BEST 1993 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1993 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular and valuable releases from the brand during the early 1990s. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some of the classic 1980s Donruss sets, the ’93 edition featured a variety of stars, rookies, and parallel inserts that have held up well over the past few decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors seek out from this 726-card base set.

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1) – Widely considered the greatest player of his generation, Griffey was already a superstar by 1993. His iconic upper deck rookie from 1989 is one of the most valuable baseball cards ever printed. While not quite on that level, Griffey’s sharp looking 1993 Donruss card remains highly sought after by collectors. With his sweet swing and effortless style of play, Griffey was already a fan favorite by this point in his career. Many consider this to be one of his best and most iconic baseball card images. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies regularly sell for $100-200.

Barry Bonds (card #27) – Arguably the greatest power hitter of all-time, Bonds was in his physical prime during the early 1990s. By 1993, he was a perennial MVP candidate and one of the game’s most feared sluggers. This sharp looking Donruss portrait shows “The Barry” in the on deck circle, bat ready. Bonds would go on to win his first of an eventual record seven MVP awards later that season. High grade PSA 10 examples can fetch $75-150.

Derek Jeter (card #132) – One of the true superstars and career Yankees, Jeter’s iconic career was just getting started in 1993. As a rookie, he showed flashes of the skills and leadership that would define his Hall of Fame career. This was Jeter’s first major national baseball card appearance. While not a true rookie card since he had prior minor league issues, it remains a key piece for any Jeter PC. PSA 10s trade for $75-150.

Frank Thomas (card #156) – Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas was already one of the game’s most feared sluggers by 1993. That season he would win his first of two MVP awards while hitting .317 with 41 home runs. This sharp Donruss portrait shows the muscular Thomas in the on deck circle, bat at the ready. High grade PSA 10 versions can reach $100-200.

Chipper Jones (card #166) – One of the true superstars of the 1990s and 2000s, Jones’ Hall of Fame career got off to an electrifying start. As a 21-year-old rookie in 1993, he hit .253 with 18 home runs and helped lead the Braves to a World Series title. This was Chipper’s first major national card appearance and remains a key piece for any Braves or Jones PC. PSA 10s are $75-150.

Roberto Alomar (card #191) – Already a two-time Gold Glove winner by 1993, Alomar was one of the game’s premier second basemen. That season he would hit .323 with career highs of 14 home runs and 71 RBI while leading the Blue Jays to another World Series title. This sharp Donruss image shows the athletic Alomar fielding a ground ball. PSA 10s trade between $50-100.

Craig Biggio (card #221) – One of the true iron men of baseball, Biggio was already an All-Star caliber player by 1993 in his fifth MLB season. That year he hit .251 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI primarily as Houston’s second baseman. This marked one of Biggio’s early prominent baseball cards before he transitioned to catcher later in his Hall of Fame career. PSA 10s sell for $50-100.

Tom Glavine (card #245) – A future Hall of Famer and one of the best lefties of his generation, Glavine was already establishing himself as an ace by 1993. That season he went 20-8 with a 2.67 ERA to finish third in NL Cy Young voting. This sharp Donruss image shows Glavine on the mound, about to deliver to the plate. PSA 10 copies can reach $75-150.

Greg Maddux (card #246) – Arguably the greatest pitcher of the 1990s and one of the all-time greats, Maddux was in his prime during this era. The 1993 season saw him go 20-11 with a stellar 2.36 ERA and his first of four straight Cy Young awards. This classic Donruss portrait remains one of Maddux’s most iconic baseball cards from his dominant years in Atlanta. PSA 10s trade between $100-250.

Randy Johnson (card #327) – Already a power lefty ace by 1993, “The Big Unit” was on the verge of superstardom. That season he went 16-14 with a 3.24 ERA and 284 strikeouts for Seattle. At 6-foot-10, Johnson truly towered over everyone on the field in a way no one had seen before. This imposing Donruss image shows just how massive the Big Unit was in his physical prime. PSA 10s can reach $75-150.

Parallel Inserts – In addition to the base set, 1993 Donruss also featured several popular parallel insert sets that added value and scarcity. The Gold Foil parallels (1/750 odds) featured gold foil lettering on players like Griffey, Bonds, and Maddux. These parallel the base design but with gold treatment. The Action All-Stars parallels featured colorful photo variations of stars like Thomas, Biggio, and Bagwell. Both parallel sets in high grades are valued significantly above their base counterparts.

The 1993 Donruss set remains a highly collectible release due to its star power roster and memorable photography. While not as rare or iconic as some 1980s Donruss sets, key rookie and star cards from ’93 have held up extremely well. The base cards of stars like Griffey, Bonds, Maddux, and Big Unit remain affordable for most collectors compared to their upper deck and flagship counterparts from the same year. Add in the desirable parallel inserts and this set has plenty to offer for both vintage collectors and investors alike nearly 30 years later.

MOST VALUABLE OAKLAND ATHLETICS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The Oakland Athletics are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a rich history that stretches back to their beginnings in Philadelphia in the late 19th century. Over the decades, many legendary players have donned the A’s green and gold including Connie Mack’s great pitching teams of the early 20th century, the Bash Brothers dynasty of the late 1980s, and Moneyball stars of the early 2000s. With such iconic players, it’s no surprise that some of the rarest and most expensive baseball cards feature Oakland A’s. Below is a look at some of the most valuable vintage and modern Oakland A’s cards on the hobby.

Reggie Jackson – 1972 Topps #490: Arguably the most famous Athletic of all time, Reggie Jackson is revered by fans of the green and gold. His legendary “Reggie! Reggie!” home run performance in the 1973 World Series helped cement his place in Oakland sports lore. High-grade copies of his iconic 1972 Topps rookie card are some of the rarest and most expensive A’s cards. A Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT 8-10) copy fetched over $250,000 at auction in 2020. Even well-kept copies in Excellent (EX 5-6) condition sell for thousands.

Catfish Hunter – 1968 Topps #189: Although he only pitched 5 seasons for the A’s, Jim “Catfish” Hunter was integral to Oakland’s 3 straight championships from 1972-1974. His 1968 rookie card is one of the iconic early issues of Topps and high-grade copies remain scarce and pricey. An NM-MT copy set the auction record for any pre-70s A’s card at $195,000 in 2021. Graded EX examples still trade hands for $10,000+.

Rickey Henderson – 1979 Topps Traded #T62: No other player embodied the speed and excitement of the A’s franchise quite like Rickey Henderson. His 1979 Topps Traded rookie is among the key chase cards for completionists. An exceptionally scarce card even in lower grades, a PSA EX-MT 5-6 copy shattered records when it sold for $65,000 in 2019. High-end PSA 10 GEM MINT specimens rarely come to market.

Rollie Fingers – 1969 Topps #175: A key piece of those early 1970s championship bullpens, Rollie Fingers’ intimidating mustache and dominating fastball made him an instant star upon his rookie season. Considered one of the elite 1970s rookie cards, PSA 10 1969 Topps Fingers cards now sell for $5,000-10,000. Copies grading 8-9 can still cost over $1,000.

Jose Canseco – 1985 Donruss #49: Canseco’s rookie season coincided with one of the most storied offenses in MLB history. His iconic “lightning bolt” pose made his 1985 Donruss one of the most recognizable modern issue rookies. BGS/PSA GEM 10 grades have brought over $10,000, with 8-9 grades still valued around $1,000-2,000. Canseco captivated collectors even after leaving Oakland.

Mark McGwire – 1986 Topps Traded #24T: Just before he and Jose Canseco took the league by storm, McGwire had one of the iconic traded set rookie cards. Widely considered one of the finest modern baseball cards ever designed, PSA 10 1986 Topps Traded McGwire rookies are true trophy cards valued between $20,000-30,000 today. Even well-kept mid-grade copies retain strong value due to rarity and aesthetic appeal.

Jason Giambi – 1992 Bowman #140: Giambi emerged as one of Oakland’s biggest bats in the late 1990s before signing a huge free agent deal with the Yankees. His rookie card from Bowman’s return set in 1992 remains one of the most desired A’s cards from that period. PSA/BGS GEM 10 grades are incredibly rare and valued over $2,000 today.

Barry Zito – 1999 Bowman #500: As one of Moneyball’s “Big Three” starting pitchers, Barry Zito won the 2002 AL Cy Young during his early Oakland days. Considered the finest of his rookie cards, a PSA 10 1999 Bowman Zito sells for around $1,000 currently. Even mid-grades remain relatively pricey for a modern card due to Zito’s success and rarity of high finishes.

Miguel Tejada – 1994 Bowman #646: Tejada was the heart of the A’s infield during their early 2000s playoff runs. Generally regarded as his best rookie issue, a PSA/BGS 10 of Tejada’s 1994 Bowman flagship rookie would fetch over $1,000 today. Well-kept mid-grades still trade around the $200 mark.

This covers some of the most prominent and valuable Oakland Athletics baseball cards from throughout the franchise’s history. With such respected players wearing the green and gold over the decades, top A’s cards remain highly sought after trophies for vintage and modern collectors alike. As long as the A’s franchise continues producing MLB stars, their best rookie cards are sure to retain significant worth to the hobby.

TOP PAYING BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The value of baseball cards, like many collectibles, is dependent on supply and demand. Certain cards featuring legendary players from baseball’s early days have become extremely scarce over decades of handling, which drives up their price in the competitive collectibles market. For serious collectors and investors, here are some of the highest paying baseball cards that can fetch enormous sums at auction due to their historical significance and rarity.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner: The undisputed king of cards, only 50-200 examples of the ultra-rare T206 Honus Wagner are known to exist today. It is widely considered the mona lisa of sports cards due to Wagner’s refusal to be photographed, which made the production of his card very limited. In recent years, examples in near-perfect condition have sold at auction for over $3 million. PSA/BGS grade is critical, with gems bringing 7-figure prices.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle: Like Wagner’s T206, the ’52 Topps Mantle is one of the most legendary and iconic cards ever made. As one of the first Mickey Mantle cards, it captures him at the start of his Hall of Fame Yankees career. Only a few examples grade above a PSA 8, with a PSA 9 previously selling for over $375,000. High grades are extremely rare and will command top dollar from Mantle collectors.

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth: Considered Ruth’s earliest card while with the minor league Baltimore Orioles, only 2-4 examples are known to exist. One card graded PSA 3.5RM in rough shape sold in 2016 for $626,308, showing the demand for any trace of a true Ruth rookie. A higher graded example could easily eclipse $1 million for this ultra key piece of sportscards history.

1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie: Besides the iconic ’09 Wagner, this is arguably the next most coveted pre-war card issue. Featuring Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie in striking early Goudey photos, graded examples above a PSA 5 are extremely tough to find. A PSA 8.5 example hit $403,000 at auction, highlighting this set’s prominence for pre-war collectors.

1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson: Considered the first card of Jackie Robinson issued after he broke baseball’s color barrier and joined the Dodgers, this 1949 Bowman set commemorates an important moment in sports history. Any Robinson rookie takes prominence due to his cultural influence, with a high grade ’49 Bowman example fetching $266,100. Only about a dozen PSA or SGC 9s are known.

1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson: Better known as “Shoeless Joe” Jackson, this famous player was banned from Major League Baseball after the 1919 Black Sox scandal. His 1914 Cracker Jack remains one of the most collectible pre-war cards. A PSA 5.5 example sold at auction for $117,900, emphasizing the fame and notoriety still associated with this disgraced but talented ballplayer.

1970 Roberto Clemente: Famed Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente died in a tragic plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Considered one of the game’s greatest hitters and most compassionate humanitarians, his 1970 Topps are highly emotional cards for collectors. A PSA 9 copy sold for $90,750, with demand sure to remain high for grades of this sports icon.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax: Regarded as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history, Sandy Koufax’s 1963 rookie season was the year he emerged as a true superstar. This is considered his true rookie card from his dominant Dodgers years. A PSA 9 copy topped $87,900 at auction, showing strong buyer interest in a pristine example of an all-time pitching great’s first card.

1958 Topps Mickey Mantle: While the 1952 Topps Mantle is the highest valued of his rookie cards, the ’58 is generally considered the best looking of his classic Topps issues. It features “the Commerce Comet” busting out of the batter’s box, immortalizing the hustle of his style of play. Graded examples over $40,000 routinely, with a PSA 9 bringing in $80,612 in June 2020.

1971 Nolan Ryan: Pitching legend Nolan Ryan’s first “true” Topps card, issued after several earlier test runs in 1960s sets without attribution to a specific team. Captures the fireballer at the start of his Hall of Fame career, before breaking numerous strikeout records. Even lower grade copies over $20K due to Ryan’s fame and the card’s importance to his early collecting legacy. A SGC 9 sold for $63,624.

1961 Roger Maris: Recognized as Roger Maris’ first card issued after he broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record. While he struggled in later years, the ’61s commemorate the peak of his playing career and one of baseball’s most storied individual accomplishments. Higher grade copies have topped $50K, like a PSA 9 that brought $57,588.

1970 Nolan Ryan “Airplane” card: This oddball variation features Nolan Ryan in an airplane, tied to a vintage Topps photo contest. Extremely rare within the already scarce 1970 set, it serves as one of the weirder sports cards ever made. One example graded PSA 8.5 sold at auction for an astounding $52,848 back in 2011. Values could top the already high prices for the typical 1970 Ryan card.

This covers some of the most valuable baseball cards that can realize enormous auction prices, especially in top grades. As the collectibles market continues to grow, so too will values for any rare vintage cards of legendary stars like Wagner, Ruth, Mantle, Clemente, and more. With such a long history, there are plenty of icons from baseball’s earliest eras whose memorabilia remains highly sought after to this day. For dedicated collectors, finding high grade examples of these top cards can prove to be a very worthwhile long term investment.

FREE BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

Free Baseball Cards Price Guides

There are several excellent free resources available online for researching the values of baseball cards. While printed price guides have long been the standard, digital price guides allow you to access card values from any device with an internet connection. Here are some of the top free baseball cards price guides available:

BECKETT MEDIA GUIDES

One of the most trusted names in the hobby, Beckett Media has been publishing baseball card price guides since the 1980s. While they still produce printed guides, their website at Beckett.com offers free access to some of their card price and collecting data.

On the site, you can search prices for individual cards from the last few years within Beckett’s “Check My Cards” tool. This pulls live data from the latest Beckett Baseball Card Monthly magazine guide. For cards older than 2018, you’ll need a paid subscription to access specific values.

Even without a subscription their site provides fantastic free educational content on the ins and outs of collecting. Articles cover topics like top rookie cards, analyzing card conditions, memorabilia card trends, and more. Beckett is an invaluable free resource for learning the hobby.

SELLING SPORTS CARDS PRICE GUIDE

SellingSportsCards.net publishes one of the more extensive free baseball card price guides available digitally. Their valuation database includes prices stretching back to the very first baseball cards of the late 1800s up to the present.

The site allows you to search for individual cards by name, set, player or year. Results show a range of recent auction prices to help determine a card’s potential worth depending on its condition. Condition is broken down into 10 distinct grades using widely accepted industry standards.

In addition to searchable values, SellingSportsCards.net offers in-depth knowledge articles, checklists of complete vintage and modern sets, and news updates related to the hobby. The site’s coverage of the entire span of baseball card history makes it an excellent starting point for initial card research.

130 POINT

Another robust free valuation tool is 130point.com, which focuses more on vintage cards from the pre-1980s era. It provides estimated ranges for cards based on the 130-point condition scale, a grading system utilized heavily by collectors of older issues.

The strength of 130 Point lies in its extensive vintage pricing data that you can browse alphabetically by set, year or brand. Condition categories range from Poor to Mint. While it may not be as lively as other guides in terms of additional content, 130 Point delivers pinpoint values for investors and collectors of classic cardboard.

SPORTS CARD FORUM PRICE GUIDES

While not a dedicated price guide site itself, SportsCardForum.com hosts active marketplace forums where members freely discuss card values daily. Within forum threads, you’ll find knowledgeable collectors sharing their input on recent eBay sales of specific cards or sets and offering condition-based price opinions.

Participating in these discussion-based valuations requires membership to the forums, but they allow browsing without an account. Searching card names brings up threads where members have debated prices in recent years. Combined with data from other guides, forum conversations provide another useful perspective for research.

HOW TO USE PRICE GUIDE DATA

When utilizing free online price guides, it’s important to remember some key factors that influence baseball card values:

Condition is crucial. Guides provide price ranges, so match the described condition of your card. Even minor flaws can impact value significantly.

Recent sales data is best. Prices change over time, so aim to consider sales within the last 6-12 months reported by the guides.

Rarity adds value. Popular stars tend to have more common cards, while scarce serial numbers or parallels can be worth more.

Grading matters for high-end cards. Professionally graded Gem Mint examples will command higher prices.

Regional variations exist. Supply/demand in different markets like Europe can skew eBay sold listings occasionally seen in guides.

With care and context, free online price guides provide an excellent starting point for estimating the worth of your baseball cards. By understanding how the data is compiled and staying aware of condition specifics, you can feel empowered in your collecting goals or if ever considering selling part of your collection.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 DWIGHT GOODEN

Leave a reply

The 1987 baseball season was a memorable one for New York Mets phenom Dwight Gooden. After an historic rookie campaign in 1984 and an equally impressive follow up season in 1985 that saw him win the National League Cy Young award, Gooden was still establishing himself as one of the game’s premier young power pitchers. Now entering his third full season in the big leagues at just 22 years old, Gooden was poised to take his rightful place among the elite aces in baseball. Topps was there to commemorate another stellar season from Doc Gooden with its 1987 baseball card release, featuring one of the most iconic individual cards from that year in his base rookie card.

Coming off back-to-back seasons with 19 wins and an ERA below 3.00, expectations were tremendously high for Gooden heading into 1987. He had cemented his status as the ace of the Mets staff and one of the faces of the entire franchise. Naturally, Topps wanted to highlight Gooden with one of the premier rookie cards in its 1987 set. The design of Gooden’s base card follows the vertical format Topps adopted that year, with his name in block letters across the top. Gooden is shown in his classic Mets home pinstripe uniform, glaring intensely at the camera with his signature sideways cap slightly cocked. The intense, laser-focused stare captured in his photo truly captures the fiery competitiveness and will to dominate that made Gooden one of the era’s most fearsome pitchers.

The stats listed on the 1987 Gooden base card show just how elite he had become in only his first two full seasons in the majors. In 1984 as a rookie, he went 17-9 with a 2.60 ERA and 268 strikeouts in 218 innings pitched, numbers that were practically unfathomable for a teenager just out of high school. His follow up season in 1985 was somehow even better, as he went 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts in 276 innings to capture the NL Cy Young. The excitement around Gooden heading into 1987 was insurmountable, and Topps acknowledged that with an iconic rookie card capture of arguably the best young pitcher in baseball at that moment. As the season would unfold however, Gooden’s 1987 campaign would not match the lofty standards he had set for himself.

While Gooden stayed mostly healthy in 1987 and still managed to lead the National League with 18 wins for a Mets team that won the division, his overall performance regressed a bit from his otherworldly 1985 season. His ERA ballooned to 3.19, his highest since his rookie year, and his strikeouts dropped from 268 to 203 in 227 innings pitched. Gooden later admitted struggles with alcohol and partying had begun affecting his performance and recovery, showing the peril of fame and expectations for young stars. Despite the statistical decline, Gooden was still a horse for the Mets staff and performed like an ace, throwing 11 complete games. At just 23 years old, most viewed 1987 as a minor setback for what was expected to be a Hall of Fame career still in its early stages.

Topps clearly still believed in Gooden and featured him prominently across multiple cards in its 1987 set beyond just his iconic base rookie card. Gooden received an “All-Star” card highlighting his selection to the National League team that season. He was also included in the “Shoeless” Joe Jackson traded subset, which paid tribute to baseball legends by putting current stars in vintage uniforms. Gooden’s 1987 season may have been a relative disappointment compared to 1985, but he remained one of the most sought-after young stars in the game. As a result, his base rookie card and other Topps cards from that year retain tremendous collector value as revered artifacts from Doc Gooden’s early pitching peak with the Mets.

While injuries and personal issues would derail Gooden’s career prematurely in later years, his 1987 Topps cards stand as a reminder of how dominating he was at his best in the mid-80s. The intense stare captured in his photo, coupled with the glistening stats from his first two seasons, make his 1987 base rookie one of the most iconic individual cards from that entire set. Even after his numbers dipped a bit that year, Gooden was still viewed as arguably the best young arm in baseball. Topps recognized this with prominent cards showcasing his ongoing status as a budding superstar, headlined by perhaps the defining image of his career etched on his classic 1987 base rookie card. Over 30 years later, those pieces of cardboard continue to fascinate collectors with what they represent about Gooden’s eminence during baseball’s golden era.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS RELEASE DATES

Leave a reply

2023 Baseball Cards Release Dates: What to Expect

Baseball card collectors eagerly await the arrival of new baseball card releases each year. 2023 promises to be another exciting year with new rookie cards, parallels, autographs and more hitting the market. While release schedules are always subject to change, here’s a look at some of the major baseball card releases expected in 2023 based on past years.

January/February:

Topps Series 1 (January): Topps is usually the first major brand to release its flagship baseball set each year. Look for Series 1 to arrive in hobby shops and online retailers in early January 2023. Topps has been including fewer base cards in recent years but more parallels and inserts. Rookie cards of top prospects will be the chase.

Topps Chrome (February): Topps’ popular Chrome parallel set is next to arrive, featuring the same designs as Series 1 but with shiny refractors instead of paper. Chrome has become one of the most sought-after modern issues due to its parallels, autographs and short prints.

Topps Heritage (February/March): Topps Heritage pays homage to classic designs of the past. The 2023 release will likely mimic a set from the 1960s or 1970s. Heritage offers a throwback collecting experience with traditional designs and fewer inserts compared to modern issues.

March/April:

Bowman Draft (March): The first major prospect release of the year, Bowman Draft features the draft class from the previous summer. Top picks get autograph and memorabilia cards along with their base rookie cards. Colorful parallels and inserts add to the chase.

Topps Series 2 (April): Topps’ second installment will include players who missed the cut for Series 1 as well as any stars who debuted or were traded since January. New rookie cards are also possible for players called up late in the season.

Topps Opening Day (April): Opening Day celebrates the start of the new MLB season with player photos from spring training. Inserts highlight each team and new star rookies can also debut.

May/June:

Bowman (May): Topps’ Bowman brand focuses solely on prospects and future stars. The flagship Bowman set in May features prospects, international signings and rookie cards of up-and-coming young players. Autographs and parallels are prevalent.

Topps Series 2 (Late May/Early June): Topps’ third series wraps up the flagship Topps Chrome set with any remaining base cards and more inserts. Short prints and parallels remain highly sought after.

Stadium Club (June): Stadium Club is one of the most visually appealing modern issues with high-end photography. Autographs, memorabilia cards and parallels are inserted throughout the set at lower print runs than other brands for a true premium product.

July/August:

Topps Allen & Ginter (July): A&G takes a fun, non-sport approach with oddball parallels and inserts featuring personalities from all walks of life alongside current MLB stars. Rarities like autographs, memorabilia and 1/1 prints add to the excitement.

Topps Update Series (Late August/Early September): Update Series rounds out Topps’ flagship offering for the year, highlighting any players who debuted after Series 2 or changed teams. New rookie cards are the big draw.

September/October/November:

Bowman Draft Picks (September): A lower-key version of Bowman Draft focused on players selected in the later rounds and undrafted free agents. Provides an early look at future prospects.

Topps Transcendent Collection (October/November): Topps’ ultra-high-end offering features rare 1/1 cards with encased memorabilia, autographs and unique serial numbering for true collectors. Prices reflect the exclusivity.

Topps Finest (October/November): Topps Finest parallels Topps Chrome with even more inserts like autographs and memorabilia cards. Short prints and serially numbered refractors add to the prestige.

Topps Holiday (November/December): Holiday serves as a year-end retrospective with inserts celebrating the season and hits from the entire Topps product line. Makes a great gift or final chase of the year.

This overview showcases just some of the major baseball card releases planned for 2023. Additional sets from brands like Panini, Leaf and others are sure to emerge as well. With the continued boom in popularity, 2023 looks to be an exciting year of new baseball cards to collect. Stay tuned for the latest updates and release announcements straight from the manufacturers.

TOP 1991 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Fleer baseball card set was released at the start of the 1990s baseball season and contained several highly valuable and sought after rookie cards. While not as iconic or valuable as the dominant Topps and Donruss sets of the time, 1991 Fleer contained many notable rookie cards and traded valuable veterans that made it an important set in the history of baseball cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1991 Fleer baseball release.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable card from the 1991 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already showing signs of superstardom in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1990. His graceful style of play and pure hitting ability made him a fan favorite from the start. The Griffey rookie captured him in all his youthful promise and potential at the beginning of what would become a surefire Hall of Fame career. In top graded gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1991 Fleer rookie has sold for over $20,000, an amazing price for a card from a product that is not Topps or Donruss. Even well-centered near mint copies trade for hundreds if not over $1,000 still making it one of the most coveted and valuable modern era cards.

Another highly sought after rookie from 1991 Fleer is pitcher Pedro Martinez. Even in his early seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Martinez was showing the dynamic stuff that would make him a future Cy Young award winner and one of the most dominant pitchers of the late 90s and early 2000s. His card captured him at the absolute start of it all. In top condition, the Martinez rookie has sold for over $5,000, making it one of the most valuable pitching rookie cards from the early 90s era. Having starred for the Boston Red Sox dynasties later in his career added to the card’s cachet among collectors.

While 1991 Fleer did not feature rookie cards for stars like Frank Thomas, Tom Glavine, or Chuck Knoblauch like rival sets, it did have the rookie card of slugging outfielder Moises Alou, son of former All-Star Felipe Alou. Alou went on to have a solid 17-year career, including time on World Series championship teams, hitting over 300 home runs. His rookie card sometimes gets overlooked among the big names from 1991 but still holds value within the $100-300 range in top grade.

The 1991 Fleer set is also noteworthy for containing traded cards of veteran superstars like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith, two of the biggest names in the game at the time. While not rookies, these traded cards captured these future Hall of Famers in their early years with new teams, Ryan with the Texas Rangers and Smith with the St. Louis Cardinals. High grade copies of these traded veteran cards in the $75-200 range make them highly collectible pieces from the set beyond just the rookies.

Something quite unique about 1991 Fleer was the inclusion of manager/coach spotlight cards beyond just players. One such card features Yankees legend Yogi Berra in his role as bench coach. Berra had just transitioned to a behind the scenes role after his playing days but was still a hugely iconic figure in baseball. His spotlight card catches him in this new phase has become a very collectible and sometimes pricey piece for Yankee and Berra collectors. Grading services also sometimes use “Yogi Berra” labels to designate this special manager/coach subset when a true rookie card doesn’t exist.

The 1991 Fleer set also contained other key veteran stars who were entering highlight years of their careers like Will Clark, Kirby Puckett, Randy Johnson, and Roberto Alomar. While not rookies, collectors love capturing these greats in their prime years before gradual decline. High graded versions of these stars which are always in demand can reach the $50-150 range. The set also included traded versions of veterans like Bret Saberhagen tracking their free agency moves.

While not the biggest or most iconic set of its time, 1991 Fleer contained several absolutely key rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Martinez that have grown enormously valuable with time. It also provided some important traded and veteran star cards alongside rookie hits that give the set lasting appeal and collectibility decades later for both investors and fans of the players and era. For its mix of great rookies and stars in their prime, 1991 Fleer deserves recognition among the most noteworthy baseball card releases of the early 90s boom.

FOUND BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Finding old baseball cards can be an exciting experience, whether rummaging through memorabilia at a yard sale or coming across a collection that has been tucked away for decades. There is nostalgia in discovering remnants from the past, and baseball cards are frozen snapshots of history that allow us to remember eras, players, and moments we never personally witnessed.

When stumbling upon found baseball cards, it’s natural to wonder about their origins and provenance. Who did they originally belong to? How did they end up abandoned in that attic, basement, or dusty storage box? Were they carefully curated as part of a lifelong collection or casually amassed by a child during baseball card bubble gum binges of the 1950s and 60s? Without any clues left behind, the backstories of found baseball cards will remain a mystery, but examining the cards themselves can provide valuable clues about when and where they were produced.

Things to look for include the year, the brand (Topps, Fleer, etc.), photos and design styles of the era. For example, many early 20th century tobacco cards featured black and white or sepia toned portraits on thick cardboard stock. Post-World War II baseball cards transitioned to colorful photographs on thinner paper materials. The 1950s saw pioneering innovations like the first modern design in 1951 from Bowman, while the late 50s and 60s increased focus on action shots and statistical details on the back. Condition is also telling – well-preserved vintage cards were likely carefully tended to originally, whereas worn examples may have endured hard use.

Authentication should also be considered when assessing the value and provenance of found vintage baseball cards. Unfortunately, as the collecting hobby has grown exponentially, so too has the number of counterfeits on the market. Modern forgeries can convincingly replicate older styles, but certain indicators give them away under close examination. Things like sharpness of color, heaviness of stock, precision of registration, and anachronistic details that post-date the claimed era often reveal cards that were produced years or decades after their stated dates. Hiring a reputable expert for authentication may be worthwhile in some situations, particularly for higher value cards.

From a financial perspective, evaluating a card’s condition is paramount. The industry standard for grading baseball cards relies on the 1-10 point numerical Grade Scale devised by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). With 1 being poor and 10 in pristine gem mint condition, even minor flaws or signs of wear can diminish a card’s numeric grade and corresponding monetary value. Common issues include centering (how perfectly centered the image is within the borders), corners (are they still sharp with no rounding or whitening), edges (are they still smooth without bends or dings) and surface (is it clean and free of defects, scratches, stains or edge wear).

While modern reprints and counterfeits are not considered scarce or desirable long term investments, actual vintage examples can accrue significant worth depending on several collectible factors. The player, the year, the scarcity of the specific card issue within that year’s set, and of course the confirmed high grade all contribute to marketplace demand and pricing. Iconic stars in top condition like 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner and 1957 Topps Willie Mays rookie are routinely valued at over $100,000 each. But there are also many attainably valuable finds among even more modestly graded examples of historically important releases. A cigarette cardboard Ty Cobb or Babe Ruth in AG-EX condition could still fetch thousands.

Beyond financial value, found baseball cards can also hold personal value as keepsakes or opportunities for learning. With a little online research, card collections be used to learn more about baseball history, specific eras and individual player stats and careers. Arranging cards chronologically also creates a visual timeline of how the sport developed. Gift and inheritance stashes of baseball cards retain the magical spark of childhood nostalgia too, transporting collectors back to simpler times spent trading, collecting and playing ball. Even common cards serve as snapshots capturing the faces and styles of bygone baseball generations. Who knows, rare treasure may even lie waiting among forgotten old cardboard in your own attic. The hunt is half the fun when it comes to discovering baseball’s past through found cards.

Coming across old baseball cards can lead down memory lanes and provide jumps into the archives of America’s pastime. While value will vary greatly depending on condition, era and individual players represented, every find holds historical significance. Taking time to research the cards, their brands and characteristics helps uncover clues about where they originated while also deepening knowledge of the sport itself. Even if financial returns aren’t realized, found baseball cards deserve appreciation as primary sources linking generations of fans to baseball’s rich history.

NUMBERS FOR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball card numbers are an important identifier historically used by collectors and hobbyists to catalog and organize their collections. Understanding the various numbering systems used over the years provides valuable context for appreciating the evolution of the baseball card market and industry.

Some of the earliest baseball cards issued in the late 19th century did not feature any numbering systems. As collections grew and the hobby developed more formally beginning in the early 20th century, card producers recognized the need to implement numbering schemes to help collectors keep cards organized by set, player, team, and year. One of the first major sets to incorporate numbering was the 1910-11 T206 tobacco card series, widely considered one of the most iconic vintage issues in the hobby.

The T206 set featured 514 total cards divided into several different sub-sets. The base cards numbered 1-80 featured current Major League players of the time. Additional subsets included stars from past years (cards 81-130), current Minor Leaguers (131-154), current umpires and owners (155-165), and current managers and executives (166-185). Each subset was consecutively numbered to make the entire set cohesive and allow collectors to easily identify and locate specific cards.

Following the success of the T206 issue, most subsequent tobacco and bubblegum card releases in the early-to-mid 20th century adopted similar consecutive numbering schemes, making them some of the most easily identifiable sets for collectors even today. Examples include the iconic 1952 Topps set (cards 1-369), the colorful 1933 Goudey Gum Company issue (cards 1-329), and the 1936 Diamond Stars baseball cards released as part of an American Caramel candy promotion (cards 1-72). These classic issues established precedents for consistent numbering that endures in modern sports card production.

As the cardboard collecting craze exploded in the postwar 1940s-1950s, new manufacturers emerged and experimented with more complex numbering methods. Bowman Gum adopted a three-digit numbering system for its 1948 set that categorized cards first by team, then by player number within that club, such as “101” for the Brooklyn Dodgers and “128” for the New York Giants. This concept was refined for the 1949 Bowman set that ordered cards sequentially by team name.

Topps, which soon surpassed all rivals to become the dominant modern force in cards, employed convoluted numbering schemes for some of its earliest issues. The 1955 set devised a serpentine, back-and-forth style for its 662 cards rather than consecutive order. Similarly odd systems turned collectors off, and Topps returned to simpler consecutive numbering beginning with its iconic 1959 set that featured 594 cards in linear succession.

Despite standardized consecutive numbering becoming the industry norm for flagship releases through the mid-20th century, some oddball promotions and smaller niche sets continued exploring creatively numbered options. One example was the 1978 Texas Rangers Team Issue set produced by Sports Collectors Digest to promote the team. Its cards were numbered based on each player’s uniform number such as “3” for Bump Wills or “24” for Jon Wilhite.

In the late 20th century as interest exploded, new entities entered the lucrative sports card market and experimented with innovative numbering methods seeking a unique identity. The influential hobby company Leaf featured “parallel” or “refractor” subsets with special numbering treatments distinguishing rarer versions of the same cards. Examples included “Gold Medallion” parallel cards with prefix G, or “Platinum Medallion” parallels numbered with a P in its 1991 NFL Pros set.

As digital scanning and printing technologies advanced allowing for larger, more complex card releases, modern numbering systems grew increasingly granular. Flagship issues from brands like Topps, Panini, and Leaf may feature base cards in the 500-1000 range, but then break out detailed numbering for dozens of parallel and autograph subsets. A 2011 Topps Football card could be numbered something like “123/999” as the base version, but an autograph parallel of the same player may be designated “17/25.”

This proliferation of parallel and serial-numbered card variants has exploded collecting options but also introducred confusion without proper context of production values. To help provide clarity and assess investment potential, leading online price guide and registry platforms like PSA, Beckett, and hobby giant comc.com worked to standardize modern numbering conventions and subset designations. Resources like checklists and production proof sheets released by licensers also grant collectors invaluable insights into understanding what different numbering systems represent in the modern era of sports cards.

As the hobby evolves, new frontiers are explored through tech like Cryptocards leveraging blockchain tech for digital assets. At its core, the love of collecting physical cardboard treasures from our pastime endures. Understanding the language of numbers used through baseball card history enhances collectors’ ability to properly appreciate, research, value and enjoy their cherished pieces of baseball nostalgia for generations to come. Whether a vintage gem, modern parallel, or digital innovation, the stories behind the numbers remain part of what makes this hobby so fascinating.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS FROM SCORE 1990

Leave a reply

The 1990 Score baseball card set was a highly sought after and iconic release during the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The set featured 762 total cards including rookie cards, star players, and team checklist cards. While not the flashiest or most visually striking set of the time, 1990 Score contained many valuable and historically significant cards that card collectors still seek out to this day. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most desirable cards from the 1990 Score baseball release.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable card from 1990 Score is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already generating immense hype leading up to his debut 1989 season with the Seattle Mariners due to his incredible athleticism and five-tool playing ability. His rookie card, found in the late hundreds of the Score set, captured Griffey at the very beginning of what would become a Hall of Fame career. While Griffey’s rookie cards from other 1989 and 1990 sets also hold value, the Score RC is considered the most iconic and in highest demand. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Score rookie has sold for over $100,000, making it one of the most expensive modern baseball cards ever. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch thousands.

Another hugely valuable rookie card from 1990 Score is Frank Thomas’. Like Griffey, Thomas burst onto the MLB scene in 1990 with the Chicago White Sox and immediately established himself as a superstar. His mammoth home run power coupled with a career .301 batting average made Thomas one of the game’s most feared sluggers of the 1990s. His Score rookie, found in the high 600s, is the most coveted of all his rookie card variations. A PSA 10 Thomas RC could sell for $50,000 or more, showing just how beloved “The Big Hurt” became among collectors. Most copies still sell for multiple thousands of dollars even in worn condition.

In addition to rookie sensations, 1990 Score featured star cards for many of baseball’s biggest names throughout the late 80s and early 90s. One of the most aesthetically pleasing and high-dollar cards is the Kirby Puckett “Leg Kick” issue from the Twins checklists. This action shot captures Puckett in the middle of his distinctive leg kick swing, with vibrant colors and Puckett’s smiling face popping off the card front. Considered one of the best baseball action photos of all time, a PSA 10 Puckett “Leg Kick” can sell for over $10,000. Other star cards that hold immense value include a PSA 10 Ken Griffey Sr. ($4,000), Rickey Henderson ($3,000), and Nolan Ryan ($2,500).

Beyond rookies and stars, 1990 Score contained several other notable inserts and parallels that collectors seek. The “Team Leaders” insert set featured statistical leaders from the 1989 season, with the Wade Boggs and Robin Yount issues among the most coveted. The “Turn Back The Clock” retro-style parallel subset, which paid homage to early 20th century tobacco era designs, is also very popular. Finding high-grade versions of the star-studded “Diamond Kings” parallel cards, which placed players on ornate diamond-shaped designs, can fetch big money as well. And for team collectors, complete team set runs containing cards like the scarce and iconic “Fernando Mania” Dodgers checklist remain a prized trophy piece.

When examining the entire landscape of the 1980s and 90s baseball card boom period, 1990 Score holds a very important place in the hobby’s history. It captured so many all-time great players, especially rookies, at the beginning of their careers. While the design aesthetics may not stand out compared to flashier sets of the era, the historical significance and star power on the cards is unparalleled. Over 30 years later, 1990 Score rookie cards of Griffey, Thomas, and others continue to enthrall collectors and break record prices. For capturing so much baseball magic in one release, 1990 Score remains one of the true heavyweight champions among vintage baseball card sets.

While 1990 Score may not have had the flashiest designs of its era, it more than made up for it with the incredible star power and rookie cards it featured. Cards like the Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Kirby Puckett “Leg Kick” issues have become iconic in the hobby due to capturing these all-time great players at the beginning of their careers. Supplemented by valuable stars, inserts, and parallels as well, 1990 Score endures as one of the most coveted and valuable baseball card releases ever due to the historical significance and quality of its content. Its cards remain must-have trophies for any serious vintage baseball card collector decades later.