MOST VALUABLE 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the early 1990s. While it didn’t feature any true rookie cards of future superstars, it did include cards of several top players who were already established names. As with any vintage card set, certain rare and desirable 1991 Donruss cards have increased dramatically in value over the past 30 years. Here are some of the most valuable 1991 Donruss baseball cards collectors seek today:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#110) – Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Ken Griffey Jr. was already one of baseball’s brightest young stars by 1991. The star outfielder of the Seattle Mariners, Griffey’s card from the 1991 Donruss set ranks among the most coveted. In top graded gem mint condition of PSA 10, Griffey’s ’91 Donruss has sold for over $2,000. Even in lower near-mint grades of PSA 8 or 9, examples can sell for $300-500 due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame caliber career and status as a fan favorite player.

Barry Bonds (#77) – Perhaps the greatest all-around pure hitter in baseball history, Barry Bonds was well on his way to a likely Hall of Fame career by 1991 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His prodigious power and patience at the plate made him a dangerous slugger from an early age. Bonds’ 1991 Donruss card has also held great value, with PSA 10 gems selling for north of $1,000. More average near-mint copies still trade for $150-250 based on Bonds’ historic legacy.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#96) – The epitome of Iron Man durability and consistency, Cal Ripken Jr. had already played in over 1,000 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles heading into the 1991 season. As a hometown hero and perennial All-Star, Ripken’s ’91 Donruss card has remained popular. High-grade PSA 10 copies have reached over $800 at auction given Ripken’s fan-favorite status and recent Hall of Fame induction. PSA 8 or 9 versions still sell for $150-300.

Roberto Alomar (#153) – A speedy and versatile second baseman, Roberto Alomar was already a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover by 1991 with the San Diego Padres at just 23 years old. He would go on to have a likely Hall of Fame career primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays. Alomar’s 1991 Donruss rookie card has held value, with gem mint PSA 10s selling for $400-600 range depending on market conditions. High graded PSA 9s can still fetch $100-250.

Kirby Puckett (#221) – One of the most popular Twins of all-time, Kirby Puckett was already a two-time All-Star and batting champion by 1991 while leading the Minnesota attack. Always smiling and full of energy on the field, Puckett connected strongly with Twin Cities fans. His 1991 Donruss card has performed very well, with PSA 10 specimens selling between $300-500. Even PSA 9 copies in great condition can trade hands for $75-150 given Puckett’s status with the franchise.

Dennis Eckersley (#259) – As one of baseball’s premier closers throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Dennis Eckersley dazzled coming out of the bullpen for Oakland. The Hall of Famer was atop his game in 1991 as he won the American League Cy Young and MVP awards. Due to his eye-popping stats and dominance on the mound that year, Eckersley’s ’91 Donruss now ranks among the set’s key short prints. PSA 10s have reached upwards of $300-500.

John Smoltz (#399) – While not quite a household name yet, the 1991 Donruss set featured John Smoltz’s rookie card during his early years as a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Smoltz would go on to develop into an ace starter and Hall of Fame closer, winning a Cy Young along the way. His rookie card from the popular 1991 Donruss set is highly sought after today, with PSA 10 gems bringing in $200-300 range at auction.

Other valuable 1991 Donruss cards include Kirby Puckett’s error short print SP (#221e) in gem condition, PSA 10 Roberto Alomar rookie SP (#153SP), PSA 10 Nolan Ryan (#329), PSA 10 Cecil Fielder (#357), PSA 10 Craig Biggio rookie (#416), and high graded examples of superstars like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith and more. While not deemed true “key” rookie cards, the 1991 Donruss set showcased many future Hall of Famers and remain highly collectible today for vintage card enthusiasts. With its attractive design featuring action photos on a textured grey stock, 1991 Donruss endures as one of the most iconic ‘90s releases.

94 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been an integral part of America’s pastime for over a century. Since the late 1800s, kids and collectors alike have been trading, storing, and admiring these small pieces of cardboard that feature photos and stats of their favorite players. The year 1994 was a monumental one for the baseball card industry that reset the hobby and helped shape its future. That year, Fleer, Topps, and Upper Deck all released sets featuring 711 total cards between them. One set stands out among the rest – the 1994 Upper Deck baseball card set.

Released in March 1994 by Upper Deck, the ’94 Upper Deck set featured a total of 94 cards that became hugely popular and valuable. This was Upper Deck’s third baseball card release after only entering the market in 1989. They had already made a name for themselves by using higher quality materials and card stock compared to the long-time leaders Fleer and Topps. For ’94, Upper Deck took things to a new level. The photos and designs were sharper than ever before. Each card had a glossy, almost holographic finish that made the images really pop. The card stock was also thicker and more durable than previous issues.

Upper Deck spared no expense in securing the rights to top players for photo and autograph inclusion. The massive ’94 set featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Todd Helton. It also had coveted rookie cards for other stars like Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra, and Derek Jeter. Several veteran stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Frank Thomas had spectacular serially numbered parallel versions of their base cards. The design aesthetic was clean yet bold, with each player’s team logo prominently across the top. Statistics like career highlights were also neatly organized on the reverse.

Perhaps most impressively, Upper Deck obtained autographed cards from dozens of the set’s biggest names. Griffey, Ripken, Thomas, and others had rare autographed versions inserted at extremely low printing numbers. Autographed rookie cards were also included for Jeter, Jones, and Thome. The signatures were cleanly and clearly signed too, not sloppy or off-center like some previous autographed issues. Needless to say, collectors went nuts trying to pull these highly sought-after signed parallels from packs and boxes. Many considered the ’94 Upper Deck set to be the pinnacle of the entire baseball card hobby at that time.

While ’94 Upper Deck received universal acclaim, it wasn’t without some controversy. The massive production run and inclusion of so many star players led to suspicions of overproduction. Many felt Upper Deck printed way more cards than they were letting on. This diminished the scarcity factor for some but still didn’t prevent skyrocketing prices in the secondary market. Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Jeter, Jones, and Thome were coveted like never before. Pristine mint condition examples of even common base cards sell for hundreds today. Autographed cards fetch thousands and are considered the true holy grails for collectors from that era.

The ’94 Upper Deck release reset standards for quality, content, and collectability within the baseball card industry. While Fleer and Topps continued their annual runs, Upper Deck was now seen as the premier brand. They had proven they could outdo the competition by securing bigger names and crafting a truly premium product. The ’94 set launch was a watershed moment that ushered in a renaissance period for baseball cards in the 1990s before interest began declining in later years. To this day, the ’94 Upper Deck set remains one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. Prices remain high for its coveted rookie cards, autographs, and parallels due to the legendary talent pool featured within.

In the end, 1994 Upper Deck’s 94 baseball cards were a true game-changer. They raised the bar in terms of quality control, content, and collector enthusiasm. While questions remain about possible overproduction, there’s no doubt this single set had a massive influence. It helped cement Upper Deck as the top brand and defined the standard that other companies still aim for today. Whether being collected and admired in a binder or safely stored away to appreciate in value, the 1994 Upper Deck baseball cards are a true landmark release that any fan or collector can appreciate. They showed the potential for what a single year’s issue could accomplish and left an indelible mark on the entire hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS OUTLINE

Leave a reply

Baseball cards are a prominent part of American culture and have been around for over 150 years. What started as a simple promotional item to increase tobacco sales has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry and collecting hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at the history and evolution of baseball cards from their origins to modern day.

The earliest known baseball cards date back to the late 1860s when cigarette manufacturers like Goodwin & Company and Allen & Ginter began inserting illustrated cards into tobacco products. These early cards did not feature players but rather generic baseball-themed illustrations and facts. In 1887, the American Tobacco Company issued the first true baseball cards – featuring individual player portraits on the fronts and short biographies on the backs. This marked the beginning of baseball cards being used as a marketing tool by the tobacco industry.

Throughout the 1890s and early 1900s, nearly all baseball cards were produced by tobacco companies and inserted randomly into packs and tins of cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Brands like Peach, Mayflower, Sweet Caporal, and Star produced some of the earliest iconic sets and stars. The inserts were not always of baseball players – early sets also featured presidents, actors, war heroes, and more. It wasn’t until the modern era of the 1910s that baseball firmly took hold as the dominant sport featured.

In 1909, the American Tobacco Company released what is considered the first “modern” set – featuring over 500 player portraits from both the National and American Leagues. Sets from this era onward focused exclusively on baseball players and teams. Some notable early stars whose rookie cards were produced in this time period include Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Honus Wagner. The legendary 1909-11 T206 Wagner card is one of the most valuable collectibles in the world today due to its rarity.

During the 1930s and 1940s, baseball cards entered their golden age as production ramped up significantly. Gum and candy companies like Goudey, Play Ball, and Leaf now joined the tobacco brands in the card-making business. Sets became more standardized with team-specific issues. Players were now shown in action shots in addition to portraits. Iconic sets from this era include 1933 Goudey, 1939 Play Ball, and 1948 Leaf. World War 2 paper shortages led to the end of production until 1948 when it resumed bigger than ever.

The 1950s saw the rise of the modern baseball card era. For the first time, cards were mass-produced as premiums in bubble gum packs rather than tobacco. Topps Gum dominated the market and released the iconic 1952 and 1954 sets featuring all teams. Their monopoly would last for decades. Other memorable issues from the decade include Bowman and Red Man. The late 50s also heralded the birth of the American pastime of collecting cards and building sets.

In the 1960s and 70s, Topps continued to be the main producer but faced new competitors. Fleer emerged as the first challenger in 1956 but was shut out by Topps’ exclusive major league player license until 1981. Other short-lived brands included Post in 1964 and Kellogg’s in 1969. Topps released many of the most iconic modern sets like 1957, 1972, and 1975. New photographic innovations allowed for action shots and better image quality. Stars of the era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron had their best and most popular cards produced.

The 1980s marked several key developments – Fleer and Donruss broke Topps’ monopoly by signing deals directly with MLB players. This led to the modern era of multiple competing card companies all with official licenses. Upper Deck also entered the scene in 1989 and brought unprecedented quality and design. Stars of the 80s like Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens had legendary rookie cards produced. The speculative bubble of the late 80s card boom also heralded the beginning of the modern collecting phenomenon.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the baseball card industry expanded exponentially. Upper Deck, Fleer, Donruss, and Score were the main producers through most of the 90s before mergers and buyouts consolidated the market. Parallel sets, insert cards, and autographs became major components of modern sets targeting both casual and high-end collectors. Iconic 90s stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter had some of the best-selling and most valuable modern rookie cards ever made. The investment boom of the late 80s/early 90s card market also led to the rise of professional sports memorabilia authenticators like PSA/DNA and Beckett Publications.

Today, the baseball card market remains a multi-billion dollar industry. While physical card production has declined somewhat in the modern digital age, stars of the present like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Fernando Tatis Jr. still have iconic rookie cards produced by the remaining main companies Topps, Panini, and Leaf/Score. Autograph and memorabilia cards also drive a huge segment of the high-end market. Meanwhile, vintage cards from the early 20th century tobacco and postwar bubblegum eras remain some of the most prized collectibles in the hobby. Online communities also allow today’s fans and collectors to enjoy, trade, and discuss cards like never before.

Baseball cards have come a long way from simple promotional items to becoming a true American pop culture phenomenon. What started as a marketing gimmick over 150 years ago has evolved into a beloved hobby, art form, and investment enjoyed by fans and collectors of all ages. The rich history of the early tobacco issues, golden age, and modern era has produced some of the most iconic collectibles in sports history chronicling the story of America’s pastime on small pieces of cardboard.

MOST EXPENSIVE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1989

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set marked the 28th year of production for the venerable Topps brand. While not considered one of the most valuable vintage sets, several high-profile rookie cards and variations from the 1989 Topps baseball collection have established themselves among the priciest individual cards on the market. Let’s examine some of the most expensive 1989 Topps cards that collectors seek and what has contributed significantly to their escalating valuations over the past few decades.

Perhaps the single most coveted and valuable card from the entire 1989 Topps series is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely regarded as one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already showcasing his impressive five-tool talents as a 19-year-old rookie for the Seattle Mariners in 1989. His bubbly smile and smooth left-handed swing made him an instant fan favorite and his iconic Topps rookie card became one of the most recognizable in the hobby. In gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1989 Topps RC now routinely auctions for well over $10,000. The card’s immense popularity, Griffey’s storied 22-year MLB career, and limited surviving high-grade copies continue to drive prices higher and higher for this true star-studded rookie debut.

Another hugely important 1989 Topps card that consistently fetches huge sums is the Frank Thomas rookie. As with Griffey, Thomas wasted little time making his all-star caliber talents known in the major leagues. His mammoth home runs and ability to spray line drives from gap to gap for the Chicago White Sox starting in 1990 captured the attention of fans and collectors alike. The Thomas rookie is significantly rarer in pristine condition than Griffey’s, which has further intensified demand. When graded mint copies come up for auction, they now change hands for $4,000-$7,500. Both players went on to have Hall of Fame careers, immortalizing their rookie cards as among the elite in the modern era.

While Griffey and Thomas rookie cards set the 1989 Topps series standard for elite rookies, a couple key variations have also cracked the most valuable list. First is the ultra-rare Ken Griffey Jr. error card missing the “Jr.” Father Ken Griffey played in the majors as well, so this variant without the distinguishing “Jr.” appended created confusion on card #90. Only a tiny number are known to exist, making mint condition copies truly one-of-a-kind treasures. In 2016, one such error Griffey card realized a jaw-dropping $85,000 at auction. The exceedingly low population combined with Griffey’s fame makes this a true benchmark card.

Another notable 1989 Topps variation is the Brock for Brock Traded error on card #356. Like many trade deadline deals, the Minnesota Twins dealt star slugger Dave Winfield to the New York Yankees for prospects. However, Topps mistakenly showed Winfield in a Yankees uniform on the proper Winfield Traded card while Brock was shown on card #356 instead of Winfield. Again, the surreal rarity due to Topps’ botched card production significantly impacts value. A PSA-graded mint 9 Brock error sold in 2011 for $11,000, a hefty sum for any ’80s cardboard outside of heavyweight rookies. As errors go, this ranks among the most significant of the era.

While rookies and anomalies fuel the highest prices for the 1989 Topps set, a couple key veteran stars have maintained steady collector interest as well. Future Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg’s card #480 has long attracted Cubs fans and Sandberg aficionados. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples in pristine condition now sell in the $1,200-$2,000 range. Fans also covet the #473 Kirby Puckett card, representing the Twins legend at the height of his powers. A PSA 10 Puckett can sell for over $800 today. These veteran mainstays lack the modern rookie cachet but remain dependable rarities for ’80s card investors.

While not considered the most valuable set from the 1980s overall, the 1989 Topps baseball card release contains several true blue chip rookie cards and production anomalies that have catapulted individual cards to six- and even seven-figure prices. Headlined by the iconic Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas rookies, but also bolstered by unprecedented error variants, the 1989 Topps cards have yielded countless hobby treasures. Three decades after their initial pack pulls, a select few from this otherwise average vintage series continue to capture the imaginations of collectors worldwide and reign as pristine benchmarks for the entire collecting community.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS FROM JUNK WAX ERA

Leave a reply

The junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s is often looked down upon by baseball card collectors. During this time, production skyrocketed to meet demand and card values plummeted as a result. There were still many iconic and valuable cards produced during this period that collectors seek to this day. While the junk wax era may not have the same cachet as the pre-1980 golden age of cards, there were still notable rookie cards, star players, and one-of-a-kind inserts that have endured as favorites from that time.

One of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards from the junk wax era is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card from 1989. Griffey was one of the most hyped rookie prospects ever and his rookie card is still among the most coveted and expensive cards from the late 80s/early 90s. In top graded gem mint condition, Griffey rookie cards can fetch thousands of dollars due to his legendary career and the fact Upper Deck was the premium brand at the time that created a more limited print run. While Griffey rookie cards were mass produced in the era of junk wax, his is one that has maintained significant collector demand and value.

Another highly sought after rookie card is the 1991 Stadium Club Chipper Jones rookie card. Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card, with its stunning photography and limited print run by Stadium Club, has proven to be one that has stood the test of time. Like the Griffey, high graded Chipper rookies can sell for thousands. The 1991 Donruss Elite Series Frank Thomas rookie is also a valuable find, as Thomas established himself as one of the game’s great sluggers. His iconic swing makes this a popular card to this day.

For star players who were already established names in the late 80s/early 90s, cards like the 1989 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan or the 1992 Leaf Barry Bonds are highly coveted by collectors. The artwork and photography on these cards captured two of the game’s biggest names at the peaks of their careers. For baseball’s all-time home run king, the 1989 Topps Traded Barry Bonds is a highly sought after card showing Bonds in his Pirates uniform before being traded to the Giants.

Rookie cards aren’t the only cards that have retained value from the junk wax era, as there were also innovative insert sets and parallel cards produced that intrigued collectors. The 1992 Stadium Club set is well-known for its embossed foil cards, with stars like Cal Ripken Jr. being particularly valuable finds in high grade. The 1992 Leaf Series II set featured innovative on-card autographs that became a trend in the following years. High-numbered parallels like the 1992 Donruss Diamond Kings parallel cards of stars like Greg Maddux are also favorites.

Exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards produced innovative relic cards during the junk wax era as well. The 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. autograph card signed on the uniform or the 1992 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Bat Knob Relic card showed the emerging market for signed memorabilia cards. The 1990 Score Tom Glavine autograph rookie and the 1990 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan autographed card captured two of the game’s all-time greats at the start of the autograph card trend.

While production values may have been lower and print runs higher during the junk wax era, creative inserts and parallel sets showed how the hobby was evolving. The 1992 Leaf Limited set featured premier parallel cards like the Mike Piazza 1-of-1. The 1992 Studio Special Edition set also contained highly collectible parallel cards of stars. For team sets, the 1990 Topps Detroit Tigers Team Set captured the magic of the Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship team with unique cards of stars like Kirk Gibson and Alan Trammell.

While the junk wax era may not have the same cachet or scarcity as the pre-1980 golden age of cards, there were still many iconic rookie cards, star players, and innovative inserts produced during this time that have proven to retain significant collector demand and value. Cards like the Griffey, Jones, and Thomas rookies as well as innovative parallel and autograph inserts showed how the hobby continued to evolve creatively in the late 80s and early 90s. Discerning collectors can still find valuable gems from the junk wax era by focusing on the best young star rookies, established player inserts, and innovative parallel and autograph sets of the time.

SMALL ROOKIE CARD STICKERS FOR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Small rookie card stickers, also sometimes called “rookie decals” or “rookie stickers”, are a staple of the baseball card collecting hobby. While the vast majority of baseball cards are printed with full color images depicting the player, some notable rookie cards are instead printed with a much smaller image inside a sticker that was affixed to the standard card stock. These smaller rookie card stickers allow card manufacturers to issue notable rookie cards in series where the player may not have otherwise qualified for a full-sized rookie card due to limited playing time.

The practice of including rookie card stickers began in the late 1960s with the rise of the modern baseball card era. Topps, the dominant baseball card maker of the time, would often include sticker versions of rookie cards for notable prospects in their flagship sets. Even if a player didn’t accumulate enough official at-bats to qualify for a standard rookie card under the rules of the time, Topps could still acknowledge their debut season and increased prospect status with a smaller sticker card. These served to highlight players who were breaking into the big leagues and generate early collector interest.

Some famous examples of early Topps rookie card stickers include Reggie Jackson’s 1964 debut, Nolan Ryan’s 1966 sticker in the same set as his standard rookie card, and Johnny Bench’s 1968 sticker card. While smaller than a standard issue, these stickers enabled Topps to promote and commemorate the debut seasons of players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Their prominence in the high value vintage market shows how impactful these sticker cards were to collectors even decades after their release.

In the 1970s and 80s, most major sport card producers followed Topps’ model and included sticker versions of rookie cards for notable prospects. For baseball specifically, manufacturers like Fleer and Donruss Signature released sticker rookie variations regularly in their main sets. Glossy square stickers depicting the player image with basic career stats became the standard format. These stickers provided an alternative way for companies to spotlight promising young talent, allowing sticker cards to take the place of what otherwise may have been simply omitted from that year’s set.

Two of the most iconic examples from this era were Nolan Ryan’s 1973 Fleer sticker card and Cal Ripken Jr.’s 1981 Fleer and Donruss stickers. Both players debuted and played limited roles in the major leagues the year before receiving their widely recognized full rookie cards. But their prospect statuses and early impacts were still acknowledged with these recognized sticker variations. Sets in the 1970s and 80s routinely featured sticker cards alongside the standard card stock issues as a means of satisfying collector demand for these emerging rookie talents.

The baseball card boom of the late 1980s and 90s saw the beginnings of modern parallel and mini-card insert sets from brands like Upper Deck and Score. This led to an overall drop in traditional sticker cards issued as standalone noteworthy rookie debuts. Companies still utilized sticker cards as short-printed chase cards inserted randomly in factory sets as a special bonus. Examples like Derek Jeter’s 1992 Score Rookie/Traded sticker insert remain highly coveted by collectors today.

In the 2000s and beyond, as technology advanced and card production shifted largely overseas, traditional sticker cards fell by the wayside. The collectible card industry has since focused more on parallel and memorabilia insert cards tailored towards repack box products over standalone sticker inserts. Hobby retailers have continued issuing redeemable sticker cards through the years to highlight debut seasons retroactively.

Small rookie card stickers served a unique purpose in the vintage era by allowing manufacturers to spotlight noteworthy debuts concisely even when full rookie criteria wasn’t yet met. Their smaller, stripped-down designs proved just as collectible over time. While modern card production has evolved, sticker cards remain a beloved link to the early roots of the hobby and a specialized subset for enthusiasts to chase within the vintage marketplace. Their concise recognition of emerging young talents kept many a promising career in the collector spotlight from the sport’s earliest packaged card years.

BASEBALL CARDS DESTIN FLORIDA

Leave a reply

Baseball Cards in Destin, Florida: A Rich History of the Hobby

The small beach town of Destin, located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, has a rich history with the hobby and business of baseball cards that goes back over 50 years. While the area is best known as a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and fishing, many locals and visitors alike may be unaware of Destin’s deep connections to the baseball card industry over the decades.

The earliest baseball card shops in Destin can be traced back to the late 1960s, during the peak of the original baseball card bubble. In 1968, Al’s Sportscards was opened on Harbor Boulevard by local resident Al Roberts, making it one of the earliest dedicated baseball card storefronts in the Florida Panhandle region. Al’s Sportscards became a popular hangout for kids and collectors in the area looking to trade, sell, or buy cards. During the 1970s, it expanded its inventory to include other sports cards as interests grew in football, basketball, and hockey cards as well.

As the baseball card craze continued to explode nationwide in the 1970s, more shops began to open in Destin. In 1973, brothers Jim and Bob Davis opened Davis Bros. Sportscards in a small strip mall on Highway 98. Davis Bros. became known for its vast inventory that included unopened wax packs and boxes from the 1960s and 1970s that were highly sought after by collectors looking to build complete sets. The shop also became a destination for shows and organized trading events that drew collectors from all over Northwest Florida.

During the 1980s, when the first major baseball card bubble began to burst, the industry in Destin consolidated somewhat but remained strong. Al’s Sportscards and Davis Bros. Sportscards were still going strong through the decade. A new shop, Emerald Coast Sportscards, opened in 1985 and was run by long-time collector and former Davis Bros. employee Mark Johnson. Emerald Coast specialized in high-end vintage cards from the early 20th century tobacco era and helped fuel a growing interest in the antique end of the hobby.

The 1990s saw another renaissance in the baseball card industry, fueled by the boom of the junk wax era with ultra-affordable packs and sets and the rise of the independent grading companies like PSA and BGS that added another speculative element to the market. In Destin, this led to the opening of several new shops, including Topps Cards, House of Wax Packs, and Beckett’s Baseball on Main Street. These shops helped keep the area buzzing with activity as the national sports card market reached new heights.

In the late 1990s and 2000s, the rise of eBay opened up new possibilities for collectors and shops alike. Many Destin shops like Davis Bros. and Emerald Coast began using eBay as another sales avenue and it helped turn the area into a true baseball “card hub.” Collectors from around the country were buying and selling through Destin-based shops and individuals, greatly expanding the town’s reach and reputation in the hobby. Regional shows grew larger and the shops were bustling.

Today, while the national sports card market has declined from its 90s peak, baseball cards remain deeply ingrained in the culture of Destin. Al’s Sportscards, after 50 years, is still owned and run by the Roberts family and continues to be a staple of the community. Davis Bros. Sportscards is now in its fifth decade of operation under third generation owner Bobby Davis. Emerald Coast Sportscards is also still going strong under Mark Johnson after 35 years. And while some shops have closed, new ones like AllStar Cards and Memorabilia have opened in recent years, keeping the hobby alive for new generations.

Throughout its history with baseball cards, Destin has developed a well-earned reputation among collectors as a true “card town.” The numerous shops have helped make the area a baseball card destination for decades. Major shows still regularly draw collectors regionally and the shops provide a vital social hub, especially for younger collectors just getting into the hobby. With its deep roots and continued passion from multi-generational collectors and shop owners, it’s clear that baseball cards will remain forever intertwined with the fabric of Destin for many years to come. The small town’s impact on the baseball card industry has been immense.

FLEER BASEBALL PLAYER PHOTO CARDS WAX PACK

Leave a reply

Fleer baseball player photo cards wax packs were a staple of the baseball card collecting hobby from the early 1980s through the late 1990s. Produced by Fleer Corporation, these wax packs contained 5-7 cardboard baseball cards with individual player photos on the front. Inside each wax pack was a thin, waxy wrapper that had to be peeled back to reveal the enclosed cards. The experience of opening a fresh wax pack and seeing which players you collected was a thrill for many young baseball fans during the peak decades of the baseball card era.

Fleer first began producing baseball cards in 1981 after acquiring the licensing rights from Topps, who had held a monopoly on the baseball card market for decades. Fleer’s inaugural 1981 set featured photos of current major leaguers on the fronts with basic career stats on the backs. The cards came in wax packs of 5 cards that sold for around $0.25 per pack. While the design and production quality was a step below Topps’ offerings, Fleer helped reinvigorate the baseball card market and give collectors an alternative to Topps sets.

Through the 1980s, Fleer continued improving the photography, stats and design of their annual baseball card issues. They also expanded the number of cards per wax pack, which eventually stabilized at 7 cards per pack. The addition of two extra cards per pack provided more bang for the buck compared to Topps’ standard 5-card packs. Fleer also produced larger sets most years that featured more players and more in-depth career stats on the backs of the cards. This gave dedicated collectors incentive to try and complete full Fleer rosters in addition to Topps sets.

Perhaps the most iconic Fleer baseball card wax packs were those containing the groundbreaking 1986 Fleer set. This was the first year Fleer obtained licensing rights to use player names on the front of the cards, something Topps had resisted for decades. The 1986 Fleer set shot the company past Topps in terms of buzz and collectibility. Rookie cards of future superstars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Mark McGwire gained instant value. Wax packs from 1986 Fleer sets commanded premium prices from collectors seeking to pull these highly coveted rookie cards.

In addition to standard player photo cards, Fleer also produced various insert sets found one per wax pack or at higher rarities. These included traded sets showing players in their new uniforms, record breaker cards for milestone achievements, and all-star cards. Higher-end inserts like rare airbrushed photo variations added excitement for collectors searching packs. Fleer even produced oddball sets in the late 80s/early 90s like “Traded” and “Glossy Sent” that featured players photographed with postcards or letters in creative designs.

Throughout the 90s, Fleer continued refining their annual baseball card issues contained in the classic wax packs. Photo and statistic quality reached new heights. Superstar rookie cards of players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones shattered previous records for value. Fleer also obtained rights to produce NFL and NBA trading cards around this time. The overproduction of cards in the 90s would ultimately lead to a collapse of the market.

As the baseball card boom went bust in the late 90s, Fleer was sold to SkyBox, which was later acquired by The Topps Company in 2001. This effectively ended Fleer as an independent card producer and put Topps back in control of the baseball card market. While not as plentiful as in the 80s/90s heyday, vintage Fleer wax packs and the cards contained within from this golden era remain popular with collectors today. The experience of opening these packs and building complete sets is fondly remembered by many who came of age during the peak of the baseball card craze. Fleer left an indelible mark on the hobby.

In conclusion, Fleer baseball player photo cards contained within classic wax packs were a dominant force in the trading card industry from the early 1980s through the late 1990s. They helped drive innovation, competition and skyrocketing values during the boom years. Landmark rookie cards like Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. were first released in Fleer packs. The thrill of the pack break experience for collectors is still nostalgically associated with Fleer’s iconic waxy wrappers. While no longer in production today, vintage Fleer wax packs remain a connection to the heyday of the baseball card era for many enthusiasts.

89 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it doesn’t have any true “superstar” rookies like some other years, there are still several key cards that can be worth a significant amount of money in high grade. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1989 Topps baseball cards that have retained value or increased in value over the past 30+ years.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Griffey’s rookie card is always one of the most desirable from any set. In pristine mint condition, this card can fetch thousands. In a PSA 10 gem mint, recently sold examples have brought $3,000-$5,000. Even in lower grades like PSA 8 or BGS 9, it still holds value at $500-$1,000.

Gregg Jefferies (#96) – Jefferies was one of the top prospects in baseball when this card was issued. While he didn’t live up to the hype, his rookie card has become popular for set collectors. High grade examples in PSA 10 can sell for over $1,000. Most other mint copies sell in the $200-$500 range.

Tom Glavine (#168) – Glavine would go on to become a Hall of Famer, but his rookie card isn’t overly expensive compared to others from this era. Still, a PSA 10 sells for $300-$500 and PSA 9s go for $100-$200. Any mint quality Glavine rookie holds value for Braves collectors.

Randy Johnson (#254) – “The Big Unit” had already begun to dominate as a starter for the Mariners by 1989. His rookie remains one of the more iconic cards from the set. PSA 10s have sold for over $1,000. Most other mint grades still sell for $200+ due to his Hall of Fame career.

Barry Larkin (#266) – The Reds’ Hall of Fame shortstop had a stellar career that began around this time. High grade copies of his rookie in PSA 10 can reach $400-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $150-250 range still.

Dennis Martinez (#284) – Martinez’s perfect game in 1991 added to the appeal of his rookie card over the years. PSA 10s have reached $500-600 price tags. Most other mint grades sell around $150-250 still.

Tom Browning (#304) – Browning tossed a perfect game of his own for the Reds in 1988. His rookie card has gained popularity due to that achievement. PSA 10s sell for $300-500. Most other pristine copies sell around $100-200.

David Justice (#312) – Justice emerged as a power-hitting outfielder for the Braves dynasty teams in the 1990s. PSA 10 grades of his rookie have sold for over $400. Other top-graded versions still fetch $150-300.

Bobby Thigpen (#378) – Thigpen set the single season saves record with 57 in 1990 for the White Sox. His rookie has gained notoriety because of that. PSA 10s have sold for $400-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $150-250.

Roberto Alomar (#380) – Alomar established himself as a superstar-caliber second baseman throughout his career. High grades of his rookie in PSA 10 can reach $300-500 price levels. Most other mint copies sell around $100-200.

Fred McGriff (#397) – “Crime Dog” McGriff bashed 493 career home runs. His rookie remains popular for Blue Jays and power hitter collectors. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $100-200.

Tom Henke (#410) – Henke established the closer role for the Blue Jays and Rangers in the late 80s-90s. His rookie has gained value due to that. PSA 10s have reached $400 price tags. Other mint grades sell around $150-250 levels still.

Gregg Olson (#433) – Olson emerged as a dominant closer for the Orioles in the early 90s. His rookie card is popular for that reason. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $100-200.

Dennis Eckersley (#474) – Eckersley’s transformation from starter to closer made him a Hall of Famer. His rookie remains popular for that reason. PSA 10s have reached $400 price tags. Other mint grades sell around $150-250 levels still.

Bret Saberhagen (#489) – Saberhagen won two Cy Young awards for the Royals in the late 80s. His rookie holds value due to that success. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $100-200.

While the 1989 Topps set may not have true “superstar” rookies, there are still several key cards that can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in pristine, mint condition grades. Cards featuring future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Glavine, Larkin, Martinez and Eckersley will always be in high demand. Plus, stars like Johnson, Justice, Alomar, McGriff and others that emerged in the 1990s provide collectors opportunities to acquire affordable vintage rookies of proven big leaguers. With patience and a watchful eye on the market, savvy collectors can find valuable 1989 Topps gems still at reasonable price levels after 30+ years.

2017 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE LIST

Leave a reply

The 2017 Topps Baseball card releases saw Topps deliver another solid year of designs and rookie cards for collectors. The flagship Topps base set featured designs centered around celebrating the history of the MLB while also highlighting notable rookies from the 2016 season. As with any release year, certain parallels, short prints, autographed cards, and rookies hold premium value in the current market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key 2017 Topps Baseball releases and where card values are trading today.

The 2017 Topps Baseball base set featured 525 total cards spanning all 30 MLB teams. While base cards from common veteran players can often be acquired for under $1 in near mint condition, there are always standouts that command higher prices. Short printed cards like #366 Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins have traded hands for $5-10 due to the player’s status as a highly touted rookie at the time of release. Top rookie cards for players like Cody Bellinger (#97), Andrew Benintendi (#81), and Aaron Judge (#332) consistently pull $10-15 despite the base designation. Popular veteran stars can pull $3-5 as well, with cards of Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Kris Bryant being the most in-demand for collector’s PC’s.

Parallels were again a big part of the 2017 Topps offerings. The rainbow foil parallel featured one card for each team, with popular rookie rainbow foils of Judge, Benintendi, and Bellinger trading between $15-25. The gold parallel (/50) added premium value, with the Judge gold parallel being one of the most sought-after cards from the set. Having last sold for over $100, it’s an attainable big-name rookie card for keen collectors. Other gold parallels featuring rookies like Rhys Hoskins and Cody Bellinger have steadily traded between $30-50 over the last year. For the true high-end collectors, Topps also released a 5-card gold label parallel featuring printing plates and signed editions. A Judge gold label printing plate recently topped $450 in an online auction.

In addition to the base set, Topps also released retail exclusive parallels through Target, Walmart, and Hobby Boxes. Some of the more valuable from this slate include the Walmart Blue Sparkle parallels, with rookie cards once again in highest demand. An andrew Benintendi Blue Sparkle sold for over $70. Target’s Red Sparkle parallels followed a similar trend, with popular rookie cards trading between $30-50.

The 2017 Topps Tribute set paid homage to baseball cards of the past with retro designs. While base Tribute cards hold lighter value, short prints featuring today’s young stars command premiums. Trea Turner’s spectacular catch grace the cover and while already short printed, has changed hands for $40-$50. The Frank Thomas tribute parallel (/50) with an on-card auto fetched north of $225 last year. For collectors seeking a reasonable cost way to add a signed Frank Thomas card to their collection, this parallel provided such an opportunity.

Topps Chrome increased the flash factor in 2017 with their Refractors, Prisms, and Negative Refractors joining the traditional Chrome base cards. While no Aaron Judge rookies were present in the Chrome release, cards like Cody Bellinger and Rhys Hoskins still pulled high prices. A Bellinger Negative Refractor auto sold for over $1,300 late in 2018. Chrome rookies of established young talents like Corey Seager and Carlos Correa traded in the $15-30 range as rising talents. Popular veteran Chrome cards of stars like Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, and Clayton Kershaw held $5-10 values. Collectors who cracked Hobby Jumbo boxes of Chrome were also treated to Printing Plates, 1/1 Parallels, and Autographs of the game’s brightest young talents and veterans. While risky, these high-end hits provided the chance at cards now valued well into the thousands.

For the true memorabilia collectors, Topps released multiple product lines featuring patches and autographs. Topps Archives Signature Series pushed the on-card Auto trend of the past few years. RCs featuring thesigs of Judge, Benintendi and more regularly moved in the $75-150 range. Higher-ends RCs stamped with triple patches and multi-sigs traded for upwards of $300. Topps Heritage introduced autograph and patch cards of retired Hall of Famers as a special attraction in the set. A 3-color Frank Thomas patch card hit $400. When Topps was able to pair top young stars with impact veteran Hall of Famers, it made for some truly collectible memorabilia cards.

In summing up the state of the 2017 Topps Baseball card landscape two years on, it’s the rookie classes of Judge, Bellinger and company that continue to drive the top prices across most products. Their early superstar production validated huge investments made in their cards at release. Veterans like Trout and young regulars such as Seager and Correa provide stable options outside rookies as player collections expand. With another exciting crop of rookies joining the ranks in 2019 and beyond, 2017 Topps releases represent an affordable entry point for collectors to add star rookies of the recent past to their collections, whether seeking PC guys or trade bait.