1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the all-time classics of the 1980s era. While it may not be the flashiest or contain the biggest stars of the time, the ’87 Topps set holds significant nostalgia and collector value for those who grew up during that period. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key rookies, stars and oddball cards from the 1987 Topps baseball cards and assign estimated average values for high-grade specimens in the PSA 9 – PSA 10 range.

We’ll start with the rookie cards, as these are often the most coveted cards in any vintage set. The true superstar rookie of the ’87 Topps set is Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey’s rookie card shows him as a member of the Seattle Mariners organization and displays his smooth left-handed swing. High-grade Griffey rookies in a PSA 9 or PSA 10 slab regularly fetch over $1,000 on the secondary market, with PSA 10 examples often bringing north of $3,000. Another big name rookie is Chicago Cubs phenom Andre Dawson, known as “Hawk” during his playing days. Dawson’s breakout 1987 season is commemorated on his Topps rookie, which also carries value in the $300-$500 range for top grades.

Two other noteworthy rookies from the ’87 set include Mark McGwire and Wally Joyner. McGwire had just finished his first full season with the Oakland A’s, bashing 49 homers. His durable cardboard is viewed by collectors as a pre-cursor to his legendary home run chase nearly a decade later. High-grade McGwire rookies sell in the $200-$400 range. Joyner had a solid rookie campaign for the California Angels in 1987 and his bright smile and stance portrayed on the Topps card remains a fan favorite. Top graded Joyner rookies reach $100-$250. Two dark horse rookies that can provide value returns are Orel Hershiser at $50-$100 and Tony Fernandez at $25-$75 for PSA 9-10 copies.

Moving beyond the rookies, the headliners of 1987 like Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens and Ozzie Smith are consistently strong sellers from ’87 Topps. Mattingly’s infamous ’87 batting title season where he hit .343 is captured perfectly on his card, which tends to pull in $75-$150 for pristine copies. Boggs’ defensive prowess at third base for the Boston Red Sox is on full display on his issue. Near-mint to mint condition Boggs cards move for $50-$100. Clemens’ powerful delivery is frozen in time on his Blue Jays card from his Cy Young-winning season. High-end Clemens examples ring up $75-$125. And Ozzie Smith’s legendary wizardry at shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals is epitomized on his flashy smile card, valued at $50-$100 PSA 9-10.

Some additional star names that command collector interest include Dwight Gooden ($40-$80), Roger Maris’ Brooklyn Dodger card seen without his trademark helmet ($30-$60), Robbie Alomar’s rookie season card as a San Diego Padre ($30-$60) and Rafael Palmeiro’s slick early career issue with the Chicago Cubs ($20-$50). But the ’87 set also features other quirky cards that intrigue collectors. Mark Langston’s seemingly confused Angels card photo generates fanfare, selling for $25-$50. The infamous error card showing Walt Terrell pitching for the wrong team, the Milwaukee Brewers, remains a coveted mistake, valued around $150-$250. And one of the more visually entertaining cards depicts Expos hurler Bryn Smith grimacing mid-windup, priced at $20-$40.

While star power drives the top prices overall for 1987 Topps, there’s a strong undercurrent of demand for team and player collection subsets as well. Near-complete team sets, such as the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins andSt. Louis Cardinals are routinely broken up by collectors pursuing certain lineups. Individual team heroes also attract loyal collectors. For example, Baltimore Orioles legends like Eddie Murray ($15-$30), Cal Ripken Jr. ($10-$25) and Mike Boddicker ($5-$15) maintain regional collector interest. The same can be said for Detroit Tigers legend Lou Whitaker ($10-$20) and Atlanta Braves fan favorite Dale Murphy ($8-$15). Overall team and local player collecting is a big part of the ongoing enthusiasm for 1987 Topps.

The nostalgia and collecting ecosystems surrounding the 1987 Topps baseball card set remain vibrant over 30 years later. While flagship rookies and superstar cards command the greatest demand and investment potential, there are plenty of opportunities to build value through team and player subsets too. For those who grew up with the cards in the late 1980s, the ’87 Topps set will likely always hold a special place. And for collectors just becoming acquainted with the vintage hobby, this classic 1980s release provides an affordable entry point to acquire memorable cardboard from baseball’s past.

1980 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1980 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and desirable issues from the 1970s and 1980s. While not the flashiest or most valuable set from that era, the 1980 Topps cards hold nostalgia and significance for many collectors and fans. Completing the entire 660-card set in pristine condition yields a valuable collection packed with star players, rookie cards, and memorable imaging from a pivotal time in baseball history.

The 1980 season saw stars like George Brett, Dave Winfield, Don Sutton, and Nolan Ryan continuing to dominate on the field. Rookies like Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Charboneau, and Dave Stieb made their MLB debuts. The season was also notable for being the first after the creation of free agency, with big-name players like Ken Holtzman and Bill Campbell switching teams. This new era of player movement is reflected in the 1980 Topps design, which highlights each player’s team in a prominent team logo at the bottom.

Card values for the set range dramatically based on the player, production numbers, and condition of the card. Commons and less valuable stars can often be acquired for $1-5 per card. More key stars from the era command $5-25 depending on condition, with legitimate Mint/Gem specimens fetching a premium. Rookies and shorter print cards hold much higher values. Here’s a brief overview of some of the top cards and what a completed pristine 1980 Topps set could be worth today:

Cal Ripken Jr. RC (card #494): One of the most iconic rookie cards in the set. Even well-centered Near Mint copies sell for $100-300. A true Gem Mint/MT 10 example would command $500-1000.

Joe Charboneau RC (card #81): “The Kid” who won ROY but faded fast. $50-150 in NM, up to $300-500 in top grade.

Dave Stieb RC (card #140): A key rookie but not the biggest star. $30-100 NM depending on centering.

Nolan Ryan (card #1): The franchise star pictured with the Angels. $20-50 NM, $50-100 Gem Mint.

George Brett (card #92): Future Hall of Famer in his prime with the Royals. $15-40 NM.

Dave Winfield (card #253): Perennial All-Star with the Padres. $10-30 NM.

Don Sutton (card #278): Future Hall of Famer still early in his career with the Astros. $10-25 NM.

Paul Molitor RC (card #262): Future Hall of Famer’s first card. $50-150 NM.

Mike Schmidt (card #344): Future home run king before reaching stardom. $10-30 NM.

Rickey Henderson RC (card #457): Iconic rookie in low print run. $200-500 NM, $1000+ Gem.

Ozzie Smith RC (card #552): Future Hall of Famer starting his journey. $50-150 NM.

When factoring in the scarcity and value of premium condition examples of the key cards above, a full 1980 Topps set in Near Mint or better condition could conservatively be worth $3000-$5000 today. A full set all attaining the elusive Gem Mint 10 grade could reach the $10,000+ range considering the heightened demand and price appreciation on trulypristine vintage collections over the past decade.

Continuing to appreciate the 1980 season and rookie class is the reality that this set was one of the final ones inserts before the baseball strike impacted the 1981 season. The clean design also evokes nostalgia for the “garbage pail kids” era of the 1970s/1980s. Factors like these will ensure the 1980 Topps set remains a favorite for collectors and maintains its relevance and collectibility for decades to come. Owning a complete high-grade set presents a sizable long-term investment, encapsulating a snapshot of baseball during one of its most memorable transitional periods.

For the avid collector, there are also short prints and oddball parallel issues that take the chase and value to new heights. Cards like the Steve Carlton “bat rack” photo variation (card #71), Randy Jones negative image error (card #220), and Mickey Rivers mini card error (card #267) can reach the $500-1000+ range even in lower grades for their scarcity.

The 1980 Topps set saw a standard print run estimated around 120 million cards. While a high initial number, the combination of play, storage conditions, and natural attrition over 40+ years means finding all 660 cards together in pristine condition is no small feat. For those able to hunt down all the stars, rookies, and needed commons to finally check off the “1980 Topps” box, the satisfaction of attaining such a historically relevant complete set can’t be overstated.

The 1980 Topps baseball card set holds immense nostalgia and connection to a pivotal era of baseball history memorialized in its classic card design. While not the flashiest vintage issue, strong performances on the field in 1980 and the debut of promising rookies have resonated with collectors and fueled demand. Assembling a complete high-grade set is a serious achievement, one that yields an investment holding significant collector value for the foreseeable future considering appreciation trends in the memorabilia market. The 1980 Topps set remains one of the elite vintage sets to own in mint condition.

1989 KMART DREAM TEAM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Kmart Dream Team baseball card set was unique for several reasons. Unlike traditional annual baseball card sets released by companies like Topps and Fleer that featured current major league players, the Kmart Dream Team set instead imagined what hypothetical dream teams from each major league franchise would look like if every star player throughout their history was in their prime and playing together on the same team.

Released by Sportfolios Inc. under an exclusive licensing agreement with Kmart, the set featured cards for each of the 26 major league teams at the time (before the addition of new franchises in the 1990s). Each team card depicted a composite image made up of overlapping facial photographs of some of the franchise’s greatest players throughout history. For example, the New York Yankees card combined the faces of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and others. These imaginative composite images captured fans’ interest in envisioning the all-time dream squads that could have been.

In addition to the team photo cards, each team set also included individual cards profiling some of the biggest stars from that franchise’s history. These retro-style cards highlighted each player’s career stats and accomplishments. For example, the Yankee set included individual cards for Ruth, DiMaggio, Gehrig, Mantle, Reggie Jackson and more. Top players from other historic franchises like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers were also featured.

What made the Dream Team set unique was that unlike standard issues that focused only on current players, this allowed fans of any era to enjoy seeing cards featuring players from throughout their team’s history together in one cohesive set. Long-retired legends who hadn’t been included in a set for decades were now back in the hands of collectors. The cards were also creatively designed with a historical theme, featuring old-time graphics and styles different than contemporary issues.

While released under Kmart’s store brand, the Dream Team set was produced by Sportfolios Inc., a sports card manufacturer established in 1985. During the late 1980s, Sportfolio gained popularity for innovative concepts like subset and insert sets not found in the Topps or Fleer annual issues. This collaborative agreement with Kmart allowed them to leverage the retail giant’s platform to introduce the Dream Team concept to the mass market of baseball card collectors.

Released in 1989, the set was extremely popular among baseball fans, dominating sales at Kmart stores that year. The large teams boxes containing a full team roster of cards quickly sold out, leaving many disappointed collectors trying to track down the elusive sets. Secondary market prices rose reflecting the strong demand. Though not quite as coveted or scarce as the contemporary flagship issues from Topps and Fleer, the Dream Team set today remains a valuable piece of nostalgia for collectors of the late 1980s/early 90s era.

What made the cards particularly striking was the creative designs combining photos from different eras. For example, the Giants team card brilliantly positioned the faces of Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal to make it appear they were standing side by side in uniform. Considerable photo retouching was required to seamlessly merge the black and white and color photos from different decades into coherent composites. This effort enhanced the dream-like quality of envisioning legends long retired as active teammates.

Beyond the innovative concept and creative designs, the timing of the 1989 release coincided with the peak of America’s baseball card craze during that era. Pumped by the sports memorabilia and non-sports boom, almost every major retailer launched a house brand card line to cash in. While most of these speculative issues have been long forgotten, the Dream Team set stands out for featuring beloved players rather than trying to peddle obscure short-prints or parallels. Its staying power is a testament to capturing fans’ passions through imaginative storytelling rather than gimmicky card designs.

In the years since its release, the 1989 Kmart Dream Team set has become a cherished piece of nostalgia for baseball card collectors of a certain generation. While the cards themselves may not be of the same caliber or rarity as flagship issues from the time, they hold immense sentimental appeal for allowing fans to bring together legends from throughout their team’s history in card form. For both casual collectors and those with a historical perspective, the Dream Team set was a unique creative experiment that still delights over 30 years later. Few other sets have so successfully married baseball’s past and present in such an evocative and imaginative way.

SACRAMENTO CRAIGSLIST BASEBALL CARDS

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Craigslist has long been a popular place for collectors in the Sacramento area to browse listings and potentially score great deals on baseball cards. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add keys to your collection or a new enthusiast scanning listings to build your first sets, Craigslist Sacramento can be a goldmine if you know where to look.

Some general tips when browsing baseball cards on Craigslist include being wary of listings with prices that seem too good to be true, meeting sellers during daylight hours in a public place, and carefully examining any cards in person before completing a transaction. While most sellers have honest intentions, there are risks of being misled by fakes or forgeries without an expert eye. Taking basic precautions can help weed out potential issues.

A wide variety of baseball card collections from different eras frequently appear in the Sacramento sports/hobby section of Craigslist. Vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s are plentiful given the rich history of the sport in California. Many collectors amassed large sets and collections during the boom periods and are now pruning them down. Examples from this era that show up with some regularity include 1951 Bowman, 1957 Topps, 1969 Topps, and 1967 Topps. These sets hold nostalgia value for collectors of a certain age and also appeal to investors given the iconic rookies and hall of famers they feature.

The 1970s produced some of the most visually striking designs in cardboard history like 1972 and 1975 Topps, which translates to steady Craigslist interest locally. RCs (rookie cards) of all-time greats like George Brett, Nolan Ryan, and Dave Winfield move quickly when priced reasonably. Complete 1971/72/73/74/75 Topps sets in well-kept condition can be had for a few hundred dollars, a relative bargain versus single card prices on the grading market. Beyond specific stars, this era and the 1960s deliver interesting regional players from the San Francisco Seals, Sacramento Solons, and Oakland Oaks minor league affiliates.

The junk wax era of the late 80s/early 90s spawned an overproduction of cards that drives their Craigslist value almost comically low today. Entering collectors on tight budgets still flock toward listings as it allows starting full sets and player collections for small amounts of money. The 1991 Topps Traded and 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC remain widely desired even in the midst of overwhelming supply. 1991 Donruss Series 2 has also maintained popularity thanks to spectacular image variations like the “borderless” parallel.

Modern issues like 2021 Topps Series 1 can be had below retail prices still sealed on Craigslist within weeks or months of release as the initial hype dies down. Pre-pandemic, local card shows were a good avenue for offloading boxes received as gifts. Autograph and memorabilia cards of current stars like Buehler, Tatis, and Acuna continue climbing steadily and aren’t uncommon finds. High-end parallels from sets in the $100+ range at release can sometimes be negotiated down significantly with sellers motivated for a quick sale.

When it comes to autographed cards, condition becomes crucial as even minuscule flaws can diminish value. There is no perfect way to vet authenticity of signatures online without prior experience, so extra caution is warranted. Reputable sports memorabilia authentication services like PSA/DNA and Beckett provide grading/authenticating if serious money is on the line, though submission costs cut into profit margins for inexpensive cards.

Raw vintage cards without authenticity proof remain the bread and butter of Craigslist sales. Comparing handwriting characteristics to benchmarks, researching questionable signatures online, and agreeing to mutually cancellation/refund policies provide some contingencies absent independent analysis. Lower price points also carry less risk than rare finds like a signed ‘52 Mantle subject to advanced counterfeiting techniques without certification history.

The same general precautions buying any collectible apply when meeting for baseball card Craigslist transactions locally. Opting for public, well-lit areas during daylight removes safety concerns that could arise. Bringing a friend along as a safety measure never hurts either. Run basic authentication tests like the “crimp test” on loose vintage packs before handing over cash. Request to thoroughly inspect items and ask any necessary questions upfront rather than dealing with issues after the fact. Communicate needs like packing/grading/authentication etc clearly in posts to weed out incompatible sellers. Above all, trust your instincts and don’t feel pressured into anything that seems suspicious.

With diligence Craigslist provides Sacramento area collectors a fertile periodic source for building baseball collections. Both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the hobby actively scan ads, keeping competition high for fairly priced notable cards. Patience, reasonableness, and precautions are keys for safe transactions. The right listings can still surface plenty of bargains for those willing to put in legwork browsing on a regular basis. With care and some luck, there are deals to be had securing cherished pieces of cardboard history in the Sacramento area via the digital yard sale that is Craigslist.

BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR IN 2023

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The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner, which means the release of the upcoming year’s baseball cards is not far behind. As collectors look ahead to the new crop of cards hitting store shelves and hobby boxes, here are some of the top rookie cards, veteran stars, and unique inserts to keep an eye out for in 2023 sets.

One of the most anticipated rookie cards of the year will undoubtedly be Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards. After a breakout 2022 season that saw him hit .299 with 18 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A, Edwards looks poised for a full-time role with the Rays in 2023. He has all the tools to be an impact player at the major league level for years to come. Edwards’ rookie cards from Topps, Panini, and other brands are sure to be in high demand.

Another rookie on everyone’s radar is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. After making his MLB debut in June of 2022, Greene impressed with a .250 batting average and 8 home runs in 70 games. He has five-tool potential and will be looking to build on his promising rookie campaign. Greene’s rookie cards, especially autographed and memorabilia cards, could appreciate significantly if he breaks out in 2023.

On the pitching side, fans will want to watch for cards of Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane Baz. The former top prospect made his MLB debut in 2022 after recovering from Tommy John surgery and looked dominant with a 1.69 ERA in 5 starts. If Baz can stay healthy and establish himself as the Rays’ ace, his rookie cards could be some of the best long-term investments in the class.

In terms of veteran stars, the return of Mike Trout to full health makes any of his 2023 cards worth pursuing. After playing just 36 games in 2022 due to injury, Trout will be highly motivated to reclaim his title as the game’s best player. His base rookie cards have already skyrocketed in value, so parallels, autographs, and memorabilia from the upcoming season stand to gain as well if Trout dominates once again.

Fellow Angel Shohei Ohtani is also must-have for any collector. After winning the AL MVP award in 2021 and continuing to excel as a two-way star in 2022, Ohtani has cemented himself as the face of baseball. His autographed and memorabilia cards could shatter records in the years to come as one of the most unique talents the sport has ever seen.

For Yankees fans, 2023 Aaron Judge cards will be at the top of many wish lists after his historic 62-home run season. Judge remains unsigned long-term in New York, so this could be collectors’ last chance to snag affordable cards of “the new Bambino” in pinstripes. Autographed Judge cards in particular are sure to gain value if he re-ups with the Bombers or signs elsewhere in free agency.

Bryce Harper also enters a contract year with the Phillies in 2023 after another All-Star campaign. The 2015 NL MVP has rebounded tremendously from injuries and will be battling to bring a World Series title to Philadelphia. Harper has long been one of the most popular stars in the game, so collectors would be wise to stock up on any 2023 parallels, autographs, or memorabilia featuring the face of the Phillies franchise.

On the rookie side, catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles is another name to watch. After a strong debut in 2022 that saw him hit .254 with 7 home runs in just 46 games, Rutschman looks ready for a full breakout season as the future cornerstone of the O’s rebuild. His prospect pedigree and five-tool ability make any of his 2023 cards a solid long-term investment.

For baseball card inserts, Topps Project 70 continues to be one of the most coveted sets each year. Featuring unique parallels and retro designs, the inserts spotlight the game’s biggest stars. Pulling a 1/1 Project 70 card of a star like Ohtani or Judge would be the crown jewel of any collection. Similarly, Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome always deliver stunning refractors and parallels of top rookies and veterans that gain value over time.

Panini also delivers exciting rookie memorabilia and autograph cards through its Prizm, Flawless, and National Treasures releases. Hits like game-used memorabilia cards of hot prospects or on-card autographs of emerging stars can appreciate exponentially with strong major league performances. Additionally, Topps Finest and Allen & Ginter are fan favorites for their beautiful photo and design variations each year.

The 2023 baseball season offers no shortage of exciting rookies, veterans, and inserts to pursue for any collector. Staying on top of early season performances and player developments will be key to identifying cards that can gain long-term value. For those willing to do the research, 2023 has the potential to yield many future collection cornerstones still affordably priced today.

BASEBALL CARDS WRIGLEY

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The history of baseball cards is deeply intertwined with the chewing gum industry, especially the Wrigley Company. In the late 19th century, several chewing gum manufacturers began including premiums, or small gifts, inside gum packaging to encourage repeat purchases from customers. This helped turn gum from a medicinal product into a true confectionery treat. In 1886, the American Tobacco Company began including photographs of famous people, celebrities, and actresses inside packs of its Sweet Caporal cigarette brand as a way to promote the product. This is widely considered to be one of the earliest examples of trading cards inserted into consumer products.

In 1887, the Franklin Manufacturing Company began inserting lithographed cards featuring famous baseball players into its gum product called Gee Whiz gum. It was the 1888 release of the Old Judge tobacco brand by the American Tobacco Company that is considered the first modern baseball card set. Old Judge cards featured individual images of star players from that era, including Bug Holliday, Jim O’Rourke, and King Kelly. These early tobacco-inserted cards helped popularize and spread interest in baseball to a much wider audience across the country.

In 1892, the American Caramel Company began including photo images of baseball players in its caramel packaging, which marked the first use of gum and baseball cards together. It was the Chicago-based Wrigley Company that fully realized the potential of using baseball cards as an integral part of the gum marketing strategy. Founded in 1891 by Philip K. Wrigley, the company originally focused on producing scouring soap and baking powder. It wasn’t until 1896 that Wrigley entered the chewing gum business by acquiring the Famous Gum brand and its production facilities.

In 1911, Wrigley made the pioneering decision to insert individual photo cards of baseball players from the National and American Leagues into its most popular gum product – Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum. This was a revolutionary move that helped skyrocket gum sales and further entrenched the relationship between baseball cards and chewing gum in popular culture. From 1911 through the 1920s, Wrigley produced an estimated 60 different baseball card series inserted across many of its gum brands like Wrigley’s Spearmint, Juicy Fruit, and Beech-Nut. These early Wrigley cards featured single images of players and basic stats on the back.

During World War I from 1914 to 1918, a shortage of foreign ingredients like chicle from Central America disrupted the gum industry. However, Wrigley was able to continue producing cards by using substitute ingredients. The 1920s marked the golden age of early baseball cards as insert popularity peaked. Wrigley printed cards on high quality, glossy cardstock that featured color tints and halftones to showcase each player image. By the late 1920s, the technology improved to support full color lithography on cards. This allowed for highly detailed, vivid reproductions of each player photograph.

In 1933, Wrigley issued its most famous and iconic set – the famous Goudey Gum Company cards. Named after the company Wrigley had acquired in 1929, these high quality cards showcased over 350 images of past and present baseball legends. Considered the first “premium” baseball card set, the Goudey cards included biographical information on the back along with career stats. They also featured innovative design elements like color borders, embossed logos, and glossy finishes that set the standard for future premium sets. The 1933 Goudey set is especially notable for including the legendary and elusive Babe Ruth card that is among the most valuable in the hobby today.

During World War II from 1939 to 1945, the wartime restrictions severely limited gum production due to rationing of ingredients. However, Wrigley was still able to issue cards by using thinner cardstock. In 1948, Topps acquired exclusive rights to include baseball cards in chewing gum and created the modern format that is still used today – featuring teams on one side and players on the reverse. This helped take the hobby to new heights of popularity through the 1950s. However, Wrigley continued producing regional sets through the 1960s before exiting the baseball card business entirely.

No other company did more to popularize and establish the enduring connection between baseball cards and chewing gum than Wrigley. From 1911 through the 1930s golden age, Wrigley issued over 100 different baseball card series that helped fuel explosive growth of the sport nationwide. The iconic 1933 Goudey set endures as one of the most storied releases that set a new standard for premium cards. Even during wartime shortages, Wrigley found ways to keep the baseball card tradition alive through thinner stock. The company’s pioneering marketing strategy of including cards in gum helped transform cards from a novelty to a mainstream phenomenon enjoyed by millions. This rich history links Wrigley’s name and legacy to the origins and golden age of the beloved American pastime of baseball cards.

BASEBALL DUDES SITUATIONAL CARDS PDF

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Baseball is a game of situational awareness and making the right decisions based on the context of any given at-bat or defensive play. For players looking to sharpen their situational skills, baseball situational cards provide a useful training tool to study different scenarios that may arise in a game and think through the optimal approach. Many coaches create their own situational cards tailored to their team’s needs, but there are also pre-made situational cards available for purchase or free download. One popular option is the situational cards created by Baseball Dudes, which provide comprehensive coverage of numerous in-game situations in an easy-to-use PDF format.

The Baseball Dudes situational cards cover both offensive and defensive scenarios. On the offensive side, there are separate cards dedicated to different counts (3-0, 2-1, 1-2 etc.), situations with runners on base, late inning scenarios, and more. Each card presents the situation in a simplified graphic along with suggested strategies for both the batter and base runners. For example, the 3-0 count card advises the batter to be aggressive and look for a pitch to drive, while instructing any runners to be prepared to steal or take an extra base on a hit. Coaches can use these cards to quiz players on the best approach in each situation during practice.

On the defensive side, the Baseball Dudes situational cards explore numerous scenarios that may occur in the field. There are dedicated cards outlining defensive positioning for different counts, base/out combinations, specific defensive plays like the sacrifice bunt, pickoff attempts, and more. These cards not only show the optimal positioning of each fielder based on the scenario, but also provide reminders of key responsibilities. For instance, the sacrifice bunt card reminds the third baseman to be prepared to cover third on a bunt to the first baseman. Having quick references to the correct defensive alignment and responsibilities is invaluable for ensuring players make good in-game decisions.

In addition to the standard situational cards, the Baseball Dudes PDF also contains late inning scenarios cards that are extremely useful for end of game situations. These cards break down specific late and close game scenarios, such as the bottom of the 9th inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs. They outline the optimal approach for both the offense and defense, including specific batter strategies, pitch selection tips for the pitcher, defensive positioning changes, and more. Late inning games can often come down to one or two pivotal at-bats, so having a plan for how to approach these pressure situations is critical.

Another great feature of the Baseball Dudes situational cards is that they are designed to be printed front and back on standard 8.5×11 inch paper. This allows the PDF to contain a huge number of situational cards while still being easily printable and portable. Coaches can print subsets of cards based on what they want to focus on for a particular practice. Players can also print cards to study on their own. The cards are neatly organized by scenario type, with a table of contents making it simple to find the desired situation. Laminating the cards also allows them to be reused for multiple seasons.

In addition to the situational cards themselves, the Baseball Dudes PDF also contains supplemental materials to help coaches and players get the most out of the cards. It includes blank card templates so coaches can easily create their own custom cards if needed. There is also a player evaluation sheet for coaches to assess how well each individual is retaining and applying the strategies from the situational training. Video and audio examples corresponding to many of the cards provide a further visual/auditory learning component. And an instruction manual at the beginning outlines best practices for incorporating the situational cards into practice plans and game preparation.

The situational cards created by Baseball Dudes provide an incredibly thorough yet easy-to-use resource for any coach, player, or team looking to enhance their situational baseball IQ. The PDF format makes the cards accessible from any device. And the comprehensive coverage of both offensive and defensive scenarios, along with supplemental materials, allows the cards to be seamlessly integrated into practice planning and player development. With so many options to choose from, coaches can be highly selective in focusing workouts around the most important and common situations that arise over the course of a season. The situational cards provide a structured learning approach that will pay dividends both in improved awareness on the field as well as better in-game decisions and performance. Their practical design and extensive content make them a go-to tool for any serious baseball team or player.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 201

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Introduction
Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over 100 years. The allure of owning pieces of history from legendary players continues to drive interest among collectors both casual and serious. While the values of cards fluctuate based on supply and demand, certain factors like player performance, era, and condition greatly impact what cards are worth. This comprehensive baseball cards price guide provides valuable insights into valuation and what drives prices in today’s market for the 2021 season.

Factors That Impact Baseball Card Prices
There are several key factors that determine the value of any given baseball card:

Player: The more successful and popular the player, the more valuable their cards tend to be. Superstar players from any era command higher prices. Rare rookie cards of Hall of Famers can be extremely valuable.

Year/Set: The year a card was printed and what specific set it’s from matters. Older vintage cards from the pre-war era through the 1980s are usually worth more due to lower print runs. Prominent sets like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss tend to have the most collector interest.

Number/Parallel: For modern sets, serially numbered parallel versions or short-printed base cards can be more valuable. Rarer parallel prints numbered to less than 10 copies exist.

Condition: Probably the biggest factor – the better the condition of the card, the more it’s worth. Near mint or gem mint cards in the highest grades fetch the highest prices.

Autograph/Memorabilia: Autographed cards or those containing game-used memorabilia patches/relics hold premium value. The bigger the star, the more such “auto” or “relic” cards are worth.

Keeping these factors in mind, here’s a closer look at valuation ranges for various baseball cards across different eras:

Pre-WWII Era (1880s-1940s)
Any early tobacco or candy issued cards from this period in good condition can be worth hundreds and often thousands due to their extreme age. Top names from this era in high grade like Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb routinely sell for five figures and up.

1950s-1970s (Golden Age)
The post-war boom in the sport resulted in hugely popular issues from Topps, Fleer and others. Rookie stars in high grade from this period often sell from $50-$500 depending on the player. Top rookies of legends can reach four figures. Full sets from the 1950s-1970s in complete/near complete condition with all the stars can sell for $1,000+.

1980s
Mass produced sets from the early 1980s are relatively affordable, with common cards under $5. Stars and short prints start at $10-25 in top condition. Flagship sets like 1987 Topps can sell complete for $200-500. Rarest rookie cards of Hall of Famers start at $50-100 and escalate quickly depending on player/grade.

1990s
Production continued to boom through the 1990s. Commons remain under $5 but stars rise to $10-50. High grade rookie cards of all-time greats start at $50-100 and can reach thousands. Complete flagship sets from the late 90s in top shape sell for $100-300.

2000s to Present
Modern production means even star rookie cards seldom exceed $20-50 outside of numbered parallels. Commons are under $1. Complete high-end sets from within the past 5 years can sell for $50-150. Short prints and 1/1 parallels of current stars can reach thousands due to rarity.

Autographs/Memorabilia Cards
Any autographed or memorabilia card of a star player from any era will hold a premium price above a standard base card. There is significant variability depending on the player and specific autograph/relic. As a general guide:

Current star autos/relics: $20-100+
Hall of Famer autos/relics: $50-500+
Rare 1/1 autos/relics of legends: $500-5,000+

The most expensive autographed/memorabilia cards ever sold include rare examples signed by Babe Ruth ($5 million), Honus Wagner ($2.8 million) and Mickey Mantle ($2.88 million). Such one-of-a-kind pieces obviously represent the very high-end of the market.

Ebay, Auctions and Price Trends
Ebay remains the largest online marketplace for collectors to buy and sell individual cards and complete sets. Checking recently sold listings on Ebay is the best way to gauge current market values. Auction houses like Heritage Auctions also regularly offer high-end vintage cards and sets, providing a public forum for establishing record prices. The market remains strong and values are holding steady or rising modestly year over year for desirable vintage and star rookie cards in top condition. As with any collectible market, prices can be volatile and subject to boom/bust cycles. Knowledgeable buyers will pay premium prices for condition-graded cards that accurately represent their quality level.

In Summary
With over a century of production history, the baseball card market caters to a wide range of budgets. While the rarest vintage cards continue appreciating towards six-figure values, there are still many affordable collecting opportunities available across all eras. Proper research, attention to detail factors like player, year and grade are keys to making informed purchase decisions. For casual fans or serious investors alike, baseball cards remain one of the most popular and accessible collectibles in the sports world.

ORIGINAL NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

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Original Negro League Baseball Cards

The rich history of the Negro Leagues in baseball from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century produced some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Due to the segregation and racial discrimination of that era, the achievements and exploits of Negro League stars like Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Buck O’Neil received little mainstream coverage or attention at the time. As a result, collecting memorabilia from the Negro Leagues, such as original baseball cards of these players, has become an area of strong interest for historians and fans seeking to learn more about this important period.

Some of the earliest baseball cards ever produced actually featured Negro League players. In the late 1880s and 1890s, before the practice of creating dedicated baseball cards became widespread, some tobacco companies included images of black ballplayers on the front of cigarette packs and rolls of tobacco to help advertise and market their products. While crude by today’s standards, these rare tobacco promotional cards were among the first to memorialize the players and teams of the Negro Leagues.

After the turn of the 20th century, the practice of making dedicated baseball cards took off. The racist attitudes of the time meant that the earliest series by companies like T206 (1909-1911), E90 (1909-1911), and M101-5 Old Mill (1911) focused only on white major and minor league players. It would not be until the 1920s that the first authentic Negro League baseball cards intended for sales to consumers began appearing.

Two of the earliest and most highly sought after series to feature Negro League players came out in the mid-1920s courtesy of the Sweet Chocolate Company and Goudey Gum Company. In 1924, the Sweet Chocolate Company distributed around 100 different cards highlighting top Negro League stars as part of their collectible card lineup. Notable players immortalized here include bud players like “Smokey” Joe Williams, “Candy” Jim Taylor, and Norman “Turkey” Stearnes.

Two years later in 1926, Goudey Gum released their famous “Goudey Baseball” set which was groundbreaking for including several cards showing Negro League standouts alongside major leaguers. Stars honored with Goudey cards include Grant “Home Run” Johnson, Pete Hill, and Cristóbal Torriente, one of the few Latin American players of that era. Both the 1924 Sweet Chocolate and 1926 Goudey sets are now extremely valuable, with high grade examples regularly selling for thousands of dollars each.

In the late 1930s, candy makers Goodwill (Pittsburgh), Home Run (Philadelphia), and Curlee Clothing (St. Louis) created series highlighting players and teams based in their respective cities. Sets ranging from 20-30 cards each paid tribute to stars of the Homestead Grays, Pittsburgh Crawfords, and St. Louis Stars. While the designs and production quality were low budget compared to era T205 and 1933 Goudey issues, these regionally focused Negro League card lines represent some of the only lasting documentation and imagery of these legendary early ball clubs.

During the height of the Negro Leagues’ popularity in the 1940s-1950s, even more baseball card series popped up to capitalize on the sport’s rising stars outside of the segregated major leagues. Famous brands like Bowman Gum released sets that mixed in Negro Leaguers with major leaguers, helping bring greater mainstream visibility to overlooked black baseball heroes. Bowman’s 1948 and 1949 issues each featured 10 cards of top NLB talents to complement the dozens of MLB players also included.

In 1952,Topps, newly established as a leading gum and candy company, produced one of the most complete dedicated Negro League sets ever. Spanning 66 cards, the Topps Negro League Baseball issue saluted stars, teams and history from across three decades of black professional baseball before integration. Highlighting iconic figures like James “Cool Papa” Bell, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige, mint condition examples of this groundbreaking Topps release remain exceptionally scarce and highly valued by collectors today.

While opportunities to find unopened wax packs or boxes of these early 20th century Negro League baseball card issues are basically non-existent over 70 years later, dedicated collectors continue to seek out individual cards to learn about and memorialize the outstanding athletes who played in the Negro Leagues despite facing enormous prejudice. Whether it’s1924 Sweet Chocolate players, 1926 Goudey stars, or complete 1952 Topps sets, original Negro League baseball cards represent an important link to African American sports history that today’s hobbyists work hard to preserve and bring the deserved recognition.

BEST KEN GRIFFEY BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most exciting and talented players in Major League Baseball during his career from 1989 to 2010. Known for his sweet swing, effortless grace in the outfield, and iconic backwards hat, Griffey was a fan favorite who helped usher in a new generation of baseball stars. Unsurprisingly, his cards from his rookie season in 1989 through the late 90s are some of the most sought after and valuable in the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most desirable Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards from his legendary career.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (RC): Widely considered the crown jewel of Griffey’s rookie cards, the 1989 Upper Deck RC is arguably the most iconic and valuable modern-era rookie card in baseball card history. With its brilliant photography, sharp design, and Griffey’s boyish smile, this card captured the excitement of Junior’s debut and remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards ever made. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples currently sell for well over $100,000, with lower graded copies still fetching thousands. Even in well-worn condition, this card holds significant nostalgic and collector value.

1989 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: While not quite as visually striking as the Upper Deck RC, Griffey’s mainstream rookie from Fleer holds its own place in card history and pop culture. More affordable than the Upper Deck, graded PSA/BGS 10 examples can still sell for $10,000 or more. Even low-grade copies in the $100-500 range make for a nice piece of any collection given the card’s history and subject matter.

1990 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr.: Building off his stellar rookie season, Griffey’s sophomore card from Bowman captured him in pure athletic form. With its clean design highlighting Junior swinging away, this card became a must-have for any Griffey PC. High-grade copies have cracked the $1000 mark in recent years.

1992 Stadium Club Chrome Refractor #130 Ken Griffey Jr.: One of the earliest “hit” parallels ever produced, Griffey’s refractors from 1992 Stadium Club are some arguably the most visually stunning cards of his early career. Printed on ultra-rare chrome stock that makes the photo pop, high-grade examples have sold for over $10,000. Even well-worn copies still fetch $500+ due to their rarity and innovative parallel design.

1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor #56 Ken Griffey Jr.: Continuing the refractor trend from Stadium Club, Bowman’s Best also included rare chrome versions of their Griffey card. With its classic action shot and brilliant colors, these remain a true holy grail for refractor collectors. A PSA 10 could sell for $50,000+.

1993 Finest Refractor #48 Ken Griffey Jr.: Considered by many to be the pinnacle of Griffey’s early refractor cards, the ’93 Finest chrome parallel took the technology to an even higher level. With razor-sharp photography printed on ultra-rare refractor stock, high-grade copies have cracked the $20,000 mark. Even well-loved versions still hold value in the thousands.

1994 SP Authentic #1 Ken Griffey Jr.: Capturing Griffey in an iconic moment of triumph, this dramatic action shot became one of the defining cards of his early career. As one of the first major autograph cards produced, a PSA/BGS 10 gem with Griffey’s actual signature could sell for over $100,000. Even unsigned copies still command 4-figure prices.

1996 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr.: Ultra was one of the most lavish and high-end baseball card releases of the 90s. Naturally, Griffey was one of the stars of the set. With its regal golden border and crystal-clear close-up photography, this remains one of the most visually stunning cards from Junior’s peak years. PSA/BGS 10 Gems have cracked $10,000.

1997 Pinnacle Zenith Ken Griffey Jr. Gold Refractor /50: One of the true one-of-a-kind parallels ever produced, Griffey’s ultra-rare 1/1 gold refractor from Pinnacle Zenith is the stuff of card collecting legends. With only 50 of these golden beauties printed for the entire set, its value is essentially priceless to the right collector. An opportunity to own card history.

2000 Topps Finest Refractor Ken Griffey Jr.: As Griffey entered the late stages of his career, Topps Finest captured him with one last brilliant refractor to close out the millennium. With its sharp close-up and true-to-form colors, this remains one of the most visually pleasing Griffey cards from his later years. PSA/BGS 10s have cracked $1000.

In conclusion, Ken Griffey Jr.’s incredible career produced some of the most iconic, valuable, and aesthetically stunning baseball cards ever made. From his rookie gems to innovative parallels to defining late-career issues, Junior’s cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. His cards were truly works of art that reflected both his immense on-field talents and popularity as the smiling face of baseball during the sport’s renaissance period in the 1990s.