topps update baseball set was released in late August/early September of 2006 as a complement to the main 2006 Topps regular issue set released earlier that year. The update set featured statistical and roster updates from the second half of the 2006 MLB season along with newly acquired players who were not included in the base set due to late season transactions.

Similar to previous Topps update sets, the 2006 version contained 378 total cards split into two series. Series one had 195 cards while series two contained 183. The cards featured mainly baseball players but also included some manager and coach cards. Roster and statistical updates were the primary focus of the set with chase cards including parallel inserts, retro designs, and star player autographs and memorabilia cards adding to the excitement for collectors.

Some of the biggest roster changes reflected in the 2006 Topps update set included Carlos Lee moving to the Texas Rangers after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers in July. Carl Crawford was newly featured as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after being called up from the minors that season. Veteran slugger Carlos Delgado also received a new card depicting his August trade from the Florida Marlins to the Mets. Rookie sensation Hanley Ramirez, who made his MLB debut with the Marlins in June, earned an update card reflecting his emergence as a star player.

In addition to roster swaps, the statistical updates in the 2006 Topps update set allowed for players’ second half performances to be captured on cardboard. Manny Ramirez saw his batting average rise from .287 to .321 after a huge second half for the Boston Red Sox. Philadelphia Phillies starters Brett Myers and Jon Lieber had ERAs well above 4.00 in the base set but lowered them significantly in the update following strong second half pitching performances. Relievers like B.J. Ryan of the Toronto Blue Jays also received saves tally increases after piling up more save opportunities down the stretch.

Some of the more exciting chase cards in the 2006 Topps update set included parallel and inset inserts featuring different color borders, designs, and memorabilia pieces. The silver signature parallels contained on-card autographs of players like Roy Oswalt and Troy Percival. Iconic “Turn Back The Clock” parallels paid homage to classic 1970s and 1980s Topps designs. Popular players like Albert Pujols and Ichiro Suzuki could be found on special “Sp” parallel cards with gold foil lettering and numbering.

The two most coveted insert sets in the 2006 Topps update were “Futures Game” and “All-Star Memories”. The Futures Game set highlighted top MLB prospects who participated in that year’s Futures Game, including Delmon Young and Ryan Braun. All-Star Memories contained inserts focused on milestone All-Star Game performances from the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Alex Rodriguez. Relic cards featuring game-worn memorabilia from update set stars added to the excitement as well.

While not quite as sought after as the flagship base set initially, the 2006 Topps update has developed a strong collector following in the years since its release. It represents the final statistical rosters for many teams from that 2006 season and captures the mid-to-late season form of players who either broke out or faded down the stretch. Due to the smaller print runs relative to the main series, high-grade versions of stars on their new teams through trades are particularly desirable. The insert chase cards remain popular with collectors to this day.

When all was said and done the 2006 Topps update served as the perfect complement to the base issue, wrapping up the statistical story of that ’06 season while giving die-hard collectors several sought-after chase cards to hunt for. From Carlos Lee’s Rangers debut to Hanley Ramirez’s early superstar hints to parallel parallels of A-Rod, it stands as one of the more iconic and collecting-worthy Topps update releases from the 2000s era of the hobby. While output has slowed in recent years, the tradition of the Topps update series to document midseason changes remains as integral to the baseball card experience as the events they commemorate.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1941

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1941 was a pivotal year for baseball cards as production increased significantly from the previous year. Topps released their first complete set of cards that year which helped grow the popularity of collecting. Understand the values of cards from this year can provide insight into the early growth of the hobby.

1941 marked the first time that cards were mass produced by a single company. Previously, multiple regional manufacturers produced cards but Topps emerged as the dominant force in 1941. Their complete set included cards featuring all 16 major league teams at the time for a total of 121 cards. The designs featured color action photos on the front with player stats and facts on the back.

Notably, the 1941 Topps set included the debut cards for future Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Bob Feller, Joe DiMaggio, and Stan Musial. While their rookie cards hold immense value today, in the early 1940s they were just part of the common pack of cards available for a few pennies. Topps sold the 1941 set in wax paper wrapped packs of 5 cards for a penny each.

The most valuable card from the 1941 Topps set today is the Ted Williams card which can fetch over $20,000 in Near Mint condition. As one of the game’s greatest hitters, Williams’ star power and short print run make his 1941 rookie one of the iconic cards in the hobby. Other high value cards include the Joe DiMaggio which has sold for around $10,000 NM and the Bob Feller at $5,000 NM.

Beyond the star rookies, there are several other cards in the 1941 Topps set that command four figure prices. Short prints like Ewell Blackwell and Vern Stephens regularly sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range while stars such as Hank Greenberg, Johnny Mize, and Phil Rizzuto can reach $2,000-$3,000 in top condition. Even more common players sell for $500-$1,000 if graded high.

While the 1941 Topps set established the modern concept of a complete baseball card set, other regional manufacturers also produced cards that year. Most notable is the 1941 Play Ball set which was produced by the American Leaf Tobacco Company. Their set featured 72 cards across 6 teams – the same 16 teams as Topps but split into separate subsets.

Some key differences between the 1941 Play Ball and Topps sets include the use of black and white photos on the Play Ball cards as well as stats and facts printed directly on the front of the card rather than the back. The most valuable card in the 1941 Play Ball set is the Joe DiMaggio which has reached over $15,000 in pristine condition due to its rarity compared to the Topps version. Other stars like Ted Williams and Bob Feller can sell for $3,000-$5,000 in top grades from this set as well.

Beyond the flagship Topps and Play Ball sets, 1941 also saw regional issues produced. Examples include the Red Man set which focused on tobacco advertising and featured 80 cards across 8 teams. Their star cards like DiMaggio and Williams can sell for $1,000+ in high grade. Sets were produced by Bell Brand, Goudey, and others highlighting specific leagues or teams in the 1941-1942 time period. Many stars appear across multiple sets that year.

When examining 1941 cards, authenticity and condition are especially important factors in determining value. With over 80 years passed, fakes and reprints have entered the market. Professionally graded examples offer buyers assurance of authenticity and preserve the card surface. Higher grades like NM-MT 8 or 9 can increase values by 2x or more compared to lower graded copies.

In summary, 1941 marked a watershed year that helped establish the modern baseball card collecting industry. Led by the pioneering Topps set, stars of the era like Williams, DiMaggio, Feller and Musial made memorable rookie card debuts. While common in their day, high grade copies of these early 20th century cards can now sell for five and even six figure prices. Understanding the key sets and short prints of 1941 provides valuable insights for researching vintage baseball cards and their price guides.

MCDONALD’s GREAT MOMENTS BASEBALL CARDS

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McDonald’s Great Moments baseball cards were a series of collectible baseball cards produced and distributed by McDonald’s as a marketing promotion from 1987 to 1997. The cards featured iconic photographs capturing legendary plays, feats, and achievements in Major League Baseball history. Each card showcased a particular “Great Moment” with information detailing the date, teams involved, what was accomplished, and short biographies of key players.

The concept originated in the mid-1980s as McDonald’s sought new family-friendly promotions and ways to leverage their brand around America’s pastime. Baseball card collecting was incredibly popular during this era, with the likes of Topps, Donruss and Fleer competing fiercely each year for licensing deals with MLB players unions. McDonald’s saw an opportunity to get in on the card craze while also promoting positive childhood memories around dining at their restaurants with family.

The first set was released in 1987 and included cards focusing on accomplishments from the early decades of the 20th century game. Standout moments included Babe Ruth’s called shot vs. the Cubs in the 1932 World Series, Ted Williams’ .406 batting average season of 1941, and Don Larsen’s perfect game for the Yankees in the 1956 World Series. Each colorful card featured vibrant iconic photographs and simple yet engaging text on the back providing key details and facts.

Over the next decade, McDonald’s would produce new sets each year with cards spotlighting progressively more recent “Great Moments.” Fans looked forward to discovering which new historic plays from the 1960s-1980s eras would be immortalized. Notable inclusions were Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run for the Pirates in the 1960 World Series, Carlton Fisk waving his iconic home run fair in the 1975 World Series, and Kirk Gibson’s hobbled home run in the 1988 World Series.

By employing renowned sports photographers like Heinz Kluetmeier, Tony Tomsic and John Iacono, the cards achieved a high standard of visual artistry. Companies like Topps had primarily used team and player pose photos on their base cards, but McDonald’s took a novel approach featuring dramatic action shots frozen in time. This gave the cards a real historical documentary feel. The concise yet compelling backstories further brought the moments to life and educated young collectors.

Perhaps the most lucrative aspect for McDonald’s was the incentive build-in for families to frequent their restaurants. From 1987-1992, one card was given out with every child’s meal purchase. This directly associated the fast food giant with family bonding over baseball. Later sets in the 1990s integrated the cards into kid’s meals on a rotating slow release to keep the promotion running throughout the season. Over one billion cards were ultimately distributed during the McDonald’s Great Moments run.

The sets had a substantial cultural impact, providing generations of baseball fans their first glimpses of legendary plays before the internet. They fueled passions and sparked research into the rich history of America’s pastime. While not worth much monetarily, the cards hold immense nostalgic and historical value. Today complete vintage sets change hands for thousands online and are prized collectibles. The photography and storytelling style also directly influenced how later companies approached compiling sports highlights in a visual documentary format.

Though it ended in 1997, McDonald’s Great Moments maintained its place in the memories of millions who grew up with the cards. They offered a fun, compelling way for families and young fans to experience baseball’s history together over a meal. While companies like Topps and Donruss faded, these iconic fast food baseball cards endure as one of the most creative and impactful sports promotions ever conceived. Through powerful images and tales of triumph and glory frozen in time, McDonald’s helped spark relationships with America’s pastime that have lasted lifetimes.

BASEBALL CARDS LITTLE ROCK

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Baseball cards have a long history in Little Rock dating back to the late 19th century. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced featured players from early professional baseball teams based in Little Rock. While the city may not have had a Major League team of its own, baseball was hugely popular locally and cards helped spread interest in the sport across Arkansas.

One of the first baseball card sets to feature Little Rock players was issued in the late 1880s by tobacco companies like Goodwin & Company and Allen & Ginter. These early tobacco cards showcased stars from the minor league teams that called Little Rock home in the early professional baseball era. Players like Ned Williamson, who played for Little Rock in the Southern League in the 1880s, received some of the first baseball card recognition for their talents.

In the 1890s, Little Rock was a hotbed for minor league baseball. The city was home to teams in the original Southern League as well as later minor circuits through the early 20th century. Stars of the Little Rock Travelers, Rockets, and Senators franchises gained followings across Arkansas thanks to their baseball card appearances. Early 1900s tobacco issues from companies like T206 and E90 featured top Little Rock players, helping grow the sport’s local popularity.

As baseball cards grew into a mainstream collectible in the middle 20th century, Little Rock natives and players with local ties continued to be highlighted in regional sets. In the 1940s-60s, the Arkansas-Missouri League and other low minor circuits called Little Rock home. Players who got their professional starts in the Natural State were collected avidly by Arkansas youth. Stars like George Scott, a future All-Star who broke in with Little Rock, received widespread cardboard distribution.

Topps baseball was the undisputed card king through the 1950s-70s. Their yearly issues showcased the biggest names in MLB but also gave recognition to promising minor leaguers. Little Rock players hoping to make the majors gained early collectors through Topps releases. Hometown heroes like Billy Williams, a future Hall of Famer who started in Little Rock, were snapped up by Arkansas fans eager to follow local talents.

As the amateur draft began in 1965, Little Rock saw fewer direct ties to minor league teams. Hometown players still gained recognition before reaching the pros. Future MLB All-Stars like Keith Hernandez, a Conway, Arkansas native, were highlighted in regional and national sets as top prep and college prospects. Their early cardboard appearances helped build name recognition before reaching affiliated ball.

In the late 1970s and 1980s, the resurgence of independent minor league baseball brought pro teams back to Little Rock. Stars of the Arkansas Travelers and other local minor circuit franchises again gained hometown cardboard fame. Players like Bobby Witt, a Travelers alum who went on to pitch in the majors, had dedicated Arkansas collector followings. Regional issues from sets like Traded highlighted top local talents for Razorback State fanatics.

Today, while Little Rock no longer hosts a direct minor league affiliate, baseball cards still celebrate Arkansas talents. Top prospects from the state gain cardboard distribution before reaching MLB. Hometown heroes like Andrew Benintendi, a Arkansas Razorback alum who was drafted by the Red Sox, have modern sets tracing their journeys. Vintage cards of former Travelers are still prized possessions of local collectors today as well. Though teams may come and go, cardboard collections in Little Rock continue honoring the long history of baseball in Arkansas.

From the earliest tobacco issues to modern releases, baseball cards have helped Arkansas fans follow the sport’s development in Little Rock and across the state. Top local players gained recognition that spread baseball’s popularity. Cards collected by generations of Razorback State youth showcase the rich tradition of baseball in and around the capital city. Though the teams have changed names and levels over the decades, Little Rock’s place in the cardboard collections of Arkansas will always be cemented.

FLEER 1980 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980 Fleer baseball card set was a significant release that marked both change and nostalgia for collectors. Produced during a time of transition in the baseball card industry, the 1980 Fleer set showcased iconic players from a past era while also introducing exciting new stars. With its novel design choices and inclusion of the first Traded player cards, the 1980 Fleer set became a bridge between baseball card traditions of the 1970s and modern innovations that followed.

In 1980, the baseball card market was in a state of flux. For decades, Topps held a monopoly on licensed major league player cards which ended in 1981. Seeing an opportunity, Fleer launched its first baseball card set in 1981. In 1980 Fleer produced what it called a “generic” set without player names or likenesses which tested the waters before the 1981 licensed release. This led collectors to view the 1980 Fleer cards as a precursor to the brand’s mainstream entry into the baseball card world the following year.

The 1980 Fleer set consisted of 379 cards featuring statistical highlights and career summaries of notable players from the 1950s through 1970s. While the cards did not use players’ names or photos due to licensing restrictions, Fleer included identifying information like batting stances, uniform numbers, and career stats to allow collectors to determine who was depicted. Notable players featured included Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and Sandy Koufax among many others. The set paid homage to baseball legends who were in or near the end of their careers at the time.

In addition to career statistical overviews, the 1980 Fleer cards introduced several novel design choices that collectors found exciting. For the first time, Traded players who switched teams mid-season were acknowledged with dual team logos on their cards. This included players like Dave Kingman who was dealt from the New York Mets to the Oakland Athletics in 1980. Fleer also included the first-ever World Series highlight cards which summarized memorable moments from Fall Classics past. The set’s creative designs set precedents that became standard in baseball cards going forward.

While lacking player names and photos, the 1980 Fleer cards found an enthusiastic collector base who appreciated their nod to baseball history and place as a precursor to Fleer’s upcoming licensed entry. The set documented stars of eras gone by when they were still fresh in collectors’ minds. Careers like that of Roberto Clemente, who died in a 1972 plane crash, took on new significance. The inclusion of pioneering Traded cards and World Series highlights also made the set novel and marked Fleer as an innovator even before securing a MLB license the following year.

In the years since, the 1980 Fleer baseball cards have become highly coveted and valuable among collectors. Their significance as a transition point when the baseball card market opened and new manufacturers entered is part of their appeal. Prices for particularly noteworthy stars from the set can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition grades. Collectors enjoy owning pieces of both baseball and industry history represented by the 1980 Fleer release.

While lacking official MLB licensing at the time of production, the 1980 Fleer baseball cards gained recognition from collectors as a pioneering set. It paid homage to legends of the past through statistical career highlights. Innovations like Traded cards and World Series summaries also set precedents that enriched the hobby. Most importantly, the 1980 Fleer release established the brand as an ambitious newcomer ready to compete when Topps’ monopoly expired. This made the set a true bridge between eras it documented both on and off the field. For these reasons, the 1980 Fleer baseball cards remain a highlight for collectors and an important part of the evolution of the sport and its card industry.

BASEBALL CARDS WANTED NEAR ME

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Baseball cards have been a beloved collectible for over 150 years, with some of the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. Whether you have a childhood collection you want to sell or are looking to start your own collection, finding buyers for baseball cards wanted near you is easier than ever thanks to the internet. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine the best way to sell your cards and get top dollar. Here are some tips for finding buyers for your baseball cards locally.

One of the most convenient options for selling baseball cards wanted near you is through a local card or collectibles shop. Search online for “baseball card shops near me” to find stores in your area that buy, sell, and appraise cards. Be prepared to get offers that are usually around 50-60% of what the card could sell for individually online, as shops need to make a profit when reselling. The advantage is you can get cash in hand immediately without hassle. Call ahead or visit the shop to get a feel for their buying process and reputation before deciding if they offer you a fair price.

Some other local options beyond dedicated card shops include comic book stores, hobby shops, antique malls, and collectibles shows/conventions if any are scheduled nearby. These types of retailers may have more limited card inventory but could still be interested in buying collections to resell. Be sure to do your research on each business to ensure they have experience evaluating and purchasing sports cards. You can often find vendor lists on convention websites to contact dealers ahead of time about your cards.

If you’d prefer a peer-to-peer sale, online classifieds sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local buy/sell groups on social media are good places to post what you have available. Provide clear photos of key cards and relevant details like player, year, condition. You’ll likely get lower offers than from a shop since buyers will want to resell for profit themselves. Meet sellers at a public place and exercise caution when exchanging money/cards until you establish trust.

Consignment is another local sale option. A consignment shop will sell your cards on your behalf for an agreed upon time period, usually taking a 30-50% commission of whatever they sell the items for. This allows you to potentially get more than a straight buy offer from a shop since your cards are exposed to more potential buyers over weeks or months on display. There’s no guarantee everything will sell, so you have to weigh the risk versus potential higher returns.

If you want the highest possible prices and widest buyer pool, online auction sites like eBay are the way to go. Take detailed, high-quality photos showcasing the front and back of each card and describe condition accurately using standard grading terms. For valuable vintage cards, you may want to consider getting a professional grading/authentication service certification first to maximize your sale price. Shipping is required but well-packaged cards usually arrive safely. Fees will cut into your profits, so the minimum you list cards for needs to factor that in.

No matter where you choose to sell your baseball cards wanted near me, do your homework on the buyer to feel confident you’ll get a fair transaction. Reputable local shops, shows, and auction sites tend to draw serious collectors who will properly value your cards. Be wary of any buyers that lowball you or seem uninformed. With patience and by targeting the right sale venues, you can find a good home for your childhood collection or start growing a new one of your own through strategic acquisitions. Enjoyed for generations, baseball cards continue connecting fans both young and old to the game.

1987 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Fleer Update series marked the first time that Fleer produced a supplemental baseball card set in the middle of the season to highlight new players and major events from that year. While the base 1987 Fleer set was released in February/March as usual, the Update arrived on shelves in July/August and became an annual tradition for Fleer through 2007. The 1987 Update set featured 133 total cards with checklist numbers between U1-U133. While not as iconic or valuable as the base ’87 Fleer issue, the Update set nevertheless provides a fun time capsule of that MLB season and several key rookie cards remain quite collectible and valuable today.

One of the biggest storylines captured in the ’87 Update was the debut of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Steve Bedrosian. After a breakout season in 1986 that saw him lead the NL in saves, Bedrosian was featured prominently on card U1. While not exactly a true rookie card since he played parts of 3 prior seasons, Bedrosian’s U1 is still one of the keys to the set. High-grade examples in PSA/BGS 10condition have sold for over $100 in recent years. Another Phillies pitcher, defensive stalwart Steve Waterman, received card U84 in his lone Update appearance. Waterman’s card remains quite affordable for Phillies collectors.

Two of the true rookie gems from the ’87 Update are Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospects Dave Stieb (U40) and Mike MacDougal (U67). Both hurlers debuted late that season and continued developing in the Jays system in the late 80s/early 90s. High-grade copies of their rookie cards now sell for $40-70. Another potential Blue Jays breakout was featured, if brief, as outfielder George Bell’s incredible 1987 MVP season is highlighted on card U16. Bell went on to become the first Toronto player to win an MVP award that year.

Not to be outdone, the New York Mets also supplied some rookie talent to the ’87 Update. Hotshot pitching prospect David West (U41) and middle infielder Kevin Elster (U66) both received their sole rookie cards. While neither panned out as all-stars like many had hoped, their Update RC’s remain popular with Mets collectors. Elster in particular has seen recent PSA 10 sales around $75-100 given his status as one of the key rookie cards in the set.

One of the true heavy-hitting gems from the ’87 Update was the rookie card of Chicago White Sox slugging first baseman Frank Thomas (U43). “The Big Hurt” immediately began establishing himself as a future Hall of Famer starting in 1990. High-grade copies of his striking rookie card in aWhite Sox uniform have eclipsed the $1000 mark in pristine PSA 10 condition. Of course, no discussion of the ’87 Update would be complete without mention of the rookie card of legend Ken Griffey Jr. (U45), who was already taking the MLB by storm as a teenage phenom for the Mariners. High-end copies of his legendary rookie currently sell for thousands in top condition.

While not true rookie cards, several star veterans and eventual Hall of Famers like Ozzie Smith (U5), Don Mattingly (U9), Wade Boggs (U17), and Tony Gwynn (U39) highlighted their continued excellence on Update cards as well. These remain favorites for collectors of those all-time great players. On the flip side, the waning careers of aging vets like Luis Tiant (U76) and Tom Seaver (U115) were also acknowledged. Unfortunately, Seaver’s would prove to be his final major league card appearance before retirement.

In all, the 1987 Fleer Updaterepresented a fun mid-season snapshot of that baseball year. While it lacks the true vintage appeal of the base ’87 Fleer set, several key rookie cards like Thomas, Griffey, and others make it an intriguing supplemental set worth exploring for collectors. With condition-sensitive gems like the Elster and Frank Thomas rookies, building a high-grade ’87 Update set remains a lucrative long-term investment even today. It serves as a neat time capsule from when baseball card inserts were still a novel concept in the late 1980s.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE OZZIE SMITH

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The 1987 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the hobby’s history. For Cardinals fans and collectors of Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, the ’87 Topps card remains a standout in the legendary defender’s collection of baseball cards.

Widely considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time, Ozzie Smith established himself as a superstar during the 1980s while manning shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. His flashy defense, elite range, cannon arm, and highlight-reel plays made him a fan favorite on one of baseball’s premier franchises. On the 1987 Topps card (#90), Smith is depicted in a classic throwing motion from his knees during an inning-ending play.

While not the flashiest card in the set visually, Ozzie Smith’s ’87 Topps is highly coveted by collectors for several key reasons that drive its strong market value today:

Iconic Player: As a 12-time Gold Glove winner and 6-time Rawlings Platinum Glove winner, Ozzie Smith is universally respected as the best defensive shortstop of all time. His elite skills made him a perennial All-Star and key player on Cardinals teams that reached three World Series in the 1980s.

Hall of Fame: Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility. Any card featuring a Hall of Famer, especially from the peak of their career, takes on greater historical significance.

1987 Milestones: The ’87 season saw Smith tie and break the single season records for games played and chances accepted by a NL shortstop. He won his 8th consecutive Gold Glove and was named to the All-Star team for the 7th straight season.

Scarcity: The 1987 Topps set had fewer cards printed compared to modern issues, so high-grade specimens of key cards like Ozzie Smith remain quite scarce in the population. Mint condition examples are especially rare and coveted.

Iconic Uniform: The classic 1980s Cardinals pullover jersey and red cap silhouette Smith’s memorable style from his St. Louis playing days. This nostalgia fuels interest among collectors.

Perfect Addition: Given his talent and accolades, any serious collection of Ozzie Smith cards demands his flagship ’87 Topps rookie card from his award-winning season.

In Gem Mint (GM) 10 condition, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps card can fetch upwards of $1,000 at auction. Even well-centered Near Mint-Mint (NM-Mt) 7-9 grades command $300-600 based on recent sales. For avid Cardinals collectors, a pristine Smith ’87 is a true prize. Most ordinary Near Mint copies can be acquired for $75-150.

As with any high-value vintage card, subtle gradations in centering, corners and edges are critical to valuation. Small flaws can drastically reduce a Smith ‘87’s price tag, so discerning condition is paramount. Raw ungraded specimens may sell cheaper, but certification greatly enhances value and demand in the marketplace.

PSA and BGS are the leading services for vintage baseball card authentication and grading. Even higher population PSA 8 copies have brought over $500 at auction. But the real trophies remain PSA 10 Gems, of which there are likely fewer than 100 certified copies in existence. A perfect Smith ’87 may trade privately for multiple thousands according to seasoned vintage market analysts.

While not quite the household name of flagship rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. or Mickey Mantle, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps baseball card stands tall as an iconic piece of cardboard chronicling one of the greatest defenders in MLB annals. For devoted Cardinals and Ozzie Smith collectors, finding high grade specimens of his career-defining ’87 remains a worthy quest especially considering the tremendous respect, on-field success, and Hall of Fame career he achieved during his playing days.

BASEBALL CARDS MICHAEL JORDAN

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Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his iconic career in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls. Many fans may be surprised to learn that for a brief period in 1994 and 1995, Jordan actually pursued a career in professional baseball after shocking the sports world by retiring from the NBA at the peak of his powers. This unexpected career change led to Jordan’s appearance on baseball cards during his time playing in the minor leagues in the Chicago White Sox organization.

Jordan’s basketball career was at its absolute apex in 1993. He was coming off three consecutive championships with the Bulls and had just led the legendary “Dream Team” to an Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. The untimely death of his father prior to the 1993 NBA Finals took a tremendous emotional toll on Jordan. After winning his third title, he announced a surprising retirement from basketball at the young age of 30.

Speculation swirled around Jordan’s future and what his next move would be. Some thought he may retire from sports entirely, while others wondered if he would try his hand at another professional sport. It turned out the latter was correct, as Jordan signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox in February 1994 to pursue his childhood dream of playing professional baseball.

Jordan spent the entire 1994 season playing for the White Sox’ Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. Despite having not played organized baseball since high school a decade earlier, Jordan’s presence drew huge crowds wherever the Barons played. While his baseball skills were understandably rusty as he hit just .202 with 3 home runs and 51 RBI’s, Jordan’s work ethic and determination to improve was admired by his teammates and coaches.

It was during Jordan’s 1994 season in the minors that the first Michael Jordan baseball cards were released. Upper Deck captured Jordan’s brief foray onto the baseball card landscape with inserts in their 1994 baseball card sets. The cards featured action photos of Jordan from his time with the Barons along with his basic baseball stats from that season.

In 1995, Jordan returned for a second season in the minors playing for the Barons once again. He showed some improvement from the previous year, hitting .252 with 30 RBI’s and 11 stolen bases in 115 games. It was becoming increasingly clear that despite his best efforts, Jordan’s baseball talents were not at a level that would allow him to reach the major leagues.

His baseball card appearances continued in 1995 as well. Both Upper Deck and Fleer captured Jordan on cardboard once more with updated stats and photos from his second minor league campaign. The 1995 Jordan baseball cards served as a reminder of the global sports icon’s brief dalliance with America’s pastime the previous two seasons.

In January 1995, the sports world received another major jolt of news – Michael Jordan was returning to the NBA and rejoining the Chicago Bulls. Abandoning his baseball experiment, Jordan picked up right where he left off on the court. He led the Bulls to their 4th championship in 6 seasons in his return year of 1995-96. Jordan would go on to lead Chicago to 2 more three-peats, cementing his status as the greatest basketball player of all time.

While Jordan’s baseball career amounted to just two seasons in the minors rather than reaching the majors, his baseball cards from 1994 and 1995 remain a unique historical footnote. They capture a brief moment when the G.O.A.T. took an unexpected detour from basketball to pursue his childhood love of baseball before returning to dominate the NBA once more. For collectors of Jordan memorabilia and 90s sports cards, his rare baseball issues are a fascinating part of his story and a reminder of the sports world’s reaction to his stunning career change nearly 30 years ago.