BASEBALL CARDS BRAVES

Leave a reply

The Atlanta Braves have a long and storied history that is well documented through baseball cards spanning over a century. From their beginnings as the Boston Braves in the early 1900s to their move to Milwaukee in the 1950s and finally settling in Atlanta in 1966, Braves cards provide a glimpse into the franchise’s evolution and some of their greatest players.

One of the earliest Braves stars to be featured on cards was pitcher Vic Willis. In the early 1900s, tobacco companies like American Tobacco began inserting baseball cards into cigarette and candy packs as a marketing technique. In 1909, Willis appeared on a T206 card showing him in a Boston Braves uniform. Willis had several successful seasons with the Braves and helped lead them to the 1914 World Series title. His iconic tobacco era card remains one of the most sought after and valuable from the Boston Braves era.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Goudey Gum Company began mass producing colorful baseball cards as inserts in gum packs. Future Hall of Famers like Rabbit Maranville, Lew Burdette, and Warren Spahn all received iconic Goudey cards sporting their Braves uniforms. Spahn in particular became one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history during his 21 seasons with the Braves franchise spanning from 1942 to 1963. His powerful pitching motion and dominance on the mound made him one of the most prominent Braves stars to collect.

When the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise documented through Topps and Bowman baseball cards of the 1950s. Stars like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Joe Adcock led the Milwaukee Braves to their only World Series title in 1957. Aaron in particular exploded onto the national scene, appearing regularly in Topps sets as he began his legendary career chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record.

In 1966, the Braves made headlines again by relocating from Milwaukee to Atlanta, becoming the first major professional sports team in the Deep South. Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro captured the excitement of the franchise’s new beginning in Georgia. Topps cards from the 1960s and 1970s showcased the Braves stars of that era like Aaron, Niekro, Dusty Baker, and Dale Murphy. Aaron of course dominated the decade, breaking Ruth’s hallowed record in 1974 amidst intense racial pressure and death threats.

The 1980s saw one of the most iconic baseball card designs released – the classic 1985 Topps set. Braves stars like Bob Horner, Dale Murphy, and Pascual Perez all received memorable ’85 Topps rookie or star cards. Murphy in particular became a two-time NL MVP, appearing regularly in Topps and Donruss sets throughout the decade as the face of the franchise. His mustache and batting stance made him one of the most identifiable and collectible Braves.

In the 1990s, the Braves dynasty years began with young stars like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, and Greg Maddux leading the way. Their rookie cards from 1987-1990 are some of the most sought after from the Atlanta era. From 1991-2005, the Braves made the playoffs an astonishing 14 times, winning the World Series in 1995 and having one of the most iconic infield combinations in baseball history with Jones, Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. Each received countless star cards cementing their legacies in the Atlanta franchise.

Entering the 2000s and 2010s, stars like Andruw Jones, Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr. have continued representing the Braves in modern card sets from manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Bowman. Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card in particular shattered records, selling for over $350,000 due to his breakout superstar potential. Freeman has become the new face of the Braves and a perennial All-Star, appearing in flagship Topps sets for over a decade.

From Vic Willis and the Boston era to Hank Aaron breaking records in Milwaukee and Atlanta, baseball cards have memorialized the Braves franchise and their greatest players for generations of collectors. Spanning over 100 years, Braves cards capture the individual and team successes that have defined the club’s history. For fans and those with ties to each city, Braves cards connect to the personal memories made watching legends of the past and present don the iconic tomahawk uniforms.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 2018 Topps Baseball card season offered collectors an amazing array of inserts, parallels, and base cards showcasing the biggest stars in Major League Baseball. The flagship Topps Series 1 release kicked things off in late January, featuring a record 750+ cards as the traditional start to the annual card year. From there, Topps continued rolling out new card products well into the fall.

Topps Series 1 was the primary release in 2018, with a huge checklist highlighted by current superstars as well as classic retired players. Mike Trout again graced the very first card in the base set as he has for several consecutive years now. Other major stars prominently featured in the Series 1 checklist included Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Judge, Corey Seager, Nolan Arenado, Kris Bryant, Jose Altuve, and Francisco Lindor among many others. In total, there were 291 base cards assigned regular numbering from 1-291, along with parallels and insert sets.

Some of the most popular new insert sets included Topps Gallery of Heroes, Topps Heroes, Topps Now Moments, and Topps Tribute. Gallery of Heroes paid homage to iconic players and career moments with reproductions of classic Topps photography. Heroes highlighted individual clutch performances and milestones. Now Moments captured the most exciting and memorable plays immediately after they occurred with rapid production photo cards. Tribute paid respect to the careers of recently retired stars.

Topps Chrome was next to arrive after Series 1 in late February, bringing the highly anticipated refractors parallel and purple refractor short prints. The base Chrome cards carried over much of the Series 1 checklist while adding some exclusive parallels like the blue refractor variations. Additional insert sets in Chrome included Star Gazers, which paid tribute to baseball’s luminaries, along with Chrome Prospects highlighting top minor leaguers.

In March came the Allen & Ginter release, always a fan favorite for its imaginative non-sports inserts like landscapes, landmarks, flags, and more. Alongside a smattering of major leaguers, Allen & Ginter gave collectors the offbeat inserts that made each box experience unique. Topps Heritage followed shortly after in April, transporting collectors back to the design styles of the late 1960s/early 1970s with its retro-styled card stock and colorful uniforms. Heritage provided many of the game’s greatest names from the past and present in its checklist.

Additional Topps releases as the season progressed included Series 2 in June, Stadium Club in August, Gallery Photo File Edition in August, Topps Update in September showcasing midseason player moves and call-ups, and Topps Transcendent with its oversized 5×7 format. Each new release layered in more current rookie cards, parallels, and insert sets to track the continuing storylines of baseball in 2018. Veteran players like Ichiro Suzuki and Bartolo Colon also saw new cards as they continued extending their incredible careers.

Some other highlights found in the glut of 2018 Topps Releases included:

Autograph and memorabilia cards featuring swatches, patches, autographs of current stars and legends in Flagship Series releases as well as limited-print high-end sets.

Short-printed parallel cards in various colors like gold, orange, red, purple from the Flagship Series releases which added much excitement to box-breaking.

Rising rookie stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr, Gleyber Torres insert cards tracking their record-setting debut seasons.

Specialty sets highlighting favorite 2018 moments like Topps National Baseball Card Day and the All-Star Game.

Masterpieces insert set created intricate collages of iconic players from every franchise throughout history.

Inception introduced cutting-edge 3D cards mixing refractor technology with layers of graphics and images.

Overall, 2018 was another monumental season for Topps Baseball as the long-standing leaders of the sports card industry blanketed the year with stunning visuals of America’s favorite pastime. Between the flagship releases and many innovative specialty sets, collectors had more ways than ever to build their player collections and capture memorable 2018 highlights from the MLB season. The checklist kept card collectors engaged from spring all the way until the Fall Classic. Topps truly delivered an epic year for baseball card enthusiasts across the country and around the world.

VALUABLE 1990 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The year 1990 produced some very valuable baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors today. Baseball cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s are quite collectible as the hobby was booming during this time period. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1990 baseball cards that still command high prices in the today’s market.

One of the most iconic and valuable 1990 baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the biggest young stars in baseball coming up through the Seattle Mariners system in the late 80s. His rookie card came from the Upper Deck brand in 1990 and it is still one of the most desirable baseball cards ever produced. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie card can fetch $10,000 or more today. Even well-cent condition examples still sell for $500-1000. What makes this card especially collectible is Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was always a fan favorite known for his smile and effortless swing. His rookie card captured him at the beginning of what became one of the greatest careers in MLB history.

Another massive star from the 1990s who had an equally valuable rookie card was Frank Thomas from the Chicago White Sox. His rookie card came from Fleer and Donruss that year. Thomas goes by the nickname “The Big Hurt” and ended up having a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. He was a perennial American League MVP candidate known for his incredible hitting prowess. Mint condition examples of Thomas’ 1990 Fleer rookie card can sell for upwards of $3,000 today. Even well-worn copies still trade hands for $200-500 depending on the exact condition. Thomas was arguably the best right-handed hitter of the 1990s and his rookie card remains a highly coveted piece for collectors.

While Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas rookie cards were at the very top of the value chart, there were plenty of other young stars and future Hall of Famers who had prominent rookie cards in 1990 as well. Barry Larkin of the Cincinnati Reds had his rookie card debut that year from Score and Studio. Larkin went on to have a stellar 19-year career spent entirely with the Reds, where he was a 12-time All-Star and the 1995 National League MVP. In mint condition, his 1990 Score rookie card can sell for $1,000-2,000 and his Studio card fetches $500-1000.

Another 1990 rookie who became a Cooperstown worthy player was Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners. Nicknamed “Slowey” because of his deliberate batting style, Martinez ended his career as one of the greatest designated hitters in baseball history with a .312 batting average. His rookie cards that year from Score, Studio, and Fleer are valued between $400-800 in top-grades. A favorite of Pacific Northwest baseball fans for years with the Mariners, Martinez’s iconic rookie cards remain very collectible for fans who remember his excellence.

While stars like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Larkin, and Martinez had rookie cards in 1990 that are worth big money today, there were also highly valuable cards produced that year featuring established MLB superstars. For example, the baseball card of Nolan Ryan from Score is one of the rarest and most valuable from the entire 1990 set. At the time, Ryan was winding down his legendary career that saw him rack up over 5,000 strikeouts and set dozens of pitching records. His 1990 Score card has an ultra-low print run and high-grade examples could sell for upwards of $15,000. Even well-worn copies still command $1,000+ on the current market.

Another 1990 card that can reach five-figure prices is the Rickey Henderson rookie card from Score. Henderson is considered one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in MLB history. By 1990, he was already a three-time American League stolen base leader as a member of the Oakland A’s. Because Henderson’s rookie season was in 1979, collectors knew his 1990 Score card captured him as a star player already. In pristine mint condition, this card has sold at auction for greater than $25,000. Even well-loved copies can trade hands for $3,000-5,000 today due to Henderson’s Hall of Fame career and status as a fan favorite.

Rounding out the five-figure cards from 1990 is the Ken Griffey Sr. card also from Score. While not nearly as valuable as his son’s rookie, the Sr. Griffey card holds value primarily due to its rare serial number – it has the #1 designation out of the entire set. Even without flaws, no more than a handful are known to exist in collectors’ hands today. When onesurfaces for auction, it routinely sells for $15,000-$20,000 due to its ultra-rare “1/759” numbering. For advanced collectors seeking the rarest and most condition-sensitive pieces, Griffey Sr.’s #1 card is the crème de la crème from the 1990 Score set.

In summary, 1990 was a bountiful year for producing valuable baseball cards featuring both young stars and established MLB greats. Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Barry Larkin, and Edgar Martinez rookie cards from that season will likely never lose demand from collectors. Meanwhile, vintage cards of legends like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, and Ken Griffey Sr. hold tremendous value as well. For advanced collectors, high-dollar 1990 cards like the Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson Score issues as well as the ultra-rare Ken Griffey Sr. #1 card are the Holy Grail pieces. Overall, 1990 remains one of the best years ever for finding valuable baseball memorabilia to collect and invest in for the future.

FAKE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Fake Topps Baseball Cards: A History of Counterfeiting in the Hobby

Since the inception of modern baseball card collecting in the late 1950s, fake and counterfeit Topps cards have been a persistent issue within the hobby. As the value of vintage cards skyrocketed beginning in the 1980s, so too did the incentive to produce fraudulent duplicates in an effort to profit off the booming market. While counterfeiting has undoubtedly hurt collectors and the integrity of the hobby in many ways, it also serves as a reflection of the immense popularity and cultural significance of Topps cards over the decades. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the history of fake Topps cards, how counterfeiters operate, common signs of fraudulence, and the ongoing challenges around authentication that still plague the collecting community today.

The Golden Age of Counterfeiting: 1980s-1990s

The golden age of fake Topps cards coincided with the peak of the post-war vintage card craze during the late 1980s and 1990s. As investors poured money into rare Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays rookie cards, counterfeiters rushed to meet the demand with bogus duplicates. It is estimated that as much as 20-30% of all high-value vintage cards sold during this era were fake, flooding the market and confusing collectors. Common production methods included using modern card stock and inks to mimic older designs, as well as physically altering less valuable modern issues to resemble their more expensive predecessors.

Infamous counterfeiters like Bill Mastro, Mark Feldman, and Frank Cashen gained notoriety within the hobby for the sheer volume and quality of their forgeries during this time. Mastro in particular was considered by many to produce fakes that were nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, helping to cement his reputation as the “Michelangelo of Counterfeiting.” The profits were enormous, with a single fake Mickey Mantle rookie card selling for tens of thousands compared to its actual $50,000+ value. This era left an indelible mark and long-lasting distrust within the collecting community.

Modern Methods and International Operations

While large-scale domestic counterfeiting operations have diminished in the post-boom years, the production of fakes remains a persistent threat. Today, the majority of counterfeiting activity has shifted overseas, particularly to China where manufacturing costs are low and regulation lax. Modern counterfeiters leverage advanced printing technologies, sourcing high-quality card stock and precise color matching that allows fakes to convincingly mimic even the most subtle production details from over half a century ago.

Rather than relying on physical alterations, many counterfeiters now produce pristine replicas from scratch. This includes reproducing serial numbers, gum distortions, centering issues and even simulated aging that makes a fake card nearly impossible to discern from the genuine article to the untrained eye. With the rise of internet marketplaces, counterfeiters are also able to spread fakes globally and anonymously at scale. While domestic enforcement has improved, the international scope of the problem presents ongoing challenges for authentication experts.

Signs of Fraudulence

Despite advances in counterfeiting quality, there remain tells that can potentially identify fake cards. Perhaps the most obvious signs include poor centering, crooked borders, and abnormal color variations that exceed what is expected even for older, low-grade issues. Under magnification, fakes often exhibit flaws in details like logo embossing, font consistency, and paper textures that differ from Topps’ production standards. Another red flag is an absence of the expected wear from aging, like soft corners or edge creases that have had too much time to naturally develop on a real 60-year old card.

Serial numbers are also closely examined, as counterfeiters sometimes reuse the same plates leading to duplicated digits across supposedly unique issues. Provenance gaps without a clear chain of custody dating back to the card’s issue year can imply doctoring as well. While technology continues to close gaps, experienced graders assert that genuine vintage feel, eye appeal and “charisma” remain difficult for counterfeiters to replicate convincingly even with top-tier printing. Nonetheless, with so many variables, authentication remains more art than exact science.

Impact and Ongoing Challenges

The impact of counterfeiting on the hobby has been immense both culturally and economically. While it fueled interest and speculation during the boom, the flood of fakes also devalued collections and eroded confidence long-term. Even today, the threat of fraudulence shapes how people collect, with risk aversion keeping some investors sidelined. Authentication services have grown in response, but challenges remain as counterfeiters adopt new technologies faster than standards can be set. International scope also tests the limits of regulation.

As one of sport’s most iconic brands, Topps cards will likely always be a prime target for counterfeiters seeking to profit off the cultural cache. Over 60 years the hobby has also built robust communities of experts continually working to combat fraud and preserve the integrity of the collecting experience. If the future remains one of cat and mouse between counterfeiters and authentication specialists, the latter group’s ongoing efforts ensure this rich piece of sports history remains accessible and enjoyable for generations of fans to experience.

STATIS PRO BASEBALL FAST ACTION CARDS

Leave a reply

Introduction
Statis Pro baseball fast action cards were a niche but popular collectible from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s known for their quality photographs and attention to statistical details of players. At their peak of popularity in the early 1990s, Statis Pro cards sold briskly at hobby shops and card shows across America, attracting dedicated collectors to their addictive formula of flashy imagery combined with density of player performance data. While production of new Statis Pro cards ceased in the mid-1990s, their archives remain a valued resource even today for researchers, historians, and nostalgic fans of the era.

History and Founding
Statis Pro was founded in 1987 by baseball card entrepreneur Michael Gelman, who was an early proponent of infusing baseball cards with heightened production values and rigorous statistics beyond the basic information found on mainstream cardboard brands at the time like Topps and Fleer. Gelman aimed to position Statis Pro as a premium alternative for the most devoted collectors. Each release would be limited to meticulously researched cards featuring hallmarks like embossed logos, glossy stock, and statistical minutiae spanning the entire careers of players.

Peak Popularity
Statis Pro steadily gained a cult following through the late 1980s with releases spotlighting iconic stars and tracking intricate performance stats. But it was the brand’s 1990 and 1991 series that brought Statis Pro into the mainstream and to the height of its popularity. The expansive 1990 set rewarded collectors with over 700 cards saluting both contemporary sluggers and past legends in large formats packed with statistical charts. Similarly, the 1991 edition comprised a complete season’s worth of real-time stats for that year’s MLB players. Both sets sold out rapidly and still command high prices in the resale market as sought-after inserts of the early 90s boom period.

Exacting Focus on Statistics
What truly set Statis Pro apart from competitors was the near-obsessive focus on statistical minutiae. Every card brimmed with dizzying displays of player performance metrics spanning their entire careers in categories far beyond the usual hits, runs, batting averages. Gelman’s in-house research department delved into esoteric counting stats, advanced analytics, situational splits, postseason stats, award histories, and more. Color-coded charts unpacked hidden patterns in how players performed under diverse game conditions and across eras. The statistical overload risked overwhelming casual fans but proved catnip for true adherents of sabermetrics years before the field blossomed.

Premium Production Values
While Topps and Fleer satisfied mass demand, Statis Pro aimed even higher with premium touches befitting the analytical seriousness. Early test print runs experimented with foil stamping, embossing, die-cuts and puffy inks to bring dramatic pop. The flagship releases settled on a rigid, high- gloss stock with sharp color reproduction showcasing action shots. Close-up headshots conveyed an intimacy missing from group images on other brands. Authentic autographs were also a big draw for collectors hoping for a signed rookie. The production polish positioned Statis Pro cards as acrylic display pieces as much as investments.

Later Years and Decline
Statis Pro kept evolving with the 1990s, dropping individual season recaps for sprawling retrospective and highlight sets comparing stars across eras. Insert sets delved into specific player milestones and achievements. Rising MLB licensing fees and shrinking specialty market combined with Gelman’s waning enthusiasm led to the brand’s demise by 1995. While never achieving Topps’ household name status, Statis Pro left an indelible mark on 1990s collectors through imagination, dedication to statistics as art form, and visionary blend of nostalgia with analytical rigor that anticipated modern fandom. Ever since, Statis Pro cards remain prized holdings for anyone hoping to relive baseball’s past through digits rather than just images.

Conclusion
In summarizing, Statis Pro fast action baseball cards occupied a unique niche in the late 80s and early 90s market by prioritizing exhaustive statistical analysis alongside premium production qualities that elevated cards beyond casual collecting into miniature analytic tomes and retrospective time capsules. Although short-lived, Statis Pro established statistics-heavy cards as a viable specialty segment and helped pioneer the modern appreciation of player metrics as baseball fandom evolved in the digital age. Their archives retain lasting value for any student of baseball history seeking to unravel hidden patterns and place eras in statistical context beyond basic listings. While gone, Statis Pro’s emphasis on precision stats left an indelible mark on the hobby.

ARIZONA BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The history of Arizona baseball cards spans over 100 years, dating back to the earliest days of professional baseball in the state. Some of the most iconic and valuable cards feature players who took the field for Arizona’s minor and major league teams throughout the 20th century.

When discussing Arizona baseball cards, it’s important to first provide context on the origins of professional baseball in the state. Arizona did not have a Major League Baseball team until the Arizona Diamondbacks began play in 1998. Prior to that, Arizona was home to numerous minor league clubs dating back to the 1890s. One of the earliest documented professional baseball teams in Arizona was the Phoenix Senators, who played in the Arizona State League from 1895-1896.

In the early 1900s, spring training gradually became established in Arizona cities like Tucson and Phoenix due to the warm climate. Teams like the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, and Cincinnati Reds would travel west each year to hold their exhibition games and prepare for the upcoming season. This helped grow the popularity of baseball in Arizona throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Some of the most notable early Arizona minor league teams included the Phoenix Giants of the Arizona State League (1936-1951), Tucson Cowboys (1936-1952), and Phoenix Senators (1946-1952). The Arizona State League was a Class C circuit during this period. While players on these teams did not achieve the same fame or fortune as future major leaguers, their cards are highly sought after by Arizona sports collectors today due to the teams’ historical significance in the state.

In the post-World War 2 era, Arizona’s minor league presence expanded with teams joining higher level circuits like the Pacific Coast League. Franchises like the Phoenix Giants, Tucson Cowboys, and Phoenix Senators had cards produced during their tenures, primarily appearing in sets from Bowman, Topps, and other mainstream manufacturers of the time. Notable PCL teams that called Arizona home in the 1950s included the Phoenix Giants/Giants and Tucson Cowboys.

The rise of the Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast in the late 1950s helped further increase baseball’s popularity in Arizona. More spring training games were held in the state as other teams followed suit in relocating their exhibition schedules out West. This led to more minor league teams popping up across Arizona through the 1960s, including the Phoenix Giants, Phoenix Giants, Tucson Toros, and Safford Athletics.

One of the most iconic Arizona baseball cards from this era features Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 1956 Topps card shows Drysdale as a young Dodgers prospect, before he went on to stardom in L.A. and became one of the most famous pitchers of the 1960s. This is a highly valuable card today given Drysdale’s fame and it highlighting his Arizona spring training roots.

The 1970s saw Arizona cement itself as a hotbed for spring training in Major League Baseball. By this point, over half the teams in the big leagues held their preseason workouts in the state. This included clubs like the Oakland A’s, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals, who all had teams playing in the Arizona Instructional League at the time as well.

Notable minor league franchises active in Arizona during the 1970s included the Phoenix Giants, Safford Athletics, Tucson Toros, and Phoenix Giants. Players on these clubs had their rookie cards produced, many of which featured the team names and logos. Stars who got their start in the Arizona minors like Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, and Garry Maddox had early minor league issue cards that are quite valuable to collectors today.

The 1980s saw Arizona’s first big league team arrive when the Colorado Rockies relocated their top-level minor league affiliate to Phoenix. Debuting in 1980, the Phoenix Firebirds of the Pacific Coast League played their home games at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Notable players to have rookie cards issued while playing for the Firebirds included Tim Raines, Lance Parrish, and Ozzie Smith.

In 1988, Arizona baseball history was made with the introduction of the Rookie League Arizona League. Based in the Phoenix area, the Arizona League served as the lowest rung of professional baseball. Many future MLB greats had their earliest cards produced after spending time in the Arizona League, including Tom Glavine, Derek Jeter, and Trevor Hoffman. These early minor league issues are highly sought after today.

The 1990s saw Arizona achieve Major League status for the first time with the arrival of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998. The state remained a hotbed for minor league and spring training facilities in the decade prior. Franchises like the Phoenix Firebirds, Tucson Toros, and Scottsdale Orangemen operated and had players featured on baseball cards. Not to mention, many Cactus League spring training games were photographed for card issues in the 1990s as well.

In summarization, Arizona baseball cards provide a rich history spanning over 100 years. From the earliest documented teams of the 1890s to today’s Arizona Diamondbacks, the cards immortalize the players, teams, and evolving story of baseball in the Grand Canyon State. While lesser known than cards from long-established big league cities, Arizona issues remain highly collectible for their significance to the state’s sporting past.

BEST CARDS IN 2022 TOPPS BASEBALL SET

Leave a reply

The 2022 Topps Baseball set was released in March and contains a wide variety of rookies, stars, parallels and inserts that have collectors excited. With over 700 cards in the base set and dozens of insert sets, it can be difficult to narrow down which are the true standouts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best cards collectors should be targeting from the 2022 Topps release.

Rookies are always a big draw for collectors and the 2022 Topps set features several promising first year players. One of the most sought after is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. As the top prospect in baseball, Franco’s base rookie card is a must have for any collector. His paper rookie has already broken the $100 mark and could end up being one of the most valuable rookie cards of the decade. Another highly regarded rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a breakout 2021 season and is expected to be a star for the Mariners. His base rookie card has also cracked the $100 price point.

Two other rookies generating lots of buzz are Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe and Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer. Jobe was the #1 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the minors. Mayer was the #4 overall pick and is an elite hitting and fielding shortstop. While their base rookie cards currently trade in the $30-50 range, both have potential for huge gains down the road if they develop as expected. Another rookie to watch who may break out is Milwaukee Brewers catcher Henry Davis, the #1 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.

In addition to rookies, stars drive collector interest and the 2022 Topps set offers several star player cards that stand above the rest. One of the most iconic cards is superstar Shohei Ohtani’s base card. As a true two-way player who is revolutionizing the game, Ohtani’s popularity and on-field production make any of his cards highly coveted. His base card can currently be acquired for $40-50. Another must-have star card is New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge’s base. Judge is coming off an historic 62 home run season that saw him break the AL record. His base card sells in the $30-40 range.

Two other star players that are always in high demand are Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Both are perennial All-Stars still in their primes. Turner’s base card trades around $25-30 while Acuña’s consistently sells for $20-25 due to his huge fanbase. Another star on the rise collectors should target is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. After a breakout rookie campaign, Rodriguez looks poised for stardom and his base card can be found for $15-20 currently.

When it comes to inserts, the 2022 Topps set offers several that stand out as real chase cards for collectors. The Flagship Rainbow Foil parallel insert set features foil versions of key stars and rookies. Pulling a rainbow foil card of a major star or top rookie is a huge hit. Some of the most valuable from this insert set so far include the Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Shohei Ohtani rainbow foil cards. Another highly sought after insert is the Topps Chrome Refractors parallel set. Refractors of the same stars and rookies mentioned command big money due to their rarity and flashy refractors.

Two other inserts generating lots of collector buzz are the Topps Gold Label parallels and the Allen & Ginter Mini cards. The Gold Label parallels feature a gold foil treatment on stars, rookies and key players. Pulling a Gold Label of a star like Judge, Ohtani or Acuña is a monster hit. Meanwhile, the Allen & Ginter Mini cards pay tribute to the original Allen & Ginter set with 64 cards recreating the original tobacco era designs. Minis featuring major stars sell for $50 or more.

While the 2022 Topps Baseball release offers a little something for all collectors with its huge base set and myriad inserts, the standout cards to target are the top rookies like Wander Franco and Julio Rodriguez, star players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, and big hit inserts like the Rainbow Foils, Refractors, Gold Labels and Allen & Ginter Minis featuring the games brightest young stars and established veterans. With resale prices already rising on many of these cards, the 2022 Topps set looks poised to create many new collector favorites.

BEST CARDS IN 1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL

Leave a reply

The 1992 Donruss baseball set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the early 1990s. While not quite as sought after as some other vintage sets from the era like Topps or Fleer, 1992 Donruss featured some true superstar rookie cards and popular veterans that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best cards collectors seek out from this 726-card release.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable rookie card from 1992 Donruss is none other than Ken Griffey Jr. After debuting in 1989 and making his first All-Star team in 1990, Griffey broke out in a huge way in 1991, winning the AL batting title with a .326 average to go along with 40 home runs. His explosive talent and highlight-reel catches in center field made him an instant fan favorite. Naturally, his rookie card from Donruss skyrocketed in demand. The Griffey Jr. rookie remains one of the most iconic baseball cards ever printed. High-grade PSA 10 examples now sell for well over $10,000. Even raw near-mint copies still command prices of $500-1000 due to Griffey’s enduring popularity.

Another hugely valuable rookie from 1992 Donruss is none other than Pedro Martinez. After debuting late in 1990, Martinez emerged as a dominant starter for the Montreal Expos in 1992, going 13-8 with a 2.53 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 171.1 innings pitched. His control and electric stuff were obvious even in his early career. Like Griffey, Martinez would go on to have a Hall of Fame career cemented by his time with the Boston Red Sox. High-grade copies of his rookie card also sell for thousands. Even well-centered, clean near-mint copies can be found for $200-400 still today.

While not rookies, cards of superstar veterans Barry Bonds and Cal Ripken Jr. were also highly sought after in 1992 Donruss. Bonds was coming off back-to-back MVP seasons and was firmly established as the best player in baseball. Meanwhile, Ripken was in the midst of his incredible consecutive games played streak that would end at 2,632 in 1998. Both were perennial All-Stars and franchise cornerstones. Their cards remain popular with collectors to this day. Near-mint Bonds and Ripken can be acquired for $50-100.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine and John Smoltz also debuted in 1992 Donruss. While not quite as valuable as Griffey or Martinez, both Braves hurlers went on to have outstanding careers. Their rookie cards provide an affordable way for collectors to invest in these all-time great pitchers. Near-mint copies typically sell in the $20-50 range.

Two other rookie cards that performed quite well from this set include Derek Jeter and Mo Vaughn. Jeter’s legendary career with the New York Yankees is well known, having won 5 World Series titles in the late 90s-2000s. Vaughn, meanwhile, was the 1995 AL MVP and helped lead the Boston Red Sox’s resurgence. High-grade Jeter and Vaughn rookies now sell for $200-500. More played copies in the $50-100 range are still reasonable pickups.

In addition to the rookies, 1992 Donruss featured a host of other star veterans at the height of their careers. Superstars like Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, Jeff Bagwell, and Tony Gwynn had some of their best seasons in 1991-1992. Their popular Donruss cards remain steady performers for collectors. Near-mint copies can usually be found for $10-30.

Other notable veterans included Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, whose expressive action photo made his 1992 Donruss one of his most iconic cards ever. Kirby Puckett was in the middle of his batting title seasons with the Twins. Dennis Eckersley’s card commemorated his AL Cy Young and MVP award winning 1991 season. And Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry in 1992 helped lead the Cardinals to the World Series. All are recognizable stars from the late 80s/early 90s that remain fan favorites.

The 1992 Donruss set had no shortage of future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and all-time greats in the midst of their prime careers. While it doesn’t carry the same cache as flagship sets from Topps and Fleer, savvy collectors know that 1992 Donruss rookies of Griffey, Martinez, Jeter, and others are solid long-term investments. Add in the star power of veterans like Bonds, Ripken, Maddux and more, and it’s easy to see why this 726-card release remains a set many collectors are still seeking pieces from to this day, some 30 years later. For affordable vintage cardboard featuring some of baseball’s biggest names, 1992 Donruss deserves a close look.

OZZIE SMITH BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Ozzie Smith is considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops in baseball history and his impressive career playing for the St. Louis Cardinals has made his baseball cards highly collectible. With his acrobatic defense, plate coverage, and dazzling plays, Smith won 13 Gold Glove Awards over his 19 year career proving himself as a master in the field. While he was never a big power hitter at the plate, his bat helped contribute to the Cardinals teams he played on and made multiple playoff appearances with. All of these factors have continued to drive interest in Ozzie Smith’s baseball cards among collectors.

Some of Smith’s earliest cards come from his rookie season in 1978 with Topps and Fleer producing cards of him as a member of the San Diego Padres organization. The 1979 Topps card #126 shows a smiling young Ozzie in a Padres uniform from his first full season in the majors. High valued at PSA 10 condition, this early Smith rookie card can fetch hundreds of dollars. The same year Fleer card #193 portrays Ozzie in a batting stance wearing Padres white pinstripes. While not a true rookie card since he played in 1978, collectors still seek out these inaugural Smith issues.

It was after being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 that Ozzie Smith became a superstar and his cards greatly increased in demand. The first Cardinals Topps card in 1983 #510 had a photo of him lunging for a ground ball. More iconic though was the classic 1984 Donruss #34 card showing Ozzie fully extended making an incredible backhanded play. This image perfectly captured his defensive wizardry and is one of the most famous baseball cards of all time. High grade versions in a PSA 10 gem mint state have sold for over $10,000 revealing its standout collectibility.

Through the 1980s, Ozzie Smith had many highly coveted cards as a Cardinal in the annual Topps, Donruss, and Fleer sets. The 1986 Topps #480 card portrayed him spinning after a throw to first while displaying the signature backward ‘C’ logo of that era. Other noteworthy issues include the 1987 Topps Traded #47T which first showed Smith in an All-Star uniform and the illustrious 1989 Upper Deck #1 card as the coveted first card in the innovative brand’s inaugural set. Upper Deck only produced Smith’s rookie season cards in limited 1988 sets making any UD rookie quite desirable.

The popularity of Ozzie Smith cards continued strongly into the 1990s as well. The 1990 Donruss #126 featured a close-up headshot of the recognizable shortstop. High grade versions of 1992 Topps #579 showing Ozzie stretching for a play along the foul line are pricey for collectors. Another noteworthy card is the 1993 Fleer #364 which first put Smith in a Cardinals uniform with arched “St. Louis” lettering across the front, a classic local team design. He also had several popular Traded, Studio, and Stadium Club inserts during this decade before retiring after the 1996 season.

After leaving the Cardinals, Ozzie Smith had limited career stats with the expansion Florida Marlins in 1997 but Upper Deck still issued #282 in their set that year with him in a Marlins jersey. The 1993 Upper Deck Minors #86 card is also interesting as it showcases Smith during his brief stint in the Padres minor league system before his big league debut. Even late career and post-career releases featuring Smith in retrospective photo or artwork formats remain in demand articles for collectors.

There are also several rare Ozzie Smith variations, error cards, and one-of-a-kind proofs that diehard collectors seek. This includes a 1984 Topps Traded Photo Variation missing the “Traded” text or a 1990 Score #754 card with reversed front/back printing only found in factory sample sheets. High grade examples of Ozzie’s rookie cards whether Padres or early Cardinals issues consistently sell for thousands. Along with Hall of Famer collection sets, they remain an integral part of completing a baseball card collection and memorializing one of the game’s most respected shortstops.

Ozzie Smith’s dazzling fielding exploits, 13 Gold Gloves, and key contributions to the 1980s Cardinals dynasty has cemented his baseball card legacy. Even decades after his playing retirement, fans and collectors still admire his memorable Topps, Donruss, Fleer, and Upper Deck cards showing why he earned the nickname “The Wizard of Oz.” Whether a pristine rookie, error variation, or championship card, Ozzie Smith issues continue to fascinate and hold value as tokens commemorating one of baseball’s all-time defensive greats. As one of the sport’s most revered stars, Ozzie Smith cards remain a must for any serious baseball memorabilia collection.

HIGHEST VALUE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90’s

Leave a reply

The 1990s were a revolutionary time for baseball card collecting. More premium editions featuring rarer inserts and autographs drove up demand and prices for the top cards from the decade. While the junk wax era flooded the market in the late 80s, collectors began to appreciate vintage cards as investments. Let’s examine some of the highest value and most sought after baseball cards from the 1990s that still command thousands of dollars to this day.

Perhaps the pinnacle card from the decade is the 1992 Bowman Chrome Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10. Widely considered the flagship card of the 1990s, it features “The Kid” in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners right before his back-to-back MVP seasons. The Chrome version was only inserted in 1 out of every 100 packs, making it incredibly rare compared to the standard issue card. In a pristine PSA 10 gem mint condition, one recently sold at auction for over $350,000, setting the record as the highest price ever paid for a individual 90s card. Griffey was already a budding superstar and this card, with its flashy Chrome coating, caught collectors attention.

Another Griffey rookie that rivals the Chrome is the 1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor parallel. This 1-in-24 pack insert featured the stunning refractive qualities that were just emerging in the card industry. Refractors were reserved for only the best young players, making Griffey’s inclusion quite special. In top PSA 10 condition, one recently brought over $200,000 at Goldin Auctions. It’s considered the cream of the crop among Griffey’s already iconic rookie cards.

Michael Jordan’s transition from basketball to baseball created huge demand for his 1994 Leaf Limited baseball cards. TheLeaf Limited brand was a ultra high-end set at the time with a glossy stock and sharp photo quality. Jordan’s inclusion as a White Sox prospect made his rookie card immensely popular. In PSA 9-10 gem mint condition, a Jordan Leaf Limited can sell for $50,000 or more. His rare autographed jersey card parallel from the same set in a PSA 9 brought $68,000 recently, showing Jordan’s cross-sport collectability.

Rookie cards for Derek Jeter are always in high demand and the 1996 Leaf Limited Signature Series parallel takes the cake. With on-card autographs by Jeter, these inserts were incredibly scarce. Considered the true definitive Jeter rookie autograph, a PSA 9.5 graded one obliterated records when it sold for $177,007 in 2017. It proved once again that a star’s autograph on their debut card is the holy grail for collectors.

The 1986 Fleer Update Ken Caminiti is arguably one of the biggest sleepers and bargains from the 90s. Caminiti won the 1996 NL MVP award as a member of the Houston Astros, giving collectors renewed appreciation for his rookie card a decade prior. In high grade with the update issue notation, Caminiti rookies can net over $5,000 today. It’s an example of how an under-the-radar card from the past can jump in value when a player emerges as a star.

insert cards featuring current players in vintage uniforms were all the rage in the 90s. The 1997 SP Authentic Triple Threads insert paired Ken Griffey Jr. with Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners uniforms. Numbered to only 150 copies worldwide, a PSA 10 sold for $19,800 in 2016. The card’s elaborate dual patch swatch auto combination of two of Griffey’s franchise made it a true one-of-a-kind piece.

One of the more iconic baseball card designs ever was 1998 Finest Refractor parallels. Featuring stunning color-shifting refractor technology, the insert was pulled at roughly 1-per pack. Mark McGwire’s mammoth 1998 season where he broke Roger Maris’ single season home run record made his Finest refractor one of the most iconic. In top pristine condition, a 1998 Finest Refractor McGwire recently sold for $25,000, driven by nostalgia for Big Mac’s historic feat and the beautiful aesthetics of the card stock.

The impressive rookie season by Sammy Sosa in 1989 made his Bowman and Donruss cards hot commodities in the 90s. But the true crown jewel is considered his 1989 Upper Deck rookie autograph. Pulled at an absurdly rare 1-in-400 packs, a Sosa autographed rookie in PSA 10 condition recently brought an eye-popping $120,000 at auction. It exemplifies how a star’s autograph on their true rookie combined with extreme scarcity can create six figure prices.

Lastly, the1993 Pacific Ultra Baseball Tiffany parallels featuring stars like Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, and Ken Griffey Jr provided collectors another rare and flashy insert to chase in the early 90s. Featuring hologram-style color shifting technology ahead of its time, Pacific Ultra became iconic among vintage sets. Graded gem mint PSA 10s of the stars can still fetch $2,000-4,000 each today based on condition and player. They showed how innovative parallel inserts helped shape the modern collecting landscape.

The highest valued 1990s baseball cards typically feature aging stars like Griffey, Jeter and McGwire paired with either true rookie status, scarce parallels, autographs or serial numbered memorabilia components. While junk wax Era cards may be discounted, premium issues from the decade containing the above factors can still net thousands or even hundreds of thousands to dedicated collectors decades later. It’s a testament to how certain cards rise to iconic status based nostalgia, player performance and intricate card science. The 1990s truly revolutionized baseball collectibles.