2007 TOPPS GOLD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps Gold baseball card set was a premium insert set released alongside Topps’ flagship 2007 baseball card release. What set the 2007 Topps Gold cards apart was their luxury gold foil design treatment on each card front. Featuring current Major League stars and legends of the game rendered in brilliant gold, the 2007 Topps Gold cards became a highly coveted and valuable subset for collectors upon release.

Topps is renowned for their innovative premium and parallel inserts over the decades, but the all-gold front design of the 2007 issue stood out as particularly eye-catching. Each card contained the player’s name, team, and position printed in white against a solid gold backdrop. Topps utilized a gorgeous pearlescent gold foil card stock which made the images really pop under light. No photographs, just classic style headshot illustrations of the players in their uniforms. On the reverse, statistics and brief bios of the players were listed on a white field with a thin gold border.

Perhaps most impressively of all, the 2007 Topps Gold cards featured a hand-selected list of the true cream of the crop superstars at the time. Names like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Chipper Jones, and Ichiro graced the gold fronts. All of them sure-fire future Hall of Famers in the prime of their careers. With such an elite selection of the games biggest names and the luxury foil presentation, it’s no wonder the 2007 Topps Gold parallels drew fervent collector interest.

The set totaled only 50 cards and Topps extremely limited the print run. Getting your hands on a full set at release proved incredibly difficult. This rarity also meant the cards gained significant value quickly. Within just a few years of being on the market, pristine, graded examples of stars like Bonds, Clemens and Jeter were going for hundreds of dollars each online. The 2008 Gold Refractor parallel increased in value as well since it featured the same players and designs but on an even more scarce parallel stock.

Some key notable subsets and parallels from the overall 2007 Topps baseball product also elevated particular 2007 Topps Gold cards to even greater prominence. The base Gold cards of players included in the incredibly rare Treasures inserts, 1/1 Jersey cards and 1/1 Autograph parallels naturally saw a bump given those players’ rarity within the overall set. Any 2007 Topps Gold card that doubled up with one of those 1/1 treasures held tremendous prestige.

Part of what makes vintage or older sports cards so alluring to collectors is the ability to own tangible pieces of players and moments from another era. In the case of the 2007 Gold issues, they offer a snapshot of the games biggest names right at their absolute peaks. Flash forward over a decade later and these same players have since all retired. Their careers now complete legends added to Cooperstown or in the discussion. But for collectors, the gold 2007 Topps issues preserve and commemorate themagic of those players during one of the most memorable periods in baseball history frozen forever in exquisite gold foil elegance.

condition is understandably a major factor in a vintage card’s value as well. While expensive PSA/BGS gem mint 10 examples of stars like Bonds, Jeter and Co. now trade for thousands, lower graded versions are still extremely collectible for fans when obtained in protected holders. Of course, acquiring a raw non-graded example for one’s personal collection maintains the nostalgia and investment potential too. The 2007 Topps Gold parallels have proven to stand the test of time, retaining desirability nearly 15 years after release due to their stunning design, elite短 short player selection and extreme scarcity within the larger Topps flagship sets that year. They remain a true prize for vintage baseball card collectors..

With their luxurious gold foil fronts, tiny print runs, incredible roster of the games all-time greats, and appreciating secondary market prices, the 2007 Topps Gold baseball card set earned its place amongst the most extravagant and coveted parallel issues ever created by Topps. Even over a decade later, they still hold tremendous nostalgic appeal and investment potential for collectors lucky enough to call one of these golden boys part of their personal collections. The magic of those legendary players performances from 2007 are elegantly preserved forever thanks to Topps’ truly brilliant execution of perhaps their most opulent baseball card parallel design ever.

1999 UPPER DECK BLACK DIAMOND BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1999 Upper Deck Black Diamond baseball card set was one of the more unique and eye-catching sets produced in the late 1990s. Upper Deck introduced Black Diamond parallels in 1998 and continued the popular parallel insert set in 1999. While the base set cards from 1999 Upper Deck don’t hold much value today, some of the rare Black Diamond parallel cards from the set can be quite valuable for collectors.

The 1999 Upper Deck base set contained 330 cards and had several traded rookie cards that held value early on. Twenty years later the base cards are quite common and in well-centered, near mint condition hold a nominal value of around $0.10 to $1 each for most players. There are a few exceptions, such as Venezuelan slugger Vladimir Guerrero’s rookie card, which in a PSA 10 Gem Mint can fetch around $15-20 given his Hall of Fame credentials. Other star rookie cards such as Lance Berkman, Todd Helton, or Carlos Beltran in top grades might garner $5-10. But for the most part, investors wouldn’t want to spend too much time pursuing individual base cards from the ’99 Upper Deck set considering how affordable they are.

Where the real value lies in the 1999 Upper Deck set are the parallel Black Diamond refractors and patch cards. These coveted parallels were inserted on average around 1 per pack or 1 per every 125 cards. The Black Diamonds featured refractors of the player photo on a diamond-cut border and parallel numbering from 1/99 to 99/99 depending on the parallel. The lowest numbered parallels, especially numbers 10 or lower, can be worth hundreds or thousands depending on the player. Here is a breakdown of some key 1999 Upper Deck Black Diamond parallels to watch out for:

Chipper Jones #/10 – Jones is a lock for the Hall of Fame and his #/10 Black Diamond refractor in gem mint condition could fetch $1,000+ based on recent eBay sales. Other low numbered Jones parallels also command 3-figure prices.

Derek Jeter #/25 – As one of the most popular Yankees, a Jeter #/25 Black Diamond refractor sold for over $800 in 2021. His parallels 60/99 or lower generally sell for $100+ if well-centered and graded.

Ken Griffey Jr. #/50 – Even in the twilight of his career, Griffey remained one of the most popular players. His #/50 parallel sold for close to $500. Other Griffey parallels under #/75 hold value of $150+ usually.

Mark McGwire #/10 – McGwire’s mammoth home run chase created huge demand for his cards in the late 90s. A #/10 refractor sold for over $900. Any McGwire parallel 10/99 or lower tends to sell for $250+ today.

Sammy Sosa #/25 – As one of the stars of the home run race, low numbered Sosa parallels are still sought after. His #/25 realized over $450 at auction. Expect 60/99 or less to sell for $100+.

In addition to low numbered refractors, there were also ultra-rare Black Diamond jersey and triple patch parallel insert cards featuring swatches of game-worn material. These parallel patch cards are some of the holy grails for collectors, with only a handful believed to exist for some of the biggest stars. A Miguel Cabrera triple logo patch #/10 was reportedly privately sold for over $2,500 in Near Mint condition before he became a superstar. A Derek Jeter triple pinstripe jersey patch #/5 was rumored to have sold for around $4,000 as well. There are even whispers of a #/1 Chipper Jones jersey patch said to be worth $5,000 or more, but none have surfaced publicly in recent years that we know of.

While the vast majority of 1999 Upper Deck base cards hold little intrinsic value today outside of graded rookie cards, savvy investors should keep an eye out for the incredibly rare and desirable Black Diamond refractors and patches from the set, especially those numbered 10/99 or lower. With the continued rise of star players like McGwire, Griffey, Jeter, and Chipper entering the Hall of Fame, demand for their low serial numbered parallels appears to remain steady or increase over time. Withcareful research into recent sales data and population reports, it’s possible unused Black Diamond gems could still be unearthed from the late 90s and provide excellent returns for patient collectors or flippers. Overall the 1999 Upper Deck Black Diamond parallel subset is commonly cited as one of the most visually appealing ’90s inserts and holds solid long term collectability and value potential for the right cards.

1991 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2 CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 1991 Leaf Baseball card set was the second series issued by Leaf that year. It followed the successful Series 1 release earlier in 1991 which featured stars like Ryne Sandberg, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan. For Series 2, Leaf opted to focus on rising young stars and fan favorites in an effort to entice collectors.

The set totaled 132 cards and included rookie cards for players who would go on to have solid MLB careers like Derek Jeter, Jeff Bagwell, Kenny Lofton, and others. The checklist was rounded out by veteran stars, players on contending teams, and popular future Hall of Famers. Unlike some other brands at the time, Leaf prided itself on including cards for almost every active player.

Some of the bigger named included on the 1991 Leaf Baseball Series 2 checklist were:

Andy Benes (Card #1) – The Cardinals right-hander was in his third season and coming off an All-Star appearance. He posted a career-high 16 wins in 1991.

Jeff Bagwell (Card #3) – Bagwell’s rookie card, depicting him as a member of the Boston Red Sox organization before being traded to Houston. He would win the 1991 ROY award.

Denny Neagle (Card #5) – The tall lefty was in his second season with the Pirates and had breakout potential. He became a 20-game winner later in his career.

Gregg Olson (Card #9) – The Orioles’ flame-throwing closer led the league with 45 saves in 1990 and continued dominating hitters in 1991.

Willie McGee (Card #14) – A perennial All-Star and 1985 NL MVP, McGee was still a productive outfielder for the 1990 World Series Champion Reds.

David Cone (Card #19) – After several strong seasons with the Mets, Cone was dealt to Toronto where he shined as the #2 starter behind Jack Morris.

Will Clark (Card #22) – “Thrill” continued raking for Barry Bonds and the Giants, earning his 5th consecutive All-Star nod in 1991.

Robin Ventura (Card #25) – A defensive whiz at third base, Ventura settled in as the future cornerstone of the White Sox after his rookie campaign.

Gary Carter (Card #29) – “The Kid” was in the final season of his Hall of Fame career, still providing veteran leadership for a young Expos squad.

Darren Daulton (Card #39) – Entering his prime as Philadelphia’s starting catcher, Daulton brought toughness behind the plate for the Phillies.

Tim Raines (Card #47) – Injuries slowed down “Rock” over the previous two seasons but he was still a threat atop Montreal’s lineup when healthy.

Lee Smith (Card #52) – One of the game’s all-time great closers, Smith was still racking up saves for the Red Sox bullpen into his late 30s.

Orel Hershiser (Card #62) – After injuries limited his 1990 season, Hershiser returned to being an ace for the defending champs though arm issues were mounting.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #65) – Junior’s spectacular rookie campaign made him an instant star, though injuries would slow his progression over the next few years.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #73) – The Iron Man’s consecutive games played streak was up to 1,424 games and counting as he led the Orioles’ lineup.

Ruben Sierra (Card #81) – One of the most feared sluggers in the AL, Sierra smacked 31 homers for the Rangers in 1991.

Dennis Eckersley (Card #86) – At age 36, Eck was still the dominant force closing out games for the A’s 1990 World Series champions.

Tom Glavine (Card #88) – The young lefty was coming into his own as Atlanta’s ace, winning 20 games for the first time in 1991.

Juan Gonzalez (Card #98) – Gonzo began showing the immense power that would make him a two-time AL MVP, belting 34 homers in 1991.

John Smoltz (Card #106) – Still learning as a starter, Smoltz possessed the power arm and competitive fire that would fuel his HOF career.

Fred McGriff (Card #114) – “Crime Dog” provided consistent production in the middle of Atlanta’s lineup, bashing 25 homers and 95 RBI in 1991.

Barry Larkin (Card #121) – Already an All-Star and Gold Glover, Larkin was blossoming into a superstar shortstop for the Reds.

Kirby Puckett (Card #124) – “Puck” was in his prime as Minnesota’s smiling sparkplug, still collecting 200 hits despite battling injuries.

In addition to future Hall of Famers and established stars, the 1991 Leaf Baseball Series 2 checklist included several promising rookies:

Derek Jeter (Card #3) – Still at the Class A level, Jeter’s talents were obvious and his legendary Yankees career was just beginning.

Jeff Bagwell (Card #3) – Bagwell showed prodigious power in his 1990 cup of coffee and was poised for a ROY campaign with Houston.

Kenny Lofton (Card #11) – Lofton hit .301 in his first season split between Houston and Cleveland, introducing his blazing speed to MLB.

Edgar Martinez (Card #41) – The sweet-swinging designated hitter began to blossom in his first extended shot with the Mariners.

Moises Alou (Card #69) – The son of pitcher Felipe Alou, Moises broke out with 17 homers as Houston’s right fielder in ’91.

Frank Castillo (Card #87) – At just 19 years old, the hard-throwing righty made his Reds debut and brought mid-90s heat.

Ramon Martinez (Card #93) – The Dodgers called up Ramon’s live fastball in the second half and he showed why he was a top prospect.

Todd Helton (Card #126) – Still a teenager in the minors, Helton was developing into a superstar first baseman in the Rockies system.

Leaf did an excellent job diversifying the 1991 Series 2 checklist with a mix of young stars on the rise alongside familiar veterans nearing the end of their careers. For collectors, it offered rookie cards and lesser produced Red Sox/Giants issue cards that increased the demand. The 132 card checklist proved to be a successful follow up to Leaf’s first baseball release of 1991 and captured the momentum of many future MLB standouts.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY FROM 1989

Leave a reply

The year 1989 produced some extremely valuable baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors today. While the 1980s are not considered the peak era for baseball card collecting like the 1950s and 1960s, there were still many iconic rookie cards and stars of the era featured in 1989 sets that can hold significant value if in high grade. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top baseball cards from 1989 that are worth pursuing for any serious collector.

Perhaps the most valuable and iconic 1989 card is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from Upper Deck. Griffey was already generating immense hype in the minor leagues and this was his highly anticipated rookie season with the Seattle Mariners. The Upper Deck Griffey rookie captured his smooth left-handed swing and showcased his athleticism in the outfield. This is widely considered one of the best baseball cards of all-time both aesthetically and in terms of historical significance as Junior would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. High grade Griffey rookies in a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have sold for over $100,000, with most graded examples in the $3,000-$10,000 range depending on exact condition. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch over $1,000.

Another immensely valuable 1989 rookie card is the Chipper Jones card from Bowman. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones emerged as a perennial All-Star and would play his entire career for one team, winning a World Series in 1995. His smooth left-handed swing from the left side of the plate made him a fan favorite. High grade PSA 10 Jones rookies have sold for over $20,000 with most graded copies in the $2,000-$5,000 range. This is a card that should continue increasing in value as Jones’ Hall of Fame career is remembered.

The 1989 Upper Deck Barry Bonds rookie is another highly sought after card for collectors. Bonds was already establishing himself as a premier slugger in Pittsburgh and would go on to break the all-time home run record. High grade PSA 10 Bonds rookies have eclipsed $10,000 at auction with most graded copies selling in the $1,000-$3,000 range depending on exact condition. Even raw near-mint or excellent condition copies can still fetch $500+ due to Bonds’ legendary career and the iconic Upper Deck design of this rookie issue.

The 1989 Fleer rookie card of Tom Glavine is another valuable issue, capturing the left-handed Atlanta Braves ace at the beginning of his Hall of Fame career. Glavine would go on to win 305 career games and 2 Cy Young Awards. PSA 10 Gem Mint Glavine rookies have sold for over $4,000 with most graded copies in the $500-$1,500 range depending on exact centering and condition. This is an iconic rookie card that was produced in high numbers but is still highly sought after by Braves and Glavine collectors.

The 1989 Upper Deck Frank Thomas rookie card stands out as another valuable issue from the set. “The Big Hurt” was already mashing baseballs as a rookie with the Chicago White Sox and would go on to a Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 Gem Mint Thomas rookies have sold for over $3,000 with most graded copies in the $500-1500 range depending on exact centering and condition quality. Even high grade raw copies can still fetch $300+ due to Thomas’ legendary hitting prowess.

The 1989 Bowman rookie card of Greg Maddux is another top issue to pursue, capturing the Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher at the beginning of his dominant career. Maddux would go on to win 355 career games and 4 Cy Young Awards between the Cubs, Braves and Padres in one of the most successful pitching careers ever. PSA 10 Maddux rookies have sold for over $2,000 with most graded copies in the $500-$1,000 range depending on exact centering and surface quality. This is an iconic rookie card that remains highly sought after.

The 1989 Upper Deck rookie card of Juan Gonzalez is an undervalued gem that could appreciate significantly given “The Juice” was a two-time AL MVP in the 1990s for the Rangers, producing monster home run and RBI seasons. Already possessing big power as a rookie, Gonzalez went on to hit over 400 career home runs. High grade examples have started to sell for over $1,000 with most graded copies in the $300-$500 range. This underrated rookie could explode in value as Gonzalez’ career is revisited.

The 1989 Fleer rookie card of Gregg Jefferies is another potentially undervalued issue to pursue long-term. Jefferies was a can’t-miss prospect for the Mets and while injuries derailed his career somewhat, he still had some productive seasons in the big leagues. PSA 10 Jefferies rookies have started to sell for over $500 with most graded copies in the $100-$300 range depending on exact centering. There is potential for this card to appreciate more if Jefferies’ career is re-examined.

The 1989 Upper Deck and Bowman rookie cards of Griffey, Jones, Bonds, Maddux, Thomas and Glavine remain the most consistently valuable issues to pursue, especially high grade PSA 10 Gems. But there are also some potential diamonds in the rough like the rookie cards of Gonzalez and Jefferies that could appreciate significantly with time if those players’ careers are revisited. The 1989 season was a pivotal one in baseball history and produced some true Hall of Fame talents that created iconic rookie cards that remain highly sought after by collectors today.

UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

Upper Deck is regarded as one of the most prominent and respected sports card companies since their founding in 1988. Their innovative styles, use of technology, and focus on quality have made many of their baseball cards extremely valuable collectors items worth considerable money. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most iconic and valuable Upper Deck baseball cards from the last few decades.

Perhaps the single most coveted and expensive Upper Deck baseball card is the 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Even in lower grades, this card routinely sells for thousands of dollars. In near mint to mint condition, a Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck RC has sold at auction for over $100,000, with one perfect Gem Mint 10 example changing hands for $255,500 in 2017. What makes this card so desirable is that Griffey was one of the greatest players of his generation and his sweet left-handed swing made him extremely popular with fans from a young age. His rookie card is simply one of the most iconic in the hobby.

Another blockbuster Upper Deck rookie card is the 1992 Chipper Jones rookie card. As a switch-hitting third baseman for the Atlanta Braves who would go on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Jones developed a huge following during his stellar 19-year MLB career. High graded 1992 Upper Deck Chipper Jones rookies in Near Mint to Mint condition have sold at auction for over $10,000. Even well-centered Excellent to Near Mint examples can sell for $2,000-$4,000 depending on the exact condition and market trends. Jones’s star power and status as a HOF’er make this a very sought-after card for Braves and baseball card collectors alike.

For Barry Bonds collectors and enthusiasts of the all-time home run king, his 1986 Topps and 1989 Upper Deck rookie cards are must-have additions to any collection. While the 1986 Topps Bonds rookie is the more iconic and well-known issue, the 1989 Upper Deck rookie actually tends to fetch a higher price in top condition due to the brand’s popularity in the late 1980s and Bonds’s ascending fame and production at the time. A PSA Gem Mint 10 1989 Bonds UD RC has sold for over $30,000 in recent years. Even in high NM-MT grades, examples can sell for $5,000-$10,000 or more depending on the exact centering, corners, and eye appeal. No Bonds collection is complete without at least one example of this early window into his legendary Hall of Fame career.

Another HOF’er with a phenomenally valuable Upper Deck rookie is Frank Thomas. Known as the “Big Hurt” during his dominant career hitting in the heart of the Chicago White Sox order, Thomas smashed 521 home runs and was a two-time AL MVP. His pricey 1990 Upper Deck rookie card remains a consistent top-seller in high grades. A PSA 10 1990 Thomas Upper Deck RC has sold for upwards of $15,000 at auction, with high-end Near Mint 9’s bringing $5,000-$10,000 as well. Even raw near-mint copies can bring $2,000-$4,000 for serious Thomas PC builderes. His rookie is one of the most iconic and investment-worthy cards from the early Upper Deck era.

While Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Bonds, and Frank Thomas rookie cards command top dollar, there are many other valuable Upper Deck baseball issues worth thousands as well. Derek Jeter’s legendary 1996 Upper Deck rookie card (PSA 10’s have sold for over $12,000) as well as his 1998 UD SP authentic auto parallel (#/150) remain huge demand items for Yankees fans and collectors. Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds also have some incredibly rare and expensive autographed and memorabilia parallel cards from the 1990s Upper Deck issues that can reach well into the five-figure range.

The 1996 Ultra UFC parallel set was monumentally rare with cards serial numbered to only 100 copies or fewer. High-grade versions of superstar prospects like Nomar Garciaparra, Vladimir Guerrero, and Derek Jeter from this parallel are true holy grails that could sell for well over $20,000 each. The 1995 Upper Deck E-X2000 parallels featured swatches of game-worn memorabilia and autographs on cards with editions as low as 10 copies. Mint condition versions of these are literally priceless for megastars of the day like Griffey Jr., Bonds, and Frank Thomas.

Another hugely valuable subset was the 1996 Collector’s Choice Gold Medallion parallel signed and numbered to just 25 copies. Multi-thousand dollar price tags are common for HOF’ers like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn from this truly one-of-a-kind parallel. And the 1998 UD Black Diamond parallel one-per-case autographs of childhood favorites like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Greg Maddux command phenomenal sums in pristine condition as well.

In summary, Upper Deck revolutionized the sports card industry beginning in the late 1980s and 1990s with their unmatched quality, technology, and innovative parallel sets and memorabilia cards. As a result, top examples of the most desired rookie cards, rare parallels, and autograph cards from superstar players during Upper Deck’s heyday have retained immense value, appreciation, and desirability. With prices ranging from thousands to over $100,000, the best of the best Upper Deck baseball cards truly represent pinnacle trophies for collectors and will likely continue appreciating for decades as icons of the sport and benchmarks of the trading card industry. Strong money cards from Upper Deck is an area serious collectors focus on.

2022 TOPPS CHROME UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

2022 Topps Chrome Update Baseball Cards

The 2022 Topps Chrome Update baseball card set is the latest edition in Topps’ popular Chrome Update series. As with previous years, the 2022 Topps Chrome Update set was released in late September/early October and features rookie cards, variations, and inserts of players from the current MLB season. Let’s take a deeper look at what collectors can expect to find in packs and boxes of the 2022 Topps Chrome Update baseball cards.

2022 Topps Chrome Update Base Cards

At the core of the set are the 2022 Topps Chrome Update base cards. Like the standard Topps flagship base cards, each team is represented with a roster of around 25 players. What sets the Chrome cards apart is their shiny refractors design. Printed on chrome-infused cardboard, each base card has a slick, mirror-like surface that makes the photos really pop. The end result is a very flashy and eye-catching look that has made Topps Chrome a fan favorite over the years. In total, there are around 660 base cards in the 2022 Topps Chrome Update set when you count variations.

Rookie Cards and Prospects

As always, one of the main attractions of Topps Chrome Update are the rookie cards it features for players who made their MLB debuts throughout the current season. Some of the top rookies found as rookie cards in 2022 Topps Chrome Update include catcher Adley Rutschman (Orioles), outfielder Julio Rodriguez (Mariners), and pitcher George Kirby (Mariners). The set also includes prospect cards for minor leaguers expected to debut in 2023 or later, such as catcher Gabriel Moreno (Blue Jays) and pitcher Emerson Hancock (Mariners). These rookie and prospect cards are highly sought after by collectors looking to get in early on the next generation of baseball stars.

Parallels and Inserts

Part of what makes Topps Chrome Update an exciting rip for collectors are the various parallels and inserts mixed into packs and boxes. When it comes to parallels, the main variations in 2022 Topps Chrome Update include the standard Refractors, Printing Plates, Negative Refractors, and Superfractors. On the insert side, collectors can find Short Prints, Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, and Retired Player Cards. Two of the insert sets to watch for are ‘Top Chrome Prospects’, highlighting up-and-coming minor leaguers, and ‘Topps Now’ moments cards capturing iconic MLB performances from the current season. Parallels and inserts add numerous chase cards that increase the hobby’s excitement and long-term collectibility.

Box/Pack Configuration and Release Date

Like previous years, the 2022 Topps Chrome Update release consists of both loose packs and factory-sealed boxes. Individual packs contain either 8 or 12 cards and retail for around $5-6 each. As for boxes, the standard release is a 24-pack box with an MSRP of $120. Hobby shops and online breakers may offer other break configurations as well. The official release date for 2022 Topps Chrome Update was September 28th, with products beginning to arrive at retailers in the following weeks. Due to high demand, boxes and blasters sold out quickly at many locations. As a result, it may take some hunting to track down unopened 2022 Topps Chrome Update product as the release cycle continues into late 2022.

Secondary Market and Investments

For collectors unable to find 2022 Topps Chrome Update packs and boxes at retail, the secondary market provides another avenue. Within days of the official release, individual cards and unopened wax began showing up on eBay with asking prices well above MSRP. This is typical, as savvy collectors and investors scoop up desirable rookies, parallels and other chase cards to hold long-term. Over the years, Topps Chrome Update has proven to be one of the safest modern baseball card investments. Rookies that pan out can appreciate significantly in value down the road. Even base cards from stars’ early seasons tend to hold steady or increase in price annually. For those with the budget, 2022 Topps Chrome Update provides another opportunity to potentially profit from short and long-term holdings within the current crop of MLB talent.

The 2022 Topps Chrome Update baseball card release delivers another exciting installment in one of the hobby’s premier modern sets. With its flashy refractors design, star rookies and prospects, and various chase inserts, Topps Chrome Update continues to be a smash hit with collectors both young and old. Whether collecting for the love of the players and sport or as a potential investment, 2022 Topps Chrome Update offers something for all baseball card enthusiasts.

COLLEGE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The Tradition of College Baseball Cards

College baseball cards have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Like their professional counterparts, college baseball cards served to promote the sport and individual players. They also helped foster school pride and alumni connections in a unique way. Over the decades, the production and collecting of college baseball cards evolved alongside the growth of the college game.

Early Origins
The earliest known college baseball cards were produced in the late 1800s/early 1900s by tobacco companies as promotional items. These included cards depicting players from major baseball powers like Harvard, Yale, Princeton and other Ivy League schools. Production was sporadic and sets incomplete. The Golden Age of college baseball cards is generally considered to be from the 1950s through the 1970s. It was during this period that dedicated college card companies emerged and mass-produced comprehensive sets on an annual basis.

Topps Dominates the 1950s-1970s
The king of 1950s sports cards, Topps, was among the first companies to recognize the untapped market of college athletes. In 1952, Topps issued its first major college baseball card set featuring schools from across the country. Over the next two decades, Topps would produce numerous college baseball sets that helped popularize the amateur sport. Their multi-school offerings in the 1950s-60s typically included 100-150 cards each and covered all the top programs. For the first time, fans could collect complete rosters of their favorite college teams in card form.

Regional Pioneers Emerge
As the college baseball craze grew, regional card makers popped up to serve local fanbases. Companies like Dan Dee (California), Collegiate Card Creations (Texas/Southwest), and Sportfolio (Northeast) produced exclusive college baseball cards of conferences and individual schools. Their smaller print runs targeted specific regional audiences. This helped smaller college programs gain exposure outside their usual territories. Cards from regional pioneers are highly collectible today, especially for alumni of smaller schools.

Trading Card Boom of the 1970s
Riding the wave of the modern sports card industry in the 1970s, college baseball cards reached their peak of popularity. In addition to annual multi-school releases, Topps now produced regional college sets focused on major conferences like the Pac-10, Big 10 and ACC. Fleer and Donruss entered the college card market as well. More specialized companies emerged to cater to specific conferences, with cards doubling as game programs or media guides. The explosion of options made collecting college rosters easier than ever for both casual and serious fans.

Evolution to Modern Era
As the 1980s arrived, the sports card market began to consolidate and change. The overproduction of the late 1970s led to a bust. While Topps and a few others continued multi-school college baseball releases into the ‘80s and ‘90s, production levels declined sharply. Regional companies faded away as the national card giants pulled back. New independent producers kept the hobby alive by focusing on individual schools and conferences. Today, smaller boutique companies specialize in niche college baseball sets, often tied to alumni fundraising. Digital platforms have also allowed modern players to be “carded.” Nostalgia ensures college baseball cards remain popular with generations of alumni.

Memorabilia and Autograph Boom
In the late 1990s, the collectibles industry shifted towards memorabilia cards that included game-used relics or autographs. This memorabilia boom greatly expanded to college athletics over the past 20 years. Today, companies produce high-end autograph and memorabilia college baseball card sets on a regular basis. Individual schools even offer exclusive autographed or “hit” card packages through their athletic departments or alumni foundations. While vintage college cards from the golden era remain highly valued, modern autographed and memorabilia products ensure the tradition of collecting college players continues strong into the 21st century.

Impact and Legacy
Over its century-long history, college baseball cards have helped promote the growth of the amateur game. They allowed fans to collectively remember the players and teams that represented their schools. For many alumni, college baseball cards are a tangible connection to their playing days and a reminder of school pride and camaraderie. Even as production methods changed over the decades, college cards retained their power to foster those feelings for generations of former players and fans. Today’s specialized niche products ensure that tradition of celebrating college baseball’s rich history through cards long into the future.

BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2016

Leave a reply

Baseball cards from 2016 provide an interesting snapshot of the game during that season. The 2016 MLB season saw the Chicago Cubs break their 108-year World Series drought, winning their first title since 1908. This historic Cubs team is well represented in the 2016 baseball card sets.

Some of the most prominent rookie cards from 2016 include Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant and outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Bryant won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2015 after hitting .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs. His impressive rookie campaign made him one of the most sought-after young stars in the game. Schwarber also made his MLB debut in 2015 and was a key contributor to the Cubs’ championship run in 2016 before suffering a season-ending knee injury early in the year. Both Bryant and Schwarber rookies from 2016 sets are highly valuable today as they were two core members of the Cubs’ title team.

Another notable rookie card from 2016 is Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2017 after batting .271 with 20 home runs and 90 RBIs in his first full big league season. He has developed into a core player for the Red Sox franchise. Benintendi rookies from 2016 provide a first glimpse of the young talent who would help the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018.

Veteran stars who had great seasons in 2016 and thus have valuable base cards include Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who won the NL MVP award after batting .292 with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs. Chicago shortstop Addison Russell also had a breakout season, making the NL All-Star team while hitting 21 home runs and driving in 95 runs for the champions. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Justin Turner earned his first All-Star nod in 2016 while establishing himself as one of baseball’s best contact hitters, as he batted .275 with 27 home runs and 90 RBIs. These star performers from the 2016 season hold valuable cards today.

Two of the game’s brightest young stars in 2016 who have desirable modern cards are Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Trout was well on his way to a likely AL MVP award in 2016 before injuries limited him to just 101 games, though he still hit .315 with 29 home runs and 100 RBIs. Meanwhile, Harper earned his second NL MVP award in 2015 at just 23 years old and was one of the most feared hitters in baseball in 2016 as well, batting .243 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs plus 33 stolen bases. Trout and Harper were truly in a class of their own among position players in the 2010s.

On the pitching side, Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta had a dominant season on his way to winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2015. In 2016, Arrieta maintained his elite form, going 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA and 193 strikeouts over 32 starts and 203 innings. His peak performance years of 2015-2016 made Arrieta one of the most coveted hurlers in baseball card sets from that period. Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer also put together an impressive campaign in 2016, going 20-7 with a 2.96 ERA and 284 strikeouts in 228 innings as he finished third in NL Cy Young voting. Scherzer and Arrieta highlight the top pitchers featured in 2016 cards.

Rookie pitchers who debuted in 2016 and have valued modern rookie cards include Yankees righty Luis Severino, who went 3-8 but showed ace-caliber stuff in 19 starts in his first taste of the majors. Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks also had a strong rookie year, going 8-8 with a 3.95 ERA in 26 starts and helped the Cubs down the stretch. Dodgers lefty Julio Urias made nine starts as a 19-year-old in 2016 and demonstrated why he was such a highly-touted international signing and prospect. These young hurlers were among the promising rookie arms to watch that year.

The 2016 baseball card sets provide a snapshot of the game at a unique point. They memorialize the Cubs’ historic championship run while also highlighting the brightest young stars and top veterans of that season. Rookies like Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Andrew Benintendi, Luis Severino and Julio Urias made their MLB debuts in 2016 and have valuable modern rookie cards. Meanwhile, superstars in their prime like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Jake Arrieta and Max Scherzer dominated the sport and hold desirable base cards from 2016 sets. These factors make cards from 2016 an interesting collectible for fans today.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYING CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball card collecting has been a popular American pastime since the late 19th century. Some of the earliest baseball cards were included as promotional items in packs of cigarettes and candy in the 1880s. These cards typically featured active major league players and were collected by both children and adults.

In 1886, a company called Goodwin & Company became one of the first to produce dedicated baseball cards as a standalone product. They issued sets of cards that pictured major league players from that season. These became very popular and helped establish baseball cards as a commercial product. In the early 1900s, several tobacco companies like American Tobacco, Allen & Ginter, and Sweet Caporal started including baseball cards in their cigarette packages. This helped further popularize collecting and trading baseball cards.

Sweet Caporal began producing colored lithograph cards called “cabinet” cards in the late 1880s. These larger cards featured more detailed images and player statistics compared to previous baseball cards. Their success led other companies to issue similar higher quality cards that set the standard for the next few decades. The iconic T206 series produced by American Tobacco between 1909-1911 is considered one of the most valuable sets of any sport ever produced due to their rarity and quality.

During the 1920s and 1930s, most baseball cards still came as incentives in cigarette and gum packs. New sets released by companies including Goudey Gum and Red Man Tobacco set new standards for the inclusion of color images, player biographies, and card design elements. Goudey issued several sets between 1933-1939 that were recognized for their innovative techniques and wide distribution. Their 1933 cards were among the first to feature color images as well as player stats and team logos on the front of cards.

Bowman Gum began releasing affordable baseball card sets directly to consumers starting in 1948, making them the first mass-produced cardboard cards specifically packaged and sold as baseball cards. Their simple design format became the model for modern mass-produced cards during the golden age of the 1950s and 1960s. Topps Chewing Gum entered the baseball card market in 1951 and quickly grew to dominate the industry. Their modern design style and vast promotional reach through coin mailers cemented Topps as the leading baseball card company.

In the late 1950s, Topps held the exclusive gum card rights to most major league players. Other companies found creative ways around this monopoly by producing cards featuring retired players or focusing solely on non-licensed content like team logos. Fleer came into the market in 1956, followed by Post Cereal and Kellogg’s in 1962-1963. These competitors helped push Topps to innovate new printing and design technologies. In response, Topps produced the hugely popular rookie card issues for stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Chipper Jones.

The 1980s marked the beginning of the modern era of baseball card collecting as a speculative investment. Stars like Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, and Dwight Gooden drew huge collectors interest and their rookie cards escalated tremendously in value. Changes in licensing agreements and increased mechanization/oversaturation negatively impacted the industry and caused a speculative card bubble burst in the early 1990s. Despite some darker intervening years, baseball cards have experienced a revival with renewed nostalgia for retro designs and a diversification of parallel inserts, autographs, and memorabilia cards.

Today the industry is largely dominated by Topps, Panini, and Leaf with licenses from MLB and the MLBPA. There has been more competition from smaller boutique sets and limited releases as demand has shifted away from mass-produced commodity cards towards high-end premium relics and autographed cards. While the baseball card collecting scene has evolved beyond its earlier roots as a purely affordable pastime for youth, it remains a dynamic multi-million dollar industry driven by collector passion and memories of summer’s past. Vintage cards from the sport’s earliest decades remain highly coveted and occasionally fetch huge prices when valuable specimens change hands. The history of baseball cards reflects both the progression of the national pastime as well as wider trends in American popular culture over more than 130 years.

MOST VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1979

Leave a reply

The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1970s. Topps released cards featuring players from all 26 Major League Baseball teams for the 1979 season. While the entire set contains great nostalgia and appeal for collectors today, certain rare and prestigious rookie cards have appreciation exponentially over the decades to become truly valuable assets.

One of the most notable rookies featured in the 1979 Topps set is Hall of Famer Wade Boggs on card #146. As one of the greatest hitters of his generation who went on to accrue 3,000 career hits primarily as a member of the Boston Red Sox, Boggs’ rookie card is among the most desirable from the issue. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, Boggs’ 1979 Topps RC routinely fetches $150-300 today. Higher graded copies in the BGS/PSA 9-10 range can bring over $1,000 due to his achievement of batting champion honors five times as well as his legendary .343 career batting average.

Another rookie who made history in 1979 was Rickey Henderson, regarded by many as the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer of all time. Henderson’s rookie card is #181 in the 1979 Topps set. Known for his blazing speed and prolific base stealing that netted him a still-standing record of 1,406 stolen bases in his career, Henderson’s iconic rookie is highly coveted. Well-preserved PSA/BGS 9-10 grade examples can sell for $500-1,000 or more now. Henderson also became the career runs leader in MLB history, further cementing the significance of his rookie card from the vaunted ’79 Topps year.

While he did not emerge as a household name until later in the 1980s with the Mets and Yankees, the 1979 Topps card of hall of famer Dwight Gooden #563 is also a valuable treasure for collectors due to his achievements which include winning the 1985 NL Cy Young award at just 20 years old and leading the league in strikeouts four times. Gooden burned bright but burned out early in his career due to personal issues, adding to the allure of his rookie card. Pristine Gem Mint PSA 10 copies can bring in the neighborhood of $2,000 or more today for this true “Doc” Gooden rookie.

Perhaps the single most valuable card from the entire 1979 Topps baseball set is the rookie card of Hall of Fame slugger Barry Bonds on card #646. Regarded as one of the greatest, most prolific home run hitters in baseball history, Bonds smashed the all-time career home run record with 762 total. He also won a record seven NL MVP awards in his career. His towering accomplishments make his rookie card intensely desirable for collectors. PSA 10 examples in particular could command $10,000+ today, with some truly investment-grade specimens selling for over $20,000 at auction. Even lower graded copies still garner big bids between $1,000-3,000 depending on condition. Simply put, no other ’79 Topps card holds a light to the value and collectibility of the Barry Bonds rookie.

While stars like Boggs, Henderson, Gooden and especially Bonds hold the lion’s share of esteem and worth, there are other valuable gems to be found throughout the expansive 1979 Topps flagship set as well. Hall of Famer Dave Winfield’s card #126 routinely sells for $100-200 in top condition due to his 12 All-Star appearances and over 3,000 career hits playing for several teams including the Blue Jays, Yankees and Twins. #195 Ozzie Smith, known as the “Wizard of Oz” for his slick defense at shortstop primarily for the Cardinals, garners $75-150+ for his valuable rookie issue that preceded his 15 Gold Gloves and place in Cooperstown.

Over in the American League, #275 Cal Ripken Jr.’s rookie is highly coveted as he went on to break Lou Gehrig’s famed iron man streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. Ripken won two MVPs and played his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, cementing his legendary status and $150-300+ value for the 1979 Topps RC. Hall of Famer Eddie Murray’s intimidating rookie glare on card #521 has appreciation to the $75-150 range as the consistently productive first baseman/DH who amassed over 500 homers and 2,000 RBIs between the Orioles and Dodgers.

Rookies and futures stars aside, the 1979 Topps set also contains cards that climb due to key performances afterward including Nolan Ryan’s #107, escalating towards $200-500 since he set the career strikeout record and led the league in whiffs often. #222 Mike Schmidt, who clubbed 548 career home runs primarily as a Phillie and won 10 Gold Gloves and 3 MVPs, sees $75-175 for his sturdy cardboard. #469 Dave Parker, who won back-to-back NL Batting Titles in the late 70s and was named 1978 NL MVP, rounds out to $50-100 today.

While condition is critically important, there can be no doubt that some 1979 Topps cards attain incredible value and represent watershed rookie issues due simply to the sheer greatness, records shattered, and milestones reached by players like Boggs, Henderson, Gooden, Bonds, Ripken, Winfield, Schmidt and others enshrined in Cooperstown. For dedicated collectors, recognizable stars or bust-outs alike, seeking prime examples to catalog from this beloved vintage releases remains as strong a pursuit today as ever. With increased popularity in recent memory for investment-quality sports memorabilia, it’s easy to understand why demand continues to drive prices higher on blue-chip specimens from the epic 1979 Topps baseball release as its rookie class and others cement its legacy for the collector community.