TOP BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90’s

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The 1990s were a landmark decade for baseball cards. Legendary players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Cal Ripken Jr. were in their primes, generating huge excitement among collectors. Technology advances also made 90s cards visually eye-catching compared to previous eras. If you’re looking to build an investment collection or fuel nostalgia for the years you grew up loving America’s pastime, here are some of the most coveted and valuable baseball cards from the 1990s:

1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the most iconic rookie card of all time, Griffey’s debut is arguably the single most valuable baseball card released in the 90s. With its innovative design and photorealistic portrait of a smiling Griffey in Mariners silver and teal, the card captured collectors’ imaginations. High grades in the PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have sold for over $100,000, a true rarity from a set largely overlooked at release. Even well-worn copies still fetch thousands.

1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr.: While not quite as storied as the Upper Deck rookie, Griffey’s 1992 Bowman card proved just as historically significant. It showed a more close-up action shot and further established Jr. as a future star. PSA 10s have also cracked five figures. Beyond sheer value, this served as a must-have for any Griffey aficionado in the 1990s.

1993 Finest Refractor Ken Griffey Jr.: Finest debuted its “refractor” technology in 1993, with pieces of aluminum foil embedded in the card face creating mesmerizing prism-like rainbow patterns. Naturally, Griffey was one of the biggest refractors in the set — an ultra-short printed parallel that’s among the most rare and breathtaking baseball cards ever crafted. In top grades, a true “holy grail” for collectors with estimates topping $100,000.

1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones: Much like the Griffey Finest refractor before it, Jones’ bowman’s Best refractor introduced the parallel refractor concept to new heights. The technicolor color scheme and photography provided an iconic first glimpse of the all-time Atlanta Brave. While less acclaimed than the Griffey cards, PSA 10s can still break five figures.

1992 Bowman Derek Jeter Rookie Card: Perhaps the second most collected rookie card of the decade after Griffey, Jeter’s iconic upright batting stance made this an instant classic upon release. It enjoyed renewed interest after his Hall of Fame career and still moves for big money, with PSA 10s reaching as high as $100,000 in recent years. Jeter fever never seemed to cool among collectors.

1994 Ultimate Collection Craig Biggio Game Used Jersey Card: One of the earliest examples of a “hit” card involving a game-worn piece of memorabilia. Biggio’s jersey swatch, encapsulated alongside a photo of the Houston Astros star, caught on as a trend that defined the memorabilia craze of the Premier/Ultra era. Not overly common, but a true “piece of the game” that still intrigues to this day.

1996 Ultra Tony Gwynn Finest Refractor: Another insert set dominated by Griffey, this parallel featured perhaps the second biggest star of the 1990s in San Diego Padres hitter Tony Gwynn. Gwynn’s smooth lefty swing made him a fan favorite, with this refractor variant coveted by collectors of the Hall of Famer to this day. High grade copies command near 5-figure sums.

1995 Select Derek Jeter Finest Refractor: Jeter mania reached a fever pitch after the Yankees’ playoff runs of the late 90s, with parallel and memorabilia cards booming as a result. This selective refractor portrayed an elegant on-field portrait of the shortstop and netted sums nearing $10,000 PSA GEM MINT.

1991 Topps Traded Barry Bonds: Perhaps no player saw his stock rise more in the 90s than Pittsburgh Pirates/Giants slugger Bonds. This “Traded” issue following his move to San Francisco highlighted his transition to superstardom. While not his most visually renowned card, it proved a trope of Bonds’ emergence as the game’s top power hitter.

1992 Leaf Cal Ripken Jr. Gold: In the wake of breaking Lou Gehrig’s legendary Iron Man streak, Ripken mania was at an all-time high. This stamped gold parallel from premium brand Leaf symbolized his status as a reliable ironman icon for the decade. While quite rare, it still captivates collectors of the future Hall of Famer.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors Ken Griffey Jr./Chipper Jones/Derek Jeter: The finest refractor technology reached its zenith for the legendary careers of three 1990s superstars. Highlighting each in vibrant color schemes and crisp close-cropped photography, these remain premier chase cards to this day for fans of this acclaimed trio.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS OF 1989

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The year 1989 produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards of all time. During the late 1980s, interest in collecting baseball cards was at an all-time high due to an exciting time in Major League Baseball that featured young superstar players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire who captured the imagination of fans both young and old.

One of the most valuable cards from 1989 is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card. Griffey was one of the best all-around players of his generation and his rookie card became the definitive card for the Upper Deck brand when it debuted in 1989. What makes Griffey’s rookie card especially coveted is how infrequently it was pulled from packs compared to similar cards from that era. The Griffey Jr. card is notoriously difficult to find in pristine condition due to fragile coating on the cardboard stock used by Upper Deck at the time. A near-mint Griffey Jr. rookie card in a Gem Mint 10 grade can fetch over $10,000 today and there is one known copy that has sold for over $100,000.

Another massive star from the late 80s/early 90s was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. Canseco revolutionized the home run-hitting game during his career and his rookie cards capture that excitement. Canseco’s flagship rookie is from 1989 Topps and Donruss and high grade versions can sell for thousands depending on condition. A particularly scarce and sought-after Canseco rookie is the 1989 Custom Traded/Stadium Club #T1. This stunning on-card snapshot shows Canseco flexing in mid-swing and ranks among the most iconic baseball cards ever produced. A near-mint example would easilyclear $5,000.

The 1989 Upper Deck set is considered one of the greatest and most influential releases in the modern era. This was Upper Deck’s true rookie year when they broke into the baseball card market and wow-ed collectors with stunning photograph quality far beyond anything else at the time. Some of the most valuable cards from the ’89 Upper Deck base set include the Kirby Puckett ($300-400 NM), Dwight Gooden ($250-350 NM), and Ozzie Smith ($200-300 NM). But the true blue chip star is none other than Ken Griffey Jr, as discussed previously.

Speaking of stars, one of the most electrifying players debuting in 1989 was Chicago Cubs super-prospect Mark Grace. While he didn’t achieve the same fame as Griffey Jr. or Barry Bonds, Grace’s rookie cards have achieved cult status among Cubs collectors specifically. His 1989 Topps Traded rookie with the “Chicago” template behind him is a true Holy Grail, often valued over $1,000 in top condition despite Grace never achieving true superstardom. Other highly sought rookies include Cleveland Indians pitcher Cha Seung Baek and Houston Astros first baseman/DH Glenn Davis.

It would be remiss not to mention the dominance of Oakland A’s “Bash Brothers” Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco during this time period. While not rookies, their scintillating performances leading the A’s to championships made them fan favorites. McGwire’s 1989 Topps Traded Giants #1 “Airplane” card is one of his most iconic with Big Mac swinging mid-flight. Near-mint copies sell for $500-800 depending on sharpness of image. Canseco meanwhile continued shredding baseballs to all fields. His staggering athleticism and brawny physique were perfectly represented on his ‘89 Fleer update card among others from that year.

One of the most beautiful and valuable team sets from 1989 is Score. Score released their first baseball card product that year and it became an instant classic among designers. Luxurious foiling, texture and innovative photography produced cards that felt more like works of art than typical recreations of the baseball season. The Chicago Cubs team card anchored by Ryne Sandberg has long been a tremendous prize for collectors, selling forupwards of $200 in gem condition. Other premium cards from Score ’89 include the Baltimore Orioles ($150), Texas Rangers ($125) and San Diego Padres ($100) team cards.

1989 was the true arrival of Upper Deck as the hobby’s premier brand but it was hardly the only player creating innovative new products. For collectors seeking obscure gems, the 1989 ProCards Vide/Recorded Sound issue provides a fascinating time capsule. This was one of the earliest examples of baseball cards combined with innovative multi-media packaging concepts before they became commonplace. While devoid of true stars, nostalgia for late 80s baseball combined with the product’s ambitious proto-insert concept gives individual ProCards cassettes a cult following today valued around $50-75 each.

In summary, 1989 was a banner year that produced durable stars, innovative new products, and memorable rookie cards that have rightfully earned legend status among collectors decades later. Headlined by the iconic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie, items like the Jose Canseco ‘Custom Traded’ and Mark McGwire ‘Airplane’ give collectors signature cards that still excite and entertain fans of the era over thirty years later. The explosive growth of interest that Upper Deck helped fuel in the late 80s continues to make the class of ’89 a treasure trove for savvy investors even today.

BASEBALL CARDS KINGSTON NY

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Baseball Cards in Kingston, New York: A History of the Hobby

Kingston, New York has a long history with baseball cards stretching back over 100 years. While the city may not be a major population center, it played an important role in the early growth and popularity of what would become a true American pastime – collecting baseball cards. From the earliest tobacco cards of the late 1800s to the modern era, Kingston residents have fueled their love of the national pastime through baseball cards.

The earliest cards that could be considered “baseball cards” first appeared in the 1880s as promotional giveaways included in packages of cigarette and tobacco products. Companies like Goodwin & Company and Allen & Ginter began including illustrations of baseball players on thin cardstock to help advertise their brands. These tobacco cards helped turn baseball players into recognizable celebrities and helped popularize the relatively new professional baseball leagues that had formed in the decades after the Civil War.

In Kingston, these tobacco cards found an eager audience. The city had a respected minor league baseball team, the Kingston Colonials, who played from 1884 to 1914. Fans would flock to watch games at the Kingston Oval ballpark and buy tobacco products hoping to collect cards of their favorite Colonials players. Newspapers would even run announcements advertising when new baseball cards were being included in certain tobacco brands. While the cards themselves were simply promotional materials, collecting and trading them had begun to take hold as a hobby in Kingston and elsewhere.

In the early 1900s, as tobacco cards declined in popularity due to health concerns, a new type of mass-produced baseball card emerged. Companies like the American Caramel Company and Nilon Candy Company began inserting baseball cards, now with color photos, inside bubble gum, cracker jack, and candy packages. For the first time, cards could be directly purchased rather than found by chance. This helped take the hobby of collecting to new heights across the United States, including in Kingston.

Local shops like Sam’s Candy Store at 125 Franklin Street and Dewitt’s Soda Fountain at 359 Wall Street became hot spots for kids to gather and trade newly acquired gum and candy cards. The rise of more sophisticated National Pastime and T206 White Border sets in the 1910s featured current Major League stars and further added to the excitement. Groups like the Kingston Baseball Card Collectors Club also formed, with members regularly meeting to swap duplicate cards. Some of the most valuable early cards, featuring legendary players like Cy Young and Napoleon Lajoie, originated from sets released during this golden era for the hobby in Kingston.

In the decades after World War 2, Kingston continued to nurture a strong baseball card collecting community despite the decline of the city’s minor league team. Card shops proliferated on Broadway, while drug stores maintained large cardboard boxes filled with loose common cards available for cheap. The 1958 Topps set, considered one of the most iconic in the hobby’s history, was a wildly popular release among both young collectors and lifelong fans in Kingston. Sets from the 1960s like Topps and Fleer helped connect a new generation to the Major Leagues.

During the hot collector market of the 1980s and 90s, Kingston was home to several prominent card shows. Held regularly at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, these multi-day extravaganzas brought in attendees and vendors from across the Northeast. A veritable who’s who of the modern hobby would appear, from famed dealers like Jim Kopietz to representatives of the largest card companies. Kingston native Tom McCann, who authored several authoritative guides on baseball cards, was a frequent guest speaker. These were energetic weekends where countless rare deals went down and lifelong friendships in the community formed over a shared passion.

In the modern era, while brick-and-mortar card shops have declined across most American cities, Kingston maintains a dedicated core of adult collectors. Online groups like the “Kingston Card Collectors” Facebook page foster constant trading and discussion year-round. Local conventions still take place annually. And the completion of the historic restoration of Dietz Stadium in 2019 has meant a resurgence of the city’s love of baseball and memorabilia from its past. Kingston’s long tradition of baseball card collecting, going back well over a century, continues strongly into the future as one of the great hobbies of this American city. It is a connection between generations, between its past and present, and between baseball and the community.

1987 ALL TIME GREATS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps All Time Greats baseball card set marked a special anniversary for Topps as it was their 30th year producing baseball cards. To celebrate this milestone, Topps created a unique 100 card set that featured some of the all-time greatest players from baseball history. Rather than focusing on current players like a typical base set, the 1987 All Time Greats cards paid tribute to legends of the past.

One of the most unique aspects of the 1987 Topps All Time Greats set was the card design and photograph selection. For each player featured, Topps aimed to choose their most iconic baseball card image ever rather than a standard new posed photograph like in contemporary sets. This allowed collectors a chance to own some of the most legendary vintage card images ever released by Topps in a modern format. While the photos dated back to the early 1950s in some cases, incorporating them into the 1987 set gave the cards a true nostalgic and retro feel.

Another special element of the 1987 All Time Greats cards was that each one featured statistical career highlights of the player on the back rather than standard annual stats from the previous season like typical modern baseball cards. This highlighted just how great the careers of these all-time players had been. Standout stats, records held, and career achievements were emphasized to truly capture why each star was considered among the best to ever play the game based on their long-term success, not just a single recent year.

Some of the most notable and valuable players featured in the 1987 Topps All Time Greats set include Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Nolan Ryan among many other Hall of Fame legends. The cards selected some of the most iconic vintage rookie and early career photos ever produced by Topps to highlight these all-time talents. For example, Babe Ruth’s 1954 Topps card photo is used showing him as a member of the Boston Braves later in his career. Some of the earliest Topps cards ever made in the 1952-1956 era provided the perfect historically significant images to include.

Being limited to just 100 cards in the set, Topps had to be selective in choosing which all-time greats to feature. The selection criteria seemed to focus on true 5-tool all-around superstars who dominated both offensively and defensively at their positions, set numerous MLB records, and often led their teams to championships over long, Hall of Fame worthy careers. Icons from every franchise and era of baseball history were recognized to some degree to craft a balanced and comprehensive collection of the sport’s all-time finest ambassadors and Ambassadors of Baseball.

While not a full hall of fame set by any means due to the limited size, Topps did a commendable job of including players representing all decades of MLB’s first century as well as each franchise to recognize stars from across the sport’s history on a national level with the 1987 issue. Examples of this include inclusion of Brooklyn Dodgers legends like Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider as well as Boston Red Sox greats like Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. The timing of the set’s release also paid homage to Topps’ own storied history in the industry.

When it was released in 1987, the Topps All Time Greats set received widespread praise from collectors for preserving iconic baseball images and capturing career highlights in a classy commemorative package. As one of the most unique special hobby releases ever issued by Topps, it set the standard for anniversary inspired subsets that highlighted legends of the game in innovative new ways beyond the usual seasonal format. The retro vintage flair also ushered in a new nostalgia trend that remained highly influential in the card industry for decades to follow.

While production numbers were high for the 1987 issue year, demand has steadily increased for vintage examples of the 100 card Topps All Time Greats set in the years since. With no parallels, inserts, or refractors like modern issues, the original release maintains its integrity as a true collector’s piece. Keys like the Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle cards frequently trade hands for $50-100+ in top graded gem mint condition due to their historical significance and place within the broader heritage of the hobby. The 1987 Topps All Time Greats baseball cards remain a true collector’s set over 30 years later as a testament to the enduring legacies of the players featured.

In concluding, the 1987 Topps All Time Greats set achieved timeless status upon its initial release by beautifully capturing the careers and accomplishments of 100 true legends in baseball’s first century. While intended as a celebratory anniversary release at the time, it has grown to take on much greater meaning as a preservation of invaluable baseball history in card form. The innovative retro design blending iconic photos with career stats still feels ahead of its time. It was a fitting way for Topps to commemorate their milestone 30th year of production by honoring the heroes who helped build the national pastime.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1979 PRICE GUIDE

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Introduction

The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1970s. Packaged as wax paper wrappers containing 5 random cards, the 1979 set had great visual designs and featured some of the biggest stars in the game at the peak of their careers. In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide to the 1979 Topps baseball card set including details on the most valuable and sought after cards, factors that influence card value, and price ranges collectors can expect to pay for graded and ungraded examples in various states of preservation.

Key Details About the 1979 Topps Set

The 1979 Topps set contains 792 total cards including base cards, stars, rookie cards, and multi-player/team issue cards.
Design features an orange border with a blue player photograph and white borders. Front design is very similar to the 1978 and 1980 issues.
Rosters include both American and National League teams from the 1978 season.
Several Hall of Famers and all-time greats featured including Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Winfield.
High profile rookie cards include Gary Carter, Eddie Murray, Ozzie Smith, and Shane Mack.

Factors That Impact 1979 Topps Card Values

There are several variables that collectors should understand when evaluating the value of different 1979 Topps cards:

Grading – Professionally graded examples through services like PSA or BVG will always demand a premium vs. raw, ungraded cards due to verification of centeredness, corners, edges and surfaces. Higher grades (8+ for commons, 7+ for stars) bring a multiplier to any given card’s raw prices.

Autographs/Memorabilia – Signed or autograph cards, as well as traded/player-used varieties holding game-used relics, exponentially increase value vs. factory issued unsigned copies. Higher end examples could fetch thousands or even tens of thousands.

Scarcity – Star players, especially pitchers, generally had lower print runs which makes specimens of their cards rarer and hence more desirable on the secondary market. Rookie cards also retain scarcity premiums relative to veteran player cards.

Condition – Heavily worn, damaged or poorly centered raw cards realize just a fraction of the value that Near Mint or better examples can command. Even small condition differences represent hundreds or thousands in price divergences.

Popular Teams/Players – Cards of star sluggers or popular historically successful franchises hold intrinsic nostalgia and collectability that pushes their market costs above statistical performance alone.

Top 1979 Topps Cards – Then and Now Values

Let’s explore some key individual cards from the 1979 Topps set and how their values have evolved over the decades:

Nolan Ryan (#177) – Then: $5-10. Now: PSA 8 $150, PSA 10 $600+. One of the greatest pitchers ever and one of the set’s most iconic images. Consistently one of the most in-demand 1970s cards.

Ozzie Smith (#660) – Then: $1-2. Now: PSA 8 $50, PSA 10 $250. This rookie card of the Wizard grew to be prized by collectors for its subject’s defensive wizardry and all-time great career.

Mike Schmidt (#555) – Then: $3-5. Now: PSA 8 $50, PSA 10 $200. Perennial MVP winner Schmidt was a fan favorite and cornerstone of Philadelphia’s success for decades after.

Dave Winfield (#710) – Then: $1-2. Now: PSA 8 $30, PSA 10 $125. Power-hitting outfielder went on to have Hall of Fame career and remained a star for many seasons after his 1979 depiction.

Gary Carter (#591) – Then: $1-2. Now: PSA 8 $30, PSA 10 $150. The Expos catcher established himself as a superstar after this rookie card through the 1980s and cemented his Hall of Fame status.

Nolan Ryan/Tom Seaver Dual (#559) – Then: $2-5. Now: PSA 8 $150, PSA 10 $750. Extremely rare dual card featuring two of the era’s pitching elite makes it a mammoth rarity. Only card higher is the Reggie Jackson error.

How to Find Values for Your 1979 Topps Cards

When evaluating how much a specific 1979 Topps card in your collection is worth, here are some recommended sources to check:

Online auction sites like eBay – Search “sold listings” to see actual closing prices for comparable recently sold copies in various grades.

Price guide/database apps – Beckett, PSA SMR, or Cardboard Connection are respected standard references listing average retail prices for most all notable cards from that year.

Online card shops – Sites like SportsCards.com, SteelCityCollectibles.com provide “buy it now” listings for graded examples to compare against.

Local card shops – Bring cards to a reputable brick and mortar store for their expertise and assessment of current market values if you need cash in hand.

Conclusion

The 1979 Topps set holds incredible nostalgia and desirability for collectors even decades after production. With a talented roster of future Hall of Famers and all-timers highlighted, key rookie cards, and popular designs, demand remains strong. Proper preservation, authenticity verification and holding cards long-term maximizes opportunities for appreciation over the following generations.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1986 FLEER

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The 1986 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the hobby. While it didn’t feature the sport’s biggest stars at the time like Topps and Donruss sets due to licensing restrictions, it introduced innovative elements and told the tales of up-and-coming young players that would become legends. The set only contained 336 cards and lacked serious stars, so it didn’t generate much attention upon release. Time has proven several key rookies from the 1986 Fleer set to be enormously valuable today.

Perhaps the most sought-after card from 1986 Fleer is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was an extraordinarily talented teenager entering the majors with the Seattle Mariners, and collectors immediately recognized his potential. While update sets and Topps traded his rookie to greater fanfare that year, the Fleer card was the first to feature Griffey in a major brand. It highlights him young and smiling in a Mariners uniform. Griffey would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, making his Fleer rookie extremely desirable for enthusiasts. High grade Griffey Jr. rookies now sell for thousands of dollars, with mint condition copies occasionally getting six-figure prices at auction due to his iconic status.

Another hugely important rookie from the 1986 Fleer set is Roger Clemens. Like Griffey, Clemens was a can’t-miss pitching prospect coming up with the Boston Red Sox. And he lived up to expectations by winning the 1986 American League Cy Young and MVP awards as a rookie. Clemens compiled a Hall of Fame career with over 4,000 strikeouts, making his debut issue a key card to own. Though not as valuable as the Griffey currently, pristine Clemens rookies still sell for thousands in auctions. Both players demonstrated Fleer foresight in featuring them before they achieved stardom.

Beyond Griffey and Clemens, the 1986 Fleer set contains several other notable rookie cards that hold value. Future 300-game winner and 2017 Hall of Famer Greg Maddux had his rookie issue in Fleer that year, showcasing him with the Chicago Cubs. High grade Maddux rookies sell in the low four-figure range. And the set contained Mark McGwire’s rookie card a year before he broke out and began launching towering home runs for the Oakland A’s. While not as iconic or historically significant as some others, mint McGwire and Maddux rookies still command substantial prices from collectors today.

Aside from star rookies, the 1986 Fleer set is noteworthy for featuring unusual photography and design elements that differed radically from competitors. While Topps and Donruss shots were often straightforward uniform portraits, Fleer wanted to show players in unique action poses. This led to innovative poses that sometimes came across as a bit goofy due to technological limitations. But collectors today appreciate Fleer’s creativity and the nostalgia of cards looking distinctly 1980s. Standout examples include Don Mattingly posing awkwardly with a golf club and Wade Boggs in mid-golf swing wearing a bizarre plaid ensemble. The unusualness makes these cards fun conversation pieces for collectors.

Of course, not every card from the 1986 Fleer set holds enormous value on its own merits today. Many players featured were journeymen or flashed briefly without strong careers. Completing the entire 336-card set has become a prestigious accomplishment for advanced collectors. With stars like Griffey, Clemens, McGwire and more, it contains Hall of Fame talent along with quirky photography that exemplifies 1980s design. While producing a complete set with all cards in high grade would require a considerable investment, it stands as a noteworthy set in the history of the hobby. For enthusiasts of 1980s baseball cards, 1986 Fleer remains a beloved and important release that still surprises with fun, unusual content after decades.

While perhaps not as well-known or expensive as flagship brands at the time of its release, the 1986 Fleer baseball card set proved visionary. It told the debut stories of legends like Griffey, Clemens, and Maddux before they achieved greatness. Fleer also brought creative photography that differed from competitors and epitomized 1980s sports card design. Led by the iconic Griffey rookie, key cards from the set like Clemens, Maddux and McGwire command substantial prices today. Completing a high-quality 1986 Fleer collection stands as an impressive achievement for advanced collectors. The set offers enduring nostalgia and remains a hotly pursued vintage issue due to showcasing future Hall of Famers and innovative visual flair.

ACE HARDWARE BASEBALL CARDS

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The Ace Hardware brand has a long history of producing baseball cards as a promotional item and as a way to connect with their customers who are baseball fans. While not as well-known as iconic card brands like Topps or Fleer, Ace Hardware cards played an important role in the history of the hobby.

The earliest known Ace Hardware baseball cards date back to the 1950s. These early sets were inserted into shopping bags as a way to advertise Ace Hardware stores and bring baseball fans into the stores. The designs were quite basic, featuring black and white photos on plain stock cardboard. Players from the era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron appeared in these sets. Production was sporadic and sets varied greatly from year to year with no standardized release schedule.

In the 1960s, Ace Hardware began releasing more polished baseball card sets on a yearly basis. Color photos started being used and the cardboard stock was upgraded. Sets from the 1960s typically featured 80 cards and included stars from both the American and National Leagues. Top players like Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, and Harmon Killebrew could regularly be found in Ace Hardware packs. The cards served their purpose of drawing customers into stores while also providing a fun product for young baseball fans of the era to collect.

The 1970s marked the golden era of Ace Hardware baseball cards. Production and design quality increased significantly. Full color photos covered the front of high-quality stock cardboard. Biographical information and career stats were printed on the backs. Sets increased in size, often featuring over 100 cards in a single year. Ace Hardware also began releasing special promotion cards that could only be obtained by sending in Ace brand product proofs of purchase. Stars of the 1970s like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan were prominent in Ace Hardware packs.

In addition to their standard annual baseball card sets through the 1970s, Ace Hardware also produced several innovative specialty sets. In 1973 they released a unique set featuring player signatures on each card. Other specialty subsets in the 1970s included league leader cards, rookie cards, and retired player cards. Ace Hardware also experimented with oddball sets like action photo cards and cards featuring players with their families off the field. While not as iconic as the classic Topps and Fleer releases, these specialty Ace Hardware sets are highly coveted by today’s collectors.

Through the 1980s, Ace Hardware continued releasing high-quality annual baseball card sets but faced new competition from the exploding sport card market. Brands like Donruss and Score entered the scene and card manufacturers battled for licensing deals with the major sports leagues. Ace Hardware sets from the 1980s still featured the top players and teams but lacked exclusive contracts. Their cards became more generic featuring simple designs compared to elaborate sets from competitors. However, Ace Hardware remained committed to the hobby and their baseball fan customer base.

In the 1990s, the overproduction of baseball cards caused a market crash that nearly destroyed the entire sport card industry. Many smaller manufacturers like Ace Hardware were forced to exit the baseball card business during this difficult time period. Their final baseball card release is believed to have been around 1992 or 1993 before production ceased. However, Ace Hardware left their mark by producing cards for over 30 years and capturing the likenesses of many all-time great players throughout baseball history in the process.

While no longer actively producing new cards, Ace Hardware baseball cards from the 1950s through 1990s remain popular with collectors today. Vintage sets and especially the highly designed 1970s releases consistently gain value. Unique specialty cards command high prices at auction. The brand helped foster the baseball card collecting hobby for generations of fans. Although they may not be in the same league as Topps when it comes to production scale and name recognition, Ace Hardware undeniably left their stamp on the industry and culture surrounding the baseball card collecting passion. Their cards from the golden era continue to be treasured pieces of memorabilia among enthusiasts of both baseball and the card collecting hobby.

In summary, Ace Hardware produced baseball cards for over four decades starting in the 1950s as a promotional item and way to advertise to their baseball fan customers. Their early simple black and white cards gave way to high-quality annual color sets in the 1970s featuring the top players and teams of that era. Ace Hardware also innovated with unique specialty subsets and signatures. While forced to exit the baseball card market in the difficult 1990s, their vintage cards remain popular with today’s collectors. Ace Hardware left an impact by helping foster the hobby and preserving the images of baseball history in card form for generations of fans to enjoy. Their cards from the golden 1970s era in particular stand out as highly collectible pieces of memorabilia.

1997 UPPER DECK COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from the popular trading card manufacturer. Upper Deck had revolutionized the baseball card industry when they first entered the market in 1989 and Collector’s Choice was one of their premier annual sets every year. The 1997 edition contained 264 total cards and featured current major league players, prospects, and retired baseball legends. While not quite as valuable as some previous Collector’s Choice sets from the early 1990s rookie card boom, the 1997 cards still hold significance for collectors decades later.

One of the most prominent rookies featured in the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set was pitcher Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs. Wood had an electrifying rookie season in 1998 where he struck out 20 Houston Astros in a single game and finished third in rookie of the year voting. His rookie card from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is among the most sought after from that year. In near mint to mint condition, Wood’s rookie fetches around $30-50 raw but can sell for upwards of $100 graded gem mint by PSA or BGS. Any card that captures a player’s first major league appearance holds added nostalgia and demand.

Another notable rookie from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is current Los Angeles Dodgers manager and former catcher Dave Roberts. Unlike Wood, Roberts did not have flashy stats as a player but he developed into a valuable role player and pinch runner known for his speed and base stealing abilities. As a rookie manager guiding the Dodgers to a 2020 World Series title, interest and prices in Roberts’ rookie card from 1997 have spiked. Raw copies in good condition can be found for under $10 but a PSA 10 gem mint could sell for $75-100 given his new popularity from managing. Nostalgia for players combined with future successes often boosts values of rookie cards years later.

One of the highlighted veteran players showcased is Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners. Griffey was consistently one of the best players in baseball throughout the 1990s and remained a fan favorite for his smooth left-handed swing. His cards from Upper Deck sets regularly command a premium to this day. The 1997 Collector’s Choice Griffey is no exception, with a mint raw copy valued at $15-20 and a PSA 10 grade fetching $50-75. Any iconic slugger from the late 20th century maintains strong collector interest long after retiring from play.

Aside from star players, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set is also notable for featuring retired legends in their later career or post-retirement phases. One example is Los Angeles Dodgers and Brooklyn Dodgers pitching great Don Drysdale on card #126. Drysdale was a few years removed from his playing days but remained a revered figure for Dodgers fans and baseball collectors. In well-centered, near mint condition a Drysdale from 1997 can sell for $5-7 raw whereas a professionally graded PSA 8 copy may draw $15-20 at auction from dedicated collectors. Cards that memorialize all-time greats maintain value appreciation over the decades.

Overall team collection and chase aspects also add to the popularity and replay value of the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball set. Cards like #1 featuring a team checklist or the #260 “UDA Finale” parallel sketch cards become Holy Grails for collectors seeking to complete their album. While relatively common in circulation two decades later, raw near mint examples of these higher numbered “hits” could sell for $3-5 with significant rarer parallel versions like “Golden” parallels fetching upwards of $25-50 graded gem mint. The 1997 Collector’s Choice set rewards those who piece together a full team or parallel run.

condition is always a key factor when assessing the monetary worth of any older trading card. For the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice basketball set, well-kept examples in near mint to mint condition still trade hands regularly between $1-3 each for common players through online marketplaces like eBay. More valuable rookie cards or stars from the set in comparable condition may command $5-10 individual prices. Cards that have been professionally graded bring a significant premium. A PSA or BGS 10 championship-caliber “gem mint” grade can multiply the value ten times or more depending on the individual card and level of preservation. This is why condition sensitive collectors are willing to pay grading certification fees to authenticate the condition of their prized cardboard.

While not quite as valuable as early 1990s iterations during the hobby’s peak, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set remains a nostalgic release sought after by collectors two decades later. Headlining rookie cards of Kerry Wood and Dave Roberts coupled with retired legend and active star appearances give the set lasting pop culture appeal. With care taken to preserve cards in pristine near mint to mint condition, common issues can still beflipped for $1-3 each while key cards may realize $10-100+ based on player,parallels, and professional grading certification. For accumulator sets from the 1990s boom era, the 1997 Collector’s Choice baseballs cards represent a comparatively affordable collecting challenge.

PETE ALONSO BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Pete Alonso made his Major League Baseball debut in 2019 with the New York Mets and immediately established himself as one of the top young stars in baseball. As a rookie, Alonso led the National League in home runs with 53, which set a new rookie record. His prolific home run hitting right out of the gate as a newcomer to “The Show” created a strong demand for Pete Alonso rookie cards on the collectors’ market. On eBay, Alonso rookie cards quickly became some of the hottest MLB trading cards being sold.

Alonso’s rookie card debut came in 2019 with Topps Series 1 cards. The standard Topps Alonso rookie is arguably the flagship Pete Alonso card. For the first couple years after its release, raw Alonso Topps rookie cards could regularly be found selling on eBay in the $20-30 range. As Alonso’s star power grew and his MLB success continued, so too did the price of his rookie card. By the middle part of the 2021 season, average eBay sales prices for a PSA Graded 9 Alonso Topps rookie card had increased to around $200-250. Meanwhile, raw examples that are in near-gem mint to gem mint condition routinely sell for $75-100+ on eBay.

Aside from the standard Topps base card, a number of short printed Alonso rookie variations carry premiums over the base card as well. Two of the most coveted Alonso rookie variations are the Topps Heritage Minors card and the Topps Big League card. The Topps Heritage Minors Alonso shows him as a prospect in the New York Mets organization prior to his MLB call up. Given its short printed status compared to the standard Topps Series 1 issue, the Heritage Minors rookie has steadily increased in secondary market value since 2019. On eBay today, a PSA 9 sells around $350-400 while a high-grade PSA/BGS 10 can bring upwards of $500-600.

Alonso’s Topps Big League card from 2019 also carries a significant premium relative to his Series 1 rookie. Printed with an issue of just 99 copies in its original hobby box release, the Topps Big League rookie has long been one of the most valuable and desired Pete Alonso cards available. On eBay, PSA 9’s for the ultra-short printed Topps Big League Alonso have consistently sold in the $800-1,000 range throughout 2021. As one of the lowest mintage Alonso cards out there, a PSA/BGS 10 Topps Big League rookie in a recent eBay auction sold for an astounding $4,200.

In addition to standard and short printed rookies, autographed Pete Alonso rookie cards represent some of the absolute highest priced examples of his early career cardboard. On eBay, Alonso’s 2019 Topps Series 1 autographed rookie card frequently trades hands for $400-600 in PSA/BGS DNA certified slabs. Meanwhile, scarcer autographed variations such as the Topps Big League auto carry price tags upwards of $1,500-2,000 for a PSA/BGS 9.5 or 10 grading. When it comes to one-of-one Alonso autographs, consignments to Goldin Auctions have seen examples from encased memorabilia cards sell for $3,000+.

As Alonso has continued producing at an All-Star level each season since his record-setting 2019 rookie campaign, the values of his early career cards have remained strong – and in many cases have appreciated. For example, Alonso had another huge year in 2021 when he slugged his 100th career home run. To celebrate the milestone, Topps produced a limited print run “100 HR” parallel card that features Alonso rounding the bases after homer #100. These short printed parallel cards regularly sell for $75-100 on eBay since their release midway through last season.

Looking beyond just his rookie cards, other popular Pete Alonso MLB cards that attract buyers on eBay include prestigious hobby box short prints, autograph memorabilia cards, rare parallel variations, and rookie cups or prospect cards from earlier in his career prior to reaching the Majors. For example, Alonso’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Auto Orange Refractor /150 recently sold for $300 on eBay while his 2019 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor fetched $150. Whether it’s a raw card or high grade gem, virtually any Alonso issue from 2016 up to the present holds value in today’s trading card market when put up for sale through eBay’s popular marketplace.

As Alonso continues powering the Mets lineup and remains one of the top home run threats in the National League, the long term outlook for his baseball card investments also remains strong. With Alonso still only 26 years old as he heads into 2022, most experts predict he has many big seasons yet ahead of him. As such, his earlier cards – particularly the autos and short prints – have great potential to appreciate even more in value over the long run. For savvy collectors and investors, snatching up desirable Pete Alonso cards on eBay during periods of reasonable pricing could prove to be shrewd financial moves given Alonso’s ongoing superstar production on the diamond and youth that give him an extremely high ceiling. As long as Alonso stays healthy and performs at an All-Star caliber, his chase for 60+ home run seasons and stints in the Home Run Derby should maintain collector enthusiasm for his trading card portfolio for years to come on the active secondary market hosted by eBay.

PRINTABLE BASEBALL LINEUP CARDS PDF

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Baseball is a sport that relies heavily on strategy and precise execution of that strategy in order to be successful. One important part of strategy on any baseball team is determining the batting lineup order for each game. The batting lineup order, or batting lineup card, determines the sequence in which batters will step to the plate during an inning. Constructing an effective batting lineup requires factoring in numerous variables related to each player’s skillset and recent performance trends.

Printable baseball lineup cards provide coaches and managers an easy way to clearly communicate their chosen batting order to both the opposing team as well as their own team prior to each game. These printable PDF lineup cards allow strategic decisions surrounding the batting order to be set in a tidy, organized format that is easy for everyone involved to understand at a glance. While software or apps are commonly used today to create and distribute lineup cards digitally, having printable PDF versions remains useful as a backup or for occasions where digital formats are not preferred or possible.

When determining a batting lineup order, factors such as each player’s batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and other advanced stats should be seriously considered. A batter’s handedness (righty or lefty), home run totals, stolen base success rates, and track record of situational hitting also come into play. Intangible qualities like experience, confidence, and ability to come through in clutch moments must be weighed as well when finalizing the batting order. Coaches need to think about using their consistently best hitters higher in the order while also balancing handedness advantages up and down the lineup.

Constructing a solid batting lineup starts from the top. Your best all-around hitters, typically those with the highest batting averages and on-base percentages, should bat near the top of the order in the number one and two spots. This positions your most productive hitters to begin each inning with the opportunity to reach base multiple times over the course of a full game. Speedsters capable of stealing bases can also be valuable in the number one or two hole to apply pressure on the defense early.

From the three spot on down, coaches may opt to arrange their lineup with alternating righty/lefty batters when possible to disrupt the opposing pitcher’s rhythm and force difficult pitching changes. Simply stacking all lefties or righties together isn’t necessarily a bad strategy either depending on matchups and tendencies. The middle of the order, three through five specifically, is the prime real estate for a team’s true power hitters. Players with the best slugging percentages, home run totals, and ability to drive in runs have the most RBI opportunities batting in the heart of the order.

As you move down the lineup towards the bottom, it’s common to list your weaker hitters in a “gravy spot” approach. The thinking goes that number six and seven hitters will come to bat after your big boppers clear the bases, putting them in a position for RBI even if they aren’t a major run-producer. Number eight hitters are sometimes called “sandboxers” tasked with just fouling off pitches and working the count to set up the top of the order. Leadoff men again. The number nine hitter aims to simply get on base and ideally score for the top batter to lead off the next inning. Overall team speed or lefty/righty balance could influence slotting here depending on specific matchups as well.

When finalizing the actual printable baseball lineup card PDF, including the date, opponent, and other crucial game details at the top provides necessary context. Then list each batting position one through nine down the left side. In the columns to the right of each lineup spot, jot down the relevant player’s name, uniform number, batting stance (R=righty, L=lefty), and any other pertinent stats or notes. Some printable cards provide space below the nine batting slots for substitutes, pitching rotation, and other game notes. Testing different batting order configurations in practice and carefully monitoring trends throughout the season will help coaches optimize their lineup construction for each unique game scenario on a rolling basis.

[INSERT SAMPLE PRINTABLE BASEBALL LINEUP CARD HERE]

A well-crafted batting order allows the skills and abilities of each player to be put to their ideal use within the context of the overall team strategy for scoring runs. The lineup positions set the table for how at-bats will unfold on any given day. Printable baseball lineup cards provide the simple and organized format for clearly relaying the manager’s game plan right from the top through detailed communication of each player’s role. With attention to statistics, tendencies, matchups, and intangibles, constructing the optimal batting order can make a real difference in the outcome of close games throughout a season.