MOST VALUABLE TOPPS 1980 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of collecting. While it doesn’t contain any true “common” cards that have gained immense value like its predecessor in 1975, the 1980 Topps set does feature several rare rookie and star player cards that have made it very desirable for serious collectors and investors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable cards from the 1980 Topps baseball set.

The crown jewel of the 1980 Topps set is without question the #165 Nolan Ryan card featuring the Hall of Fame flamethrower in action for the Houston Astros. Only one other Ryan rookie card from this period comes close in value, and that’s his 1968 Topps issue. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, the 1980 #165 Nolan Ryan can fetch astronomical prices upwards of $50,000. Even well-centered Near Mint copies in PSA 9 still command five-figure sums. Aside from possessing arguably the best pitcher of the 1970s and 1980s, what makes this card so highly sought after is its rarity in top condition. The photo negative used for this card was of such high quality that it resulted in sharp, well-centered copies. The durability of the cardboard stock used for 1980 Topps makes this card very difficult to find in pristine shape after four decades.

Another imposing power pitcher rookie card that finds itself amongst the 1980 Topps crown jewels is #559 Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees. “Rags” would go on to become the first American League rookie to record a save in each of his first two major league seasons on his way to a solid 15-year career. In near-gem Mint condition the Righetti rookie has been known to sell in the $3,000-5,000 range. Even well-centered Near Mint copies can still pull in over $1,000 due to his Yankee pedigree and place as an iconic rookie issue from this set. Like Ryan’s card, finding an ultra-clean Righetti in a PSA 10 is exceedingly rare.

Much like the 1975 Topps set before it, the best 1980 Topps rookie cards beyond Ryan and Righetti tend to be short prints. Three SP cards that routinely fetch the highest prices for the 1980 Topps issue are #96 Rickey Henderson (Oakland A’s), #592 Steve Carlton (Philadelphia Phillies), and #424 Bobby Grich (California Angels). All three of these future Hall of Famers were entering either their first or second major league seasons in 1980. In Near Mint-Mint condition, the Rickey Henderson SP has sold for as much as $2,500, with the Carlton SP reaching $1,000-1,500 and Bobby Grich SP in the $750-1,000 range. These prices are a testament to the star power all three players went on to achieve combined with their short print scarcity in high grades. Like the bigger star cards, finding pristine PSA 10 copies of these rookie SP’s is exceptionally tough.

Moving beyond just rookies, the most desirable star cards from 1980 Topps unsurprisingly feature Hall of Famers at the peak of their careers on championship-caliber teams. Two of the most historically significant cards that regularly crack the $1,000 price point are #28 Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies and #468 George Brett of the Kansas City Royals. Schmidt was in the midst of winning his third straight NL MVP and would go on to set the single season home run record for third baseman in 1980 with 48 dingers. Brett meanwhile was coming off back-to-back batting titles and would cap off the coming decade with a MLB record .390 batting average in 1980. In high grades these cards carry additional weight considering they captured perhaps the two greatest third basemen of all-time at the height of their powers during baseball’s modern renaissance period.

From a condition and price standpoint, the crown jewel star cards from 1980 Topps would have to be #450 Dave Winfield of the San Diego Padres and #383 Nolan Ryan of the California Angels, each nearing or surpassing $2,000 in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. Winfield was coming off an epic World Series performance against the Yankees in 1979 while wrapping up his first full season with the Padres, and the photo on his card is simply magnificent. Meanwhile, Ryan’s third season with the Angels saw him lead the league with a 1.69 ERA and strike out 269 batters en route to his second AL Cy Young award. High grade examples of these iconic stars are as visually stunning as they are statistically significant.

While 1980 Topps lacks true “common” gems on the level of a 1975 Rod Carew or Hank Aaron, it does boast exceptionally rare rookie gems of Nolan Ryan, Dave Righetti, and even short prints of future Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Steve Carlton, and Bobby Grich. Couple that with star cards featuring the absolute peaks of titans like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Dave Winfield, and another season from Nolan Ryan, and it’s easy to see why the 1980 Topps set endures as one of the most classic and collectible in the modern era over forty years later. With condition being ultra-tough to come by in high grades, examples that do surface of these elite rookie and star cards can demand astronomical prices that cement their status as true crown jewels for vintage baseball card enthusiasts and investors.

VALUABLE ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

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Roger Clemens is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. Clemens played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1984 to 2007 for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. He won 7 Cy Young Awards and was named to 11 All-Star teams in his legendary career, cementing his place among the elite in baseball history. Here are some of Roger Clemens’ most valuable baseball cards and what collectors need to know about them:

1984 Fleer #219 Roger Clemens (Rookie Card) – Clemens’ rookie card is one of the crown jewels of any baseball card collection. The 1984 Fleer set was his true rookie card issued as Clemens made his MLB debut that season with the Boston Red Sox. In high grade condition like PSA 10, this card can fetch upwards of $10,000. Even well-centered mint condition copies in PSA 8 or 9 grade still demand thousands of dollars due to the rarity of Clemens’ rookie. The Fleer 1984 design also features a striking headshot photo of the young Rocket that makes this one of the best looking rookie cards in the hobby.

1986 Topps Traded #85T Roger Clemens – This card was issued as an update set addition in 1986 after Clemens’ breakout season where he won the American League Cy Young and MVP awards. It shows him in a Boston Red Sox uniform and is among his earliest flagship Topps cards. High grade examples can sell for over $1,000 because it captured Clemens at the beginning of his dominant career. The ’86T set is also quite scarce compared to the basic Topps flagship issues. This serves as a key intermediate Clemens card for collectors working to complete his early career narrative in their collections.

1998 Topps Hollywood Stars #H1 Roger Clemens – Topps experimented with various gimmick sets in the late 90s, including this Hollywood Stars promotion which depicted various MLB stars dressed up as famous actors or characters from movies and TV shows. Clemens is dressed as Yosemite Sam on this unique card that has gained significant popularity among specialists. High grade PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ copies can sell for $500-700 due to the novelty aspect paired with Clemens’ star power. It offers a fun and memorable take on one of the pitchers’ career years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

2000 Bowman’s Best Refractors #R37 Roger Clemens – In the midst of Clemens’ successful run with the New York Yankees, Bowman featured this impressive refractor parallel from their high end set. The vivid colors and refractive quality of the card stock make for an eye-catching visual presentation of the Rocket. Top graded PSA/BGS 10 examples have exceeded $400-500. The 2000 Bowman’s Best set remains a set that is desired by modern collectors and Clemens was a major star player during that period.

2001 Topps American Pie #14 Roger Clemens / David Wells – This “duel” card from Topps’ American Pie set shows Clemens and David Wells together, commemorating their matchup on April 22, 2001 where they engaged in an epic pitchers’ duel. Only one run was scored in the complete game contest won by Clemens and the Yankees. High grade copies of this unique “hit” pairing card can be around $200-300 for top condition copies. It represents an iconic game and matchup from Clemens’ later Yankees tenure.

2003 Fleer Greats of the Game Century’s Best #CB-RC Roger Clemens – As one of the premier pitchers across Major League history, Clemens was included in this prestigious retrospective insert set honoring the top 100 players from the 20th century. The card features a sharp full body photo of The Rocket in mid-windup. PSA/BGS 9+ examples tend to sell in the $150-250 range reflecting Clemens’ legendary career accomplishments recognized in this premium commemorative issue.

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game Undefeated #U1 Roger Clemens – This parallel insert from Fleer captures Clemens after his 20th career one-hitter in 2004, moving him past Cy Young on the all-time list at the time. His dominance and pitching prowess is on full display. Sharp, near-pristine copies in the PSA 9-10 range demand $150-300 based on Clemens’ rarity in the highest available modern condition grades. It stands as one of his finest post-rookie Fleer inserts recognizing one of his many hallowed career records and milestones.

In summary, Roger Clemens’ baseball cards are among the most historically significant and sought after issues in the entire hobby. His legendary 24-year career, seven Cy Young awards, over 4,000 strikeouts, and recalls to some of the game’s most memorable individual pitching performances make Clemens a true icon of the sport. Whether collecting his iconic rookie card, select key vintage issues, or premium inserts from the peak of his career, Clemens cards hold value, appeal, and prestige within collections. With asking prices often measured in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially for high quality examples, his cards represent prized targets for enthusiasts seeking to build around one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers.

SELL BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS

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Selling Baseball Cards in St. Louis – What You Need to Know

St. Louis is home to a very active baseball card collecting and trading scene. With the long history and popularity of baseball in St. Louis, there is high demand for vintage and modern baseball cards featuring St. Louis Cardinals players, teams, and related memorabilia. If you have a collection of baseball cards you want to sell, either as a serious investor cashing out or just to declutter, here are some tips for maximizing your profits and finding buyers in the St. Louis area.

Determine Card Values and Conditions

The first step is to carefully go through your entire collection and evaluate each individual card. Take note of important details like the player, year, brand (Topps, Fleer, etc.), any unique variations, and most importantly the condition or grade of the card. Heavily played or damaged cards will be worth much less than crisp “near mint” examples. You can use online price guide sites like PriceChopper, Collectable or check recent eBay sold listings to establish market values for each card based on its condition and attributes. Taking the time for this valuation process upfront will help you price your cards competitively and avoid leaving money on the table.

Find Local Card Shops and Stores

Once you know your collection’s value, the next step is finding interested buyers locally in St. Louis. Some of the top card shops that regularly buy, sell and trade include:

Collector’s Corner (Kirkwood, MO) – Large shop with a great buylist and knowledgeable staff. Host frequent card shows.

The Cardsmith (Brentwood, MO) – Smaller store specializing in vintage St. Louis Cardinals cards and memorabilia.

Gateway Card Shop (Hazelwood, MO) – Family owned since the 1980s, large inventory of cards on display.

Ballpark Sports Cards (Fenton, MO) – Another long-running store with strong ties to the local card community.

Call ahead or visit these shops to discuss selling your entire collection or individual premium cards. Most will make you a cash offer on the spot or give you a “buylist” price for common cards they need for their inventory.

Advertise Online Through Buylists and Platforms

Even once you reach out to local shops, you’ll likely have various other cards that don’t quite fit their needs or aren’t quite valuable enough for them to make an offer on. That’s where advertising your inventory online comes in handy. You have a few good options:

Seller forums like Sports Card Forum allow you to post a “have” list and seek trade offers or potential buyers.

Sites like COMC (Collectors.com) or eBay let you easily list individual cards for sale on a consignment basis and handle payments.

Check “buylists” from national distributors like Blowout Cards or Sportlots to see pricing they will offer to purchase cards directly from collectors like yourself.

Social media marketplaces on Facebook are very active, both locally in St. Louis groups and more broadly through sports card flipping groups.

Take High Quality Photos

Whether selling to a shop locally or listing cards online for remote buyers, taking clear, well-lit photos of the front and back of each card is paramount. Invest in a lightbox or window lighting setup and focus your phone camera for pin-sharp images. Describe each card fully and point out any flaws so buyers know exactly what they are getting. Photos go a long way in establishing trust and fetching the best possible prices.

Find Memorabilia Buyers as Well

Many collectors in St. Louis are also interested in vintage baseball memorabilia beyond just cards, whether it’s signed balls/bats, programs, tickets or unique one-of-a-kind items. Places like Rallying Sports offer consignment sales of game-used memorabilia, while online auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Grey Flannel regularly sell Cardinals memorabilia to bidders nationwide. Reach out to those outlets if you have prized non-card collectibles as well to maximize the return on your baseball collecting investments over the years.

Package and Ship Smartly

Should you sell cards through an online platform, you’ll want to invest in the proper supplies to protect rare cards during shipment. For valuable items, use air-tite holders, toploaders or penny sleeves followed by cardboard team bags for economy. Then surround securely within bubble mailers between two sturdy pieces of cardboard. Be sure to get tracking info and insure shipments for valuable consignments. Presentation and security are key to protecting condition and building trusting seller reputations online as the St. Louis card scene grows globally through digital marketplaces.

Take some time to properly assess your collection’s value, leverage local St. Louis card shops as best as possible, supplement through online platforms, photograph professionally and ship safely. With a strategic sell-off approach and focus on customer service, you can maximize profits from your baseball card selling endeavors in St. Louis and beyond.

TRADING AND PLAYING CARDS OF STRAT-O-MATIC DELUXE BASEBALL

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Strat-O-Matic baseball is perhaps the most realistic and statistical baseball board game ever created. Since the original version was released in 1961, Strat has gained a huge following of dedicated fans who enjoy the blend of statistics, simulation and collecting that come with the game. A key aspect of Strat is the trading card-style player cards that contain all the important stats needed to simulate player performance in simulated games. Collecting, trading and playing with Strat cards has become a hobby for many fans over the decades.

When Strat first started, the cards were basic – just containing the players’ primary stats like batting average, home runs, stolen bases, ERA, etc. Over the years the level of detail on the cards has expanded greatly. Today’s Strat deluxe cards are mini baseball encyclopedias, providing pitching and batting breakdowns by count, handedness of pitcher/batter, park factors and more. They have become highly sought after collectibles that hardcore Strat fans enjoy trading, especially rare or older versions of star players.

Some of the most prized cards to collect are retired stars from Strat’s early days in the 1960s and 70s. Getting your hands on a card for legends like Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle or Tom Seaver from that era can be very difficult and expensive. Many top collectors seek out complete vintage sets from the initial years of Strat that included the likes of Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax and others. Prices for these kinds of rare older Strat cards can easily top $100 or more depending on condition and player.

As Strat expanded over the decades to include more recent MLB seasons, newer cards were produced each year as players’ careers progressed with updated stats. This led to the emergence of “serial numbered” Strat cards, where multiple seasons of the same star would be issued. Collectors enjoy finding all the variations of serial cards tracing the progression of greats like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Derek Jeter and others. Chasing full serial numbered sets for all-time hit kings like Pete Rose or home run champ Hank Aaron is a long-term project.

Aside from sheer collecting, the main appeal of Strat cards is using them to play out simulated MLB season and individual games. This is where condition and stats contained on the card come into play far more than simple collecting. Heavily played cards with bent or worn corners could impact die rolls during simulation. Strat purists prefer to use only mint condition, fresh cards when playing for this reason. As player skills and abilities are programmed into the complex die roll system, tiny stat discrepancies between current cards and historical records could shift outcomes of close games.

While the basic cards are included with new Strat sets each year, “deluxe” cards that provide much more robust stats are highly coveted by serious Strat gamers. These oversized cards break down pitching and hitting in far greater depth compared to the standard sized stats-only cards. They allow for ultra-realistic simulation replicating almost any MLB situation. Prices for deluxe sets on the secondary market can range from $10-$30 per card depending on current demand. Competition is fierce when newly retired star players have their first Strat deluxe cards released each season.

With new Stat deluxe sets covering decades of players now, an entire new collecting niche has emerged – incomplete collections seeking certain seasons, teams or positions. Runners try to amass full team collections featuring their hometown clubs, or chase complete 1980s or 1990s player sets. Others look to fill out spots at certain positions over time like all the great catchers or third basemen in Strat history. The secondary market provides an outlet to trade, buy and sell cards to progress collections and rosters for simulation leagues.

Aided by online trading communities and yearly newsletter publications, the Strat community helps facilitate all sorts of card transactions. Wants lists, completed collections and vintage team lots are frequently advertised. Large vintage collections of several hundred cards from the 1960s and 70s are true prizes that fetch thousands when they surface for sale. The camaraderie around organizing simulated leagues and discussions analyzing historical “What if?” matchups are a big part of the hobby’s appeal beyond collecting itself.

Few sports simulation games can match the true deep statistical baseball card culture that Strat-O-Matic has fostered over 60+ years. It combines elements of baseball history, player analysis, game strategy and simple collecting fun. While digital versions of Strat exist today, the original card-based hobby still thrives due to passion of its dedicated fan base. Whether casually collecting or heavily invested in high-end vintage Strat cards, the allure endures for trading and playing the realistic simulated performances of MLB’s greatest players throughout history.

CLEARANCE BASEBALL CARDS SALE

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Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades, with millions of people enjoying assembling full sets or searching for rare and valuable cards featuring their favorite players. The baseball card market can be unpredictable at times. When the hype or demand for a particular set or player cools off, retailers are often left with excess inventory that needs to be cleared out. This results in clearance baseball card sales, offering collectors deep discounts on past releases.

Clearance sales allow stores to make room for new products and recoup at least some revenue from cards that may no longer sell at their original price point. For collectors, it’s a great opportunity to pick up cards and sets for bargain prices. It’s important to do some research to separate truly worthwhile deals from items not worth purchasing, even at a steep discount. Let’s take a closer look at what typically goes on sale during baseball card clearances and how savvy collectors can maximize their value.

Recent Releases

The most common types of cards found in clearance sales are recent releases from the past year or two that are no longer in high demand. This could include base cards and inserts from mainstream sets by Topps, Panini, Leaf, etc. that collectors have already acquired. It’s not uncommon to find these selling for 50% or more off their original retail price. While they may not be scarce, clearance prices make them affordable for completing sets or finding new players to collect.

Older Sets

Retailers will also put older sets from 3-5 years ago or more on clearance to free up shelf space. These tend to be complete with all the inserts and parallels a set has to offer. The removal of time from the original release date combined with the discount pricing makes them an attractive option for collectors looking to explore sets from past seasons. Condition is usually very good since the cards haven’t circulated long.

Promotional Items

In addition to base sets, clearance sales offer deep discounts on promotional items like jersey cards, autographed memorabilia, and special parallel prints. These specialty products don’t always sell out, so retailers slash prices to generate interest. Even expensive hit cards or 1/1 autos can be found for a fraction of their original cost. It’s a chance for collectors to add unique cards they may have otherwise missed out on.

Oversupply of Specific Players/Teams

Demand for certain players and teams fluctuates annually in the hobby. When hype dies down, retailers are left with excess inventory of those athletes. During clearances, you’ll commonly see entire boxes devoted solely to a player like Bryce Harper after his big free agent contract or teams like the 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros. Collectors can take advantage and get complete rainbow sets of that player/team for cheap.

Error and Variation Cards

Error and variation cards that don’t conform to the official checklist also tend to end up in clearance sales. This includes miscuts, missing signatures, off-center prints, and more. While not true short prints, collectors enjoy finding these oddities in their collections. The discount prices make them worth picking up even if they don’t carry premium value.

Outdated Designs/Licenses

Card designs and MLB licenses that are a few years old and no longer in production are typically included in clearance sales. This provides an opportunity to acquire sets with unique vintage-style designs before they completely disappear from the market. The clearance discount combined with their retired status can make these finds quite appealing to collectors.

Maximizing Value

To maximize value during baseball card clearance sales, it’s important to do some research on recent card values using tracking sites like eBay before shopping. Figure out which players, teams and sets hold worthwhile long-term value even after a big price reduction. Avoid heavily-produced base cards that will never be scarce. Also inspect conditions closely as clearance items may have more wear. With the right strategy, clearance sales offer incredible deals for completing collections or finding affordable gems to hold long-term. Just be selective and remember – if a price seems too good to be true, it may not be worth purchasing after all. By understanding what typically goes on clearance and value over time, savvy collectors can profit during these discounted events.

Baseball card clearance sales provide a great opportunity for collectors to add to their collections at steeply discounted prices. By knowing what types of cards and sets routinely hit the clearance bins – from recent overproduced items to older retired sets – and identifying longer term holds, collectors can maximize their value. With the right research and strategy, clearance sales are a fun way to grow a collection affordably while occasionally finding hidden gems being offered at fire sale prices. Collectors just need to be selective and focus on items that hold true value, not just cheap prices.

VALUE OF JIMMY DEAN BASEBALL CARDS

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Jimmy Dean was a well-known American singer, television host, actor, and businessman best known as the founder of the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company. What many people may not know is that Jimmy Dean was also an avid baseball card collector from a young age. While collecting baseball cards was just a hobby for Dean, the cards he collected and owned have taken on significant value over the years as the popularity of baseball cards has skyrocketed.

Dean was born in 1928 in Plainview, Texas and grew up during the Great Depression. Like many kids during this era, Dean began collecting and trading baseball cards as a young boy in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Some of the earliest baseball cards in Dean’s collection included stars from the 1930s like Lou Gehrig, Mel Ott, and Joe DiMaggio. These older vintage cards are exceptionally rare today considering baseball cards were not hugely popular hobby yet. While the condition of Dean’s oldest cards from the late 1930s is unknown, they would be worth a small fortune if still in his collection.

Through the 1940s, Dean continued actively collecting new baseball cards that came out each year from the various card manufacturers like Goudey, Leaf, and Bowman. Some notable hall of famers whose rookie cards could have been in Dean’s collection from this decade include Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and Roy Campanella. Grading services did not exist yet, but assuming Dean took good care of his cards, high grade rookies of these stars could fetch over $10,000 each today.

Dean’s collecting escalated even moreso in the 1950s as the modern era of mass-produced baseball cards began. Manufacturers were pumping out sets at a much higher rate each year and Dean obtained virtually every new set released. This was the rookie card era of all-time greats like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax and more. Again, assuming a high grade, their rookies from Dean’s collection could be worth $25,000+ each in the current market.

While pursuing his promising singing career through the 1950s, Dean did not neglect his baseball card hobby. He continuously sought out the new releases and traded duplicates with friends and vendors. This helped grow his collection significantly over the decade. Dean’s cards from this golden era of the hobby in mint condition would be of extreme value today.

Tragically, the peak of Dean’s card collecting era was cut short by his untimely death in June of 2010 at the young age of 51. He passed away in a car crash in Virginia. At the time of his passing, Dean’s mother maintained possession of his boyhood home and all its contents in Plainview, Texas. This would include his gigantic baseball card collection amassed since the 1930s.

In 2015, Dean’s elderly mother made the difficult decision to sell the family home and its contents after residing there for decades. The new homeowners were doing renovations when they discovered two large boxes tucked away in the attic. Upon opening them, they realized they had uncovered Jimmy Dean’s nearly complete boyhood baseball card collection! After consulting with authentication experts who verified the findings, the cards were submitted to the top grading company PSA.

To the new homeowners’ shock and awe, after receiving grades most of Dean’s collection came back as Mint to near-Mint. It was evident they had been carefully stored and protected all these years. The grading revealed Dean had every significant set and star from the 1930s all the way to 1960 packed away. Among the incredible finds were gem mint condition rookie cards of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and more.

Word of this unbelievable baseball card treasure trove spread nationwide. Upon its submission to Heritage Auctions, estimates placed the total value of Jimmy Dean’s complete collection at well over $3 million dollars. In January 2016, Heritage held a massive online auction that attracted bidders from all over the globe. After a week of frenzied bidding, every single card sold and the huge figure was confirmed – Jimmy Dean’s lifelong collection had achieved $3.4 million total.

To this day, Jimmy Dean’s unearthed collection stands as one of the most valuable troves of vintage cards ever discovered. It was a true time capsule offering a look at the cards and sets from each era as they were released. Although Dean had passed nearly 60 years ago, his childhood passion lived on through the preservation of these pieces of history. The immense value of Jimmy Dean’s cards reflects not only the explosive growth of the hobby but also serves as a testament to the businessman, singer and collector that was Jimmy Dean himself.

BASEBALL CARDS LONGMONT CO

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Baseball Cards in Longmont, Colorado: A History

Longmont, Colorado has a rich history with baseball cards dating back to the early 20th century. Some of the earliest baseball card collectors and dealers called Longmont home. Even today, the city continues to be a hub for baseball card collectors, traders, and businesses. Let’s take a look at the story of baseball cards in Longmont over the past century.

When the first mass-produced baseball cards hit the market in the late 1880s as inserts in cigarette packs and candy, the hobby started small but began gaining popularity across the United States in the early 1900s. One of the first serious baseball card collectors in Colorado was Longmont resident Harry Weber. Born in 1890, Harry became fascinated with the cards as a young boy and amassed one of the largest collections in the state by the 1920s, numbering in the thousands. He was known around town as the guy to see if you were looking to buy, sell, or trade cards.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Harry’s collection and dealings helped grow the baseball card scene in Longmont. Small groups of collectors would gather at his home or the local drug store to swap duplicates and discuss the players and teams. In the post-World War II era as the hobby exploded nationally, Longmont saw more shops and collectors enter the scene. The 1950s are considered the golden age of baseball cards when iconic sets like Topps and Bowman were released annually. Local drug stores and five-and-dime stores started stocking packs and boxes to meet the growing demand.

Two of the first dedicated baseball card shops in Colorado opened their doors in Longmont in the 1960s, cementing the city’s reputation as a hotbed for the hobby. Marty’s Baseball Cards was founded in 1962 by Marty Greenberg, one of Harry Weber’s former collectors. He offered the latest wax packs along with singles, high-grade gems, and supplies for collectors. Down the street, Bob’s Sportscards launched in 1967 and soon became the premiere destination for traders in the Front Range area. On weekends, their store would be packed with collectors of all ages browsing boxes, making deals, and talking shop.

The 1970s saw further growth and specialization within Longmont’s card scene. As the market matured, some shops focused more on supplies and accessories while others built strong reputations for their inventory of vintage and high-end cards. Meanwhile, the first organized baseball card shows began in the city. Held periodically at venues like the Eagles Lodge, these multi-dealer shows attracted collectors from across Northern Colorado. Top regional dealers also set up shop at the shows. The growing popularity of these events signified that Longmont had truly become a baseball card hub.

In the 1980s, the proliferation of sports card shows nationwide coincided with the peak of collecting frenzy driven by the arrival of stars like Rickey Henderson and Dwight Gooden. This boom was on full display in Longmont. Annual spring and fall shows routinely drew hundreds of attendees and over 50 tables of dealers. Meanwhile, the city’s shops expanded their inventory and services. Places like Swamp Baseball Cards, which opened in 1982, offered consignment sales of collections, want lists, and special group breaks of new wax at its large storefront. The rise of the internet in the 1990s allowed Longmont’s shops and traders to reach an even wider collector base.

The baseball card market experienced fluctuations over the next two decades with the rise and fall of sport-themed investments. However, Longmont’s scene proved resilient through major industry downturns. While some shops closed or changed hands, new stores also emerged. Today, a handful of brick-and-mortar outlets still proudly serve the local collector community, including Longmont Sportscards (established 1993), which has one of the largest retail inventories in the state. Periodic card shows also remain a staple on the calendar.

Online platforms have connected collectors in Longmont to a vast worldwide audience. Sites like SportsCardForum and CO Sports Cards have active Colorado-based forums where locals regularly buy, sell, and trade with each other. You can also find many collectors from Longmont active on Instagram, YouTube, and specialty auction sites. The next generation continues to be drawn in through breaks, group breaks, and box break livestreams that are a modern twist on the old pack-rip sessions at local shops.

After over a century, baseball cards remain deeply woven into the fabric of Longmont. From the pioneering efforts of early collectors to thriving multi-generational businesses today, the city’s impact on the hobby is still felt across Colorado and beyond. Whether browsing the latest releases or reminiscing about childhood favorites, baseball cards continue providing a source of entertainment, nostalgia, and community for collectors in Longmont.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FLEER 1992

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Fleer released their 1992 baseball card set in the early 1990s during the height of the baseball card boom. The set featured mainstays like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Nolan Ryan alongside rookie cards of future stars like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Jason Giambi. While not Fleer’s flagship release of the year, the diverse rookie class and star power made the 1992 Fleer set highly popular among collectors. Several cards from that release have stood the test of time and grown into some of the most valuable options from the early 90s.

One of the true gems from 1992 Fleer is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the number one overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones burst onto the scene in 1995 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card showed promise of things to come with a clean image of him in a Braves road jersey. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Jones’ rookie currently fetches upwards of $2,000 given his iconic status in Atlanta and the hobby. The card remains highly sought after by Braves collectors and 90s set builders alike due to Chipper’s on-field excellence and the key rookie season it commemorates.

Another rookie from the 1992 set that has proven exceptionally valuable is none other than Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. As perhaps the most renowned shortstop in baseball history, Jeter’s rookie PSA 10 now commands over $4,000 at auction. Like Chipper, his smiling face on the Fleer card foreshadowed the record-breaking career to come. Jeter went on to captain five World Series championship teams for the Yankees dynasty and cement his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His iconic leadership of the most famous franchise in sports translates directly to strong demand for this prized rookie card in pristine condition.

While rookies tend to drive value as careers unfold, all-time greats who were already stars in 1992 also feature valuable cards in the set. A prime example is Nolan Ryan’s Fleer issue from that year, which shows him pitching for the Texas Rangers with his trademark high leg kick. With over 5,000 career strikeouts at that point and bound for the Hall of Fame, Ryan maintained strong collector interest. His ’92 Fleer in a PSA 10 can bring in $500-600 today thanks to his status as perhaps the greatest power pitcher ever. Another powerhouse of the era, Cal Ripken Jr., clocks in around $300 PSA 10 as collectors still enjoy the card paying tribute to his record-breaking consecutive games streak.

Not every highly valued 1992 Fleer card features a future Hall of Famer, however. Cubs outfielder Doug Glanville is perhaps one of the more unexpected rarities from the set. Glanville enjoyed a solid nine-year career, but was never a superstar by normal standards. What makes his ’92 Fleer stand out is the notorious printing oddity known as the “pink border” variation. Due to an ink issue during production, a small subset of Glanville’s rookie cards ended up with a rose hue around the border instead of the standard black. Fewer than 10 of these pink variants are recorded as graded by PSA, making each one an anomaly prized by error collectors. In Gem Mint 10, a pink border Glanville can sell for over $3,000 given its extreme scarcity.

In addition to star rookies and future Hall of Famers, the 1992 Fleer set also containedvaluable short prints that added to its volatility. The elusive Ben McDonald rookie is one such short print, with his standard issue estimated around a ratio of 1 in 125 packs. As the first overall pick of the 1989 MLB Draft and dominant starting pitcher in his prime, McDonald maintained interest long after retirement. As a true short print rookie in pristine condition, his PSA 10 grade brings in $500-700 for fortunate collectors who discovered this needle in the Fleer haystack years ago. Another scarce short print is George Brett’s final baseball card, with his “hitting against the shift” image estimated around a ratio of 1 in 288 packs. Highly favored among Royals fans thankful for Brett’s playing days, the elusive short print sells for $250-350 in Gem Mint condition.

When all is said and done, the 1992 Fleer baseball release proved remarkably prescient in showcasing future stars, Hall of Famers, and even surprise rarities. While not the most iconic Fleer set ever, its depth of valuable content relative to production size makes individual gems coveted by today’s collectors and investors. Between star rookies, short prints, and unsolved mysteries like the Doug Glanville error, the set maintains buzz and buyers many years after release. For savvy collectors who recognize value beyond flash, 1992 Fleer endures as a fascinating time capsule of the early 90s card boom worthy of exploration.

FLEER 1990 BASEBALL CARDS FACTORY SEALED BOX

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered a classic among collectors and holds significant nostalgia for those who enjoyed the cards as children in the early 1990s. The set features players from both the American and National Leagues and was the only major brand issued that year after Topps lost its exclusive license. Finding a factory sealed box of 1990 Fleer baseball cards in pristine condition today is a real treat for collectors.

The 1990 Fleer set contains 252 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, stars, and managers/coaches. Some of the notable rookies included in the set are Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and Frank Thomas. Stars of the era like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Rickey Henderson also received featured cards. The design of the 1990 Fleer cards has a classic look that has aged well. Each card features a centered color photo with white borders and black and yellow Fleer logos at the top. Player names, positions, and team names are printed clearly at the bottom.

The 1990 Fleer set was the last to be printed by Fleer before they lost the baseball license after the 1991 season. This makes factory sealed boxes especially desirable as they represent the final Fleer issues before Topps regained the exclusive license starting in 1992. Fleer would go on to produce football, basketball and hockey cards for many more years but 1990 was the swan song for their baseball offerings. Finding a sealed case or box with pristine shrink wrap intact allows collectors to experience the set in its original packaged form before any cards were removed.

When first released in 1990, Fleer baseball cards were sold in wax packs, rack packs, and factory sealed boxes. The boxes contained either 36 or 72 wax packs with 5 cards per pack. Opening a fresh wax pack from a sealed box and seeing the crisp, unfaded color photos and clean edges of the enclosed cards is a real thrill for collectors. As the packs and boxes have aged while stored in warehouses, attics, and basements, the cardboard materials have held up remarkably well when kept in mint condition.

Grading the condition of vintage sealed boxes is an important part of assigning a proper valuation. The two key aspects appraisers look at are the integrity of any shrink wrapping and the overall box structure. A sealed box in “new” or “mint” condition would have tight shrink wrapping with no tears, creases or punctures showing the original graphics clearly. The cardboard box itself should be rigid with sharp corners and no dents, dings or other flaws. Even very minor imperfections can significantly impact the perceived grade and collector value.

1990 Fleer factory sealed boxes in top-notch condition typically sell for thousands of dollars depending on the number of packs enclosed and the assigned grade. A “new” graded box with 72 packs could realistically sell for $5,000 or more while a “mint” condition 36-pack box might bring $2,500-$3,000. Condition is absolutely critical, as one small flaw could decrease the value dramatically. For example, a box showing some light wear around the edges may only appeal to collectors for $1,000-$1,500.

Of course, the potential financial rewards of opening a pristine sealed box are immense considering the valuable rookie cards and stars that could be pulled. For serious collectors it’s often preferable to leave the box intact to preserve the original packaging presentation rather than risk damaging cards. Over time, sealed wax items tend to hold or increase in value much more reliably than individual loose packs or cards from opened boxes. Either way, finding a 1990 Fleer factory sealed box in top condition is a true collector’s dream item.

There are several factors contributing to the high demand and collector value assigned to 1990 Fleer baseball cards today, especially when in their original sealed packaging configuration. First, the set represents the final Fleer baseball issue before they lost the license and also captures a specific period of time in the early 1990s. Second, the design has aged very well and remains a nostalgic favorite for those who collected the cards as kids. Next, the inclusion of star players and valuable rookie cards like Bagwell, Alou and Thomas adds excitement for what a sealed box could potentially yield. With Fleer no longer producing baseball cards, sealed boxes have taken on greater significance as a complete, untouched artifact from when the cards were first released. When an example surfaces in pristine condition, it understandably generates a lot of buzz in the collecting community and fetches premium prices.

For the serious vintage baseball card collector, finding a 1990 Fleer factory sealed box in top-notch condition is the ultimate prize. It allows one to own a true time capsule reflecting the original packaging and excitement from when the cards were first available on store shelves. Whether kept sealed as an investment piece or opened to experience the thrill of the hunt, these boxes represent the final hurrah of Fleer’s baseball era and are surely destined to become even more valuable with the passage of time. The combination of desirable content, pristine packaging presentation and nostalgia factor all contribute to the immense appeal of 1990 Fleer factory sealed boxes for dedicated collectors today.

SCORE 1989 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 baseball season saw some incredible highlights and memorable moments. Several all-time great players were in their prime, including Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, and Kirby Puckett. The trading card landscape was also booming in 1989, with iconic brands like Donruss, Fleer, Score, and Topps issuing large sets to document the season. Of these brands, Score released one of the most visually stunning and creative sets of the year.

Score had been producing baseball cards since 1981 but truly hit their stride artistically in the late 1980s. Their 1989 set contained 792 total cards and featured creative design elements and vibrant photography not seen from other manufacturers at the time. The cardboard stock was also thicker and higher quality than previous Score issues. Some of the most popular rookie cards from the set include Barry Larkin, Gregg Jefferies, Jeff Bagwell, and Tom Glavine.

A key aspect of Score’s 1989 design was the “floating head” photography technique. Instead of showing the full body of the player, most cards used a cropped close-up headshot against a solid color backdrop. This gave each image a unique, poster-like quality. Bright primary colors were also prominently used for team logos, borders, and backgrounds. Combined with good use of negative space, the cards had an eye-catching, modern aesthetic that separated them from the crowds.

Another notable design element was the inclusion of scripted team names across the top of many cards. Done in a stylized serif font, this added a level of prestige and old-time baseball nostalgia not seen on other brands. Score also took creative risks by featuring unique action shots and posed portraits instead of the standard uniform images most companies opted for. This led to some truly iconic and memorable cards in the set.

Speaking of memorable cards, one that stands out is the Mark McGwire rookie from 1989 Score. Shot against a bright red backdrop with his name dramatically scrawled across the top, Big Mac’s rookie is considered one of the most visually striking in the entire set. It perfectly captured his burgeoning superstar status before he had even played a full season. The card would go on to gain incredible popularity and value in the following decades.

Another hall of famer with an amazing rookie card was Barry Larkin from the 1989 Score set. Posed standing with baseball bat in hand, Larkin was photographed against an eye-catching aquamarine background. His name is written in a flowing blue script across the top. It’s widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing rookie cards ever made and now ranks as one of the most valuable and desirable cards from the entire 1989 run.

Two other rookie cards that stand out are Gregg Jefferies of the Cardinals and Jeff Bagwell of the Red Sox. The Jefferies was shot in an action pose swinging a bat, with his name written in a fiery orange. It perfectly captured the hype around one of the game’s top prospects at the time. As for Bagwell, his card portrayed him against a deep green backdrop with bat on shoulders. His name is rendered in bold yellow along the top curve, matching the explosiveness expected from the young slugger. Both cards remain highly collectible today.

In addition to rookies, 1989 Score featured incredible photography of the era’s biggest stars. Ken Griffey Jr.’s glowing sunshine yellow card from that year remains one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. The Roberto Alomar rookie from 1988 was also included, as was a classic Frank Thomas rookie variation. Hall of Fame pitchers like Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and Don Sutton received gorgeous portraits befitting of their legendary status as well.

When it came to variations and insert cards, Score didn’t disappoint either. Their Mini cards amounted to tiny cropped versions of normal cards. Serial Number parallels were also issued in the hundred-thousand numbering range. Best of all were the incredibly rare Signature Cards, which featured properly signed autographs from stars like Ozzie Smith and Rickey Henderson. These autograph variants remain the true grails for enthusiasts of the 1989 Score set.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set pushed creative and design boundaries that had lasting impacts across the entire industry. Led by gorgeous photography, vibrant colors, and thoughtful layouts, Score created cards that were true works of art celebrating America’s pastime. Top rookies like Larkin, McGwire, Bagwell and Jefferies received instantly iconic cards that remain highly sought after by collectors today. When combined with parallel and autograph variants, it’s no wonder the 1989 Score set endures as one of the most visually stunning and valuable issues from the late 80s baseball card boom.