BEST BUY 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues of the year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps baseball cards are a staple for collectors both young and old. With the regular season release coming in late February/early March 2023, here is an in-depth look at some of the top cards to look out for from the upcoming flagship set.

One of the most popular inserts in recent years has been the Topps Chrome refractors. Featuring parallel versions of base cards with a shiny refractory coating on the front, these parallels add flash and prestige to star players. The 2023 Topps Chrome set is expected to once again include the popular blue, red, green, orange, and black refractors at various odds. Pulling a prized refractor of a star rookie or veteran player will be a big hit. Expect cards of players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to be highly sought after in refractors.

Another insert set collectors look forward to each year is the Topps Gallery of Heroes. Featuring iconic photographs from baseball history paired with current players, these artistic cards capture the tradition and legacy of the game. Some potential subjects for 2023 Topps Gallery of Heroes include tributes to Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more. Pulling a parallel version of these memorable cards in gold, silver or black would be an instant collector’s piece.

Rookies are always a major focus of each Topps release, and 2023 looks to have another exciting rookie class to chase. Top prospects like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday and Elijah Green could debut and see their rookie cards skyrocket in value with strong early performances. Keep an eye out for short prints and parallel versions of the top rookie stars from this draft class. Additional rookies like Gunnar Henderson, Oneil Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr also made their MLB debuts in 2022 and will have their true rookie cards in the upcoming flagship set.

Autograph and memorabilia cards provide the ultimate collector experience by fusing players with one-of-a-kind memorabilia or signatures. Topps usually includes several different tiers for these premium hits within their release. The Topps Fire insert set will feature autographed parallels with swatches of memorabilia embedded in the card. Topps 1/1 Printing Plates also offer a truly unique collectible as 1-of-1 autograph cards. Legendary autographs in the base set or parallels of aging veterans are also highly coveted.

Baseball cards in general have seen tremendous growth in popularity and prices over the past couple years. As the standard bearer in the hobby, Topps cards hold intrinsic value due to their history, design quality and wide availability. Even base rookies and parallels of current stars can gain value as their careers progress. Collectors would be wise to acquire and hold Topps cards long term for potential future appreciation. While chase cards receive most attention, building a complete base set also has its rewards for those dedicated to finishing the full run.

In addition to the standard English release, Topps also produces cards in Spanish and Japanese language variations each year. These international versions offer an added layer of collecting complexity by adding parallel variations of the same cards in different languages. Topps also releases special limited edition “Walmart” packs with exclusive inserts only available in retail at the major store chain.

The 2023 Topps release is poised to be another highly anticipated issue with strong rookie classes, popular inserts sets and opportunities for big hits. As one of the most historic and trusted brands in the hobby, Topps baseball cards remain a cornerstone for collectors both casual and die-hard. For those seeking to add flagship cards from the upcoming season to their collections, keeping an eye out for retail and hobby boxes of 2023 Topps starting in late winter will be key. Patience may also be rewarded, as certain short prints and star rookies can appreciate over time after the initial release.

The 2023 Topps baseball card set promises to deliver top prospects, exciting parallels and the potential for valuable memorabilia cards. As a true sport icon, Topps baseball continues to drive engagement for collectors new and old. For those investing in or simply enjoying the hobby, staying on top of the latest Topps release each year remains a tradition unlike any other. The upcoming 2023 issue looks to further solidify Topps’ standing as the undisputed leader and provide enjoyment, memories and collecting opportunities for fans worldwide.

BEST CARDS IN 1988 TOPPS BASEBALL

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The 1988 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. With 792 total cards, the ’88 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. While not the flashiest design compared to sets before and after, the 1988 Topps cards hold nostalgia and significance for many collectors and fans of the era. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable cards from the 1988 Topps baseball card collection.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1988 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and was one of the most exciting young players of the late 80s/early 90s. In top graded Gem Mint condition, Griffey’s rookie has sold for over $100,000, making it one of the highest valued modern rookie cards. Even well-worn raw copies still fetch thousands due to the card’s legendary status.

Roger Clemens (Card #138) – As one of the game’s all-time great pitchers, Clemens’ cards from the late 80s hold significant value. His 1988 Topps card depicts him as a member of the Boston Red Sox, where he would win the first two of his seven Cy Young Awards. High graded Clemens rookies can sell for over $10,000, though $2,000-5,000 is more common for top condition copies.

Ozzie Smith (Card #156) – Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his otherworldly defensive skills, Ozzie Smith was a fan favorite during his playing days with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1980s. His 1988 Topps card is one of his more iconic from that era. High graded Gem Mint 10 Ozzie Smith rookies have sold for over $6,000. Well-centered raw copies in great condition still demand $1,000-2,000.

Barry Bonds (Card #181) – As one of the greatest hitters of all-time, Barry Bonds’ rookie cards from 1986 Topps Traded and 1987 Topps are legendary. His 1988 Topps rookie is also highly sought after by collectors. Bonds was just starting to emerge as a superstar with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pristine graded examples have sold for $4,000-5,000, with raw near-mint copies fetching $1,000-2,000.

Nolan Ryan (Card #269) – “The Ryan Express” was in his legendary twilight years pitching for the Houston Astros in 1988. By that point, Ryan had racked up over 4,000 career strikeouts and was on his way to becoming the all-time strikeout king. High graded 1988 Topps Nolan Ryan cards have sold for over $3,000. Even well-worn raw examples still demand $500-1,000 due to Ryan’s iconic status.

Mark McGwire (Card #308) – Before breaking the single season home run record in 1998, Mark McGwire was already showing signs of his prodigious power with the Oakland A’s in the late 80s. His 1988 Topps rookie card remains a key piece for collectors. Pristine graded McGwire rookies have sold for over $2,000, with raw near-mint copies fetching $500-1,000.

Rickey Henderson (Card #314) – Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer of all-time, Rickey Henderson was a dynamic force with the Oakland A’s in the late 80s. His 1988 Topps card is one of his more prominent early career issues. High graded PSA 10 Rickey Henderson rookies have crossed the $2,000 sales threshold. Well-centered raw copies still demand $500-1,000.

Don Mattingly (Card #329) – As the heart and soul of the New York Yankees for much of the late 80s, “Donnie Baseball” was one of the game’s most popular stars of the era. His 1988 Topps card remains a fan favorite. Pristine graded PSA 10 Don Mattingly rookies have topped $2,000 at auction. Well-centered raw examples still fetch $500-1,000.

Other notable stars from the 1988 Topps set include Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Orel Hershiser, Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, and Roberto Alomar. For teams and complete set collectors, the 1988 Topps baseball cards hold nostalgia and value as one of the defining sets of the late 1980s era. Graded gem mint examples of the complete original 792 card set have sold for over $10,000. For condition-sensitive singles collectors, there are still plenty of affordable stars and Hall of Famers to be found in the 1988 Topps collection.

While not the flashiest design, the 1988 Topps baseball card set holds significant nostalgia and value for collectors and fans of the era. Anchored by legendary rookie cards of Griffey, Bonds, McGwire, and Henderson, the set features many of the game’s biggest 1980s stars in Clemens, Ryan, Mattingly, Gooden, and more. Whether collecting individual stars, team sets, or the complete original run, the 1988 Topps cards remain iconic representations of late 80s baseball culture.

BASEBALL CARDS IN BELLEVUE WA

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Baseball cards have been collected by children and adults alike for over a century, chronicling the players, teams, and eras of America’s pastime. While major card companies like Topps and Bowman produced cards nationwide, the hobby took on unique local flavors in different cities and regions. In Bellevue, Washington – a suburb just east of Seattle – baseball cards mirrored the growth of the city and surrounding area from the mid-20th century onward.

When Topps began mass producing modern cardboard baseball cards in the early 1950s, Bellevue was still a relatively small town surrounded by farms and forests. The population was just over 10,000 at the time, and residents had to travel into Seattle if they wanted to catch a Major or Minor League baseball game. Nonetheless, the new baseball cards were a hit with local children. Stores like Bellevue Drug on Main Street and Johnson’s Drug near downtown began stocking Wax Packs from Topps alongside comics, candy, and soda.

In those early postwar years, collecting was mostly a casual pastime for kids. They’d trade duplicates on the playground or in the neighborhood. A few dedicated collectors started binders and boxes to organize their growing collections, which mainly featured stars from the Brooklyn and New York Giants days before the teams moved west. Local card shows or conventions didn’t exist yet. But the cards provided a fun connection to the national baseball scene for young fans in the Puget Sound region.

As Bellevue and the Eastside grew rapidly in the 1960s with the expansion of tech companies like Boeing, collecting grew more sophisticated. Kids from this generation were the first to understand concepts like condition, rarity, and value. They pored over the statistics and bios on the back of each card, dreaming of one day seeing their favorite players in person at Sick’s Stadium in Seattle. When the Mariners arrived in 1977, it felt like a dream come true for Eastside card collectors.

Card shops started to appear as the hobby boomed. In 1965, Bellevue Newsstand became one of the first dedicated sports card stores in the area, stocking new releases, wax packs, and supplies for collectors. Throughout the 1970s, other shops like Bellevue Sportscards and Seattle Sportscards opened their doors. They hosted the region’s first organized card shows, swaps, and auctions. Local collectors could meet face-to-face, make trades, and stay on top of the rapidly evolving market.

In the 1980s, Bellevue was in the midst of a transformation into a bustling city. New subdivisions, shops, and businesses sprang up everywhere. The rising middle class had more disposable income, fueling interest in collecting across all demographics. Bellevue Sportscards was now one of the largest and most prominent hobby shops in the Pacific Northwest, carrying an immense inventory. Shows drew hundreds of attendees, and the first Bellevue Card Collectors Club formed to foster community.

This period also saw the rise of star Eastside collectors who became influential voices within the broader hobby. One such collector was Dave Oros, who began buying, selling, and trading cards as a Bellevue teen in the 1960s. By the 1980s, Oros owned Seattle Sportscards and published Sports Collectors Digest – one of the first nationwide price guides and newsletters. He helped raise standards for authentication, grading, and mainstream collecting knowledge. Today, Oros is remembered as one of the hobby’s pioneering experts and ambassadors.

In the 1990s, the sports card market peaked amid speculation and speculation. Bellevue shops were flooded with new collectors chasing profits. Shows overflowed the convention centers. But the bubble soon burst, leaving behind a more refined community. While the craze faded, a solid core of dedicated collectors remained in Bellevue. They focused on building long-term collections rather than short-term gains.

Into the 2000s, Bellevue continued leading the Northwest in card collecting culture. New multi-vendor “super shops” like Northwest Sportscards provided a one-stop destination. Meanwhile, online communities and eBay transformed the buying/selling landscape. Graded cards and vintage materials grew in popularity as nostalgia boomed. Today, Bellevue acts as an important hub linking collectors in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and beyond through both physical and digital networks.

Over the past 70 years, baseball cards have given generations of Bellevue residents a window into the sport’s history. They’ve fostered friendships and sparked lifelong passions. While the industry has changed greatly, Bellevue remains at the forefront of the Pacific Northwest collecting scene. Cards still bring communities together and remind fans of baseball’s enduring allure – whether they were first opened in the 1950s or today. The city’s card-collecting legacy is a testament to the hobby’s ability to evolve alongside the communities it touches.

BEST PRICE BASEBALL CARDS

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Finding the Best Price on Baseball Cards

Baseball cards are a beloved hobby for many people, both young and old. Collecting cards can be an expensive endeavor if you’re not careful about finding the best prices. With a little research and patience, you can build an impressive collection without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for tracking down baseball cards at affordable prices.

Check Local Stores

Your local card shop or sporting goods store is a great first stop for building your collection. While they may not always have the lowest prices, shopping in-person allows you to look through cards and make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Ask if they offer student, military or senior discounts that can save you a few bucks too. Be sure to check clearance bins as well, as shops often reduce older stock or damaged cards. You never know what hidden gems you might find at a steep discount.

Search Online Marketplaces

Websites like eBay allow you to find cards from individual sellers all over the world. Set up saved searches for your favorite players or teams to get notified of newly listed auctions. Be strategic in your bidding – only bid in the final seconds to avoid getting caught up in bidding wars that drive prices higher than necessary. Also check the seller’s feedback to avoid scams. Sites like COMC and Sportlots are reputable online shops with large card inventories you can search through as well.

Consider Group Breaks

Group breaks involve several people pooling their money to purchase a case of cards that is then randomly opened and players/teams assigned. While you may not get your top choice, it’s a fun way to build a collection on a budget by sharing costs. Look for reputable breakers on YouTube or social media who stream the process live. Just be sure to read the fine print on odds and any additional costs before participating.

Check Closeout/Discount Stores

Stores like Ollie’s, Big Lots and Five Below often have great deals on older wax packs, boxes and discounted singles as their inventory rotates. You may not find the hottest new releases, but it’s a budget-friendly way to add affordable vintage and stars of yesteryear cards to your collection. Timing your visits when restocks happen maximizes your chances of scoring great deals.

Consider Commons and Less Popular Players

Rookies and stars always demand top-dollar, but you can find many affordable cards featuring solid veterans or less heralded players to build your collection. Commons from the late 80s/90s era can often be had for under $1 each. Focus on assembling full sets or team collections on a tight budget by avoiding the most in-demand cards until prices come down. With patience you can acquire cards of even star players much cheaper once the initial hype dies down.

Buy in Bulk From Reputable Sources

Sites like Blowout Cards and DA Card World offer discounted pricing when you purchase cards in bulk lots. You may end up with some doubles, but it’s an inexpensive way to rapidly expand your collection. Stick with well-known sellers who guarantee conditions and stand behind authenticity. Buying in this manner is best if you simply enjoy the collecting aspect rather than seeking specific high-value cards.

Consider Vintage/Junk Wax Era Cards

The late 80s through the mid-90s produced a massive oversupply of cards, which actually makes them quite affordable now if collecting on a budget is the goal. Boxes of 1987-1994 cards can often be found on eBay for under $20. While these “junk wax era” cards lack the scarcity of earlier issues, they allow you to build massive collections featuring stars of the day for pennies apiece. It’s also fun to collect full sets from this period.

Pay Attention to Promotions

Card companies and shops run sales throughout the year, so watch for opportunities to save. Holidays often mean discounts, as do manufacturer’s weekends near the start of the baseball season. Signing up for newsletters allows you to stay on top of the latest deals. Retailers may also offer you rewards for referring friends or accumulating purchase points over time for bonus dollars to use. Utilizing promotions is a savvy way to stretch your baseball card budget further.

Consider Trading Dupes for Needs

An active trading community exists online through sites like Trader’s Source to facilitate card swaps. If you’re willing to part with doubles from your collection accumulated through cheap group breaks or bulk buys, you may be able to trade up for higher-end cards to fill gaps. Just be sure any potential trade partner has solid feedback before sending your cards first. Local card shows are also great places to wheel and deal with other collectors face-to-face.

Hopefully these tips provide some useful strategies for tracking down affordable baseball cards no matter your budget. With a little effort, you can build an impressive collection featuring your favorite players and teams for far less than retail prices. Most importantly, have fun exploring your passion for the hobby in a cost-effective way. Whether hunting deals online and in-stores or networking with other collectors, creative bargain hunting is very possible.

2003 UPPER DECK MVP BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2003 Upper Deck MVP Baseball trading card set was released at the beginning of the Major League Baseball season in 2003. Similar to prior years of the MVP Baseball brand, the 2003 set featured current MLB players across all 30 teams. This particular year’s release stands out as one of the more popular and valuable modern baseball card sets in recent memory. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key reasons why the 2003 Upper Deck MVP cards have maintained significance among collectors.

To start, the 2003 season itself featured some legendary performances that helped drive interest in baseball cards that year. Notably, Barry Bonds set the all-time single season home run record, hitting 73 home runs for the San Francisco Giants. His dominant season helped propel collectibles featuring Bonds to new heights. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs made a surprise run to the NLCS behind young stars Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood, and Mark Prior. This helped renew enthusiasm for Cubs cards from that era. The Florida Marlins also won the World Series in just their 11th year of existence. Players like Josh Beckett and Miguel Cabrera from that championship team now hold retro value.

In terms of production, the 2003 Upper Deck MVP set totaled an impressive 756 cards when including all regular base cards, rookie cards, parallel inserts, and specialty inserts. This large checklist ensured that buyers had plenty of options to collect regardless of team or player preferences. The base cards featured vibrant photography and distinctive color-bled borders that made the designs really pop on the cardboard. For die-cut and parallel inserts like “Circle of Greatness”, the production quality was also top-notch compared to many other brands at the time.

Beyond just the on-field performances and production values, the 2003 Upper Deck MVP release was well-timed in terms of capturing emerging young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Some examples include a Derek Jeter rookie card, a Carles Beltran rookie card, and rookie cards for Josh Beckett, Jason Varitek, and David Wright. Having cards from players this early in their careers before they established themselves as legends adds tremendous long-term value. The 2003 set is also proven to be one of the most reliably well-populated sets for team and parallel complete set collectors.

When it comes to the upper echelon of star athletes featured, the 2003 Upper Deck MVP issue delivers with highly sought rookie and base cards. After setting the home run record that year, cards of Barry Bonds naturally top collector wish lists. His base card can fetch upwards of $50 depending on condition. Similarly, a Sammy Sosa base in mint condition will range from $20-30 given his 2003 performance chasing Bonds. Rookie cards have an even higher ceiling – Derek Jeter’s rookie consistently commands over $100. Miguel Cabrera’s sparkling rookie from the championship Marlins team demands $75-125 based on grade.

Without question, supply and demand forces also drove collector appetite for 2003 Upper Deck MVP cards in the late-2000s and 2010s. As the initial hobby boom faded, many of these cards ended up in attics, basements, and closets instead of ultra-safes or professional grading submission services. So when the market started to wake up again in the 2010s with the baseball card revival, many key gems from elite players were simply more difficult to acquire in top condition compared to other years. This scarcity factor amplified prices noticeably.

Holistically, the 2003 Upper Deck MVP Baseball set established itself as one of the prestigious modern issues due to a blend of memorable on-field performances, inspired visual design, star-studded rookies, favorable population control, and impeccable timing that preceded young player hall of fame careers. Even after almost two decades, key cards from this 756-card behemoth maintain relevance among today’s active collectors. Whether seeking rookie autographs, complete rainbow sets, or just chasing vintage stars from the early 2000s, the 2003 Upper Deck release remains a benchmark release. With prices that have shown resilience to increases over time, there’s understandable reason why this single set endures as a blueprint for the modern baseball card boom.

The various intersecting factors surrounding memorable players, well-executed production, and scarcity trends have made the 2003 Upper Deck MVP issue a true collectible gem among investors and hobbyists alike. Even at current elevated values, some still perceive upside potential given how prominent this release has become for set builders and vintage card aficionados. For those seeking a single set with multifaceted appeal, longevity in the market, and clear resonance with the collector base, 2003 Upper Deck MVPs arguably represent the total package nearly 20 years after their originalprinting. Their continued significance is well-earned given how impeccably they blended sports, business, art and history during one of the most celebrated seasons in baseball history.

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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Topps released their 2023 baseball card set on February 15th, 2023 continuing their reign as the premier creator of licensed MLB trading cards. As with every year, this Topps flagship set features all 30 MLB teams and over 300 current major leaguers. Some of the top rookies included in the set are Julio Rodriguez, Drew Rasmussen, C.J. Abrams and Brennan Davis.

The complete base set contains 324 cards with 9 cards per package. As is tradition, card #1features an action shot of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge on the front and stats on the back. The design follows a clean and simple layout that Topps has implemented for several years running. Each photo takes up most of the front of the card with a blue and white color scheme. Player names, teams and uniform numbers are listed at the bottom in white text.

The back of each card features that player’s stats from the 2022 season including their batting average, home runs, RBI and more. New for 2023 is the inclusion of each player’s 2022 in-season hot and cold streaks to give collectors a more well-rounded feel for their performance beyond just the standard stats. A brief one-line bio is also included to provide some background and fun facts on each ballplayer.

While the base set remains the foundation of any Topps series, insert cards and parallels are what excite collectors and drive hobby demand. The 2023Flagship set offers collectors multiple inserts and parallels to hunt including:

Rainbow Foil Parallel (1/324) – This rare parallel features bright foil letters and numbers on a iridescent card back. Early case hits have fetched upwards of $500 on the secondary market.

Black Parallel (1/72 packs) – Featuring solid black fronts with a silver foil logo, these parallels evoke the classic look of older tobacco baseball cards.

Gold Parallel (1/144 packs) – Gold foil lettering and numbering on the card back distinguish these harder to find parallels from the base.

Silver Parallel (1/72 packs) – Similar to the gold parallels but with silver foil accenting instead.

Ink Parallels – New for 2023, these feature raw ink type textures on the front of the card adding a creative flair. Available in multiple parallels between 1/72-1/288 packs.

Stadium Club Inserts – Topps pulled dual licensing rights withPanini/Donruss to include their high-end ‘Stadium Club’ brand parallels and inserts featuring unique photo variations and parallel variations between 1/72-1/288 packs.

Sp-Autograph Inserts – Ranging between 1/288-1/864 packs, these coveted inserts feature autographs from today’s biggest stars like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr and Juan Soto.

Record Breakers Inserts – Highlighting players who set new career or single-season records in 2022 like Aaron Judge’s 62 HRs. Available between 1/288-1/432 packs.

Topps also released several special limited parallels only available through their highly anticipated monthly hobby box releases or through their subscription services. These include highly limited 1/1 parallels done entirely in holographic foil or special designs highlighting a single team or player.

While the base card designs remain relatively consistent year-to-year, Topps continues to innovate with creative inserts, parallels and special limited releases that captivate collectors both young and old. Whether chasing rainbows, autographs or just building full base sets – the Topps 2023 Flagship release ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy in the never-ending world of baseball card collecting. Between the stars, rookies and sheer excitement of the cardboard hobby – it’s no wonder Topps remains the industry standard bearer after decades in the business.

Availability of sealed 2023 Topps packs and boxes has been limited at the major hobby retailers due to heavy demand out of the gate. As such, individual cards can now be found listed quite frequently on the leading online card auction sites like eBay as collectors look to trade, sell and build their collections. Of note – listings of the elusive Rainbow Foil parallels have already eclipsed $1,000 USD as buyers look to land these 1-of-1 showpieces for their personal collections.

While repack boxes and value packs of assorted base cards remain easy to find on store shelves, the true vintage and insert chase will require either ripping cases of original wax or buying singles online. Long term, the 2023 Topps Flagship set shapes up as a strong modern investment for collectors. With passionate young collectors entering the hobby every year and staple stars like Judge, Ohtani and Acuna headlining the release – demand for this set seems poised to stay hot for years to come.

In summary, Topps delivers yet again with their 2023 Flagship release, featuring the same classic designs collectors know and love updated with today’s biggest names. Insert and parallel chases abound alongside new limited product exclusives for true enthusiasts. Between the on-field product and time-tested traditions – it’s clear why Topps baseball remains a pillar of the trading card industry and collectible for generations of fans. Whether being flipped in the backyard or encased on a Wall of Fame, these 2023 Topps cards are destined to bring joy to collectors for many years to come.

2021 TOPPS ARCHIVES BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Topps Archives baseball card set strives to bring nostalgia to collectors with its retro design paying homage to historic Topps sets from the 1950s and 1960s. The set contains various highly sought after rookie cards, special parallels, and inserts that have collectors eagerly chasing these vintage styled cards. While the set just came out in 2021, several key cards are already gaining value due to strong player performance and collector demand for the retro aesthetic designs. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 2021 Topps Archives set that are building value.

Perhaps the biggest star of the 2021 Topps Archives set is Fernando Tatis Jr., who collectors recognized as a budding superstar even before his breakout season in 2020. Tatis’ base rookie card can be found going for $30-40 raw, but his most valuable cards from the set are parallels and short prints. The Tatis Jr. Chrome refractor parallel /499 has already increased in value to $150-200 since release due to his continued stellar play. An even rarer parallel is the Gold /50 parallel, commanding $350-450 raw thanks to its short print of only 50 copies. The rarest Tatis Jr. card is undoubtedly the Black Gold parallel, with an ultra-low print run of just 5 copies. While none have officially sold, comps place the value of this singular Tatis Jr. card well over $5,000 given its rarity. With Tatis still early in his career and signed to a long term deal, these premium parallels could appreciate significantly should he reach the Hall of Fame.

Another huge star with valuable rookies in the 2021 Topps Archives set is Fernando Tatis Jr’s fellow young slugger, Juan Soto. Soto’s base rookie fetches $15-20, but like Tatis, his premium parallels hold the most value. The Soto Chrome refractor /499 has risen to $80-100 since release based on his continued offensive prowess. The extremely short print Gold parallel /50 moved for around $300 in recently sold comps. But the true crown jewel is Soto’s Black Gold parallel, which has an estimated value exceeding $3,000 for its solitary copy, though none have changed hands yet. With Soto still building on his young superstar status, these premium parallels could appreciate exponentially should he have a Hall of Fame caliber career.

While rookie cards of burgeoning stars garner lots of attention, the 2021 Topps Archives set also contains valuable vintage player cards recreated in the retro design. For example, the Mickey Mantle base card from the set fetches $50-70 raw given the iconic status of the switch hitting Yankee great. Premium parallels move the needle even higher – the Mantle Chrome refractors sell for $200-250, while his Gold parallel recently traded hands for around $1000. Another all-time legend with thriving demand is Babe Ruth. Ruth’s base in the set moves for $40-60, with his Chrome /499 parallel at $150-200. The ultra-rare Black Gold Babe Ruth parallel would undoubtedly fetch a small fortune, though none have changed hands publicly yet. These types of premium parallels recreating the stars of yesteryear give collectors a unique way to display their fandom and gain access to cards from previous eras that may otherwise be financially out of reach.

While stars drive much of the demand, the 2021 Topps Archives set also contains valuable star rookie cards from years past. One example is Ryne Sandberg’s iconic 1984 Donruss rookie, recreated here. The base sells in the $30-40 range, with his Chrome parallel reaching $75-100. Another example is Kirby Puckett’s 1984 Topps rookie, recreated for this set. The Puckett base goes for $25-35, with his Chrome parallel reaching $60-80 based on strong collector interest in vintage Twins stars. Packerpediagames greats like these at affordable price points compared to their original vintage issues is a big reason for the set’s popularity.

In addition to stars, the 2021 Topps Archives set also carries value for popular inserts celebrating baseball history. For example, the “Then and Now” insert pairing a vintage player card alongside a modern one of the same star consistently moves for $15-25 per card despite being relatively common insert. They “Full Swing” autographed memorabilia cards of stars like Ichiro and Roberto Clemente in the /25 print run fetch $100-150. Rare variation parallels or serial numbered inserts like Gold /50 or Black /10 variations command even more at $250-450. Collectors enjoy displaying inserts alongside base cards in their collections commemorating iconic players and moments.

While supply may dwindle over time pushing prices upward, the 2021 Topps Archives set remains a highly collectible and affordable way for fans new and old to enjoy the nostalgia of classic card designs while accessing stars both past and present. Rookie cards, parallels, inserts, and more from the set will remain popular chase cards with staying power as collectors seek to grow their vintage styled collections. With such a strong foundation of both historic legends and emerging young talents, 2021 Topps Archives looks poised to be a long term standout among the many modern issues.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE 2022

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Topps baseball cards have been a collectible icon in American culture since the early 1950s. As one of the oldest and most popular brands for trading cards featuring Major League Baseball players, the value of vintage Topps cards from the 1950s-1980s in particular has grown exponentially in recent decades. Determining the precise value of any given Topps baseball card can depend on many factors such as the player, year, condition, and more. Here is an in-depth overview of Topps baseball card values in 2022 and what collectors need to know.

One of the most influential factors in a card’s value is the year it was produced. The earliest Topps baseball cards from the 1950s are among the most desirable and valuable today due to their scarcity and historical significance. Topps issued its first complete standard size baseball card set in 1952 and it remains one of the holy grails for collectors. In pristine mint condition, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card can sell for well over $2 million. Other 1950s rookie cards that can fetch six figures or more include Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax.

Common 1950s and 1960s cards in near mint to mint condition start around $100-500 but can exceed $1000 for more key players and rare variations. The 1960 Topps Roberto Clemente is highly sought after due to his untimely death in a plane crash. A Mint Clemente can bring in $3000-6000 today. The 1961 Topps Roger Maris “magic number” card documenting his 61 home run season is another hot commodity at $2000-4000. As you get into the latter 1960s, mint common cards fall in the $10-100 range.

The 1970s saw the dawn of the modern baseball card era. The 1973 Topps set introduced photo variations and subject matter beyond just player photos for the first time. High-number rookie cards from this decade like a 1976 Cal Ripken Jr. or 1977 Rickey Henderson can sell for $400-1000 graded mint. The late 1970s declined somewhat in collectibility but mint common cards still hold $20-100 value. The hallowed 1979 Topps Wade Boggs rookie has achieved record prices up to $28,000 in pristine condition.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that baseball cards truly exploded in popularity across America. The stage was set for the modern sports memorabilia boom. Iconic rookie cards from this era continue to drive the highest prices in the hobby. A 1985 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie in mint condition can sell for $3000-6000 today. The 1986 Topps Mark McGwire rookie consistently sells for $1500-4000, and rookie gems of Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine usually fall in the $300-1000 range. Even 1988 rookie cards of players like Sammy Sosa and John Smoltz that weren’t mega stars still command $50-300.

By the late 1980s, speculation and mass production led to oversaturation. While demand remains strong for certified mint flagship rookie cards from the mid-80s, common cards became significantly less valuable. It usually takes a true superstar to push a 1989+ card above $50 raw even in pristine shape. Massive factory sets from the early 90s onward are usually worth under $20 complete but can climb higher for special parallels, autographs, or numbered cards. Having said that, certified rookies of all-time greats like a 1991 Chipper Jones are still desired at $200-800.

The 21st century has been dominated by inserts, parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards rather than traditional base cards for high values. Modern rookies need true superstardom and/or serial numbering to retain significant cachet. Vintage 1970s and 1980s stars in mint condition remain sharply followed. For example, modern 7-grade rookie gems can reach:

2001 Ichiro Suzuki ($250-1000)

2003 Albert Pujols ($300-1200)

2006 Ryan Braun ($200-800)

2007 Evan Longoria ($150-500)

2009 Mike Trout (often $1000-3000)

Even if not true mint, certified 1970s/80s flagship rookies of such players as Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Donruss Darryl Strawberry and more commonly sell for $50-300.

In terms of non-rookie cards, iconic vintage stars like Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente routinely sell for $200-1000 in high grades. Autographs, autographed cards, memorabilia cards, and numbered parallel variations of modern stars like Mike Piazza, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera can reach thousands. lower end stars still perform well, with certified signed cards bringing $100-500.

Condition is paramount, especially for vintage cardboard. Even minor flaws can drastically cut a card’s price. The industry-standard A-Z centering/corners/edges/surface integrity grading scale was popularized by PSA to provide a quantitative measurement. Cards must achieve true “mint” status at PSA/BGS/SGC 7+ grade to achieve blue-chip value. Lower graded equals lower price. Still, even well-worn vintage is typically better preserved than loose in attics or long boxes.

The value equation for Topps baseball cards is complex with many variations. But for discerning collectors, the heritage, nostalgia, and investment potential of 1950s-1980s rookies and stars remain undiminished – especially in pristine condition under the protection of a professional grade. With rarity, condition, and pedigree in mind, savvy collectors will continue to uncover hidden gems with staying power in the growing multi-billion dollar sports collectibles marketplace.

DREW VERHAGEN BASEBALL CARDS

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Drew VerHagen Baseball Cards Overview

Drew VerHagen is a right-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 2014-2021. While he never became a star player, VerHagen had a respectable career as a role player and versatile pitcher, appearing in games as both a starter and reliever. As a result of his MLB tenure, VerHagen has a collection of baseball cards that chronicle his professional baseball journey. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable Drew VerHagen baseball cards from his time in the majors.

2014 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph Refractor RC

One of the key early VerHagen cards is his 2014 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph Refractor rookie card. As a fifth round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2012, VerHagen’s first card came out in 2014 coinciding with his MLB debut season. The card features his photo in a Tigers uniform on the front along with his autograph on the back. As an autographed rookie card from one of the premier baseball card brands, the 2014 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph Refractor RC holds value for VerHagen collectors. PSA 10 gem mint examples of this card currently sell for around $100-150 depending on the market. Overall it’s one of the more desirable early VerHagen cards for collectors.

2015 Topps Baseball RC

Another important early VerHagen rookie card came in 2015 Topps baseball series 1. As one of the major sports card brands, Topps rookie cards hold significance for any MLB player. The 2015 Topps VerHagen rookie features his action shot in a Tigers uniform along with basic career stats and bio on the back. While not as rare as some of his autographed cards, the 2015 Topps RC remains a staple for any VerHagen collection given its brand recognition within the hobby. Near mint PSA 8 versions can usually be found for $10-15.

2016 Topps Update RC Variation

An interesting VerHagen variation card comes from 2016 Topps baseball update series. That year, Topps inserted additional rookie cards for players who had debuted after the initial series was printed. The 2016 Topps Update included a Drew VerHagen rookie variation featuring an action close-up shot instead of the standard full body pose. While not necessarily more valuable than the base 2015 Topps rookie, the 2016 update variation adds diversity to any VerHagen collection. Expect to pay $5-8 for a well-centered copy.

2017 Topps Tigers Team Set Card

By 2017, VerHagen had established himself as a reliable arm in the Tigers bullpen and began appearing more regularly in flagship Topps sets beyond just his rookie cards. That year’s Topps Tigers team set card features VerHagen in the team’s home pinstripes along with stats from the 2016 season. As he continued playing in Detroit, cards like the 2017 Topps team issue helped document VerHagen’s progression at the MLB level with that franchise. Near mint copies can be found for $3-5.

2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day Red Parallel

In 2018, Topps released special red parallel versions of cards to commemorate National Baseball Card Day. One of those cards included a Drew VerHagen parallel from the 2018 Topps series 1 set. While the photo and design match the base card, the dramatic red border and tint make this parallel quite visually appealing. It’s also relatively scarce compared to the standard issue. Among VerHagen collectors, the 2018 National Baseball Card Day red parallel can demand a $10-15 premium over the basic card.

2019 Topps Fire Autograph RC

One of the more coveted modern VerHagen cards appeared in 2019 Topps Fire, which featured autographed rookie cards of current MLB players. The VerHagen included in this high-end product signed his photo and debuted his new uniform with the Toronto Blue Jays, to whom he was traded in 2018. As an on-card autograph of a major league player from a premier modern set, well-centered 2019 Topps Fire Autograph RC fetch up to $50-75 depending on condition. It remains one of the most valuable VerHagen cards available.

Post-Career Memorabilia Cards

Even after retiring from MLB following the 2021 season, VerHagen continues to see new cards released featuring pieces of his professional baseball memorabilia. Examples include 2021 Topps Transcendent containing memorabilia cards with swatches of his jerseys worn with the Tigers, Blue Jays, and others. There have also been bats and autograph memorabilia cards featuring VerHagen in recent years. While not necessarily his most iconic cards statistically, these post-career memorabilia releases help complete the chronicle and collectability of Drew VerHagen’s time in the majors through unique baseball relic elements. Pricing on such memorabilia cards tends to range between $20-40 based on the included artifact.

While not an all-time MLB star, Drew VerHagen enjoyed a respectable major league career that has resulted in an interesting collection of baseball cards from his years pitching in Detroit, Toronto, and beyond. From early Bowman prospects to later Topps updates and special parallels, his cards provide a snapshot of his professional journey. Top rookie cards and autographed memorabilia pieces remain the most significant for dedicated VerHagen collectors. His diverse assortment of baseball cards serves as a fitting tribute to an effective role player at the game’s highest level.

RIDICULOUS BASEBALL CARDS

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Ridiculous Baseball Cards: A Look at Some of the Wildest and Most Unusual Issues

Baseball cards have long captured our imaginations and documented the history of America’s pastime. While the majority focus solely on stats, photos and bios of players, there have been some truly bizarre and offbeat issues over the years that push the boundaries of what a typical baseball card should be. Join us as we take a look at some of the strangest and most ridiculous baseball cards ever produced.

Perhaps one of the most infamous oddball card sets has to be the infamous 1990 Impossible? Baseball Card set released by Impossible Dream Toys. Featuring players in impossible positions doing bizarre feats, these photocards showed stars like Nolan Ryan hitting a 600 foot home run and Ken Griffey Jr. leaping over the outfield wall to make a catch. While creative, the crudely drawn graphics and impractical scenarios made these more of a novelty item than a serious collectible.

Taking the unrealistic theme to new heights was the Flying Ace Baseball Card Company and their 1991 SkyBox X-Fliers set. Featuring 59 players depicted with superhero-like abilities, the cards showed the likes of Pete Rose soaring through the sky and Bo Jackson bench pressing a plane. With dialogue bubbles describing their aerial antics, these went way beyond what any baseball fan could realistically accept. The over-the-top nature made them more of a parody than a real card set paying tribute to the game.

Later card issues moved away from the physical unbelievable abilities but still found creative ways to produce off-the-wall subjects. In 1992, Fleer came out with wacky Food Issue cards pairing players with random food items in a sign of the increasing absurdity in oddball sets. Ken Griffey Jr was paired with a pizza, Ozzie Smith with popcorn and Nolan Ryan pictured beside baked beans. The nonsensical food mashups became a bizarre niche that many collectors found simply puzzling.

One of the most creative off-theme sets came courtesy of Impel/Decipher and their 1997 movie-themed Star Cardz. Taking celebrities from films and placing them on baseball cards alongside fictional stats and bios, the 135-card series paired stars like Brad Pitt and Edward Norton from Fight Club as “Sparring Partners” and the cast of Pulp Fiction together on a single card. While not featuring any real baseball players, the creative crossover concept made for a truly novelty-style collector’s item.

Animation helped fuel some wildly unusual baseball offerings as well. In 1998, Fleer teamed up with Nickelodeon to produce Slime Cards featuring characters from shows like Rugrats and Rocko’s Modern Life on baseball-styled cardboard. The slapstick-style artwork and stats like “Slap Shot Accuracy” took collectors even further away from the traditional ballplayer-focused design. That same year Genesis III unleashed their zany Animaniacs set that put the Warner Bros cartoon stars in baseball form complete with insane stats that bordered on nonsensical.

As technology evolved, so too did the crazy concepts for oddball baseball card releases. 2001 saw the Sesame Street Baseball Cards by Upper Deck that put Big Bird, Elmo and Cookie Monster through their coaching paces. Digital Revolution took collectors to whole new levels of bizarre with their 2001 e-Diamond Flash Cards that came with activation codes redeemable online to “unlock” 3D-modeled flying baseball players and fantasy stadiums on your computer. It was an innovative idea that pushed collectibles into virtual territory, even if the 3D models were crude by today’s standards.

Trading card manufacturers continued experimenting with wild themes well into the 2000s. In 2002, Upper Deck released the fantastical Magic: The Gathering Baseball Card crossover set that merged the fantasy card game with America’s pastime. Depicting legendary ballplayers employing magic spells and battling creatures on the diamond, it showed how two nostalgic pass-times could converge. More recently in 2009, Rittenhouse Archives crafted the amusingly odd World’s Greatest Baseball Players…If Animals Played Baseball! set that put ballplayers’ faces on animals’ bodies playing the game in a lighthearted spoof.

As baseball cards evolved to include more advanced stats, autographs and intricate photography, the demand remained for truly off-the-wall offerings that stretched the imagination. Companies like Topps, Leaf and others kept experimenting with quirky subjects like their 2012 Pizza & Beer Issue pairing players with slices and brews. In 2021, Panini even released Pokémon Baseball cards fusing the mega-popular collectible franchise with MLB hits for an crossover collectors never saw coming.

Without a doubt, the quest for ridiculous concepts will keep fueling unique limited-run baseball card releases. Whether it’s mashing up pop culture, animation, food or fantasy, publishers find collectors always have an appetite for the absurd. As long as creative minds keep dreaming up new offbeat pairings and scenarios, the potential for wild and wacky oddball issues remains endless. It’s a big part of what has kept the hobby fun and lighthearted even as the serious side of collecting booms. So here’s to many more years of crazy cards that push the boundaries of our national pastime on cardboard.