MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1989 FLEER

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The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era. Coming on the heels of the legendary 1987 and 1988 Fleer sets that introduced “Chrome” and refractor parallels, the 1989 offering launched the careers of several future Hall of Famers while also featuring some highly coveted rookie and star player variants. Combined with the overall popularity of the sport in the late 80s, the 389-card base set has stood the test of time and produced numerous vintage cards that have risen dramatically in value over the past 30+ years. Here are some of the most valuable and desirable 1989 Fleer baseball cards to look out for:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (1989 Fleer #152) – Perhaps the single most iconic and valuable modern-era rookie card, Griffey’s debut Fleer issue is the undisputed king of the 1989 set. With his swaying left-handed swing and effortless grace in center field, “The Kid” would go on to revolutionize the outfield position and become a true fan favorite beloved across baseball. His rookie card has always been highly sought after, and PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for astronomical prices upwards of $400,000. Even well-centered lower graded copies still fetch five figures.

Frank Thomas Rookie (1989 Fleer #340) – Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Thomas became one of the most feared right-handed power hitters of the 1990s with his prodigious home runs and RBI totals. His rookie card has seen a huge popularity surge in recent years, with PSA 10’s reaching the $30,000-40,000 price range. Any affordable graded Thomas rookie under $1,000 is a great long-term investment piece in a Hall of Famer.

Donruss Style Parallel (various) – Among the rarest variations that hail from the 1989 Fleer set are the elusive “Donruss Style” parallel cards. Said to number around 30 copies or less for each player, these feature a photo and design akin to the competing Topps and Donruss sets of the time. Names like Kirby Puckett, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens in this parallel routinely sell for five figures or higher in top condition.

Barry Bonds Rookie (1989 Fleer #93) – As one of the greatest players ever, Bonds’ rookie cards have seen explosive growth. The 1989 Fleer issue, his true freshman offering, can fetch $2,000-3,000 alone in PSA 8-9 condition. A pristine PSA 10 is easily a $10,000 card showcasing a young “Barr-Bear” in Pirates silks before his epic run with the Giants.

Greg Maddux Rookie (1989 Fleer #328) – Maddux quickly established himself as one of baseball’s premier control artists and would go on to dominate for decades as one of the top right-handed starters of all-time. His clean and classy rookie attracts strong collector demand, with 8-9 graded copies commonly selling for $500-1,000 each. A PSA 10 jewel would be worth several thousand dollars.

Bo Jackson Rookie (1989 Fleer #376) – The “Bo Knows” cultural icon and two-sport star had perhaps the all-time most dominating rookie season across both the MLB and NFL. His iconic Fleer cardboard showcasing his bulging muscles and prodigious talents is highly sought after to this day. Well-centered PSA 8’s will go for $200-300, with 9’s and especially rare 10’s being worth exponentially more.

Ken Caminiti Rookie (1989 Fleer #363) – Prior to his 1996 NL MVP season, Caminiti first emerged as a stud third baseman for the Astros during this time. His clean-shaven rookie depicting him in Houston orange and blue has increased steadily in value over the years to the $100-200 range in PSA 8-9 condition.

Ozzie Smith Subset (1989 Fleer #126S) – “The Wizard” was already an All-Star established as one of the best defensive shortstops ever during this phase of his Hall of Fame career. The glossy blue “Superstar Extra” subset featuring Ozzie glistening in his Cardinals uniform has become a highly popular modern Cardinals vintage issue, with nicer examples reaching up to $150 raw.

Mark McGwire Rookie (1989 Fleer #360) – Big Mac’s first cardboard shows him with a full head of hair and bright future ahead as an Oakland A’s slugger. Despite not being his true rookie season, the ’89 Fleer has taken on cult status as McGwire’s first widely available issue. Mid-grade copies commonly sell in the $50-100 range.

Nolan Ryan Insert (1989 Fleer #I-22) – Featuring dazzling photo quality and design, this insert chronicled Ryan’s record-setting career as a flame-throwing legend. In top condition it’s easily a $100+ card highlighting one of the game’s all-time great hurlers.

Rickey Henderson (1989 Fleer #53, #53S) – Whether the base issue or “Superstar Extra” parallel, cards highlighting the base-stealing antics of the inimitable “Man of Steal” as an Athletic have always generated robust collector demand. Higher grade Trickey Rickey cards from ’89 Fleer can fetch $75-150 each.

While the investment potential of vintage cardboard will always carry risks, high-grade examples from the classic 1989 Fleer set have proven to be some of the safest long-term holdings in the collecting world. Featuring future Hall of Famers and stars throughout, it serves as a tremendous time capsule to one of the golden eras of baseball. The intrinsically linked nostalgia, historic significance and sometimes surprisingly affordable price tags of these 30+ year old rookies and stars make the set a perennial favorite among savvy vintage investors.

WHOLESALE BASEBALL CARDS

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Wholesale Baseball Cards: An Industry Overview

Baseball cards have been collected and traded by fans for over 150 years, and the wholesale baseball card industry has grown enormously over that time. Even in today’s digital world, physical baseball cards remain very popular collectibles. This article will provide an in-depth look at the wholesale baseball card industry, including its history, major companies, products, and trends.

The origins of baseball cards date back to the late 1800s when card companies like Goodwin & Co. and Old Judge tobacco cards featured baseball players on packets and boxes of cigarettes. In the early 20th century, more dedicated baseball card sets were produced by companies like American Caramel and Tip Cigarettes. The modern baseball card era began in the 1950s when Topps secured the exclusive license to produce cards featuring active Major League Baseball players.

Topps dominated the baseball card market for decades and introduced many innovations, from color photos to foilstamping. In the late 1980s, rival manufacturer Fleer was able to break Topps’ monopoly. This sparked intense competition that led to more experimental sets, inserts, parallels and autograph/memorabilia cards. New companies like Leaf, Donruss and Upper Deck also entered the hobby.

Today, the primary manufacturers of modern baseball cards for the wholesale market are Topps, Panini, Leaf/Upper Deck, Press Pass/Fanatics, and Dynasty Deals/Gold Label. These companies produce the bulk of yearly baseball card sets as well as special releases throughout the season. Some focus more on traditional card designs while others emphasize new hit formats and rare autograph parallels. The wholesale industry relies on established distributors to move product from the manufacturers to licensed hobby shops, card shows, online retailers and breakers.

In addition to standard trading card releases, high-end boutique companies produce limited runs of ultra-premium baseball cards. Examples include Hit Parade, Club Collection, Tier One, and Game Used Authentic. These “luxury labels” focus on rarer memorabilia relic cards, autographed jersey and bat cards, and 1/1 unique specimens that can sell for thousands of dollars. Another tier is the independent contractor producers like Blowout Cards, who design their own sets and work directly with printing plants.

The bread-and-butter of the baseball card industry remains the yearly licensed card sets released around Opening Day each season. Topps, Panini and others will put out standard base sets alongside numerous inserts, parallels and hit variations. Popular insert themes cover Hall of Famers, rookies, milestones, team sets and more. New collectors can enjoy affordable wax packs and boxes at retail while advanced collectors seek out hard-signed memorabilia cards from high-end releases.

Wholesalers service licensed shops by distributing cases of unopened wax packs, boxes, and mini-collections directly from the manufacturers. As middlemen, they enable retailers to keep shelves stocked with the latest releases. Some wholesalers like Blowout Cards will even break wax themselves to hunt big hits and resale singles. Online breakers have also emerged as a growing niche, streaming live group breaks of pricier hobby boxes for fans worldwide.

The baseball card secondary market is another vital aspect of the industry. Collectors can build sets or trade dupes on trading card forums, through the mail, at card shows or via online auction sites. Major stars, vintage players, rookie artifacts and serial numbered parallels hold the highest resell value. Organization and protective supplies from Ultra Pro, BCW and others enable collectors to safely store and showcase their growing collections.

In recent years, the rise of sports card investing has reinvigorated the hobby and brought new profits to the wholesale businesses. Iconic rookie cards from the 1960s to 1980s regularly fetch over $100,000 USD as blue-chip investments. This renewed collector demand stimulates larger print runs and product offerings compared to the late 1990s/2000s lull. The growing popularity of breakers and social media also engages a new generation of baseball card fans.

As the industry evolves with technology and economic trends, baseball cards remain a timeless collectible that documents the rich history of America’s pastime. The wholesale channels that manufacture, distribute and bring players, plays and memories to life from cardboard continue growing the hobby globally. Whether spent chasing pack-fresh rookies, adding museum pieces or enjoying the thrill of the chase, collecting cards remains a passion for baseball enthusiasts of all ages.

RATED ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS BARRY BONDS

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Barry Bonds is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, holding the career records for home runs, walks, intentional walks, and slugging percentage. He spent most of his career playing for the San Francisco Giants, but was also a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates early in his career. Bonds’ excellence on the field translated to very desirable and valuable rookie baseball cards, with his highest profile being his 1986 Topps Traded rated rookie card. Let’s take an in-depth look at Barry Bonds’ rated rookie cards and what made them so highly sought after.

Bonds was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 1985 amateur draft out of Arizona State University. He made his Major League debut with the Pirates in 1986 at age 21. Despite only playing in 32 games that season, Bonds’ prodigious talent was already evident, as he hit .223 with 4 home runs and 9 RBI. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him the coveted rated rookie designation in the 1987 Topps baseball card set.

Topps has issued rated rookie cards since 1968 as a way to spotlight the most notable rookie players from the previous season in their main trading card release the following year. While Bonds’ 1987 Topps rated rookie card is considered one of his key rookie issues, it saw relatively low production numbers and was not one of the flashier rookie cards of its time due to Bonds’ limited playing time in 1986. The 1987 Topps Rated Rookie Barry Bonds card has an attractive design for collectors today but does not command top dollar like some of his other rookie variants from 1986.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable of Barry Bonds’ rookie cards is his 1986 Topps Traded card. Topps began issuing traded sets alongside their flagship release in 1981 as a way to highlight rookie players and trades that occurred after the primary series had already been produced and distributed. Since Bonds made his MLB debut late in the 1986 season, he was not included in the 1986 Topps base set but was granted one of the coveted rookie card positions in the higher-end Topps Traded release instead.

The 1986 Topps Traded Barry Bonds rookie card is one of the most significant baseball cards of the 1980s. It features a bright green border and full body action image of the rookie sensation on the front. On the back is the standard rookie card write-up highlighting Bonds’ statistics and potential. What made this card especially collectible was the much lower printing numbers compared to the 1987 Topps RRC. Sources estimate only around 100,000 copies were issued of the 1986 Topps Traded Bonds rookie compared to millions of the 1987 issue. This scarcity drove early demand and appreciation for the card among collectors.

In the late 1980s through the 90s, the 1986 Topps Traded Barry Bonds rookie was considered one of the true “big four” prize cards along with the Ken Griffey Jr., Kirby Puckett, and Donruss Mark McGwire rookies. In high grades, raw examples regularly sold for $100-200 even back then. The card skyrocketed in value in the late 90s/early 2000s as Bonds began shattering home run records and collectors realized they owned a piece of history. PSA/BGS GEM MT 10 examples now sell for $10,000-$25,000 depending on market conditions. Even lower graded versions still command $1,000+ prices.

While the 1986 Topps Traded is tops, there are a handful of other notable early Barry Bonds rookie card issues collectors seek:

1986 Fleer Update: His true “base” rookie from first major set issued in 1986. Has solid vintage appeal but printing numbers likely numbered in multiple millions. Values top out around $20-40 graded.

1986 Donruss: Color photo rookie in Donruss’ inaugural baseball card release. Sharper image than Topps but again, mass-produced. $15-30 card today.

1986 Star: Color photo variation issued exclusively in wax packs sold through convenience/grocery stores. Even rarer and more coveted than the Topps Traded for advanced collectors.

1986 Topps: Not truly a “rookie” but his first major appearance. Amazing action photo made this a must-own for years. $10-25 depending on condition.

While not on par with the 1984 Ken Griffey Jr. or 1957 Mike Schmidt in value, the early 1986-87 rookie cards of Barry Bonds are considered premier baseball memorabilia from the junk wax era. They afford collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of one of the game’s all-time great sluggers, which is appealing even amidst the steroid controversy that has dogged Bonds in recent years. As long as there are fans who remember Bond’s amazing on-field accomplishments, these classic rookie cards will remain a cornerstone of the vintage sports market.

2011 ALLEN GINTER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2011 edition of Topps’ venerable Allen & Ginter baseball card release was highly anticipated by collectors. After being out of print for over a decade, Topps brought back the classic design in 1989 and has issued sets regularly since 2005. The 2011 A&G cards maintained the retro look featuring artwork borders and photographs on some cards, but saw some new insert sets and parallels added to the base checklist.

The base set consisted of 324 total cards with players, managers, legends, and notable non-baseball personalities. Some of the more notable rookie cards included Freddie Freeman, Jeremy Hellickson, and Eric Hosmer. Veteran stars featured included Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. Beyond current players, the set paid tribute to legendary figures like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Satchel Paige.

Outside of sports, actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and singers like Lady Gaga made appearances reflecting the eclectic mix of subjects found in Allen & Ginter sets over the years. Topical non-sports cards also featured things like cars, movies, and historic events. Veteran collectors enjoyed finding familiar names from past while newer collectors could discover new areas of interest through these offbeat inclusions.

In addition to the standard base cards, Topps included several chase parallel sets that added to the excitement of opening packs. The most sought-after were the 1/1 printing plate parallels available only by redeeming printing plates won through online contests or special box topper redemptions. Other parallels included gold (#/50), silver (#/150), and camo (#/199) versions of base cards available through regular packs at lower print runs.

Another parallel insert set was the 82 Game Used Materials cards featuring swatches of game-used jerseys, bats, or other memorabilia embedded into the design. These were available one per box on average and provided collectors a way to add authentic pieces of player equipment to their collections. Numbers were limited to only /99 copies creating a significant scarcity premium for high-grade versions.

Among the most popular chase inserts in 2011 Allen & Ginter was the 16-card League Leaders subset. Highlighting statistical champions from the previous season, these featured retro-style artwork in the style of vintage tobacco cards. Notable rookie cards included Buster Posey and Neftali Feliz from their 2010 award-winning seasons. With short prints of only /299 copies each, these inserts became hot commodities on the secondary market.

The 24-card Icons of the Game insert showcased legendary players through vibrant cubist-style artwork. Featuring the likes of Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, and Hank Aaron, these creative renditions commemorated all-time great careers. Limited to /399 each, these inserts provided a fun new artistic take on baseball immortals. Other inserts like All-Time Greats (96 cards, /399) and T206-Style Players (24 cards, /149) echoed vintage designs and maintained interest in pack-pulling beyond the base checklist.

Several novel promotional inserts added further incentive for collectors. The 56-card Sizzlin’ Sounds of Summer insert highlighted baseball themes songs on jukebox-style cards with mp3 download codes on the back. Additionally, Topps provided a 50-card Street Fighter-themed boxing insert reflecting that year’s resurgence in popularity of those retro video games. Both non-sports in nature but reflective of their times, these promotions engaged collectors interested in those adjacent pop culture trends.

The 2011 edition of Allen & Ginter met with much fanfare upon its August release. While maintaining the core retro aesthetic, Topps infused the set with new chase cards, parallels, and promotional inserts that kept the energy high all summer long. Rookie cards of future stars like Freddie Freeman gained value as collectors chased hits from packs and boxes. The eclectic mix of personalities inside helped develop new fans by introducing them to unexpected subjects. After over a decade away, 2011 showed Allen & Ginter had still lost none of its magic for engaging collectors across generations. It remains one of the most popular modern iterations of this classic baseball card brand.

In subsequent years, Topps would continue to refine the Allen & Ginter formula. New insert sets like Credentials paid homage to iconic artifacts and Trading Cards highlighted baseball card designs through history. Standard parallels and memorabilia cards remained popular inserts. The 2011 release stands out for successfully reviving the brand with a modern twist after its long absence. Today, graded examples remain some of the most visually appealing and collectible cards for players who have since become superstars. Its combination of nostalgia, surprises pulls kept the fun alive in what became perhaps the greatest Allen & Ginter release of the modern era.

KRAFT MAC AND CHEESE BASEBALL CARDS

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In 2021, Kraft Heinz unveiled a surprise limited edition series of collectible baseball cards found inside specially marked boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. The unique promotion was a homage to America’s favorite boxed mac and brought together two classic all-American pastimes – baseball and mac and cheese.

Each 72 cent box of Kraft Mac and Cheese had a small chance of containing one of 35 special collectible foil cards featuring notable baseball players from throughout history. The Mac and Cheese cards were similar size to standard baseball cards but featured players posed alongside iconic Kraft Mac and Cheese imagery rather than standard baseball action shots. With a limited print run of just under 1 million cards inserted into retailers nationwide, the Mac and Cheese baseball cards became an instant collector’s phenomenon.

While the promotion was meant to be lighthearted fun, the limited nature of the cards and nostalgia for classic mac and baseball drove passionate collecting among both casual fans and serious card collectors. On the secondary market, unopened boxes of Kraft Mac and Cheese containing cards sell for 5-10 times the retail price depending on the perceived rarity of the inserted player. Individual cards once removed from boxes trade hands for $5-50 depending on the player depicted and the card’s condition. The 35 different cards feature iconic players from Babe Ruth to Ken Griffey Jr. along with a few surprise retired players endorsing Kraft.

One of the rarest cards is “The Called Shot” Babe Ruth card recreating his famous called home run against the Cubs in the 1932 World Series. Only 25,000 of these ultra-rare Ruth cards were inserted into boxes. While most common cards can be acquired for $5-10, mint condition examples of the elusive “Called Shot” Ruth card have sold at auction for upwards of $500 due to their extreme scarcity. Other highly sought after cards depict legendary players like Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Cal Ripken Jr. Often trading for $50-150 depending on condition. But it’s not just the biggest stars that create collector buzz – even lesser known players enjoy popularity due to nostalgia and connection to childhood memories of mac and baseball.

Beyond their novelty, the Kraft Mac and Cheese baseball cards succeeded due to paying homage to the twin passions of baseball and comfort food nostalgia. At their core, both baseball card collecting and enjoying a box of Kraft Mac are familiar pastimes that stir fond memories of childhood, family, and simpler times. The whimsical concept of placing beloved ball players amidst iconic yellow Mac and Cheese packaging created a sensation that seamlessly merged the traditional world of card collecting with everyday family fare. The promotion was also a stroke of marketing genius, giving Kraft a massive boost in free publicity and social media engagement at virtually no added production cost compared to standard packaging.

When cards first hit the market in early 2021, fervent fans raced each other to purchase as many boxes as possible from retailers, hoping to discover an elusive Chase card. Online forums and blogs tracked the emerging “hit list” of located players and documented the growing secondary marketplace prices. By summer, serious collectors began “breaking” unopened boxes on live YouTube and Twitch streams, creating an event atmosphere around reveals and discussion of each pull. Today, the collecting frenzy has cooled somewhat, but dedicated communities continue trading and discussing their ever-growing Mac and Cheese baseball card collections.

While only meant as a temporary promotion, the lasting legacy and nostalgia surrounding Kraft’s Mac and Cheese baseball cards appears to have earned them a permanent place in the broader world of sports memorabilia collecting. They represent a unique convergence of baseball history and Americana comfort food culture. Even without the player names and logos one would expect on standard issues, the simple depictions of ballplayers enjoying bowls of that iconic blue boxed mac gave the cards an charming authenticity that resonated profoundly with fans both casual and diehard. Kraft’s unlikely marriage of macaroni and baseball seems destined to be remembered as one of collectibles’ unlikeliest yet most feel-good crossover hits.

In the future, as today’s youth grow into adulthood, it’s easy to imagine the Kraft Mac and Cheese baseball cards retaining value as a novelty item triggering warm reminisces of childhood innocence. Even in mint condition, the cards were never intended as a mainstream sports collectible investment. But for bringing smiles and conjuring memories of simpler times through their nostalgia-soaked mixture of two American classics, Kraft Mac and Cheese baseball cards have undoubtedly earned a place in the lore of both baseball and collectibles culture. Their lighthearted celebration of baseball’s history and tradition of childhood comfort food culture proved an irresistible combination for legions of devoted fans.

ADAM OTTAVINO BASEBALL CARDS

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Adam Ottavino Baseball Cards Provide Insight Into Journeyman Reliever’s Career

Adam Ottavino has carved out a nice career for himself as a reliable relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, but his baseball card history shows the winding road he took to get there. While he may not be one of the game’s superstar hurlers, Ottavino’s cards chronicle his evolution from an unheralded draft pick to a key bullpen arm for contending teams. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable Adam Ottavino baseball cards from over the years.

2006 Topps Baseball Card #632

One of Ottavino’s earliest card appearances comes from his rookie season in 2006 Topps, though he did not make his MLB debut until the following year. On the card, Ottavino is pictured in a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league uniform from his time in the Mets system prior to being selected by Colorado in the Rule 5 draft. The back of the card provides scouting reports on Ottavino, noting his deceptive delivery and potential as a situational reliever if he can develop better command. It’s telling that even this early in his career, control issues were seen as the biggest hurdle for Ottavino to overcome.

2009 Topps Baseball Card #514

Ottavino’s MLB rookie card came out in 2009 Topps, commemorating his debut season with the Rockies. By this point, Ottavino had spent time in Colorado’s farm system working to refine his mechanics. The results were evident in his 2008 numbers, as he struck out over a batter per inning between Double and Triple-A. Command remained an issue as he also walked nearly five batters per nine innings pitched. Ottavino’s rookie card photo shows him delivering a pitch with his unique high-leg kick delivery. While he made only 11 appearances for the Rockies in 2009, this served as the first trading card glimpse of Ottavino as a big leaguer.

2011 Topps Baseball Card #481

After struggling to stick in the Rockies’ bullpen in 2010, Ottavino bounced back with a solid 2011 season. He appeared in 66 games and notched a 3.46 ERA over 71 innings. This performance earned Ottavino increased exposure and a spot in the 2011 Topps set. The card depicts Ottavino mid-windup and highlights his improved control, as he lowered his walk rate nearly two batters per nine innings from the previous season. Ottavino was establishing himself as a potential long relief option, though injuries would continue to be an obstacle for the pitcher.

2014 Topps Baseball Card #388

Major elbow injuries cost Ottavino all of the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Many questioned if he would ever make it back. But Ottavino worked relentlessly in rehab and was rewarded with a comeback campaign for the Rockies in 2014. He returned better than ever with a 1.80 ERA and 0.857 WHIP over 48 innings. Ottavino’s dominance was reflected on his 2014 Topps card, where he is shown firing a pitch with an intense stare. The back notes Ottavino’s incredible resilience in overcoming Tommy John surgery and regaining his form. It was a true testament to his work ethic and desire.

2015 Topps Update Baseball Card #US150

Ottavino avoided arbitration and re-signed with Colorado prior to the 2015 season, looking to build on his breakout year. He continued pitching well initially but was traded to the New York Mets in August. This Update card captured Ottavino with his new club, though he only made five appearances for the Mets down the stretch. The trade marked the end of Ottavino’s seven-year tenure in the Rockies organization. While he enjoyed success in Denver when healthy, a new chapter was beginning in the Big Apple.

2017 Topps Baseball Card #507

After signing with Boston as a free agent, Ottavino enjoyed a career year for the Red Sox in 2017. He notched a 2.06 ERA and struck out a batter per inning across 66 appearances, showcasing some of the best stuff of his career. This performance earned Ottavino a prominent spot near the front of the 2017 Topps set. The card depicts Ottavino mid-delivery, with his unique high leg kick on full display. By this point, Ottavino had developed into a late-inning weapon, maximizing his potential after years of battling injuries and control issues.

2019 Topps Update Baseball Card #US150

Ottavino continued his success after signing a lucrative deal with the Yankees prior to 2019. He emerged as a setup man for Aroldis Chapman in New York’s stellar bullpen. This Update card featured Ottavino in his new Yankees pinstripes, coming off a season where he struck out 112 batters in 66.2 innings with an ERA under two. At this stage of his career, Ottavino had cemented himself as one of the game’s premier relievers, earning increased recognition and parallels with superstars on his cards. His journeyman path made it all the sweeter.

In summary, Adam Ottavino’s baseball card collection perfectly illustrates his evolution from a little-known prospect to a durable late-inning presence. Along the way, Ottavino had to battle injuries, command issues, and being traded and released at times. But through sheer determination and refining his craft, he maximized his abilities. Ottavino may never garner the attention of some flashier relievers. For collectors who have followed his baseball cards through the years, his story of perseverance is truly inspiring.

2023 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The release of 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball cards brought plenty of excitement from collectors hoping to pull valuable rookie cards and stars of the game. As with every new Series 1 release, there is anticipation around which cards will emerge as the most coveted and hold strong value in the long run. While it’s still early, here are some candidates that seem primed to be among the most valuable 2023 Topps Series 1 cards based on player performance and popularity so far:

Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners – At just 21 years old, Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie season that has cemented him as a budding superstar. His stats of 28 home runs, 75 RBI and 25 stolen bases while batting .274 made him the unanimous American League Rookie of the Year. His athleticism, five-tool talent and marketability in Seattle have collectors high on his cards, including the coveted Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel. Look for any of his rookies, but especially the prized refractors, to gain steady value as his career progresses.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – Like Rodríguez, Witt had a fantastic rookie campaign that has placed him among the elite young shortstops in baseball. He slashed .256/.308/.428 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI and 30 stolen bases. Witt has All-Star potential and is the centerpiece of the Royals’ rebuild, making his Topps rookies a lock to appreciate over the long run. The Chrome and paper rookies will be hot, but his 1-of-1 Topps Fire auto could emerge as one of the set’s true gems.

Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – Strider exploded onto the scene in 2022 with a 2.67 ERA over 31 starts and 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings as a rookie. The flame-throwing righty has cemented his place in the Braves’ rotation and will be an impact arm for years to come. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallel and autograph cards in particular hold immense long-term value potential as a star pitcher on a perennial contender.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw power, Cruz turned heads by hitting .233 with 15 home runs in just 57 games as a rookie. He has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star and could be the cornerstone player to lead the Pirates back to relevance. Any of his Topps rookies, especially prized parallels and autographs, are worth holding long-term as his career takes off.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – After a strong debut late in 2022 that saw him hit .254 with 5 home runs in 35 games, Rutschman looks poised for a breakout as the Orioles’ centerpiece catcher. He has drawn comparisons to Buster Posey and could be the catalyst for Baltimore’s rebuild. His Topps rookie cards, especially the prized refractors, carry immense long-term value potential as a franchise cornerstone.

Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – Harris had a phenomenal rookie season, batting .297 with 19 home runs, 64 RBI and 20 stolen bases while playing stellar defense in center field. He is a big part of the Braves’ young core and his 5-tool ability makes him a star in the making. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallel in particular holds strong long-term value potential.

Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners – Acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, Castillo went 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 11 starts down the stretch for Seattle to help lead them to the postseason. At 29, he is in his prime and under team control through 2023. Now pitching for a perennial contender, Castillo’s Topps cards from 2023 carry great near-term value as he tries to lead the Mariners on a deep playoff run.

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins – At 26, Alcantara has emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball, going 14-9 with a 2.28 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 2022. He finished second in the NL Cy Young voting and will continue to anchor Miami’s rotation. His Topps cards are primed to gain steady value as he cements his place among the game’s elite starters.

Aaron Judge, New York Yankees – After breaking the AL home run record with 62 bombs in 2022, Judge is already a living legend in pinstripes at age 30. He turned down a massive extension offer and will command huge money on the open market. His Topps cards, especially any rare parallels or autographs from 2023, hold immense value as perhaps the last collection of cards from his Yankee tenure.

Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals – Pujols signed a one-year deal to finish his career back in St. Louis, where he began it. At 42, he remains a fan favorite and had a sentimental late season return that included hitting his 700th career home run. Any Pujols cards from 2023 carry strong collector value as his true “farewell” season cards before retirement.

Of course, there are always surprise rookies or veterans who break out to increase the value of their 2023 Topps cards throughout the year and beyond. Injuries or trades could also impact certain players’ values. But based on their impressive 2022 campaigns and long-term potential, the above names from 2023 Topps Series 1 seem poised to emerge as the most valuable cards to collectors over the next several years. With baseball’s rising popularity among investors and collectors alike, stay tuned to see which 2023 rookies and stars ascend to the top of the hobby in value.

2019 BOWMAN DRAFT BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2019 Bowman Draft baseball card set is one of the more valuable recent Bowman Draft releases thanks to the exciting rookie class it features. Released in June 2019, just after the 2019 MLB Draft, the set showcased many of the top prospects selected that year who are now breaking through to the majors. With several notable rookies already making an impact at the highest level, 2019 Bowman Draft cards have gained popularity among collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from the set and what they tend to sell for in the current market.

Perhaps the most valuable card from 2019 Bowman Draft is Adley Rutschman. The catcher out of Oregon State was the first overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles and is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Rutschman’s rookie card can fetch hundreds of dollars depending on grade and version. The base paper rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint condition has recently sold for over $700. The chrome refractors and autographed cards go for significantly more, with his gold refractor /50 selling for around $2,000 ungraded and his autographed red refractor /5 bringing in upwards of $5,000. As the presumed future star catcher and face of the Orioles franchise, Rutschman cards hold a ton of value and interest from collectors.

Another uber-prospect who has burst onto the scene is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller. Drafted 15th overall out of Louisville, Miller made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed electric stuff out of the bullpen. His 2019 Bowman Draft base rookie PSA 10 has sold for around $500-$600 in recent months. The prized rare parallels also demand a premium, such as his purple ice refractor /250 fetching over $1500 ungraded. Miller’s autographed cards, including a true red refractor /5, have reached over $3,000. His emergence as a potential Dodgers closer or frontline starter has boosted enthusiasm for his rookie campaign.

Staying in Southern California, Padres shortstop CJ Abrams’ cards have surged following his early success in San Diego. The 6th overall pick in 2019 got off to a hot start in the bigs before an injury delayed his development. Abrams’ flagship base rookie in a pristine PSA 10 recently brought $450 at auction. His more limited refractors have climbed higher, with the orange ice /250 at $1,000 ungraded. The 21-year old possesses elite speed and defense that could make him a perennial all-star, maintaining interest in his first graded Bowman issue.

Over in Philadelphia, Alec Bohm’s solid play at third base for the Phillies has led to rising 2019 Bowman Draft card values. The 3rd overall selection poses with a sweet lefty swing and should anchor their hot corner for years. Bohm’s basic rookie PSA 10checks in around $350. Parallel versions fetch a premium, as evidenced by his purple ice /250 at $900 in mint condition. His super short printed red ice /10 is an ultra-rare find that could net over $2,000 for serious Phils PC collectors. Bohm looks like a future cornerstone that makes his initial cardboard that much more coveted.

Beyond the current MLB performers, several 2019 draft picks still developing in the minors hold potential long-term value based on their prospect status. One is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. Drafted 5th out of Hagerty H.S. (FL), Greene boasts plus power and hit tools that could make him a perennial All-Star. Even with just High-A stats so far, his base PSA 10 checks in around $300. Rarer parallels like the purple ice /250 and orange ice /150 consistently command over $1,000 each. As Greene climbs the ladder, his early cards stand to gain substantially.

Another future star with incredibly scarce first pro cards is Drew Waters. Selected 41st by Atlanta, the toolsy centerfielder has blazing speed and developing pop in his bat. Despite being traded to KC last year, Waters’ prospect stock remains high. His standard PSA 10 trails Greene’s value slightly at $250 or so. His true hitting talents shine through parallels – the purple refractor /250 routinely fetches $800+, with his red refractor /5 reaching estimated value of $1,500. Waters may blossom into a five-tool star, adding luster to his pre-pro issue.

The 2019 Bowman Draft presents an exciting glimpse at many rising talents that are now household names or hold elite prospect status. Veterans like Rutschman, Miller and Abrams anchor the set thanks to instant MLB success. Meanwhile, prospects Greene, Bohm and Waters maintain long-term hold value as their careers progress. Overall grades, parallels and autographs further boost individual card prices. For baseball card investors, the 2019 Draft class provides a gold mine of future potential and already paying major league dividends in top rookies making their mark. This fun release commemorating a fantastic draft class stands to only gain more collector following for years to come.

MOST EXPENSIVE JUNK WAX ERA BASEBALL CARDS

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The junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s is often criticized for mass producing and oversaturating the baseball card market, which caused a downturn in collectability and value. While the era earned its nickname due to the perceived worthlessness of many of these mass produced cards, there are still some from this time period that have retained or gained significant value since. This article will explore some of the most expensive and collectible cards from the junk wax era.

One of the most iconic and valuable cards from the junk wax era is the 1989 UD Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most exciting young rookie players to enter the league in 1989 and his rookie card stood out for featuring the popular “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” design on the back. Due to Griffey’s star status and the unique design, this rookie has maintained lasting popularity among collectors. In top near-mint to mint condition, graded PSA 10 examples of this Griffey rookie have sold for over $10,000 in recent years, making it one of the most valuable cards produced during the junk wax era boom.

Another expensive Griffey rookie card is his upper deck 1990 rookie card. While it does not have the unique back design or cachet of being his true rookie card year, the 1990 UD Griffey is still highly sought after and iconic in its own right. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for over $4,000. The 1989 Fleer Griffey rookie also retains substantial value, with PSA 10examples reaching about $2,000. Collectors are clearly still drawn to Griffey’s early rookie cards despite them being produced during the junk wax era glut.

Far rarer than Griffey rookies, but commanding premium prices and holding the record as the most valuable junk wax card, is the 1992 Pinnacle Brand Francisco Rodriguez. Considered the true rookie card for the Hall of Famer, only six copies of the Rodriguez Pinnacle card are known to exist. A PSA 9 copy sold for $126,000 in a 2021 auction, setting the record. This extreme rarity has elevated it far above typical junk wax valuations.

Other very rare and high value cards from this era include the 1992 Bowman’s Best Mark McGwire rookie, which was short printed and has a PSA 10 example selling for over $21,000. The 1992 Upper Deck Frank Thomas rookie card has sold for over $14,000 in top condition, due to Thomas’s sustained MLB success and Hall of Fame career. Another short printed rookie that pulls a premium is the 1992 Score Jeff Bagwell, which has PSA 10 copies selling in the $11,000 range. All of these cards stand out from the typical junk wax overflow due to either singular superstar status or considerably low print runs.

Even some of the more common Hall of Fame player rookies from the early 1990s junk wax era have retained or gained thousands in value. For example, the 1991 Topps Chipper Jones rookie in top condition has sold for over $7,000 in recent auctions, likely due to Jones’ consistent play throughout his career with Atlanta and 2007 induction into Cooperstown. Similarly, the 1993 Upper Deck Derek Jeter rookie has cracked the $5,000 threshold in top PSA 10 grade. Even 1991 Stadium Club Wade Boggs and Roberto Alomar rookie cards, who were established veterans but newly featured in the Stadium Club set, have topped $1,000 each in high grades.

Beyond rookies of elite MLB players, there are also rare variations, parallels, and error cards from junk wax sets that have gained substantial inflated valuations compared to run-of-the-mill base cards from the era. For example, one of the rarest mistakes is the 1993 Fleer Ultra Refractor Error Ken Griffey Jr., with only 11 cards known to exist due to an issue with the refractor technology Fleer was experimenting with that year. A PSA 9 example sold for $24,999 in 2021.

In terms of rare parallels and inserts from junk wax flagships, one outlier is an ultra-short printed 1992 Upper Deck Cliff Floyd rookie Superfractor parallel, numbered to only 3 copies known. This unique Floyd rookie is considered the crown jewel of all 1990s parallels and has sold for over $60,000 in recent years. Another coveted 1990s insert is the 1998 SP Authentic Hall of Fame autograph parallel of Nolan Ryan, signed by “The Express” himself during his post-playing career. Only 10 are known to exist and one brought over $37,000 at auction.

While the junk wax era glutted the market and caused values of most common cards from the time to crater, there are still some standouts with immense rarity, star power or historical significance that remain extremely valuable and sought after collector items today. Cards featuring rookie seasons of all-time MLB greats like Griffey, McGwire and Thomas will likely always carry weight. Short prints, errors and highly limited parallel versions also give certain junk wax era pieces modern valuations far removed from the typical notions of their disposable contemporary cardboard brethren. With Hall of Famers like Jeter and Chipper also holding prestige, they too buck the common throwaway judgment of this period. Though production numbers were massive, some high-end pieces from within the junk wax era boom years still count among the most prized and expensive baseball cards in the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS CAMARILLO

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The small city of Camarillo, located in Ventura County along California’s Central Coast, has deep roots in the history of baseball cards. While it may seem an unlikely hotbed for the hobby, several important developments related to the collecting and production of cards occurred in and around Camarillo in the latter half of the 20th century.

One of the earliest organized baseball card collecting clubs was founded in Camarillo in the late 1950s. A group of students at Camarillo High School, fascinated by the colorful images on the cardboard trading strips included in packages of bubble gum and cigarettes, decided to start formally swapping and tracking their collections. They dubbed their club the “Camarillo Card Collectors” and would meet regularly to engage in the then-novel hobby of assigning value to cards and setting up trades. Word of the club spread among collectors in Southern California, helping popularize the idea of baseball cards as a legitimate interest worthy of organized fandom.

In the 1960s, two brothers from Camarillo who had been members of that original high school club would go on to revolutionize the business side of the baseball card industry. Jim and Gary Holland, now in their early 20s, recognized the untapped potential for mass-produced boxes and packs of cards specifically geared towards collectors rather than included as promotions. In 1967, they founded the Camarillo-based company Sportflics Inc., which released the first ever wax packs of baseball cards sold exclusively on their own merits. Prior to Sportflics, cards were only available as incentives bundled with other products. The Hollands’ innovation opened the floodgates for the modern baseball card company model.

Sportflics was based in an industrial area of Camarillo near the border of Ventura. In addition to producing innovative new sets highlighting the biggest stars of the day, the company also contracted with smaller firms to manufacture cards under license. One such partner was the fledgling Topps company, which had been struggling to gain a foothold in the market. The Sportflics arrangement allowed Topps to release some of its earliest standalone card issues. Within a few short years, Topps had eclipsed Sportflics to become the industry leader – a position it still holds today. But the Sportflics factory in Camarillo was where the blueprint was first laid.

In the 1970s and 80s, Camarillo continued to play an important role as the city became a hotspot for baseball card shows. Local collector Brian Busby organized some of the earliest and largest card conventions in Ventura County, drawing thousands of enthusiasts from across Southern California. Many of the shows were held at the Camarillo Community Center and nearby fairgrounds. It was at these bustling weekend events that today’s biggest stars cut their teeth as dealers, building connections and knowledge in an atmosphere of friendly competition and camaraderie.

One dealer who got his start on the Camarillo show circuit was Bill Mastro. After graduating from Cal State Northridge, Mastro began attending the Camarillo shows in the late 1970s, eventually turning his hobby into a full-fledged business. In 1981, he founded Mastro Auctions – one of the pioneering companies that transformed the collecting landscape by introducing standardized grading and auction services. Cards that may have previously been tucked away in shoeboxes were now receiving numerical condition grades and selling to the highest bidder. Mastro Auctions put the city of Camarillo on the map in the world of high-end memorabilia.

Through the 1980s and 90s, Camarillo-area shows continued to serve as a proving ground for young collectors-turned-dealers like Mastro. The city itself also became home to several bustling card shops and memorabilia stores. Places like Camarillo Card Corner, Sports Collectibles, and Bob’s Baseball Cards lined busy streets and shopping centers, catering to the booming local collector base with supplies, supplies and expertise. Camarillo native Steve Hart started working at one such shop as a teenager in the late 80s, learning the ins and outs of the business before opening his own acclaimed store Steve’s Baseball Cards in nearby Thousand Oaks.

While the heyday of large card shows has passed, Camarillo’s legacy lives on in the countless collectors, dealers, entrepreneurs and hobby pioneers who cut their teeth amid the city’s rich baseball card history. The school clubs, factory production lines, convention halls and local shops of yesteryear set the stage for today’s multibillion-dollar sports memorabilia industry. Though a small Central Coast town, Camarillo left an outsized mark on the world of cards. Its contributions are still felt nationwide as new generations discover the joy, community and nostalgia that can be found in a simple stack of cardboard.