VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1990

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The 1990 baseball card season featured several young stars and hall of famers that have produced some of the most valuable cards from that year. While not as iconic as the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie or 1909 T206 Honus Wagner, there are 1990s cards that can fetch thousands of dollars today for the right player and grade. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy 1990 baseball cards that have held or increased substantially in value over the past 30 years.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (Upper Deck #1) – Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s 1990 Upper Deck rookie is easily the top card from the set and the year. In pristine mint condition, this card has sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered excellent or near mint copies commonly sell for $2,000-5,000. Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league in decades and his card took off immediately. It has only increased in demand over time as his Hall of Fame career cemented his legacy.

Frank Thomas Rookie (Bowman #340) – Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie card announced the arrival of a true star in 1990. An MVP, 5-time All-Star, and one of the game’s most feared hitters of the 1990s, Thomas’ rookie established him as an integral part of the sport’s next generation of superstars. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have broken $10,000 at auction. Most near mint to excellent copies in the $500-1,500 range remain a solid investment graded card even after 30+ years.

Ben McDonald Rookie (Score #30) – One of the rare pre-rookie cards to fetch big money decades later. As the #1 pick in the 1989 draft and an exciting flamethrower for the Orioles, McDonald’s 1989 Score Traded rookie created massive hype that spilled into the 1990 release. Struck out Teddy Higuera for his first career K. PSA 10s have reached over $4,000 despite an injury plagued career. Specs drove early demand and it remains a sought after Orioles RC.

Derek Jeter Rookie (Topps Traded #27T) – Arguably the most iconic Yankees rookie card of all-time outside of Mickey Mantle’s. Jeter quickly established himself as the new face of pinstripes and winning in the post-Gehrig era. PSA 10s consistently sell for $6,000-10,000. Even well-centered NM/MT7 copies can find buyers north of $1,500. One of the few 1990s rookies that shows no signs of declining in value long-term.

Dale Murphy ’84 Insert (Donruss #127) – Many remember Murphy for his back-to-back NL MVP awards earlier in the decade, but he remained a solid, consistent player through the late 80s. His 1984 return engagement insert from Donruss paid homage to his career year. The 1-of-1 parallel created considerable scarcity buzz that drives prices of top graded copies (of which there are few) well above $10,000.

Barry Larkin Rookie (Bowman #132) – An oft-overlooked but highly accomplished Reds shortstop and 12-time All-Star. Larkin’s slick defense and underrated offensive game make him a borderline Hall of Famer on most ballots. His high-gloss Bowman rookie from 1990 is arguably undervalued given his career achievements. PSA 10s trade in the $1,000-2,000 range while NM/MT7 copies can usually be found for $200-500.

Bryce Florie Rookie (Fleer #360) – On the surface an odd choice until you realize how scarce it is to find any 1990 Fleer card of this former reliever in near flawless condition. The extreme rarity has elevated even PSA 8 copies into the $500+ range when they hit auction, as finding them pristine is like spotting Bigfoot. Florie posted a long 14-year MLB career but just 320 copies of this rookie were printed.

Mariano Rivera Rookie (Minor League – Albany Cardinals) – While not truly a “rookie” card, Rivera’s first issued Stateside trading card came during his time in the minors with the Albany Cardinals in 1990. High-grade examples can reach $600-1,000 despite a relatively unknown player at the time before emerging as the greatest closer in MLB history.

Nolan Ryan Final Season (1990 Score #76) – Calling it a career after 27 seasons and 7 no-hitters, Ryan was a living legend when he pitched his swan song for the Rangers in 1990. This send-off from Score pays tribute to an iconic career. PSA 10s have topped $1,000 with solid demand for high grades of #79’s final official baseball card.

Ken Griffey Sr. (1989 O-Pee-Chee #120) – An incredibly scarce Canadian exclusive card of the senior Griffey, who was still an effective role player for the Mariners and Reds at this point in his stellar career. In sharp contrast to the junior’s rookie above, a true white whale for collectors to seek. Even low-grade examples can attract bids north of $500 when available.

Valuable 1990 baseball cards tend to revolve around young superstar rookies like Griffey Jr., Thomas, and Jeter who lived up to the hype. There are also cards of veterans, HOFers, and even prospects that gained collector interest for other reasons like scarcity, parallel variations, or career milestones. Condition remains critical, but high grades of the right 1990s players can still deliver for investors after three decades.

BEST BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS OF THE 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. After a lull in the late 1970s, the baseball card industry boomed in the ’80s thanks to increased collecting interest and the rise of star players who would define the era. Several rookies from the 1980s went on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards are among the most valuable in the hobby. Here are some of the best and most coveted baseball rookie cards from the 1980s:

Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck): Widely considered the best and most iconic rookie card of the 1980s, Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie is the crown jewel for collectors from this decade. Griffey was one of the first big-name players to have his rookie card in Upper Deck’s inaugural set in 1989, which helped skyrocket the brand to new heights. With his sweet swing and effortless style of play, Griffey was an instant star as a 19-year old for the Mariners in 1989. He would go on to have a legendary 22-year career. In pristine gem mint condition, his rookie currently ranks as one of the most expensive baseball cards ever, selling for well over $100,000.

Barry Bonds (1986 Topps): Bonds’ rookie card came at the start of one of the most decorated careers in MLB history. Despite playing just 16 games in 1986, Bonds’ prodigious talent was evident from the beginning. He would win 7 MVP awards and break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. In high grade, his iconic 1986 Topps rookie has sold for over $30,000.

Frank Thomas (1991 Upper Deck): The Big Hurt’s rookie card was another early Upper Deck gem that has held its value tremendously. Thomas was rookie of the year in 1990 with the White Sox and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite. In mint condition, his 1991 Upper Deck RC has sold for over $10,000.

Chipper Jones (1991 Fleer Ultra): Jones was an 18-year old phenom when he made his debut with the Braves in 1995. His rookie card came in 1991 Fleer Ultra, which was one of the premier baseball sets of that year that also featured Griffey and Piazza rookies. Jones went on to a Hall of Fame career spent entirely with Atlanta, where he won an MVP and hit over 400 home runs. His rookie has sold for over $5,000 in high grades.

Derek Jeter (1992 Bowman): As the captain and longtime face of the Yankees dynasty, Jeter’s rookie card from 1992 Bowman is a must-have for collectors. Still just a prospect in 1992, Jeter’s smooth defense and clutch hitting would define his career. The 1992 Bowman set is also highly coveted by collectors because it was one of the first mainstream baseball card releases to feature rookie cards after a long absence. Jeter’s iconic rookie has sold for over $4,000 in top condition.

Greg Maddux (1986 Donruss): Maddux debuted with the Cubs in 1986 and immediately established himself as one of the game’s best pitchers, winning 4 Cy Young awards between 1992-1995. His rookie card came from 1986 Donruss and featured the unassuming pitcher who would become one of the best control artists in MLB history. High graded examples have sold for over $3,000.

Tom Glavine (1987 Topps): Another pitching great who debuted in 1987, Glavine’s rookie card stands out from his first Topps issue. The lefty went on to win 305 games and 2 Cy Youngs between the Braves and Mets. With over 25 years in the big leagues, Glavine had one of the longest and most durable careers of any pitcher in history. His 1987 Topps rookie has reached $2,000.

Mark McGwire (1986 Topps): McGwire’s rookie season with the A’s was relatively light, but his prodigious power was evident even in limited playing time. He’d explode onto the national scene in 1987 by smashing 49 home runs, a rookie record at the time. His career took an even bigger turn in 1998 when he and Sosa engaged in a epic home run race. Despite controversies later in his career, McGwire’s rookie card remains a key piece for 80s collectors, selling for over $1,000.

Randy Johnson (1988 Fleer): The Big Unit’s intimidating presence was already evident in his rookie season split between the Expos and Mariners. His blazing fastball would make him one of the most dominant pitchers ever, piling up over 4,000 strikeouts. Johnson’s rookie card came from 1988 Fleer and has increased steadily in value in recent years, as interest grows in his legendary career. High graded examples have sold for over $800.

Sandy Koufax (1956 Topps): While not technically a 1980s rookie card, Koufax’s legendary 1956 Topps rookie is included because it marked one of the most dramatic rookie cards ever issued. Koufax didn’t break out as a star until 1959, but that only adds to the intrigue of his early rookie card, which in gem mint condition has sold for over $50,000 given his epic run with the Dodgers.

The 1980s produced some of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards in baseball history, headlined by the likes of Griffey, Bonds, Thomas and Jeter. For collectors, owning high quality examples of these rookies serves as a portal back to that exciting decade when these future legends were just getting their start in the major leagues. The cards themselves have grown into valuable pieces of pop culture and sports memorabilia from one of the golden eras of the game.

1982 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1982 Fleer baseball card set is a very interesting one in terms of valuable cards collectors seek. While it did not have the star rookies or hall of famers of other years, there are still some cards that can fetch a good price today if in the right condition. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1982 Fleer cards that are worth focusing on if found in a collection.

We’ll start with one of the true gems of the set – the Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card. While Ripken didn’t start putting up his huge numbers until later in his career in the 1980s, his iconic status and lengthy consecutive games streak have made this one of the most sought after rookie cards in the hobby. In near mint to mint condition, the Ripken rookie regularly sells for $500-1000. High graded gem mint example over PSA 10 can reach over $2000. This is truly one of the big ticket cards from the set.

Another key rookie is that of Kirby Puckett. Puckett went on to have a stellar 12-year career including 6 All-Star selections and 2 World Series titles with the Twins. He was known for his hustle, leadership, and clutch hitting. The 1982 Fleer Puckett rookie in good condition sells for around $75-150 usually. Higher graded gems in the PSA 8-10 range can command $300-500. It’s considered one of the more affordable Hall of Fame rookie cards to acquire.

A card that is surprisingly pricey given the player is the Ricky Henderson rookie. Henderson is considered one of the game’s all-time greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers, but his rookie card hasn’t reached the heights of other positional players. Still, in nice centered and well-kept condition his rookie sells in the range of $50-100. Higher graded mint 9s or 10s can reach $150-250 plus depending on the market. Fans still value it for Henderson’s elite speed and stolen base records.

Two other rookie cards to watch for that can provide a nice return are those of Fernando Valenzuela and Shawon Dunston. “Fernandomania” swept LA in 1981 with the rookie phenom’s dominating performances. His 1982 Fleer rookie in good shape sells for $40-75 typically. Top graded pristine gems reach up to $150-250. Dunston wasn’t a future Hall of Famer like the others, but he had some good seasons in the late 1980s for the Cubs. His rookie in quality condition can sell for $30-50.

Moving beyond the rookies, there were a few star veterans and key performers whose cards hold added value as well. One is that of Nolan Ryan. Ryan was already a legend by 1982 with multiple no-hitters under his belt. His card in nice focused condition sells in the $15-25 range typically. High graded specimens like PSA 10 Gems can command over $100. Collectors love acquiring cards showing Ryan’s dominance on the mound.

Another powerful hurler who appears is Steve Carlton. “Lefty” was in the midst of winning four straight Cy Young Awards during this time period and his card depicting his smooth lefty motion holds steady value. A quality example can go for $10-15. Higher graded PSA 9s or Mint cards push closer to $25-40. His legendary status helps his cards maintain collectors’ interest over the decades.

Staying with pitching legends, two other notable names are Tom Seaver and Don Sutton. Seaver was well past his Mets prime by ’82 but his smooth delivery and classic pose are iconic in baseball circles. His card sells for $8-15 normally depending on condition. Sutton was still in his later Dodgers/Astros years as a workhorse. His card usually sells in the $7-10 range. Top graded versions can reach $15-20 each.

A position player from that era who deserves a mention is Pete Rose, in the midst of chasing the hits record. His aggressive style and determination resonated with many fans. His ’82 Fleer sells around $8-12 normally in nice condition. Higher graded specimens have sold for up to $20-25 as part of collections before.

In terms of team card subsets there are a couple that stand out as well. One is the popular Traded set, consisting of players recently shipped to new teams. If a high profile name is pulled, it can add value. For example, a Darrell Porter to Angels Traded card may fetch $8-12 in good condition given his place in franchise history.

Lastly, the Future Stars subset focusing on top prospects is always an intriguing mini-set to find. Cards like Joe Carter, Willie McGee, or Tim Raines in this subset sell for $5-10 normally depending on the name. Higher graded specimens could reach the $10-15 range each. It’s fun to see how these youngsters careers played out after seeing their potential on these cards first.

While the 1982 Fleer set lacked true superstar rookies like some other years, there are still several cards that hold significance in terms of players’ careers or that key rookie debut that collectors seek out. With the right grading and centering, specimens of Cal Ripken Jr, Kirby Puckett, Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton and others can provide a solid return. For those digging through old wax packs and boxes, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these cards that demonstrate the allure and value certain vintage issues maintain even after nearly 40 years.

FLEER 1989 BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was the third annual issue of Fleer’s baseball card series that began in 1987 when they acquired the license to produce cards from Topps. The ’89 Fleer set would mark another iconic year in the hobby as it featured some of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers.

The set contains a total of 792 cards and was issued in wax packs containing 5 cards each. The design featured a simple black and white photo on a colorful border that was typical of Fleer’s style at the time. One of the unique aspects of the ’89 Fleer set was the inclusion of “Traded” subsets highlighting players that were dealt to new teams midway through the 1988 season. These traded cards helped collectors keep up with the many player transactions that took place on an annual basis.

Some of the biggest stars and most valuable cards featured in the 1989 Fleer set include Nolan Ryan (#1), Orel Hershiser (#2), Roger Clemens (#3), Wade Boggs (#4), and Ryne Sandberg (#5). Each of these players were superstars in their prime during the late 80s. Nolan Ryan’s card in particular holds legendary status as one of the most iconic in the entire hobby due to his intimidating stare and legendary status as arguably the greatest pitcher of all-time.

Other notable star rookies and prospects included in the 1989 Fleer set were Barry Bonds (#33), Greg Maddux (#99), Tom Glavine (#132), David Justice (#155), and Kenny Lofton (#186). Each of these players went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers and their rookie cards from the ’89 Fleer set are highly sought after by collectors today. Bonds and Maddux in particular are two of the greatest players of their generation and their rookie cards can fetch thousands of dollars in top grades.

In addition to starring active players, the 1989 Fleer set also included retired legends of the game with the inclusion of “Legends of the Game” subset. This special subset featured 21 cards honoring past stars like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Jackie Robinson. Including retired stars helped connect both new and older collectors to the history and tradition of the game. The “Legends of the Game” cards are also highly valuable today, especially for the all-time greats like Ruth and Robinson.

One of the more unique aspects of the 1989 Fleer set were the inclusion of “Traded” subset cards highlighting players that switched teams via trade during the middle of the 1988 season. These traded cards included 34 total players that were dealt to new clubs prior to the start of the 1989 season. Examples include Eric Davis traded from Cincinnati to the Dodgers, Bob Welch traded from Oakland to the Dodgers, and Dennis Eckersley traded from the Cubs to the A’s. These traded subsets helped collectors keep up with all the roster movement from season to season.

In terms of chase cards and insert sets included in the 1989 Fleer base set, there were only a handful of notable short prints and special parallels. The big three chase cards included the Nolan Ryan Traded (#T1) card, Orel Hershiser Traded (#T2) card, and the Mike Greenwell Traded (#T34) card which were considerably more scarce than their base counterparts. There was also a “Fleer Futures” insert set highlighting top prospects that included cards like Barry Larkin, Gregg Jefferies, and Ben McDonald. Overall though, the 1989 Fleer set lacked many of the modern insert sets and parallels collectors expect today.

When it comes to the overall condition and availability of the 1989 Fleer baseball card set in the current market, most of the stars and key rookie cards can still be obtained in lower grades. High grade examples of the Nolan Ryan, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and other top cards have become quite scarce and valuable. A PSA 10 Nolan Ryan can fetch over $10,000 while a PSA 10 Barry Bonds rookie exceeds $3,000. Even more common stars in high grades command hundreds to low thousands. The 1989 Fleer set endures as one of the most iconic issues due to its star power and inclusion of future Hall of Famers.

The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was truly a who’s who of the game at the time and featured some of the biggest stars, future Hall of Famers, and rookie cards of all-time. From Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens to Barry Bonds and Greg Maddux, this set captured the game at one of its most exciting periods. While it lacked modern parallels and inserts, the inclusion of retired legends and traded subsets gave collectors valuable context. Whether trying to complete a full set or acquire individual star cards, the 1989 Fleer issue remains a highly collectible part of the hobby that connects to the rich history of late 80s/early 90s baseball. Its iconic stars and rookie cards ensure this set will endure for generations of collectors to come.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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Willie Mays is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, so it’s no surprise that Willie Mays baseball cards are some of the most valuable in the hobby. Mays had a legendary 24-year career spanning from 1951 to 1973 mostly with the New York and San Francisco Giants. He was an incredible all-around player who could do it all – hit for power and average, run the bases, and play incredible defense in center field. His iconic style of play made him incredibly popular and lots of kids collected his cards as he was playing. Now decades later, those early Willie Mays cards have skyrocketed in value and are highly sought after by serious card collectors and investors.

One of Mays’ most famous and valuable rookie cards is his 1951 Bowman card. The 1951 Bowman set is considered one of the most important in baseball card history as it was among the first popular post-World War 2 issues as the hobby was taking off again. Mays’ vibrant color photo, with him in a New York Giants uniform from his rookie season in 1951, graces the design. In near-mint condition, a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays in a PSA 8 or 9 grade can sell for over $100,000. Pristine PSA 10 examples in a recent Golden Auctions sale went for over $189,000 and $192,000 respectively, setting new record prices. Condition is extremely critical for these ultra-rare and collectible cards.

For the true Willie Mays aficionado collector, his iconic 1952 Topps card is also extremely desirable. The 1952 Topps set is one of the most visually appealing designs ever and featured Mays prominently on the front in an action shot swinging the bat. High-grade versions in PSA 8 or 9 condition with strong centering and sharp corners typically sell in the $25,000 range. PSA 10 gem mint specimens have cracked the $100,000 price point before, an incredible return on investment from a single mass-produced baseball card released over 60 years ago. Like the 1951 Bowman, condition is everything for maximizing value on these classic Mays rookie cards from his early playing days.

Other early Willie Mays cards that can fetch big money from dedicated collectors include his 1956 Topps, 1957 Topps, and 1962 Topps issues. The 1956 Topps card shows Mays playing the outfield for the New York Giants in vibrantly illustrated style. In PSA 9 or 10 condition, values are $2,500-$4,500 depending on centering and surface quality. The high-res photo style 1957 Topps Mays goes for around $1,500-$2,500 in top grades. Perhaps his most iconic individual card portrait is found on the 1962 Topps design, just after Mays was traded to the San Francisco Giants. A PSA 9 of this colorful card can sell for over $1,000.

Condition always plays a huge role, but sometimes valuable error cards or variants of Mays’ early issues can be worth big money too. For example, the rare 1951 Bowman Mays with an inverted center (his name and position labels switched places) has sold for over $40,000 in graded holders. And the elusive 1953 Topps Mays “bar error” where the red bar across his name is omitted completely is valued over $10,000 in top condition. Other scarce finds like miscut cards, oddball team variants, or printing plate material featuring Mays’ image are highly sought by advanced collectors.

As Mays entered the later stages of his career in the 1960s with the San Francisco Giants, the values of his cards from this “Indian Summer” period are more moderate compared to his true rookie issues. Still, graded examples of his popular 1963, 1964, and 1965 Topps cards in high grades can bring $100-$300 each depending on condition factors. His 1966 and 1967 designs from Topps sell in the $50 range when gem mint. Even in the twilight of his career with the New York Mets in the early 1970s, Mays’ final cards remain popular investments graded at the PSA/BGS 9-10 level for $75-150 each.

Perhaps Mays’ most visually stunning card comes from 1967 when Topps produced their pioneering “Action Portraits” design. This dramatic black-and-white action photo captures the Say Hey Kid unleashing a powerful swing. Even well-circulated copies in worn condition sell for $25-50 due to the iconic image. Top-graded specimens can bring over $1,000 in the marketplace from avid collectors. For many, this unique pose perfectly represents the all-out hustle and passion that defined Mays as one of baseball’s true ambassadors.

In summary – whether you seek out rare rookie issues like his 1951 Bowman or 1952 Topps, prefer iconic late career portraits, or simply want an investment-quality example – Willie Mays baseball cards spanning his entire 24-year tenure are some of the most blue-chip holdings in the entire collectibles economy. Savvy investors know that top-graded specimens from the early years of this five-tool Hall of Famer will retain and increase their value for decades to come. Even for casual fans, owning any Mays card is a privilege to hold a piece of living baseball history from one of its all-time greats. Condition and rarity are key to maximizing value, but simply having “The Say Hey Kid” as part of your collection is reward in itself.

WALGREENS PHOTO BASEBALL CARDS

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Walgreens is a well-known American retail pharmacy chain with over 9,000 stores across the United States. While best known for offering pharmacy services and selling health and wellness products, Walgreens also operates a photo center department in many stores where customers can create personalized photo gifts and prints. One popular offering at Walgreens photo centers for baseball fans are customized baseball cards that can be made with a customer’s own photo on the front.

Creating personalized baseball cards at Walgreens allows anyone to feel like they are part of America’s favorite pastime. Whether it is for a kid’s birthday party, a player in an adult recreational baseball league, or just for fun, Walgreens photo baseball cards provide a unique and memorable gift idea. The process is simple – a customer uploads a digital photo of themselves or whoever will be featured on the card. Walgreens photo specialists then use that image and design templates resembling classic baseball cards to produce full color 4″ x 6″ prints.

Many design elements and statistical categories from real baseball cards can be customized on Walgreens photo cards. The front of the card features the main headshot photo while additional stats and bios can be added to the back. Categories like position played, batting average, home runs, runs batted in, and earned run average are common on baseball cards and Walgreens allows text to be filled in for each applicable to the “player.” Jerseys numbers, team names and logos from real Major League Baseball franchises can also be selected to make the cards as realistic as possible. For children’s parties, creative stats like “cookies eaten” or “times tackled brother” can be used.

In addition to standard photo paper prints, Walgreens also offers higher quality card stock options for the baseball cards that more closely resemble the thick coated stock found in packs of official MLB or Topps brand cards. The card stock prints have a smoother finish and sturdier feel which helps sell the illusion that the cards are real pro cards. For an extra customized touch, holograms, glossy overlays or metallic foil stamping can be added to Walgreens photo baseball cards as well. These premium embellishments enhance the collectible aspect and nostalgia of the cards.

When ordering bulk quantities of Walgreens baseball cards, the store’s photo lab technicians have templates pre-programed to automatically lay out cards efficiently on photo sheets without wasted space. Multiple cards per page allows for lower per card pricing in volume orders. Customers can select from several different card layout templates spanning 1-4 cards per 8.5″ x 11″ sheet depending on the number being produced. The digital files are then sent to a high volume printer and cutter to produce the finished customized baseball cards ready for packaging and delivery.

Common bulk uses of Walgreens photo baseball cards include making them as goody bag favors or party prizes for children’s baseball tournaments and camp games. Coaches, friends and families also like to give sets of personalized cards to recognize player accomplishments and stats from a season. Adult recreational leagues and company softball teams have taken to commissioning Walgreens baseball cards as well to commemorate summer seasons together.

For collectors looking to assemble full customized sets of cards around creative themes, Walgreens is also able to handle longer and more involved projects. “Superhero League” cards featuring coworkers or family members faces photoshopped onto characters like Batman and Wonder Woman have been popular. Fictional league cards involving pets, historical figures or made up RPG characters can also provide creative outlets. Professional photographers have even worked with Walgreens to produce extensive themed card sets replicating the look of specific real MLB teams through the decades for dedicated fans.

A notable benefit of ordering Walgreens baseball cards over simply creating photos elsewhere is the templates and design capabilities. Layouts, graphics, fonts and statistical categories match closely to what people expect from authentic cards while still allowing for personalization. This helps cards feel like actual collectibles rather than simple photos printed on cardstock paper. Templates make replicating the production of large sets turnkey as well. Overall costs are also reasonable considering the added value of customization compared to buying generic sheets of blank stock or prints online.

While online retailers have since emerged with similar baseball card customization capabilities, Walgreens was a pioneer in offering the service and remains a convenient neighborhood option. Their retail photo labs lend an ease of simply uploading files through the on-site kiosks or submitting digital orders in-person. Being able to preview designs and have the physical finished cards in-hand promptly makes photo baseball cards an perfect option for spontaneous party favors, gifts or creative projects. The personalized collectibles tap into people’s nostalgia for the hobby while keeping friends and family connected to cherished pop culture pastimes through a unique gift idea only available from Walgreens.

BEST 1994 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1994 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the brand during the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While not quite as coveted or expensive as some of the flagship Topps sets from that era, the ’94 Donruss set still featured many of the game’s biggest stars and top rookie cards from that season. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable cards collectors seek out from the 1994 Donruss baseball release.

Ken Griffey Jr. was already one of the game’s brightest young stars by 1994 and remained one of the most popular and collectible players even as the baseball card market started to decline. As a result, his basic rookie card from 1989 Fleer is among the most expensive cards ever. While not a rookie, Griffey’s main card from the ’94 Donruss set is still highly sought after by collectors. The clean and colorful design highlights Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies in particular command big money due to Griffey’s immense popularity and the card’s iconic design from the height of the junk wax era. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for high-grade versions.

Another huge star from the 1990s was Frank Thomas, who was coming off back-to-back AL MVP awards in ’93 and ’94. “The Big Hurt” was a feared run producer in the middle of the White Sox lineup and his powerful left-handed swing translated perfectly to baseball cards. The photo on his main ’94 Donruss card shows Thomas unleashing one of those mighty cuts. Like Griffey, PSA 10 versions of “Frank The Tank’s” card from ’94 Donruss are quite valuable, often selling for $150-200 or more given his Hall of Fame caliber career.

Rookie cards are always highly sought after by collectors and the 1994 Donruss set featured several future Hall of Famers and star players who were just starting out in the big leagues. One of the most iconic is the Derek Jeter rookie, showing the smooth-fielding shortstop launching a throw from deep in the hole. Jeter would go on to have a storied 20-year career entirely with the Yankees and is now a first-ballot Hall of Famer. As one of the most collectible rookie cards ever due to Jeter’s success and popularity, high-grade versions command enormous sums. Even well-centered but lower graded Jeter rookies sell for $50-100.

Another star-studded rookie class included Jason Giambi, who smacked over 400 career home runs. Giambi’s powerful left-handed swing is on full display in his ’94 Donruss RC. While not in the same stratosphere as Jeter, PSA 10 Giambi rookies still sell for $150-250 due to his offensive prowess. Chipper Jones also had his rookie season in 1994 and went on to a Hall of Fame career largely spent with the Atlanta Braves. Jones’ sweet lefty swing is shown on his ’94 Donruss RC, with PSA 10s valued around $150-200.

Pitching prospects are always a gamble, but some paid off big from the 1994 rookie class. One was Pedro Martinez, who burst onto the scene with the Los Angeles Dodgers in ’95 before becoming a Red Sox legend and three-time Cy Young winner. His ’94 Donruss RC shows the lanky righty in his windup, with high-grade versions valued at $75-150. Another hurler who had a solid career was Omar Daal, whose overhand delivery is depicted on his rookie card. While not in the same class as Pedro or other RCs, graded Daal rookies still sell for $15-30.

In addition to star players and valuable rookie cards, the 1994 Donruss set featured several popular parallel and insert sets that added to the excitement of the release. The “Diamond Kings” parallel featured refractors of the biggest stars of the era. Copies of the ultra-short printed Ken Griffey Jr. Diamond King parallel in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $2,000. Other popular Diamond Kings include Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, and Cal Ripken Jr. Another insert set was “Donruss Champions” which paid tribute to retired Hall of Famers. High-grade versions of cards honoring legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax can fetch $50-150 depending on the player.

While overproduction and saturation hurt long-term values for most mid-range cards from the early ’90s, the best rookie cards, parallels, and stars from the 1994 Donruss baseball release have held up surprisingly well. Fueled by strong player performance and nostalgia for the design aesthetics of the junk wax era, select cards continue to attract serious collector interest and command big prices when high-grade copies surface on the market. For players and sets that defined that time in the sport, 1994 Donruss remains one of the most iconic releases from the baseball card boom.

62 POST BASEBALL CARDS

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Introduction
While most collectors and fans are familiar with traditional baseball cards produced from the late 19th century through the 1980s, there was also a parallel universe of postcards featuring baseball players, teams and stadiums that existed during the same era. Often overlooked today, baseball postcards were a popular collectible and way to share information about the national pastime for decades. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of 62 post baseball cards – their history, production, subject matter and cultural significance.

Early Origins
Some of the earliest known baseball postcards date back to the turn of the 20th century during the deadball era. Companies like American Tobacco and baseball card manufacturers like American Caramel began experimenting with postcard sized cards as an alternative format. These early examples often featured individual players, teams and ballparks. Production was still finding its footing during these early years with inconsistencies in photo quality, player information and card stock. They helped promote the sport and served as affordable collectibles for fans.

Golden Age of Production 1920s-1950s
The golden age of baseball postcard production spanned from the 1920s through the 1950s, overlapping with the peak decades of traditional baseball cards. During this time, hundreds of different baseball postcards were produced each year by major publishers like International News, Star, E.C. Publications and Bell Brand as well as smaller regional printers. Subject matter expanded to include action shots, team portraits, ballparks and stadiums. Production quality greatly improved with standardized sizing, glossy photo stock and detailed player stats/biographies on the backs. Distribution was widespread through drugstores, tobacco shops, candy stores and even at ballparks themselves. These postcards helped connect fans to their favorite players during summer on the farm or away from home.

Decline in the Late 1950s-1960s
As the 1950s came to a close, the production and popularity of baseball postcards began to decline for a few key reasons. Television was bringing the game into more homes nationwide, lessening the need for static baseball imagery. The advent of glossy color photograph baseball cards in the late 1950s also siphoned off collector interest. Meanwhile, rising postage costs and the space race era made postcards seem outdated. The last great baseball postcard series were produced in the early 1960s before the format faded into obscurity, surviving primarily as a collectible from an earlier era.

Subject Matter and Imagery
Over the decades of production, baseball postcards covered a wide variety of subjects that gave fans visual access to the game in an era before TV and internet. Common imagery included:

Individual player portraits – Showcasing the face and uniform of star players from Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle. Often with stats and biographical details.

Team shots – Group photos of uniformed players arranged by team. Sometimes included full rosters on the back.

Action shots – Exciting plays frozen in time like home runs, catches and pitches.

Ballpark/stadium shots – Exterior and interior views to promote the grandeur of the facilities.

League leaders – Highlighting batting, ERA or other statistical champions each season.

All-Star teams – Roster postcards for mid-summer classics in the 1930s-1950s.

Promotional – For special events, seasons openings/closings or to advertise specific brands.

Retrospective – Looking back on historic teams, players and seasons from previous eras.

This variety of subjects at different levels of play made postcards accessible to both die-hard and casual baseball fans nationwide.

Cultural Impact and Collecting Today
During their peak decades, baseball postcards served important cultural functions beyond just cards for the mail. They helped connect fans to players in the pre-internet/TV age and promoted the game in small towns. The vivid imagery also documented the evolving styles of uniforms, equipment and ballpark architecture. While the collectible market for vintage baseball postcards is smaller than cards, dedicated collectors still seek out rare examples to preserve this unique piece of baseball history. Grading services like PSA also authenticate and encapsulate high grade vintage postcards. Though their original purpose sending messages through the mail is long gone, baseball postcards remain a cherished connection to the past for collectors today.

Baseball postcards deserve recognition alongside traditional cards as an important part of the sport’s collectible history. For decades they provided affordable access to the game through vivid imagery and stats in an era without modern media. While their production has faded, these nostalgic cardboard communicators from a bygone time still excite collectors with their visual connection to baseball’s past. The wide variety of subjects and eras captured on 62 post make them a treasure trove of historical documentation and nostalgia for fans and historians alike.

HOT SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible for both casual fans and diehard hobbyists alike. The trading card industry exploded in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the height of the industry’s boom years. Despite ups and downs over the past few decades, certain modern-era and vintage baseball cards continue to attract significant interest from collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest selling baseball cards on the secondary market today.

Perhaps the most coveted and high-priced baseball card available is the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 10 Gem Mint. Mantle, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, is the face of Topps’ inaugural 1952 set and remains one of the sport’s most enduring and charismatic stars over 70 years later. In pristine mint condition, graded and encapsulated by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) as a perfect “10,” an example of Mantle’s iconic rookie card recently sold at auction for a record $5.2 million in January 2022. While most collectors will never afford a true gem mint example, 1952 Topps Mantle rookie cards in lower PSA grades stillCommand five and six-figure prices.

Another hugely desirable vintage card is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. The ultra-rare Wagner card, featuring the Pittsburgh Pirates shortsop who is also considered one of the earliest stars of the game, has become the undisputed king of collectibles not just in the sports card world but across all hobbies. Fewer than 60 high-grade examples are known to exist according to the PSA population report. In 2021, a PSA 2 example sold for $7.25 million, marking the second-highest price ever paid for a single sports card. Despite the stratospheric prices, T206 Wagners in lower, affordable grades for most collectors still trade hands regularly for six-figure sums.

On the modern side, one of the most sought-after rookie cards is the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron. Aaron went on to set the all-time home run record and have a Hall of Fame career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves franchise. High-grade ’57 Aarons regularly sell for tens of thousands of dollars each. Another hot modern rookie is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, with PSA 8s selling in the low six-figure range and pristine PSA 10 Gems going for well over $1 million. The 1952 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle is equally as desirable but notoriously difficult to acquire grades of 8 or above.

Rookie cards of star pitchers also command big money. The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan, featuring one of the game’s most intimidating hurlers with a record seven no-hitters to his name, steadily climbs in value with each passing year. Pristine examples change hands for $100,000 or more. Meanwhile, the 1969 Topps Tom Seaver, depicting “Tom Terrific” in his first of three Cy Young Award-winning seasons with the New York Mets,consistently attracts large bids. Top-graded Seaver rookies appeal to both serious vintage collectors and passionate Mets fans.

Modern star cards also prove popular with collectors. The 1987 Topps Griffey Rookie of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. in the iconic Mariners silhouette design remains a top seller more than 35 years later. High-grade Junior rookie cards still trade for five-figure sums. The 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout Rookie Autograph Blue Refractorserial #/’d /25 is at the apex of the stratosphere with recent seven-figure sales. A PSA 10 Blue Refractor of the Angels outfielder sold for $3.84 million in August 2021. Lower-numbered Trout autographs from flagship releases like Bowman also now demand serious six-figure prices.

Besides star players, rare and short-printed parallel issue cards can be big money as well. The 2009 Topps Ted Williams Parallel Red #/57 parallel is coveted for its legendary subject and serial-numbered scarcity. High-grade examples approach or surpass $100,000 depending on market conditions. The pioneering 2006 Topps Chrome Refractors that ignited the superfractor craze are endlessly hunted,especially star rookies like the Evan Longoria Refractor Blue parallel /25which trades for $30,000+ in pristine condition. Black parallel refractors typically pull five-figure sums or greater.

Vintage greats like Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver plus modern stars like Trout, Griffey and Ryan will likely always be in high demand. While true gem vintage hall of famers push well into the millions, there are still plenty of collectibles from the 1950s-2000s golden era of production that fulfill rosters for collectors of most budgets. Condition-sensitive parallels and serial-numbered inserts remain a reliable area of growth as well. As long as baseball captures imaginations worldwide, its trading cards will continue sparking nostalgia and appreciation for the game’s rich history.

22 KT GOLD BASEBALL CARDS

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While most baseball cards are printed on plain paper or cardstock, there exists a rare category of cards that are printed or embossed on thin sheets of 22 karat gold. These luxurious gold baseball cards were produced in very limited quantities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as high-end novelty and collector’s items. Let’s take a deeper look at the history and allure of these opulent pieces of sports memorabilia.

Some of the earliest known gold baseball cards date back to the 1880s, during the early decades of organized professional baseball in America. Tobacco and candy companies began experimenting with premium collectibles inserted in packs and boxes as a marketing gimmick to entice customers. Around 1887, Good & Plenty candies included a series of 50 cards featuring star players of the time printed on gold-toned foil. While the gold material was actually a thin gold-colored metal rather than true gold, it represented the first attempt to use a precious metal substrate for sports cards.

In the 1890s, several tobacco brands released limited series of actual 22 karat gold cards. Allen & Ginter is credited with the first authenticated issue around 1891, depicting stars like Cap Anson and Buck Ewing on small laminated gold leaves. Other notable early gold card releases came from Mayo Cut Plug tobacco in 1894 and Piedmont Cigarettes in 1897. These scarce collectibles featured some of baseball’s first superstars in ornate embossed or lithographed designs on sheets of gold measuring about 2×3 inches. Only a few hundred examples are known to exist today from these pioneering gold card sets.

The golden age of gold baseball cards truly began in the early 1900s. As the growing baseball card collecting hobby took off, premium manufacturers sought new ways to entice dedicated fans. In 1903, the famous Leaf Tobacco Company issued one of the most extravagant and iconic gold card sets ever produced – a 50 card series featuring the top players from the National and American Leagues, each imprinted on a large 6×9 inch sheet of 22 karat gold foil. Only 1,000 sets were printed, making individual cards incredibly rare a century later. Other notable full gold sets came from Sweet Caporal Cigarettes in 1909 and Piedmont Cigarettes again in 1911.

In addition to complete sets, individual standalone gold cards were also produced promoting star players. Examples include a rare 1912 Honus Wagner card printed on gold foil for Batchelor’s Choice Pipe Tobacco and a 1914 T206 Nap Lajoie card created for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Only a tiny handful are known to exist of each, making them among the most valuable baseball cards ever sold. However, World War I gold shortages brought an end to the golden age of gold cards in the mid-1910s.

Through the rest of the 20th century, only a smattering of additional gold baseball cards emerged. In 1951, Topps issued a special “Gold Label” parallel set featuring players like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. While not true gold, the gold-toned foil represented a nod to the opulence of the original tobacco era gold cards. In 1987, Fleer released their “Gem” parallel set featuring stars like Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens on gold foil sheets. Quantities were much higher compared to the scarce early 20th century gold card issues.

In today’s market, the remaining population of authentic 19th and early 20th century 22 karat gold baseball cards are among the most prized possessions of serious vintage collectors and museums. Individually, specimens from the rare complete tobacco sets regularly sell at auction for well over $100,000 each. Even small gold fragments that can be verified to originate from the famed Leaf Tobacco 1903 or Piedmont 1911 sets command five-figure prices. Their ephemeral beauty, craftsmanship, and diminutive surviving numbers have cemented gold baseball cards as among the most exclusive and investment-worthy commodities in the entire collecting universe. For those lucky enough to own an example, they represent tangible connections to the early growth of America’s pastime.

While only produced in very limited fashion over a couple decades starting in the late 1800s, 22 karat gold baseball cards remain legendary artifacts that symbolize the pinnacle of opulence and rarity within the hobby. Their dazzling designs, crafting from precious metal stock, and exceedingly tiny surviving populations have made these brilliantly colored cards iconic treasures highly sought after by the most discerning of collectors. As baseball and its memorabilia only grow in popularity and value over time, the allure and significance of these singular gold relics from the sport’s earliest eras will surely endure.