BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS PROSPECTS

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card release will feature prospects from all 30 MLB organizations as the hobby looks ahead to the next generation of future stars. Bowman is considered the premier brand for showcasing top minor leaguers before they make their big league debuts. This year’s crop of prospects eligible for their first Bowman cards is headlined by several highly-touted players expected to impact MLB rosters in the very near future.

One of the most anticipated rookie cards in 2023 Bowman will be for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carlos Colmenarez. Considered one of the top international prospects signed last year, the 17-year old from Venezuela has already generated buzz in player development circles for his advanced offensive approach and defensive skills at a premium position. Scouts praise Colmenarez’s bat speed, pitch recognition, and ability to make consistent hard contact. On the defensive side, he possesses above average range and a rocket arm. The Rays have a proven track record of bringing along prospects slowly and deliberately, but some experts believe Colmenarez could reach the majors by age 20 given his precocious talents.

Another international prospect generating first Bowman hype is Detroit Tigers outfielder Emmanuel Mejia. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, the 18-year old Mejia made his U.S. debut this season in the Florida Complex League and immediately stood out with his five-tool abilities. Mejia has impressive raw power to all fields combined with plus-plus speed. He also shows good instincts in the outfield with his routes and jumps on balls. While he still needs refinement at the plate in terms of pitch selection and plate discipline, Mejia’s athleticism and physical tools give him a very high ceiling. The Tigers have aggressively pushed Mejia thus far and he could continue moving quickly through their system.

On the high school side, one of the top 2023 Bowman prospects will be Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko. Considered one of the jewels of the 2021 draft class, Lesko lived up to the hype in his pro debut by dominating the Arizona Complex League with his mid-90s fastball and plus slider. At just 18 years old, Lesko already possesses three quality pitches with his curveball and changeup also showing promise. His command can get erratic at times, but Lesko’s pure stuff and athletic 6’4 frame give him a great foundation. The Cubs have a history of bringing along young arms judiciously, but Lesko’s dominance as a teenager suggests he may move fast if he continues making adjustments.

Another potential first round arm eligible for his first Bowman card is Boston Red Sox left-hander Jake Miller. The Texas high school product fell all the way to the fourth round last year due to signability concerns, but has made Red Sox scouts look very smart for taking a chance on him. Miller sits low-90s with his fastball and shows the ability to locate it on both sides of the plate. His curveball is a true out-pitch with sharp downward break in the mid-70s. Miller also flashes feel for a changeup and slider. Command is his main development need, but Miller’s three above average pitches give him a high ceiling as a future mid-rotation starter if he can gain consistency.

While most top prospects take the traditional minor league route, a few may make their Bowman debuts after gaining experience via non-traditional paths. One such case is San Diego Padres righty Dylan Carter, who went undrafted out of Central Arizona College in 2021 before signing as a minor league free agent. Carter immediately opened eyes that season by posting a 1.29 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 67 innings split between Low-A and High-A. His fastball sits 92-95 mph with natural sink and his slider shows plus potential. Carter’s success at higher levels as a 21-year old puts him on the prospect radar, though he may need to further refine his command and secondary pitches to stick as a starter long-term.

Those are just a few of the many prospects who could make their first Bowman appearances in 2023. As always, the set will give collectors an early glimpse of the next wave of future MLB contributors. While many will never reach the show, Bowman cards provide the hobby a fun way to track minor leaguers’ development journeys from their earliest pro seasons. For talent evaluators and prospect hounds, it’s also an opportunity to identify the next Carlos Correa or Ronald Acuña Jr before they become household names. The 2023 edition figures to continue showcasing the cream of the crop of tomorrow’s young stars.

JIMMY DEAN SAUSAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Jimmy Dean Sausage Baseball Card Promotion of the 1990s

In 1991, the Jimmy Dean sausage company launched an unconventional and highly successful promotional campaign involving the inclusion of baseball cards inside specially marked packages of their pork sausage links. The promotion was aimed at capitalizing on the ubiquitous popularity of both sausage and baseball cards at the time. Over the following years, millions of Americans would open Jimmy Dean sausage packs hoping to find rarely inserted hit cards of their favorite players.

Jimmy Dean, the brand founded by the country musician of the same name in 1969, had become one of the top selling packaged sausage products in supermarkets nationwide by the early 1990s. Seeking a creative way to boost already strong sales even higher, the marketing department dreamed up the idea of including baseball cards as an added bonus. They knewAmericans’ passion for the national pastime and collecting cards would make for a naturally engaging promotional element.

After securing licensing deals with the Major League Baseball Players Association as well as photo rights from Topps, the leading baseball card manufacturer, Jimmy Dean began printing custom card inserts featuring current star players from all 26 MLB teams at the time. Each 34g link package would contain one random common card while special ‘hits’ like autographs and parallel serial numbered versions were inserted at far rarer rates.

The packaging proudly proclaimed “Baseball Card Inside!” with depictions of players adorning the front. Upon release in Spring 1991, the cards proved an immediate success. Sausage sales jumped over 10% in supermarkets proudly displaying large promotional displays and bundles stacked with carousels of packages. Being able to potentially find a coveted Derek Jeter rookie card or Barry Bonds autograph in a package of breakfast meat was a thrilling surprise that kept customers coming back.

Over the next five seasons through 1995, Jimmy Dean would issue new baseball card series each year featuring the current year’s top sluggers, hurlers and prospects. Specialty inserts paid homage to retired legends as well. The sophisticated card design and photography truly captured the prestige and heritage of America’s Pastime. While the common cards were still coveted by young collectors, it was the case hit parallels and memorabilia cards that drove the most feverish searches of sausage packs.

A phenomenon resulted as parents, kids and adults alike gleefully tore into Jimmy Dean links and stripes at home and ballparks nationwide hoping for card treasure. The promotion even inspired enthusiastic trading and resale markets. Memorabilia hits like signed balls or bats garnered healthy trade values. Some of the rarest serial numbered parallel cards from early years have increased tremendously in secondary market price guided by their demand as a uniquely novel part of sports collectibles history.

The promotion had succeeded well beyond all expectations in boosting sausage sales and endearing the brand to a whole new generation of customers. By the mid-1990s the trading card bubble of the early 90s had begun to pop. While still popular, the speculative frenzy of cards had cooled. With Topps ending its baseball contracts, Jimmy Dean decided 1995 would be the final year for its highly popular card insert program.

Today, over 25 years later, those once ordinary sausage packaging baseball cards have taken on new significance and fascination as a relic of pop culture marketing cross-pollination during the golden era of cards and fandom. Their quirkiness and uniqueness assure the Jimmy Dean issues will always be a diverting conversation piece and source of nostalgia for those who grew up with them or experienced the novelty first-hand. For dedicated collectors, finding complete runs or rare hit cards still tucked away in old collections provides exhilaration and reminds of simpler times when America’s favorite breakfast meat came with a side of childhood memories and unexpected sports treasures.

The Jimmy Dean sausage baseball card promotion of the early to mid-1990s represents one of the most unorthodox yet successful cross-promotional campaigns in history. By marrying America’s love for sausage, cards and baseball, the brand delighted millions, boosted sales tremendously and embedded itself in the history of sports memorabilia as a true oddity and conversation piece that is still discussed and collected today. It serves as a reminder of the innovative thinking that can result from marrying unrelated passions to spark cultural phenomenon.

BO JACKSON BEST BASEBALL CARDS

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Bo Jackson was one of the most electrifying and unique athletes of all time due to his incredible talents in both football and baseball. While his NFL career was cut short due to a serious hip injury, Jackson left his mark on Major League Baseball as well. As one of the game’s true home run threats during his prime, Jackson has many highly sought after baseball cards that remain popular with collectors to this day. Several of Bo Jackson’s best baseball cards stand out as some of the most iconic and valuable from the late 1980s era.

One of Bo Jackson’s rookie cards is undoubtedly one of his most prized possessions for collectors. His 1986 Donruss rookie card is truly a gem that shows Jackson in a Kansas City Royals uniform during his first season in the big leagues. As one of Jackson’s earliest cards capturing his entry into pro baseball, this rookie card carries significant nostalgia and history. While it has a simple design common for Donruss cards of that time, the photo captures an intense close-up of the athletic rookie that made him an immediate star. Graded mint condition copies of this rookie card in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 gem state can fetch thousands of dollars due to its scarcity and importance as Jackson’s first major card.

Another standout from Jackson’s rookie season is his 1986 Topps card. As one of the flagship brands in the industry, any Topps card of a star player from that era holds great value. This card shows Bo in his classic batting stance with stats from his debut season on the back. While not quite as rare in top condition as the Donruss rookie, 1986 Topps Bo Jacksons that grade PSA 8 or above are still highly valuable at several hundred dollars due to the brand prestige. Both his Donruss and Topps rookies will always be must-have cards for any serious Jackson collection.

After establishing himself as one of baseball’s most feared sluggers in 1987 with 14 home runs in only 69 games, Bo Jackson cards from 1988 are among the most iconic. His flagship 1988 Topps card shows Bo rounding the bases after crushing a home run to center field. With bright yellow and blue Royals colors popping against the green field in the background, this is truly one of the most visually striking baseball cards ever made. Graded gem mint examples can sell for over $1000 due to the rarity of high grade copies surviving over 30 years of circulation. The 1988 Donruss Bo Jackson is also highly sought after, with its classic action photo of him swinging the bat.

While known best for his power, Bo Jackson was also one of the game’s greatest athletes and base stealers. His 1988 Fleer card highlights this skill, showing him sliding headfirst into a base. This card remains a favorite of collectors to this day for its unique action pose. Another top 1988 issue is the Score brand card, which has a close-cropped portrait shot of Jackson’s intense gaze. Both of these mid-80s cards can still demand over $100 in top condition due to their iconic imagery and the scarcity of high grade copies left on the market.

Bo Jackson’s career was cut short after only 143 MLB games over 4 seasons from 1986-1990 and 1993 due to his devastating hip injury suffered in a NFL playoff game. As such, his baseball cards from later in his career also carry significant importance and value. His final baseball card was issued in the 1993 Upper Deck set just before his retirement. This moving card shows a somber Jackson in a Royals uniform with the caption “Bo Jackson says goodbye.” It’s truly a poignant and historic piece that reminds collectors of the tragedy of his career ending injury at just 30 years old. Even low grade copies can sell for $50 or more.

In summary, Bo Jackson’s impressive but abbreviated MLB tenure resulted in some simply amazing baseball cards from the late 1980s that any collection would benefit from owning. With his unique athletic talent and film-like career arc, cards like his rookie issues or 1988 Topps home run remain iconic representations of the peak of his baseball playing days. While the rarest PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 gems can cost thousands, there are still many affordable mid-grade options available that allow fans and collectors to commemorate Bo Jackson’s incredible legacy in the sport. His cards will always be a highlight for those who remember just how electrifying of an athlete he truly was.

1995 FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Fleer Ultra baseball card set was released late in 1994 as the premiere Fleer product for the upcoming 1995 baseball season. It was the third year Fleer produced an Ultra set after very successful debut releases in 1993 and 1994 that helped revitalize the baseball card industry. The 1995 Ultra set would build on that momentum and become one of the most iconic and collectible issues of the decade.

With the baseball strike ending in August 1994 and excitement high for the 1995 season, Fleer aimed to make Ultra ‘95 one of the flashiest and visually striking sets yet. Under the creative direction of John Phillips, the mastermind behind Ultra’s debut just two years prior, the design would feature cutting edge foil technology and special photo techniques never before seen in a mainstream baseball card product. The end result was a 288 card base set comprised of true works of artistic baseball card design.

Each card had a full bleed photo extending to the very edges of the white borderless card face. But what really made Ultra ’95 stand out was the foil treatment. A different randomly inserted foil design was applied to each player’s uniform, bat, cap or other in-photo element. Whether it was the pinstripes on Derek Jeter’s jersey or foil flecks in the background behind Mike Piazza’s swing, no two cards looked exactly alike. The multi-color foil pops gave each image a real sense of dimension and life. Photography techniques like letterboxing, selective focus and tinted highlights took card photography and graphical design to a new level.

The checklist itself was a who’s who of the game’s stars at the time from Barry Bonds and Greg Maddux to Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. Rookies included future Hall of Famers as well like Derek Jeter, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez and Chipper Jones. Key veteran stars like Nolan Ryan in his final season and Ryne Sandberg rounded things out. The back of each card also featured brilliant illustrative prints detailing stats and bios that really complemented the artistic front designs.

As an insert, Ultra offered several parallels and short prints to add to the excitement of the hobby. The Ultra Premiums featured blue letterboxing around vivid action shots. Both Blue and Red Parallel versions of the base cards were distributed at different rarities. Premium Gold parallel cards numbered to only 100 copies each were true collector chase cards. But the true short prints were the Ultra Blacks, which featured intricate swirling black foil patterns unique to each player on a black card stock. Numbered to only 50 copies each, these were the holy grail inserts of the set.

Despite fears that interest may lag post-strike, Ultra ’95 was an immediate hit with collectors. Its innovative illustration, premium foil techniques and lineup of stars made it a must-have set for the time. Still to this day, its visual appeal and historically significant checklist continue to draw collectors and fueled the secondary market prices of hits like the Jeter and Griffey Jr. rookies as well as the coveted Ultra Black parallels. While production quality has increased many times over in the quarter century since, 1995 Fleer Ultra was truly ahead of its time in terms of blending art, technology and sport into a highly collectible baseball card offering. It set the standard that Ultra would live up to for many years as the preeminent high-end Fleer brand. For both its importance to the hobby and its artistic merit alone, 1995 Fleer Ultra has cemented its place as one of the most iconic baseball card sets ever released.

In the ensuing years, Ultra would continue to push collectible card design to new levels before ultimately losing steam in the 2000s. But the legacy and influence of the groundbreaking 1995 issue, under the stewardship of John Phillips, endures to this day. Its premium foil techniques, selective focus photography and rich illustrative packaging preceded today’s modern parallel and short print crazes. Most importantly, it was the first FUll bleed, foil-covered showcase for the game’s future legends like Jeter, Griffey Jr. and Martinez in their early pro careers. This made 1995 Fleer Ultra the essential set for any true baseball card enthusiast and period collector. Its quality, artistry and all-star content have earned Ultra ’95 permanent recognition as one of the crowning achievements in the hobby’s history.

TOP PRICE BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been popular collectibles since the late 19th century. While common cards may only be worth a dollar or less, some of the rarest and most coveted cards can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. These top price baseball cards represent some of the most iconic players, rarest variations, and era-defining issues that have captured the imagination of collectors for generations.

Perhaps the most famous baseball card of all time is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced between 1909-1911 as part of the American Tobacco Company’s notable T206 series, it is widely considered the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards due to its rarity, condition and subject. Featuring Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner, it is famously one of the rarest cards in existence with only 50-200 surviving copies. In recent auction, a PSA MINT 9 example sold for $6.6 million in 2016, making it the most expensive baseball card ever sold. What makes it so rare is that Wagner had a hatred for tobacco products and refused inclusion in the original production run, so only a small number of examples ever made it into circulation.

Another exceedingly rare early issue card is the 1913 Baltimore News “Nickel” Issue card of Joe Jackson. He was one of the eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox involved in the infamous “Black Sox” scandal who intentionally lost the World Series for money from gamblers. The Nickel card from the Baltimore News is one of about 25 known surviving copies in the series honoring the White Sox. A PSA Excellent to Mint (EX-MT) graded example sold for $2.88 million in 2016. The combination of its rarity, connection to one the most notorious scandals in sports history and high grade makes it an exceptionally valuable find for collectors.

Jumping ahead several decades, cards from the post-WWII era that depict rookie seasons of future Hall of Famers can also demand top prices. A good example is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. As one of the most accomplished baseball players of all time with a legendary career for the New York Yankees spanning 18 seasons, Mantle’s rookie card from Topps’ first modern high quality color photo issue remains an iconic collectible. High grade examples regularly sell for over $100,000 today, with a PSA NM-MT 7 copy selling for $1.32 million in 2018. For Mantle supercollector Anthony Giordano, no expense was spared to obtain the highest known PSA 10 specimen for $2.88 million in 2021, demonstrating unwavering collector demand.

Continuing the post-war trend, rookie cards for other all-time great players can also bring million dollar prices. A standout is the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card, featuring “The Ryan Express” in an Angels uniform. Ryan went on to become baseball’s all-time strikeout and no-hitter leader during a historic 27 year career. PSA 10 specimens routinely sell for $100,000+, with a record $15,000 paid for a 2012 BGS 9.5 example. Another beloved star with lasting card value is Sandy Koufax. While he retired young at 30 due to arthritis in his throwing arm, his excellence on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1960s is immortalized in his rookie season 1956 Topps card. High graded copies can exceed $250,000 at auction.

Looking more recently, rare rookie cards from the junk wax era can also command big money today. A prized example is the 1987 Topps Tiffany Mickey Mantle rookie reprint, produced on luxury paper stock as a limited premium version of the original 1952 issue. Only 125 copies were printed, making it one of the rarest Topps cards ever produced. In pristine PSA/DNA 10 Gem Mint condition, a recent sale brought a staggering $5.2 million. Another outlier from the 1980s is the flagship rookie card for baseball’s all-time home run king Barry Bonds from the 1984 Fleer set. High quality examples routinely exceed $10,000 despite the vast numbers originally printed during the industry’s boom period. Bonds’ cartoonish image as a lithe rookie contrasted with his legendary home run prowess captivates collectors to this day.

Into the modern era, certified precious gem rookie cards for today’s biggest stars continue appreciating rapidly. A clear example is the 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Refractors parallel card of Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout. Widely considered one the greatest players of all time, Trout’s prospect card reached a record $3.93 million sale in August 2021 for a PSA/DNA 10 copy, the highest price publicly reported for any Trout card. Similarly, rookie cards for emerging icons like Fernando Tatis Jr. are escalating quickly. A PSA 10 copy of his 2019 Topps Chrome Special Red Refractor RC sold for a staggering $721,000 in August 2021, demonstrating how new generation players can achieve million dollar status within just a few seasons.

Those top price baseball cards achieved such lofty values due to a combination of their rarity, significance to baseball history, depictions of all-time legends, and overall condition graded by professional authentication companies. Whether heritage pieces over 100 years old or modern issue autos and parallels, the highest caliber examples celebrating baseball’s iconic stars will likely remain the most valuable collectibles that continue appreciating over time for dedicated fans and investors alike. With fresh young talents emerging, it will be interesting to see which current players’ rookie cards may someday command prices in the millions alongside those legendary names from baseball’s storied past.

PROJECT 100 BASEBALL CARDS

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Project 100 Baseball Cards

In 1990, Topps trading card company embarked on an ambitious project to create special baseball cards featuring the top 100 players of all time as chosen in a vote by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). Known as the Project 100 baseball cards, this special collection aimed to honor and commemorate the greatest players in baseball history on premium quality collector’s cards.

The project began with Topps working with the BBWAA to conduct an extensive poll of its members to determine the Top 100 players of all time. BBWAA members, who are baseball writers and journalists that cover the sport professionally, voted on who they believed were the top 100 performers in history based on their stats, accomplishments, and overall impact on the game. This ensured the list was compiled by those most knowledgeable about the history of baseball.

Once the list of the Top 100 was finalized, Topps’ design team got to work on creating special collector’s cards showcasing each honored player. The finished cards featured elegant graphic designs with historic photos of the players and descriptive bios highlighting their most impressive career stats and achievements. More premium materials and production techniques were used compared to standard baseball cards to really make these special Project 100 cards stand out in any collector’s album or display case.

The prestigious list included many of the usual suspects widely regarded as the greatest to ever play such as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. Some more modern stars that had recently retired like Reggie Jackson and Rod Carew also made the cutoff for the Top 100 as their careers had stood the test of time. An interesting inclusion was that of 19th century pioneer player Moses Fleetwood Walker, one of the first Black players in the Major Leagues before the color barrier.

Upon completion, the full set of 100 Project 100 cards was released by Topps in 1991. Each card came in a protective plastic case and featured the official BBWAA logo, paying proper respect to the association that compiled the list. While scarce at first, over time they grew in availability as collectors traded and the supply increased on the secondary market. With Topps only producing the set once, the Project 100 cards remain a prized piece of any vintage baseball card collection today.

For dedicated players, managers, coaches and all other personnel, Project 100 provided quality custom baseball cards highlighting their accomplishments.

In addition to honoring the top individuals to play the game, Topps also produced special Project 100 cards for a small selection of managers and coaches that greatly impacted the sport throughout its history. Figures like Connie Mack, Casey Stengel, John McGraw and Sparky Anderson were showcased with these unique managerial cards that focused on their managing careers and teams led.

For true vintage card aficionados, being able to obtain even a single Project 100 baseball card of their favorite old-time star was a real coup. Despite mass production, the set has maintained its aura of prestige. In the decades since its 1991 release, the Project 100 cards have only grown more revered as a truly unique collector’s item chronicling baseball’s storied past. While pricey, they remain a Must-Have for the most dedicated fans and investors in the hobby.

While the initial run in 1991 enshrined the first official Top 100 as voted on by the BBWAA, Topps has revisited the concept a few times since to update the list. In 2007, they produced a new set highlighting the Top 75 players from 1975 onward as chosen in another BBWAA vote. And most recently in 2020, yet another Project 100 set was created to showcase the top 100 players from the past decade leading into the 2020s.

This has allowed newer all-time greats like Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera to receive their own special Project 100 cards commemorating their amazing careers. Collectors now have the opportunity to add these modern legends to their collections alongside the stars from baseball’s earliest eras. The Project 100 concept has proven an effective way for Topps to pay tribute to the game’s greatest talents, both past and present.

For serious collectors, the 1991 Topps Project 100 baseball cards remain the holy grail of the set. Finding high grade specimens of players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner in mint condition would be an incredible coup. Even well-centered, sharp examples of more common players are highly valued today. On the thriving third party marketplace, mint Project 100 cards can command thousands of dollars each for the all-time greats. As a one-of-a-kind historical set assembled with the input of the sport’s top scholars, the appeal and prestige of Topps’ Project 100 cards seems sure to endure for decades to come. They provide a unique window into appreciating baseball in all eras.

In summarizing, the Topps Project 100 baseball card sets from 1991, 2007 and 2020 have proven an excellent way for the iconic card company to honor the very best professional baseball players throughout history. Produced in partnership with the BBWAA, the curated lists and specially crafted cards pay proper tribute to the athletes that have made the most indelible marks on America’s pastime. For dedicated collectors, finding and owning examples from these sets is a lifelong quest and true testament to one’s fandom. Project 100 has undoubtedly cemented itself as one of the most prestigious initiatives ever within the hobby of baseball card collecting.

BASEBALL CARDS SHREWSBURY MA

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for generations of Americans since the late 19th century. As one of the largest towns in central Massachusetts, Shrewsbury has developed a vibrant baseball card collecting community over the decades. Whether it’s hunting for rare vintage cards from the early 1900s or seeking the latest rookie stars, Shrewsbury residents have embraced the nostalgia and thrill of the baseball card pastime.

One of the longest running and most prominent baseball card shops in Shrewsbury is Mike’s Sport Cards, located in the busy Floral Street Plaza. Mike’s Sport Cards first opened its doors in 1985 and has been a destination for local collectors ever since. Owner Mike Sullivan got hooked on cards as a kid in the 1960s and has parlayed his passion into a successful business. In the store’s large showroom, customers can browse rows of boxes organized by sport, league, set, player and year to find the exact cards they want. Mike’s also stocks a vast inventory of supplies like toploaders, binders and plastic sheets to protect valuable collections.

Beyond buying and selling individual cards, Mike’s Sport Cards is renowned for its high-end auctions. Periodically throughout the year, the shop puts extremely rare and vintage cards up for bidding both in-store and online. Some of the true gems that have crossed the auction block include a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth. While the price tags for such elite cards reach six or even seven figures, the auctions draw international attention and help satisfy the appetites of serious collectors around the world.

For a more social baseball card experience, many Shrewsbury hobbyists frequent the monthly trading nights organized by the local card club, the Shrewsbury Sports Collectors Association. Held in the function room of a local restaurant, the gatherings bring 50-100 enthusiasts together for food, drinks and swapping their duplicates. It’s not uncommon to see stacks of boxes offloaded from cars and trucks as participants set up their “trade tables” stocked with cards sorted by era and player. The lively, friendly atmosphere encourages networking while allowing collections to grow through fair bartering. The club also hosts an annual baseball card show that draws vendors and browsers from throughout New England.

Besides dedicated shops, many drugstores, supermarkets and bookstores in Shrewsbury still maintain baseball card sections alongside their general merchandise. For a casual collector or a kid just starting out, stops at Rite Aid, Market Basket or Barnes & Noble provide easy access to the most recent series at affordable prices. The stores usually stock the current year’s offerings from manufacturers like Topps, Panini and Donruss right on the sales floor. It’s a blast of nostalgia to page through the cardboard and maybe discover a future Hall of Famer featured as a rookie card.

Of course, in this digital age, the internet has massively expanded the baseball card trade. Sites like eBay allow anyone with a smartphone or computer to join in the hunt for rare finds from the comfort of their home. Completed auctions on legendary pieces of cardboard keep the hobby exciting even when physical card shops have closed for the night. Shrewsbury residents can spend hours perusing online listings in hopes of adding that elusive piece to their collections. With careful research into conditions, reputable sellers and competitive pricing, smart cyber-collectors have unearthed true buried treasures.

The pastime also lives on in local youth leagues as kids playing summer baseball still look forward to ripping packs of the latest season in pursuit of their favorite players. While the sheer numbers printed today will never replicate the scarcity of early production runs, the thrill of the chase endures. Some Shrewsbury adults now fondly remember visiting Mike’s Sport Cards as children and still cherish binders holding cards from their youth. For generations, the simple cardboard squares have fostered memories, sparked imaginations and built communities in this central Massachusetts town.

In the baseball card hub of Shrewsbury, the future remains bright. New collectors are discovering the hobby every day while dedicated veterans continually seek the next great find. From brick-and-mortar hotspots to online worldwide reach, this timeless American pastime shows no signs of slowing down. Wherever cards are collected and traded, their magic will surely continue to captivate in Shrewsbury for many years to come.

1981 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 700

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The 1981 Topps baseball card set was the 60th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and featured 692 total cards issued. The 1981 set is considered by collectors to be one of the classic Topps issues from the late 1970s/early 1980s. Some key details about the 1981 Topps baseball card set:

The design featured a white border around each card with the team logo prominently displayed at the top. Below the logo was the player’s name and position along with their career stats and accomplishments. Each card showed a different action photo of the player in action. Some key rookies featured were Dwight Gooden, Tim Raines, Steve Sax, and Keith Hernandez. The set also featured the final cards for veteran stars like Reggie Jackson, Phil Niekro, and Carl Yastrzemski.

The set had a total of 692 cards with serial numbers ranging from 1-692. This included 660 regular issue cards showing current major leaguers from the 1980 season. There were 32 special cards including managers, league leaders, major league debuts, and team summaries. Some of the special cards included #660 American League Leaders, #672 National League Leaders, and #691 Manager of the Year: Dallas Green of the Phillies.

The checklist covered all 26 major league teams from 1980 including expansion clubs like the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos who were in only their 4th year of existence. Notable rookie cards included #79 Dwight Gooden of the Mets, #222 Tim Raines of the Expos, #382 Steve Sax of the Dodgers, and #485 Keith Hernandez of the Cardinals. Veteran stars included #1 Reggie Jackson of the Angels and #660 Carl Yastrzemski of the Red Sox in his final card issued.

Included in the set were the first Topps cards issued for players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers like #169 Eddie Murray of the Orioles, #205 Rickey Henderson of the A’s, and #521 Roberto Alomar of the Padres. The 1981 set also captured future stars early in their careers like #86 Mike Schmidt of the Phillies, #149 Kirby Puckett of the Twins, and #220 Wade Boggs of the Red Sox.

The checklist featured many of the games’ biggest stars from the 1980 season including #15 George Brett of the Royals fresh off a .390 batting average season, #45 Nolan Ryan of the Astros with his then record 5th no-hitter, and #133 Mike Schmidt of the Phillies after winning his third MVP award. The set also included #600 Ozzie Smith of the Cardinals in just his second Topps card issued.

In terms of rarity, the key cards that are tougher to find in high grade include the Dwight Gooden, Tim Raines, and Keith Hernandez rookies along with the #1 Reggie Jackson and final cards for Yastrzemski and Niekro. The manager and manager of the year cards like #691 Dallas Green also command a premium. Common problems found with 1981 Topps include off-center prints, rounded edges, and minor surface scuffs or scratches from heavy circulation over the years.

When it comes to grading and preservation, PSA and BGS are the top two third-party authentication and grading companies for sports cards. For a 1981 Topps card to grade PSA Gem Mint 10 or BGS Black Label 10, it would need to be in absolutely flawless condition with perfect centering, sharp corners, and bright vivid colors still intact. Such high-grade examples from this set in many cases could be worth 1000x their raw counterparts.

In recent years, as the vintage sports card market has boomed, graded examples of key 1981 Topps cards have sold at auction for substantial sums. In January 2020, a PSA 10 graded Dwight Gooden rookie reached $86,100 at Goldin Auctions. That same year, a PSA 9.5 graded Tim Raines rookie sold for $35,220. A PSA 10 1981 Keith Hernandez rookie brought $30,960 in 2019. And a PSA 9 Carl Yastrzemski final card realized $15,924 in a November 2020 sale.

The 1981 Topps set remains one of the most iconic releases from the early 1980s due to its star-studded checklist capturing many future Hall of Famers early in their careers. While it can be a challenge to acquire high-grade versions of coveted rookie cards today due to nearly 40 years of wear and tear, the set as a whole provides an affordable way for collectors of any age or experience level to add classic cardboard from one of the hobby’s true vintage eras to their collections. Modern investment demand has ensured this set from Topps’ storied early run remains an enduring part of baseball card history.

1989 BOWMAN TIFFANY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Bowman Tiffany set is one of the most coveted and valuable vintage baseball card releases ever produced. Containing only 86 cards compared to the standard 408 card Bowman set that year, the Tiffany version featured distinctive blue borders and glossy fronts that made the cards instantly recognizable as something unique and special. While Tiffany baseball cards had been released before by Topps in the 1950s, the 1989 Bowman issue is arguably the most iconic due to its limited numbers and star-studded rookie card lineup.

Released at the tail end of the modern baseball card boom in the late 1980s, Bowman broke from tradition that year by pairing with the luxury goods maker, Tiffany & Co., to produce a high-end version of their flagship set with nicer design features and premium production qualities. Only ten cases containing 120 packs each were printed, making the odds of pulling a Tiffany card incredibly slim. With only 10,320 packs believed to have been released overall containing between 6-8 cards per pack, the total Tiffany card population easily totals under 100,000.

What sets the 1989 Tiffany Bowman cards apart most are the fabulous rookie cards it contains of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez, as well as star pitchers Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux. Griffey’s rookie, depicting him batting left-handed, is arguably the most iconic and valuable baseball card ever issued, routinely fetching six-figure prices in pristine mint condition. As perhaps the greatest five-tool player of all-time, Griffey’s superstar status and premature retirement due to injuries only add to the legendary cachet and demand for his rookie.

Edgar Martinez’s Tiffany rookie also features him batting left-handed and is the only rookie card issued of the longtime Mariners designated hitter who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. Lacking other notable rookie cards, Martinez collectors compete fiercely for his Tiffany card which can reach $10,000+ in top grades. Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux, two of the most decorated pitchers ever, also have phenomenally rare Tiffany rookies that are keys to any serious vintage card collection. With careers spanning into the 2000s steroid era, their 1980s Tiffany rookie cards stand as vivid artifacts from their early days breaking into the Majors.

Beyond the headlining young stars, the 1989 Tiffany Bowman set also included several other notables like Nolan Ryan towards the end of his 27-year career, as well as a number of other familiar names who readers may recall such as Steve Avery, Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Ozzie Smith. The scarcity of the Tiffany issue meant not all players featured in the standard Bowman set that year like Will Clark, Randy Johnson, or Dennis Eckersley received Tiffany counterparts. These omissions are part of what gives the completed set such a special allure, as locating some of the less heralded players can prove quite difficult.

In addition to the highly sought rookie cards, Griffey and Martinez Tiffanys often eclipse $10,000 each, several other individual cards have also gained recognition as tough pulls that can bring five-figure returns for patient collectors. Dennis Martinez’s card, depicting him in mid-pitch delivery for the Montreal Expos, frequently sells for over $1,000 in top condition. Another gem is the Tiffany version of Nolan Ryan’s final career card as a Texas Ranger, which he is shown firing a 100mph fastball and can reach $3,000+ graded mint. Ozzie Smith’s rendering diving for a groundball is also a short print that often trades hands for well over $500 in pristine condition.

While demand has never waned for the full 1986 Tiffany Bowman set, finding individuals cards or even small subsets complete has become exponentially more difficult. Stories circulate of individual Griffey and Martinez rookies being privately held for decades without ever hitting the open market. As such, even piecing together a majority of the set around the star rookie cards is an monumental task. Complicating matters further is the tendency for Tiffany cards to be pulled gem mint directly from packs and meticulously maintained as prized possessions ever since. Thus, high grades of PSA/BGS 9s and 10s can seem nearly unattainable at times despite the popularity of the issue.

For the true Tiffany die-hards, completion has remained an obsession but unrealized dream for many. Even owning just one of the headlining rookies in any state has become an accomplishment in its own right. As for collectors seeking to formally assemble the full 1986 set in the ultra high end, accumulating each major star rookie and the various short prints across nine or better grades would likely involve 7 figures invested minimum based on recent auction results. Such a undertaking may never be achieved, cementing the 1989 Bowman Tiffanys as perhaps the holy grail release for investors and vintage card connoisseurs. Almost 30 years later, this ultra high-end Bowman experiment continues captivating the collecting community like no other.

The allure of the 1989 Bowman Tiffany baseball card set endures because it perfectly blended superior production quality with phenomenal timing to feature the rookie seasons of future Hall of Famers Griffey and Martinez. Backed by the prestige of Tiffany & Co.’s involvement and incredibly limited printing numbers, the set displays impeccable vintage card pedigree that will ensure strong demand for lifetimes to come. As one of the single most collectible vintage releases ever, the 1989 Bowman Tiffany set stands alone as a true marker of achievement for those able to attain individual star rookies, key short prints, or – for the exceedingly fortunate – complete this Mount Everest of a baseball card collection.

BASEBALL CARDS NEW HAMPSHIRE

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The history of baseball cards in New Hampshire dates back to the late 19th century as the sport of baseball grew increasingly popular across the United States. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced featured star players from New Hampshire teams in the minor leagues.

In the late 1800s, several minor league teams popped up across New Hampshire, including franchises in cities like Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Keene. While these teams didn’t play at the same level as Major League Baseball clubs, they helped spread the game’s popularity at a local and regional level. Enterprising businessmen soon realized there was money to be made by producing collectible cards featuring the players and teams people were following.

Some of the earliest baseball card sets to feature New Hampshire players included issues from the American Caramel Company in 1891 and Mayo Cut Plug Tobacco in 1892. These early tobacco cards usually featured a black-and-white image of the player on one side and stats or biographical information on the reverse. New Hampshire players who appeared in these early sets included pitcher Harry Taylor of the Manchester Farmers and first baseman Ed Delahanty of the Portsmouth Lillies.

In the early 1900s, as cigarette companies like T206 and Sweet Caporal started producing baseball cards inserted in packs, more New Hampshire minor leaguers started gaining card recognition. Players like George “Rube” Foster of the Manchester Giants and Frank “Wildfire” Schulte of the Nashua Cotton Kings achieved local fame and had their likenesses preserved on tobacco era cards. Collecting these early cards quickly became a popular hobby among New Hampshire youth.

The Goudey Gum Company issued some of the first modern baseball card sets in 1933. Their 1933 and 1934 issues included cards of New Hampshire natives who had made it to the majors like Harry Agganis of Nashua and Ernie Lombardi of Manchester. In the post-World War 2 era, as Topps gained dominance over the baseball card market, cards of Granite State players like Mickey Vernon, Bobby Doerr, and Dick Radatz started appearing in their annual sets regularly.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, as minor league baseball remained popular across New Hampshire, local players had cards produced in regional sets like Danville Leaf. Stars of the Manchester Giants like Jim Gentile and Jim Pagliaroni and pitchers like Jack Hamilton of the Nashua Dodgers gained followings and had their cards collected avidly. The 1960s also saw New Hampshire natives like Dick Stuart, George Scott, and Sparky Lyle reach the majors and get cards in Topps’ flagship sets.

In the 1970s, as the minor leagues contracted significantly, baseball card production focused more on major leaguers. However, New Hampshire players like Bobby Sprowl, Ed Nottle, and Tom Bolton still made occasional appearances in Topps and other sets when they reached the highest levels of professional baseball. In the late 1970s, the arrival of companies like Donruss helped drive a baseball card collecting boom among children and adults alike across New Hampshire.

The 1980s saw the rise of stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs, who both hailed from New Hampshire, reach the tops of the baseball world with Ripken’s Iron Man streak and Boggs’ batting titles. Their ubiquitous cards in sets from Topps, Donruss, and Fleer were coveted by collectors both in their home state and nationwide. This era also saw the arrival of premium and oddball card issues from companies like Score, Leaf, and Mother’s Cookies that featured even more obscure Granite State players.

In the 1990s and 2000s, as the baseball card industry fractured and consolidated, New Hampshire players appeared less regularly in mainstream sets from the remaining giants Topps and Upper Deck. Collectors could still find cards of pros like John McDonald, Dan Wheeler, and Mark Strittmatter in regional minor league and independent sets. New Hampshire also produced some star collegiate players like Ryan Flaherty who had cards in sets like Triple Play Sports after being drafted.

Today, while minor league and independent baseball has diminished in New Hampshire, the state still produces an occasional MLB player like Tanner Houck of the Boston Red Sox who can be found in modern card issues. Card collecting also remains a popular hobby, with shows drawing collectors of all eras together across the state. From forgotten tobacco cards to ultra-modern parallels and autographs, the rich history of baseball cards in New Hampshire continues to engage collectors today.