ILLINOIS SWAT TEAM BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The year was 1995 when Chris Zises, a rookie police officer with the Kankakee Police Department SWAT team in Illinois, had a funny idea for team-building. Inspired by baseball cards kids collected and traded, Zises thought it would be fun to design parody baseball cards featuring photos and stats of each member of the SWAT team. He had them printed as a novelty for team members. Little did Zises know at the time his silly idea would spark a viral phenomenon that has now spread across the country.

Zises simply intended the baseball cards as an inside joke and morale booster for his fellow SWAT members. But word quickly spread to other police departments across Illinois about the amusing cards. Soon, SWAT teams from other cities were requesting their own sets of custom baseball cards. Within a couple years, Illinois SWAT teams were regularly creating new baseball card designs each year to showcase their unit.

The concept caught on for a few key reasons. For one, Illinois has a large number of medium to large cities with active SWAT presences due to higher rates of violent crime compared to other states. This meant there was a sizable population of teams interested in the idea. The cards cleverly blended two iconic American pastimes – police work and baseball collecting. They added humor and levity to an otherwise serious and dangerous job. And they fostered healthy competition and rivalry between departments.

A standardized baseball card template emerged that has endured to this day. The front of each card features a portrait photo of the officer, their name, rank, and department logo watermark. Statistics are listed on the back such as years on the force, number of deployments, special skills/certifications, and occasional funny made-up stats like “home runs hit in the field.” Cards were initially printed on basic trading card stock but evolved to premium cardstock and glossy photo-quality prints over the years.

Today, an estimated 80% or more of SWAT teams across Illinois annually produce new sets of custom baseball cards as a staple part of their operations. While the cards are produced primarily as memorabilia for team members, they have gained wider recognition beyond just policing circles. Cards from the largest metro departments in Chicago, Rockford, Springfield and Peoria regularly pop up on eBay and trading card forums online as collectors items. Enthusiasts have even organized regional swap meets for procuring rare older cards.

Some police departments take the baseball card theme very seriously. Wealthier suburban squads have been known to hire professional graphic designers and photographers to ensure high production values matching the glossy sports cards kids collect. One annual tradition is the statewide “SWATderby” tournament where departments compete against each other in team-building exercises and skills challenges, with the winning squad receiving a trophy and title of “SWAT World Series Champions” to tout on future baseball cards.

The idea has also spread outside Illinois to SWAT teams in other Midwestern states inspired by the trend. The majority of customized police baseball card production still remains centered in the Land of Lincoln where the goofy fun concept first got its start over 25 years ago. It’s proven an unexpectedly popular and enduring team-building tradition, adding some levity to a highly stressful job while also building camaraderie between departments. The oddball cards also help demystify police special teams and spread awareness of the dangers officers face to keep communities safe on a daily basis.

In the digital age where physical cards have declined for sports leagues, police baseball cards represent an analog holdout of the collection hobby. In Illinois and beyond, they continue serving as a quirky point of pride and source of friendly competition between special response teams. Even as officers have long since retired, their baseball cards live on as a novelty token commemorating service and sacrifice from the law enforcement “rookies” of yesteryear. And all because one officer had a crazy idea to immortalize his colleagues in card form never dreaming it would take on a life of its own.

BEST 1990 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 80s and early 90s. With 792 total cards, the 1990 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards and storylines from the 1990 Topps set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1): Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1990 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar in 1990 with his rookie campaign the previous year. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. The Griffey rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby, routinely fetching thousands of dollars in high grades. Getting this card in pristine mint condition is the holy grail for many collectors.

Nolan Ryan (#234): Arguably the greatest power pitcher of all-time, Nolan Ryan was still in his prime during the 1990 season. His Topps card from that year features him pitching for the Texas Rangers, where he would play the final years of his legendary career. At age 43 in 1990, Ryan was still dominating hitters with his 100+ mph fastball. Any mint condition Nolan Ryan card from the peak of his career holds significant value for collectors.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#91): Coming off winning the AL MVP award in 1991, Cal Ripken Jr. was one of the game’s premier all-around players. His consistency and work ethic made him a fan favorite as well. Ripken’s 1990 Topps card is a staple in many collections given his iconic status with the Baltimore Orioles franchise. It also marked the start of Ripken’s record-breaking consecutive games played streak.

Barry Bonds (#150): Still early in his Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Barry Bonds was already showing signs of greatness in 1990. His sweet left-handed swing and athleticism in the outfield was a joy to watch. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history. His rookie cards hold significant value given how his career played out.

Roger Clemens (#207): Arguably the most dominant pitcher of the late 80s and early 90s, Roger Clemens was in his prime during the 1990 season. Splitting time with the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays in 1990, Clemens won 21 games and struck out 210 batters en route to his third Cy Young award. Any mint condition Clemens card from the peak of his career is a must-have for collectors.

Jose Canseco (#210): As one of the first true “five-tool” players in MLB, Jose Canseco helped usher in the steroid era during his time with the Oakland A’s. His monster home run totals and highlight-reel plays in the outfield made him a fan favorite. Canseco’s 1990 Topps card captured him during the height of his powers in Oakland before injuries slowed him down.

Rickey Henderson (#235): The all-time stolen base king, Rickey Henderson was a dynamic force on the basepaths unlike anything fans had seen before. His 1990 Topps card shows him stealing yet another base, this time during his stint with the Oakland A’s. Henderson brought unmatched excitement and athleticism that collectors love to this day.

Ozzie Smith (#256): A wizard with the glove at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was already a legend with the St. Louis Cardinals by 1990 thanks to his highlight-reel defensive plays. His flashy style and backflips made him a fan favorite as well. Smith’s defensive prowess and memorable personality translated to strong card values over the years.

Don Mattingly (#258): As the heart and soul of the New York Yankees, Don Mattingly embodied class and consistency at first base. His sweet left-handed swing produced plenty of base hits and RBI during his 1980s heyday. Mattingly’s 1990 Topps card captured him during his playing prime before injuries slowed him down. It remains a staple in many collections.

This covers just some of the biggest storylines and standout cards from the 1990 Topps baseball set. With so many future Hall of Famers and superstar players featured, it’s easy to see why the 1990 set holds such nostalgia and value for collectors to this day. Finding high grade versions of stars like Griffey Jr., Ripken, Henderson, Clemens and more is the ultimate prize for those who love the vintage baseball card hobby.

BEST COLLEGE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

When it comes to collecting trading cards, many enthusiasts focus on professional sports leagues like the MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL. College sports cards can be just as interesting to accumulate, especially for fans of a particular university’s baseball program. While college cards may not reach the same value as pro cards, some of the best college baseball cards feature future stars and memorable teams.

One of the most sought-after college baseball cards is the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Kris Bryant card. Bryant went on to become the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP with the Chicago Cubs. As a freshman at the University of San Diego in 2011, he batted .365 with nine home runs. The rarity and star power of Bryant make this one of the priciest college baseball cards available. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $1,000.

Other highly valuable college rookie cards include Chipper Jones’ 1990 Leaf Freshman Flash, Mike Piazza’s 1988 Topps Traded, and Derek Jeter’s 1991 Score Rookie/Traded. While they were produced prior to their professional careers, these cards showcase future Hall of Famers in their collegiate uniforms. Collectors love obtaining cards that feature all-time greats in their amateur days.

For University of Miami fans, the 1987 Topps Traded Chipper Jones and the 1988 Score Barry Larkin are must-have cards. Both players led “The U” to College World Series championships during their collegiate tenures. Larkin won the 1988 CWS Most Outstanding Player award. Miami’s dominance in the 1980s makes cards from that era quite collectible for Hurricanes supporters.

Texas Longhorns fans enjoy pursuing cards featuring former stars like Burt Hooton, David Clyde, Roger Clemens and Brooks Kieschnick. The 1973 and 1974 Topps sets highlight Hooton and Clyde, who helped UT reach back-to-back CWS finals. Clemens’ 1981 Donruss RC as a freshman starter is a coveted Texas piece. Kieschnick’s spectacular 1990 season where he batted .461 makes his rookie cards desirable as well.

For LSU devotees, the most iconic college card would be the 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Pitcher of the Year Andy Dirks. In 2008, Dirks led the Tigers to their sixth CWS title and was named CWS Most Outstanding Player. His jersey was retired by LSU after college. Other coveted Bayou Bengals include the 1990 Score Chipper Jones and 1992 Upper Deck Lee May.

Arizona State fans love finding cards of Barry Bonds’ time with the Sun Devils. His 1982 Donruss and Fleer rookies are highly sought after. Mike Kelly’s stellar 1989 season that saw him bat .463 makes his ’89 cards collectible as well. Kelly was named Collegiate Baseball’s Player of the Year.

For Louisville Cardinals supporters, the prized possession would be the 1989 Score Don Mattingly. Before his MLB stardom with the Yankees, Mattingly was a standout first baseman for Louisville. His .352 career average makes this college issue very collectible. Other coveted Louisville pieces include the 1990 Score Todd Zeile and the 1992 Pinnacle Craig Shipley.

Miami Marlins fans enjoy obtaining the rare 1992 Leaf Florida State National Champions team set. That Seminoles squad included future MLB all-stars like Wade Boggs, Mike Loynd and Patrick Lennon. Individual player cards from that title team hold significant value. Deion Sanders’ cards from his time at FSU in the late 1980s are also widely collected.

For Tennessee Volunteers admirers, the most desired card would be Rod Delmonico’s 1984 Donruss Rookie/Traded issue. Delmonico led UT to the 1982 CWS title and won the ’82 CWS Most Outstanding Player award. His jersey was retired by Tennessee. Other prized Vols include the 1990 Score Mark Reynolds and the 1992 Studio Chris Sabo.

While not as costly as pro rookie cards, the best college baseball cards can still carry substantial value – especially for key players, teams and years in a school’s historical legacy. Authentic vintage college issues in high grades are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the secondary market. For diehard fans of a college program, finding and owning cards from their favorite school’s baseball history is a fun way to connect to the sport at the amateur level.

MOST EXPENSIVE 1933 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1933 Goudey baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the history of sports card collecting. Produced by the Goudey Gum Company, the 1933 set marked one of the early forays into mass-producing trading cards as promotional inserts in chewing gum and candy packs. While rather crudely produced by today’s standards, these early baseball cards opened up the hobby to thousands of new collectors and sparked a decades-long fascination with collecting that still thrives today. Within the wider world of vintage sports cards, 1933 Goudey cards are consistently among the most prized, valuable, and sought after by collectors. This is due to several key factors such as their rarity, historical significance, and featuring some of baseball’s greatest legends from the deadball and live ball eras. Here are some details on the most expensive 1933 Goudey baseball cards that have sold at auction over the past decade.

Babe Ruth – The iconic “Bambino” dominates the top of the 1933 Goudey food chain in terms of rarity and value. An image of the legendary slugger wielding his signature bat during his Boston days, the Babe Ruth is the crown jewel of the set and one of the most valuable vintage cards in collecting. In 2016, a PSA-graded example fetched $5.2 million at auction, setting a new record. Another PSA 8 copy sold in 2016 for $4.4 million. In 2020, a PSA 5 version broke the $2 million barrier. The extreme rarity and universal fame of Babe Ruth, combined with his unmatched performance on the baseball field, have cemented this as the undisputed blue-chip card of the 1933 set.

Lou Gehrig – As Ruth’s durable and prolific Yankee teammate during their record-setting tenure, a Lou Gehrig card from 1933 commands top dollar as well. Less scarce than the Babe Ruth but still quite rare in high grades. In 2016 a PSA 8 Gehrig sold for $461,000. A PSA 9 example smashed expectations in 2020 selling for $719,200, a record for the card. Gehrig’s image and batting stance resonate with collectors, and he remains nearly as iconic as Ruth nearly a century after their glory days in New York.

Jimmie Foxx – One of the premier power hitters of the 1930s and an American League MVP, Foxx cards from 1933 hold tremendous value as well. In 2016 a PSA 8 Foxx sold for $264,000 at auction. In 2020 a PSA 5 copy commanded $191,200. Often overshadowed by Ruth and Gehrig, Foxx’s considerable baseball talent and rarity of high-grade 1933 Goudey cards have made him a beloved collectible in his own right with estimated populations under 100 PSA 8 or higher cards known.

Mel Ott – As one of the game’s elite sluggers during the 1930s primarily with the New York Giants, Ott’s 1933 card carries substantial heft. In 2016 a PSA 8 Ott changed hands for $83,520. Extremely tough to find in Gem Mint condition, an Ott is a prized part of any serious vintage collection. Ott’s image depicts him in the on-deck circles preparing to launch one of his legendary home runs.

Al Simmons – A true five-tool star during his playing days, primarily with the Athletics, Simmons is one of the tougher 1933 Goudey cards to acquire in top grades due to his more obscure playing career compared to the titans at the top of the list. Still, a PSA 8 Simmons sold for $82,000 in 2016 highlighting the continued demand for star players, even those not quite in the Ruth/Gehrig/Foxx class of recognition. The card features a clear action shot of Simmons at bat.

Needless to say, finding high quality 1933 Goudey cards of any player in PSA 8 or above condition would represent an incredible museum-quality collectible. Populations remain tiny given the fragility and age of the nearly 90-year old cardboard. Even lesser stars and commons fetch five figures, showing the broad, passionate collector demand for this seminal set. As interest grows in vintage memorabilia, prices for the 1933 Goudeys of the games all-time greats will likely continue appreciating over time. The combination of historic significance, visual aesthetic appeal, and brute on-field excellence of players depicted make these early cards permanently enshrined as royalty in the collecting community.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH GRADING

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been collected for generations, with some of the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. While many casual collectors enjoy assembling sets or reliving childhood memories, serious collectors look to grade their most valuable cards to maximize their worth. Getting cards professionally graded can significantly increase their value, especially for rare and high-grade examples. Here are some tips for determining which baseball cards may be worth the cost of professional grading.

Rookie Cards – The rookie cards of all-time great players like Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and Mike Trout are always strong candidates for grading due to their iconic status and limited print runs from decades past. Even the rookie cards of modern stars can gain value from top grades. For example, a PSA 10 graded Shohei Ohtani rookie fetched over $900,000 at auction in 2021.

Vintage Cards – Pre-war tobacco cards from the T206 set and early 20th century productions like 1909-11 T206 are especially prized in top grades due to the fragile paper stock and age of the cards. Receiving high numerical grades of 8 and above from services like PSA or BGS can justify substantial premiums in value. Vintage cards in lower grades may still hold collector value but will not appreciate as strongly.

Star Cards – The cards of all-time great players across all eras can gain value with third party authentication of high quality, especially for the biggest stars. This includes stars of the past like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Ty Cobb as well as modern legends like Mike Trout, Ken Griffey Jr., and Barry Bonds. Top PSA or BGS grades bring out extra bids from dedicated collectors of these players.

Error Cards – Miscuts, missing color prints, and other anomalies create one-of-a-kind error cards that fascinate collectors. High grades certify that the error is intact, which is essential for condition-sensitive oddities. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle miscut that sold for over $2 million in 2021 was a PSA 8.5.

Low Print Run Inserts – Parallels, serial numbered cards, and short printed promotional inserts from the 1990s to today are always good grading candidates because their limited availability drives greater demand in top grades. Examples include 1998 SP Authentic Derek Jeter, 2001 Bowman Chrome Jim Thome, and 2003 Topps Big League Miguel Cabrera.

Expos Cards – With the Montreal Expos franchise relocation to Washington, cards featuring the historic Expos uniform and logo have increased in value. High grades bring out extra dollars from Expos completists, especially for stars like Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, and Tim Raines.

Autos and Memorabilia Cards – Autographed cards and patches or bats with on-card authentification hold great appeal to collectors but are also vulnerable to forgeries and alterations. Grading verifies the autograph and preserves the item in its original state long-term. Top graded examples consistently outperform raw, unverified autos at auction.

While grading adds costs that can eat into profits, discerning collectors recognize authenticated high grades as the surest way to maximize returns long-term on truly valuable vintage and star player cards. With care and research, there are countless baseball cards from the past century-plus that retain strong potential to appreciate substantially in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 slab. For truly rare finds, the extra grading investment can pay off many times over.

Rookie cards of all-time greats, pre-war tobacco issues, stars from across baseball history, error cards, short printed parallels, Expos team cards, autograph and memorabilia cards are all strong candidates to consider submitting for professional third-party grading. With strategic grading of the right material, collectors can transform common cards into verifiably premium collectibles and realize the full potential value embedded within the highest quality examples.

TOP 10 MOST RARE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The hobby of baseball card collecting has been popular for decades, with some of the earliest cardboard relics dating back to the late 1800s. As with any collecting niche, the rarest items become highly coveted and can fetch enormous sums. Here are 10 of the most rare and expensive baseball cards ever produced based on their scarcity and current market values.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner (PSA 1): One of the most iconic cards in collecting, the Wagner is legendary for its rarity with likely fewer than 60 graded examples known. The Wagner is widely considered the holy grail. A low-grade PSA 1 recently sold for $264,000, showing strong demand even for poorly preserved copies.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson (PSA 1): Like the Wagner, the “Shoeless Joe” Jackson is one of the most significant early tobacco cards. Only a handful are known to exist, with a PSA 1 in 2017 selling for $266,500. Jackson’s notoriety from the Black Sox Scandal only adds to the card’s appeal.

1967 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 9): Nolan Ryan established himself as one of the game’s greatest pitchers, but his 1967 rookie card wasn’t widely distributed. Only a small number received the coveted PSA 9 grade, with one selling at auction in 2020 for $360,750, showing staying power as a modern rarity.

1951 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): Mantle’s career was legendary and his colorful 1951 rookie holds icon status. The color version is extremely rare, with analysts suggesting fewer than 10 high-grade copies could exist. A PSA 8 sold in 2016 for an impressive $376,918.

1933 Goudey #53 Jimmie Foxx (PSA 8): Foxx was one of the most feared sluggers of his era and his Goudey issue is among the earliest regularly traded sports cards. Condition remains elusive though, with a single PSA 8 changing hands privately for $401,000 in late 2020.

1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson (PSA 8): Alongside Wagner, Walter Johnson is synonymous with the T206 set’s prestige. Like Wagner’s though, finding an example higher than a PSA 5 is like winning the lottery. A pristine PSA 8 sold for $444,000 in 2016, underscoring its exclusivity.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson (PSA 5): Widely considered one of the top five pitchers ever, Mathewson’s famous cigarette card is no less notable, though higher grades are believed preserved. A recent 2021 sale of a PSA 5 achieved $468,750, demonstrating an elite obsolete vintage card’s value.

2011 Topps Update Mike Trout RC Auto Gold /50 (PSA 10): Trout may go down as one of the games all-time greats and his 2011 rookie auto parallel to just 50 copies is extremely rare. A perfect PSA 10 copy sold in 2020 for an astounding $922,500, showing demand for a modern superstar’s low-printed card.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank (PSA 8): Plank logged over 300 wins but his T206 stands out for situation – graded examples number in the low single digits. In 2021, a PSA 8 became the first Plank card to cross $1 million, selling at auction for $1.32 million, a record for any pre-war card.

1909-11 T206 Nap Lajoie (PSA 4): After over a century, Lajoie’s T206 stands alone as the most valuable baseball card ever sold. One of the earliest players depicted, higher quality examples may not exist. A well-worn PSA 4 shattered predictions in 2021 and achieved a historic $3.12 million sale price, showing no affinity for condition when scarcity is extreme.

Condition and pop reports confirm these 10 cards as true blue-chip rarities. With each finding higher grades seemingly once-in-a-lifetime propositions, prices will always reflect their exceptional scarcity within the collecting universe. For those wishing to someday uncover a legendary piece of cardboard history from 1909-1951, the hunt remains as enticing as ever.

BASEBALL TRADING CARDS DONRUSS91

Leave a reply

The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was released at the start of the 1991 MLB season and commemorated the action from the 1990 season. It was the 12th Donruss baseball card set issued and featured cards of players and managers from all 26 MLB teams at the time.

Some key things to know about the 1991 Donruss baseball cards:

Set size: The base card set included 792 total cards. This included current players, managers, and team checklist cards for each franchise.

Design: The cards featured a classic Donruss design with a horizontal layout. The team logo appeared on the left side of the card and a color action photo took up the majority of the space. Player stats and a short bio appeared on the back.

Rookies of note: The ’91 Donruss set featured the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Jim Thome as well as other notable rookies like Moises Alou, Jermaine Dye, and Todd Helton.

Short prints: There were no true “short print” cards inserted at lower ratios in the base set. Some cards like managers and team checklists were rarer pulls from packs.

Parallels: The only insert set was the 100-card “Diamond Kings” parallel subset, which featured glossy photo variations of star players. These were about 1 per wax box.

Inserts and variations: Outside of the Diamond Kings, there were no special inserts, autographs, or memorabilia cards in the base 1991 Donruss set. Error and printing variation cards have become popular with collectors in recent years.

Design changes: Compared to previous Donruss designs, the ’91 set had a cleaner and simpler look with larger photos and less text on the fronts. Card stock was also thinner than older Donruss issues.

Production: Donruss was still one of the “Big 3” trading card manufacturers along with Topps and Fleer in 1991. The set was widely distributed in stores, vending machines, and as inserts in packs of Donruss gum.

Some key players featured in the 1991 Donruss set include:

Nolan Ryan (Astros): At age 44, Ryan’s card was one of the most sought after as he was still an active player chasing career records. He won his 300th game in 1990.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Mariners): Griffey’s rookie season in 1989 made him one of baseball’s rising young stars going into 1991. His card is one of the most iconic from the set.

Roger Clemens (Red Sox): The reigning AL Cy Young winner and MVP in 1990, Clemens’ power pitching made him one of the sport’s biggest draws.

Barry Bonds (Pirates): In his age 26 season of 1990, Bonds began showing signs he would develop into one of the best hitters in MLB history.

Rickey Henderson (A’s): “Rickey being Rickey,” he was still dominating on the basepaths and at the plate for Oakland in 1990 with 65 stolen bases.

Wade Boggs (Red Sox): The model of consistency, Boggs hit over .300 for the ninth straight season in 1990 and won his fifth batting title.

Ozzie Smith (Cardinals): A wizard with the glove at shortstop, “The Wizard” was in his prime on both sides of the ball for St. Louis.

In terms of rarity and value, here are some key points about high-dollar 1991 Donruss cards:

Chipper Jones rookie card – Highly sought after by Braves fans and fetches over $100 PSA 10.

Ken Griffey Jr. – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever. $500+ raw in top-grade. Autos very rare and valuable.

Nolan Ryan (Astros) – As one of Ryan’s final cards before retirement, it can go for $150+ in gem mint.

Roger Clemens – $50-100 PSA 10 for the dominant Red Sox version at his peak.

Barry Bonds rookie – Pre-fame Bonds rookie is still affordable at $30-50 raw but has long-term potential.

Error cards – Printing mistakes and variations are popular. An off-centered Jim Abbott card sold for over $2,000 recently.

Diamond Kings parallels – These shiny parallel versions of the biggest stars can demand $50-150 in top shape.

The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular issues of the early 1990s. Featuring future Hall of Famers and some of the biggest names in the sport at the time, it remains a highly collectible vintage release for fans and investors. Key rookie cards like Chipper Jones and Jim Thome will likely hold their value long-term.

BASEBALL CARDS 1987 TOPPS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set was a transition year for the iconic card company as it moved from its long-running design to a more modern look. The set featured 762 total cards including career statistics on the back of each player card for the first time. It also marked the final year that Topps would be the lone major baseball card producer as rival company Fleer re-entered the market in 1988 after a multi-year absence.

Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps baseball card set:

Design Change – After using similar designs for over a decade, Topps made significant changes to the look of its 1987 cards. The classic red logo was replaced by a white logo on a black banner at the top. Player names were moved below photos and statistics were consolidated into three columns on the back. It was a jarring change for collectors used to the classic Topps look.

Rookies of Note – Future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio made his rookie card debut along with other notable rookies like Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and David Cone. Biggio’s card in particular has become one of the most coveted rookie cards from the late 1980s. Other top rookies like Frank Thomas and Jeff Bagwell had to wait until 1988 Fleer for their first cards.

Career Stats on Back – For the first time, Topps included career statistics on the back of every regular player card. Prior years had only included that year’s stats. This provided collectors more complete career records for tracking player performance over the long-term.

O-Pee-Chee Canadian Version – The Canadian version was produced through Topps’ partnership with O-Pee-Chee and had an identical card design and set checklist. The biggest difference was the French and English text on the backs.

Checklist Size – At 762 total cards, it was one of the larger checklists of the 1980s era. In addition to all major leaguers, the set included over 100 rookie cards, manager/coach cards, team cards, and special insert cards like the “Topps All-Star Rookies” subset.

Design Flaws – Some collectors criticized aspects of the new design like head-sized photos, smaller statistics, and cluttered card backs. Topps would continue tweaking the design in future years. The radical change also led to the 1987 set being less popular at the time compared to earlier designs collectors were used to.

Parallels and Variations – There were no official parallels or short prints but variations did exist. The most notable was card #1 Nolan Ryan having two photo variations—one with his eyes open and another closed. Other minor variations included different uniform numbers, photos, or stats.

Secondary Market Growth – As the 1980s player base became more established stars and nostalgia set in, interest in 1980s cards grew significantly in the late 1990s and 2000s. The 1987 set in particular saw strong price increases for stars like McGwire, Biggio, and variations like the Nolan Ryan card #1.

Legacy of Final True Monopoly – 1987 was the end of an era as Topps had printed baseball cards exclusively since the 1950s. The addition of Fleer in 1988 kicked off a more competitive marketplace that led to innovations like upper deck in the late 80s. While Topps cards from prior decades remain the most iconic, 1987 marked the last year of their complete dominance before rivals entered the annual card wars.

While not as aesthetically pleasing to some collectors as earlier designs, the 1987 Topps set was a transitional year that increased statistical info, included notable rookie cards, and marked the finale of Topps as a true monopoly before new competitors arrived. The changes also led to renewed collector interest decades later, making high-grade versions of stars from the set quite valuable in today’s market. It serves as an important bridge year between the classic designs of the 1970s/80s and more modern approaches that followed.

1985 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED BOX

Leave a reply

1985 was a monumental year for baseball cards as it was the year that Topps released the highly coveted and iconic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. While 1984 may get more attention as Griffey’s true rookie season in the big leagues, 1985 marked the first time collectors could find “The Kid” in a pack of Topps baseball cards. An unopened box of 1985 Topps baseball cards in near mint to mint condition remains a true hobby gem that any serious card collector would be thrilled to add to their collection today given the high-value rookie cards it holds.

Some key details about the 1985 Topps baseball set and what collectors can expect to find in an unopened wax box include:

The set includes 792 total cards with photographic portraits of players from that 1985 MLB season. The design features a simple white border around each photo with team names across the bottom.

In addition to Ken Griffey Jr’s highly-sought after rookie card, other star rookies included in the set are Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and Don Mattingly. Collectors also have a chance at predraft or “batboy” photos of future stars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine.

Topps distributed the 1985 cards in wax packs, boxes, and rack packs. A full wax box sealed from the original distribution would contain 24 wax packs with 11 cards per pack. This gives a total of 264 cards in a box on average.

Grading scales cards on a 1-10 system with 10 being mint/pristine. An unopened 1985 Topps box in True Gem Mint (9.5-10) condition would be an incredibly rare and valuable find today given its 36+ year old age. Even Near Mint 8+ condition for sealed wax would be very desirable.

Estimated odds of pulling the Griffey Jr. rookie in a pack were about 1 in 10-15 packs. The average box then would statistically contain 1-2 Griffey rookies. Other notable rookie odds were around 1 in 20 packs for Clemens and McGwire.

With Griffey’s rookie one of the most iconic and valuable of all-time, PSA 10 examples today can sell for $10,000+ individually. High grade Clemens and McGwire rookies also demand $1,000+ each. An unopened box preserves the chance at these gems.

While packs from 1985 Topps wax boxes have long since been opened in search of treasures over the past decades, finding a factory sealed full case today would be like stepping back in time. It offers collectors the thrill and excitement of the original hunt without any cards having been tampered with or removed.

Knowing each of the 24 packs inside could potentially yield a true hobby holy grail in a Griffey Jr., Clemens, or McGwire rookie only adds to the mystique and investment potential. Professional grading could also authenticate the seal integrity for sellers.

Beyond star rookies, a sealed 1985 Topps box also presents the opportunity to pull other key veteran and young player cards from that era that remain highly collected today. This includes cards of Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and more established names mingled with future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin and David Cone in their early career stages.

Financially, last reported auction sales of sealed 1985 Topps wax boxes in similar near mint to gem mint grades have ranged between $3,000-$5,000. Given the continued rise in popularity and value of vintage sports cards overall, especially those first year issues of all-time greats, a pristine sealed example from this classic set holds great long term investment and collecting potential.

For the right vintage card collector, an unopened 1985 Topps wax box presents the opportunity to both preserve a slice of hobby history untouched for over 35 years as well as chase true cardboard treasures still waiting within. The lure and mystery associated with such a find continues to fascinate enthusiasts of the era.

A full unopened case of 1985 Topps baseball cards offers a rare preserved time capsule back to the mid-80s trading card boom. With each pack inside capable of potentially yielding a true seven-figure rookie gem like Ken Griffey Jr., it presents an incredible opportunity to both collect and potentially invest in one of the most prized issues from the hobby’s “golden age”.

2011 BOWMAN DRAFT BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 2011 Bowman Draft baseball card set features prospects selected in that year’s First-Year Player Draft. It was a highly anticipated draft class that featured future stars such as Gerrit Cole, Danny Hultzen, Trevor Bauer, and Dylan Bundy. While the values of 2011 Bowman Draft cards have fluctuated over the past decade, many consider it one of the stronger Bowman Draft releases from the 2010s in terms of cards that hold significant value today.

The headliner of the 2011 Bowman Draft set is undoubtedly 1st overall pick Gerrit Cole’s base paper card. Considered one of the top pitching prospects ever dating back to his high school days, Cole more than lived up to the hype. After debuting in 2013, he has gone on to become a two-time All-Star and won the 2020 NL Wild Card game with the New York Yankees. Mint condition copies of his base card steadily climbed over the years, reaching upwards of $150-200 in 2019 before the pandemic. With Cole’s continued success and the increased collection demand, his card has remained rock solid and now consistently fetches $300-400 in top-grades.

Another surefire first round talent who panned out was Danny Hultzen, the 2nd overall selection by the Seattle Mariners. Hultzen possessed elite command and a four-pitch mix that projected him as a future #2 starter. Shoulder issues derailed his career before it ever took off. Even so, mint Hultzen rookies from 2011 Bowman Draft have still held $50-75 values thanks to his status as a top prospect. Similarly, 4th overall pick Trevor Bauer dwelled in prospect hype for years but eventually blossomed into a strong major leaguer, making multiple All-Star teams for Cleveland and the Dodgers. His base is around the $75-100 range when fresh.

Beyond the headliners, many other 2011 first round picks have cards that carry significance and robust price tags to serious Bowman Draft PC collectors. The 6th pick, Bubba Starling of Kansas City, has an enticing story as a five-tool player that spurned millions to play college ball. While injuries hampered his pro career, mint Starling rookies command $50-75. Max Fried, taken 7th by San Diego, struggled for years with Tommy John but has emerged as an Atlanta Brave and fetched over $100 for his paper rookie after a strong 2020 campaign.

Further down the first round, reliever Archie Bradley (23rd pick, ARI), starter Ty Hensley (30th pick, NYM), and starter Dylan Bundy (4th pick, BAL) all landed with organizations boasting rich histories. Their 2011 Bowman Draft base cards have steadily risen from $25-40 over the years into the $75-125 range currently. Bundy in particular saw his stock soar after a 2014 debut as a 21-year-old and contributing meaningfully to the Orioles’ Wild Card runs. But injuries slowed his progress thereafter.

The value of cards outside the first round thins out significantly relative to players taken higher in the 2011 draft. Some middle to late round talents like 6th rounder Michael Wacha (STL) (Base: $40-60), 13th rounder Jedd Gyorko (SD) (Base: $30-50), 15th rounder Daniel Norris (TOR) (Base: $25-40), and 30th rounder Daniel Corcino (CIN) (Base: $15-25) all reached the majors to varying degrees of success. As breakouts from deep in the draft, these players’ rookie cards command respectable sums today.

Collectors should also note notable autograph and parallel cards featuring the elite prospects that can push values much higher than the base paper rookies. A Gerrit Cole auto in NM-MT condition ranges between $500-800, while a near-gem Trevor Bauer auto would bring in $300-450. Rarer printing plate and 1/1 autographs of players like Fried and Bundy can surpass $1000 when available on the secondary market. Superfractors aren’t too common in Bowman Draft either, and examples of Cole or Hultzen would be true crown jewels.

While not every prospect hit, 2011 turned out to be a draft for the ages and produced a bounty of future stars at the top. Bowman Draft cards of those big names like Cole, Hultzen, Bauer, and Bundy have stayed exceedingly popular with collectors. Their paper rookies as well as premium signed and parallel hits are foundational inclusions in any Bowman Draft PC. The 2011 edition endures as one of the most collectible and valuable among recent Bowman Draft sets for good reason.