1989 CLASSIC BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1989 baseball card season featured iconic rookie cards and key veterans that have stood the test of time. While not quite as valuable as the vintage decades earlier, many 1989 cards hold significant nostalgia and collector value today. The late 80s era cards represented a peak time for the hobby before the influx of mass produced modern inserts would saturate the market.

One of the most coveted rookies from the 1989 set is Ken Griffey Jr’s Upper Deck card. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey’s rookie UD card is the most valuable non-serial numbered modern baseball card. High grade copies in mint condition have sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even well-centered near mint copies regularly fetch thousands. The card beautifully captures “The Kid” making an amazing leaping catch in center field, underscoring why he would go on to win 10 Gold Gloves.

Another highly valuable 1989 rookie is the Todd Van Poppel card from Score. As one of the top pitching prospects of his time, there was huge excitement around Van Poppel prior to his debut. While he did not live up to the hype on the major league level, his rookie card remains a key piece for set collectors and Oakland A’s fans. Pristine mint 9 copies have sold for over $4,000. The card features great action photography and commemorates Van Poppel’s first big league appearance.

Hall of Famer Barry Larkin had his most iconic baseball card released in 1989 Donruss. As his first major issue card appearing in a Reds uniform, it is hugely popular with Cincinnati collectors. High grade copies regularly sell for $500-1000 due to Larkin’s talent and fame as a career Red. The photography shows “Lark” fielding sharply with excellent detail and coloring that remains crisp to this day.

Another highly valued Hall of Famer rookie from 1989 is Tom Glavine’s from Fleer. As a homegrown Atlanta star who would lead the Braves pitching staff to a championship, Glavine maintained a strong local following for life. Near mint copies have changed hands for over $400. The photography is plain but captures the subtle mechanics that made Glavine a crafty lefty ace for decades.

Well-centered Mint copies of Ken Griffey Jr’s 1989 Upper Deck card generally sell for $2,000-5,000. Even heavily played low-grade examples still fetch $100 due to the card’s iconic status capturing “The Kid” at his acrobatic finest in center field. While mass-produced inserts today can fetch thousands raw, Griffey’s true rookie holds exponentially more nostalgia and cachet as arguably the most treasured non-serialnumbered card of all-time.

Likewise, Topps traded a pristine Mike Piazza rookie from that year’s set routinely changes hands for $1000-3000. The Hall of Fame slugger came up as a padre but made his true fame with the Mets, keeping the card appealing to both fanbases. High demand also remains for Frank Thomas’ rookie from 1989 Score, which has been sold for over $1000 in mint condition due to “The Big Hurt’s” prolific home run prowess.

Many other stars had defining 1989 cards as well. Ripken’s Donruss card commemorating his record-setting consecutive games streak regularly fetches $300+ for exemplary samples. Clemens’ sports a fierce picture in mid-windup on his Upper Deck issue. Mint Kenny Lofton and Jim Thome rookie cards from 1989 Fleer have also seen prices upwards of $200 in recent years due to the sluggers’ sustained excellence.

Condition is king when it comes to the value of 1989 era cards. While mint copies of stars like Griffey Jr. can fetch thousands, low-grade badly-centered examples may barely be worth $5 in circulation. The photos and designs have aged well compared to the saturated modern era, keeping demand strong from collectors nostalgic for the late 80s/early 90s boom. With Hall of Famers like Larkin, Glavine, Piazza and Thomas, sets from ’89 tell the stories of legends emerging. Over 30 years later, prime examples from the year still excite the hobby.

While 1989 baseball cards may lack the true vintage appeal of the 1950s-70s, many hold significant intrinsic value for collectors today. Iconic rookies of future superstars Griffey Jr., Piazza, and Thomas dominate the high-end, with Mint copies crossing into the four-figure territory. Hall of Famer stars like Larkin and Glavine also retain mid-range appeal. Overall set and team collectors prize examples with strong photography capturing the excitement of the era. With sharp, colorful designs that differentiated the players, ’89 issues remain a highlight of the late 20th century cardboard period.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS 1977

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The year 1977 produced some of the most valuable baseball cards in the hobby’s history. Several stars of the late 1970s saw their rookie cards produced in 1977 sets issued by Topps, the dominant baseball card manufacturer at the time. Two of the most sought-after and expensive 1977 baseball cards belong to sluggers Reggie Jackson and George Brett.

Reggie Jackson’s 1977 Topps baseball card is one of the crown jewels of the entire hobby. As one of the most famous baseball players of the 1970s, Jackson’s powerful performance in postseason play like blasting three home runs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series only added to his legend and the demand for his rookie card. In gem mint condition, a Reggie Jackson 1977 Topps rookie card in a PSA 10 grade recently sold at auction for an astronomical $2.88 million, setting a new record. Even well-worn copies in poorer condition can still fetch tens of thousands.

What makes Jackson’s rookie so valuable is the iconic image used by Topps of the slugger in his New York Yankees uniform coupled with its status as one of the last true rookie cards issued before the era of stars signing lucrative endorsement deals as prospects. Jackson was already an established star by 1977 after breakout seasons with the Oakland A’s. The scarcity of high-grade copies also pumps up prices due to natural deterioration over decades. Few were preserved perfectly straight from the pack in the 1970s.

Another transcendent hitter whose 1977 Topps rookie set record prices is Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett. Like Jackson, Brett went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was a driving force in leading the Royals to multiple pennants and a World Series title in the 1970s and 80s. Brett’s smooth left-handed swing and consistency made him a perennial All-Star and batting champion. In pristine mint condition graded PSA 10, a George Brett 1977 Topps rookie sold for $2.56 million in 2016. Even well-worn copies still attract bids in the five figures.

What gives Brett’s card such cache is his iconic siding stance captured in the Topps photo and his status as a true hometown hero for the Royals franchise. Brett spent his entire 21-year career in Kansas City, hitting .305 lifetime while racking up over 3,000 career hits. He was the face of the Royals organization for generations of Kansas City fans. Like Jackson, the Brett rookie was one of the last true prospects to not be involved in formal sports card endorsement deals before their debuts.

Aside from Jackson and Brett, several other promising rookies from the star-studded 1977 Topps set have reached six-figure prices depending on condition. Texas Rangers catcher/first baseman Jim Sundberg saw his defensive skills and ability to handle pitching staffs result in several All-Star nods and Gold Gloves. In PSA 10 condition, a Sundberg rookie has sold for over $120,000.

Pitchers Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees and Nolan Ryan of the California Angels also debuted that year. As Ryan went on to compile one of the most dominant and record-setting pitching careers in MLB history with 5,714 strikeouts, his ’77 Topps rookie has reached upwards of $100,000 in PSA 10 grade. Righetti made a name for himself as the first Yankees reliever ever to save 40 games in a season and throw a no-hitter in 1983, resulting in his own rookie drawing bids near $50,000 in top condition.

Even role players whose careers were more modest have gained value simply for being included in one of the most coveted sets from the 1970s. Yankee outfielder Randall Richardson, catcher Ed Ott of the Montreal Expos, and Oakland A’s reliever Dave Heaverlo have all sold for $5,000-$10,000 in pristine PSA 10 condition due to the set’s popularity, though they never achieved stardom like the headliners.

The 1977 Topps set endures as one of the most historically significant issues ever produced due to the number of future Hall of Famers, impact contributors, and all-time greats whose rookie cards debuted within its 792 total cards. Two new record prices have been set by the Jackson and Brett rookies in recent years, showing no signs of demand slowing for what is often crowned as the hobby’s single most expensive release from the high-water mark era of the 1970s. Even moderately played copies still attract bids in the thousands. With baseball’s rising new generation of stars, the legends from 1977 seem unlikely to lose value anytime soon.

VALUABLE 90S BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990s saw an explosion in the popularity of collecting sports cards, especially baseball cards. Fueled by new sets, insert cards, parallel variants and a boom in the hobby overall, many 1990s baseball cards have skyrocketed in value over the past few decades. For collectors and investors, here are some of the most valuable and sought-after baseball cards from the 1990s that could fetch big money if in near-mint or mint condition.

The rookie cards of baseball’s biggest stars from the 1990s dominate the upper echelons of value from that decade. Topping the list is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card from 1989. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic rookie cards ever made, value for high-grade Griffey Uppers has soared in recent years due to his legendary playing career and popularity among collectors. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100,000, with PSA 9 copies commanding $10,000+ as well.

Not far behind is Griffey’s rookie from Donruss, which was the most widely produced card but still retains huge collector demand. PSA 10s have sold for $50,000 while PSA 9s still fetch five figures. Other ultra-valuable rookie cards from the era include Chipper Jones (1993 Bowman, $15,000+ PSA 10), Derek Jeter (1993 Bowman, $20,000+ PSA 10), Jim Thome (1991 Bowman, $10,000 PSA 10), and Nomar Garciaparra (1996 Bowman Chrome, $8,000+ PSA 10).

Refractors and parallels were big in the 1990s thanks to Ultra and Finest. The short printed Ultra Ken Griffey Jr. refractor from 1996 is one of the decade’s true Holy Grails, valued well over $100,000 in PSA 10. Other iconic 1990s refractors that demand big money include Larry Walker (1997 Ultra, $15,000+ PSA 10), Mark McGwire (1998 Ultra, $7,000+ PSA 10) and Moises Alou (1997 Ultra, $5,000+ PSA 10). There are also ultra-valuable parallel cards like the Derek Jeter 1996 Pinnacle Gold Label parallel (only 5 printed), valued at over $75,000 in pristine condition.

Insert sets like Studio, Best, Lineage and Premier Player added tremendous collector excitement and value during this time as well. High-grade Barry Bonds cards from these insert sets command prices in the thousands. Perhaps the most famous and valuable 1990s insert is the 1997 Hank Aaron Tribute Best Card. Only 23 were printed during production and it’s valued at an astonishing $150,000+ for the single PSA 10 graded example.

Rookie autographed and memorabilia cards started booming in the 1990s as well. The Johnny Damon rookie autograph from 1998 Donruss Champions fetches $7,500 PSA 10 while highly decorated veterans like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz had valuable autographed and memorabilia cards in sets like Flair, Finest and Studio. The ultimate 1990s autographed card is perhaps the ultra-rare 1998 Metal Universe Ken Griffey Jr. Reserve List autograph card – only three are known to exist.

The exploding popularity of MLB franchises in the 1990s meant tremendous value for star players on big market teams as well. High-grade rookie cards of Yankees stars like Andy Pettitte (1991 Score), Jorge Posada (1994 Fleer), Bernie Williams (1991 Score) and Mariano Rivera (1991 Donruss) command $2,000-5,000+. Atlanta Braves stars like Chipper, Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and Andruw Jones have 1990s rookie and base cards valued increasingly high as well due to the team’s dynasty years.

And for collectors focused specifically on star pitchers, 1990s cards for Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and John Smoltz hold awesome value potential. A PSA 10 of Pedro’s esteemed 1993 Bowman rookie is worth over $6,000 alone. Overall condition is paramount, but with the right high-grade vintage card from any of baseball’s 1990s icons, collectors have a chance to profit tremendously whether by holding long-term or selling sooner for potentially life-changing returns. The 1990s was truly the decade that shaped the modern sports collecting hobby.

While the 1980s is considered the true golden era of baseball cards, many issues underestimate how valuable and investment-worthy numerous 1990s baseball cards have become – especially the rookies and inserts of all-time great players who established their legendary careers in that decade. For discerning collectors, with patients and a keen eye for high-grade quality, hunting and securing vintage 1990s cards of stars like Griffey, Bonds, Jeter, Maddux and more present just as promising an opportunity today for portfolio growth and longterm appreciation. The 1990s may not have the same nostalgia as the 1980s, but for discerning investors, its cards retain tremendous untapped potential.

BEST 1997 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1997 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases from the popular sports card manufacturer during the 1990s. While it did not feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1997 Donruss set contained several chase cards that have become highly valuable over the years for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1997 Donruss baseball release.

Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor (#138) – Widely considered the most coveted card from the 1997 Donruss set, Griffey’s refractor parallel stands out as one of the true gems. Refractor parallels featured an eye-catching, colorful refractive coating on the front of the card that makes the image seem to shimmer and shine in different lighting. At the time, refractors were still a relatively new and exciting parallel for collectors. Griffey was also arguably the most popular player in baseball in the late 90s, making this one card every collector wanted. In gem mint condition, the Griffey refractor now sells for thousands of dollars and is a true Holy Grail card for many.

Derek Jeter Autograph (#226) – Jeter was already establishing himself as a superstar shortstop for the Yankees in the late 90s. His autographed card from the 1997 Donruss set is one of the most significant Jeter rookie autos in existence. It features a simple on-card signature with no additional memorabilia. Jeter’s autos from this era in the hobby are extremely rare to find in pristine condition today. A PSA 10 gem mint example would easily fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies sell for thousands. This iconic card captures Jeter at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career.

Chipper Jones Refractor (#291) – As one of the game’s all-time great third basemen, Chipper Jones’ rookie season was highly anticipated in 1997. His refractor parallel from Donruss that year has become one of the most sought-after rookie cards for the Braves legend. While not quite as valuable as other stars’ refractors, a mint Chipper Jones refractor still commands a premium price in the thousands of dollars range. It’s a must-have for any Braves or Jones PC. The colorful refractor coating makes this one really “pop” in a collection.

Ken Griffey Jr. Superstar Signature (#SS1) – Moving beyond base cards, one of the true big ticket cards in the 1997 Donruss set was the Griffey Superstar Signature parallel. These featured unique on-card autographs of the game’s top talents on special signature cards with photo variations. Griffey’s was arguably the most iconic. Fewer than a dozen PSA 10 Gems are known to exist today in a population of under 100 total graded copies. Values start well into the five-figure range even for lower-grade examples. This is the true blue-chip card from the 1997 Donruss release.

Cal Ripken Jr. Superstar Signature (#SS2) – Right behind Griffey’s Superstar Signature for prestige and value would be Cal Ripken’s from the same parallel. Ripken was still going strong as one of baseball’s all-time greats in the late 90s. His on-card auto, while not quite as rare in population as Griffey’s, remains a true heavyweight in the hobby. Even well-centered PSA 9 Near Mint copies can fetch $5,000+. In a PSA 10, expect to pay a high five-figure sum or more for this iconic Ripken rookie auto from his final seasons.

Derek Jeter Autograph Patch (#AP1) – For Jeter collectors, one of the true big ticket cards was his Autograph Patch parallel from 1997 Donruss. These featured unique on-card autos with jersey swatches for certain stars. Jeter’s was among the most coveted. Population reports show fewer than 50 total graded copies exist today across all services. In a PSA 10 pristine gem, Jeter’s rookie auto patch would command an asking price well into the mid five-figures. Even in a PSA 9 NM+ state, values are easily four figures or more. This is the true blue-chip Jeter rookie relic from the era.

Chipper Jones Autograph (#226) – While not quite as rare pop number-wise as some of the above cards, Jones’ basic on-card autograph from his true rookie season remains a highly significant and valuable card today. In PSA 10 condition, a Jones autographed rookie would fetch $3,000+ on today’s market. Even PSA 9 copies sell for over $1,000. For Braves PC collectors, this serves as a more attainable option compared to 1/1 patches or parallels. It captures Jones at the very start of his Hall of Fame career.

Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck (#138) – A notable parallel in the 1997 Donruss set was the inclusion of various Upper Deck photo variations for certain stars. Griffey’s was among the most popular. While not true “short prints,” these photo swaps created additional chase cards within the base set. Griffey’s Upper Deck variation of his base card remains a strong seller even in lower grades. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, expect to pay well over $1,000 today. This parallel served as an exciting additional option for Griffey collectors within the base set.

While lacking any true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1997 Donruss baseball card set delivered several true gems that have stood the test of time. Autographs, patches, refractors and photo variations of stars like Griffey, Jeter, Jones and Ripken make this one a true powerhouse release from the era. Values have grown exponentially for the top rookie and star cards. It serves as one of the most iconic Donruss releases from the 1990s boom period in the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS 1990’s VALUABLE

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The 1990s were a transformative decade for the hobby of baseball card collecting. While the market had cooled off significantly from the speculative boom of the late 1980s, interest in the sport and its memorabilia remained strong. Several rookie cards from the 1990s have gone on to become extremely valuable, as those players went on to have Hall of Fame careers. With the rise of the internet making research and commerce easier than ever, today’s collectors seek out the top rookie and rare cards from the early 1990s knowing they could hold hidden gems.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable baseball card from the 1990s is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card from 1989. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s electric smile and smooth left-handed swing made him an instant fan favorite. He would go on to have a legendary 22-year career that is sure to land him in the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot. In near-mint condition, Griffey’s rookie card currently fetches thousands of dollars and is one of the most sought-after pieces of memorabilia from the entire decade.

Another extremely valuable rookie card from the early 90s is Chipper Jones’ 1991 Fleer card. As the number one overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones burst onto the scene by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1995. He was the cornerstone of the Braves dynasty that won 14 division titles and a World Series between 1991-2005. Often compared to baseball legends like Hank Aaron, Chipper retired after the 2012 season as one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history. In gem mint condition, his rookie card recently sold at auction for over $12,000, a true testament to his Hall of Fame career.

The 1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones rookie cards set the standard, but other players from that era have also seen their early cards rise in value. For example, a near-mint copy of the 1992 Bowman Derek Jeter rookie card recently sold for over $10,000. As arguably the greatest shortstop of all time and face of the Yankees franchise for two decades, Jeter’s rookie card has become a must-have for collectors. Another shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra, had a phenomenal rookie season for the Red Sox in 1997 that led to his Fleer Update RC being one of the costliest cards from that year, valued around $3,000 in top condition.

The mid-1990s also produced some of the most valuable baseball cards for players who didn’t necessarily have long and illustrious careers. In 1996, Topps captured lighting in a bottle by featuring a fresh-faced 19-year old shortstop by the name of Alex Rodriguez on their main baseball card set. Before becoming a controversial figure and signing the then-richest contract in sports history, A-Rod was considered a can’t-miss prospect and his rookie card reflected that hype. High-grade 1996 Topps A-Rod rookies now sell for upwards of $10,000 due to his superstar status, even if his career was tainted by performance-enhancing drug use.

Another short-term star whose cards exploded in value is Kenny Lofton, specifically his 1992 Topps Traded RC. Lofton established himself as one of baseball’s premier leadoff hitters and base-stealers in the 1990s, winning six Gold Gloves over his 17 year career mostly with the Indians. However, “Loft” only made one All-Star team and never won any major awards. Still, his rookie card has appreciation to over $1,500 in top condition due to his electric playmaking abilities and status as an Indian legend during their contending years.

While position players tend to get more attention from collectors, pitchers from the 1990s have also seen their valuable rookie cards rise dramatically. Perhaps none more than the 1998 Topps Todd Van Poppel. As the 14th overall pick in the 1990 draft by the Athletics, Van Poppel was supposed to be a future ace but washed out of the majors after just 5 seasons. Still, the allure and scarcity of his Topps RC has pushed PSA 10 gems over $3,000. Another flame-thrower whose rookie card holds value is 1999 Topps Erick Wedge. The hard-throwing righty was a dominant closer for years in the late 90s/early 2000s and his Topps RC in pristine condition can fetch $800-1000.

While the players above showcase the most expensive 1990s baseball cards, savvy collectors know there are also deals to be had by researching other stars and short-prints from the decade. For example, the 1992 Leaf Frank Thomas RC in a PSA 10 just sold on eBay for $550. The “Big Hurt” is a surefire Hall of Famer and his early Leaf issue is quite scarce in top condition. Another undervalued gem is the 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor Juan Gonzalez RC, which consistently sells in the $200-300 range for a pristine copy. Gonzalez was a two-time AL MVP in the 1990s and his refractors hold appeal for card designers and Rangers fans.

The 1990s were a golden age of baseball that is still being rediscovered by collectors today. While the Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones rookies set the standard for value, taking a deeper look into the stars and short-prints of the early 90s can uncover valuable gems from players like Jeter, A-Rod, Thomas, and Gonzalez. With the internet making research and auctions more accessible, it’s a great time to seek out the top rookie cards and memorabilia from one of the most talented eras in MLB history.

MOST VALUABLE DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS

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Don Mattingly is widely considered one of the greatest first basemen in Major League Baseball history despite his career being cut short by recurring back injuries. As a true lifetime Yankee, Mattingly played his entire 14-year career for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995 and was nicknamed “Donnie Baseball.” His on-field leadership, consistency at the plate and slick fielding ability made him a fan favorite and staple in the Yankee franchise during the 1980s. Unsurprisingly, Mattingly’s accomplishments, playing career and popularity have made many of his baseball cards very collectible and highly valuable decades after his retirement. Here is a more in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought after Don Mattingly baseball cards from across his career:

1985 Topps Traded #150T Don Mattingly RC Rookie Card – Widely considered Mattingly’s true rookie card, the 1985 Topps Traded issue debuted after his MVP 1984 season and regular 1985 Topps cards were already printed. As a late-season addition, it features updated stats and photos to capture Mattingly’s breakout year. In pristine mint condition, examples of this scarce Mattingly RC have sold for over $15,000, making it one of the costliest Yankees cards available. The card stands out for marking Mattingly’s arrival as a true star and one of the most renowned RCs from the 1980s set.

1987 Topps Tiffany #401T Don Mattingly – Part of Topps’ high-end premium “Tiffany” set released in 1987, cards from this exclusive limited parallel print run are rarer and more desirable than the standard issue. Mattingly’s Tiffany stands out for its vibrant color, sharp focus and near-perfect centering straight from the pack. In a true gem mint 10 grade, elite examples of this prized Mattingly refractor could sell for upwards of $25,000 among the most serious collectors. The Tiffany set is always in high demand for presenting players like Mattingly in their truest, sharpest form.

1989 Topps Traded #150T Don Mattingly All-Star/Prime – After chronic back injuries limited his playing time in 1988, Mattingly rebounded to post strong numbers and make the AL All-Star team the following season. His 1989 Topps Traded card memorializes that comeback and marks one of Mattingly’s final baseball primes before his career declined. Pristine copies in a true mint state can sell for $10-12,000 depending on the market due to its scarcity and historical significance in capturing Mattingly at a pivotal point.

1990 Topps #1 Don Mattingly – The ’90 Topps set boldly led off with Mattingly’s familiar smiling mug in action, a reflection of his status as one of baseball’s true superstars of the late 80s. Though not quite as valuable or rare as his rookie issues, pristine mint condition copies in a 9-10 grade still command $2,500-5,000 prices among Yankee collectors cherishing this iconic card image. Mattingly’s attractiveness and consistency during his heyday is on full display through his early Topps run.

1991 Topps #330 Don Mattingly All-Star – In his final All-Star season before injuries severely hampered his production, Mattingly earned his sixth and last Midsummer Classic nod in ’91. Topps commemorated it accordingly with this highlight insert card capturing him in All-Star uniform. In a true gem mint state, examples could fetch $4,000-6,000 today considering its scarcity within the Mattingly collection after his playing days wound down. It captures one of his final athletic primes before the inevitable decline.

1993 Topps #93 Don Mattingly ‘Career in Review’ – As Mattingly’s star power waned due to injuries in the early 90s, Topps paid tribute with this ‘Career in Review’ retrospective insert highlighting his top stats and accomplishments from 1982-1992. In perfect condition decades later, the nostalgia of this final Mattingly hurrah makes mint copies a $2,000-3,000 range card. While not his costliest, it provides a fitting full circle look on one of the greatest Yankees ever from one of the first players spotlighted in this Topps review set.

While rookie cards and early premium issues unsurprisingly command top dollar, dedicated Yankee collectors continue to pay strong premiums for any noteworthy Mattingly cardboard capturing a milestone or prime season in his storied career. As one of the sport’s most storied franchises and a fan favorite, Mattingly cards resonate with collectors embracing baseball nostalgia and the golden era he epitomized. Whether pristine or well-loved, Donnie Baseball’s cards ensure his legend lives on within the hobby for generations of fans who cherish him as Mr. October in the Bronx.

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BOWMAN BASEBALL 2023 BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card set was released in April and contains a variety of exciting rookie cards and prospects to collect. With the emergence of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. in recent years after debuting in Bowman sets, collectors are always on the hunt for the next big thing in each year’s crop of rookie cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most desirable cards to chase from the 2023 Bowman release.

Druw Jones – Undoubtedly the prized card of the set is Jones’ Chrome Yellow Refractor autograph. As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jones has immense hype and potential after being considered one of the best prep prospects of the last decade. His father Andruw played in the big leagues for 17 seasons and won 10 Gold Gloves, so Druw has elite bloodlines as well. Expect his Bowman Chrome Yellow autos to fetch prices well over $1,000 once he makes his professional debut in 2023.

Termarr Johnson – Another top draft pick with a bright future, Johnson was selected No. 4 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 out of high school in Georgia. He possesses five-tool talent and draws comparisons to Ronald Acuña Jr. with his left-handed swing and athleticism in center field. His Bowman Chrome autographs could appreciate significantly if he starts strong in the minors next season. Look for refractor and rainbow foil parallels of his auto to be the most valuable.

Brock Porter – As the No. 3 overall selection by the Texas Rangers, Porter generated huge buzz as one of the hardest throwers among prep arms in the 2022 class. With a fastball that sits in the upper-90s and a sharp slider, he has the makings of a future ace if he continues developing. His Bowman Chrome autographs will be hotly pursued, especially in blue refractor /150 or yellow /75 parallels.

Daniel Susac – A third-round pick by the Oakland A’s out of the University of Arizona, Susac had a monster junior season with 20 home runs and an impressive .366 batting average. He’s an advanced hitter for his age with good power potential. Susac’s autographed rookie cards will be must-haves for A’s and catcher collectors.

Elijah Green – Green fell to the Dodgers at No. 18 in the 2022 draft but was considered by some scouts to have the highest upside of any prep bat available. The left-handed hitting outfielder has 70-grade raw power and runs well for his size. His autographed Bowman cards could take off if he starts mashing homers in the minors next year.

Brooks Lee – The No. 8 overall selection by the Minnesota Twins, Lee was a star at Cal Poly with excellent hitting mechanics and feel for the game. He has the potential to hit for both power and average at higher levels. Lee’s autographed rookie cards will attract Twins fans and those hoping he develops into an all-around offensive force.

Jackson Holliday – Though taken No. 1 overall by the Orioles in 2022, Holliday slipped behind some of the other top prospects in terms of Bowman hype after an underwhelming pro debut. But he has the pedigree as the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday and was a highly touted prep bat. His autographed rookie cards are still worth adding in case he takes off in 2023.

Ethan Murray – Murray generated a lot of late buzz leading up to the 2022 draft as one of the fastest risers. He has a projectable 6’6 frame, a live arm, and hits upper-90s on the mound already in his development. The Red Sox snatched him up with the No. 26 pick. Murray’s autographed Bowman cards could pay off if his raw talents blossom in the Boston system.

Jace Jung – The younger brother of Rangers infielder Josh Jung, Jace was a second-round selection by the Padres in 2022 out of Texas Tech where he was the Big 12 Player of the Year. He has a polished all-fields approach at the plate and should hit for average. Jung’s signed rookie cards are solid long-term investments.

Other notable names to watch out for include second-rounder Chase DeLauter (Orioles), third-rounder Dylan Beavers (Twins), fourth-rounder Brock Jones (Rangers), and international signings Manny Machado Jr. and Roderick Arias. With so much young talent in the 2023 Bowman set, it will be fun to see which prospects emerge as stars over the next few seasons. For collectors, hunting these players’ rookie cards now presents opportunities to potentially acquire valuable assets before they break out.

RARE 1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible sets from the early 1990s. While it doesn’t have the same mainstream recognition as flagship sets like Topps and Fleer, serious baseball card collectors consider the 1990s Donruss sets to have some of the best designs and photography from that era. Within every Donruss set are also several rare and valuable chase cards that make completing a full set quite difficult. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the rarest and most valuable 1992 Donruss baseball cards that continue to elude many collectors to this day.

One of the true holy grails from the 1992 Donruss set is the Alex Rodriguez rookie card. Considered one of the most expensive modern-era rookie cards ever printed, the A-Rod rookie is arguably the key card that makes a complete 1992 Donruss set tremendously valuable. Unlike most rookie cards from the early 90s which had print runs in the millions, it’s estimated Donruss printed fewer than 500 copies of the Alex Rodriguez rookie. With such ridiculously low population, PSA/BGS graded examples regularly sell for $30,000-$50,000 when they surface. Even low-grade copies in worn condition are still worth $1,000-$2,000 due to the rarity. Finding any version of the A-Rod rookie, graded or ungraded, makes owning a complete 1992 Donruss set an extremely valuable collection.

Another hugely valuable chase card is the Bobby Bonilla card #150, which is one of Donruss’ infamous “Airbrush” parallel cards. These special parallel inserts were completely white with no photograph – just the player’s name and stats airbrushed onto the face of the card. Only 100 copies of the Bobby Bonilla Airbrush parallel are believed to exist, making high-grade examples truly prized possessions. PSA/BGS 10s have sold for over $10,000 before when available. Even very low-grade copies still demand $1,500+ on the open market due to how elusive finding any copy of this parallel is. It’s considered nearly impossible to have a truly complete 1992 Donruss set without the ultra-rare Bonilla Airbrush parallel included.

In addition to rare rookie and parallel cards, error cards from the 1992 Donruss set also hold tremendous value. One of the biggest error cards is Tom Glavine’s base card, which was accidentally printed without a team logo on the front. Only a small handful are believed to exist with this prominent error. PSA/BGS 10 grades have sold for over $5,000 given how instantly identifiable and desirable this error card is for advanced collectors. Another very rare error is Royce Clayton’s card, which was mistakenly printed with his last name spelled “Claytron.” Fewer than 10 copies are thought to exist with the typo, with mint PSA 10’s reaching $2,000+ at auction. Errors like these provide an extra element of challenge and rarity that truly dedicated 1992 Donruss collectors are always hoping to discover.

Moving beyond just the true “key” cards, there are many other obscure short-printed and parallel rookie cards from 1992 Donruss that are exceedingly difficult to find in high grades. Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Todd Helton all have extremely low print run rookies numbering in the mere hundreds or less. Any PSA/BGS 10 examples are holy grails that would make a complete set exponentially more valuable. Likewise, foil parallel versions of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Greg Maddux were also printed in tiny quantities. Collectors are always on the hunt for pristine copies of these obscure rookie and parallel variants to truly take their 1992 Donruss collections to the next level.

While massive mainstream sets like Topps and Fleer get most of the collector attention from the early 90s, the 1992 Donruss baseball card release deserves recognition as well for featuring some of the rarest modern chase cards ever. From the truly legendary A-Rod rookie to obscure errors and parallels numbering in the low hundreds or less, high-grade examples of these keys remain exceedingly difficult to find after all these years. Any collector who manages to locate even one of 1992 Donruss’ true keys would instantly have a set that rivals the value of complete vintage releases from the 1960s. It’s a true testament to the iconic designs, photography and rarity that still makes the 1992 Donruss release so coveted by today’s most advanced vintage baseball card collectors.

SHOWDOWN BASEBALL CARDS 2003

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The 2003 Topps Showdown baseball card set was a nostalgia-themed insert set released as part of Topps’ flagship baseball card release for that year. The set paid homage to baseball cards from the 1960s by replicating the classic design aesthetics of that era. Each card featured a current major league player posed in a stylized action photo meant to evoke the simplicity of the early days of modern baseball cards. The 100-card Showdown set stands out as one of the most creative and well-received insert sets of the early 2000s.

Topps had dabbled with nostalgia-themed subsets before, but the 2003 Showdown set represented their most ambitious retro design project to date. The card layout took its cue from the simple yet striking artwork of 1960s Topps issues. Each player was depicted against a solid color background within a basic border frame. All text was printed in classic solid banners at the top and bottom of the card in large easy-to-read fonts. Statistics were kept to an absolute minimum with only the player’s number, team, position and batting or pitching averages listed. Unlike modern baseball cards crowded with sponsorship logos and fine print, Showdown cards had an open and uncluttered feel focusing entirely on the central image of the player.

Beyond the basic framework, Topps designers incorporated period-appropriate photo treatments and graphical flourishes to complete the retro aesthetic. Action shots were high-contrast with deep blacks and pops of brightly saturated colors. Some effects like orange peels and green screens mimicked the experimental photo techniques occasionally seen on 1960s issues. Small touches like the team logo rosettes in the upper corners referenced niche designs from that decade. The end result was a set that looked convincingly like a lost set from the early days of the modern baseball card boom.

While previous Topps nostalgia inserts had mostly featured retired players, Showdown focused exclusively on current major leaguers. This helped drive interest from collectors both young and old. Fan favorites like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter and others were all well represented alongside rising stars. Each player was captured in dynamic action poses that highlighted their skills and personalities on the field. Some cards featured unique one-off photos while others incorporated more generic stock action shots. In either case, the retro treatments made even familiar modern players feel refreshed and novel to collectors.

Inserted randomly throughout Topps Series 1 factory sets and hobby boxes, the Showdown subset proved popular on the secondary market. With only a single card per pack on average, completion of the 100-card set required digging through many packs. Meanwhile the nostalgic designs drove strong early demand. Commons initially ranged from $1-3 while stars like Bonds, Jeter and Sammy Sosa pulled $5-10 each. Today graded examples in top condition can sell for over $100 online while a complete set often fetches $150-200 depending on year and condition of the cards.

Beyond their collectible value, the Showdown cards succeeded in effectively transporting fans back to the early days of the baseball card boom. For kid collectors just getting into the hobby, they provided a tangible link to the more innocent pastime of their parents and grandparents eras. Meanwhile older collectors enjoyed the refreshing simplicity and design purity compared to the mass marketed cards that had become the norm by the 2000s. Topps proved with Showdown that retro designs didn’t need to strictly be relegated tosubsets focused on stars of the past. By blending nostalgia with current stars, they created an insert line that endures nearly 20 years later as one of the defining issues of early 2000s baseball cards.

The 2003 Topps Showdown insert set stands out both for its ambitious retro design aesthetic borrowing from 1960s baseball cards, and for capturing interest from both new and old collectors through its mixing of nostalgia themes with images of modern MLB stars. By focusing solely on current players in a stylized throwback framework, Topps created an instant classic nostalgia subset that remains a highlight of their 2000s baseball card product line nearly two decades later. Between its collectible popularity and ability to effectively transport fans back to the earliest days of the sport’s modern cardboard craze, Showdown deserves recognition among the most memorable and well-conceived limited series in the hobby’s history.

MOST VALUABLE 2022 BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

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The 2022 MLB rookie class featured many highly touted prospects who made their debuts and started their careers off strongly. As a result, their rookie cards have already gained significant value on the collecting market. While it’s still early and careers can change dramatically, here are some of the most valuable 2022 baseball rookie cards based on the hype around the players and current sale prices:

Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles: As the top prospect in baseball for several years who debuted in 2022, Rutschman’s rookie cards were some of the most sought after. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 pulled straight from a retail blaster box recently sold for over $1100. Low-numbered parallels like Gold /10 and Orange /50 have sold for anywhere from $3000-$6000. Even his common retail rookies sell for $50-100 now. Rutschman looks like a future star and anchor for the Orioles, keeping fan and collector interest high in his cards.

Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals: The number two overall pick in the 2019 draft who reached the majors in 2022, Witt immediately made an impact with impressive power and speed. His Topps ChromeYellow Refractor /299s have sold for around $800-900 already. Low numbered refractors in Pink /50 and Gold /10 have gone for $2000-$4000. Given his all-around skills and star potential as the future face of the Royals, Witt’s cards hold massive long term value potential.

Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers: As the number one pick in 2020 out of Arizona State who debuted in 2022, Torkelson carries great hype. He struggled early but started to find his zone towards the end of the season. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299s sell for around $500 currently. Low serial numbered refractors like Orange /50 and Pink /25 have sold for $1200-$2000 already based on his pedigree and expectation to be a 20+ home run hitter for Detroit.

Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners: Rodriguez electrified baseball with his explosive play after debuting mid-season in 2022. He’s now considered a potential future superstar. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells in the $500 range. Higher end refractors like Pink /50 and Orange /50 have realized prices of $1200-$2500 due to all the buzz around his outstanding all-around talent. Rodriguez is poised to be the new face of the Mariners and his cards are skyrocketing.

Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6’7″, Cruz is a true freak athlete with a combination of size and skills never seen before. He showed electric raw power in his limited 2022 debut. His Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells for $350-400 now purely based on hype from his mammoth home runs and potential impact. Limited serial numbered refractors in Pink /50 and Gold /10 have sold upwards of $1000-1500 already despite not playing a full season yet. Cruz may be a superstar in the making and the sky is the limit for his cards if he delivers.

Nick Lodolo – Cincinnati Reds: The seventh overall pick in 2019 was especially impressive in his 2022 debut, flashing a plus fastball-changeup mix and clean mechanics. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells around $300 currently. Lower numbered refractors in Orange /50 and Pink /50 range from $500-1000 based on expectations he’ll be a frontline starter for Cincy. If Lodolo takes the next step as expected, his cards could really appreciate over the next few years.

Grae Kessinger – Chicago White Sox: Drafted in the first round in 2019, Kessinger exploded onto the scene with a huge 2022 debut showing a polished bat and impressive glove at shortstop. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor sells for $200-250 already despite limited playing time. Rarer parallels like Gold /10 and Orange /50 have realized over $500. Kessinger has earned top prospect status and more playing time in 2023 would further fuel the rise in his card values.

Mark Vientos – New York Mets: As one of the Mets’ top prospects who debuted in 2022, Vientos showcased big power potential. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells in the $150 range currently. Higher end refractors like Pink /50 and Gold /10 have closed for $300-500 given buzz he may develop into a middle of the order threat. Vientos has star attributes if he puts it all together long term, keeping collectors active on his cards.

Andrew Painter – Philadelphia Phillies: The 13th overall pick in 2021 who skipped over to reach the majors briefly in 2022, Painter has huge potential as a future ace. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor commands over $150 currently. Low numbered refractors like Gold /10 and Orange /50 have sold up to $500 based on his projection as a frontline starter. Painter has garnered comparisons to hall of famer Sandy Koufax, ratcheting up anticipation for his cards.

Garrett Mitchell – Milwaukee Brewers: Taken 20th overall in 2018, Mitchell made his big league debut in 2022 and showed well with his speed, defense, and developing power. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor sells around $100 currently. Finer refractors like Pink /50 and Gold /10 have closed for $150-300 as Mitchell looks like a core outfield piece for years. If Mitchell hits to his potential, his cards stand to gain substantially.

This rookie class features many stars and future stars who have already made an impact on the field and seen their cards gain significant value. While some volatility exists, cards from players like Rutschman, Witt, Rodriguez and others seem posed for especially high long term values assuming they fulfill their immense talents. This class may end up defining the next era of MLB superstars.