PANINI BASEBALL FANATIC CARDS

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Panini has been producing officially licensed sports trading cards for nearly 30 years and their baseball card offerings through the Panini Fanatics brand have become hugely popular with collectors in recent years. The Panini Fanatics brand focuses specifically on creating unique inserts, parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards in their baseball sets that stand out from the typical base card designs seen in other brands. Let’s take a closer look at the history and key products in the Panini Fanatics baseball card line.

Panini first entered the North American sports card market in the early 1990s and started producing official NFL and NBA cards that were largely viewed as competitors to the entrenched brands of Topps and Upper Deck. It took Panini over a decade to land the coveted MLB license, which they acquired in 2009. Since then, they have aggressively expanded their baseball portfolio with flagship sets as well as specialized high-end releases. A key part of Panini’s strategy with their baseball cards has been to leverage their international brand recognition and player/team relationships to create inserts focused on global stars and international themes.

The first major baseball set released under the Panini Fanatics brand was 2010 Classics, which was roughly analogous to Topps Flagship at the time. It featured a basic design with some parallels and short prints along with key rookies like Buster Posey and Jason Heyward. One of the standout inserts in 2010 Classics was the “Road to the Show” parallel that highlighted international stars and their path to MLB. This set the tone for Panini’s focus on telling unique stories through creative inserts. In 2011, they followed up with Classics Football Fever that cross-promoted baseball and football by mixing players and sports together in innovative cards.

2012 and 2013 saw PaniniFanatics further refine their designs with sets like Diamond Kings, which paid tribute to iconic baseball stars of the past and present. Autograph and memorabilia cards started becoming more prevalent inserts as well. A massive milestone was achieved in 2015 with the release of their high-end National Treasures football/baseball mashup product. Featuring rare 1/1 autograph cards crafted from game-used memorabilia, National Treasures established Panini as a premier purveyor of over-the-top memorabilia cards alongside brands like Leaf. Around this same time, they also launched popular autograph-focused products like Certified and Immaculate that still deliver huge hits to this day.

Throughout the mid-to-late 2010s, PaniniFanatics pumped out a variety of original annual releases that kept collectors on their toes. Innovative inserts like Celebrities Wear Baseball (famous faces photoshopped in uniforms), Diamond Kings Archive (vintage uniform designs), and Cube Cards (3D cube shapes containing hits) demonstrated their creative juices. Two standout products were 2017 Archives with retro designs spanning MLB history and 2019 Tribute, which paid homage to iconic modern stars through unique 3D lenticular parallel cards featuring epic action shots.

Today, Panini Fanatics maintains their status as a go-to source for specialized baseball inventory through popular ongoing sets as well as new one-offs. 2020 Diamond Kings just got released for example, with a revival of the iconic 3D diamond patch design along with sought-after Diamond Club RPA parallels. They also put an international spin on things with sets like 2020 Brasil that included hits of foreign-born MLB stars. High-end products such as National Treasures, Century Material, and Immaculate Collection are must-haves due to their exotic patches, autographs and serial number parallels.

Moving forward, Panini is poised to further their baseball dominance over the next decade led by the continued creativity evident in new inserts and innovations. As the exclusive MLBPA license holder starting in 2025 after buying out Fanatics’ stake, they will presumably command an even bigger share of the baseball cards pie. Whether it’s international partnerships delivering global exclusives or crazy memorabilia cards leveraging exotic materials, Panini Fanatics will almost certainly keep applying their unique spin to baseball offerings. Their model of focusing on specialty inserts and hard-signed/batted memorabilia cards has clearly resonated with collectors young and old since their baseball foray began over a decade ago.

1991 DENNY’s HOLOGRAM BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1991, Denny’s restaurants released a promotion where customers could receive hologram baseball cards with their meals. While hologram trading cards had been produced before, the Denny’s promotion brought this unique card technology into the mainstream and represented a pioneering effort in sports memorabilia. The cards featured holograms of Major League Baseball players and became a highly sought after collector’s item. Over 25 years later, the 1991 Denny’s Hologram Baseball Cards remain one of the most unique promotions in the history of the baseball card industry.

Denny’s had previously found success with other baseball card promotions in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, they sought another partnership that would drive customers into their restaurants. Around this same time, new hologram technology had been applied to trading cards providing a three-dimensional, moving image on the surface. Denny’s marketing team decided this cutting edge concept would be perfect for another baseball card tie-in. They worked together with sportscard manufacturer Fleer to produce the cards using the latest hologram techniques.

The promotion was unveiled in June 1991 where Denny’s customers received one hologram baseball card with the purchase of a breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal. In total, there were 52 unique cards covering players from both the American and National League. Some of the biggest star players featured included Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Jose Canseco, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ryne Sandberg. What made the cards truly unique was that when held at different angles, the hologram image of the player would appear to be moving through various pitching or batting motions. It gave the cards an incredibly realistic and lifelike quality unlike anything seen before in the sports collecting world.

The rollout was a huge success with customers flocking to Denny’s hoping to complete their hologram card sets. It became a social experience where families and friends would eagerly examine and trade the dynamic new cards over their meals. Given the scarcity and random distribution, finding certain star players or completing a full set proved very difficult. This only served to heighten collector demand, making the 1991 Denny’s Hologram Cards an instant hit. Even today, examples still turn up at card shows and auctions with some exchanging hands for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition and player pedigree.

Of course, for any a promotion of this scale and popularity to truly succeed, massive quantities had to be produced. It’s estimated that over 500 million individual cards were printed and distributed through Denny’s restaurants nationwide between June and August 1991 alone. Just to put this enormous number in perspective, it represented roughly 10 cards for every single person living in America at the time. While this ensured virtually anyone could participate, it also guaranteed the long term collecting community would not scoff at the sheer volume available long after the promotion ended.

When Denny’s three month promotion concluded in August 1991, it was deemed an overwhelming success based on increased restaurant traffic and positive publicity. The partnership with Fleer was hailed as innovative for being among the earliest major sports trading card licenses to utilize cutting edge hologram technology. While some early hologram efforts in the 1980s failed to gain widespread collector interest, Denny’s mass appeal helped cement hologram cards as legitimate memorabilia prized by fans. Their hologram cards became immensely popular on the secondary market immediately after production ceased.

Of course, the immense production volume and relatively short promotional window did ensure the 1991 Denny’s Hologram Baseball Cards would never achieve particularly high individual values. In the early 1990s, mint condition common cards could be had for just a dollar or two with star rookies fetching $5-10 each at most. Even a decade layer, prices remained quite modest with completed 52-card factory sealed sets exchanging hands for $50-75. Despite this, the immense popularity, nostalgia, and historical significance as a pioneering hologram issue still ensured strong long term demand.

Nearly three decades after their original release, interest and collector appetite for the 1991 Denny’s Hologram Baseball Cards shows no signs of slowing down. While individual common cards still only garner around $3-5 in near mint condition, preferred star rookies can reach $10-20. Especially rare Pre-Production Proofs featuring different hologram poses have achieved upwards of $100. Completed sealed sets in the original Denny’s packaging now sell between $150-300 depending on overall conditions. With each passing year, their unique distinction as the earliest mainstream hologram sports issue rises in prominence. For those who enjoyed the promotion as children or have an appreciation for its place in card history, the Denny’s Holograms will remain a seminal release fans look to add to their collections.

TOPPS 2021 BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2021 Topps baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year from the industry-leading company. After another unusual season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, collectors and fans were eagerly awaiting what Topps had in store for their latest flagship baseball card offering covering the 2021 season. The 2021 Topps Baseball card set did not disappoint, delivering an exciting and comprehensive complete set featuring the biggest stars and top rookies from across Major League Baseball.

As with every year, Topps strived to design visually appealing and distinctive cards that paid homage to the history and tradition of America’s pastime while also including cutting-edge new designs, foil accents, technological innovations, and more to catch the eyes of both seasoned collectors and those just beginning to enjoy the hobby. The 2021 Topps Baseball set builds upon the foundation established over decades as the sport’s premier trading card maker, showcasing over 700 total cards spanning all 30 MLB teams and providing a definitive snapshot of the players and personalities that make up the 2021 baseball season.

Some of the exciting new innovations Topps incorporated in this year’s design included the use of dynamic lighting technology for certain cards, allowing collectors to see different aspects of the images depending on how the light hits the surface. This lent a modern visual element while still maintaining the classic look and feel of a traditional baseball card. Topps also included thicker cardstock and vivid colors that truly popped off the shelves, making flipping through the various team sets and player cards a highly engaging experience.

As with all flagship Topps releases, authentic on-card autographs and memorabilia relic cards of today’s stars and legends of the game were sprinkled throughout the base set and various insert sets to excite collectors at all levels. These incredibly rare “hit” cards with actual swatches of game-worn jerseys or signatures boost the inherent excitement of opening a fresh pack of cards while searching for that elusive 1-of-1. The craftsmanship and quality control that goes into these ultra-premium cards truly separates Topps from competitors and keeps collectors coming back year after year.

The base card design was understated yet distinctly evocative of classic cardboard. A bold font proudly displaying the player’s name was bookended by team logos on a primarily white cardstock background. Statistical callouts kept collectors up to date on the most recent season stats and career highlights. Topps flexed their design muscle with parallels and inserts highlighting specific stats, milestones, and achievements both on and off the field. The result was an elegantly curated 734-card set giving due reverence to MLB’s rich history.

One of the highlights of the flagship Topps release each season is the inclusion of the entire rookie class that is poised to make an impact in the big leagues. The 2021 Topps Baseball set featured the dynamic debuts of top prospects like Rutschman, Witt Jr., Abrams and many more – cards that could gain significantly in value as these players progress. Topps also included “Heritage” photo variations of rising stars, capturing their early minor league action in a nostalgic aesthetic that connects to baseball’s golden eras. For collecting purposes, these rookie cards represent important holistic set-building while also providing an investment opportunity into the future stars of the sport.

As collecting interest around specific teams and players has grown exponentially in recent years, Topps continued incorporating a huge selection of inserts tailored towards fans of each MLB franchise. These included “Mini” card parallels packing over 100 players onto a single card, “Stars of…” parallels profiling franchise greats through the decades, “Team Turmoil” variants highlighting rivalry matchups and more. No stone was left unturned to provide customized appeal to both casual and diehard supporters of every club. International collectors also received dedicated love with multi-lingual parallels not found in the US release.

Alongside the rigorous quality control that went into every aspect of the flagship product, Topps placed a strong emphasis on delivering value for money through robust bonuses and inserts on top of the rated rookie and star player cards driving set building. Elusive 1/1 parallel variations kept the hobby fun and engaging. While flagship sets hold intrinsic collector value as a yearly historical snapshot, 2021 Topps Baseball offered plentiful hits,Inserts, and parallels multiplying that value many times over for breakers, pack pullers and set collectors alike.

In conclusion, Topps delivered yet another masterfully designed complete flagship set worthy of its place as a Pied Piper product drawing fans both new and old deeper into the enthralling hobby of baseball card collecting. From start to finish, the 2021 Topps Baseball set showcased why Topps continues to be the dominant force in the industry seven decades after their inception. Collectors can feel confident their investment is backing a true pillar of the hobby underpinned by decades of quality, respect for the source material, and continuing innovation. The 2021 Topps Baseball release set new standards while maintaining dedication to authenticity – securing its role atop the annual baseball card throne for years to come.

87 BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of America’s pastime for over a century. Collecting baseball cards has brought joy to fans young and old for generations. While the modern baseball card game has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 1800s, cards from the early 20th century remain highly coveted and valuable. One of the most iconic vintage sets is the legendary 1887 N172 Old Judge tobacco card set. Containing a scarce 87 cards, this ultra-rare set from the earliest days of baseball cards is highly sought after by serious collectors.

Issued as promotional inserts in bags of Old Judge tobacco, the 1887 set was one of the first dedicated baseball card releases. Prior to 1887, baseball players occasionally appeared on tobacco cards mixed in with other non-sports personalities. The Old Judge set broke new ground by exclusively featuring professional ballplayers from that season. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, the cards were printed as a means to advertise their tobacco products and capitalize on America’s growing interest in the national pastime. Each card featured a black-and-white lithographed image of a ballplayer on the front with limited stats and information on the back.

Only a small number of the 1887 Old Judge set are known to still exist today, making unissued examples exceptionally rare. It’s estimated less than 50 full or nearly complete sets have survived in collectible condition over the past 135 years. The fragility of the thin paper stock and the natural deterioration that comes with age no doubt led to the loss of many cards. Those that do surface at auction or in private sales frequently set new records, with some individual cards fetching six figures due to their historical significance and scarceness. Top stars of the era like Cap Anson, Jim O’Rourke and Tim Keefe are among the most coveted in the set.

The precise roster of players featured in the 1887 Old Judge set has been debated, as records from that early period are incomplete. Most experts agree there were 87 total cards issued even if a few specific identities remain unknown. The set covered many of baseball’s earliest stars, showcasing talent from both the National League and American Association of that season. In addition to statistics and positions played, some cards included additional details such as nicknames, hometowns or previous year’s teams. The information provided, while basic by today’s standards, was groundbreaking for its time in celebrating these athletes as public figures beyond just the tobacco advertisement.

In terms of condition, obtaining a pristine 1887 Old Judge card in gem mint condition would be comparable to finding an undiscovered Rembrandt painting. The fragile paper stock and 136 years of exposure have taken their toll. Even well-kept examples from uncovered sets often grade no higher than good-very good due to inevitable signs of wear. Pricing for individual 1887 Old Judge cards is determined almost solely on condition with even lower graded pieces demanding five-figure sums. A single card receiving top grades like PSA 8 or SGC 80 could bring a winning bid in the millions of dollars at the right auction.

A few prominent auction highlights help illustrate the demand and value associated with this seminal set. In 2016, a PSA 2 Jim O’Rourke card sold for a record $657,250. In 2021, a PSA 5 Cap Anson realized $360,000 at auction. And perhaps most impressively, a nearly complete PSA 2.5 graded set (missing only two cards) achieved the staggering price of $3.12 million in 2021. With such astronomical prices, it’s clear serious collectors will pay almost any cost to obtain one of the rarest baseball card sets from the earliest days of the hobby. For those fortunate enough to have an unopened pack or complete set tucked away, it could represent a small fortune worth seven figures or more.

As interest and prices continue rising each year, it’s doubtful any complete 1887 N172 Old Judge set will ever come on the market. Those few that do surface are usually broken apart and the individual cards sold separately. Even incomplete partial sets in lower grades still sell for high five and low six figure sums. The historical and collecting significance of being among the first dedicated baseball cards almost 135 years ago ensures the 1887 Old Judge tobacco issue will always be regarded as the most coveted and valuable set from the earliest period of the hobby. While out of financial reach for most, its mystique and rarity make the Old Judge one of the most collectible cards sets in the history of sports memorabilia.

2023 TOPPS SERIES 2 BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The release of 2023 Topps Series 2 Baseball is one of the most anticipated yearly releases in the hobby. While Series 1 typically features rookie cards of the top prospects and debut year cards of established veterans, Series 2 often contains the chase cards that become long term investments. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 2023 Topps Series 2 release that have the potential to greatly increase in value over time.

One of the headlining rookie cards in this year’s Series 2 is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. As the fifth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greene had a breakout season in 2022 where he slashed .250/.326/.390 with 8 home runs and 32 RBI in 98 games as a 21-year-old. He showed off elite bat speed and solid defense in center field. Greene is considered a future star and his rookie cards have been hotly sought after. His base rookie card can currently be found for around $30-40 raw, but this price is likely to rise significantly as Greene develops into a perennial All-Star. His autograph and memorabilia cards fetch prices well over $100 already.

Another young star whose cards hold tremendous long term value potential is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. At just 21-years-old, Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2022 where he slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and wowed fans with highlight reel catches and throws in the outfield. Rodriguez’s base rookie card from Series 1 can currently be found for around $50-75, but his autographed and memorabilia cards have already eclipsed the $1000 price point. As Rodriguez continues developing into a true five-tool superstar, his cards stand to gain exponentially in value over the coming years.

While rookies often command the highest prices, Series 2 also features valuable cards showcasing baseball’s biggest stars. One of the most coveted veteran cards is likely to be Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s base card. After winning the World Series in 2021 with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman signed a big free agent deal with the Dodgers in 2022. As a career .295 hitter and five-time All-Star, Freeman is one of the premier hitters of his generation. His 2023 Topps Series 2 base card will be his first in a Dodgers uniform and could settle in the $50-75 range once the dust settles. Freeman is still in his prime at 33-years-old and should continue producing at an elite level for years to come, making his Dodger cards a sound investment.

Another Dodgers star who could have a valuable Series 2 card is outfielder Mookie Betts. After helping lead LA to the 2020 World Series title, Betts has established himself as one of the faces of the franchise. The 2018 AL MVP is a career .301 hitter who is still in the early 30s. Betts’ base card from Series 2 will likely carry an initial price tag around $50-75 as well. What makes Betts’ card especially intriguing is his potential for autographed and memorabilia cards. As one of the most popular players in the game today, Betts’ signed cards often sell in the $500-1000 range and could appreciate substantially given his continued production and star power.

While rookies and established stars usually command top dollar, Series 2 also frequently features valuable short print and parallel card variations that become highly sought after chase cards. One parallel with breakout potential this year is the Topps ’86 Design parallel. Featuring a retro design harkening back to 1986 Topps, these parallel cards are inserted at extremely low rates across all Series 2 blaster and hobby boxes. Players like Greene, Rodriguez, Freeman, Betts and more could see their ’86 Design parallels fetch prices well over $100 each as the set gains popularity. Another potential chase parallel is the Topps Chrome Refractor variation. Printed on a foil substrate with vivid colors, Refractors of top rookies and stars often settle in the $200-500 range depending on the player.

In addition to base cards and parallels, autograph and memorabilia cards tend to hold the greatest long term value potential. Series 2 is expected to feature prized rookie autographs of Greene, Rodriguez and more. Autographs of established veterans like Freeman and Betts will also be in high demand. While initial prices may range from $100-1000+, these autographed cards stand to gain exponentially with each passing year as the players’ careers progress. Memorabilia cards featuring game-used or worn materials are also highly coveted. Rookie patch cards of Greene, Rodriguez and others could settle in the $500-1000 range initially. Multi-relic cards with autographs are true blue chip investments that may fetch $1000+ right out of the gate.

In summary, 2023 Topps Series 2 Baseball is primed to feature many valuable cards at the rookie and veteran levels that have breakout potential. While initial prices will fluctuate based on player performance and hype, top cards like Greene, Rodriguez, Freeman and Betts are sound long term investments. Scarce parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards provide additional opportunities for cards to appreciate substantially in the years to come. For collectors and investors, Topps Series 2 always delivers prized chase cards that can grow into valuable assets. The release is one of the most anticipated yearly events in the hobby for good reason.

1977 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1977 Fleer baseball card set was unique and trailblazing in the history of sports cards. It marked Fleer’s second try at creating a competitive baseball card product after their initial failed attempt in 1956. At 132 cards, it was the first major sports card set not produced by Topps in over a decade. It featured player photography and stats from the 1976 Major League Baseball season in the same basic card design format Topps had established as the standard. However, Fleer took some creative liberties and made some controversial production decisions that garnered both praise and criticism among collectors.

The 1977 Fleer design featured a simple white border surrounding each colorful player photo with their name and team name across the top in brown print. Player stats like batting average, home runs, and RBI’s from the previous season were printed on the bottom along with Fleer’s copyright information. Unlike the designs of their Topps competitors which tended to feature colorful borders and backgrounds around photos, Fleer opted for a more minimalist aesthetic. This allowed the central focus to remain squarely on the players themselves. It was a bold break from tradition that some saw as refreshing while others found lacking in visual appeal and design flourish compared to Topps’ ornate cards.

Another major difference was that Fleer did not obtain permission or pay licensing fees to Major League Baseball, the players union, or individual teams. This was legally questionable but allowed them to enter the market free of such financial constraints. Topps sued in response, claiming monopoly rights over baseball cards. The case made its way to the Supreme Court in 1982 where it was ultimately ruled that Fleer did have the right to produce baseball cards without licenses. This established an important precedent that opened the door for future competition in the trading card industry beyond just Topps.

Controversially, Fleer also did not photograph all the players featured in the set. For players who did not show up for photo shoots, Fleer simply took the head shots from their previous seasons Topps cards and pasted them onto the new Fleer design. To make up missing player numbers and fill out the checklist, they also made “blank back” cards that depicted no player photograph or stats at all. While innovative in concept, collectors felt this diminished the authenticity and overall quality of the set compared to Topps who photograph all players annually.

Despite these shortcomings, the 1977 Fleer set became a landmark release that remained the only serious competitor Topps faced for several years. Its novelty as the first new baseball card product in over a decade created a lot of excitement. The minimalist design was ahead of its time. Such a large set had not been produced since 1959. Notable rookie cards in the set included Dave Parker, Ron Guidry, Joe Charboneau, Jon Matlack, Butch Hobson, and Jay Johnstone among others.

Today, in well-centered and professionally graded mint condition, many 1977 Fleer cards can still fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This includes the coveted #44 Dave Parker rookie which has sold for over $25,000. Stars like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Nolan Ryan remain fan favorites. The history-making nature of the set as the first to challenge Topps’ monopoly added to its long term collectibility and importance in the hobby. While production flaws may have bothered some, this trailblazing release left an indelible mark and helped shape the baseball card industry into the multi-million dollar business it is now. The 1977 Fleer cards proved inserting new competition could be both creative and beneficial for collectors.

In the decades since, the baseball card market has grown exponentially with the rise of not just Fleer and Donruss but also score’s of smaller companies. Production values are far superior to what was possible in 1977. Players are better compensated through licensing deals. But the original 132 card Fleer set from ’76 still fascinates collectors for its part in breaking barriers and taking risks in the name of bringing fresh ideas, designs, and choices to the hobby. As one of the most unique and historically significant sports card releases ever, 1977 Fleer remains a rightful part of any dedicated collector’s stash.

SUPAI BINDER FOR BASEBALL CARDS WITH SLEEVES

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Supai baseball card binders are a popular option for collectors looking to store and display their valuable baseball card collections in a professional manner. Supai offers a variety of durable binders that allow cards to be safely stored and protected in plastic sleeves. Their binders come with plastic sleeves pre-loaded, making them a turnkey solution for organizing cards.

Supai binders feature a hard plastic front and back cover with a D-ring metal binder mechanism to securely hold 9-pocket pages in place. The covers have team logos or other baseball designs printed on them. Binders come in different sizes depending on the number of card pockets included. A standard size holds 360 cards in pockets, larger sizes hold over 500 cards.

The pages inside Supai binders feature transparent plastic sleeves that hold base cards or variations like autographed, memorabilia, or rookie cards. These acid-free poly sleeves protect cards from fingerprints, scratches, and the damaging effects of dust and light over time. Sleeves are easily loaded and cards can be quickly flipped through for viewing without risk of damage compared to loose cards in a box.

When choosing a Supai binder, collectors will want to consider the size of their card collection and how they plan to store various subsets. Baseball cards come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The standard size binder pockets easily hold standard size baseball cards but may be tight fits for larger rookie cards, autographed cards, or memorabilia cards that have larger dimensions. Larger binders offer more flexibility to mix in larger cards alongside the standard card collection.

Supai offers various options like binders designed specifically for baseball rookie and memorabilia cards. These larger capacity storage solutions give valuable cards more room in custom designed larger pockets. Inserting cards into the proper sized pockets and binders prevents them from becoming damaged or worn over time from friction inside tight pockets. Proper storage maintains card integrity and highest possible grades if the collection is considered for professional grading and authentication down the road.

Another consideration is whether a binder will primarily hold a player or team collection. Supai offers some binders with team logos on the covers tailored for Cubs, Yankees, or other franchise specific collections. General binders work well too for mixed collections showcasing a variety of players and eras. Organizing cards chronologically or by player name within the binder pages provides easy access when showing off prized possessions to friends or at card shows.

One of the most convenient features of Supai binders is the built-in plastic sleeves that protect each card. Loose cards shuffled between bare binder pages are at higher risk of damage compared to individually sleeved cards. Over time, thin plastic can wear away from spine edges without a protective barrier between the cards and binder materials. Supai sleeves are made of durable material suitable for long-term storage.

Professional grade magnetic sleeves are another option that securely snap cards into place yet still allow easy removal when needed. These more rigid sleeves are especially suited for the most valuable authenticated vintage cards, rare autographs, or contemporary rookie cards that are prized parts of a collection. Such higher end sleeves maintain mint condition and avoid any risky of accidental damage compared to basic penny sleeves.

Supai binders make it easy for collectors of all ability levels to safely organize their prized cards. Complete beginners can start small and add additional binders as their collections grow over time. Experienced collectors rely on Supai to professionally store even the largest card libraries holding tens of thousands of cards across multiple eras and teams. Supai’s durable binder construction and inclusion of sleeves at purchase simplifies setup compared to sourcing materials piecemeal.

Whether a binder contents represent an entire career set for a favorite slugger or a meticulously curated rookie card collection spanning a decade, Supai provides an affordable solution to proudly display and securely protect valuable baseball cardboard. Their products allow collectors to easily sort, swap, admire, and share builds spanning generations with family and fellow enthusiasts for years to come.

2017 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball set is considered one of the best modern releases from Topps. Chrome is a popular annual parallel issue of Topps’s standard flagship release that features shiny refractors instead of the traditional paper cards. The 2017 edition contained several highly coveted rookie cards and big star cards that have held and increased in value since release. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball.

One of the most desired rookie cards from the set is that of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lewis Brinson (card #41). Brinson was one of baseball’s top prospects and there was big hype around his potential. While he has had some ups and downs in the majors so far, his rookie card remains very popular. Low-numbered refractors and parallels of his card consistently fetch over $100. Another rookie to watch is Cincinnati Reds two-way player Michael Lorenzen (card #281). Though primarily a pitcher, Lorenzen also plays outfield and can hit with power. His versatility makes his rookie card quite intriguing to collectors.

Two rookies who immediately made big impacts in 2017 and their cards have exploded in value accordingly are Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers (card #111) and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (card #283). Bellinger won NL Rookie of the Year after mashing 39 home runs. HisChrome rookie is among the most expensive from the set, with high-grade versions reaching into the thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, Judge’s record-setting rookie season that included 52 homers took the baseball world by storm. Low-numbered parallels of his Topps Chrome rookie have broken records, selling for over $10,000.

Moving beyond the rookies, 2017 Topps Chrome had plenty of big stars and highlights as well. Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (card #73) is a reigning MVP and cornerstone of the franchise. His refractors hold steady value in the $50-100 range. Reigning NL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals is featured on card #238. As one of the game’s premier pitchers, his cards are always in demand. Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a longtime ace and three-time Cy Young winner, appears on card #99. Low-numbered Kershaw cards can reach hundreds due to his legendary status.

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is arguably the best player in baseball today. His card #256 from 2017 Topps Chrome is an absolute must-have for any collection. Even basic Trout refractors sell for $40-50 minimum due to his incomparable abilities and marketability. Fellow superstar Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, who has an MVP under his belt as well, is on card #209. Harper is still chasing his ultimate potential but remains one of the faces of MLB. Star power like this helps drive interest in the set year after year.

The chase for the elusive 1/1 parallel proved exciting as always with 2017 Topps Chrome. Pulling a true one-of-one refractor is the ultimate thrill and scores massive dollars. Some highlights include a 1/1 green refractor of Nationals phenom Juan Soto (card #286) that brought over $3,000 at auction. There was also a prized 1/1 gold refractor of NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies (card #163) that sold for around $1,500. Even less heralded players received big bids when hit as the sole parallel.

In addition to the base Chrome issue, Topps also released higher-end parallel and memorabilia sets associated with 2017. The most costly and illustrious was 2017 Topps Chrome MLS, which featured one memorabilia card or autograph per box on average. Stars like Judge, Bellinger, Kershaw, and Trout appeared often here in low print runs that made each card exceptionally rare and valuable. Another premium tier was 2017 Topps Chrome Draft Day, which highlighted players selected in that year’s amateur draft with memorabilia autographs. Both sets offered alluring chase cards for the most avid collectors.

In summary, 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball proved to have incredible staying power and produced some true heavyweight rookie cards that will be followed for years. The combination of stars, prospects and hit parallels made it compelling from release through the present day. While prices have risen greatly for the most desired cards, values remain strong across the set as a whole. For those who cracked packs or purchased boxes back in 2017, it’s safe to say Topps Chrome delivered some incredible long-term keepsakes and potential investments.

BASEBALL CARDS MT PLEASANT SC

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Baseball cards have been a beloved pastime for collectors across the United States for over a century. In the small coastal town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, located just outside of Charleston, baseball card collecting remains a vibrant hobby for people of all ages. With a rich history of the sport and some dedicated local shops, Mt. Pleasant has built up a knowledgeable community of people pursuing their baseball card collections and interests.

Some of the earliest baseball cards were produced in the late 1800s as promotions for chewing gum and tobacco brands like Old Judge and Sweet Caporal cigarettes. These vintage cards are now highly valuable collectors items. While Mt. Pleasant was still a small town in those early days of baseball cards, the region had a strong connection to the growing sport. Charleston was home to one of the earliest professional baseball teams when the Charleston Seagulls played in the 1880s. That early exposure helped foster a baseball culture that remains today.

Into the 1900s, baseball card production expanded with the rise of bubble gum companies like Topps. Their iconic design of a photo on the front with stats on the back became the standard format. As baseball grew in popularity nationally after World War II, so too did the hobby of collecting its cards. In Mt. Pleasant in the 1950s, kids could be found trading and discussing their newest acquisitions, hoping to complete sets or find a prized rookie. Local variety stores and drug stores stocked the most recent series to satisfy demand.

Two shops in particular have served as hubs for the baseball card community in Mt. Pleasant for decades – Sports Cards Plus and Hallways Comics & Cards. Sports Cards Plus first opened in 1989 and is still owned and operated by the same family today. They built up a reputation for having a massive selection of new and vintage cards along with supplies for collectors. Hallways Comics & Cards, established in 1992, focuses more on the intersection of cards with other collectibles like comics, but still caters greatly to local baseball aficionados.

Both shops host frequent events that draw card collectors from across the region. These include release parties for new series from Topps, Panini, and others where attendees can get exclusive promotional items. Large card shows and conventions are also regularly scheduled with tables of vendors to browse. During these gatherings, collectors of all ages can be seen making trades, discussing the latest players and storylines in MLB, and bonding over their shared interest.

While the internet has allowed for card trading and sales to increasingly move online, the local brick and mortar shops remain important community centers. They provide a place for in-person interaction that helps keep the hobby social and fun. Both Sports Cards Plus and Hallways Comics & Cards also offer services like grading submissions to professional authentication companies to verify condition and increase value.

In terms of notable cards from Mt. Pleasant collectors over the years, a 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie in near mint condition was sold at Sports Cards Plus in 2015 for over $30,000. Also, a local man amassed one of the largest complete vintage set collections in the country during the 1990s and 2000s before eventually downsizing. In the modern era, local middle schoolers regularly pull rookie stars out of packs or in breaks that could become valuable someday.

The passion for baseball cards even extends beyond collecting for personal enjoyment. Both shops run baseball card investment seminars explaining the market dynamics and long term potential of cards as alternative assets. Graded vintage rookies from the 1950s like Mickey Mantle and recent stars like Mike Trout have seen incredible appreciation that has created millionaires. With careful research and due diligence, cards represent a tangible hobby that can turn a profit for savvy investors.

Looking ahead, as long as baseball remains America’s pastime, Mt. Pleasant expects its rich baseball card community and local businesses supporting it to continue thriving. Younger generations are now taking the reins of the hobby alongside longtime collectors. Events like the National Sports Collectors Convention held annually in different cities also help sustain interest. With over a century of history behind it, the tradition of baseball card collecting shows no signs of slowing down in this coastal South Carolina town. Mt. Pleasant’s shops will keep fueling the passion while bringing collectors together.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1974

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The 1974 Topps baseball card set featured 660 total cards and included some of the most valuable rookie cards and veteran stars from that era. While the 1970s were a different time for the hobby compared to today, many consider the 1974 set to be the high point of the decade that launched multiple legendary careers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable cards collectors seek from this interesting vintage year:

Nolan Ryan (#156) – Arguably the greatest power pitcher of all-time, Nolan Ryan’s 1974 Topps rookie card is one of the true holy grails of the hobby. In pristine mint condition the card can fetch well over $20,000. Even well-centered examples in Excellent-Mint condition with strong color can sell for $5,000 or more. Ryan was just starting to find his dominance on the mound in 1974 with the Angels and this iconic card captures “The Ryan Express” in his early prime years before injuries limited his career.

Mike Schmidt (#630) – The Phillies slugging third baseman’s rookie card in the 1974 set is highly coveted by collectors. Schmidt went on to have a Hall of Fame career that included three NL MVP awards. High grade Schmidt rookies in Near Mint-Mint can sell for $3,000-$5,000 depending on centering and overall eye appeal. Even well-loved examples still grade out at Excellent can demand $1,000+. Schmidt was just a promising rookie in 1974 but this card serves as an early glimpse of the legendary player he would become.

George Brett (#619) – Brett exploded onto the scene in 1974 and went on to have a legendary career primarily with the Kansas City Royals. The future Hall of Famer’s rookie card remains highly popular. Mint condition examples with strong centering can reach $2,000. Most graded Near Mint cards trade hands between $800-$1,200. Brett was already showing signs of stardom in his debut season making this a valuable card for any vintage collection.

Dave Winfield (#635) – Winfield enjoyed a 22-year MLB career that saw him accumulate 3,110 hits and 465 home runs. His 1974 Topps rookie card captures the startup years with the San Diego Padres. Pristine Mint condition examples are quite rare and can demand $1,500-$2,000. Most Near Mint graded cards sell in the $500-$800 range. Even well-centered Excellent condition copies hold value around $300 due to Winfield’s elite playing career and the scarcity of high grade copies remaining in circulation.

Rollie Fingers (#429) – The flame-throwing reliever was entering his peak years with the Oakland A’s and won the 1974 AL Cy Young Award. Top-tier Mint Fingers rookie cards are elusive and can sell for over $1,000. Near Mint copies usually trade hands between $600-$800. Fingers went on to have a stellar career predominantly with the A’s dynasty teams of the 1970s cementing his card’s place among the most coveted vintage relievers.

Don Gullett (#601) – In a less publicized rookie effort, Gullett posted a solid 2.88 ERA for the Cincinnati Reds in 1974. He would go on to become a 20-game winner for the dynasty Reds clubs of the mid-70s. High grade Gullett rookies are very tough to find but can demand $600-800+ for the few pristine specimens known to exist. Even well-centered Near Mint examples sell around the $300-400 range.

Other notable highly valued cards from the 1974 set include Willie McCovey (#531), Carl Yastrzemski (#545), Johnny Bench (#388), and Brooks Robinson (#504) amongst their respective team mate stars. For a vintage 1970s issue, the 1974 Topps set endures as one of the most complete chronicling numerous baseball icons of that era both in terms of accomplished veterans and promising rookie talents. Condition remains critical, but finding high grade copies of the aforementioned valuable cards can make for prized possessions in any collection.

While production and collector interest levels of the 1970s cardboard era pale in comparison to today’s modern multi-billion dollar industry, the vintage cards from sets like 1974 Topps retain a nostalgic authenticity and resonate strongly with fans of the players and periods they capture. With Hall of Fame talents like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett highlighting the true heavyweight hits, this particular set stands out for encapsulating so much baseball history and featuring some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards collectors still seek out today. Strong grades, centering, and eye appeal take on even more importance for cards reaching back nearly 50 years, but the investment potential remains for finding and preserving examples from this incredible year in cardboard chronicling America’s pastime.