TOPPS 40 YEARS OF BASEBALL BUBBLE GUM CARDS

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Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. has produced baseball trading cards for over 70 years since starting in 1950. Topps was able to secure the exclusive license from Major League Baseball in the early 1950s, allowing them to become the most prominent baseball card maker. Starting in 1952, Topps introduced a variety of innovative designs and features that grew the popularity of their baseball card sets over the next four decades.

The earliest Topps sets from 1950-1952 were straightforward and basic, just featuring a player photo and stats on the front and back. In 1953 Topps introduced the iconic red border design that they used for decades. They also began numbering each card from 1-398, starting the standardization of set sizes. This was an important step towards players collecting full sets of cards.

Topps’ popularity continued to rise in the mid-1950s as they enhanced their design and production quality. The 1955 set featured multi-colored team borders alongside the player photo for easier identification of which club they played for. Biographical information also became more in-depth on the reverse side. Topps also wisely took advantage of the post-war economic boom by increasing print runs to meet growing demand. This helped cement their position as the leading baseball card maker.

A major turning point came in 1958 when Topps made cards much thicker and higher quality with grey cardboard backs, known as ‘grey backs.’ This gave cards a more durable feel. Topps’ licensing arrangement with MLB also meant they had exclusive rights to include active players. While competitors like Bowman and Fleer could only use retired players at this time. These factors helped Topps achieve 95% of the entire baseball card market by the late 1950s.

Through the 1960s, Topps maintained their dominance with innovative annual sets that featured major stars of the era like Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax and Hank Aaron. They also added varied insert cards like record breakers, World Series highlights and all-star selections. The 1967 set is considered one of the most valuable as it included rookie cards for hall of famers Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver. Topps also experimented with color photography for the first time in 1967 as the sport gained popularity on television.

Topps further leveraged baseball’s increasing popularity in the late 1960s by expanding into other sports cards like American and National Football League properties. This led to the hugely popular sports-oriented “Super” sets covering multiple leagues between 1969-1973. Topps maintained their exclusive MLB license during this time of expansion to further cement their reign over the lucrative trading card market.

The 1970s saw baseball cards reach new heights of popularity as a mainstream hobby amongst children and collectors. Topps met this demand with innovative designs in the 1970 set like the black framed player photo and white border. Inserts also became more elaborate, including career statistics for milestone hitters and all-time career leaders. Topps introduced several short-lived experimental designs through 1970-1974 on smaller parallel sets before returning to their classic red border template.

Between 1975-1979, Topps produced some of their most iconic and valuable modern sets. Notable rookie cards from this era include George Brett, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr. and Dave Winfield. The 1976 set is regarded as one of the most important in baseball card history, offering a clean and classic design with the first cards for future Hall of Famers like Andre Dawson and Don Mattingly. Topps also test marketed variations like mini card designs and cello-wrapped packs to maintain their market lead.

With increased competition from Fleer and Donruss in the 1980s threatening their monopoly, Topps was forced to further boost design creativity and print runs. The 1980 set was the first with Spanish text on the back, while 1981 introduced stats on the front and a checklist card after years of speculation from collectors. 1982 saw Topps embrace the new era with a “new look” template. The valuable 1986 set featured the marquee rookie cards of Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds among others.

By the late 1980s, annual print runs regularly exceeded 200 million cards as the sport itself saw record attendance and revenues. The market became saturated requiring Topps to spread designs across multiple sets each year. The company also introduced licensed products beyond cards like apparel, board games, and even a Saturday morning cartoon to extend their brand. The invaluable 1989 UD and Ken Griffey Jr Upper Deck rookie card showed Topps’ market leadership was being tested as new technology in printing emerged.

Over its 40 year dominance from 1950-1989, Topps cemented its legacy as the pioneering force in baseball card design, production quality, and memorabilia. By securing exclusive MLB rights and leveraging major stars, Topps shaped baseball card collecting into the hugely popular mainstream hobby it remains today. Even with increased modern competition, Topps remains passionate about preserving baseball history through innovative new sets celebrating the past 80+ years of America’s pastime on cardboard.

1990 PRE ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1990 baseball card season marked the beginning of careers for many all-time great players. While they were only prospects at the time of these early cards, some key pre-rookie cards from 1990 can hold significant value for collectors today depending on the player and the card’s condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more valuable 1990 pre-rookie cards collectors may want to be on the lookout for.

Frank Thomas (1990 Fleer Rookie Recognition #15): Frank Thomas is considered one of the best right-handed hitters of all time. His dominance began immediately as a rookie in 1991 where he finished second in AL MVP voting. This 1990 Fleer card, which shows Thomas in a White Sox batting stance, carries a Beckett NM-MT 7 value of $60 alone. A PSA 10 Gem Mint version of this key Frank Thomas pre-rookie card recently sold for over $1,000 showing there is big upside potential for high grade examples.

Chipper Jones (1990 Bowman #234): Drafted #1 overall in the 1990 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career largely spent with the Braves. He was ROY in 1995 and NL MVP in 1999. This 1990 Bowman card shows Jones as a prospect in a Braves batting stance. PSA 10 Gems recently sold in the $500 range while PSA 9s bring over $100, demonstrating this to be one of the more valuable 1990 pre-rooke cards.

Derek Jeter (1990 Bowman #156): As arguably the greatest Yankee of all time and surefire Hall of Famer, Derek Jeter’s early 1990 Bowman card is a must-have for collectors. This card features a teenage Jeter in a Turnstile Grady uniform. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $3,000 in recent years while PSA 9s still pull in several hundred dollars. Jeter’s star power and pedigree make this one of the crown jewels for 1990 pre-rookie cards.

Kenny Lofton (1990 Bowman #648): Kenny Lofton carved out a 17-year career as a speedy center fielder who was a key member of several contending teams. He showed star potential early as evidenced by this 1990 Bowman card showing Lofton suited up for the Houston Astros organization before being traded. PSA 10s have sold for $500+ in recent years with PSA 9s bringing $100-200.

Jim Thome (1990 Bowman #91): Often lost among the stars of the 1990s was Jim Thome, one of the most powerful right-handed hitters ever. This early 1990 Bowman card shows Thome as a young power prospect in the White Sox system.gem PSA 10 versions have topped $400 at auction recently, with PSA 9s trading at $100-150 as well, indicating strong collector demand for one of the game’s true 500+ home run legends.

Curt Schilling (1990 Bowman #643): “Bloody Sock” Curt Schilling emerged as one of the most dominant postseason pitchers ever during his career largely with the Diamondbacks and Red Sox. This pre-rookie card shows him in an Expos uniform. PSA 10 copies have reached $400 while PSA 9s trade around $150.

Greg Maddux (1990 Bowman Update #22): Considered one of the best pitching performances ever, Greg Maddux piled up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards. This early 1990 Update card features Maddux as a youngster in the Cubs system. PSA 10s have brought as much as $500 in recent sales with PSA 9s in the $150-250 range, impressive for a pre-rookie card of a legend.

Gary Sheffield (1990 Bowman #674): “Sheff” forged a 22-year career as a feared power hitter and 5-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger winner during which he smacked 509 home runs. This Bowman card exhibits Sheffield’s tools prior to debuting for the Brewers in 1988. High grade PSA 10s have sold for around $300.

Sandy Alomar Jr. (1990 Donruss #153): Though overshadowed by bigger star contemporaries, Sandy Alomar Jr. enjoyed a long, productive career primarily with the Indians where he was a 6x All-Star and valuable catcher/DH. PSA 10s of this pre-rookie card have cleared $150, showing Collector interest remains for more solid role players as well.

Armando Reynoso (1990 Fleer Update #U-53): Armando Reynoso never panned out as hoped, but as the #1 international free agent signing of 1990 some collectors chased his rookie cards. High grade PSA 10s have still brought $75-100, not bad for an obscure name today. It showcases the speculative aspect of following cards of highly touted prospects.

Bobby Witt Jr. (1990 Bowman Traded #T94): Son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt, young Bobby Jr. generated lots of early buzz as one of the best prep baseball players in the country. Though he topped out in A-ball, some collectors paid over $50 for PSA 10s of this teenage prospect card at the time, showing how prospect fever could drive values.

1990 featured several future Hall of Famers and established stars in their earliest card years as prospects. Keys like Frank Thomas, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Curt Schilling, and Jim Thome pre-rookies from this period have shown impressive returns for high grade PSA/BGS slabs in recent years. Additional solid role players and prospects from 1990 may also hold nostalgic value even if they didn’t pan out. The 1990 pre-rookie class reinforced just how much untapped potential was bursting through the minor leagues and onto baseball’s biggest stage in the coming years ahead.

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BASEBALL CARDS NAPA

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Baseball cards have a long history in Napa, California dating back to the late 19th century. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced featured players from the California League, a minor league that had teams located throughout Northern California including in Napa. While the quality and production of these early cards varied greatly, they helped grow interest in the sport locally during baseball’s early years of popularity in the region.

In the early 20th century, tobacco companies like American Tobacco Company and cigarette manufacturer Piedmont began inserting baseball cards as incentives in cigarette and tobacco packs. These tobacco era cards from around 1909-1952 featured major league players and helped make collecting baseball cards a mainstream hobby for the first time. Kids in Napa eagerly collected and traded these early tobacco cards, many of which featured California natives and former minor leaguers that had played for one of the area’s previous minor league teams.

By the 1930s and 1940s, Napa had a vibrant baseball card collecting scene. Local drug stores and corner markets stocked packs of cards and served as weekend hangouts for kids to trade and track the statistics on their collections. In 1940, Napa even had its own minor league team, the Napa Solons who played in the Sunset League. Cards from sets like 1939 Play Ball and 1941 Play Ball featured Solons players and stoked local interest in the team. During World War 2, baseball card production was suspended for the duration of the war. But collecting picked back up once peace was restored and sets re-emerged in the late 1940s.

The 1950s brought new innovations to baseball cards. In 1951, the first modern multi-player card set was released by Bowman Gum and featured 36 future hall of famers. This ushered in the golden age of design and photography that has defined the iconic baseball card aesthetic ever since. In Napa, kids flocked to buy these colorful new cards at drugstores and would meet at local parks every weekend to trade. The decade also saw the rise of Napa’s most famous native son and future hall of famer, Harmon Killebrew. His rookie cards from 1954 Topps are highly sought after by Napa-area collectors today.

As the 1960s rolled around, the landscape of baseball cards in Napa began to change. The city’s minor league team had folded, ending the direct local connection to cards of hometown players. But collecting remained enormously popular, especially the 1963 Topps set which featured the first color photos on cards. In 1966, Topps gained exclusive rights to produce MLB player cards which it has held ever since. This ended the competition between brands that had defined the previous decades. It also concentrated the primary cards being collected around one manufacturer.

The 1970s were another boom time for baseball cards in Napa. As the city grew post-WWII, new card shops and hobby stores opened to meet collector demand. Kids flocked to these stores on their bikes to trade and purchase wax packs, and many stores even hosted weekend trading events. The rise of star players like Reggie Jackson also made collecting more exciting as every kid wanted cards of the game’s new sluggers. In the late 1970s, the arrival of high-number parallel and short print cards added another layer of chase and complexity to the hobby.

In the 1980s, several trends impacted baseball cards in Napa. The arrival of the modern sports card shows in the late 1970s saw the first big card conventions come to Northern California. This allowed Napa collectors to buy, sell and trade with collectors from around the region. The rise of speculators also began changing the nature of collecting as some pursued cards only as an investment. But kids in Napa continued enjoying the sport of collecting through the decade, chasing rookies of stars like Roger Clemens and Mark McGwire. The arrival of the internet in the late 1980s also started to connect collectors worldwide in new ways.

The 1990s were a time of great change for the baseball card industry. Overproduction led to a crash in collector values that caused many local card shops in Napa to close. The rise of memorabilia cards also appealed more to adult collectors than kids. But Napa collectors adapted, focusing more on collecting players they simply enjoyed versus strictly monetary value. In the new millennium, collecting has remained a popular hobby among both kids and adults in Napa. While the industry has evolved, the joy of collecting cards and memories made through the hobby over decades still resonate strongly with the city’s collectors today.

From the early tobacco cards collected in the 1900s to today’s ultra-modern digital and memorabilia cards, baseball cards have been a constant in Napa’s history. Multiple generations of locals have grown up enjoying the hobby, tracing the careers of stars and learning the game. And today, the rich history of cards in Napa lives on both in collections preserved and memories still shared among collectors of all ages throughout the city and region. Few hobbies so perfectly blend one’s passion for sport with nostalgia and connection to community as baseball cards have for over a century in Napa.

STARS OF MLB BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 MLB baseball card season is shaping up to be another exciting year, as some of the game’s biggest stars from the 2022 season are primed for big cardboard releases. Baseball cards remain one of the most collectible sports memorabilia available, chronicling both individual player accomplishments as well as the shared history of Major League Baseball.

Unsurprisingly, Aaron Judge’s record-setting 2022 campaign with the New York Yankees has made him one of the most sought-after players for collectors next year. After smashing the American League single-season home run record with 62 long balls, Judge is almost certain to appear on baseball cards from the major manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. Photogenic rookie cards of Judge from earlier in his career have already increased exponentially in value, so collectors can expect huge demand and rising prices for any 2023 card that captures his historic 162-game domination at the plate.

Along with Judge, Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani remains one of the faces of MLB. As the first full-time home run-hitting pitcher since Babe Ruth, Ohtani continues living up to unprecedented hype with his on-field play. He won’t have the campaign Judge did in 2022, but any Ohtani card is still a prize for collectors given his unique dual talents and status as one of baseball’s best all-around players. Both Topps and Panini should continue showcasing Ohtani prominently after making him a fixture in their 2022 sets.

Rookies are always a big driver of baseball card interest as well. Seattle Mariners centerfielder Julio Rodriguez had a breakout debut season that culminated in him winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. His first Topps traded and flagship cards from 2022 sold out fast, and collectors will be on high alert for any of his 2023 releases documenting his stellar rookie campaign. Likewise, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting after batting .297 with 19 home runs – making him another exciting young player to follow on cardboard.

Postseason heroes like Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper and Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander are also sure to receive prominent card placements. Harper led the Phillies to their first World Series title since 2008, while Verlander added to his legend by winning another ring and World Series MVP honors at age 39. Both have long been stars beloved by collectors, and strong performances when it mattered most in October will only heighten demand.

Of course, superstar veterans like Mike Trout also remain must-have cards regardless of how their teams perform. Though injury limited Trout to just 36 games in 2022, he still owns a .990 career OPS and status as the greatest overall player of his generation when healthy. Trout’s rare game-used memorabilia cards constantly set new records in secondary market sales. The same goes for fellow generation-spanning talents like Mookie Betts of the Dodgers, who just signed a massive contract extension to stay in Los Angeles through the 2027 season.

International stars like San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. could bounce back strongly on the cardboard front if able to avoid injuries in 2023. Tatis missed the entirety of this past season recovering from a broken wrist but remains one of the most watchable and exciting young players when on the field. His earliest Topps Chrome and paper rookies hold immense collector value already. Similarly, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a budding superstar entering his age 24 season still seeking his first playoff appearance. Any big campaigns would serve to boost both him and his team while expanding his already dedicated fanbase.

Minor league prospects and draft picks primed for their MLB debuts are part of the intrigue too. Top prospects like the Atlanta Braves’ Michael Harris II were 2022 rookies, but names like the Baltimore Orioles’ Adley Rutschman, the Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez, and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Josh Jung all still have their true first Topps cards yet to come. Evaluating future stars starting at the minor league level is part of what drives obsession over baseball cards year after year.

In an age of rising collector interest across all sports, the stars of Major League Baseball will undoubtedly shine on 2023 cardboard releases. Thanks to breakout campaigns, postseason heroics, prospect hype, and beloved veterans, the lineup of coveted players is as deep and exciting as ever. For baseball fans and memorabilia collectors alike, the cards that arrive over the coming calendar year are sure to document another iconic period in the game’s rich history.

BASEBALL CARDS GRADES

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Baseball cards are collected and traded by millions of people worldwide. An important aspect of collecting is determining the condition or grade of each card in a collection. The grade assigned to a card can have a significant impact on its value. Several independent companies provide professional grading and authentication services for sports cards. The two largest and most well known are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both use a 10-point numerical scale to assign grades, with 10 being mint condition and 1 being poor condition.

To receive a professional grade, collectors can submit their cards to PSA or BGS for evaluation. Trained graders will thoroughly examine each card under high-powered lighting and magnification to analyze factors like centering, corners, edges and surface for any flaws or defects. The overall condition is then assigned a grade based on established standards. Receiving a professional grade provides collectors assurance of a card’s authenticity and condition, which is important for high-value vintage cards. Graded cards also come encased in tamper-proof plastic holders to preserve condition.

On the PSA/BGS 10-point scale, here’s a breakdown of what each grade represents:

10 (Gem Mint) – As close to pristine as a card can be. Corners are razor sharp. Edges are perfectly cut. Surface is flawless with no printing defects or flaws of any kind visible even under high magnification. Centering is precise. This grade is extremely difficult to achieve and very rare for older cards. Only the highest quality vintage cards in true mint condition qualify for a PSA/BGS 10.

9 (Mint) – Near perfect. May have very slight flaws that are difficult to detect without magnification, like a small edge nick or slight centering issue. Still displays superb eye appeal. Corners are sharp. Surface is clean. Edges are well-cut. Centering is excellent. Most new, unplayed cards would grade at a PSA/BGS 9 level.

8 (Near Mint-Mint) – Clearly better than average condition but with some minor defects visible to the naked eye under close examination. Could have a small nick in a corner, faint printing line or slightly off-centered. Still displays bright colors and eye appeal typical of a well-cared for card.

7 (Near Mint) – Clearly better than most cards but with more noticeable flaws that don’t seriously impact appearance. Could have duller colors, minor edge wear, corner wear or surface issues visible without magnification. Centering is usually still good.

6 (Excellent) – A solid card in above average condition but with flaws that start to diminish eye appeal and value compared to higher grades. May have duller colors, rounded corners, edge wear or surface issues that are easily visible without aid. Centering is usually still acceptable.

5 (Very Good) – Clearly well-used condition with flaws that diminish the card’s appearance but not its identification or structural integrity. Will have edge wear, corner wear, dulling, surface issues or off-center that is noticeable even to a casual observer. Still a presentable card.

4 (Good) – Used condition with flaws that noticeably impact the card’s appearance and collector value. Will have edge/corner wear, dulling, surface issues or off-center that seriously impacts eye appeal. Identifiable as the card but flaws prevent it from being considered presentable.

3 (Fair) – Heavily played condition with flaws that significantly impact the card’s structural integrity and collector value. Will have edge/corner wear, dulling, surface issues or off-center to such a degree that fine details are obscured. Still identifiable as the card.

2 (Poor) – Severely worn condition with flaws that compromise the card’s structural integrity and collector identification. Fine details may be worn away or obscured by flaws. Value is limited to very low-grade collectors.

1 (Poor) – Heavily worn condition with flaws that compromise the card’s structural integrity and identification to such a degree that it resembles little more than a remnant of the original. Value is negligible except to specialists.

Baseball card grades provide an objective standard to evaluate condition across the hobby. Whether a card is graded by a professional service or assigned an owner-estimated grade, condition has a major influence on collector demand and market value – especially for high-end vintage cards. Understanding the nuances of each grade level is important for informed collecting and trading. Condition is as important as the card itself when it comes to determining a card’s overall collectibility and worth to enthusiasts.

DENNIS ECKERSLEY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Dennis Eckersley had a Hall of Fame career spanning from 1975-1998 that saw him excel both as a starter and closer, making him one of the most unique and interesting players to collect. As both a starter and reliever, Eckersley amassed 197 wins and 390 saves over his 24 year career spent mostly with the Red Sox and A’s. His unique career path and outstanding performances have made his baseball cards very desirable for collectors.

As a starter early in his career with the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox, Eckersley had success but was still developing. His rookie card from 1975 with the Indians as a starter doesn’t hold huge value, typically selling in the $10-20 range. His rookie season he went 8-8 with a 3.73 ERA showing promise. Cards from his early starting days in Boston in the late 1970s sell for $20-50 in average condition depending on the set.

It wasn’t until after being traded to the Oakland A’s in 1987 at age 36 that Eckersley really hit his stride as a closer. In his first season as the A’s closer in 1987, Eckersley led the American League with 45 saves and 1.47 ERA while winning the Cy Young and MVP awards. This breakout season as a closer made his 1987 cards much more desirable. His 1987 Fleer card as an Athletic in average condition can sell for $150-250 now depending on demand. The 1987 Topps card in the same condition will typically sell for $100-200.

Eckersley continued his dominance as the A’s closer through the late 1980s. In 1988 and 1990 he led the AL in saves again with 43 and 51 respectively. His 1988 Fleer and Topps cards usually sell in the $75-150 range. The 1990 Fleer and Topps cards have similar values of $75-150 as well due to his continued success closing for Oakland. After being traded back to the Red Sox in 1998 where he finished his career, Eckersley’s cards from his A’s years as the premier closer remain his most valuable.

Eckersley’s 1992 Bowman card is especially sought after by collectors because it was his last card produced while still an active player with the A’s. These 1992 Bowman cards frequently sell for $300-500 due to their scarcity and marking the end of an era for collectors of his A’s closer cards. The rarity and nostalgia associated with this being one of his final A’s cards before being traded again makes it a true key card in any Eckersley collection.

After being traded back to the Red Sox in 1998 at age 42, Eckersley continued pitching effectively in a setup role for two more seasons before retiring. As a member of the Red Sox again later in his career, Eckersley’s cards hold moderate value. An average conditioned 1998 Fleer card would sell around $50-75 reflecting his contributions as a veteran setup man on the 1998 Wild Card winning Red Sox team. His final career 1999 Fleer and Topps cards in the same condition sell in the $30-50 range.

In addition to his regular issue cards which hold value due to his excellent career stats, Eckersley has several prestigious rookie and parallel cards that command high prices. His much rarer 1975 Topps Traded rookie card in near mint condition has sold for over $1,000. The 1975 Topps mini card variation of his rookie in a PSA 8 grade sold at auction in 2018 for $1,875. Eckersley also has several sought after parallel cards like 1992 Bowman Gold, 1992 Bowman Chrome, and 1993 Upper Deck SP Autograph parallel versions that can sell for $500-1000+ depending on condition due to their scarcity.

Eckersley’s election to the Hall of Fame in 2004 added to the appeal of his collection for investors. Since achieving baseball’s highest honor, prices for his best conditioned rookie and star cards have increased. A PSA 9 graded 1987 Fleer card recently sold at auction for over $800 showing strong demand. His 1975 and 1987 rookie cards in high grades now routinely sell for $500-1000. As one of the premier closers of all-time and a unique two-way player, Eckersley’s story and accomplishments are part of the rich history of the game treasured by collectors. The investment potential of high grade Eckersley cards looks strong long-term for investors given his elite career stats and Hall of Fame status cemented in Cooperstown.

In summary, Dennis Eckersley had an iconic 24 year career that saw him transform from a good starter into a legendary closer with the A’s in the late 1980s. As the premier closer of his era who twice led the AL in saves and won a Cy Young, Eckersley’s cards from his Oakland years in the late 80s and early 90s command the highest values, typically $75-300 depending on the set and condition. Rarer parallels from that time can sell for over $500. His 1975 and 1987 rookie cards as well as 1992 Bowman also hold value of $100-1000+ based on grade. Later in his career with Boston, average conditioned cards sell for $30-75. Overall, Eckersley’s unique journey and accomplishments make his entire collection worthwhile for investors due to his guaranteed place among the all-time great relievers in baseball history.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the iconic brand’s history. Packed with future Hall of Famers and starring players from the late 1970s, the 1979 Topps roster featured superstars that would go on to cement their legacies. As a result, many highly coveted rookie cards and gems featuring the set’s biggest names now command impressive prices among collectors.

While PSA 10 mint condition examples of the rarest 1979 Topps cards can sell for tens of thousands, several stand out as particularly valuable due to their subject’s achievements both during and after their playing days. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most desirable 1979 Topps cards and why they frequently top buyer wish lists.

Ozzie Smith (#526)

Widely considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith made his Topps debut in 1979 with the San Diego Padres. High grades of his rookie are increasingly tough to track down. A PSA 9 just sold for over $12,000, while a PSA 10 could fetch north of $50,000 given Smith’s Hall of Fame caliber career and the card’s sheer scarcity in pristine condition 37 years later.

Buyers pay top dollar for any Ozzie Smith rookie knowing his acrobatic plays made him a fan favorite on some underwhelming Padres teams. Even in mint condition, most collectors will never afford a PSA 10 of #526.

Cal Ripken, Jr. (#91)

While he played only a handful of games in 1979 as a rookie with the Baltimore Orioles, Cal Ripken, Jr.’s greatness was evident from the start. His impressive career stats like holding baseball’s consecutive games played streak record help his Topps rookie hold tremendous value. A PSA 9 recently sold for close to $4,000, and a PSA 10 could realistically bring over $10,000.

Much like Ozzie Smith, demand remains high for Ripken’s first card since he went on to a legendary Hall of Fame career. Getting one in pristine condition is an especially tall task for most collectors priced out of the elite rare vintage market.

Kirby Puckett (#481)

Puckett cracked the majors in 1984 with the Minnesota Twins, but his first appearance came in 1979’s issue as a prospect in the Rangers system. High grades of his rookie card are exceedingly rare, with the last PSA 10 to sell bringing an astonishing $34,650 online.

Even PSA 9 copies in great condition still trade hands for several thousand due to Puckett’s twelve All-Star nods, six batting titles, and World Series titles in 1987 and 1991 cementing his status as a Twins icon. At the height of his career’s powers, #481 shines as one of the set’s prized pieces.

Nolan Ryan (#178)

Arguably the greatest power pitcher ever, Nolan Ryan’s rookie season came in 1966 but he had several impressive years under his belt by 1979. Still, his intimidating stare down on the mound makes #178 a must-have for Ryan collectors. A PSA 9 sold for nearly $4,000, and in Gem Mint 10 condition, this card could sell for well over $10,000.

Ryan’s record five no-hitters and indelible fastball helped cement his Hall of Fame legacy. For enthusiasts of his era, high grade copies of his dominant 1970s and early 1980s Angels/Astros tenure are highly coveted, making #178 a pinnacle piece.

Dave Parker (#300)

“The Cobra” Dave Parker burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1970s, and his smooth lefty swing is immortalized on his 1979 issue. PSA 10 copies command over $1,000 in price due to Parker’s two batting titles and 1978 NL MVP award.

While injuries slowed him in the 1980s, Parker remained a dangerous hitter for many years. Grading a true mint example of #300 proves extremely tricky, highlighting its allure for collectors seeking a high grade example of the smooth swinging star.

Steve Garvey (#391)

The clean-cut first baseman spent his entire career with the Dodgers, winning an NL MVP and hitting over .300 four times in the late 1970s. Garvey’s stoic on-field demeanor shines through on this iconic issue. PSA 9s crack $1,000 due to his model of consistency at the plate throughout the decade.

While never a superstar slugger, Garvey’s all-around excellence and model citizen image off the field grant his rookie enduring desirability. Getting one in pristine condition only increases its rarity and value significantly.

Nolan Ryan (#178), Ozzie Smith (#526), Cal Ripken Jr. (#91) and Kirby Puckett (#481) consistently rank among the most expensive 1979 Topps cards to surface in auctions. As stars of legendary careers, finding their rookie issues in high grade proves exceedingly difficult. While each star shone brightest in distinct eras, their debuts in the revered 1979 set instill collectors with nostalgia for baseball’s past. For fans of the late 1970s or these players specifically, high grade copies will likely remain prized targets. As with any vintage issue, condition determines value – making pristine Gems that much tougher to acquire.

The 1979 Topps set dazzles collectors with its roster of future Hall of Famers, batting champions and pitching icons in their prime. Rookie issues and stars of the era in top grades will always attract major bids. For enthusiasts of condition and the epic careers certain players went on to enjoy, the investment remains strong in gem mint copies of names like Smith, Ripken, Puckett, Ryan, Parker and Garvey.

2021 TOPPS CHROME UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Chrome Update baseball card set was released on December 1, 2021 as the third and final installment of Topps’ flagship baseball card releases for the 2021 season. As with previous years, Topps Chrome Update serves as a supplement to the base Topps Series 1 and Series 2 releases by featuring additional rookies, stars, and current season highlights not included in the initial issues. With its highly coveted chrome refractors and parallels, Topps Chrome Update is one of the most anticipated card releases each year by collectors both young and old.

Some key things to know about the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set include:

Design: The base card design mirrors the aesthetics of the Topps Series 1 and Series 2 issues with team logos across the top and player photos on a clean white background. Overall it has a very clean, classic baseball card look.

Size: Like the base Topps releases, cards in the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the standard size for modern baseball cards.

Card stock: Where Topps Chrome Update differentiates itself is through its striking chromium photo-variation card stock. This gives the cards a highly reflective, almost holographic glare that sparkles under light.

Parallels: Parallel and short-print variations multiply the chase in Topps Chrome Update. Rainbow foil, gold, black, sepia, and more parallels offer different levels of rarity and prestige for collectors.

Numbered cards: Topps Chrome Update also includes several numbered parallel subsets like Chrome Refractors (#/150), Gold Refractors (#/2021), and Black Refractors (#/2021) adding scarcity.

Rookies: Breakout rookies and prospects from the 2021 season received updated rookie cards in the Chrome Update set, like Randy Arozarena, Jonathan India, and Acuña Jr.’s shiny sophomore card.

Player updates: Injured players or those who switched teams received new cards reflecting their updated team, like Max Scherzer in Dodger blue or José Berríos as a Blue Jay.

Autographs and memorabilia: Higher-end Chrome Update parallels featured autographed and memorabilia cards of current stars signed directly on the card or with on-card swatches of game-used materials.

Inserts: Special Chrome insert sets paid tribute to milestones and new achievements throughout the 2021 season like Records Breakers, League Leaders, and Postseason Contenders.

Upon its early December release, the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set became an instant hit among the collecting community. With its irresistible showcase of shiny rookie stars and serial numbered parallels, Topps Chrome Update provides that modern twist collectors crave alongside the classic Topps design. The product sold out fast on release at most hobby shops and retailers as enthusiasts aimed to pull the prized rookie refractors and autographs before they skyrocketed in secondary market value.

As with all Topps Chrome issues, certain rookie cards and star parallels from the 2021 Update set took off almost immediately. Juan Soto and Acuña Jr. pulled ahead as the most sought-after mainstream stars while emerging talents like India, Arozarena, and Scherzer drew heavy demand in their Dodger and post-trade uniforms. Numbered parallels under 10 copies and 1-of-1 printing plates captured collector attention as true one-of-a-kind items. Autographs of elite vets like Trout, deGrom, and Ohtani quickly established themselves as crown jewels for high-end collectors.

In the weeks following release, completed eBay sales revealed steep price climbs for the most hyped rookies. India and Arozarena base rookie refractor singles peaked over $100 each while select parallels climbed higher. Soto and Acuña refractors and higher numbers sold in the $300-1000 range showing their continued star power. As the postseason came to a close and awards were handed out, cards tied to standout performances gained even more cachet. Cards featuring postseason heroes like Eddie Rosario and breakout stars like AL MVP Shohei Ohtani captured peak demand.

In the months since its release, the 2021 Topps Chrome Update set has proven to be one of the most fruitful issues in recent memory. While initial retail products vanished rapidly, the long-term legacy of this set is still unfolding through the rising careers of players featured within. With its unmatched formula of captivating designs meeting the hottest new talents, Topps Chrome Update continues to define modern baseball card collecting for another generation. Whether chasing Randy Arozarena’s rookie refractor or the 1-of-1 printing plate of an eventual Hall of Famer, 2021 Topps Chrome Update has given collectors an exciting new piece of the game’s rich history to preserve and enjoy for years to come.

1990 TOPPS RARE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collector sought after issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The design features crisp white borders and classic headshot photography that gives the set a very clean and timeless aesthetic. While not the most valuable set of the junk wax era on average, it certainly contains several highly coveted rookie and parallel rare cards that continue to excite collectors.

One of the biggest gems from the 1990 Topps set is the Frank Thomas rookie card, card number 213. Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame calibre career batting over 500 home runs and winning two American League MVP awards. His rookie card has long been a holy grail for collectors and in top mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars. Another hugely valuable rookie is the Kirby Puckett card, number 109. Puckett was already established in 1990 but this served as his first Topps base card. Like Thomas, Puckett would have a stellar career and be inducted into Cooperstown. Low number Puckett rookies in near mint to mint condition can sell for well over $1000.

One of the more interesting aspects of the 1990 Topps set that fueled additional collector interest were the tough to find parallel and photo variation cards inserted at low random ratios. The ‘Gold Stamp’ parallel cards featured the player’s photo screened with a gold embellishment. These parallel cards are incredibly scarce, with estimates of only one printed for every 500-1000 regular base cards. Some notable gold stamps include Ken Griffey Jr. (card number 356), Nolan Ryan (number 588), and Ozzie Smith (number 448). In top grades, Griffey and Ryan gold stamps can sell for upwards of $10,000 given their rarity.

AnotherParallel inserted was the ‘Gold Border’ parallel which placed a thin gold stripe along the borders of the photograph. These appear to also be roughly one per 500 packs or more. The Cal Ripken Jr. (number 278) and Wade Boggs (number 101) gold borders seem to attract the highest prices out of the set when available, each potentially selling for over $1000 in mint condition. One of the rarest parallels though had to be the ‘Black Border’ cards, which featured an all-black photo stripe. Only a tiny handful are known to exist, with Roberto Alomar (number 276) and Don Mattingly (number 379) thought to have less than 5 copies each printed. If one was to surface in pristine shape, it could fetch a bid well over $10,000.

A final parallel worth mentioning is the ‘Gold Stamp + Gold Border’ dual parallel, which contains both treatments on the same card. Only a minuscule number are believed to exist across the entire set. The Nolan Ryan (number 588) dual parallel was the holy grail in the set but remained uncollected for decades. Amazingly, in late 2018 one finally surfaced and it ended up selling at auction for a staggering $50,600, setting the new record price for a 1990 Topps card.

Beyond parallels, there were also several photo variations mixed into packs that took on added scarcity. The most famous is the ‘Tall Flag’ error Andy Van Slyke card, number 172. On the regular printed version, Van Slyke is holding a normal sized baseball team flag. A small batch were accidentally printed where the flag is noticeably taller. These tall flag variants command huge premiums, with one PSA 10 gem mint copy selling at auction in 2019 for $10,200. Another popular variation is the Jeff Bagwell card, number 171, where on some copies his skin tone looks more reddish compared to the typical printing. Redskin Bagwells command $300-500 depending on condition.

While the 1990 Topps set lacks huge star names or teams compared to the 1987 or 1989 issues, it makes up for it with incredible scarce parallel and photo insert variance cards. With the collapse of the junk wax era in the early 90s, the additional levels of scarcity attributed to these rare 1990 editions fuelled strong collector demand that still exists today. With the majority of keys selling consistently for $1000 or more over the past decade in top condition, the 1990 set remains a must for any vintage baseball card investor looking to get in on the ground floor before values potentially keep rising in the years to come.

While not as star studded as other late 80s/early 90s issues, the 1990 Topps set contains several of the most coveted and valuable individual cards for collectors due to the array of extremely rare parallel and photo variance cards inserted at very low print rates. Keys like the Frank Thomas and Kirby Puckett rookies, along with the Gold Stamp parallels of Griffey, Ryan and Smith will likely only increase in value long term. Meanwhile, one-of-ones like the Black Border Alomars or dual parallel Ryan ensure this set always has the potential to produce legendary six and even seven figure discoveries. Overall it’s a set that intrigues collectors as much today as when packs were first opened in 1990.

1984 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1984 Donruss baseball card set was released at the same time that Major League Baseball players ended their strike action that had started the previous year in 1981. This set featured numerous stars from that era including players like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Rickey Henderson. Some key things to know about the 1984 Donruss baseball cards include:

The set includes a total of 393 cards and features players from both the American League and National League. There are several notable rookie cards included from players who went on to have great careers. Some top rookies featured were Dwight Gooden, Orel Hershiser, and Dave Stieb. This was also the first Donruss set to feature cards for all 26 MLB teams from that season.

One of the standout rookie cards was that of New York Mets phenom Dwight Gooden. Gooden had an incredible rookie season in 1984 where he won the NL Rookie of the Year award and led the league with a 2.60 ERA. His rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable from the entire 1980s era. In high grade it can fetch thousands of dollars due to Gooden’s dominance as one of the best pitchers of that generation.

Another top rookie was Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though he didn’t debut until 1983, his true rookie card status came in the 1984 Donruss set. Hershiser went on to have a solid career including winning the Cy Young award in 1988. His rookie has also seen strong demand over the years given his success. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dave Stieb also had his rookie card in this set but didn’t have the career longevity of Gooden or Hershiser.

Veteran sluggers like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Rickey Henderson were among the biggest stars featured on cards in the 1984 Donruss set. Ryan’s card shows him as a member of the Houston Astros, where he was still doing his thing and racking up strikeouts well into his late 30s. Wade Boggs’ card depicts him as the star third baseman for the Boston Red Sox during one of his many batting title seasons. Meanwhile, Tony Gwynn’s issue honors his superb performance in 1984 where he hit .351 and stole 56 bases for the San Diego Padres in his third MLB season. Rickey Henderson’s issue portrays him as the dynamic leadoff man and base stealer for the Oakland A’s, coming off a season where he stole 100 bases and batted .304.

The design aesthetic of the 1984 Donruss set utilized a clean white border around each player photo. The team logo appeared above the photo and the player’s name and position were listed below. No foil stamping, embossing, or other special treatments were used on the fronts. On the backs, basic career and season stats were provided along with a paragraph of biographical info. The backs had a blue & gray color scheme with a “D” logo watermark repeated within. Overall the designs were straightforward and lacked frills which allowed the focus to remain squarely on the players and their accomplishments.

Some of the other exciting veteran players featured in high quantities in the 1984 Donruss set include Andre Dawson, Eddie Murray, George Brett, Dave Winfield, and Carlton Fisk just to name a few. The sheer depth of star power in the set is quite impressive. Even mid-level stars and role players received generous issue numbers, making complete set collection a reasonable pursuit for most hobbyists even without the chase cards.

In terms of chase cards, outside of the top rookies, the 1984 Donruss checklist includes several tough pulls at higher grades. Nolan Ryan cards were scarce in high grade levels due to the photo being a bit dark. Wade Boggs and Tony Gwynn issues have also seen strong demand that has driven upprices for mint condition copies. Other tough finds include Kenny Lofton’s rookie, Cal Ripken Jr.’s update card showing his consecutive games played streak, and Darren Daulton’s rookie issue with Philadelphia. But for most fans, the entire set has remained quite collectible and affordable to assemble over the decades.

In the years since, the 1984 Donruss set has become a classic amongst collectors and maintains strong appeal because of the star power on the cards and importance of the rookie issues included. While not quite as valuable as some Fleer or Topps Flagship releases, it features a who’s who from the mid-1980s and delivers a satisfying player checklist. For these reasons, the 1984 Donruss baseball cards remain a staple in the hobby and an annually opened wax pack favorite even today, some 38 years after first being distributed. Its combination of stars, prospects and affordable collecting has solidified its place as one of the all-time most memorable Donruss releases ever produced.