RUTHIAN SHOTS BASEBALL CARDS

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The legendary home runs of Babe Ruth made him one of the most iconic figures in baseball history. So it’s only fitting that some of the hobby’s rarest and most coveted cards pay tribute to Ruth’s mammoth shots. Cards spotlighting Ruthian home runs, often called “Ruthian shot” cards, have always fascinated collectors due to their rarity, historical significance, and ability to transport collectors back to the golden era of the legendary Bambino.

One of the earliest and most notable Ruthian shot cards comes from the 1933 Goudey Baseball Leaders set. Card #16 depicts Ruth hitting one of his trademark towering blasts, with a rainbow arc showing the ball’s trajectory. Only 99 copies of this card are believed to exist today in all grades, making it incredibly scarce. In pristine mint condition, a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card can sell for over $200,000 at auction due to its rarity and importance in chronicling Ruth’s iconic home run feats.

Another standout Ruthian shot card hails from the 1933 Goudey Wide Penalty Leaders subset. Card #81 portrays Ruth unleashing a titanic swing, with another rainbow arc displaying the ball flying high over the outfield fence. Like the main set card, only a tiny handful are known to exist today. In gem mint condition, a 1933 Goudey Wide Penalty Babe Ruth card can command well into the six figures. Their extreme scarcity and ties to Ruth’s record-breaking home run prowess make these 1933 Goudey issues highly-coveted by collectors.

Jump ahead a few decades to the 1950s, when Topps issued two cards specifically honoring Ruth’s epic home run displays. The 1955 Topps Babe Ruth card depicts #3 towering a ball out of Yankee Stadium, with a caption reading “Ruthian Blast!” On the 1957 Topps card, Ruth is again shown crushing a deep fly over the wall, and the back describes some of his most monstrous shots. Collectors prize both 1950s Topps Ruth cards for their depictions of his legendary home run power. High grade versions regularly sell for $4,000-$10,000 depending on condition.

In the 1980s, Donruss paid special tribute to Ruth with cards from their “Guys & Gals of Summer” subset. The 1984 Donruss Babe Ruth card portrays #3 unleashing a mammoth swing with the ball sailing far out of view. Turning the card over reveals the back is emblazoned with the words “Ruthian Blast” along with career stats. This iconic depiction of Ruth hitting a titanic home run is immensely popular with collectors. Prices range from $300 raw to $2,000 or more for a near-mint copy.

One of the most visually-striking Ruthian shot cards comes from the premium 1996 Ultra Golden Moments set. Card #59 features an action shot of Ruth unleashing his powerful uppercut swing, with the ball shown blasting far out of the park like a missile. An impressive watercolor painting adorns the front to commemorate one of Ruth’s record breaking displays of power. Mint Ultra Ruthian shots can sell for $500-$1,000 due to the premium production quality and painted artwork.

Fast forward to the 2000s when hobby manufacturers continued to pay homage to Ruth’s home run records. The exquisite 2001 Fleer Greats Signature Series Insert card portrays Ruth rounding the bases after smacking a ball completely out of view. Turning it over reveals a swatch of Ruth’s authentic autograph embedded on the reverse. Adding to the rarity, only 25 copies were inserted into packs, making mint condition examples extremely scarce with values ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

One of the most affordable modern options for collectors seeking a Ruthian shot card comes from 2005 Topps Baseball Heritage. Card #154 depicts Babe Ruth smashing a home run over the Yankee Stadium fence, with a pink circle around the ball to represent its trajectory. Though not as rare as older issues, the Heritage set helps preserve Ruth’s legacy as the original home run king for a new generation of collectors. Even lower end copies in Good/Very Good condition can be obtained for under $20.

Cards commemorating Babe Ruth’s awe-inspiring home run displays hold a unique place in the hobby. From exceedingly rare 1933 Goudey issues to modern tribute pieces, Ruthian shot cards captivate collectors with their depictions and historical significance. Whether a mint Goudey Budget or well-loved 2005 Heritage card, they transport fans back to a bygone baseball era defined by the iconic Bambino launching tape measure shots out of the park. No collection of vintage baseball cards is truly complete without at least one piece honoring the original Sultan of Swat.

MOST VALUABLE 1995 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 baseball card season saw the rise of many young superstar players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Several rookie cards from 1995 remain highly sought after by collectors decades later due to the player’s future success and the limited printing of cards early in their career. While Pokemon and other non-sports cards now dominate the collecting landscape, vintage baseball cards from the late 20th century remain a cornerstone of the hobby. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1995 baseball cards that still generate excitement among collectors today.

Ken Griffey Jr.-1989 Upper Deck #1 RC – Widely considered the best player of the 1990s, Griffey Jr. captivated fans with his effortless power and dazzling defense in center field. His rookie card is the crown jewel of any vintage baseball card collection. High grade copies in mint condition have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Even well-worn near-mint copies can fetch $3,000-$5,000. The rarity of a Griffey rookie in pristine condition pairs with his legendary career to make this one of the most coveted cards on the market.

Randy Johnson – 1992 Fleer #91 RC – The “Big Unit” struck fear into batters with a 100 mph fastball and nasty slider during his Hall of Fame pitching career. As one of the most intimidating hurlers ever, his rookie card remains a chase for any collector. Johnson’s tall frame and fierce on-field presence are captured perfectly on this iconic ’92 Fleer issue. Very high grades have sold for over $15,000, with most NM/MTG copies trading hands around $2,000.

Derek Jeter -1992 Bowman’s Best #293 RC – As Mr. Yankee himself, Jeter’s name is synonymous with pinstripes, clutch hits, and championship pedigree. His rookie appearance is the 1992 Bowman’s Best issue, a scarce collector favorite. Near mint Jeter rookies in strong condition can sell for $4,000-$6,000. Receiving a PSA or BGS grade of 9+ can boost a copy into the $10,000+ range based on recent sales. Few players embodied big moments on baseball’s biggest stage quite like Jeter.

Chipper Jones -1991 Fleer Update #U-7 RC – One of the game’s most gifted hitters spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves. Jones shattered hearts in New York with his dramatic NLCS home run in 1999. His rookie issue comes from Fleer’s 1991 Update set, considered one of the scarcer early releases. High grades have sold for upwards of $4,000 due to Jones’ epic career and the card’s limited initial printing. Most NM copies trade in the $1,500 range.

John Smoltz -1988 Donruss Stars of the Majors #59 RC – As a dominant starter who transitioned to an elite closer late in his career, Smoltz was the epitome of versatility and durability. His ’88 Donruss rookie reflects his intimidating early years piling up strikeouts for the Atlanta Braves. Higher graded Smoltz rookies have exceeded $3,000 at auction. Most well-centered NM examples can be found for $800-$1,200.

Other valuable 1995 cards of future Hall of Famers include:

Pedro Martinez – 1990 Bowman #34 RC – One of the most feared pitchers ever when on the mound. High grades of his rookie have soared past $6,000.

Trevor Hoffman – 1993 Pinnacle #506 RC – The all-time saves leader, Hoffman’s rookie shows him as a Padre before a stellar career. Top PSA 9s reach $1,000+.

Craig Biggio -1988 Donruss #456 RC – As a perennial All-Star and one of few modern players with 3,000 hits. Biggio’s RC sells for $500-$800 in NM condition.

Pat Hentgen -1989 Fleer #383 RC- Winnner of the 1996 AL Cy Young, the Canadian righty gets strong interest from collectors in his home country. Graded examples trade for $400-$600.

Ivan Rodriguez – 1991 Leaf #369 RC – “Pudge” revolutionized the catching position with his defense. His rookie is highly demanded by collectors north of the border in Mexico. Near mints sell briskly for $350-$550.

While the digital card collecting universe now dominates, vintage cardboard from the peak of the original baseball card boom in the 1990s remains a special artifact coveted by collectors. With legendary talents, iconic designs, and limited early print runs, the top 1995 rookies will likely continue appreciating in value for dedicated hobbyists. Especially as the great careers they depict become more cemented in baseball history with each passing year. Overall, 1995 was a banner year for the emergence of future Hall of Famers – making their fresh rookie cards highly prized centerpieces for any collection.

1981 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1981 Fleer baseball card set is one of the iconic sets from the 1980s. While it didn’t feature the biggest stars of the day like the Topps or Donruss sets due to licensing issues, it paved the way for Fleer to become a major baseball card manufacturer. The set consists of 398 total cards including player cards, manager cards, and checklists. While most of the cards in the set hold little monetary value today outside of nostalgia, there are a handful of ultra-rare and valuable rookie cards that fetch thousands of dollars in pristine condition.

One of the biggest rookie cards and most valuable from the 1981 Fleer set belongs to Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. His rookie card, card number 165 in the set, is one of just a handful featuring one of the game’s all-time great catchers. What makes it so rare and collectible is that Fleer only produced around 100 of these rookie cards according to Beckett magazine estimates. With such a tiny print run, finding an example in near mint condition is very difficult. When they surface for auction or sale, these pristine Fisk rookies can sell for over $10,000. One mint PSA 9 example sold for $15,000 in a recent auction, showing just how coveted this rare rookie card is by collectors.

Another gigantic rookie card from 1981 Fleer is that of Fernando Valenzuela, card number 278. As one of the games’ first true Mexican superstars, “Fernandomania” took Los Angeles by storm in 1981 when he emerged with a spectacular rookie season for the Dodgers. His card is one of the most identifiable from the 1980s due to his long dark hair flowing out from under his Dodgers cap. Like the Fisk, estimates are that Fleer printed around 100 or fewer copies of the Valenzuela card. High grades have sold for over $20,000 in recent years given how iconic his rookie year was. Even well-worn but identifiable copies can fetch $3-5,000 no problem. With such a small print run, it’s truly one of the toughest rookie cards from the boom era to track down in nice condition.

The 1981 Fleer set also features the rookie cards of Hall of Famers Wade Boggs at number 171 and Ryne Sandberg at number 324. Their rookie cards don’t have the same ultra-rare status as Fisk or Valenzuela but still hold great value especially in high grades. A PSA 10 quality Boggs rookie recently sold for over $7,500 while a Sandberg fetched close to $5,000 in Gem Mint condition. Most well-preserved copies still sell for $1,000-$2,000 depending on the exact condition and market. For players of their stature who had Hall of Fame careers, their rookie cards tend to perform very well long term as collector interest remains strong decades later.

Outside of the star rookies, there are a few other singles from the 1981 Fleer set that can hold substantial value depending on condition. Number 1 features Yankees star Dave Winfield and high grades often surpass $1,000. Number 23 is Nolan Ryan’s sole card in the set before he moved to the Astros the next season. Gem Mint examples of his have sold for $3,000 or more. Number 67 of Dan Quisenberry also garners attention from collectors. His funky delivery and dominant season as a reliever have made his card popular. Graded 9s have sold for $1,500-2,000.

While these ultra-premium copies command big prices, there is value throughout the set if collectors can find examples in higher grades. All-Star players like Goose Gossage at number 109, George Brett at 116, and Jim Rice at 168 will sell for hundreds of dollars in Near Mint to Mint condition. Even solidly graded common players can sell for $50-$100 as collectors seek to finish the set. And the unprecedented boom in sporting collectibles during the pandemic has lifted prices across the board for 1980s cardboard.

While it didn’t feature the sport’s biggest names in 1981 due to licensing issues, the Fleer baseball set from that year holds immense historical significance. Its huge print run of 398 cards opened the doors for Fleer to become a permanent fixture in the industry. And its collection of rookie cards including stars like Fisk, Valenzuela, Boggs and Sandberg make it one of the most important releases from the peak of the baseball card boom era. For the highest grades of these coveted rookie cards or other key singles, collectors are willing to pay thousands. Overall it serves as a snapshot of the stars emerging in the early 1980s and remains a set that any vintage collector hopes to acquire.

BEST BABE RUTH BASEBALL CARDS

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Babe Ruth is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his baseball cards are some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Whether you’re looking for his rookie card, key vintage issues, or modern parallels and autographs, Ruth cards hold a special place in the collections of many enthusiasts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most desirable Babe Ruth baseball cards on the market.

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth (Rookie Card): This is arguably the holy grail of all baseball cards as it captures Ruth in his first professional season before joining the Red Sox. The 1914 News card is extremely rare with only one known PSA 8 graded copy in existence. In recent years, it has sold for well over $5 million, making it one of the most valuable trading cards ever produced. Getting ahold of this piece of cardboard history would be a true crown jewel for any collection.

1915 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth: Issued during Ruth’s first season with the Red Sox, the 1915 Cracker Jack is the first widely distributed baseball card of the Bambino. It captures him clean shaven at a young age before he developed his iconic called shot persona. High grade examples in PSA 8 or above can sell for $150,000+, with the all-time record being a PSA 8 that went for just under $300,000. Still an extremely rare pre-war card that is out of reach for most collectors.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth: Considered the premier Babe Ruth card from the iconic 1933 Goudey set. It features a glorious portrait of the Sultan of Swat in mid-swing. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2 million, with most graded 8s bringing $100,000+. Even low-grade copies still fetch five figures due to the card’s amazing vintage looks and subject matter. A true cornerstone for vintage collections.

1948 Leaf Babe Ruth: One of the more affordable vintage Ruth cards still under $10,000 PSA 9 or better. The 1948 Leaf set is highly regarded for its sharp photographs on thick cardboard stock. Ruth appears in Yankee pinstripes smiling directly at the camera. Even lower graded copies still hold value north of $1,000 due to the set’s scarcity and subject’s popularity over 70 years later.

1952 Topps Babe Ruth: Considered one of the finest post-war Babe Ruth cards available. Topps really outdid themselves with the sharp color photography and design elements on this issue. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” examples have reached $125,000 at auction. Even mid-grade copies still sell for five figures. An iconic piece of cardboard history that defined the post-war trading card boom.

1957 Topps Babe Ruth: A significant Ruth card that was part of Topps’ popular and expansive 1957 set. It features a classic headshot of the Yankee great in period correct pinstripes. High grades over $10,000, with most examples settling in the $1,000-$5,000 range depending on condition. Still affordable for enthusiasts looking to add a certified vintage Ruth to their PC.

1973 Topps Babe Ruth (Photo Variation): A true oddball variation that captures a rare image of Ruth not seen elsewhere. While extremely low pop, PSA 10 examples have reached $30,000 due to the photo’s obscurity and high grade. Even lower grades sell well north of $1,000. An esoteric key issue for supercompletists of Ruth’s post-rookie card output.

1991 Upper Deck Babe Ruth Autograph: The first modern era autographed card of Babe Ruth issued in the blockbuster 1991 Upper Deck set. While not “on-card,” Ruth’s elegant cursive signature remains a true prize for collectors. PSA/DNA 10 examples have reached $50,000, with most graded copies settling in the $5,000-$10,000 range. An attainable modern relic for enthusiasts seeking a certified piece of Ruth’s actual autograph.

1998 Fleer Greats of the Game Autograph: Considered the most coveted on-card Babe Ruth autograph available. It features Ruth’s iconic signature nicely centered within the visual design. PSA/DNA POP 1 for a perfect 10 grade at $250,000. Even mid-grades still sell for five figures. The holy grail for Ruth autograph collectors seeking the best quality on-card signed relic.

2001 Topps American Pie Babe Ruth Game Used Jersey: Topps really outdid themselves with this incredible parallel issue featuring an actual swatch of Ruth’s authentic 1920s-era Yankees jersey embedded directly into the card front. PSA/DNA 10 examples have reached $100,000. Even mid-grades sell well north of $10,000. The finest certified game-worn Ruth relic card available for enthusiasts seeking genuine used memorabilia.

2003 Topps American Pie Babe Ruth Game Used Bat: Another phenomenal parallel issue from Topps’ American Pie set featuring an authentic sliver of Babe Ruth’s actual game used bat encased on the card front. PSA/DNA 10 grades have reached $150,000. Even lower graded copies still sell for five figures. As close as one can get to possessing an actual piece of the Bambino’s legendary lumber without owning the bat itself.

In summary, Babe Ruth reigned as the most popular player of his era and his legendary status only grew after his retirement. As a result, his vintage and modern baseball cards are among the most valuable and desirable in the entire collecting hobby. While the earliest Ruth rookies remain out of reach for most, there are still many iconic and attainable issues that allow enthusiasts to add The Babe to their collections through certified pieces of cardboard, autographs, and game-used memorabilia. No baseball collection is truly complete without representations of the immortal George Herman “Babe” Ruth.

2022 TOPPS BOWMAN PLATINUM BASEBALL TRADING CARDS BLASTER BOX

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The 2022 Topps Bowman Platinum baseball card set promises to be another opportunity for collectors to grab hold of autograph cards and prospects before they make their major league debuts. Topps continues to deliver high-end products within the Bowman brand that offer prospects, current stars, and the chance at big hits.

Bowman Platinum is Topps’ premier prospect set that features prospects, rookie cards, and stars. The checklist includes top prospects not found in the standard Bowman set like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez who have graduated to being established major leaguers. Each box has the potential to contain valuable autographed cards of prospects on the cusp of the majors or newly entered stars. With so much young talent rising through minor league systems, Bowman Platinum blaster boxes are always a hot commodity for collectors hoping to land cards that could appreciate significantly.

Inside each Bowman Platinum blaster box are 12 packs with 4 cards per pack. The odds of finding any one particular hit card vary based on parallel and player but on average collectors can expect around 1 autograph or memorabilia card per box. Along with the chance at autographs, collectors have opportunities to pull parallels and non-auto hits of high-level prospects. Rarity ranges from standard base cards to more valuable rainbow foil, gold, and black parallel versions that add to the card’s value. Veteran stars from MLB are also included alongside prospects to round out complete checklists.

The 2022 Topps Bowman Platinum release features top tier prospects like Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams, and Jackson Jobe who were all recently called up to the majors but have Bowman rookie cards eligible for the set. Several of these prospects could become stars in the big leagues which makes their Bowman Platinum rookie cards hold potential as future key pieces in collections. With each passing season, new waves of talent move through the minor leagues making their Bowman cards the first opportunity for collectors. This makes every Bowman Platinum release an interesting timepiece to look back on in future years.

As with any trading card product, the quality control and centering/cutting can vary between boxes and individual cards. Topps typically produces Bowman Platinum to stricter standards than their other releases but imperfect cards may still slip through. For sealed blaster boxes in particular, variation is to be expected when mass producing thousands of boxes. Though despite any flaws, Bowman Platinum cards hold prestige for capturing the earliest cards featuring prospects before they become household names. Getting boxes at or near MSRP of $25-30 is ideal to maximize potential profits if hits are pulled while minimizing risk compared to buying individual flagship parallels or prospect autographs online.

The allure of Bowman Platinum is landing cards of the future faces of MLB franchises and having their earliest cards made available through blaster boxes. While chances are low for any single box to yield big value cards, the fun is in the chase of what the next prospect superstar card could be uncovered. At under $30 per box and with 12 packs containing 48 cards total, Bowman Platinum blasters are an affordable way for collectors of all levels to kickstart their prospect collections and hope for gambling on cards that appreciate tremendously if players develop as projected. Whether hits are found or not, it’s relaxing enjoy ripping packs in search of the next crop of potential all-stars.

The 2022 Topps Bowman Platinum baseball card set and accompanying blaster boxes provide a balanced mix of established veterans, top prospects, and the opportunity at valuable autographed or parallel rookie cards. Given the set’s focus on the future of MLB through minor leaguers, each year’s release serves as a fascinating time capsule to look back on which prospects emerged as impact big leaguers. While not a guaranteed path to riches, Bowman Platinum blasters are worthwhile for any collector seeking an entertaining cardboard rip and a chance, however slim, at acquiring cards that gain considerable worth down the road. Factor in the affordable price point compared to risker individual card investments, and Bowman Platinum blasters are a logical choice for building prospect collections or for getting new collectors involved chasing the next generation of baseball stars.

FAMOUS BASEBALL CARDS COLLECTION

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Baseball cards have been popular collectibles since the late 19th century. Some of the most famous and valuable baseball cards ever printed feature legendary players from the early days of the game. Several prominent collectors have amassed truly remarkable collections featuring some of the rarest and most desirable cards in existence. Here are some of the most famous and extensive baseball card collections ever assembled.

The Beckett Collection: Published author and expert grader Dr. James Beckett has spent decades accumulating what is considered one of the finest and most complete baseball card collections in the world. His collection numbers in the hundreds of thousands of cards and includes examples from the earliest printed sets all the way up to modern issues. Some of the crown jewels of the Beckett Collection include a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, the finest known example which he graded Mint 9; a PSA Gem Mint 10 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle; and a complete run of the iconic 1952 Topps set in high grades. The collection is valued well into the eight figures.

The SGC Registry Set: Created by prominent third-party grading company SGC, the SGC Registry Set is a collaborative effort between SGC and dozens of elite collectors. The goal is to assemble a complete run of every significant vintage and modern set in the highest graded condition possible, with all cards attaining a grade of SGC 70 or above. Some of the rarest inclusions in the Registry Set so far are a 1914 Cracker Jack N1 Honus Wagner graded SGC 70; a 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee graded SGC 80; and a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth graded SGC 80. With contributions from top collectors, the SGC Registry Set is considered the finest graded set in the hobby.

The Murphy Collection: In the late 90s and early 2000s, former hedge fund manager Bill Murphy amassed one of the largest and most complete collections of vintage cards ever assembled by a single individual. His collection contained over 250,000 cards and included every significant tobacco and candy issue from the pre-war era, most in high grades. Some of the most valuable pieces were an SGC-graded T206 Wagner; multiple PSA/SGC 80+ graded Goudey and T206 cards; and complete high-grade runs of sets like 1909-11 T206, 1914 Cracker Jack, and 1933 Goudey. Following Murphy’s passing in 2017, his entire collection was sold at auction for over $30 million.

The McGuire Collection: Formed by Texas oilman and historian Jim McGuire over 50 years, the McGuire Collection is renowned for its amazing depth and condition across all of sports card history. In addition to a complete vintage run from the 1900s-1950s, McGuire assembled the finest known examples of many key cards, like his PSA NM-MT 8 1909-11 T206 Wagner, graded at the time as the finest in existence. His collection also featured the finest known copies of rare pre-war issues like the 1914 Cracker Jack set complete in high grades. Following McGuire’s passing in 2020, his entire 700,000+ card collection was acquired by collector Bill Goodwin.

The Goldin Auctions Registry Set: Founded by industry pioneer Ken Goldin in the 1980s, Goldin Auctions has long been the premier auction house for vintage cards. To showcase the rarest material crossing their auction block, Goldin launched the Goldin Auctions Registry Set in the 2010s. The set aims to assemble a complete vintage run with all cards attaining ultra-high grades of PSA/SGC 95 or above. Some highlights so far include a PSA Gem Mint 100 1909-11 T206 Wagner; PSA/SGC 100 graded examples from rare pre-war sets; and the finest known copies of many iconic vintage cards in pristine condition. The Registry Set stands as a showcase of the absolute pinnacle of the hobby.

As one can see, some of the most accomplished collectors have spent entire lifetimes hunting down and assembling truly remarkable collections featuring the rarest and most desirable vintage cards in the highest attainable conditions. While most cards will never achieve the lofty prices seen at auction for the most elite examples, following the journeys of these top collections gives insight into the history of the hobby. With dedicated collectors and graders working to preserve the condition of these fragile pieces of pop culture history, the future remains bright for appreciating the amazing cards of baseball’s early decades.

MYRTLE BEACH BASEBALL CARDS

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has long been known as a popular vacation destination along the Southeastern coast of the United States. With its beautiful beaches and ample family-friendly activities, Myrtle Beach draws visitors from up and down the East Coast each year. What many people may not realize is that Myrtle Beach has also developed a very strong reputation in the world of collectible sports cards over the past few decades.

The history of Myrtle Beach in the baseball card world can be traced back to the 1970s, when the city first began establishing itself as a mecca for sports card collectors and dealers. Several important factors contributed to Myrtle Beach emerging as a hotbed for the baseball card hobby during this era. For one, its status as a tourist destination meant that sports card shows and conventions hosted in the city had the potential to draw big crowds. The mild climate also made Myrtle Beach an appealing offseason location for such events.

The city was located roughly halfway between the major population centers of the Northeast and South, making it very accessible for collectors from a wide geographic region. But perhaps most importantly, Myrtle Beach in the 1970s had a low cost of living and plenty of vacant commercial real estate available. This allowed sports card entrepreneurs to open shop relatively inexpensively and take advantage of the growing collector base. Some of the first dedicated sports card stores in the country were established in Myrtle Beach during this time period.

As the demand for collectible cards grew nationwide in the 1980s, fueled by the rise of the speculation-driven “hobby boom,” Myrtle Beach’s gravitational pull on the baseball card world became even stronger. Major card shows started being held in the city on a monthly basis, frequently drawing crowds of thousands. This further reinforced Myrtle Beach’s standing as the epicenter of the fast-expanding hobby. During the late 1980s, it wasn’t uncommon for monthly shows to generate over $1 million in total card sales.

In the 1990s, as the sports card market started to mature after the boom years, Myrtle Beach continued expanding its leadership position. New multi-day extravaganzas like the Sports Card & Memorabilia Show took the city’s convention business to another level. At their peak in the mid-1990s, these “Super Shows” might see attendance top 10,000 collectors. Meanwhile, a dense collection of card shop “strips” had also developed up and down Ocean Boulevard, the heart of Myrtle Beach’s tourism district.

The early 2000s brought new challenges as the sports memorabilia industry contracted after the dot-com bubble burst. However, Myrtle Beach persevered due to the loyalty of its customer base and by organizing events with an increased focus on value. The rise of internet sales also presented an opportunity, as brick-and-mortar Myrtle Beach shops established a strong online presence. By the 2010s, the city was as robust a trading hub as ever, anchored by multi-day extravaganzas like the National Sports Collectors Convention in summer months.

Myrtle Beach has also proven very supportive of preservation initiatives within the hobby over the years. For instance, the Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine & Wetland Studies, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, is now home to one of the most comprehensive sports card and memorabilia museums on the East Coast. Called the Sports Card & Memorabilia Museum, it holds tens of thousands of items chronicling the evolution of the industry since the late 1800s. The museum represents a prime example of how Myrtle Beach gives back to the hobby that has supported its economy for decades.

While Myrtle Beach is undoubtedly internationally known today primarily for its stunning beaches and plentiful family attractions, the city should also be recognized for playing an absolutely pivotal role in developing the modern sports collecting phenomenon. From the 1970s onward, Myrtle Beach shrewdly established and then expanded its position as a trading epicenter and major convention destination for baseball card collectors. Its central location, business-friendly environment, and year-round warm weather made it an ideal breeding ground for the blossoming hobby. Even amid industry downturns, Myrtle Beach maintained its standing due to loyal local enthusiasts—ensuring its place will always be securely cemented within the rich historical traditions of sports collectibles.

FRANK THOMAS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Frank Thomas was one of the most prolific power hitters of his generation. As a first baseman and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox from 1990-2005, “The Big Hurt” smacked 521 home runs and drove in 1,704 runs while batting .301 for his career. Naturally, Thomas’ dominance as a hitter made his baseball cards highly sought after items for collectors both during his playing days and after he retired.

Even today, decades after his rookie season, Frank Thomas baseball cards remain popular on eBay as fans and investors seek out his iconic rookie cards as well as cards featuring his huge season stats from his prime years in the 1990s. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Thomas’ most desirable baseball cards that regularly attract bids and sell for big money on the online auction giant.

One of the holy grails of Frank Thomas cards is certainly his 1989 Upper Deck rookie card. As the flagship rookie card from one of the most coveted modern sets in the hobby, Thomas’ UD RC is a true gem. Fresh off being selected as the number 7 overall pick in the 1989 MLB Draft by the White Sox, the RC features Thomas in his Sox road grey uniform from his debut season. In gem mint condition, a PSA 10 Thomas 1989 Upper Deck RC has sold for over $10,000 on eBay. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range will fetch $1,000+ due to the card’s iconic status.

Another hugely sought after early Frank Thomas issue is his 1991 Score rookie card. As one of the first mainstreamThomas cards released after he burst onto the scene, the Score RC holds a special place for collectors of this all-time slugger. With a clean white border and photo showing Thomas’ broad shoulders and stoic batting stance, it’s no surprise this popular RC reaches over $200 in high grades. The rarer 1991 Score Traded version, which has “Traded” printed below his image, has even sold for over $1,000 in pristine condition.

Jumping ahead to the peak of Thomas’ playing career in the 1990s, several of his insert and parallel cards from that decade routinely sell for four-figure sums. A big ticket item is his 1992 Studio Portrait Leadersparallel card, limited to only 101 copies printed. Due to its extreme scarcity, even poorly graded examples of this parallel have sold for well over $3,000. Another sought after parallel from the early 90s is his 1992 Topps Diamond Kingsrefractor, with PSA 10 examples crossing $1,500.

Two of Thomas’ best statistical seasons came in 1993-1994 when he followed up his AL MVP in 1993 by hitting .353 with 38 home runs and 101 RBI’s the next year. Naturally, contemporary inserts and parallels highlighting these monster campaigns are big dollar cards. His ultrarare 1993 SP AuthenticSignaturesrefractor parallel (#/25) reached nearly $10,000. Common parallels like the 1993 Stadium Club Diamond Kingsand 1994 Finest Refractors regularly sell for $500-750 in top condition as they showcase Thomas in his Sox uniform during this offensive peak.

As one of the most dominant hitters of the 1990s “Steroid Era”, Thomas is also highly collected today due to his accomplishments standing out as truly “clean”. Later rookie parallels like his 1995 Pinnacle RookiesGold parallels (#/75) and 1995 Leaf RookiesSuperstarsspecimen cards pay homage to Thomas’ early success without PED suspicions. High grade examples have sold for $500-1000 reflecting collectors’ continued respect for the integrity of his huge career numbers.

Interestingly, one of Thomas’ strongest modern cards reflects a career low-point as much as his massive abilities. His 2002 Fleer Greatsrefractorparallel features Thomas in an A’s uniform, as he signed as a free agent late in his career with Oakland after the White Sox let him walk. Only 99 copies were produced, making this rare parallel all the more symbolic as possibly Thomas’ last fling with relevance. A PSA 10 copy incredibly reached the $4,000 sales mark.

In recap, Frank Thomas’ impressive career and status as a clean slugger of the power-hitting 90s continue to resonate with collectors today on eBay. Whether seeking out early rookie gems, monster season parallels, or rare inserts, Thomas fanatics have plenty of desirable cardboard to chase across his career. With the recent passing of legend Hank Aaron as well, interest could surge further in the cards of dominant home run hitters from that era like Thomas. No collection of 90s sluggers is complete without representations of the achievements of “The Big Hurt” himself through his historic baseball cards.

BASEBALL CARDS SELLING NEAR ME

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over a century. As one of the earliest forms of sports memorabilia, baseball cards allow fans to connect with their favorite players through images and stats printed on small pieces of cardboard. Whether you have a collection you’re looking to sell or you’re a buyer searching for cards to add to your own collection, there are various options available to buy and sell baseball cards near you.

One of the most convenient methods for both buying and selling locally is through Facebook Marketplace. This platform allows you to post listings for your available baseball cards within a specified radius of your location. You can upload photos of the cards you have for sale along with descriptions of any notable players, conditions, sets they’re from, and your asking price. For buyers, you can search by location and filter listings by newest, distance, price, and more. Facebook Marketplace tends to have the most local traffic of any online classified site, so your listings are more likely to be seen by potential buyers in your area.

If you prefer face-to-face transactions, local card shops are another great option. Most major metropolitan areas will have at least one dedicated sports card and memorabilia store. These shops buy collections, sell individual cards and packs, and host events like release days for new sets and tournaments. Stopping by your local card shop gives buyers a chance to look through available inventory in person. Sellers can get on-the-spot cash offers for their collections from the shop’s buyer. Be prepared to potentially negotiate as shops need to factor in their own profit margins.

Another brick-and-mortar route is visiting card shows and conventions. These larger events are held periodically, sometimes monthly, in different cities. Vendors from across a region will gather to display thousands of cards for sale organized by sport, team, player, or set. As a seller, you can rent a table to showcase your personal collection. Buyers have the opportunity to search through multiple dealers’ inventories under one roof. Shows draw serious collectors who are willing to spend more on rarer finds. You’ll need to pay table fees as a seller and competition can be stiff.

If you’d prefer the convenience of selling from home, online marketplaces like eBay provide a global audience. Taking high-quality photos of your cards and writing detailed listings that include conditions, notable features, and accurate descriptions will help maximize your prices. On the buying side, eBay allows you to search completed and current auctions. Be sure to check seller feedback and only purchase from highly-rated accounts to avoid scams. Shipping costs will need to be factored in, so large collections may sell for less than local in-person transactions. Still, eBay is unparalleled for its customer base.

Websites like COMC (Cardboard Connection) and Sportlots are excellent options specifically for baseball card collectors. These sites specialize in the trading, buying, and selling of sports cards and allow you to create virtual online storefronts showcasing your personal collections. They charge monthly or annual membership fees but take care of photography, grading if desired, and shipping for you. For buyers, these sites have thousands of cards available from multiple sellers in one searchable database. Like eBay, shipping fees still apply which can eat into profit margins for less valuable cards.

Consider consignment through an experienced card dealer or auction house. Professionals will appraise your collection’s value, handle the photography and description work, and market the cards through their established channels. If a sale is made, you’ll receive a percentage of the final hammer price minus any applicable fees. While consignment yields the least immediate money, it can potentially earn you the highest long term profits – especially for rare game-used memorabilia. Just be sure to research dealers’ reputations and success rates. Paperwork may also be involved to formalize the legal agreement.

No matter which method you choose for buying or selling baseball cards locally or online, do your research, know average market values, and be wary of any transaction sounding too good to be true. With patience and diligence, you can grow your personal collection or earn some money from cards taking up space in your attic or storage unit. Trading, collecting, and selling cards is as much about the nostalgia and enjoyment of the hobby as the financial aspect.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set marked a comeback year for the Fleer brand in the baseball card industry after leaving the market in 1981. While not the most iconic or well-known design compared to flagship brands like Topps, the 1987 Fleer set featured several rookie cards and rookie versions of future Hall of Famers that have become extremely valuable in the decades since. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and significant 1987 Fleer baseball cards to own if you’re a serious collector or investor.

One of the true gems of the 1987 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all time, Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless skills in center field made him an instant fan favorite. His rookie card captured the beginning of what would become a surefire Hall of Fame career. In near-mint to mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now regularly commands prices above $1000 and has sold for over $25,000 in gem mint 10 gradings. Even in well-worn condition, this card remains highly sought after and valuable given the legendary status of “The Kid”.

Another extremely valuable 1987 Fleer rookie is the Barry Bonds card. Distinctive for its photo showing Bonds in a crouched batting stance, this card had underestimated value for years since Bonds’ offensive stats grew rapidly later in his career. As Bonds neared and broke the all-time home run records, demand skyrocketed for his rookie card. In top condition its value has soared into the thousands, with one recent PSA 10 gem mint sale reaching nearly $30,000. For Bonds collectors, this 1987 Fleer rookie is truly a crown jewel.

The legendary Greg Maddux got his first major league card in 1987 Fleer as well. Though not technically a true rookie since he debuted in 1986 for the Chicago Cubs, it served as Maddux’s first card in a Fleer set after appearing in Donruss in 1986. Like Bonds, Maddux went on to put up Hall of Fame numbers and is considered one of the best pitchers of all time. In top condition his 1987 Fleer has sold for over $1700. It remains very popular for collectors looking to represent one of baseball’s most dominant hurlers at an early stage of his outstanding career.

Roberto Alomar’s rookie card from the 1987 Fleer set also holds tremendous value. Alomar broke in with the San Diego Padres in 1988 but was included in Fleer due to his MLB debut coming late in the 1987 season. He would go on to a career as a .300 hitter and one of the best fielding second basemen ever, earning Hall of Fame induction in 2011. In pristine mint condition, Alomar’s rookie has reached over $3000 at auction. It’s a true key card for any baseball card collection focusing on the stars of the 1990s.

In addition to high-profile rookie cards, the 1987 Fleer set featured several cards showing future Hall of Famers in the prime of their careers that carry immense price tags today. A notable example is the Kirby Puckett card, capturing the Twins legend at the peak of his hitting prowess in 1987 when he batted .332. High-grade examples have sold for over $1500. Also very costly is the Cal Ripken Jr. card from the set, reflecting his run at the all-time consecutive games played record. PSA 10 copies of Ripken’s 1987 Fleer card have reached the $2000 range.

Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, and Wade Boggs are other examples of cards that have achieved astronomical prices in the most pristine of conditions. Even though they weren’t rookies, representing these legends of the 1980s at the height of their fame and ability is highly sought after by collectors. They’re true flagship cards that exemplify the talent level featured in the 1987 Fleer set.

While not the flashiest or most iconic baseball card release compared to brands like Topps, the 1987 Fleer set holds tremendous nostalgia and value due to its array of rookie cards as well as cards showing baseball immortals at the peak of their MLB stardom. Keys like Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Roberto Alomar, and Greg Maddux set the standard for the most expense rookie cards money can buy. Coupled with star-studded veteran standouts, 1987 Fleer remains a benchmark year in the modern card collecting era and an asset for any dedicated baseball memorabilia portfolio. The allure of owning vintage cardboard featuring legends at the dawn of their fame continues to drive enthusiast demand and investment potential decades later.

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