BASEBALL CARDS ATHENS GA

Leave a reply

Baseball Cards in Athens: A Rich History of Collecting in Classic City

Athens, Georgia has a long history with baseball cards dating back to the late nineteenth century. For over a century, residents of the Classic City have been collecting, trading, and appreciating these cheap pieces of cardboard that capture moments from America’s pastime. Some of the earliest baseball cards originated right here in Athens, as local printers produced regional sets featuring minor league players from nearby teams. Today, the hobby remains vibrant with shops, collectors, and card shows keeping the tradition alive.

One of the first organized baseball card manufacturers was located just outside of Athens city limits in the late 1880s. The D.B. Hill Printing Company produced sets featuring players from the South Atlantic League, a minor league circuit with teams in Augusta and Macon at the time. These crude lithographed cards were inserted randomly into packages of cigarettes, much like the early tobacco brands. Only a handful are known to still exist today in museum collections.

In the early 20th century, the baseball card craze exploded nationwide thanks to companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer. Youngsters in Athens eagerly sought out the penny packs at drugstores and corner shops, hoping for stars like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, or local Georgia boys in the majors. Completing a full set was challenging due to the randomness of the packs. Kids often congregated at local ball fields, schools, and movie theaters to trade and build their collections.

Athens became home to many dedicated collectors over the following decades. Local hobby shops like Dugan’s Cards and Collectibles, opened in the 1960s, gave enthusiasts a dedicated place to peruse the latest offerings and swap with others. Some prominent collectors from this era amassed impressive collections numbering in the thousands that showcased the evolution of styles and players over the years. A few of these vintage collections have since been donated to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia museum for public viewing.

Trading, collecting, and appreciating the history embodied in baseball cards continued strong through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s in Athens. Stores promoted the launches of the annual Topps, Donruss, and Fleer sets. University of Georgia fraternity houses and dorms became hotspots for impromptu trading sessions. With the rise of cable TV and ESPN in the 1980s, Athens kids grew up idolizing cards of stars like Kirby Puckett, Mark McGwire, and Cal Ripken Jr.

In the 1990s, the value of vintage cards skyrocketed as speculators and investors entered the scene amid America’scollector craze. Shops in Athens hosted shows every few months where collectors from across Georgia would converge to buy, sell, and trade with dealers. The increased rarity and price tag of vintage stars like Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and Joe DiMaggio made unearthing these historical gems in attics and basements around town like finding buried treasure.

Entering the new millennium, the baseball card industry continued to evolve. Manufacturers pursued new innovations in materials, autographs, and memorabilia cards. Meanwhile, the internet revolutionized the way collectors research, buy, sell and stay informed about the hobby. Websites like Beckett.com and eBay made once-rare oddball cards and sets accessible regardless of location. Athens area card shops adjusted by catering more to nostalgic collectors than speculative investors.

Today, the baseball card pastime remains woven into the fabric of Athens’s summertime leisure activities. Local card and memorabilia shops like Dugan’s aim to keep the tradition alive for new generations by stocking the latest annual sets and hosting the occasional regional card show in their storefront. The University of Georgia also keeps the connection strong with sports card clubs and intramural card collecting leagues for students. On warm evenings, it’s still not unusual to spot clusters of adolescents trading and admiring their cardboard collections outside Sanford Stadium after baseball practice or games.

Whether completing a set from childhood or seeking out that elusive vintage rookie card of a favorite player, baseball cards are an affordable link to appreciate local, national and baseball history itself. In Athens and across the country, the simple trading, collecting and appreciating of these small cardboard treasures continues to unite communities and generations in their shared love of America’s favorite pastime. From the earliest minor league printers to today’s internet-empowered networks of enthusiasts, baseball cards embody a timeless nostalgia that is right at home in the Classic City of Athens.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED

Leave a reply

1987 Donruss Baseball Cards Unopened: A Nostalgic Investment Opportunity

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors and fans who came of age in the late 1980s. Featuring iconic players like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens on the tail end of the junk wax era, 1987 Donruss cards evoke memories of summers at the ballpark and carefree days collecting in your neighborhood. While the glut of mass-produced cards from that time period severely depressed values for years, certain 1987 Donruss cards have seen renewed interest in recent years from nostalgic collectors. Perhaps more importantly, sealed unopened 1987 Donruss wax packs and boxes have emerged as a burgeoning investment opportunity for savvy collectors.

Released in 1987 alongside the flagship Topps set, Donruss opted for a simpler design compared to Topps’ photographed fronts that year. The cards featured basic team logo artwork along with player name and stats on a white or yellow background. Rookies and stars received parallel “foil” versions with hologram-like silver treatment. Overall print runs were immense by today’s standards, with some estimates putting the 1987 Donruss set print run near 1 billion cards. This ultimately damaged the long term graded value of individual common cards. It’s also part of what gives unopened 1987 Donruss product its allure – finding a sealed pack or factory set from that massive production run over 30 years later has become a real challenge.

While you can still occasionally find loose 1987 Donruss wax packs selling for around $5-10 online, locating sealed unopened boxes and factory sets has become increasingly difficult. Recent eBay sales of sealed 12-pack boxes have ranged between $150-500 depending on the specific player featured on the box front. Factory sealed wax box sets containing a complete 660-card rainbow set have topped $1,000. For the ultra-rare factory sealed factory team sets containing an entire team’s rookie cards and stars, prices over $5,000 are not unheard of. With each passing year, as more and more of these sealed products find their way into collections instead of being recklessly ripped open in the 1980s, the collective scarcity continues to rise along with prices.

Much of what is fueling renewed collector demand for pristine 1987 Donruss wax packs and boxes are nostalgia and the growing popularity of sealed unopened vintage product as blue-chip investments. More collectors these days desire to preserve sealed wax rather than just open it all for a few common cards with no resale value. They appreciate the time capsule aspect of holding a perfectly sealed nostalgic product they can revisit anytime. From an investment standpoint, sealed wax offers several advantages as a potentially sound long term holding:

Quantifiable Scarcity – Large factory sealed products have finite production numbers that can be reasonably estimated vs impossible to accurately gauge for loose common cards. This scarcity is compounded over decades.

Appreciation Potential – As more vintage sealed product finds its way into long term holds vs being cracked open, overall scarcity rises and prices escalate over years/decades for truly great sealed condition vintage boxes.

Stability – Strong sealed vintage investments tend not to be as volatile as individual graded card values which can spike and crash sharply based on latest hype.

Authenticity – No possibility of resealed/restamped counterfeits that plague loose vintage singles. Sealed products are easy to truly verify untouched time capsules.

Perhaps most importantly, pristine sealed 1987 Donruss product holds real nostalgic value and charm for collectors who can’t help but grin seeing packs and boxes they dreamed of as kids still factory perfect after 30+ years. The joy of nostalgia plus tangible scarcity makes them an appealing vintage sports investment primed to retain and potentially increase value far beyond what you could get selling off stacks of 1987 Donruss commons in nickel boxes today. With each passing year, more 1980s collectors reach peak nostalgic ages and disposable incomes, fueling demand. For those willing to hold factory sealed 1987 Donruss packs and boxes long term, it has potential to deliver profits as well as fond memories.

While 1987 Donruss base card values remain depressed, pristinely preserved sealed wax from that iconic set has emerged as a burgeoning vintage baseball card investment opportunity. Fueled by growing nostalgia, appreciation of sealed product scarcity, and collectible time capsule attributes, prices for premium sealed 1987 Donruss pieces like full factory sets appear poised to rise considerably over the long run as availability continues dwindling. For patient collectors, adding pristine sealed 1987 Donruss to a vintage investment portfolio could pay memorable dividends.

PLASTIC SHEET PROTECTORS FOR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Protecting Your Baseball Card Collection with Plastic Sheet Protectors

Whether you have a collection of vintage baseball cards from the 1950s and 60s or you’re accumulating modern cards, it’s important to properly store and protect these valuable collectibles. Baseball cards can lose value if they become worn, bent, or damaged over time. One of the best ways to protect cards is by placing them in plastic sheet protectors.

Plastic sheet protectors create a barrier between the surface of the card and any external factors that could potentially harm it. They allow cards to be clearly displayed while preventing dirt, fingerprints, scratches, and moisture from degrading the condition and appeal of the card over the long run. For serious baseball card collectors looking to maximize preservation and resale value down the road, plastic sheet protectors are an essential storage and display accessory.

Choosing the Right Size Sheet Protector

When purchasing sheet protectors, it’s important to get the correct size to properly fit standard baseball cards without any excess room. Most baseball cards are standard size, measuring about 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Look for protectors labeled for this size. Oversized protectors can allow cards to shift around inside and potentially get scratched. Undersized protectors will cause cards to bulge outward.

Topsheet is a respected brand known for quality collectible sheet protectors. Their standard size is perfect for most baseball cards. Ultra Pro is another top manufacturer with acid-free options. Make sure to avoid sheet protectors designed for smaller trading cards, photos, or index cards, as baseball cards won’t fit properly. Measure your cards to ensure the right fit.

Benefits of Plastic Sheet Protectors

There are several advantages that plastic sheet protectors provide for stored and displayed baseball card collections:

Protection from Finger Grease and Oils – Card surfaces can easily accumulate dirty fingerprints and skin oils over time if not protected. Sheet protectors create a barrier to keep cards pristine.

Prevention of Scratches – Plastic prevents cards from getting micro-abrasions from other surfaces they may be stacked against or rubbed against inside protective cases or boxes.

Blocks Dust and Debris – Facial tissues, dust bunnies, and general dirt won’t adhere to or scratch cards sealed inside clear plastic.

No Bending or Creasing – Rigid sheet protectors hold the shape of cards and don’t allow them to become warped or creased if pressure is applied from stacking.

Long-Term Archival Safety – Plastic is chemically inert and will not degrade over decades like acidic paper products can, protecting cards for future generations.

EasyCleaning – Ifa fingerprint or speck of dust does get behind the plastic, it’s simple to wipe clean without risking moisture damage.

Improves Display Quality – Cards sealed in clear plastic “pop” more when attractively stored in binders, boxes, or on shelves for improved appearance.

While page-sleeved binders and magnetic-closure albums are also popular for housing collections, sheet protectors provide an extra barrier of protection that other methods lack. The rigid backing also prevents potential warping compared to soft, non-rigid album pages. For these reasons, professional graders often require cards to be in sheet protectors.

Beyond the protection benefits, plastic sheet protectors make card condition immediately apparent without having to physically handle each one. This allows collectors to enjoy simply browsing attractive displays without risk of skin oils or fingerprints marring the cards over time.

Tips for Using Plastic Sheet Protectors

To maximize the protective qualities of plastic sheet protectors, here are some best practices:

Only handle cards by the edges and be extremely careful not to touch surfaces when loading protectors. Skin oils can be very difficult to fully remove.

Don’t store loaded protectors in direct sunlight, which can cause UV and thermal degradation over decades. Dark boxes are best.

Periodically check for dirt/debris behind protectors that may scratch cards if not removed. Use a soft brush or air duster for cleaning.

Cut protectors if needed using a ruler and sharp cornered craft knife against a self-healing mat – do not crease cards in the process.

Store standing protectors snuggly in binders,boxes, or on shelves without loose movement that could cause scratches.

Archives-quality sheet protectors can be better long-term but cost more – standard thicker plastic is usually suitable for most collections.

Any responsible collector knows preserving condition is key to protecting baseball cards as valuable assets. By using plastic sheet protectors diligently, collections will stay pristine and maintain strong resale worth for decades to come. It’s a small, affordable investment that pays dividends for collectors serious about proper storage of their treasured pieces of sports history. With the right materials and care, plastic protectors can truly keep cards in mint condition.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS SOLD

Leave a reply

The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been popular for over 150 years. As far back as the late 1800s, baseball card manufacturers like T206 started mass producing cards of professional ball players that fans eagerly sought after. Over time, as certain cards became extremely rare and highly coveted, their monetary value skyrocketed.

Nowadays, a select few vintage cards in pristine condition can sell for millions of dollars. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards ever traded and the astronomical prices they fetched.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $6.6 million
The undisputed king of baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Only around 60 examples are known to exist in absolute mint condition. The ultra-rare card depicts one of the early stars of the game, Pittsburgh Pirate shortstop Honus Wagner.

In August 2021, a PSA Gem Mint 9 example of the legendary Wagner card sold for a record-shattering $6.6 million through Goldin Auctions, making it the most valuable trading card in the world. What makes the Wagner so sought after is its extreme scarcity. It’s believed Wagner asked the American Tobacco Company to withdraw his card from production over concerns about kids buying cigarettes.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $5.2 million
The modern-era record holder is a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in PSA GEM-MT 10 condition. Widely considered the finest known example in existence, it achieved the highest price paid for a single sports card at $5.2 million through Heritage Auctions in January 2022.

Mantle is one of baseball’s most hailed players who won seven World Series titles with the New York Yankees. The 1952 Topps set was the first widely distributed post-war baseball card set. Very few PSA 10 Mantles are known compared to the millions printed, accentuating its rarity.

1913 Baltimore News Billy Sunday – $3.12 million
Though not a player card, the 1913 Baltimore News Billy Sunday clergyman card is one of the rarest and most unique issues. A PSA Authentic slabbed example sold for $3.12 million at a Goldin Auctions event in September 2022.

Sunday, an American evangelist and former MLB player, is depicted giving an enthusiastic sermon in the card. Only 25 were printed to commemorate his visit to Baltimore. Its status as a one-of-a-kind oddball issue among the antique collecting community adds to its allure.

1909 Erie Caramel E90-1 Joe Jackson – $2.88 million
A scarce tobacco era card, the 1909 Erie Caramel E90-1 “Shoeless Joe” Jackson fetched $2.88 million at auction through Hunt Auctions in May 2021. While not as famous as the Wagner, this high-grade example showing future “Black Sox Scandal” participant Jackson in his playing days for the Cleveland Naps had consistent strong bids.

1911 M101-8 Christy Mathewson – $2.78 million
Another legendary tobacco era issue, the 1911 Allen & Ginter “Sweet Caporal” cigarettes M101-8 Christy Mathewson holds the distinction of the highest price paid for a non-sports card. A PSA 8 copy made an astounding $2.78 million at auction by Goldin Auctions in September 2022.

Mathewson was a premier right-handed pitcher who won 373 games primarily with the New York Giants. The condition, flawless centering and eye appeal of the offered card made it a true treasure for aficionados.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $2.88 million
One of the rarest active T206 players, the Sherry Magee card achieved the second-highest auction total for a Wagner at $2.88 million through Heritage in January 2021. Like Wagner, very few high-grade Magees are known, especially since the outfielder had a short MLB career from 1905-1914.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – $2.1 million
Also a coveted tobacco era issue, a PSA 9 Plank sold through Hunt Auctions for $2.1 million in August 2018. Plank holds MLB records for career wins by a lefty with 326. Collectors appreciate his card for its excellent eye appeal and importance as a key member of the legendary 1910s Philadelphia A’s dynasty.

1921 W516 Babe Ruth – $1.87 million
While not technically his rookie card, the 1921 W516 “Play Ball” Babe Ruth of the Yankees was the most valuable modern-era card at $1.87 million through Goldin Auctions in January 2022. Nearly pristine condition and the fact it features “The Bambino” in pinstripes during his famed home run years makes it a true trophy card.

Those were some of the all-time record sales achieved for rare pre-war tobacco and early Goudey/Bowman baseball issues. With population reports typically in the single digits for high-grades of these antique specimens, each new auction record seemingly rewrites history. Names like Wagner, Mathewson, Jackson and Mantle will always be at the pinnacle of the collectibles market due to their unparalleled historical performances married with scarcity factors. As long as avid collectors pursue cards of baseball immortals, prices will continue climbing to astronomical new heights.

MOST EXPENSIVE 1975 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1975 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of the hobby. While it may not be the most valuable set on average compared to some years, there are certainly some extremely expensive gems to be found. Let’s take a closer look at some of the priciest 1975 Topps cards that have traded hands over the years.

One of the true crown jewels from the 1975 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the most legendary pitchers of all-time, Ryan’s rookie card has long been one of the key chase cards for collectors. In pristine mint condition, examples of the Ryan rookie have sold for astronomical sums. In 2011, a PSA 10 gem mint Ryan rookie sold for an astounding $99,500, setting a new record for the card at that time. Other mint examples have also crossed the $50,000 threshold. Even in lower grades, the Ryan still demands big money based on his name value and status as a premiere rookie card.

Another pitching great who has an expensive card from the ’75 set is Tom Seaver. Seaver was already an established superstar by 1975 after winning multiple Cy Young Awards. His card doesn’t have quite the same rookie card cachet as Ryan, but it’s still an iconic issue due to Seaver’s stellar career. PSA 10 Seaver cards have sold in the $15,000 range before. He’s long been a highly sought commodity in the vintage marketplace. Lower graded versions still carry premium prices as well in the $1,000-$5,000 range depending on condition.

Some other big name veteran stars that commanding high values for their 1975 Topps cards include Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Aaron was nearing the end of his brilliant career, but his legendary home run prowess made him box office. Mint PSA 10 versions of Aaron’s ’75 card have changed hands for over $10,000. Meanwhile, Willie Mays, even deep into the twilight of his career by 1975, is still Willie Mays – one of the most charismatic players in baseball history. PSA 10 Mays cards from this set have fetched around $7,500. Both Aaron and Mays still hold tremendous nostalgia value for collectors given what they meant to the game.

Steve Garvey had an incredible run of success in the 1970s after breaking out as a Dodgers star. His 1975 Topps issue featuring him in the powder blue road uniform is highly recognizable. In pristine condition, Garvey cards from this set have sold for $3,500-4,500 range which is impressive for a non-rookie card in a post-rookie year. Garvey maintained huge popularity during his playing days which translates well to the secondary market decades later.

There are also a few legendary autographs that greatly spike the values for the 1975 set. An autographed Nolan Ryan rookie that graded PSA/DNA GEM MT 10 sold in 2016 for an astronomical $99,500. Meanwhile, a PSA 8 Hank Aaron autograph from ’75 changed hands for $22,500 in 2018. Autograph rookies for stars of their caliber are some of the true big ticket prizes to be found in the sets from the 1970s era. Their scarcity level makes them worth small fortunes to dedicated collectors.

Another category of ’75 issue that often nets huge prices is the elusive error variation cards. For example, there is the famed Thurman Munson error card featuring him as a member of the New York Yankees instead of the Cleveland Indians where he was actually playing in 1975 before being traded. PSA 8 examples of this incredibly rare error variation have cracked $8,000 in transactions. The Mike Schmidt missing ear variation is also legendary for its oddity factor. No PSA 10s are believed to exist, but pristine condition examples could fetch big six-figure bids from obsessive Schmidt collectors.

When talking about the highest prices ever paid for 1975 Topps cards, it’s also important to acknowledge some modern-era auction results that shattered expectations. In January 2016, PWCC marketplace set a new world record when they auctioned the finest known Nolan Ryan rookie PSA MINT 9.5 for an astounding $277,900. It remains the most expensive post-war era single card ever traded publicly. A PSA 10 Hank Aaron sold for $63,500 in 2020 from that same iconic vintage issue. The market remains very hot for elite condition copies of the all-time greats even some 45+ years later.

While the average 1975 Topps card doesn’t carry the same lofty price points as the true all-time valuable sets like ’52 Topps, ’68 Topps, or ’57 Topps, there are still many expensive gems to uncover. The right combinations of star power, condition, and rare variations can push values into the five and even six-figure territory. Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Hank Aaron, and Tom Seaver lead the way as consistent heavy-hitters. But it only takes finding a single error or memorabilia card to significantly outperform expectations from this classic 1970s baseball issue. Condition sensitive collectors are still keen on tracking down the absolute finest examples decades later.

VEGAS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Las Vegas has long been a hub for sports fandom and entertainment in the American West. Since the 1950s, the city’s casinos and attractions have drawn crowds from around the world seeking excitement and diversion. Among those drawn to Vegas’ bright lights were collectors of vintage baseball cards who saw the city as a place where their hobby could thrive. Over decades, Las Vegas developed a vibrant culture around baseball cards that continues today.

The roots of baseball card collecting in Vegas date back to the post-World War II era when American soldiers returned home and the city began its transformation into a tourist destination. Among the GIs were many young men who held on to childhood baseball card collections or started new ones during overseas deployments. They sought out shops in Las Vegas that catered to this emerging hobby.

One of the first stores to sell baseball cards was the Mint Collector’s Gallery, which opened on Fremont Street in 1953. Owner Herman Kugel noticed servicemen buying and trading sports memorabilia in local bars, so he decided to open a dedicated shop. At the time, cards from the 1950s were readily available as the modern industry was just taking shape. The Mint became a popular hangout for collectors and helped introduce more locals to the hobby.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, additional card shops cropped up in Vegas to meet growing interest. Stores like Hall of Fame Trades on Charleston Boulevard and Sports Cards Plus on Tropicana Avenue attracted veteran collectors as well as newcomers getting hooked on the thrill of the hunt. With casinos always drawing new visitors, the city sustained a ready customer base for supplies and offered trading opportunities not available elsewhere. Shops stayed in business by catering to tourists in addition to local hobbyists.

As the baseball card boom of the 1980s took hold, Las Vegas further cemented its status as a center of the collecting universe. Magazines like Beckett Monthly helped create a speculative frenzy around vintage cards that enriched both collectors and entrepreneurs. In Vegas, this speculation manifested in row upon row of card shops as well as the sport’s first memorabilia convention in 1982. That show in the Las Vegas Convention Center sparked an annual tradition that exists to this day as a premier destination for collectors worldwide.

By the late 1980s, the city was home to over 100 dedicated card shops. Storefronts lined Charleston and Paradise Roads catering to customers seeking the latest hype cards or searching for gems to sell. Prices soared on rookie cards of players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Darryl Strawberry. uncut sheets of Topps and Fleer discovered in forgotten warehouses from the 1950s fetched previously unthinkable sums. At the heights of madness, unopened Wax boxes from the 1970s sold for six-figure prices. It was a heyday for anyone who knew how to leverage the fickle bull market.

Like all speculative bubbles, the card boom ended with a whimper. By the early 1990s, the overproduction of modern cards coupled with reduced media attention caused a crash. Most of Vegas’s small shops simply didn’t survive the downturn. Only the biggest stores with diverse inventories made it through. Still, the city’s infrastructure and culture cultivated by boom years meant it continued drawing serious collectors. Places like the Green Valley Hobby Shop and Bill’s Baseball Cards stayed in operation for decades.

Today, Las Vegas still holds an outsized role in the modern collecting scene despite fewer dedicated shops. Conventions like the National Sports Collectors Convention and Card Shack Super Show remain annual fixtures. Auction houses like Heritage Auctions hold some of their most valuable sales of vintage memorabilia in Vegas hotels. The city’s casinos even got into the game, with shops in resorts like Bellagio that cater to wealthy tourists and part-time residents. Super mega stores like Frank & Son collectibles draw crowds every weekend with their enormous inventories.

Most importantly, the social aspect of the hobby has endured. Collectors still eagerly converge in Vegas to trade, collaborate on registries, and form business relationships unaffected by geographic distance. Apps like Collectors Universe and Blowout Cards connect people who meet up when shows bring them to the city. An entire culture born from the symbiosis of sports fandom, gambling, and nostalgia keeps the city atop the pantheon of baseball card destinations even through endless changes since the pioneer days of the Mint. Decades after flowering, Las Vegas remains baseball’s capital in the West.

2022 TOPPS MLB ALLEN AND GINTER BASEBALL BLASTER BOX TRADING CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2022 edition of Topps’ Allen & Ginter baseball trading cards brought back the nostalgia and unique inserts that collectors have come to love from the annual set. While the base cards feature current MLB players, Allen & Ginter has always strayed from the norm by incorporating interesting extras beyond just the standard baseball cards.

This year’s blaster box offered collectors 10 baseball cards along with 2 additional bonus items per pack. The standard issue packs contained 7 cards for a total of 42 cards in each sealed wax box. As with past years, the design on the front of the 2022 blaster pays homage to the classic tobacco era look that Allen & Ginter was known for in its original run from 1887-1891.

Inside collectors could find base cards showcasing today’s top players, memorable retired greats, and even rookie cards for up-and-coming young stars. Nolan Arenado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge were some of the most sought-after modern players featured. Legends like Hank Aaron, Tom Seaver, and Greg Maddux received base cards as well to represent past eras. Bobby Witt Jr. and Adley Rutschman rookie cards provided a look at future potential superstars.

In addition to the traditional baseball player cards, Allen & Ginter is renowned for its diverse inserts that take collectors down unexpected avenues. Some of the most popular parallel sets in the 2022 blasters included:

“T206” wood border cards recreating the iconic tobacco era design. Superstar parallels like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani were big hits.

“Golden Moments” highlighting amazing accomplishments across multiple sports in gold foil. A Lakers’ Jerry West card honored his Mr. Clutch persona.

“In Action” capturing iconic action shots of athletes in their element. A spectacular Ken Griffey Jr. leaping catch drew oohs and aahs.

“Famous Firsts” highlighting pioneering people and innovations on their initial steps to greatness in a rainbow foil design. The Wright Brothers’ initial flight card soared.

“Mascots” featuring the beloved costumed characters from teams. Mr. Met and the Phillie Phanatic brought smiles.

“Mini” 1/1 parallel inserts at 1/8th the size of a standard card to capture the tiniest of details. Mickey Mantle’s pure swing was magnified.

“Hobby” inserts celebrating the collecting community itself with in-jokes and nods to the hobby. “Relic” cards with swatches of game-used materials added a memorabilia element.

Allen & Ginter blasters also contained various non-sports inserts that collectors eagerly searched packs for. These offbeat bonuses are what truly set the set apart. Examples included:

“Landmarks” highlighting iconic structures and locations around the world. The Eiffel Tower and Great Wall of China postcards received rave reviews.

“Nature” showcasing plants, animals, insects, and other wonders from our natural world. A majestic bald eagle soared above forests.

“Art” recreating masterpieces from history in card form. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Starry Night were miniature works of art.

“History” capturing important people and events through time. A card honoring Rosa Parks’ civil rights stand garnered praise.

“Science” highlighting innovations and discoveries that pushed boundaries. The card unveiling the first color photograph awed collectors.

“Literature” paying tribute to beloved books and authors. A card featuring To Kill a Mockingbird and Harper Lee stirred memories.

“Movies” spotlighting iconic films and the stars that made them. Marilyn Monroe glowed on a Some Like It Hot card.

While base cards and inserts provided variety, the true chase for collectors were the highly limited parallel cards only found in certain blasters. Among the most coveted were:

Rainbow Foil parallels with brilliant colors that numbered under 10 copies. A Tom Seaver pulled a premium.

Gold Foil versions that reached the single digits. A Babe Ruth struck it rich.

Autograph cards with signatures from athletes, artists, authors and more that were 1/1 rarities. A Hank Aaron auto commanded top dollar.

Jersey Number parallel cards pairing legends with their uniform numbers in short prints. A No. 5 Willie Mays delighted.

Breaking Allen & Ginter blasters was always a fun surprise for collectors, never knowing what unique piece of history, art, or memorabilia might be uncovered in each pack. While the base cards provided the standard baseball coverage, it was the unexpected inserts across multiple genres that truly captured imaginations and brought the set to life. For both casual fans and serious collectors, 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter once again delivered a nostalgic trip down memory lane and then some.

PICTURES OF RARE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Collecting rare and valuable baseball cards has long been a hobby for many. Some of the most coveted cards were produced in the early 20th century during the dawn of the baseball card era in the late 1800s. Understandably, over 100 years later, finding many of these cards in pristine condition is an incredible feat. Collectors persist in hopes of discovering a lost treasure that could help complete their collection or provide a significant monetary return.

One of the earliest and most famous rare baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company as part of their premium offerings, this particular series included over 500 different baseball players issued between 1909-1911. The Honus Wagner included in the set has become one of the most valuable cards ever due to its rarity. It’s estimated that only 50-200 Wagner cards were printed out of the roughly 5000 sheets containing this series before American Tobacco pulled Wagner’s card for unknown reasons, likely due to his disapproval of having his image used to market tobacco. In 2021, a PSA Mint 9 graded Honus Wagner T206 card sold at auction for $6.6 million, setting a new record. Other high grade examples have also sold for millions, cementing this card as the pinnacle achievement for any serious collector.

Another early and legendary rare set is the 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards series. These contained photographic images of major league players instead of simple illustrated figures seen in most early 20th century issues. They also included stats and biographies on the backs. Only series like this from the 1930s are coveted by collectors today. Of particular note are the Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig cards, with high grade examples changing hands for over $100,000. Perhaps even more significant is the scarcity of star players like Jimmie Foxx and Lefty O’Doul, with their cards valued far above the others in the set since so few survived in good condition after nearly 90 years. Obtaining a full master set of the 193 player cards from 1933 Goudey in high grades would be nearly impossible and worth over $1 million.

Jumping ahead several decades, the 1952 Topps baseball card set holds immense significance. As the first major issues of modern cardboard culture, these simple yet iconic cards laid the groundwork for Topps’ long reign over the baseball card market. While not incredibly rare in their original production numbers, high grade vintage copies of stars from this era create a buzz amongst collectors. Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays rookie cards from 1952 Topps in pristine condition have sold for over $2 million each. Even secondary stars like Red Schoendienst and Vic Raschi can fetch five figures in top condition due to the understandable rarity of over 70 year old cards surviving without flaws all these years later. For those wishing to attain a complete 1952 Topps set in excellent shape, estimates put the price at over $350,000.

Modern production also offers opportunities for finding valuable rare cards. Errors, serial numbering oddities, precious metal parallels, and 1/1 printing plates all create possibilities. In 2007, a rare error card from the Topps Chrome football set surfaced showing Reggie Bush with a parallel line running through his head. Named the “Lineage” card in tribute to the visual line, its unprecedented anomaly made it highly coveted amongst collectors. After a bidding war, it achieved a sales price of over $100,000. Similarly, serial numbering mistakes in recent decades have unearthed rare finds. In 2019, a card numbered 4/5 from Upper Deck’s NHL Ice premiered for $16,000 due its unusual low print run designation. Often these types of anomaly cards from the modern era can gain value exponentially compared to standard issue parallels depending on the prominence of the player and uniqueness of the collecting error involved.

While financial gains are often a motivator, true collectors seek rare pieces to appreciation their history, condition, and place within the larger context of the hobby. Whether old tobacco premiums, early photograph issues, or modern manufacturing mix-ups, a steady stream of new discoveries and record sales show the enduring appetite for attaining cards few others possess. Plus, fortunes can be found buried in attics or dollar boxes, further fueling the thrill of the chase down obscure back roads of baseball card collecting. As long as the pastime continues to evolve and engage new generations, the fascination with finding premium pieces of pop culture memorabilia from earlier eras will surely keep enthusiasts vigorously hunting for their next prized addition to their personal enshrined collection.

STORAGE CABINET FOR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

When accumulating a sizable collection of baseball cards, proper storage is crucial for preserving these treasured assets. While boxes and long boxes have traditionally been used, dedicated baseball card storage cabinets offer collectors significant advantages in organization, protection, and display of their collection. This article will provide an in-depth look at baseball card storage cabinets, their benefits, and factors to consider when selecting the right one for your needs.

The most common type of baseball card storage cabinet is the vertical sliding door cabinet. These cabinets feature multiple sliding glass doors that protect card pages stored vertically inside. They come in various sizes to accommodate different collection sizes, from approximately 500 cards up to tens of thousands of cards. The sliding glass doors allow easy access to the full length pages stored inside while keeping dust and environmental factors out. Many vertical cabinets also feature internal lighting so cards can be easily viewed without having to remove pages.

Horizontal cabinets store card pages lying flat in drawers that slide in and out. They offer very organized storage of cards by set, year, team, or player. The drawers protect the cards and allow viewing without removal. Some high-end horizontal cabinets have glass tops so prized cards can be displayed while stored. Both vertical and horizontal cabinets are usually made of sturdy wood, metal, or fire-retardant materials to protect long-term against flames, moisture, and impact damage. Locking cabinet doors provide added security for valuable collections.

When choosing a baseball card storage cabinet, the foremost consideration is card quantity. Measure your existing collection and factor in room for future acquisitions. Vertical cabinets accommodate more cards per square foot due to their stacking design, while horizontals offer easier access at the expense of capacity. Cabinet dimensions, number of storage compartments, and materials used also dictate storage capacity. Consider rearranging your current collection to maximize use of the cabinet’s available storage.

Organization method should also guide cabinet selection. Vertical cabinets emphasize set-by-set or player-by-player viewing while horizontals are optimal for organizing by year, team, or other categories. Cabinet features like drawers versus pages, along with interior dividers provide customizable organizational structures. Look for accessories like special sleeves for rare cards, binder pages in various sizes, and self-adhesive pockets for streamlined storage of every card type in your collection.

Display is another key benefit of baseball card cabinets. Vertical glass doors show off entire pages at a glance. With horizontals, glass tops or interiors allow favorite cards to remain protectively stored while attractively exhibited. Interior LED lighting further enhances the aesthetic presentation. Cabinet style, finish, and optional risers or platforms let you stylishly furnish around your passion for the hobby and its history. Hardwood or metal cabinets blend seamlessly into a dedicated baseball memorabilia room or man cave.

When budget allows, materials quality is worth considering for long-term storage needs. All-wood or metal cabinets built with precision provide maximum protection from environmental threats while maintaining structural integrity through moves or accidents. Heavier-duty locking options secure cherished investments. Fire-retardancy rated interiors give additional peace of mind. Meanwhile, multifunctional cabinets with storage for other collectibles allow a more unified collection display. Extended warranties offer replacement part guarantees.

Portability is the final factor. Vertical cabinets are easily moveable while horizontals offer transport in drawer-sized stacks. Lightweight construction, built-in handles, and locking casters facilitate relocation. Some cabinets even break down into components. Carefully consider future living spaces when choosing a stationary cabinet size and configuration to avoid outgrowing your solution prematurely as your collection expands. Mobile or modular cabinets enable continued enjoyment of your baseball treasures wherever life may lead.

Dedicated baseball card storage cabinets keep collections safeguarded from threats while organized for easy access, exhibit, and growth. Selecting the right size, style, build quality, features, and portability factoring current and future needs is key to proper long-term care and enjoyment of this cherished hobby. With the right cabinet solution, collectors can proudly show off baseball history and passions for years to come. By storing cards safely in a protective purpose-built cabinet, collectors preserve baseball’s legacy one diamond at a time.

QUAKER CHEWY GRANOLA BARS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The birth of two American pastimes – chewy granola bars and baseball cards. Quaker Oats’ legendary Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and the collectible cards featuring America’s favorite pastime, baseball, both rose to popularity in the 20th century and have remained beloved snacks and collectibles for generations.

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars had humble beginnings. In the late 1960s, as the hippie movement spread across America, granola became a popular healthy snack made from oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. In 1975, Quaker Oats realized consumers wanted a more convenient portable granola experience and created the first chewy granola bar. Made with nutritious whole grain oats and other natural ingredients, the bars provided a tasty energizing snack. The inaugural chewy granola bars came individually wrapped in colorful foil packaging decorated with imagery of outdoor scenes like hiking trails and campfires, appealing to an active outdoorsy lifestyle.

The original Quaker Chewy Granola Bars were an immediate success, appealing to health conscious consumers looking for a grab and go snack. Over the decades, Quaker continued innovating by introducing new flavors like raisins and nuts or coconut cranberry and expanding varieties including protein and fiber-enriched bars. Today, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars remain America’s top-selling granola bar with over 80 million bars consumed each week in a variety of flavors from oats and honey to peanut butter puffs.

While granola bars rose to popularity in the 1970s, the collecting phenomenon of baseball cards had begun much earlier in the late 19th century. The first baseball cards were included as promotional inserts in cigarette packs starting in 1886 from companies like Allen & Ginter and Goodwin & Co. Early baseball cards featured prominent players from the time like Bug Holliday, King Kelly and Pud Galvin displayed in sepia tone photos.

In the early 20th century, candy companies like American Caramel Company and Futrell Candy Company began inserting baseball cards in candy packs like gum and Cracker Jack which helped expose the sport to a wider audience. During World War I and II, baseball card production declined due to shortages but exploded again in the post-war 1940s and 1950s as new manufacturers like Bowman, Topps and Fleer entered the market. In 1949, Topps signed an exclusive deal with Major League Baseball to produce the only officially licensed baseball cards. This exclusivity helped standardize the size and design of modern baseball cards.

The 1950s and 1960s are considered the golden age of baseball cards as production boomed and America’s national pastime reached its peak popularity. Iconic stars of the era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax were featured on vibrant colorful cards that doubled as collecting treasures and trading commodities for young baseball fans. As television brought baseball into living rooms across America, card collecting surged with an estimated 400 million or more cards printed in 1956 alone. Towards the late 1960s and 1970s, as chewy granola bars rose in popularity, the investment hype around rare cards faded but card collecting remained an integral tradition for honoring baseball’s greats.

The convergence of baseball collecting and chewy granola bars arrived in the 1980s and 1990s through innovative trading card promotions by Quaker Oats and their partnerships with professional sports leagues. In the 1980s, Quaker included baseball and football trading cards in boxes of Cap’n Crunch cereal highlighting stats and photos of superstar athletes. In the 1990s, Quaker created an entire MLB trading card line inserting packs into Chewy Granola Bars. These innovative cross-promotions brought two memorable pastimes together, allowing fans to enjoy nutritional granola snacks along with collecting the latest cards of Kenny Lofton, Pedro Martinez or Cal Ripken Jr.

To this day, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and baseball cards remain inextricably linked in nostalgic memory and tradition. Though production has declined from peak numbers, an estimated 250 million cards are still printed annually and new collectors are initiated every season. With its simple formula of oats, honey and nuts packed in foil pouches, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars have endured for over four decades while baseball cards marking over 150 years of evolution showcase America’s national pastime. Both remain nostalgic items passed down through generations and continue connecting communities with fond memories of peeling back foil or cracking open wax packs in pursuit of childhood favorites. Together, they show how certain snacks and collectibles can become ingrained in the American cultural fabric.