BEST APP FOR SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling your baseball card collection can be a great way to earn some extra cash, but deciding how to sell them can be tricky. In the past, you may have considered consigning cards to a local shop, having a yard sale, or selling on eBay. In today’s digital world, mobile apps provide a convenient way to sell cards from your phone or tablet.

There are several baseball card apps that make listing, pricing, and selling your cards simple. In this article, we will review some of the top options for selling baseball cards through an app and provide tips on how to get the most value for your collection.

eBay

eBay is still one of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling collectibles like baseball cards. While you can list cards on eBay from a desktop, their mobile app streamlines the process and allows you to easily take photos, set prices, and manage your listings on the go.

Some key benefits of using the eBay app to sell baseball cards include:

Huge buyer base – With millions of active buyers browsing every day, you have a large potential audience to reach.

Flexible listing options – You can list individual cards, teams, sets, or your entire collection. Pricing is up to you.

Payment protection – eBay protects sellers by holding payments until buyers receive and are satisfied with their items.

Global reach – Your listings are visible worldwide, not just locally. This increases sales potential.

Seller tools – Features like best offer, multi-quantity listings, and completed sales reports help maximize profits.

The downside is eBay takes a final value fee of 10% on most card sales. Shipping and supplies are also extra costs to consider. Still, the platform gives you the best chance to find high prices due to high traffic.

Decluttr

Decluttr is an app that focuses on buying cards outright instead of listing them for sale. You simply scan the barcodes of your cards and Decluttr provides instant cash offers based on current market values. If you accept an offer, they send payment quickly via check or PayPal.

Pros of using Decluttr include:

Fast offers – Get quotes in seconds without waiting days for a sale to close.

Simple process – Just scan and accept, no listing, descriptions, or shipping required.

Cash in hand – Get paid immediately rather than waiting to be paid by buyers.

You likely won’t get top dollar for rare cards since Decluttr aims to make a profit when reselling. Acceptable only if convenience is the priority over maximizing profits.

COMC

COMC (Collectors.com) is a popular online marketplace specifically for trading cards, comics, and other collectibles. Their mobile app replicates the full website experience.

Key benefits of using COMC include:

Dedicated collectibles site – Buyers are other collectors, not just casual fans.

Grading verification – COMC verifies the authenticity and grade of slabbed cards.

Consignment option – You can set consignment terms and COMC handles the selling/shipping.

Research tools – Check pop reports, sale histories, and want lists from other users.

Established reputation – COMC has been in business since 1997 with millions of transactions.

Downsides are slightly higher commission fees than eBay (13%) and slower overall sales/turnaround than eBay or Decluttr. But COMC caters specifically to collectors.

CardFlip

CardFlip is a newer app focused solely on sports cards and memorabilia. It aims to streamline the process of buying, selling, and trading cards online.

Key CardFlip features:

Social feed – See what others are buying/selling and get card value estimates.

Auctions and fixed price listings – Flexible listing options like eBay.

Built-in offers – Make offers directly on cards you want without messaging sellers.

Integrated payment – Payments are handled securely through CardFlip.

Consignment store mode – Sell cards through CardFlip’s marketplace like COMC.

Card scanning – Quickly list cards by scanning barcodes with your phone’s camera.

Potential downsides are a smaller user base currently than larger marketplaces. But CardFlip provides a true mobile-first experience well-suited for card collectors.

No matter which app you choose, taking clear, well-lit photos of your cards and providing detailed descriptions will help them sell faster. Only list cards in top-loaded holders or one-touches for protection. Also, be realistic with pricing – check recent sold prices on eBay to compete. With the right app and presentation, you can earn good money for your baseball card collection with just a few taps on your phone.

1950S BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1950s were a seminal time for the baseball card collecting hobby. In the post-World War 2 era, bubblegum and candy companies like Topps, Bowman, and Golden Press started including collectible baseball cards in their products, helping to popularize the young sport of baseball across the country. These early 1950s issues laid the foundation for the golden age of baseball cards in the decades to follow.

While the condition and scarcity of a card helps determine its value, certain 1950s players and rookies are especially desirable to vintage baseball card collectors today due to their significance in the game’s history. Here are some of the standout 1950s cards that can be worth serious money in top grades:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 10): Widely considered the “holy grail” of vintage sports cards, the iconic rookie card of Yankees legend Mickey Mantle is one of the most valuable collectibles in existence. In a pristine Near Mint-Mint (PSA 10) grade, a 1952 Topps Mantle can fetch well over $500,000 at auction. Even high-grade PSA 8-9 examples trade hands for five figures. Only around 50 PSA 10 Mantles are known to exist.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron (PSA 10): As one of the greatest hitters of all time, the Hall of Famer Hank Aaron is another iconic rookie card from the 1950s. His scarce 1954 Topps issue ranks as one of the most desirable cards from that era. High-grade (PSA 8-10) Aaron rookies can sell for $30,000-$100,000 depending on condition.

1955 Topps Willie Mays (PSA 10): “The Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays dominated the 1950s with his spectacular all-around play. His eye-catching 1955 Topps rookie is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards from that decade. Pristine PSA 10 examples have fetched upwards of $150,000. Even lower-grade Mays rookies retain value due to their historical significance, with PSA 8s bringing five figures.

1957 Topps Roberto Clemente (PSA 10): Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente was one of the great five-tool players and trailblazers of baseball’s integration era. His scarce 1957 rookie is one of the most coveted issues from the late 1950s. PSA 10 grades are rare, with most examples in the $25,000-$50,000 range. Even lower grades command big prices considering Clemente’s prominence in baseball history.

1956 Topps Sandy Koufax (PSA 9-10): As one of the most dominant pitchers ever, Sandy Koufax’s electrifying prime years were still ahead in 1956 when Topps issued his first card. Top-graded examples in PSA 9-10 condition are valued between $30,000-$50,000 today due to their rarity and significance as a pre-rookie card. The 1956 design is also quite iconic from that decade.

1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle: While not as iconic as his Topps rookie, Mantle’s 1952 Bowman card holds prominence as one of the first post-WW2 issues. It preceded the Topps cards by several months. Top-graded PSA 9-10 Bowman Mantles command $20,000-$50,000 on the secondary market depending on sharpness and eye appeal. PSA 8s still reach five figures.

1956 Topps Ted Williams: The Splendid Splinter’s last card from his playing career, issued during his final season. Ted Williams was one of the sport’s earliest superstars and his intimidating 1956 pose remains one of the set’s most memorable images. PSA 9-10 graded examples trade in the $10,000-$20,000 range depending on condition factors like centering.

Other key 1950s rookie cards that retain value in top condition include: 1954 Topps Willie Mays and Eddie Mathews, 1955 Topps Orlando Cepeda, 1958 Topps Bob Gibson, and 1959 Topps Rico Petrocelli among others. Stars like Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Warren Spahn have 1950s cards in the $1,000-$5,000 range graded PSA 9 or above.

Beyond star rookies and retirees, other factors like limited print runs, photographic variants, and scarce serial numbers can make certain 1950s issues exponentially rarer and more valuable as well. For example, the elusive 1952 Topps Eddie Ford error card with “Ed Ford” printed upside down is worth well over six figures to collectors today.

Key rookie cards from legendary players who dominated the 1950s like Mantle, Mays, Aaron, and Clemente will always be Blue Chip investments for collectors. But sharp-eyed collectors would do well researching other 1950s stars, errors, and variations that may have been overlooked but could have sizable appreciation potential with another generation. With interest in vintage cardboard growing stronger all the time, top condition examples from this seminal decade of baseball card production will remain classic holdings for savvy collectors.

RARE 80’s BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980s marked a boom in popularity for collecting sports cards, especially those featuring Major League Baseball players. While many common cards from the decade can still be found relatively cheaply, there are also quite a few rare 1980s baseball cards that have gained immense value over the years. For serious collectors looking to show off the rarest pieces in their collection or make a sizable profit, here are some of the most coveted scarce 80s baseball cards to keep an eye out for.

One of the true holy grails from the 1980s is the Freddie Lynn 1979 Topps rookie card. Only issued as a league-leader subset card due to Lynn winning the American League batting title that year, estimates suggest only 50-100 of these rookie cards were ever printed. In gem mint condition, ungraded examples have sold at auction for over $50,000. Even well-worn copies in played condition can still fetch thousands. Lynn only had a short prime but his rookie card’s extreme rarity makes it one of the most valuable from the entire decade.

Another hugely expensive option is the 1978 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan card, featuring the future Hall of Famer poised for a windup in his Angels uniform. Only 175 of these cards were inserted into 1978 Topps Traded wax packs, and it’s believed less than 50 survive in gem grade today. Graded examples regularly sell for $30,000-$40,000, while even lower grade copies still pull in five figures. Not only is this one of Ryan’s earliest Topps Traded cards, its minute production numbers cement it as his most coveted pre-Astros card.

Rookies were a major focus in the 1980s card boom, and some produced cards that have skyrocketed over the years. A noteworthy example is Fernando Valenzuela’s 1981 Topps Traded rookie card, issued halfway through his stellar rookie season with the Dodgers. Only 150 of these cards were inserted by Topps, and high grade copies now sell for $15,000-$25,000. Another is Darryl Strawberry’s 1983 Topps Traded rookie card, with a print run even lower than Valenzuela’s at around 100 copies. This rare pre-Mets Strawberry rookie has been known to command over $20,000 in top condition.

error cards from the 1980s are also exceptionally collectible for obvious reasons. A famous mistake is found on the 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card, which features an embarrassing typo labeling him “Call Ripken Jr.” Only a small number of these typo cards are assumed to exist, and they regularly sell for multiple thousands even in lower grades due to their extreme scarcity and novelty value. The 1987 Topps Bo Jackson card, which erroneously depicts him in a Raiders uniform instead of with the Royals, also commonly fetches $3,000-$5,000 for collectors seeking one of the most publicized error issues from the decade.

Beyond rookies and errors, certain star player or team set collector’s cards also hold great value. A spectacularly rare pull is the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card, only issued in Canadian packs that year. The hockey legend’s obvious rookie is considered one of the crown jewels for both baseball and sports cards alike–pristine examples frequently enter six figure territory at auction. For Dodgers diehards, nothing quite compares to the 1981 Opening Day Fernando Valenzuela card, picturing Fernando hoisting the Rookie of the Year award. Less than a dozen are said to exist in mint condition, with one graded Gem Mint 10 recently selling at $70,000.

Team sets from particular seasons can also possess immense appreciating value. The 1984 Topps Traded Tigers set has become hugely influential due to its iconic Kirby Puckett rookie card inclusion, in addition to stars like Trammel and Morris pictured in Olde English ‘D’. Complete near-mint sets now go for $6,000- $8,000. The much rarer 1980 Los Angeles Dodgers team set, featuring rookie cards of Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Howe, and others on dodger blue borders, is also a staggering find. Only approximately 100 sets are believed to still be intact, with pristine examples changing hands for incredible six-figure sums.

Of course, the rarest 1980s baseball cards are also defined by their staggering scarcity. Among the most coveted of all would have to be the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Don Mattingly rookie card, identifiable by its Canadian backs. The first card ever produced of the future Yankee’s icon is so scarce that finding an authentic copy in any grade seems more luck than skill. When one finally hit the market in 2013, it shattered records by selling at auction for $231,000. While most collectors can only dream of owning cards like this, marveling at their immense historical significance is enjoyment enough for many. By venturing into the rarest territory of 1980s issues, the true high-end treasures can be unearthed—even if they remain stubbornly out of reach.

The 1980s expansion of the sports card industry created a golden era that produced some simply legendary rare gems. For savvy collectors, unearthing high grade examples of the elusive rookies, errors, and ultra-short print run cards from the decade can reap sizeable profit or prestige decades later. While naturally very difficult to track down, the immensely valuable specimens chronicled here provide a goal for those fascinated by precisely what defines the rarest of the rare in cardboard collecting. Between iconic MLB rookies, notorious mistakes, and virtually non-existent parallel issues, the 1980s crafted several modern holy grails that still enthral collectors worldwide.

1986 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set holds significant nostalgia and value for baseball card collectors and fans of the 1980s. The set marked a transition period for Topps, who had produced baseball cards exclusively for decades but now faced competition from rival manufacturer O-Pee-Chee in Canada. Between design changes, rookie cards, and a memorable rookie class, the 1986 O-Pee-Chee set endures as a historic issue that can still pay off for savvy collectors.

Like many early 1980s sets, the 1986 O-Pee-Chee cards featured player positions and stats on the back. The design saw some notable alterations from previous years. The fronts featured borderless photos with simple team logo designs at the bottom. The iconic O-Pee-Chee logo now appeared in the upper-left corner rather than in a banner across the top. The white borders were also replaced by a solid dark colored frame. These aesthetic moves helped give the 1986 cards a fresh, modern look that has stood the test of time for collectors.

A major highlight of the 1986 set are the rookie cards it features. Chief among them are future Hall of Famers Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. All three pitchers debuted in 1986 and went on to have legendary careers. Their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors. Other notable rookies included Will Clark, David Justice, and Mark McGwire, who was just beginning to display his prodigious power. With such an all-time great rookie class, having a complete set with these cards in high grade earns significant cachet among investors.

Financially, the 1986 O-Pee-Chee cards present plenty of potential returns depending on grade and individual player cards. Common base cards in near mint to mint condition can reliably fetch $1-2. Short prints and stars command higher valuations. Roger Clemens’ iconic rookie, one of the key pieces of any collection, has sold for over $2000 in gem mint 10 grade. Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine rookies often trade hands for $300-500 in top shape as well. Mark McGwire’s debut card has seen heightened demand in recent years, with a PSA 10 example selling for $1200. Even role players offer value – a mint Wade Boggs card could net $20-30 based on recent eBay sales.

For investors, there remains room for 1986 O-Pee-Chee cards to appreciate further. Demand is steady thanks to the nostalgia factor of the 1980s design and the allure of future HOF rookie cards. As the generation that grew up with these cards reaches peak spending power, willingness to pay for high-end graded examples should stay firm. The industry remains bullish long-term as well, forecasting 5-10% annual increases.

Grading is also an important aspect to consider. Receiving professional authentication and high numerical grades exponentially increases values. A PSA or BGS 10 Clemens rookie for instance could fetch over $5000 at auction. Even 9’s are still highly coveted pieces for serious collections. Consequently, locating pristine raw copies and submitting them still holds profit potential as the market remains keen on true investment-grade cardboard from the mid-80s.

For the dedicated collector, finding complete 1986 O-Pee-Chee sets remains a challenge. The print run was sizable for the time at over 700,000 packs produced. However, 35 years of use and storage taken their toll. Reputable sellers on eBay report sets in VG-EX condition start around $100-150 depending on centering and condition of the stars. Very Good sets may go for under $75. But locating a flawless near-mint or better set with all the key rookies could easily fetch $500-1000 based on recent sales data. For a relatively affordable price point, it’s an appealing vintage set with staying power.

The 1986 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set endures as an iconic sporting collectible of the decade. Technological hurdles had threated the industry but Topps adapted, with O-Pee-Chee’s competition only strengthening the appeal of the product. Loaded with all-time great rookie cards sure to be evergreen investments, along with a snappy 1980s design, it has retained value performance better than most contemporary issues. For collectors, a complete high-grade 1986 O-Pee-Chee set or key individual cards remain sound speculation and nostalgia for a special time in baseball history. With strong future potential, it’s easy to see why the 1986s deserve a place in any serious vintage collection or investment portfolio.

TOP 1989 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases of the late 1980s. The designs were flashy and featured new action shots of players on vibrant color backgrounds. This release also featured some of the brightest young stars in the game that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While it may lack the star power and hype of sets like 1988 Fleer and 1989 Upper Deck, 1991 Bowman, or 1992 Bowman, 1989 Bowman still contains many highly coveted rookie and star player cards that continue to increase in value decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors seek from this fun and memorable set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Arguably the most desirable card in the entire set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already generating immense hype in 1989 as a hugely talented young center fielder with a beautiful left-handed swing for the Seattle Mariners. While still just a 19-year old rookie at the time, collectors recognized his potential to be a true superstar. His rookie card showcases Griffey striding confidently toward the plate in glorious full color. This card has skyrocketed in value over the years to become one of the most expensive modern rookie cards on the market today, often fetching thousands of dollars even in low grades.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card: Like Griffey, Frank Thomas was already making major waves in his first full season with the Chicago White Sox in 1989 at age 21. His advanced plate approach and mammoth home runs gave a glimpse into the hitting skills that would earn him the moniker “The Big Hurt” and eventual enshrinement in Cooperstown. Thomas’ rookie card is one of the standout short prints from the set, showing his broad shoulders and intense stare. While not quite as iconic or costly as Griffey’s, it remains a crucial rookie card for White Sox fans and Thomas PC collectors.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card: As a member of the Athletics in his 1987 rookie season, Mark McGwire had already blasted 49 home runs to set a new major league rookie record. His dominance led him to become the most hyped rookie amongst collectors in 1989 Bowman. His card features “Big Mac” digging in at the plate, emphasizing his thick physique and prodigious power. Despite some condition-related issues that ding its rarity a bit, McGwire rookies have stayed popular for Oakland fans and remain financially out of reach for most collectors raw or graded.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Barry Bonds became the face of the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise in the late 1980s and established himself as perhaps the best all-around player in baseball. His rookie card from the ’89 Bowman set is one of the more ornate designs from that year, depicting Bonds rounding third base in a green and yellow border. Like most high-end vintage stars, his rookies became quite expensive over the years even before accounting for his controversial legacy. Still, for Pirates PC collectors or those seeking arguably the greatest player of all-time, this Bonds rookie remains iconic.

Ken Hill Rookie Card: While not a true “superstar” rookie like Griffey or Thomas, Texas Rangers starter Ken Hill had a very solid 14-year MLB career that was highlighted by his Cy Young-caliber 1992 season. His rookie in 1989 Bowman is quite scarce and intriguing for Rangers fans. Hill is shown striding in from the bullpen, showcasing the sidearm delivery that brought him success as a reliable starter and middle reliever over his career. Condition issues knock its value below true elite rookies, but Hill rookies retain collectors’ interest.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card: As a member of the San Diego Padres in 1989, Roberto Alomar was still early in his Hall of Fame career but already displaying tremendous skills with the glove and bat that would define him as arguably the greatest second baseman ever. His color photo rookie from this set is amongst the sharper and nicer-looking cards in 1989 Bowman. Alomar remained a star for many contending Blue Jays and Orioles teams, making this a crucial rookie card for any AL East team PC or general vintage collection.

Doug Drabek Rookie Card: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Doug Drabek had established himself as one of baseball’s premier starting pitchers by 1990 when he won both the National League Cy Young Award and MLB Comeback Player of the Year honors. His rookie card from 1989 Bowman is a strong representation of his distinct pitching motion and intensity on the mound as a member of the Houston Astros. While not in the same galaxy of popularity as superstar cards, Drabek rookies retain steady interest from vintage collectors and Pirates fans.

Randy Johnson Rookie Card: Standing an imposing 6-foot-10 with a blazing fastball, “The Big Unit” was already showcasing his future Hall of Fame talent as a young Seattle Mariners starter in 1989. His vibrantly colorful rookie card depicts an intense close-up of the lefty preparing to fire a pitch. Johnson would go on to become arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher ever while starring for many contending teams. Even with some surface issues, his rookie remains a must-have for any Mariners or Johnson PC due to his legendary career.

The 1989 Bowman baseball set endures tremendous appeal for vintage collectors due to its fun, designer-style visuals plus starring rookie cards and early depictions of future Cooperstown legends. Even after over 30 years, specimens of Griffey, Thomas, McGwire, Bonds and others crack five-figure prices when high graded. For an affordable vintage basketball product loaded with young star power, 1989 Bowman is tough to top. While condition issues hold back some individual cards, collecting stars from this iconic release remains an enticing pursuit for any baseball fan or investor.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SHOHEI OHTANI

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Shohei Ohtani is widely considered one of the most unique and phenomenal baseball players of all time due to his rare ability to pitch and hit at an elite level. Since making his MLB debut in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani has captivated fans worldwide with his 5-tool talent and jaw-dropping performances on both sides of the ball. It’s no surprise then that baseball card manufacturer Topps has placed significant focus on featuring Ohtani in their popular sets over the past few seasons.

2018 Topps Baseball Series 1 #132 Shohei Ohtani RC

Ohtani’s first Topps baseball card came in the 2018 Topps Series 1 set, marking his official MLB rookie card. This sought-after card features a photo of Ohtani batting from the left side with an Angels batting helmet on. The card stock is standard glossy and features Ohtani’s name in English and Japanese along the bottom. Series 1 was released in late February/early March of 2018 prior to Ohtani debuting stateside, so the statistics listed on the back are from his tenure in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. This was fans’ first chance to add the Japanese phenom to their collections before he made his highly anticipated stateside debut. Due to his obscurity and hype prior to 2018, Ohtani’s rookie cards from this set command premium prices to this day and are a must-have for collectors following his early career.

2018 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #73 Shohei Ohtani

In addition to his base rookie card, Topps also included Ohtani in their 2018 Allen & Ginter baseball minis product. These smaller cards are inserted randomly in wax packs and boxes in place of a normal size card. Ohtani’s mini showcases an action shot of him batting from the left side with his unusual two-handed follow through. As with typical Allen & Ginter designs, a fun border surrounds the image. These minis invoked a more whimsical and collectible aspect compared to Ohtani’s standard rookie issue. They remain a hotly sought unique variant among Ohtani collectors.

2019 Topps Opening Day #14 Shohei Ohtani

By 2019, Ohtani was a full-time two-way star in the majors and Topps commemorated this with him earning prominent placements across their flagship sets. One of the highlights was his base card in the 2019 Topps Opening Day set, which features him in an Angels home white uniform posing in a batting stance. This set is usually one of the first major releases each year, making it an ideal option for collectors to add Ohtani to their collections as he entered his much-anticipated sophomore season stateside. While not quite as scarce as his true rookie, this served as Ohtani’s main base card offering as he cemented himself as one of MLB’s brightest young stars.

2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire #150 Shohei Ohtani

For collectors seeking higher-end Ohtani parallels, Topps offered the Japanese star in their premium 2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire set. This exclusive parallel showcases an alternate photo of Ohtani batting from the left side in his distinctive crouching stance. Unlike the standard Topps Chrome focus on refractor and parallel designs, Sapphire takes things up a notch with its stark blue border and deeper sapphire-tinted image. Only available through highly sought hobby boxes of Chrome, these Sapphire parallels commands significant prices due to their rarity and prestigious packaging within the set. They offered advanced collectors a true luxury Ohtani option during his breakout All-Star campaign.

2020 Topps Chrome Blaster Purple Refractor #37 Shohei Ohtani

With each passing season, Ohtani’s star only continued rising higher. In 2020, he made history as the first full-time two-way player since the early Babe Ruth era. Topps paid tribute with a sharp looking purple refractor parallel of Ohtani batting from their 2020 Topps Chrome Blaster product line. Available through Target exclusive blaster boxes at a lower retail price point, these purple refractors showcase some nice color pop to his uniform without breaking the bank compared to high-end parallels. They represented an accessible option for fans and collectors looking to commemorate Ohtani’s unprecedented Renaissance season and two-way dominance in an eye-catching parallel design.

2021 Topps Finest Black Border /25 Shohei Ohtani

The 2021 season saw Ohtani put up perhaps the greatest all-around campaign in today’s MLB as a hitter and pitcher, cementing his status as a modern icon. Topps celebrated with their premium Topps Finest release, including a rare black border parallel of Ohtani as a hitter. Limited to only 25 copies worldwide, these ultra-short printed parallels feature Ohtani from the left side with his epic follow-through and a stark black border. Inside high-end Finest hobby boxes, these provide the ultimate defined relic for Ohtani supercollector seeking the rarest of the rare. They exemplify the care Topps took through their whole set program to properly honor Ohtani’s unparalleled 2021 MVP season.

In just a few short years, Shohei Ohtani has cemented himself as a living legend and crowd favorite through his historic two-way play. Topps has been there to commemorate each incredible step of the way through Ohtani’s rookie years, All-Star seasons, and unprecedented MVP campaign. From widespread base cards to exclusive parallels, their extensive Ohtani offerings provide fans an array of options to collect and remember his amazing dual talent. As his story continues unfolding, Topps will surely remain at the forefront chronicling each milestone through memorable baseball cards as only they can. Ohtani’s ongoing legend is perfectly captured in the hobby he so captivates.

PLACE THAT BUYS BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball card shops have long been popular places for fans of America’s pastime to buy, sell, and trade their beloved cardboard collectibles. Whether you have a few common cards or a valuable collection worth thousands, card shops are destinations for anyone looking to expand or liquidate their baseball card holdings.

The main attraction of card shops is their massive inventory of cards from every era readily available for purchase. Serious collectors can find obscure rookie cards, rare autographed memorabilia cards, complete sets, and just about any other baseball card imaginable if they scour a shop’s shelves and long boxes full of organized cards sorted by player, team, year, and set. Clerks and owners with decades of experience can also help buyers track down specific needs to finish collections.

Beyond browsing inventory, card shops are commerce hubs where people can sell individual cards or entire collections. Most shops will appraise collections and cut fair deals, purchasing cards outright or offering store credit that can be used toward new acquisitions. Sellers benefit from the convenience of liquidating large lots all at once rather than piecing out cards piecemeal online or at shows.

Similarly, card shops foster trading between collectors where cards of comparable value change hands. Regulars form communities and friendships around their shared hobby. Some shops even host league play days, trivia contests, and preview nights for upcoming release products.

Of course, not every shop is created equal. Reputable outfits headed by honest owners dedicated to cultivating collectors will treat customers better than fly-by-night operations. Factors like inventory depth and organization, fair pricing policies, knowledgeable helpful staff, and a cleanly well-lit storefront make for the best shopping experiences.

Larger metro areas naturally support multiple brick-and-mortar shops while rural collectors may need to seek out the closest options within an hour or more drive. Well-established franchise chains like Card Collector’s Kingdom provide consistency across locations nationwide. Meanwhile local one-off shops contribute unique flair reflecting their owners’ personalities. Both fill important roles in the marketplace.

The brick-and-mortar card shop model faces competition from rising online retailers and auction sites. Proponents argue nothing can replace the visceral experience of sifting through piles of cardboard in person, discussing the latest news face to face with fellow collectors, and immediately walking out the door with new acquisitions in hand. By remaining destinations for both commerce and community, the best shops endure alongside online alternatives.

Beyond shops catering primarily to baseball cards, other sporting goods stores with larger focus on cards for sports like basketball and football can still provide valuable baseball card resources. Hobby stores stocking supplies for collectors of coins, stamps, model trains, and more may carve out sections dedicated to various card games and sports as well.

Card conventions pose periodic alternatives to brick-and-mortar shopping. Held in convention centers and hotel ballrooms nationwide on weekends throughout the year, these shows concentrate hundreds of dealer tables under one roof. It becomes possible to view tens of thousands of cards from dozens of vendors in a single day and participate in group breaks, auctions, autograph signings, and seminars. Some collectors enjoy diving deep at conventions while others find the experience overwhelming. Either way, the major recurring shows greatly supplement local shops.

As always, awareness of market values remains crucial for baseball card collectors. Sites monitoring auction sales assists pricing cards and making informed purchases or marketplace decisions. Prices fluctuate constantly based on player performance and career milestones as well as economic and pop culture trends beyond sports. Cards carrying minimum value still hold nostalgia forcompletionists even if not lucrative investment pieces. Overall a lively resale market exists to keep the card-collecting economy humming along.

Whether focusing on vintage legends or today’s stars of tomorrow, local card shops and larger conventions provide dedicated havens for collectors engaging with the culture, commerce, and community around baseball cards old and new. While competition grows, savvy entrepreneurs and collectors alike ensure the traditional business of baseball’s cardboard pastimes flourishes for future generations to enjoy.

1990 HILLS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Hills Baseball Card set was produced by the Hills Department Stores chain in an effort to capitalize on the booming baseball card market of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hills, which operated department stores mainly in the Midwest region of the United States, had previously issued baseball cards in 1986 and 1988 under their own brand. For their 1990 offering, Hills produced a 520 card base set along with additional inserts and parallel inserts that captured the current MLB players and stars of the day.

Some key aspects that defined the 1990 Hills Baseball Card set included the photography, design themes, production details, and the inclusion of popular parallel insert sets that added to the appeal of the product at retail. In terms of photography, Hills utilized mostly glossy photography for their base card images that featured current player imagery. This represented a shift from their previous paper-like texture photo style used in prior years. Hills also went with a clean and straightforward design approach for the base cards that prominently featured the team logo and player name without much other adornment.

The cards measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, which was the standard size for modern baseball cards at that time. They were on the thinner side compared to some other commercial brands as well. In terms of production, Hills contracted sports card manufacturer TCMA to produce and distribute the 1990 set. A total of 520 base cards were produced to feature one card for every player who appeared on a major league roster in 1990. Short prints and additional parallels would later push the total published card count higher. The cards featured white borders with team color accenting.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1990 Hills Baseball Card set was the inclusion of several popular parallel and insert sets that added collecting interest and increased the overall size of the product. One of the more valuable parallel sets was the “Hills Superstars” collection, which featured gold foil versions of 100 base cards starring some of the game’s biggest stars like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr. and Roger Clemens. Numbered to only 100 copies each, these parallel versions are incredibly rare and valuable to collectors today.

Another prized parallel was the “All-Star” parallel set, which featured blue foil versions of 50 base cards highlighting the biggest names in the game at the time. Like the Superstars, these were also scarce, being limited to a print run of only 150 copies each. The inclusion of these parallel inserts helped drive sales of the regular 1990 Hills set at retail stores as collectors sought after the best players and the chance to pull an ultra-rare parallel. In addition, Hills also produced “Traded” variations, which updated players’ uniforms to reflect midseason trades.

Beyond the parallel inserts, Hills included several other inserts series within packs and boxes of the 1990 offering. One was a 50 card “Preview” set that teased some of the top rookie and prospect players who were on the cusp of breaking into the majors full-time in 1991. Another was a 33 card “Top Prospects” insert featuring some of the best young talent in the minor leagues at that time who had not debuted yet in the show. Both served as a preview of the next generation of stars.

Hills also added “Record Breakers” inserts highlighting specific career milestones reached by players during the 1990 season, like Nolan Ryan’s 5000th strikeout. Some serially numbered “Hills Heroes” inserts focused on all-time greats already in the Hall of Fame. And “Record Watch” inserts tracked active players’ pursuit of specific career records. All of these extra insert sets added variety and served collector interests beyond just the base roster set.

In terms of the retailer promotion, Hills produced special factory sets exclusively for their department stores containing some of the top stars in the regular base set along with hit chances at inserts. The boxes and packs of the 1990 Hills Baseball Cards were then stocked on aisles or by checkout lanes at Hills stores across the Midwest region. Advertisements in newspapers and flyers helped drive consumers to seek out the product, especially with the gambling aspect of pulling a rare parallel or insert. Hills was seeking to turn sports card buyers into overall customers by selling the cards exclusively in their stores.

While production details are scarce, estimates indicate Hills printed between 10-15 million total cards across all released sets and variations of their 1990 offering. This included the 520 base cards, parallel inserts, and specialty subsets. The 1990 Hills Baseball Card set solidified the brand as one of the major non-licensed producers during the early 1990s card boom. Features like parallel inserts, prospects previews, and retailer exclusivity helped drive interest and sales. Today, complete sets in Excellent/Mint condition sell for around $200-300 while some of the rarest parallel inserts can fetch four-figure sums or more from dedicated collectors.

The 1990 Hills Baseball Card set represented the height of the company’s involvement in the baseball card market during the late 1980s/early 1990s period. Key attributes like the photography, design themes, parallel inserts, extra insert sets, and retailer promotional tie-ins combined to make Hills a force with mainstream collectors at the time. While production ceased after 1991, the 1990 release stands out as the pinnacle offering and one that remains popular with both vintage enthusiasts and today’s investors. It captured the top players and storylines of its era in often scarce, parallel form, giving the set an enduring appeal and collectibility even decades later.

1995 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Bowman baseball card set was the 24th annual issue of Bowman baseball cards. It marked another vintage year for the popular brand as some of the rookies featured went on to have Hall of Fame careers. The design of the 1995 Bowman cards featured a simple yet classic look that Bowman was known for. Each card had a white border with the player’s photo on the left and information including career stats and bio on the right side. Above the photo was the team logo and below was the player’s name and uniform number.

Some of the top rookies included in the 1995 Bowman set were Nomar Garciaparra, Bobby Higginson, Derek Jeter, Todd Hollandsworth, Jason Kendall, Andruw Jones, Randy Johnson, Todd Helton, and Troy Percival just to name a few. While Jeter and Johnson would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, all of these rookies were considered high-profile prospects at the time of the set’s release. Collectors were eager to find their rookie cards which created high initial demand for the 1995 Bowman cards on the secondary market.

In addition to promising rookies, the 1995 Bowman set also featured current baseball stars in their baseball prime. Ken Griffey Jr. cards were always in high demand from collectors and his 1995 Bowman card captured him at age 25 as arguably the best player in the game at that time. Other superstar cards included Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Pedro Martinez who were annual dominant players in the mid-1990s. Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine also had cards in the set that were popular for collectors to find.

The design aesthetic of 1995 Bowman cards mixed classic nostalgia with some subtle modern touches. The straightforward front design allowed the photography and players to shine. Meanwhile, the backs had light gray borders and blue/teal colored team logo banners across the top. Career statistics were displayed in easy-to-read boxes. Fun player bios with personality anecdotes were also included. The design had a clean, organized presentation that collectors appreciated and still holds up well today from a purely aesthetic standpoint.

In terms of print run sizes and availability upon initial release, the 1995 Bowman set had a large issue. It was produced by Fleer that year as the long-time manufacturer of Bowman cards. Fleer printed the 1995 Bowman set in massive quantities with no parallel issues at the time like rainbow foil cards, refractors, or autographs that are now common with modern releases. This large initial print run means unopened 1995 Bowman packs and boxes can still be readily found on the secondary market at affordable prices compared to other vintage sets from the era.

Due to the star talent featured, especially the hottest rookie cards, 1995 Bowman has developed a strong collector base in the decades since its release. The Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Andruw Jones rookie cards today can still command premium prices in high grades when compared to the other base cards from the set. Jeter’s rookie PSA 10 has since 2018 consistently been a $10,000+ card and achieved a record price of $153,987.50 at auction in January 2021. Other key 1995 Bowman rookies like Todd Helton and Randy Johnson also hold value due to their Hall of Fame careers.

Some parallel 1995 Bowman inserts and subsets increased in notoriety over the years. The Mickey Mantle Retrospective subset featuring classic Mantle poses from his playing days are highly sought after by collectors. Other popular parallel inserts include Gold Medallion, Printing Plates which have serial numbers, and Clear Cards that offer a unique frostedrefractor aesthetic before refractors became common. These specialized 1995 Bowman inserts command premium prices compared to the base cards.

The 1995 Bowman baseball card set was a monumental year that featured future Hall of Famers like Jeter and Johnson in their debut seasons. While initially very widely produced and distributed, time and career accomplishments have elevated key rookies from the set into the upper echelons of the vintage and investment card markets. Now over 25 years old, 1995 Bowman remains a fundamental collection for builders, speculators, and historians of the baseball card hobby. Its classic design, star content, and rookie phenoms have cemented it as one of the definitive releases during the vintage 90s era for the sport.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO PULL IN 2023

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The 2023 baseball card season is shaping up to be another exciting year in the hobby. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman making their mark in the big leagues, their rookie cards will be hot commodities to pull from packs. Veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Ronald Acuña Jr. continue producing at elite levels, keeping their cards highly coveted as well.

Some key factors that determine the best baseball cards to target include the player’s talent and production, rookie or star status, team affiliation, parallels and serial numbered variations, and long term investment potential. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top baseball cards to aim for in 2023 across the major brands like Topps, Bowman, Panini, and more.

Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) – The AL Rookie of the Year had a monster debut season in 2022 and looks like a budding superstar. His rookie cards, especially serial numbered parallels, from Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome will be at the top of many collectors’ want lists. Look for his autos and memorabilia cards to carry big premiums.

Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – Like Rodriguez, Witt had a phenomenal rookie campaign and proved he’s a budding star. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie refractors will be must-have cards. Serial numbered parallels could gain significant value as his career progresses.

Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) – After a strong debut late in 2022 following his much-hyped prospect status, Rutschman looks primed for stardom as well. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies will be hot, with low-numbered parallels being true long term gems.

Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels) – The two-way phenom continues doing things no one else can on the baseball field. His Topps flagship and Chrome parallels will be at the top of want lists. Autograph and memorabilia cards carry immense value as a true one-of-a-kind player.

Aaron Judge (NY Yankees) – After smashing the AL home run record, Judge has cemented himself as a true superstar. His Topps flagship and Chrome cards hold strong value. A signed Judge rookie could fetch five figures.

Mike Trout (LA Angels) – Still arguably the best player in baseball when healthy, Trout cards remain elite holdings. Low-numbered parallels of his Topps Update and Chrome rookies from 2009 are true trophies.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) – The dynamic young star looks primed for a huge 2023 after returning from injury. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors hold strong long term appeal.

Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays) – Widely considered the top prospect ever, Franco had a strong first full season and could emerge as a perennial All-Star. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors are primed for growth.

Luis Robert (Chicago White Sox) – The speedy center fielder had a breakout 2022 campaign and could develop into a true five-tool star. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie refractors have room for appreciation.

Juan Soto (San Diego Padres) – Now in the midst of his massive new contract, Soto will be a Padres star for years to come. His Topps Chrome rookie parallels hold immense value and could grow significantly.

Two other players worth keeping an eye on include Seattle Mariners rookie George Kirby, who had an excellent debut season, and Atlanta Braves star Michael Harris II, who looks like a budding star after his impressive rookie campaign. Their Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards could emerge as solid long term holdings.

When it comes to parallel and serial numbered cards, there are some general guidelines. Refractors and prisms from Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome hold the strongest overall value, especially for rookies. Numbered to less than /5 or /10 are true high-end pieces. Autograph and memorabilia cards carry substantial premiums as well for the biggest stars. Numbered parallels from flagship Topps products like Series 1 also hold value, especially for veterans.

Focusing on the top young stars and established veterans across Topps, Bowman, and Panini products is a smart strategy. Rookie cards for Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman look poised to be the biggest hits of 2023. But low-numbered parallels of stars like Ohtani, Judge, Trout, Acuña Jr., and Soto will always be in high demand. With some luck and packs ripped, any of these could emerge as long term collection highlights and potential treasures. The 2023 baseball card season is primed to be an exciting one.