BASEBALL CARDS 1983

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1983 Topps Baseball Cards Overview

Released in early 1983, the 1983 Topps baseball card set was one of the most popular and memorable issues of the 1980s. The design featured a solo player portrait with team logo caps on a yellow backdrop that has become one of the most classic Topps designs. Some key things to know about the 1983 Topps set:

Size: As with most 1970s/80s issues, the cards measured 2.5″ x 3.5″. The card stock was a thicker (and more durable) paper stock compared to modern ultra-thin card productions.

Content: Each card featured a solo color photo of the player along with career statistics. The reverse featured more stats and brief bios. Star rookie cards like Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. were anticipated finds in packs.

Design: As mentioned, the sunny yellow backdrop with logo cap photos gave it an elegant but retro feel. Topps’ traditional white border completed the look. The logo was script style and above the photo.

Number of Cards: The Standard Base Set contained 792 cards. Additionally that year Topps released Traded sets that featured players who switched teams after the regular issues were printed.

Short Prints: Certain cards were printed in shorter quantities and thus more valuable. Notable short prints included Darrell Porter (SP 66), Gary Matthews (SP 143), and Bob Horner (SP 152). These could complete sets or hold additional collector value.

Rookie Cards: Some of the top rookies in the ’83 Topps set included Tony Gwynn (Card #389), Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #581), Rickey Henderson (Card #166), and Wade Boggs (Card #502). These and others would become future Hall of Famers and remain highly coveted rookie cards.

Star Players: Prominent stars famously featured in the ’83 set included Pete Rose, Nolan Ryan, Dale Murphy, Steve Garvey, and Goose Gossage among many others. Their cards retained strong collector appeal for years.

Design Variations: There exist variations of certain cards with inverted colors (player photo in yellow, border in black) and these are considered errors. Select samples also underwent foil stamping test for the foil process Topps would later use.

Beyond the Base Set: Parallels and Inserts

Topps produced several supplemental ’83 sets that added extra value and collecting opportunities:

Traded Sets: As mentioned, these covered trades that happened after the initial series was produced. Highlights included Darrell Porter’s Cardinals card.

Glossy Send-In: Consumers could mail in wrappers and receive usually 10 special glossy wrappers. Super-short print Derek Jeter rookie existed here.

Stickers: A 100-card sticker set was inserted in certain packs. Features stars as well as designs from classic Topps issues.

Traded & Draft Picks: An insert set covering player swaps and amateur signees from the ’82 MLB draft.

Mini Leaders: A smaller set showcasing season statistical leaders. These inserts were prized by collectors.

Deckle Edges: Special “red rainbow” parallel with Deckle-Edge trimming available through contests.

Football/Hockey: Topps also issued football and hockey card mixes, though those sports took a backseat for baseball fans.

1983 Topps Demand and Pricing Over 35 Years Later

Unsurprisingly, the Topps issue from 1983 remains one of the most collected and in-demand sets due to its memorable design and star rookie class. Some notes on key cards and current collectible/investment qualities:

Rookie stars: Average 1983 Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. rookies trade between $150-250 raw while a PSA/BGS 10 GEM MT example could command $1,000+. Wade Boggs and Rickey Henderson demand is also high.

Short Prints: Cards like Bob Horner SP and Gary Matthews SP remain tough pulls. C-Gem copies sell for $50-100 on average.

Inserts: The glossy send-in Derek Jeter is among the rarest, worth thousands in top grade. Mini Leaders also hold value relative to scarcity.

Complete Sets: Unused/raw ’83 Topps commons can be completed for $300-500 but mint conditional sets often go for $1,000-2,000 or more by patient collectors.

Grading Popularity: PSA/BGS population reports show the 1983 Topps cards remain in very high demand for modern grading given their historical significance in the 1980s collector boom. This ensures strong future pricing.

As one of the most popular and eye-catching issues of its decade, the 1983 Topps Baseball Card Set remains a pillar in the collecting world today. Even over 35 years later, condition-sensitive examples attract substantial bids from those chasing memories of opening packs as kids or growing up during a special time in baseball history.

LONG JOHN SILVER’s BASEBALL CARDS

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Long John Silver’s baseball cards have an interesting history stretching back to the early days of the seafood restaurant chain. While not as widely collected today as some other sports card issues of the 1970s and 80s, the Long John Silver’s cards helped drive promotional success for the brand while also providing a nostalgic connection to baseball for many children during that era.

Founded in 1969 in Lexington, Kentucky, Long John Silver’s aimed to bring the experience of seafood dining to mainstream America through a fast food style restaurant concept. In the early 1970s as the chain was expanding nationwide, marketing executives sought novel promotional ideas to raise brand awareness and drive traffic to locations. Inspired by the booming popularity of baseball cards among young collectors, LJS debuted their first set of baseball stars in 1974 packaged with kids’ meals.

The inaugural ’74 Long John Silver’s baseball card series featured 60 total cards showing headshots and stats for many of the game’s biggest names at the time like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Nolan Ryan. Each packet of cards retailed for 49 cents and came wrapped in a colorful Long John Silver’s branded wrapper. While the photographs and design elements were basic, children eagerly traded and added the LJS issues to growing collections alongside more established brands like Topps and Fleer.

Encouraged by the initial success, Long John Silver’s released a new series each year throughout the mid-70s containing 60 cards with the current season’s top players. Some notable rookie cards first appeared in LJS sets including George Brett’s 1975 debut. The affordable price point and availability made the promotions hugely popular among kids. Restaurant locations would run special “trade days” where children could meet up to swap and complete sets enhancing the social aspect as well.

By 1977, Long John Silver’s baseball cards had evolved with glossier finishes, more statistics listed on the back of each card, and inclusion of some action shots rather than just headshots. That year also saw the debut of multi-player cards showing two or more stars on a single card front – a creative concept not yet widely used by other manufacturers. Quality continued improving through subsequent yearly issues as the brand invested more resources into creative design and photography.

Rising printing costs contributed to the end of Long John Silver’s traditional card offerings after 1979. The next several years saw variants like sticker sets and small promotional items replace full series runs until 1986 when the seafood chain partnered with Rittenhouse Archives for a collector-oriented ’75-’79 complete reprint set in cello packets. Featuring 132 cards over the five year span, it represented the last baseball-related collectible from LJS for many years.

By the 1990s, the nostalgia factor surrounding vintage Long John Silver’s cards grew tremendously. Old childhood collections were re-discovered and card shows saw intensifying demand from collectors seeking to finish sets. In response, Rittenhouse in 1997 launched the Master Collector Series devoted to classic food/beverage brands like LJS with decades worth of cards individually graded and encapsulated facilitating resale value.

Today Long John Silver’s baseball cards from the mid 1970s remain unique artifacts capturing a unique time period. Their affordable, mass produced scope introduced the hobby to countless new fans. While production ended over 35 years ago, the charm of completing iconic early sets endures. Specialty reprint issues have helped preserve the legacy for future generations. As one of the earliest “non-traditional” sports card pioneers, Long John Silver’s left an indelible mark during baseball card boom years. Their promotions artfully blended two quintessential pastimes of the 1970s American experience – our national pastime and childhood collecting adventures.

In summary, Long John Silver’s baseball cards hold a special niche in the broader story of sports card history. Issued during some of the game’s golden eras and made widely accessible to young fans, the annual LJS series from 1974-1979 introduced baseball card collecting to untold thousands while serving their intended role of boosting one of America’s first national fast food chains. While production lifespan proved relatively brief, enduring nostalgia ensures the humble cardboard promotions maintain treasured status for collectors today seeking a taste of 1970s baseball memories.

BASEBALL CARDS GREENLAND NH

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Baseball Cards in Greenland, New Hampshire: A Brief History

The small town of Greenland, New Hampshire has had a rich history with baseball cards dating back to the early 20th century. Located just 10 miles west of Portsmouth on the coast of New Hampshire, Greenland’s population today is around 3,500 residents. This town has had an outsized impact on the hobby of baseball card collecting over the decades.

Some of the earliest baseball card collectors and dealers actually got their start in Greenland in the 1910s and 1920s. During this time, tobacco companies like American Tobacco began inserting baseball cards as premiums inside cigarette packs and cigars to help promote their brands. Young boys at the time started amassing collections of these early tobacco era cards, featuring stars from the deadball era like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Grover Cleveland Alexander.

Two early pioneers of the baseball card collecting hobby with Greenland roots were Fred and Walter Shepard. The Shepard brothers grew up in Greenland in the early 1900s and became enamored with the cards that could be found in tobacco products. By their teenage years in the late 1910s, Fred and Walter had grown extensive collections with cards from brands like T206, E90, and E91 sets. They would often trade and sell duplicates with other local youth to expand their holdings.

In the 1920s, after both brothers had finished high school, Fred and Walter decided to turn their baseball card collecting passion into a business. In 1926, they opened one of the first baseball card shops in the entire country right in downtown Greenland, called Shepard’s Sporting Goods. Their one room storefront sold new baseball gloves, bats, and balls, but their primary business was buying, selling, and trading all manner of vintage baseball cards.

Shepard’s Sporting Goods helped grow the local and regional hobby in New Hampshire tremendously over the next few decades. They published price guides and hosted card shows that drew collectors from Boston and beyond. By the 1950s, Greenland had become somewhat of a mecca for early baseball card collectors on the East Coast, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Fred and Walter Shepard.

Greenland’s love affair with baseball cards continued strong through the post-war boom of the 1950s. More local shops like Greenland Sport Cards and Greenland Collectibles opened to capitalize on the growing fad among American youth to collect cards depicting their favorite players on bubblegum and candy wrappers. Greenland’s shops kept local kids well-stocked with new releases from Topps, Bowman, and other manufacturers during this golden age.

As the 1960s arrived, Greenland saw some evolution in its baseball card scene. Shepard’s Sporting Goods had passed to a new generation of owners, but remained the dominant card shop in town. The rise of card shows as a phenomenon led to Greenland hosting some of the earliest organized baseball card shows in New England. Shows drew hundreds of collectors together under one roof to buy, sell, and trade with vendors.

Some key card shows in Greenland during the 1960s and 1970s included the annual Greenland Sports Collectors Convention, held each summer. This multi-day extravaganza transformed the Greenland town fairgrounds into a massive baseball card marketplace. Vendors would rent spaces in large tents to display thousands of cards for sale and trade. Prized vintage finds and key rookie cards regularly changed hands at these events.

By the 1980s, Greenland saw its baseball card scene reach a new peak of popularity amid the entire sports and entertainment card boom. Stores like Shepard’s were overflowing with collectors searching for star rookies from the likes of Donruss, Fleer, and Score. The Greenland Sports Collectors Convention outgrew the fairgrounds and moved to local school gyms to accommodate crowds. Mint condition vintage cards from the early 20th century also reached new heights, auctioned off at shows for thousands of dollars.

The sports card market crash of the late 1980s/early 1990s hit Greenland shops hard. With overproduction watering down values, many local mom-and-pop stores had no choice but to close up shop. Shepard’s Sporting Goods, after decades of business, shuttered its doors for good in 1992. This brought an end to an era for Greenland’s local baseball card scene.

In the decades since, Greenland has seen its role in the hobby diminished. A few smaller shops have tried to fill the void left by Shepard’s, but none achieved the same prominence or longevity. Online sales through eBay also made localized brick-and-mortar shops less important. The legacy of Greenland’s pioneering collectors, entrepreneurs and early card shows that helped spread the passion for baseball collectibles endure to this day. The town remains proud of its unique history with America’s favorite pastime on cardboard.

The small town of Greenland, New Hampshire played an outsized role in the development and growth of baseball card collecting nationwide over the 20th century. Local visionaries like the Shepard brothers helped transform the hobby from a niche interest into a mainstream American tradition. Even after losing many of its shops, Greenland’s formative contributions to the baseball memorabilia industry remain an important part of the community’s local heritage. Its golden years as a New England hotbed for the cardboard collectibles continue to be remembered fondly.

REPRINT BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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Reprint baseball cards have become a popular option for collectors looking to obtain cards of their favorite players without spending a fortune on vintage original cards. While reprints will never replace the value and appeal of true vintage cards, they provide an affordable way to build sets and enjoy cards from past eras of the game.

When first starting a collection, reprints are an invaluable resource. They allow collectors to experiment with different types of cards and eras before fully committing to expensive vintage cards. Reprints are also excellent for filling in holes in sets where an original card may be cost prohibitive. No collector wants stubborn missing cards to ruin the aesthetic appeal of a completed vintage set.

Factors To Consider When Buying Reprint Baseball Cards

Quality
Reprint quality can vary widely depending on the manufacturer. Higher quality reprints use thicker cardstock that better approximates the feel of vintage cards. Top brands like Topps archive their printing plates to precisely match colors, fonts, designs and overall aesthetic to the originals. Lower quality reprints may appear faded or feel flimsy in comparison.

Price Point
Budget will obviously dictate the reprint options available. Reprints range from inexpensive bulk lots to prestigious limited editions. Collector quality reprints from reputable manufacturers generally sell for $1-5 per card depending on player, while special releases could fetch $10-20 each. Factor in potential shipping costs as well when budgeting a reprint purchase.

Intended Use
Casual display or set building? Serious studiers appreciate reprints with accurate stats and bios on the reverse. Collector quality reprints aim to fool even experts on the front, while budget ones advertise themselves as reproductions. Consider your intentions to get reprints appropriately matching quality and detail levels.

Player/Year Options
Vintage sets and stars from the deadball era through modern days are all represented among reprint options. Reprint manufacturers focus on iconic players, teams and sets to satisfy widespread collector demand. More obscure cards may prove harder to find as reprints but websites like eBay often have options.

Authentic Feel
Some reprint makers go above simply copying the front design by using vintage-style paper stock, fonts, colors and textures to replicate the authentic experience of holding an old card. This extra attention to reproducing the “feel” in the hand separates top-tier reprint brands.

Where To Buy Quality Reprint Baseball Cards

With the explosion of interest in vintage cards, reliable reprint manufacturers have emerged online to fill demand. Here are some of the best sources for high quality, affordable reprint baseball cards:

Topps – As the long-reigning baseball card king, Topps naturally produces some of the most authoritative reprints. Their “Archives” and “Heritage” sets precisely match the design and specifications of original Topps flagship sets from the ‘50s-present.

Steiner Sports Memorabilia – This company offers collectors a deep selection of reprints covering the entire scope of baseball card history. Their “Latest and Greatest” sets mimic modern issues while Vintage Reprints span the early decades.

Donruss / Panini – Through acquiring Donruss and acquiring licenses from major leagues, Panini produces quality reprint sets emphasizing the original designs of classic issues like 1981 Donruss.

Cardboard Connection – This highly reviewed retailer custom cuts reprints to order from their large scanned image archive. Excellent for setting filling-in missing cards from any era.

DA Card World – A leading website for affordable reprint “set builder” packs tailored for completing full teams, years or subsets cost-effectively.

Private Reprint Makers – Sites like PrintableCardStore allow individuals to print their own custom reprint designs on authentic stock using a member-uploaded image.

As with collecting anything vintage, stick to reputable sellers when buying reprint baseball cards and always inspect feedback/return policies first. Make sure to enjoy expanding collections with quality reprints without overspending on worn originals still out of reach.

Types Of Reprint Baseball Cards To Consider

With demand growing for reprints honoring baseball’s rich card producing past, manufacturers have created different categories appealing to various collector tastes/ budgets:

Premium Limited Editions – Ultra-high quality releases by Topps, Steiner and others printed in small numbers aiming to fool experts. Retail $15-25/card. Often accompanied by displays, COAs.

Vintage Reprint Sets – Full team or year reprints authentically recreating classic releases. Popular for basic set building at affordable prices, typically $1-5 per card.

Insert & Parallel Variations – Modern innovations applied to reprints with parallels, autographs, memorabilia cards adding appeal. Target higher-end fans.

Box & Jumbo Packs – Reprints sold as complete reproductions of original wax packs/boxes for nostalgia. Fun for opening experiences.

Small Lot & Rack Packs – Inexpensive reprints sold in bundles without organization. Ideal for beginners to experience different eras/players.

Single Card Reprints – Sold individually, most cost-effective approach but lack aesthetic appeal of complete sets. Good for targeting specific PC needs.

As the reprint market continues maturing, options proliferate for collectors seeking affordable ways to enjoy and display their favorite players from baseball’s rich history through high-quality cardboard reproductions. With care taken to research trusted sources, reprints provide cost-effective alternatives to pricey vintage cards and keep the game accessible to fans of all budgets.

1991 DONRUSS LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Donruss Leaf Baseball Card set was released toward the end of the 1991 baseball season and contained the standard 234 card base set along with two exciting inserts – Mark McGwire rookie card and hologram cards. This set represented the peak of the early 1990s baseball card boom before the market crashed.

Donruss had been producing baseball cards since 1987 and was gaining popularity among collectors, especially for its innovative technology like holograms and pioneering the introduction of rookie cards as chase cards outside of the base set. The 1991 Leaf set continued pushing the envelope and is still regarded highly by collectors today as one of the most memorable releases of that era.

Some of the top rookie cards in the set included Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Brad Ausmus, and David Wells. The true chase card was the Mark McGwire rookie, titled “Rookie Record Setter”. McGwire blasted 49 home runs in his rookie season of 1987 for the Oakland A’s and was one of the first players to show the beginning of the steroid era in baseball. His rookie card featured a metallic design treatment and carried a steep premium above the base cards from the start. In near-mint condition today, McGwire’s rookie can fetch over $1,000.

Another innovation in the 1991 Leaf set were the highly sought after hologram inserts, titled “HoloViews”. These featured current stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ryne Sandberg with shimmering hologram effects. Popping these flashy cards out of packs was a thrill for collectors at the time. The inserts also came with decoding information on the back to view “hidden images” when tilted in the light. With only 100 printed of each player, the hologram cards were quite scarce and held tremendous allure. Graded gem mint examples can sell for hundreds today.

The design theme of the base cards presented players in action shots against color backgrounds inspired by their respective team colors. Statistics on the back included career highlights up to that point. Some notable rookies included J.T. Snow, Jeff Bagwell, and Jim Edmonds who all went on to have solid MLB careers. Stars of the day like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs were also featured in the set.

When the 1991 Leaf set was first released, the box retail price ranged from around $15-30 depending on the retailer. This was a major investment for collectors at the time, especially young fans. The boom in popularity meant shops had trouble keeping packs and boxes on shelves. Within a few years of being produced, complete sets in mint condition were scarce and carried high values as the market exploded.

The baseball card market peak was already starting to show signs of inflation in 1991. Even so, Donruss Leaf managed to capture lightning in a bottle that year with exciting chase cards while presenting a quality mainstream product with its base issues as well. When the market crashed in the mid-1990s, the 1991 Donruss Leaf set maintained strong collector interest and demand due to its historical significance as the last major release before values went haywire.

Prices flattened out and stabilized over the following decades. Today, in top graded gem mint 10 condition, entire 1991 Donruss Leaf sets in factory-sealed wax boxes can sell for thousands online. Key individual cards like Jeter and McGwire rookies frequently appear in online auctions fetching four-figure sums. The unique hologram cards also hold tremendous nostalgia and desirability decades later.

While overproduced in its day compared to earlier 1980s issues, the 1991 Leaf set endures as a seminal release defining the apex of the modern baseball card boom era. Its flashy design sensibilities, historic rookie debuts, and innovative inserts continue captivating collector attention generation after generation. For both enthusiasts of the period and anyone interested in the business and history of sports cards, Donruss’s 1991 offering stands out as one of the most analyzed and cherished baseball releases of all-time.

The 1991 Donruss Leaf Baseball Card set broke new ground with exciting inserts while capturing the best rookies and players of its time in vivid photography and designs. As the last major set released before market forces went awry, it has developed legendary collector status. Even 30 years later, key cards remain highly sought after and fascinate observers of the prosperous yet volatile early 1990s card market in America. Despite production levels, the 1991 Leaf set merits its place in the annals of sports memorabilia as a true watershed release.

1966 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1966 Topps baseball card set was the first year Topps included photos of major league games on the cards rather than posed studio shots. This changed the look of the traditional baseball card and helped kick off the boom in collectors seeking authentic images from the diamond. While most ’66 Topps cards hold value in the $1-5 range today for commons, certain short printed and star rookie cards have skyrocketed in popularity with collectors and market value over the decades. Here are some of the most expensive and sought after 1966 Topps cards to look out for:

Sandy Koufax (#130) – The Hall of Fame Dodgers lefty was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. His final season of 1965 saw him win his third Cy Young award while leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts before abruptly retiring at age 30 due to arthritis in his pitching arm. This makes his ’66 Topps one of the true “final season” cards featuring one of baseball’s all-time greats. In gem mint condition a Koufax ’66 routinely brings over $1,000 today and has sold for as much as $4,300 in recent auctions.

Steve Carlton (#144) – The future Hall of Famer and four-time Cy Young winner’s first Topps card came in 1966 as a rookie with the Cardinals. Carlton would go on to become one of the most prolific lefty hurlers in MLB history but this early issue remains a key item for Phillies and Cardinals PC collectors. Higher grade Carlton rookies can sell for $800-1,200 currently.

Roberto Clemente (#132) – The Pittsburgh Pirates’ star right fielder and Hall of Famer had already won two batting titles and an NL MVP by 1966. His iconic mustache and power/speed combo made him one of the most exciting and popular players of the late 60s/early 70s. Clemente sadly perished in a plane crash on a humanitarian mission on December 31st, 1972 at age 38. In tribute to his legend, this early issue of Clemente consistently sells above $200 for mint copies.

Don Drysdale (#107)- Another Dodgers ace, Drysdale went 194-116 with a 2.95 ERA over his 13 year career spent entirely in Dodger blue. He won three World Series rings and two Cy Youngs including a record 58 2/3 consecutive scoreless inning streak in 1968. Any early Drysdale like his ’66 is treasured but high grade versions still fetch $300+.

Harmon Killebrew (#133) – The future Hall of Famer smashed 349 career homers primarily as a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins. His hulking physique and tape measure moonshots made him a fan favorite of the late 50s through 70s. As a key player from that era, Killebrew’s ’66 in top condition can sell for around $150.

Ron Santo (#154) – The Chicago Cubs slugging third baseman played 15 seasons on the North Side from 1960-1974, earning 5 All-Star nods and slugging 342 career homers. He became the team’s radio broadcaster after retiring. Sadly diagnosed with diabetes in the 1970s, Santo lost both legs below the knee but remained an iconic Cub. In gem pristine state the always popular Santo rookie has sold for $250.

Rod Carew (#150) – Already a batting star at age 20, Carew’s rookie issue from 1966 captures him at the very beginning of his storied career spent primarily with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels. Carew would go on to win 7 batting titles and blast 3,053 hits on his way to the Hall of Fame. Pristine condition Carew rookies go for $150-250 depending on strength of demand.

Jackie Hernandez (#118) – One of the scarcest short prints from 1966, the Athletics’ second baseman had his photo taken in a green and white jersey while most others feature teams in blues or grays. This makes his card stick out and few high quality examples survive. Top condition Hernandez SSPs have fetched $300 and up in recent auctions.

Ernie Banks (#8) – “Mr. Cub” spent his entire 19 year career with the Chicago Cubs and was already a 14 year veteran by 1966 yet still remained one of the most popular players in baseball. The smiling slugger belted 512 career homers while capturing NL MVP honors in 1958-59. top pristine Banks cards stay above $150 steadily.

Other notable1966 rookie cards that continue gaining collector interest include future Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Bill Freehan, and Fergie Jenkins. While most ’66 Topps hold modest value today, cherry picking high grade copies of the previously mentioned stars and short prints can give collectors a serious vintage cardboard investment. The historic photos and nostalgia continues driving collector demand 50+ years later.

BABE RUTH BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Babe Ruth is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his baseball cards are some of the most valuable in the hobby. Ruth dominated Major League Baseball from 1914 to 1935, setting numerous career records that still stand today. As one of the earliest baseball superstars, Ruth’s playing career coincided with the rise in popularity of baseball cards in the early 20th century. Let’s take a look at some of Ruth’s most notable and valuable baseball cards throughout the years.

1914 Cracker Jack (R314-1) – One of the earliest known Babe Ruth cards, the 1914 Cracker Jack is incredibly rare with only a handful believed to exist in collectors’ hands. The card depicts a young Babe Ruth in his Baltimore Orioles uniform from his early playing days before being sold to the Red Sox. In pristine gem mint condition, a 1914 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth has sold at auction for over $5 million, making it one of the highest valued baseball cards ever. Even well-worn low-grade examples in poor condition can still fetch six-figure prices.

1914 Baltimore News (R314-2) – Like the 1914 Cracker Jack, the Baltimore News card is one of the earliest known depictions of Babe Ruth as a young player for the Orioles. Only a small number are believed to exist and they are highly coveted by serious Ruth collectors. In top grades, a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth has sold for over $1 million at auction. More commonly, examples will trade hands for $300,000-$500,000 depending on condition. Even poorly preserved copies still demand five-figure sums.

1915 Cracker Jack (R315-1) – The 1915 Cracker Jack is the first widely distributed Babe Ruth card produced during the height of his playing career. While more readily available than his earlier 1914 issues, high grade examples are still extremely valuable. A PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 1915 Cracker Jack Ruth recently sold at auction for $657,600, setting a new record price for the issue. Most collectors are willing to pay $100,000 or more for a well-centered example in top condition. The 1915 Cracker Jack remains one of the key Ruth rookie cards highly desired by collectors.

1916 Sporting News (R316-4) – As one of the earliest baseball star cards produced, the 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth is a major key issue. Only approximately 100 are believed to exist in collectors’ hands today in all grades. Examples in the lowest of low grades still sell for five figures. A high grade example in near mint to mint condition would be worth at least $300,000 on today’s market. The 1916 Sporting News is one of the true Holy Grail cards for dedicated Ruth collectors.

1918-1919 M101-5 – Also known as the “Play Ball” card, the 1918-1919 M101-5 issue is one of the most iconic Babe Ruth baseball cards produced during his playing career with the Red Sox. While produced in higher quantities than his ultra-rare early issues, examples in top PSA/SGC grades are still valued well into six figures. A pristine PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 just sold for $228,000 at auction. Most near mint to mint copies will sell for $50,000-$150,000 depending on exact condition assessment.

1920 W516-1 – As one of the first Babe Ruth cards produced after his record-breaking breakout 1919 season with the Yankees, the 1920 W516-1 is a highly significant issue. While several thousand are believed to have been printed, high quality specimens are still scarce. A PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 example sold for $240,000 at auction in 2018. Most serious Ruth collectors are willing to pay $100,000 or more for a well-centered, sharp example in near mint or better condition.

1933 Goudey #53 – The 1933 Goudey set is one of the most iconic vintage issues and Ruth’s card is the key chase. Only approximately 100 are graded PSA/SGC Mint 9 or better. A pristine PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 specimen sold for $576,000 in January 2020, setting a new record price. Most VG-EX examples in lower grades still sell for $5,000-$15,000. The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth remains the single most valuable common card issued during his playing career.

In summary, Babe Ruth’s early 1914-1915 tobacco issues as well as his 1916 Sporting News rookie are true untouchable treasures worth over $1 million even in low grades. Keys from his playing days like the 1918-1919 “Play Ball”, 1920 Yankees debut, and 1933 Goudey regularly break six-figure auction prices when high quality specimens become available. No other player commands the respect, admiration, and financial worth in the collecting hobby quite like the legendary Babe Ruth. Whether a key rookie or a common issue from his dominant MLB tenure, his baseball cards remain among the most prized possessions for dedicated collectors around the world.

BASEBALL CARDS TO MAKE

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for decades, allowing fans to collect their favorite players and relive memorable moments. While many enjoy buying packs of pre-made cards, creating your own custom baseball cards can be a fun craft project. Whether you want to design cards for a school project, as gifts for other fans, or just for your personal collection, with some basic supplies and creativity, you can make professional-looking baseball cards at home.

To start, you’ll need cardstock paper. Look for paper that is thick but not too rigid, as it needs to be able to fold easily into card form without breaking. Standard printer paper will work in a pinch, but cardstock creates a more authentic baseball card feel. You can find cardstock paper in many colors at craft stores, office supply shops, or online. Basic white is versatile, but consider fun colors like team colors to personalize your cards.

Next, you’ll need images to add to the front and back of the cards. You can find free photos of players online by searching their name along with the word “baseball card photo.” Make sure to only use images you have permission to use. High-resolution photos will look best when printed. Consider printing photos on photo paper for the crispest images.

Design the layout of your cards using a computer program like Microsoft Word or online design templates. Decide where to place the player’s name, team logo, stats, and any other details you want to include. Leave room around the edges for the folding lines. Print your designs onto the cardstock paper. Be sure to print multiple cards per sheet to save paper.

Once printed, carefully cut out each individual card following the guidelines you left. Use a ruler or cutting mat for straight lines. Then use a bone folder, the back of a butter knife, or your fingernail to sharply crease each folding line. This will allow the cards to fold cleanly.

You can leave the cards as is for a basic design or add embellishments. Consider including stats on the back like batting average, home runs, etc. that you can print or write by hand. Glue on mini team logos or photos cut from magazines. Get creative with stickers, washi tape borders, or stamped designs.

Protect the front and back of each card by laminating them or using clear contact paper. This creates a shiny, professional finish and protects the images and text. Use an Exacto knife or scissors to carefully trim around the edges.

Organize your completed baseball cards in plastic sleeves or a baseball card binder for easy viewing and storage. Show off your hard work or gift the cards to other fans. Making your own custom cards allows you to feature unique players, stats, and designs not found in store-bought packs. It’s a fun craft that baseball lovers of all ages can enjoy.

Whether commemorating favorite players from the past or present, special performances, milestones, or entire teams, the possibilities are endless when creating your own baseball card collection. Design cards honoring rookie seasons, championships, no-hitters, perfect games – anything you find memorable about America’s pastime. You can even create fictional cards for “what if” scenarios like trade proposals or fantasy matchups.

Including personal touches like inside jokes, favorite stats, or handwritten notes make homemade cards extra special. Design series highlighting player arcs over multiple seasons or different points in their careers. Track progress over rookie, breakout, and veteran years. Create sets focused on a single season, team, or league to relive special moments in baseball history.

Making baseball cards is also a fun way to learn more about the rich history and statistical side of the game. Research players from past eras to include in your collection. Dig into box scores and play-by-play accounts to include accurate stats and highlights. Learn interesting facts and trivia to include. The process of designing cards encourages exploring different aspects of America’s favorite pastime.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or casual observer, creating your own baseball cards allows expressing passion for the game in a unique, hands-on way. It’s an engaging craft that brings baseball’s rich history to life. With basic supplies and imagination, you can design a personalized collection to cherish for years to come.

1993 TOPPS STADIUM CLUB MEMBERS ONLY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Topps Stadium Club Members Only baseball card series stands out as one of the more unique specialty sets released by Topps during the early 1990s hobby boom. Unlike the base Stadium Club set which featured current players, the Members Only subset focused entirely on retired baseball legends from the past. The cards showcase elaborate photographic techniques and slick retro designs to pay tribute to some of the game’s all-time greats.

At only 125 cards in the set, Members Only cards of familiar stars from baseball’s golden era like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams and Stan Musial were in high demand by collectors. Adding to the allure was the 1/1 printing ratio which made even common cards relatively scarce compared to typical releases. By limiting prints and focusing on star power from the past, Topps created a set that was both fun for nostalgia seekers and attractive to investors hoping to capitalize on baseball cards as a growing commodity.

While the base 1993 Topps Stadium Club set sold for $1-2 per pack, a sealed box of the Members Only series carried a much steeper $100 price tag. Inside each box were 10 packs with one Members Only card randomly inserted in place of a sticker. The remainder of each pack contained four additional 1993 Topps base cards making for a total of 45 total cards per box.

Given the steep price of a full sealed box, most consumers were left to hunt packs individually off the hobby shop rack. This made finding any Members Only shortprints or parallel color variations hugely exciting for collectors. Topps also experimented with several photo variations and autographed editions of Members Only cards to add another layer of complexity. Careful examination of specific photos, borders and signatures were required to properly identify each subtle difference.

From a design standpoint, Topps outdid themselves with the Members Only cards. Every player was captured in a classic action photo set against a navy blue backdrop. Thick silver foil borders containing the player’s name wrapped around each image. Perhaps most notably, a small autographed sticker was affixed in the bottom corner of each card as a classy embellishment.

While consisting mainly of retired Hall of Famers, several notable active players also earned the Members Only treatment. Nolan Ryan, whose final retirement came just months prior, received one of the highest numbered cards in the set at #124. This, along with his inclusion after recently finishing his career, signified Ryan’s undisputed status amongst the game’s legends.

Other contemporarily starred Members Only subjects included Gaylord Perry at #30, Willie McCovey at #68, Bob Gibson at #79 and Fergie Jenkins at #99. Seeing these familiar faces immortalized alongside icons like Babe Ruth gave the set that perfect balance of past and present. For players collectors, it served as both a tribute to living legends and a preservation of baseball history.

In the years since, 1993 Topps Stadium Club Members Only cards have developed a strong vintage following. While never reaching the lofty heights of the original 1952 Topps set, choice Members Only rookies and star cards routinely crack the $100-1000 range in top-graded conditions. Reinforcing their status as investment-worthy pieces, a PSA 10 Babe Ruth was sold for nearly $30,000 in 2016. Even more common Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson and Carl Yastrzemski pull in $50-100 prices.

Since 2005, Topps has revisited the Members Only theme on three separate occasions. But none have matched the original 1993 approach. By blending the excitement of today’s players with rich nostalgia for the game’s past superstars, Topps Stadium Club Members Only stands as a true one-of-a-kind set that captures the magic and mystery of the early 1990s hobby climate. Its distinct photo styles, minimal print runs and subject selection targeting the best of the best makes this 125 card set a prime candidate for appreciation so long as there are fans of baseball cards and its luminaries.

While modern box breaks and hobby shop store shelves display a more commercialized view of card collecting today, 1993 Topps Stadium Club Members Only reminds us of a time when imagination and individual discovery were what truly fueled the hobby’s thrill. Twenty-seven years later, its legacy as a bridge to baseball’s golden age lives on through the memories of collectors and condition of the now vintage cardboard itself. For both history buffs and investors, this distinctive vintage set remains as prized as the legends it honors.

STEVE AVERY ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

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Steve Avery is one of the most iconic pitchers from the Atlanta Braves dominant run in the 1990s. As one of their key young starters, Avery helped lead the Braves to their first World Series title in 1995. He debuted in the major leagues in 1990 at just 21 years old and immediately made an impact. His rookie season made him one of the more sought after rookie card prospects at the time.

Avery was drafted by the Braves 6th overall in the 1988 MLB Draft out of McLoud High School in Oklahoma. He rose quickly through the Braves farm system, making his MLB debut on September 5, 1990. In that abbreviated rookie season spanning just 8 games and 42 innings, Avery flashed the potential that made him so highly touted. He posted a 3-1 record with a 2.67 ERA and 39 strikeouts. This brief but impressive 1990 cup of coffee made Avery one of the hottest rookie cards on the market that year.

There were a few different Steve Avery rookie cards produced in 1990 by the major card companies:

1990 Fleer: This was Avery’s true rookie card as it was the first card produced of him as a big leaguer. The Fleer set had a print run of just under 600 cards so Avery’s rookies from this set are relatively scarce. Still in high demand by collectors today.

1990 Bowman: Avery also had a rookie in the 1990 Bowman set. Some consider this a “second year” card since he debuted after the Bowman set was already finalized. Still a desirable rookie alternative for collectors.

1990 Score: Score included Avery in their “Topps Debut” subset, highlighting players making their MLB debut during the previous season. These debuted rookies cards remain very collectible.

1990 Donruss: Avery had a standard base card in the 1990 Donruss set as well to round out his true rookie card options from the year.

In 1991, Avery burst onto the scene as a full-time starter with the Braves. In his first full MLB season, the 22-year old lefty went 14-8 with a 2.94 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 196.2 innings pitched. He finished 4th in NL Cy Young voting and helped lead the Braves to their first ever playoff appearance. This breakout season increased interest and demand for Avery’s already scarce 1990 rookie cards.

In 1992, Avery took his game to another level. Posting career bests of 18-8, 2.73 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 243.2 innings as he cemented himself as the Braves ace. He finished 2nd in the 1992 NL Cy Young voting behind teammate Tom Glavine in one of the closest votes in history. Avery was now considered one of the best young pitchers in baseball and his rookie cards from two years prior became extremely valuable.

Injuries would begin to take their toll on Avery starting in 1993. He still managed a solid 13-11, 3.46 record but arm issues cut his season short at just 156.2 innings. The next two years would see Avery miss significant time with various arm injuries, including shoulder surgery in 1995. When healthy though, he was still effective for the Braves. Avery went 9-4 in 1994 before getting hurt and resumed his spot in the rotation for the 1995 season.

In one of the great sports stories, an injured Avery gutted his way through the 1995 NLDS and NLCS to help lead the Braves to their first World Series title over the Indians. He may not have been 100% but proved to be a huge postseason difference maker, going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in the playoffs. This cemented Avery’s place in Braves lore and World Championship pedigree added serious prestige and value to his already prized 1990 rookie cards.

Injuries would continue to plague the second half of Avery’s career from 1996 onward. When on the field though, he remained a capable starter and postseason contributor for contending Braves clubs. Avery’s final season came in 2001 at age 32, splitting time between the Cubs and Giants while battling elbow issues. In the end, he finished with a career record of 115-90 along with a 3.82 ERA in 1,668.2 innings spanning 12 MLB seasons entirely in the National League.

For collectors today, Steve Avery’s rookie cards from 1990 remain some of the most iconic and desirable from that year. Given his brief cup of coffee debut, true rookie cards like his Fleer and Bowman issues are extremely scarce. PSA/BGS graded examples of these premium Avery rookies regularly sell for thousands of dollars at auction. Even his common “rookie season” cards from Donruss and Score hold significant collector value because of Avery’s breakout seasons and World Series heroics with the Braves in the early 1990s. Any aficionado of 1990s baseball memorabilia simply must own at least one Steve Avery rookie to properly represent that exciting era. A true ace lefty who battled adversity to cement his place in Atlanta sports lore.

In summary, Steve Avery exploded onto the MLB scene as a phenom rookie in 1990 with the Atlanta Braves. This set the stage for some of the most identifiable and valuable rookie cards of that year. An early career dominated by injuries could not erase Avery’s brilliance when on the mound. He became a postseason legend by gutting through painful wounds to help lead the Braves to the 1995 World Series. This cemented his place in Atlanta sports history and elevated his already prized 1990 rookie cards to the stratosphere. For both collectors and fans of 1990s baseball, a Steve Avery rookie card remains a true symbol of that exciting era.