1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FULL SET

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after sets in the modern era for collectors. Issued annually by Topps since the late 1950s, the 1986 Topps set featured 660 total cards and was the company’s 29th year producing baseball cards. The designs, players, and especially the rookie cards in the 1986 set have made it a fan favorite for decades.

Some key aspects that contribute to the popularity and value of the full 1986 Topps baseball card set include:

Design and Photography: Topps opted for a clean and classic design with primarily headshot photos on a white background for most cards. This allowed the players and any special photographs to stand out prominently. Some stars received action shots or posed portrait photos which added nice variety. The clean and timeless design has aged very well over the past 35+ years.

Star Power: The 1986 set included many of the games’ biggest stars who were in their baseball primes such as Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Mike Schmidt, and Kirby Puckett. High-end stars almost always add validity and interest to any vintage set.

Rookie Cards: Perhaps most notably, the 1986 Topps set included the coveted rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Barry Bonds, Gregg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. These rookie cards are among the most valuable in the set. Additional high-end rookie cards include Will Clark, Wally Joyner, and Mark McGwire. Collectors love chasing desired rookie cards from older sets.

Unique Parallel Sets: Topps produced several parallel sets within the main 1986 offering. The most notable were the photo variations where some players received alternative posed shots. These parallel cards add to the level of completion required for true set collectors.

Complete Set Status: Being able to obtain a 100% complete 660-card set from a single year of issue is a major accomplishment for any collector. With the passage of time, locating that elusive last few difficult cards gets harder and drives up their value. Finding an intact 1986 Topps set at this point was/is quite the achievement.

Strong Investment Potential: Condition-graded high-end rookie cards and stars from the 1986 Topps set have demonstrated exceptional long-term investment gains far beyond basic inflation. Pristine examples of key rookies routinely sell for tens of thousands today, showing the value longevity of this classic set.

Beyond the valuable rookie cards, there were plenty of other notables included in the standard 660-card 1986 Topps baseball card release:

Veterans and All-Stars: Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, Eddie Murray, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan still cranked out big seasons in 1986 and their cards retain strong collector interest.

Young Standouts: Players like Dwight Gooden, Jose Canseco, and Roger Clemens were early in their Hall of Fame careers and their sharp action photos pop out of the set.

Team Checklists: Topps included team-by-team checklists at the end of the set which are fun for fans to complete focusing on their favorite franchise.

Managers and Coaches: For the history buffs, there were cards dedicated to all 26 big league skippers and even a few dedicated to coaches from that season.

League Leaders: Topps highlighted the top statistical performers from 1985 at the back of the set, honoring the game’s best.

Oddball Selections: A few quirky choices like a Pete Rose managerial card and rules sheet add charm and encourage set completion.

In addition to the standard 660-card flagship Topps issue, there were also a handful of important 1986 Topps spin-off inserts that became highly valuable in their own right over time:

Traded Set: Following player trades, Topps issued around 100 update cards showing players in their new uniforms. key changes include Rickey Henderson with the Yankees after being dealt from Oakland.

Glossy Sendbacks: Early purchasers could mail in for special high-gloss versions of selected star players cards like Gooden that became quite rare.

Glossy All-Stars: Similarly, purchasers could mail in to receive special high-gloss versions of the cards featuring the 1986 All-Star teams.

Photo Variations: As previously referenced, Topps produced parallel photo variation cards for around 60 players that featured an alternative headshot.

These tertiary inserts added another layer of set and parallel completion options for dedicated collectors while also housing valuable short-print specimens that spike the values of full 1986 Topps collections.

In the end, the perfect combination of design, star power, rookie phenoms, quirky aspects, and the basic challenge of completing a full flagship set over such a long period since issue has cemented the 1986 Topps offering as one of the true heavyweights among sports card releases. Pristine, high-grade examples of full sets along with the premier rookie cards continue to entice collectors and investors alike decades later. For admirers of 1980s baseball card culture, it remains the high water mark of the period.

2021 TOPPS BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Big League baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the year from sports card manufacturer Topps. With a return to normalcy in Major League Baseball after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Topps sought to deliver an exciting new set that captured the essence of America’s pastime. The 2021 Topps Big League set did not disappoint collectors with its variety of attractive photography, sharp designs, and inclusion of the game’s biggest stars.

With a massive checklist of over 350 different cards split between Series 1 and Series 2, Topps gave collectors plenty of options to chase their favorite current and legendary players. Ranging from base cards to parallels, insert cards, and autographs/relics, there was something in the 2021 Topps Big League set for collectors of all levels and interests. The design scheme carried over familiar elements from recent years like team logos positioned above the players on most cards. With crisper photography and bolder colors popping off the surface, the 2021 design felt refreshed without veering too far from the established Topps Big League aesthetic.

Some of the biggest stars in the game like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto absolutely dominated the prized autograph and memorabilia cards in the 2021 Topps Big League set. Trout’s autograph is always one of the true grails for collectors and fetched premium prices after release. Tatis, Acuña, and Soto are among the new faces of MLB with incredibly bright futures, making their autographed and game-used memorabilia cards highly sought after long term investments. Veterans like Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer still command attention as surefire Hall of Famers down the road.

The insert sets within 2021 Topps Big League like Salute to Stats, Top 100, and Tiffany parallels added layers of nostalgia, colorful design, and limited edition sparkle to chase after completing the base set. Salute to Stats celebrated milestones within players’ careers on simple graphic cards that served as a fun pop of unique content. The Top 100 checklist highlighted the finest individual seasons on record across baseball history on a prestigious card stock. And limited Tiffany parallels of key rookies and stars brought out the “oohs” and “aahs” with their intensely shimmering foil surfaces.

Beyond the on-card content, Topps incorporated various production techniques to bring enhanced elements to certain 2021 Big League cards. For example, Topps utilized their highest quality “Gold Label” stocks and embossing/debossing for hits of the true superstars. Extensive research into individual players’ backgrounds and careers also led to fun added ingredients like powder blue parallels commemorating Mike Trout’s rookie season colors or camouflage parallels honoring MLB veterans who served in the military. These extra touches demonstrated Topps’ commitment to not just slapping players on cards, but crafting memorable collector experiences.

Soon after the 2021 Topps Big League Series 1 release in April, the baseball card market underwent an unprecedented boom driven in large part by renewed mainstream interest and availability of lucrative investment vehicles for collectibles. This surge brought intense demand and high prices for particularly the most desirable rookie cards, autographed memorabilia, and low-printed parallels across the entire 2021 Topps Big League set almost immediately. For example, some of Fernando Tatis Jr.’s spectacular autograph and rookie parallels skyrocketed in value to five figures within just weeks.

The frenzy placed enormous stress on the distribution channels as product flew off shelves faster than any previous year. The hype train rolled on unabated leading up to the Series 2 release in late July. When those new packs landed, cards of young stars like Luis Robert, Cristian Javier, and MacKenzie Gore saw intense early bidding wars on the secondary market. Veterans like Buster Posey and Max Scherzer found new collectors eager to add iconic players poised for Hall of Fame enshrinement. The 2021 Topps Big League set left an indelible mark on the modern sports card industry through its widespread reach, memorable on-card content, and participation in one of the trading card market’s biggest booms ever. Whether savored by collectors or investors chasing profits in penny sleeves, 2021 Topps Big League delivered the goods for fans of America’s favorite pastime on cardboard.

STANDARD SIZE TOP LOADER FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Introduction
Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for decades, with millions of cards produced each year featuring current and former professional baseball players. When collecting and storing these valuable items, protection is key. One of the most popular and effective protective storage options for baseball cards is the standard size top loader. In this article, we will examine what defines a standard size top loader, its dimensions, advantages over other protective holders, proper use and care, variations that exist, and more.

Dimensions of a Standard Size Top Loader
A standard size top loader refers to the most common size protective sleeve used for housing individual baseball cards during storage and display. The dimensions that define a top loader as being a standard size are:

Width: 2-5/8 inches (2 5/8″)
Length: 3-1/2 inches (3 1/2″)

This equates to an overall rectangular size of approximately 2 5/8″ x 3 1/2″. The crucial aspect is that the top loader width perfectly matches the standard size of any modern baseball card, which is also 2 5/8″ wide. The extra length provides ample room above and below the card image. Variations in top loader length do exist, but the 2 5/8″ width measurement is critical for properly fitting standard baseball cards.

Advantages Over Other Holders
The top-loading design and precise sizing of standard top loaders give them notable advantages over other baseball card protection options such as penny sleeves, one-touches, or card savers. A key benefit is easy insertion and removal of cards without risk of damage. Cards can simply be slid in from the open top end of the top loader. This is preferable to sliding cards in and out of sideways-opening sleeves. Standard top loaders also allow for full viewing of the entire card face, unlike holders that cover portions. The rigid plastic construction protects edges far better than softer sleeves prone to creasing cards. This superior protection makes top loaders ideal for long-term storage and display of cherished vintage or valuable modern baseball cards.

Proper Use and Care
Correct usage and handling is important to maximize the protective qualities and longevity provided by standard top loaders. When inserting cards, take care to gently guide them fully inside to avoid potential surface marks from friction. Consider wearing cotton gloves to reduce skin oils and prevent fingerprints. Top loaders can be sealed for added security by applying a small piece of double-sided tape to the end opening after insertion. For storage, organize sleeves upright in boxes rather than stacking which causes unnecessary stress points along the tops and bottoms over time. Avoid placing in direct sunlight which can degrade plastic. Top loaders should also not be stored in humid locations prone to mold growth. With proper care, standard top loaders can protect cards safely for decades.

Variations in Top Loader Design
While the 2 5/8″ width dimension is crucial to fitting standard baseball cards, some variations do exist beyond the basic standard size top loader:

Longer tops provide extra space above the card for themes, player stats, holograms, etc. Example length is 3 3/4″.

End-loaders have a sideways opening instead of a top opening design.

Resealable or “re-closeable” top loaders allow the opening to be sealed/reopened multiple times.

Thicker gauges of rigid plastic provide enhanced protection for extremely valuable vintage cards.

Custom designsfeature favorite team logos, player portraits or unique graphics.

Acrylic top loaders offer see-through visibility on both sides of the encased card.

So while the 2 5/8″ width standard size remains essential, creative variations allow collectors options for specialized protection, displays, or collection organizing based on personal preferences.

Conclusion
Since their introduction decades ago, standard size top loaders with a 2 5/8″ width have become the go-to choice for safely housing individual baseball cards long-term. Their rigid plastic construction, precise sizing to protect the card faces fully, and user-friendly top-loading design offer durability and convenience that other holders lack. With proper handling and storage, standard top loaders are capable of preserving cherished cards as collectibles for generations to come. While creative variations now exist, the essential standard size top loader endures as the gold standard in effective yet affordable baseball card protection.

MJ HOLDING COMPANY BASEBALL CARDS

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MJ Holding Company Baseball Cards

MJ Holding Company is one of the largest and most prominent private holding companies in the baseball card industry. Founded in 1990 by Michael Jordan in Los Angeles, the company holds ownership stakes in several iconic American baseball card companies that shaped the hobby in the 20th century. While MJ Holding Company does not actively produce its own cards, it aims to preserve the legacy of classic card brands and grow the sport of baseball through strategic investing and partnerships.

Topps Baseball Cards

Topps’ most famous and valuable property is its association with the modern baseball card era. In 1951, Topps secured an exclusive license to produce gum-backed baseball cards, which helped popularize the young hobby. This coup gave Topps a multi-decade monopoly that allowed it to define the standard baseball card format. In the 1990s, Topps’ exclusive deal expired and Upper Deck emerged as its top competitor. However, Topps remains a household name in cards and maintains the longest continuous presence in the industry.

In 2007, MJ Holding Company acquired Topps from a private equity firm. Since the purchase, Topps has refocused on premium offerings like trading cards, stickers, and memorabilia while diversifying into other sports, entertainment, and conventional trading cards. Topps also thrives as a brand licensor, partnering with MLB, NBA, NFL, and others to release officially licensed products. The baseball heritage remains at the core of Topps’ identity and drives significant nostalgia and collector interest to this day.

Fleer Baseball Cards

Fleer is another iconic American card brand that helped popularize the modern baseball card era. Founded in 1885 as a bubble gum manufacturer, Fleer entered the scarce baseball card market in 1956 when the Bowman Gum Company decided to exit the field. Early Fleer issues are some of the most desired by collectors, boasting innovative designs and colorful photography ahead of its time.

In 1992, Fleer was acquired by MJ Holding Company. Subsequently, Fleer continued producing licensed sports cards through the 1990s and 2000s. Business challenges arose as the sports card market consolidated around fewer dominant brands like Topps and Upper Deck. Fleer baseball production halted in 2011 and the brand was later acquired by Panini America. Despite this, prized vintage Fleer releases still captivate collectors with their nostalgic designs and historically significant rookie cards.

Under MJ Holding Company ownership, both Topps and Fleer were able to preserve much of their storied legacies in the baseball card market and beyond. The brands continued distributing new releases, maintained official MLB licenses, and introduced innovative products. Shifting consumer demand and intensifying competition ultimately led Topps and Fleer’s card production arms to consolidate or change hands. Through strategic investments and stewardship, MJ Holding Company ensured these pioneering brands lived on even after adjustments to their respective businesses models.

Investments and Partnerships

In addition to Topps and Fleer, MJ Holding Company owns or held interests in several other iconic sports and entertainment brands. This includes Bowman Baseball, a manufacturer of premium trading cards founded in the late 1940s. MJ Holding Company also maintained a partnership with The Topps Company, Inc, a popular confectionery and gum producer known for its eponymous trading card origins with Topps Baseball Cards.

More recently, MJ Holding Company has diversified its portfolio beyond card brands alone. It has taken equity stakes in companies like Fanatics, Inc, an online retailer and licensed merchandise behemoth that streams exclusive sports video content, operates e-commerce marketplaces, and manufactures sports apparel and collectibles. MJ Holding Company also invested in WinCollective, a sports and esport data analytics platform that provides competitive info, fantasy projections, and betting lines.

Through long standing brands like Topps and newer partners like Fanatics, MJ Holding Company aims to both preserve baseball card history and stake out the industry’s future across physical cards, technology platforms, and licensed sports merchandise. By backing innovative companies and products, MJ Holding Company ensures that emerging generations can experience and enjoy baseball fandom much like generations before through their favorite ballplayers, cards, collectibles and beyond.

In summary, MJ Holding Company has played an integral role stewarding the legacies of collectible giants like Topps and Fleer baseball cards for over 30 years. While business adjustments were inevitable, its brand investments and thoughtful partnerships continue growing the baseball card and collectibles industries worldwide. MJ Holding Company’s balanced approach of cherishing storied legacies while embracing innovation positions America’s pastime and its classic cardboard collectibles strongly for generations to come.

ZIPLOC 1992 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 baseball season saw many memorable moments both on and off the field. In Montreal, Larry Walker and Marquis Grissom took the baseball world by storm as young rising stars. In Pittsburgh, Barry Bonds further established himself as one of the game’s most dominant players. And in Toronto, the young Blue Jays continued building their championship culture.

For collectors of baseball cards from that year, one product stands out as hugely significant – the 1992 Ziploc brand baseball cards. While other companies like Topps, Fleer and Upper Deck had produced sets previously, the 1992 Ziploc cards broke new ground by being the first ever encapsulated baseball card set. By sealing each card in a see-through plastic sleeve meant to keep the cards in pristine condition, Ziploc effectively created the modern model for collectible trading cards that remains the standard to this day.

Several factors came together to make the 1992 Ziploc cards such an innovative release. First, plastic card protection was still a relatively new concept. While companies like Upper Deck had experimented with superior materials and designs, true full encapsulation had not been done before at scale for an entire baseball set. Ziploc, with their branding centered around plastic bags and containers, was in a unique position to leverage their packaging expertise.

Secondly, the early 1990s saw incredible growth in both the population of baseball card collectors and in the value of rare vintage cards on the secondary market. Fueled partly by the sport’s increased popularity along with novel storage and protection methods, collectors were seeking long-term viable options for housing their cherished pieces of memorabilia. The Ziploc approach directly addressed this demand.

Lastly, from a business perspective the timing was ideal. Other manufacturers were beginning to shift away from wax packs towards higher end limited products, opening up space in the core trading card market. Ziploc sensed an opportunity to establish themselves as the premier brand through innovation, quality and affordability. Retailing for around $1 per pack compared to $3-5 elsewhere, Ziploc cards found a huge audience.

Within card shops, the shiny new Ziploc product stood out on shelves. Each box front prominently displayed their slogan “For a Perfect Fit” next to pro shots of stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Nolan Ryan and Tony Gwynn. Inside, collectors found 66 total cards encased between two thin plastic sheets – a far cry from the flimsy paper stock of years past. Rosters included all 30 MLB teams plus league leaders and a special “Ziploc Heroes” insert set.

While other brands experimented with embossed logos or “foilboard” parallels to entice collectors, Ziploc cards simply let the photography pop vividly through the clarity of their barrier. For many, it was a breathtaking moment to hold a pristine encapsulated card for the very first time. The protection had an instant allure that resonated with fans of all ages, from children to dedicated investors alike.

Numbers proved just how groundbreaking the product had become. Where competitors sold tens or hundreds of thousands of wax packs annually, Ziploc’s inaugural 1992 offering exploded with over 30 million individually sealed cards finding homes. Excited by the monetary potential, investors began stockpiling complete factory sets in hopes that one day vintage Ziplocs could carry weighty price tags to match predecessors from Topps, Fleer etc.

As a result, sealed 1992 Ziploc packs and boxes can still be found on auction sites today, regularly selling for 10x their original MSRP. Single star rookie cards occasionally push $50-100 depending on condition grades. Overall it’s a testament to how Ziploc established long-term value and kickstarted present-day’s sealed wax collecting trend.

The brand would go on to produce baseball cards through 1995. Sets incorporated all major sports and even non-sports entertainment. Though never quite reaching the initial monumental sales of that first 1992 endeavor, Ziploc’s legacy of inspiring protection methods has endured for 30 years running. Most memorably, they innovated the collecting experience and helped mold modern fandom by flawlessly showcasing cards in an entirely new way – sheathed within the ideal fit of clear plastic perfection.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 2000s

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The 2000s were an incredible time for baseball cards as interest in collecting started to peak again after waning in the late 1990s. While cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s dominate the most valuable lists, there were still plenty of memorable rookies and star players in the 2000s whose cards hold significant value today. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards from 2000-2009.

2001 Bowman Chrome Refractors – The 2001 Bowman set is arguably the most iconic baseball card release of the 2000s as it featured the likes of Josh Beckett, Jimmy Rollins, and Mark Teixeira as rookies. The true gems were the coveted Chrome Refractor parallel inserts, which were hand-collated and numbered to just 99 copies. Top prospects like Joe Mauer, Lance Berkman, and Andy Pettitte had these rare refractors that can fetch thousands of dollars today in gem mint condition. The flagships are the Josh Beckett and Mark Teixeira Chrome Refractors, with Beckett’s card recently selling for over $12,000 in a PSA 10 gem.

2003 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors – While not quite as iconic as the 2001 set, the 2003 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects issue had a who’s who of future MLB stars as amateur cards like Delmon Young, Jeff Francouer, Zach Greinke, and David Wright. Parallel Chrome Refractors were included just like in 2001, making the refractors of these future talents incredibly sought after. A BDPP Refractor of soon-to-be AL MVP Justin Morneau in a PSA 10 sold for $6,400 back in 2018, showing the long-term value these cards can hold.

2004 Bowman Draft Auto Patch Refractors – Building off the success of its other sets, 2004 Bowman really raised the stakes by including the short-printed Auto Patch Refractor parallel. Featuring swatches of memorabilia embedded in the front of the card alongside an on-card autograph, these patch autos pulled no punches in rarity and excitement. Top rookies like Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver, and Stephen Drew all had these 1/1 marvels that have changed hands for well over $10,000 in the years since.

2004 Bowman Chrome Refractors – Like 2001 before it, the 2004 Bowman Chrome Refractors were some of the most sought-after rookie cards of that generation. Headlined by future MVPs Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, along with Matt Cain, David Wright, and others, these short-print refractors are considered the crème de la crème of mid-2000s cardboard. A pristine Ryan Howard Chrome Refractor recently sold for a staggering $33,600, showing just how iconic these rookies have become.

2005 Bowman Draft Autographs – While not parallel cards, the 2005 Bowman Draft Autograph issue introduced several eventual superstars in logoman format with on-card autographs, including David Price, Ryan Braun, Jay Bruce, and Troy Tulowitzki. These served as the true amateur card rookie debuts for these players before their professional careers began. High-grade Tulo and Braun autos have topped $1,000 in recent years due to their immense talent and staying power in the MLB.

2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Autographs – Another highly desirable pre-pro issue was 2007 Bowman Chrome, which debuted Blue Jays phenom Aaron Sanchez with an on-card autograph on the Draft Prospect parallel. Also featuring the likes of Matt Wieters, Madison Bumgarner, and Neil Walker, these autographed inserts have grown greatly in appeal over the years. The Aaron Sanchez auto in particular has reached over $2,000 for a PSA 10 copy.

2007 Bowman Sterling Pros & Prospects Autographs – While perhaps not as well-known as some other releases, 2007 Bowman Sterling featured a short-print parallel known as Pros & Prospects Autographs. Including logos and on-card autographs of stars both established and upcoming, the highlights were Red Sox ace Jon Lester and Phillies young gun Cole Hamels. High-grade versions of these have cracked four-figures due to their exclusivity within the set.

2008 Topps Chicks Insert Autographs – A fun turn from the norm, Topps’ 2008 baseball retail issue included ‘Chicks Dig the Long Ball’ inserts that featured major leaguers alongside cartoon avian lady fans. Parallel auto versions were inserted featuring players like Daisuke Matsuzaka, Geovany Soto, and Joey Votto. While relatively common in the broader release, high-grade versions signed cleanly on-card still hold appeal, with Soto and Votto autos reaching $200-$300.

2009 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs – Pulling themes from its prior Bowman issues together, 2009 Chrome Draft included short-print Purple Refractor parallel autographs highlighting future aces Stephen Strasburg and Mike Foltynewicz. The sheer star power and hype of Strasburg made his rookie card autos tremendous hits on release and they have only grown from there, with PSA 10s now selling over $3,000. Foltynewicz also saw early interest that has endured.

This covers just a sampling of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards produced during the 2000s decade. From home run derby inserts to landmark Chrome issues debuting future Hall of Famers, there was no shortage of collecting excitement during this era. Many of these cards have proven to be astute long-term investments as the featured players became established names. The cards discussed here provide a snapshot of the phenomenal rookies, stars, and parallels that create unforgettable cardboard from what was a golden age of baseball collecting.

FLEER BASEBALL TRADING CARDS

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Fleer baseball cards have been a staple of the baseball card industry since the company began producing cards in 1956. Over the decades, Fleer has released some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards that collectors still seek out today.

Fleer started as a chewing gum manufacturer in Philadelphia in 1885. In the early 1950s, the company began experimenting with including premiums and prizes inside gum and candy packages as a marketing promotion. This led them to partner with Bowman Gum in 1956 to produce the first modern baseball trading cards as inserts in gum packs.

The 1956 Fleer baseball card set was a revolutionary release. It was the first serious competitor to the dominant Topps brand, which had been producing baseball cards exclusively since 1951. Fleer’s set featured 336 cards featuring photos of current Major League players. However, Fleer was only able to sign approximately 125 players to license agreements, so the rest of the set featured photo-less backs without player names or stats.

Despite the licensing issues, the 1956 Fleer set was a success and helped spark the baseball card collecting hobby. The scarcity of some star players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle made those cards very desirable even without names on the front. This first Fleer set paved the way for annual releases and established them as a formidable competitor to Topps for decades.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Fleer continued releasing annual baseball card sets that were generally around 300 cards in size. They featured colorful designs and photos of the biggest stars of the era like Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson and Roberto Clemente. Notable Fleer releases included the 1961 Post cereal insert cards, the 1968 Super Stars sub-set highlighting the best players, and the 1969 cards that captured the final season for legends like Mickey Mantle.

The 1970s saw Fleer really push design boundaries and innovate in the baseball card market. In 1972, they produced the first ever “action photo” cards showing players in action shots instead of traditional posed portraits. Sets also started featuring traded players in their new uniforms for the first time. Fleer also experimented with oddball subsets like the 1976 League Leaders cards highlighting single-season stats.

Perhaps Fleer’s most iconic and valuable release came in 1981. The Fleer sticker collection featured a unique “Stick ‘Em” approach where each card had a sticker on the back that could be peeled off and stuck to album pages or other surfaces. The true gem of the set was the Nolan Ryan rookie card, which featured the fireballing pitcher’s first card in a major brand. Only 36 copies of the sticker version are known to exist today, making it one of the holy grails for collectors.

In the 1980s, Fleer continued annual sets but also started producing innovative specialty releases. In 1983, they created the first ever Traded set only featuring players that switched teams. Expansion sets in the late 80s welcomed new franchises. Fleer also had success with oddball subsets like 1987 League Leaders, which featured statistical standouts. However, Fleer’s licensing deal with Major League Baseball ended in 1990.

After losing MLB rights, Fleer produced regional minor league sets through 1994 but was out of the baseball card game for several years. They returned in 2000 with licensed MLB rights again. Modern Fleer releases since have included retro-style throwback designs and innovative parallel and autograph chase cards of current stars. Notable Fleer sets this century featured Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Albert Pujols on the cover.

While no longer one of the “Big Three” brands along with Topps and Upper Deck, Fleer remains a respected name in the baseball card world. Collectors still seek out the vintage greats from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the innovative releases from the 1970s and 1980s peak Fleer era. Modern parallels and autographs also attract buyers. The Fleer brand helped drive innovation and competition in the industry for decades.

In summary, Fleer has produced iconic baseball cards collectors still chase over 60 years after their first release. From pioneering the modern design to creating innovative specialty subsets, Fleer left an indelible mark on the hobby. Stars of the past and present have all graced Fleer cardboard over the decades. The brand’s impact and the classic vintage Fleer cards remain an important part of baseball card history.

PORCELAIN BASEBALL CARDS

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Porcelain baseball cards first emerged in the late 19th century as a unique alternative to traditional paper cards. Made of porcelain or ceramic, these delicate collectibles offered baseball fans of the era a novel way to showcase their favorite players. Though porcelain cards never reached the same mainstream popularity as their paper counterparts, they remain a treasured niche within the broader hobby of baseball memorabilia collecting.

Some key early producers of porcelain baseball cards included Albany China Company, Dicks & Nimmons of England, and J.W. Fergusson & Sons of the United States. In 1888, Albany China launched one of the first extensive porcelain card sets depicting players from that season. Each card featured a profile portrait on one side and background team information on the other. The first sets contained 48 cards showcasing stars like Cap Anson, Jim O’Rourke, and Dan Brouthers. By the late 1880s through the early 1900s, several other manufacturers began producing smaller series and single cards as well.

Crafting porcelain or ceramic cards required a considerably more intricate manufacturing process than mass-producing paper cards. Artisans first had to hand paint the portrait and details directly onto sheets of bisque clay or porcelain. The sheets would then be fired in a kiln to permanently set the painted image before being stamped or printed with stats on the reverse. Quality control could be an issue, as imperfect firing might cause cracks or discoloration. As a result, mint condition porcelain cards from this era are quite scarce.

Formally, a porcelain card measures slightly smaller than a standard paper baseball card at roughly 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. The thickness of the material gives them a heftier feel in the hand. The painted portraits have an artistic handmade quality compared to lithographed paper cards. Backgrounds are often plain white, off-white, or lightly tinted porcelain to let the portraits stand out in vivid color. Writing and numbers on the reverse tend to be neatly stamped or printed in black or dark ink. Edges may be kept natural or smoothed through additional processing.

While paper cards functioned purely as vehicles for stats and information, porcelain cards served more as cherished collectibles and decorative items. Their fragile construction meant they saw far less handling and wear compared to paper cards carried around in pockets and collections. As such, many originating from the late 19th century survive in pristine condition over 130 years later. Their scarcity and quality also contribute to their high values today relative to common paper issues from the same time periods.

After their initial 1880s-1900s heyday, large-scale production of porcelain baseball cards ceased for several decades. A few minor manufacturers such as W.E. Hawks Pottery and Hazel Atlas Glass Company kept the format alive through the first half of the 20th century with new sets or promotions. The market remained niche. In the 1960s, collector and manufacturing demand led to a brief revival and experimentation with new artists. The majority of these mid-century issues saw relatively short print runs in the low hundreds or thousands compared to millions of paper cards.

Artists such as Warner Loughlin, Carol Franek, and Frank Wood brought their own styles to detailed player portraits and factory-produced glazes. Still, production costs kept porcelain cards out of the reach of most casual collectors. Instead, they appealed primarily to dedicated history buffs and high-end memorabilia investors. By the late 1970s and 1980s, the widespread popularity of sports card trading and speculation led some issuers like Skybox and Impel to release special porcelain subsets as splashy premium chase cards alongside traditional paper products. The intricate manufacturing requirements again limited scale.

In the modern collector market, vintage porcelain baseball cards remain extremely scarce across all time periods due to their fragile nature and limited original print quantities. Even well-populated 1960s and 1970s issues typically sell in the hundreds of dollars range graded high. Single 1880s-1910s players can reach four figures or greater depending on condition rarity factors. While replicas and reproductions exist, authentic antique porcelain cards hold significant collecting, historical, and monetary value, routinely setting record prices at auction among dedicated memorabilia buyers. With their handcrafted beauty and uniqueness, they continue to appeal as a fascinating niche within sports card collecting.

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TOPPS NO LONGER MAKING BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps Shocks Collectors and Ends Era of Baseball Card Production

On January 19, 2022, Topps shocked the sports collecting world with an announcement that sent shockwaves through the industry – they would no longer be producing baseball cards after losing the MLB licensing rights to Fanatics. For over 70 years, Topps had reigned as the exclusive producer of Major League Baseball branded trading cards. Their iconic pieces of cardboard had fueled the passions of generations of baseball fans and collectors. The sports merchandising landscape has dramatically changed in recent years, and Topps’ monopoly on MLB rights was coming to an abrupt end.

The news that Fanatics had acquired an exclusive long-term license with Major League Baseball meant Topps would no longer have the rights to use team logos or player likenesses on physical baseball cards after 2025. While digital and online card products would continue under the Topps brand, the days of opening wax packs in search of your favorite stars were numbered. For many collectors, Topps cards were an integral part of their baseball fandom and childhood memories. The loss of Topps’ MLB license signaled the closing of an era that had its roots in the early 1950s.

Topps’ Rise to Dominance

It was in 1951 when Topps began releasing their iconic gum-and-card packages at the modest price of a penny a pack. At the time, baseball cards were still a niche hobby and not the billion dollar industry they would become. However, Topps founder Sy Berger saw the potential for cards to reach a wider audience. He worked to gain exclusive deals with both major and minor leagues to include full team rosters and player photos on each issue. As baseball grew in popularity across America in the 1950s, so too did the demand for Topps cards.

By the late 1950s, Topps had established itself as the undisputed king of the baseball card industry. Not only had they cornered the market on MLB and MiLB cards, but Topps also expanded into other sports like football and hockey. They developed innovative visual designs on the fronts and backs of cards that would stand the test of time. Innovations like the color photograph on the ’59 Mickey Mantle card helped trigger the transition of cards from disposable candy add-ins to treasured collectibles.

The 1970s marked the peak of Topps’ dominance as interest in collecting cards skyrocketed. Major sets now featured 600+ cards with multi-series and variations. Topps diversified with oddball issues, sticker albums, and premium products. Thanks in large part to syndicated TV deals, baseball cards were everywhere. By the end of the decade, over 10 billion cards were sold annually in the U.S. alone. Topps had efficiently tapped into America’s pastimes of baseball and the emerging hobby.

Modern Collecting Landscape & Fanatics Deal

After expanding steadily for 50+ years, the baseball card industry was rattled in the 1990s by the arrival of upper deck and other competitors that ate into Topps’ market share. Still, Topps remained the undisputed premier brand in the space thanks to retaining the MLB license. The collectibles industry was in the midst of massive changes that would challenge traditional business models.
Digital platforms, memorabilia, and experiences were replacing boxes of cards as how many fans engaged with their favorite sports and players.

In 2021, as Topps’ MLB license was set to expire after 2025, Fanatics acquired the exclusive rights to produce licensed baseball cards and merchandise in a long-term partnership with MLB. For Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, this deal was viewed as a strategic move to gain more control over all areas of sports commerce and better integrate physical and digital assets.

While digital offerings were a focus, Fanatics has made clear that physical baseball cards would remain an important part of its portfolio. Looking ahead, the new guard is expected to leverage data and technology more aggressively to enhance the complete fan and collector experience both online and offline. True to form, Fanatics wasted no time in announcing impressive logistical plans and a goal of being MLB’s exclusive trading card provider by 2026, sooner than initially anticipated.

Legacy of Topps Baseball Cards

Despite no longer having the MLB license, Topps’ impact on the baseball card industry and wider culture cannot be understated. Beginning in the early 1950s, Topps cards helped shape how generations of fans connected with and remembered America’s Pastime. Iconic rookie cards, oddball issues, and visual innovations made collecting Topps as ingrained in the national baseball experience as peanuts and Cracker Jack.

Topps established the foundation upon which modern sports memorabilia empires are built. They fueled childhood imaginations and sparked lifelong passions. Walk into any card shop today and shelves remain lined with vintage Topps sets that still stir fond memories and maintain immense value. Names like Mantle, Koufax, Aaron, and more were forever immortalized on cardboard thanks to Topps’ rights deals and distribution skills.

While a new era of baseball cards begins under Fanatics’ watch, Topps’ impact will resonate for decades to come. The company leaves an unparalleled legacy after 70+ years of bringing baseball’s biggest stars into American homes through innovative, eye-catching designs. True to their roots selling a penny a pack, Topps grew alongside the game of baseball and fueled passions that inspired new generations of both players and collectors alike. Their cardboard creations remain integral touchpoints in our cultural history and connection to America’s Pastime.

MLB BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS

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Topps has been the dominant force in MLB baseball cards since the modern era of the collectible began in the 1950s. The Brooklyn-based company was not the first producer of baseball cards, but their creative marketing strategies and deals with MLB players helped transform cards from a niche hobby into a mainstream pastime enjoyed by millions.

The earliest baseball cards date back to the late 1880s when cigarette and tobacco companies included miniature photos of ballplayers in their packs as a promotional method. It wasn’t until the post World War II years that baseball cards truly caught on as collectibles in their own right. Bowman Gum led the way in 1948 by focusing entirely on cards rather than coupling them with gum or tobacco. Their early sets helped revive interest in card collecting amongst returning veterans.

In 1950, Topps entered the fray and quickly distinguished itself from competitors. One of their innovations was color photos on cards starting in 1951, when most other brands still used black and whites. Topps also had a more organized release schedule with complete sets available all at once rather than random inserts over time. Perhaps most importantly, Topps secured exclusive contracts starting in 1956 that prevented any other company from using images of current MLB stars. This gave them domination over the high-demand modern player market that remains part of their business model today.

Some of the most iconic Topps cards came from the 1950s. Mickey Mantle’s rookie card from 1952 is one of the holiest grails for collectors. The Hank Aaron rookie from 1954 and Willie Mays’ card the same year are other hugely valuable classics. This period saw Topps cement itself as the must-have brand for following the latest big league seasons and rosters. Innovations like the 1961 PosterSet, 1964 MiniCards, and 1967 Super cards pushed the artistic boundaries as well.

The 1960s were the golden age of baseball card popularity in the postwar peak of the sports culture. Topps released complete sets nearly every year along with various special subsets. Promotions like the 1969 Bazooka bubble gum contest encouraged kids to collect and trade. Some epic rookies debuted like Reggie Jackson in 1967. Icons like Babe Ruth received tribute cards decades after retiring. Topps also expanded to manufacture NFL and NHL cards to cover multiple sports leagues.

In the 1970s, competition briefly emerged as Fleer began issuing their own attractive and innovative MLB products. But Topps regained exclusivity in 1981 and remained the sole producer until fruitful lawsuits against MLB in the 1990s opened the door for brands like Upper Deck. Still, Topps continued modernizing with oddball sets, ongoing retired star tributes, and multi-tiered insert sets within annual releases. Iconic “Traded” and “Record Breakers” subsets became fan favorites.

The 1980s introduced ultra-rare Tiffany parallels, oddball offerings like Bazooka box sets, and higher end “Topps Traded” releases. The 1986 set stands out for memorable rookie cards of Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Ken Griffey Jr. The ‘87 set contained an unprecedented 792 cards. In the ‘90s, inserts became a crucial part of the modern collecting experience with inserts saluting milestones, All-Star Games, and more. Iconic stars of the era like Cal Ripken Jr. and Derek Jeter further boosted the brand.

In the 2000s, exclusive MLBPA licenses kept Topps out of direct card competition until Upper Deck rejoined the fray in 2009. Memorabilia and autograph cards became hugely sought after “hits.” Topps Finest stood alone as the premier high-end product. The brand remained a constant through internet boom/bust and began emphasizing interactivity through social media and online releases. Holiday sets and special subsets within core releases delivered surprises for dedicated collectors.

Today, Topps remains ahead of trends through opportunities like exclusive Bowman draft picks, Project 2020 limited innovation releases, and partnerships with MLB flagship programs. Their 2021 Transcendent Carmichael collection set records for individual card prices. Apps and online platforms like Topps Bunt keep the experience modern for digital natives. With almost 70 years of history defining the MLB card collecting experience, Topps remains the gold standard as interest in the hobby continues booming amongst new generations of fans.