TOPPS BIG BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED

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Topps Big Baseball is a size-enhanced baseball card series that was released by Topps from 1989 to 1991. Measuring 4 inches by 6 inches, the oversized cards were intended to make collecting and displaying baseball cards more appealing at a time when the hobby was declining in popularity. Among collectors today, sealed, unopened packs and boxes of Topps Big Baseball cards remain highly desirable due to their scarcity and nostalgia factor.

When Topps Big Baseball was first issued in 1989, the enlarged card size was meant to attract new collectors, especially younger kids. Compared to the standard 2-1/2 inch by 3-1/2 inch baseball cards that had been the norm since the 1950s, the jumbo Topps Big cards were a bold innovation. Their larger images of players made for an impressive visual effect. Distribution was also adjusted, with Topps Big available primarily in mass merchandisers like Target, Kmart, Walmart and Walgreens rather than just hobby shops and convenience stores.

Despite the flashy presentation, Topps Big Baseball didn’t catch on as quickly as hoped. Card scarcity resulted from retailers often not fully stocking the bulky product, while collectors had mixed reactions to the non-standard size. Some longtime hobbyists weren’t interested in abandoning their penny sleeves and binders full of smaller cardboard. Younger fans, meanwhile, may not have had the discretionary income without parental encouragement. Topps Big lasted three years total before the company shifted its baseball card focus elsewhere.

The set sizes for Topps Big reflected its diminished sale rates versus standard issues. The inaugural 1989 run featured 132 total cards, down from the usual 600+ for a year’s primary Topps flagship set. In 1990 there were only 80 cards in the Topps Big series. For 1991, the final year, just 54 cards were issued before the experiment concluded. Numbers were low in all positions, parallels and chase cards compared to standard size releases from the same seasons.

Now as a nearly 30-year-old product, sealed Topps Big packs and boxes from its short original run have developed quite a cult following. Few product items from the late 20th century baseball card boom went untouched or saved sealed in their original packaging. So unopened Topps Big remains a true survivor piece coveted by both vintage collectors and investors. Demand often outpaces available supply listings when graded examples come up for auction.

Part of the appeal comes from the nostalgia many collectors feel for when the oversized cards first emerged. It represented Topps trying something new during the height of the 1980s-early 90s card bubble. The failed innovation also ties to that bygone era before the industry crashed. Size and visually striking multi-player designs likewise make Topps Big cards stand out from other vintage cardboard in a collectors’ display case or portfolio.

Graded high-end sealed Topps Big sets in particular draw intense bidding wars. In 2020, a PSA 9 gem mint sealed 1989 Topps Big Series 1 box sold for $11,600. A PSA 10 1988 Fleer ProCards box, by comparison, would fetch around $3,000 in similar condition. Single pack valuations also far surpass standard size equivalents from the era. Topps Big sealed wax just hits different for many dedicated vintage collectors.

Sound financial investments factors into to the premium prices as well. Unlike most bulky wax boxes, Topps Big displays and stores neatly thanks to its uniform rectangular shape. Interest has also grown as the baseball card market has rebooted in recent bull market years since the late 2000s recession. Graded 9’s and 10’s from all hobby genres continue appreciating at rates well above standard inflation.

For those hoping to locate a sealed Topps Big pack or box for their collection today, the pickings are exceedingly slim. Beyond scattered individual packs still clinging to pegs in abandoned retail, the only reliable source is the active auction scene. There, true gem mint examples in independent third-party slabs like PSA or BGS will fetch four-figure sums when they surface. Perhaps proving Topps initial size concept wasn’t entirely off-base in foreseeing collectors’ future demand. Without the benefit of sealed vintage at smaller sizes, Topps Big baseball attains cult status among savvy investors and nostalgic fans of 1980s-90s cardboard alike.

In summary, Topps Big Baseball cards hold a unique place in the world of vintage sports collecting. Produced for just three short years at the tail end of the industry boom period, very few boxes and packs survived completely intact and sealed to the present. Those that did have developed tremendous scarcity value and demand. Whether for nostalgia, size intrigue, investing or all three, Topps Big exerts a magnetic pull on collectors three decades later. Their sizable presence remains disproportionate to production numbers in the elite tier of sealed 1980s and early ‘90s wax highly regarded by the vintage community today.

BEST SCANNER BASEBALL CARDS

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Introduction
Scanning baseball cards allows you to digitally preserve your collection and share cards online. With the right scanner, you can capture high-quality images to showcase holograms, autographs, and card details. This guide reviews the top scanners for baseball cards based on features like resolution, scanning speed, and compatibility.

Flatbed Scanners
Flatbed scanners are affordable all-purpose options that work well for most baseball card collections. They scan by placing cards facedown on the glass scanning surface. Here are some top flatbed picks:

Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner – At around $150, this is a great value scanner. It has a maximum resolution of 6400 x 9600 dpi for capturing fine card details. The auto document feeder can scan up to 35 pages per minute. Its scanning area of 8.5 x 11.7 inches means you’ll need to scan larger cards in sections.

Epson Perfection V800 Photo Scanner – A step up from the V600, the V800 has a larger maximum resolution of 9600 x 9600 dpi and a scanning area of 8.5 x 14 inches that can fit most standard baseball cards without sectioning. It also has adjustable glass for thicker items like slabbed cards. Expect to pay around $250.

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 – For those who want to digitize entire binders or boxes of cards at once, the ScanSnap is a great choice. Its automatic document feeder can hold up to 50 pages and scan both sides of each page simultaneously at 600 dpi resolution. At $500, it’s more expensive but saves a ton of manual scanning time.

Sheetfed Scanners
Sheetfed scanners are made for scanning single items rather than stacks of pages. They work by feeding cards through a slot one by one. This prevents potential scratching from placing cards facedown on a flatbed. Top sheetfed options include:

Epson FastFoto FF-680W – At around $150, this entry-level sheetfed scanner has a maximum resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi. It can scan 35 cards per minute and is compact enough for most desktops. Its 3.5 x 8.5 inch scanning area may require sectioning larger cards.

Epson Perfection V850 Pro Photo – A higher-end sheetfed model, the V850 Pro has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi for finer detail capture. Its larger 5 x 14 inch scanning area fits most cards without sectioning. Expect to pay $350-400.

Microtek ScanMaker i800 Pro – For those who scan trading cards professionally, the ScanMaker i800 Pro is a great option. It has a maximum resolution of 9600 x 9600 dpi and can scan thick items like slabbed cards. Its fast scanning speed of up to 80 pages per minute makes batch scanning breeze. It costs around $600.

Overhead Scanners
Overhead scanners work by placing cards facedown on the scanner lid and lowering the scanning head over them. This prevents scratches from sliding cards through a sheetfed slot. Top overhead options are:

Plustek OpticBook A300 – At around $250, this budget-friendly overhead scanner has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi. Its 5.5 x 8.5 inch scanning area fits most cards without sectioning. Scanning speed is about 25 pages per minute.

Epson Perfection V850 Pro Photo – As mentioned above, this sheetfed model can also be used as an overhead scanner by simply placing cards on the lid. Its larger scanning area is ideal for most cards.

Canon CanoScan 9000F Mark II – For those needing the highest quality scans, the 9000F Mark II has an incredible maximum resolution of 9600 x 19200 dpi. Its scanning speed is also fast at around 30 pages per minute. Expect to pay over $500.

Scanning Software
In addition to hardware, you’ll need good scanning software to edit, organize, and archive your scanned card collection. Here are some top options:

VueScan – Free and compatible with many different scanners. Allows for adjustments like color correction, cropping, and image enhancement.

SilverFast – Paid software that is optimized for scanning film and photos in high resolution. Great for scanners like the Epson V850. Offers advanced controls.

Epson Scan – Comes free with Epson scanners. Basic editing tools but easy to use interface for batch scanning.

TWAIN – Open source standard supported by many scanners. Basic scanning and file saving capabilities.

ScanTailor – Free, open source software great for batch processing scanned pages into individual files. Automatic cropping, color correction.

Additional Tips:

Invest in a lightbox or daylight lamp to reduce shadows when scanning cards
Use a sheet of glass or transparency sheet to prevent scratches when scanning on a flatbed
Scan at native resolution of 300 dpi for online sharing, 600 dpi for printing, 1200+ dpi for high-quality enlargements
Save files as TIFF for best quality or JPEG if file size is a concern
Organize scans into folders by year, player, team, or other categorization that makes sense for your collection

Conclusion
With the right scanner and software, you can preserve your baseball card collection in high-quality digital format for years to come. Flatbed, sheetfed, and overhead models each have advantages depending on your needs and budget. By following some basic scanning techniques, you can capture sharp, detailed images to showcase even the finest card details and share your prized pieces online. With proper care, digitization helps secure your collection for future generations of fans.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE

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Donruss baseball cards have been a staple in the hobby since 1981. The brand was known for its innovative photography and eye-catching designs that set it apart from competitors like Topps. While Donruss cards may not carry the same cachet as some other brands today, there is still strong collector interest – especially for the high-grade vintage rookies and stars from the 1980s and early 90s peak era of the set. Here is an in-depth look at Donruss baseball card prices over the years.

When Donruss first entered the baseball card market in 1981, the brand made an immediate splash with its creative card designs and photography. The glut of cards produced during the late 80s boom era means most common cards from that time hold little value. For example, a mint condition 1987 Donruss card of superstar Kirby Puckett in his rookie season can be found for under $1. But some key rookies and stars from the early Donruss sets command strong prices due to rarity and historical significance.

One of the most valuable and iconic Donruss cards is the rookie of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. from the 1981 set. In gem mint 10 condition, this coveted card currently sells for $4,000-$6,000. Other notable high-priced rookies from the early 1980s Donruss sets include Wade Boggs ’82 (>$1,000 PSA 10), Kirby Puckett ’84 (>$2,000 PSA 10), and Roger Clemens ’84 (>$1,500 PSA 10). Star veteran cards like a PSA 10 1984 Donruss Ozzie Smith also command $1,000 due to their flashy designs and the player’s popularity.

Through the mid-1980s, most high-grade Donruss rookies and stars settled in the $100-$500 range. But the late 80s boom is when certain Donruss cards really exploded in value. The rookie cards of Barry Bonds from the 1985 set and Gregg Maddux from 1986 are two of the strongest examples. A PSA 10 of either card today fetches over $10,000 due to their players’ legendary careers. Other elite rookies like Mark McGwire ’86 (>$2,000 PSA 10) and Frank Thomas ’87 (>$1,000 PSA 10) also gained tremendous value.

By the 1990s, Donruss had reached its peak popularity but also faced growing competition. The 1991 set is when the brand began experimenting more with parallel and insert sets to mixed results. Base cards held steady values around $50-$100 for stars in top grades. Short print and autographed parallel cards became highly sought after by collectors. Examples include the 1991 Studio ‘Star Search’ parallel Barry Bonds (>$2,000 PSA 10) and autographed parallel Tom Glavine rookie (>$1,500 PSA/DNA 10).

As the 1990s progressed, Donruss card values began to stabilize and decline slightly from the boom era highs. Still, star rookies and veterans maintained strong collector interest. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas ’87, Greg Maddux ’86, and Ken Griffey Jr. ’89 stayed in high demand. Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie remains one of the most valuable baseball cards ever, with PSA 10 examples bringing $10,000+. Other coveted 1990s Donruss include the Chipper Jones rookie (>$1,000 PSA 10), Derek Jeter rookie (>$500 PSA 10), and refractors of stars like Pedro Martinez.

After Upper Deck gained the MLB license in 1991, Donruss shifted to regional collegiate and minor league players through the rest of the decade. The brand also produced parallels and inserts at a high rate. While this diversified the product, it diluted the base set and values. By the 2000s, Donruss cards settled into the lower-mid range compared to competitors. Base rookies were worth $10-50 in top grades, while short prints and autographed cards provided the best returns. Stars of the era like Ichiro and Albert Pujols rookie parallels remained popular with collectors.

In the modern era from 2010-present, Donruss has regained some momentum by focusing on its throwback designs and photography. Popular parallels like Donruss Elite have found an audience. Base rookie cards of current stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Fernando Tatis Jr. in top grades sell for $50-150. It’s the inserts and short prints that offer the highest potential. Examples being the 2011 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Mike Trout autograph (>$3,000 PSA 10) and 2012 Donruss Diamond Kings Nolan Arenado autograph (>$1,000 PSA 10). Vintage sets from the 1980s-90s peak era remain the most valuable in the long-run for blue-chip rookies, stars and parallels.

While Donruss cards may never reach the heights of brands like Topps or Upper Deck, there is a strong and loyal collector base for the vintage 1980s-90s issues. The brand has found renewed interest by embracing its retro designs in modern sets too. Key factors in a Donruss card’s value are the player, year, grade, and parallel/insert status. Top rookies from the early 1980s, elite stars from the boom era late 80s, and short prints/autographs tend to offer the best returns on investment long-term for savvy collectors. With iconic photography and designs, Donruss cards remain an important part of the hobby’s history.

AARON JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Aaron Judge has quickly become one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball since debuting with the New York Yankees in 2016. The towering right fielder’s prodigious power and impressive season in 2017 where he broke the rookie home run record has made his rookie cards some of the most sought after on the baseball card market. With Judge still in the early stages of what looks to be a Hall of Fame caliber career, many collectors see his rookie cards as a prime long term investment despite the high prices they currently command on auction sites like eBay.

Judge’s rookie season in pinstripes was one for the ages as he smacked 52 home runs to shatter the rookie record of 49 set by Mark McGwire in 1987. He also played Gold Glove caliber defense in right field and finished second in American League MVP voting despite the Yankees missing the playoffs. The performance immediately elevated the 26 year old to superstardom and collector interest in his rookie cards skyrocketed. Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors from 2016, considered the key Judge rookies, started selling in the low hundreds of dollars at the beginning of 2017 but multiplied in value many times over as his season developed.

By the end of 2017 and into 2018, PSA 10 examples of Judge’s Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards were regularly commanding four figure prices, with some exceptional auctions topping $5,000. Lower graded versions still sold very well too proportionate to their condition. The surge in prices was due to a perfect storm of factors – Judge’s amazing rookie year, the rarity of high grade versions of his key cards due to light production runs in 2016, and growing demand from investors anticipating further increases in value if he sustained his success long term.

While prices dipped slightly after Judge’s stats regressed a bit in 2018 as he dealt with injuries, they rebounded strongly in 2019 as he hit over 50 home runs again and reasserted himself as a true MVP caliber player. Today, PSA 10 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome Judge rookies remain elite trophies that typically sell in the $3,000-$6,000 range. PSA 9s go for $1,500-2500. Even raw, ungraded copies in mint condition can pull in $500-1000. With each passing year that Judge continues producing at an All-Star level, his rookie cards seem to gain more cache and prestige in the eyes of collectors.

Aaron Judge’s appeal extends beyond just his on-field performance and rookie cards as well. Later base cards and parallels from Topps series 1, Topps Chrome, Bowman, etc featuring his towering frame in a Yankees uniform remain quite popular on the secondary market. Many collectors enjoy chasing these “post-rookie” Judge cards in hopes of completing rainbow sets in top grades. PSA 10 parallels like the Topps Chrome purple refractor or Topps gold foil still sell for hundreds of dollars each due to their scarcity. Even base cards in high grades have value since Judge mania shows no signs of slowing down.

In addition to his flagship rookie cards, Aaron Judge’s prospect cards have developed a strong cult following of their own in recent years. Cards like the 2015 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Orange Refractor are extremely scarce in pristine condition yet highly sought after by set builders. Recently, a PSA 10 copy sold for over $2,000 on eBay showing there is still room for growth even in Judge’s lesser known rookie issues. His 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect cards have also gained traction, with the base paper version now selling for $100-200 in high grades. Clearly any early issue showing Judge’s potential before he broke out continues increasing in desirability long after their initial release dates.

Perhaps the biggest indicator of just how strong demand remains for Aaron Judge collectibles is the performance of his autograph cards on eBay. Despite carrying premiums well into the thousands of dollars, his autographed rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, etc still receive dozens of bids and frenzied last minute bidding wars whenever they come up for auction. A PSA/DNA authenticated 2017 Topps Series 1 auto in gem mint condition would be expected to eclipse $5,000 with no trouble. Premium memorabilia cards like Topps Museum Collection featuring swatches of his game worn jersey consistently break the $1,000 barrier as well showing there is no shortage of diehard Judge PC builders.

As Aaron Judge continues putting up All-Star caliber seasons for the Yankees and stays on the path to a first ballot Hall of Fame career, most experts agree his cards have nowhere to go but up in value long term. Even after a small price dip, his rookies have regained lost ground showing strong underlying demand. For savvy collectors, now could be one of the last opportunities to snatch up a high grade example for under $5,000 before they potentially reach the $10,000+ range that icons like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr command. With impeccable power, a beloved franchise player persona, and a rocketing career still ahead, Aaron Judge looks poised to cement his status as a true modern baseball icon collectible for decades to come.

MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARDS PRICE

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Mickey Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history. The legendary New York Yankees center fielder had a historic career spanning from 1951 to 1968, winning three MVP awards and playing on seven World Series championship teams. Mantle’s illustrious on-field career and icon status have made his vintage baseball cards among the most valuable and desirable in the hobby. Here is an in-depth look at Mickey Mantle baseball cards and what various models in different conditions have sold for over the years.

Mantle’s rookie baseball cards from 1952 Topps and Bowman are undoubtedly the Holy Grails of the hobby. In pristine mint condition with a grade of PSA 10, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in recent years has reached astronomical prices above the $5 million mark at auction. Even well-centered 1952 Mantle Topps cards in lower graded Mint 9 condition can sell for over $1 million. Bowman issued Mantle’s rookie card the same year in their sets, and high-grade examples of the colorful and iconic design have also topped $1 million. However, PSA 10 1952 Topps Mantles and Bowmans are so rare that it’s questionable if even a dozen gem mint examples exist in collectors’ hands.

For Mantle cards in simply Near Mint to Excellent condition, 1952 Topps and Bowman rookies can still demand big six-figure prices. An NM-MT 8 graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle recently sold at auction for $657,250, while a PSA 8 example of his 1952 Bowman rookie crossed the block for $312,000. Even lower-grade cards in the Good to Very Good range still command five-figure values based on recently completed sales. It’s clear that regardless of condition, examples of Mantle’s true rookie cards from the dawn of the modern baseball card era will likely always be out of reach for all but the deepest pocketed card collectors.

Moving into Mantle’s second year in 1953, Topps was again the lone baseball card producer. High-grade 1953 Topps Mickey Mantles aren’t quite as rare or expensive as the rookie, but are still immense Condition Census cards. A PSA 10 ’53 sold for $345,600 in early 2022, while a Gem Mint 9 example went for $101,250 at auction recently.condition cards. But NM-MT 8s can still reach six-figures, with a recent auction sale at $114,000. From the 1953 Topps set on, Mantle cards become more obtainable for collectors, though condition is still paramount to value as one descends the grading scale.

By 1954, Bowman rejoined Topps as competition in the baseball card market. Both companies featured Mantle prominently in their 1954 sets after his breakout AL MVP season of 1953. PSA 10 examples of Mantle’s 1954 Topps and Bowman are also Condition Census rarities that can achieve $100,000+ in auction. High-grade 1954s in Mint 9 condition more commonly sell in the $25,000-$50,000 range. In Near Mint 8, roughly $10,000-$20,000 values are frequently seen. Even Good condition 1954 Topps and Bowman Mantles in the 5.0-6.0 grading range can still price out around $1,000 in today’s market.

Throughout the mid-1950s, Mantle remained the bright star featured on Topps and Bowman cards annually as he continued cementing his legend on the Yankees. His 1955, 1956 and 1957 Topps cards are all plentifully available even in high grades compared to the earliest rookie issues. PSA 10 1955s sell for around $15,000, Gems of 1956 push $10-12k, and 1957s top out near $8,000 in pristine condition. Meanwhile, Bowman versions from these same years are much scarcer in top grades. Bowman also lost the baseball card license after 1957. Mantle’s 1958 and 1959 Topps cards, issued during the late stages of his legendary career, remain very obtainable even in high grades for aficionados looking to add a plaque card of the Mick.

The 1960s brought about Mantle’s golden years as a switch-hitting slugger and 1960 Topps cards reflect this peak in production numbers. High-grade 1960s aren’t overly scarce even today. But the 1960 Topps Mantle remains one of the most iconic modern-era baseball cards, with a PSA 10 recently selling for an impressive $93,600. Later 1960s cards are quite available across all conditions. Even worn examples are still highly coveted by collectors due to the popularity of Mantle’s later career years with the Yankees. His 1968 Topps card, issued after a historic season in which he belted a career-high 52 home runs, can still command $500+ for lower-grade copies.

While Mickey Mantle’s true rookie cards will likely stay locked away forever behind the protective cases of million-dollar collections, his later 1950s and 1960s base cards remain affordable centerpieces for most fans and collectors. No matter the year or condition, Mickey Mantle cards will always resonate strongly with the baseball card community due to his iconic status as perhaps the greatest switch-hitter and Yankee of all time. Whether a collector seeks a high-end Condition Census gem or a well-loved playing card to remember Mantle’s magic, his vast sea of baseball cards ensures his legacy lives on within the hobby for generations to come.

2013 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2013 Topps Chrome Baseball card set brought many high-value rookie cards and parallels to the hobby. Released in late 2012/early 2013, this product featured refractors and variations of players from the 2012 MLB season. While not stratospherically valuable like some vintage sets, several cards stand out from this series as particularly coveted by collectors due to player performance and scarcity. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought-after cards from 2013 Topps Chrome Baseball.

One of the biggest hits from the base set was the Mike Trout rookie card. Already establishing himself as a superstar in his first full season in 2012, Trout’s stock was sky high coming into 2013. The Topps Chrome base version of his rookie stayed relatively affordable compared to high-end parallels, hovering around $50-75 graded gem mint. Refractors and numbered parallel versions escalated sharply in value. The gold refractor /50 is over $1,000 PSA 10, while the elusive black refractor /5 has sold for over $6,000 in mint condition. Low-numbered parallels like the purple /25 and orange /5 also command over $1,000 in top grades. With each passing season cementing Trout as a likely Hall of Famer, his cards from this set have proven to be among the shrewdest long-term investments in the hobby.

Another rookie phenom with multiple high-dollar cards in 2013 Topps Chrome was Bryce Harper. Similar to Trout, Harper’s base rookie held steady around $50-75 graded while his parallels exploded upwards. The Harper gold refractor /50 has cracked $800 PSA 10, while his scarce black refractor /5 has sold for as much as $2,000. The true blue-chip card in the Harper rookie subset remains the prized orange refractor /5. Population reports only 10 examples ever graded PSA 10, with the last few selling in the $5,000 range. With Harper still in his prime playing days, these rare early cards in pristine condition hold tremendous future potential.

Other highly valued 2013 Topps Chrome base rookies outside of Trout and Harper included Wil Myers, Jurickson Profar, and Travis d’Arnaud. Each had solid production or hype in their brief debut seasons in 2012. Myers remains around $50 PSA 10 for his base, while Profar and d’Arnaud have dipped below $30 as they have yet to fully realize early expectations. Key parallels like Myers’ gold /50 ($500 PSA 10) and d’Arnaud’s pink /25 ($150 PSA 10) still provide opportunities for profit. Profar’s status has been hurt by injuries, with even his scarce black refractor /5 selling under $200.

In the veteran category, cards of perennial superstars tended to rise the most in value from 2013 Topps Chrome. Clayton Kershaw continued establishing himself as the premier pitcher of his generation in 2012, leading to strong secondary market performance for his base ($75 PSA 10) and above all, his rare black refractor /5 (over $1,000 PSA 10 mint). Meanwhile, annual MVP candidates like Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout saw steady increases in their base rookies as they cemented future Hall of Fame careers, approaching $50 in top condition. Trout’s 2012 update rookie had similar stability, but premium parallels like his orange /5 exploded to over $800.

There were also some unexpected risers over time among veteran stars. Buster Posey’s base stayed affordable but his scarce black refractor /5 appreciated up near $400 due to his prolonged excellence. Melky Cabrera saw a 2013 Topps Chrome gold refractor /50 price spike to over $200 after an All-Star 2012 season, before PED suspension news dampened future value. Veteran super-collectibles like a Mariano Rivera black refractor /5 or Derek Jeter autograph jumped upwards as well during their 2013 farewell tours.

In terms of short prints and serial numbered inserts, several stand out from 2013 Topps Chrome as especially valuable today. The coveted Yoenis Cespedes red refractor /25 found new heights above $150 PSA 10 as Cespedes emerged. Same for Allen Craig’s pink parallel /25 ($120). Premium serial-numbered parallels like Matt Harvey’s blue refractor /150 ($80) and Starling Marte’s purple refractor /50 ($70) were early fliers that paid off. And multi-player serial-numbered sets including Diamond Kings remained hot, with low-number versions of Trout, Harper, Kershaw, etc. topping $200 each.

The 2013 Topps Chrome Baseball release has aged very well from an investment perspective overall. Rookie sensations Trout and Harper brought unprecedented singles card valuations, while parallels and short prints of emerging stars like Duffy, Harvey, and Cespedes have proven smart long shots. Superstar veterans like Kershaw and Cabrera maintain steady growth on their base cards as well. For building a balanced, future-proofed baseball card portfolio, the 2013 Topps Chrome set offers an abundance of historically significant and valuable materials for today’s savvy collectors and investors. Many consider it one of the top modern release years to target when beginning a collection.

1988 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1988 Topps baseball card set was the 27th series issued by Topps and featured over 700 player and manager cards. Some key highlights and facts about the 1988 Topps set include:

Design and Production: As with most Topps sets of the era, the design featured colorful borders highlighting each player or manager’s team colors. On the front, the player’s name, position, and team name appeared above their photograph. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back along with a short biography. The set switched from the previous season’s larger size cards back to the traditional 3.5 x 2.5 inch card dimensions. One of the bigger changes for 1988 was Topps’ move to a computerized database and database-driven card production process which eliminated some errors but also led to fewer variations in photographs and text compared to hand-collated previous years.

Rookies: Notable rookies in the 1988 set included future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. (Mariners), Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles), and Dennis Eckersley (Red Sox). Other top rookies like Bret Saberhagen (Royals), Gregg Olson (Orioles), Kevin Maas (Rangers), and Kevin Mitchell (Padres) also debuted in the 1988 Topps set.

Short Prints: Various subsets highlighting All-Star cards, leaders, rookie all-stars, and league leaders added diversity to the base set. In addition, Topps produced several short print cards spread randomly throughout packs. Some of the more scarce short prints featured players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Eric Davis. When combined with the switch back to the smaller card size, these short prints led to some challenges for collectors trying to complete the original 660 card base set.

Prominent Players: Stars of the day like Roger Clemens (Red Sox), Rickey Henderson (Athletics), Mike Schmidt (Phillies), Wade Boggs (Red Sox), and Ozzie Smith (Cardinals) topped rosters across baseball. Veterans like Nolan Ryan (Astros), Don Mattingly (Yankees), and Tony Gwynn (Padres) maintained their Hall of Fame caliber play. An aging Pete Rose remained active for the Reds as he pursued the all-time hits record.

League Leaders: Players like Darryl Strawberry (Mets – HR), Kirk Gibson (Tigers – RBI), Vince Coleman (Cardinals – SB), and Orel Hershiser (Dodgers – W, ERA) led their respective categories as depicted on the appropriate league leader cards in the 1988 Topps set. Hershiser’s dominant season culminating in a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings to lead the Dodgers to a World Series title earned him the league leader and All-Star cards.

Rare Inserts: Outside of the base issues, short prints, and subsets, one of the rarest components of the 1988 Topps set involved special Team Leader inserts. Managers like Whitey Herzog, Sparky Anderson, and Dick Williams were featured, with only 50 copies of each card produced. Originally offered through Topps mail-in contests, these Team Leader inserts rarely appeared in packs and fetch prices well into the thousands of dollars today.

Design Flaws: The biggest flaw cited by collectors involved an error on Wade Boggs’ card, which identified his uniform number that season incorrectly as ’12’ instead of his actual number ’26.’ Topps remedied this for the small number of cases they caught but uncorrected Boggs cards bearing the mistake remain quite scarce today. A smaller numbering error was also present on the back of Julio Franco’s card.

Condition Sensitivity: As with most vintage sets, high grades prove quite elusive for the key rookie cards and stars of the 1988 Topps due to the sheer number produced and distributed over 30 years ago. Mint condition examples of Griffey Jr., Ripken Jr., and Clemens rookies still fetch premium prices relative to their graded and preserved contemporaries. Proper storage since original packaging makes a major difference in grades attainable today.

Secondary Market: Now over 30 years removed from original release, the 1988 Topps set endures as a popular and visually pleasing vintage issuance. Complete original sets can be found graded by services like PSA or SGC to preserve that original packaging experience. Key individual rookie and star cards continue trading hands among vintage collectors. As second-generation collectors fuel interest in their parents’ childhood collections, demand for full sets and stars from the late 80s boom continues its upswing.

The 1988 Topps baseball card set marked both a transition to computerized production as well as showcasing future all-time great talents like Griffey Jr. and Ripken Jr. in their rookie efforts. Errors, short prints, and the switch back to smaller sizes produced plenty of challenges for collectors at the time. After over 30 years the core designs and players featured ensure the 1988 Topps set remains both visually appealing and historically relevant for baseball card collectors today.

MOST EXPENSIVE MODERN BASEBALL CARDS

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The modern baseball card hobby, fueled by the nostalgia from childhood collectibles of the 1980s and 1990s, has exploded in recent years. Along with this resurgence has come increased demand and skyrocketing prices for the rarest and most coveted cards from the golden era of the sport. While vintage cards from the early 20th century continue to shatter records, modern era cards from the late 20th century are also achieving previously unfathomable values as investors and collectors compete aggressively for condition guaranteed gems.

Leading the way among modern baseball cards in terms of record sales prices is the legendary 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. Widely considered the crown jewel of all trading cards, only a scant few PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples are known to exist of Mantle’s iconic rookie card. In January 2022, a Mantle ’52 rookie in impeccable condition reached a monumental $12.6 million sales price through Heritage Auctions, smashing all prior sports memorabilia auction records. Other pristine examples have traded privately for upwards of $10 million as well in recent times, certifying this as not only the most valuable modern card but also the most valuable trading card period.

Another modern era card challenging the $10 million barrier is the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Like the Mantle, supremely high grades of PSA/BGS 10 are extremely scarce for Griffey’s rookie which first appeared right as the modern trading card boom was taking off in the late 1980s. In August 2021, one such perfect Griffey rookie shattered expectations by selling at Goldin Auctions for a staggering $3.12 million, believed at the time to be a record for any 1989-2001 card. Subsequent deals have seen comparable specimens move in private sales upwards of $5 million, placing Junior’s rookie as a true holy grail of the modern age.

Beyond Mantle and Griffey, several other legendary players from the late 20th century have cards routinely achieving mid-six figure prices or greater in pristine condition. A 1980 Bowman Erick Davis rookie card graded BGS 10 sold on PWCC Marketplace in March 2022 for $720,000, kicking off a new record price for the Atlanta Braves star.Also achieving $500,000+ at recent major auctions are 1986 Fleer Barry Bonds and 1989 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan rookies, 1993 SP Derek Jeter rookie refractor, and 1998 Metal Universe Tom Brady rookie card among dozens of examples. Sales results prove these ultra-high-end pieces have permanently joined the pantheon of the most prized and valuable cards ever created.

The skyrocketing prices are a testament to the enduring popularity of stars from eras past as well as increasing scarcity. As with vintage cards, a single mint condition modern card surviving of a given player is enough to make it a singular significant important object. The surging values also represent mainstream collectors’ growing willingness to invest in condition guaranteed pieces as heirloom assets and portfolio diversifiers. Pristine modern rookies especially hold cultural and nostalgic value tied to the childhoods of Millennials entering their peak spending years. For some, owning the best of the best transcends being a collector and takes on an aspect of connoisseurship.

It’s also a tribute to robust third-party grading which underpins the stratospheric modern market. PSA and BGS authentication and high grades are an absolute necessity for any card hoping to achieve “blue chip” status. Without the guarantee of condition provided by established services, the multi-million dollar deals simply do not occur. Confidence must exist that what is being purchased is in fact the highest quality possible example survivor of a given card issue. This convergence of forces around demand, liquidity, and authentication has taken the cream of the modern crop from merely pricey to historically and financially significant.

With no signs of slowing, prices for modern sports cards’ premier one-of-a-kind assets will continue upward trajectories far beyond any precedent. The increasing dominance of intangible forces like nostalgia and passion will support inflated values irrespective of any short-term economic volatility. As traditional collectibles, modern gem cards offer a respite from impersonal, digital investments while representing blue-chip tangible assets. As the hobby matures and new generations enter the scene, this sector’s staying power and capacity to generate wealth seems assured. With perfect specimens of stars like Mantle, Griffey, Jordan and beyond setting the pace, the modern era has truly come into its own as a monumental period for the trading card world.

HENRY DAVIS BASEBALL CARDS

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Henry Davis was an early 20th century baseball star who played catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1912 to 1926. As one of the first true superstars of the sport in the Deadball Era, Davis achieved both on-field success and popularity that made him one of the most prominent athletes of his day. This recognition translated to Davis being one of the first players widely featured on baseball cards during the early decades of the modern baseball card collecting hobby.

While some older tobacco cards from the 1880s and 1890s featured occasional baseball players, it was in the early 1910s that baseball cards truly began to take off as a distinct collecting category. The American Tobacco Company was a pioneer in mass producing baseball cards as premiums in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Their iconic 1911 and 1912 tobacco issues prominently featured the biggest stars of the era, including Davis who was entering his breakout seasons with the Pirates.

Some of the earliest and most historically significant Henry Davis cards came from these 1911 and 1912 sets. The 1911 card shows Davis as a youngster in his second season with bold graphics illustrating his talents as a “Great Catcher.” Perhaps even more notably, the coveted 1912 card depicts Davis in the iconic Pirates pinstriped home uniform from that year. With his catching equipment clearly visible, it remains one of the definitive early cards capturing the defensive aspect of his game. Both 1911 and 1912 Davis cards are key pieces for early 20th century baseball card collectors.

In the years that followed, Davis’ on-field performance and popularity kept his cards in high demand. The 1915 and 1917 issues from the prominent Jay Tobacco Company included individual cards of Davis that became highly collectible representations of his prime years. Other contemporary tobacco sets like Those Californians, Karaku, and Egyptian Gum also distributed Davis cards to smokers across America as sports icons of the adolescent hobby began to take hold nationwide.

At the same time, candy manufacturers got in on the baseball card business by including them as prizes in popular sweets of the era. One of the most significant pre-1920 candy cards of Davis comes from the iconic 1915-16 Little Sunflower set produced by Moore Candy Company. Considered among the finest early baseball card designs, the vivid color illustration perfectly captures Davis’ catching motion and Pirates uniform details. In wonderful preserved condition, high grade examples can sell for thousands to serious vintage collectors.

In the post-World War I period of the late 1910s and early 1920s, the most extensive series featuring Henry Davis cards were produced by American Caramel and Best Gum. Their large multi-player issues from 1917-1924 consistently included individual cards to track the aging superstar’s later career milestones with Pittsburgh. By this time, card collecting was booming nationwide and Davis maintained icon status among fans, highlighted by these proliferating gum and candy releases.

Of course, parallel to his cardboard appearances, Davis was establishing himself as a true pioneer between the lines. He helped lead the Pirates to three NL pennants and a World Series title in his early years, establishing numerous catching records along the way. Davis was a pioneer in developing catching techniques like positioning himself correctly, handling pitchers, and mastering the difficult putout. His skill and toughness reinvented the modern catcher position.

This on-field greatness translated directly to increased demand for Davis’ baseball cards as the hobby grew rapidly. In the peak of his fame during WWI, one of his most spectacular single cards comes from the patriotic 1918 Victory Back set produced by Bennett Lithographing Company. Sporting stars of the day like Davis were featured prominently on the fronts with inspiring American messaging printed on the backs – perfectly capturing how he embodied victory on the field during a time of national struggle.

Davis played through most of the 1920s, gradually handing over catching duties but still contributing as a valuable reserve and leader for younger Pirates teams. His later cards from such series as 1922-23 DeLong and 1924 Goudey Graphic documented the veteran backstop’s enduring popularity even as his career wound down. One of his final cards may have come from the obscure but historically important 1925 Geha Confectionery issue highlighting Pirates legends of the past.

Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Henry Davis reigned supreme as one of the pioneering superstars who helped established baseball cards as a mainstream culture phenomenon. His talented play and winning reputation made him enormously popular among fans young and old. In turn, his prolific cardboard appearances in the early decades of the baseball card hobby solidified Davis’ lasting legacy and ensured Collectors for generations could cherish portrayals of one of the game’s pioneering icons. Whether in the tobacco, candy or gum issues of his era, Henry Davis cards remain prized possessions for vintage enthusiasts commemorating his outsized impact.

CUSTOM LINEUP CARDS COLLEGE BASEBALL

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College baseball teams have been using custom lineup cards for decades to help promote their programs, energize fans during games, and showcase their team’s brand. While the basic function of a lineup card is to list the starting batting order and defensive positions, creative coaches and athletic departments have found ways to make these cards much more than just basic stat sheets. Through unique designs, special graphics, and personalized touches, custom lineup cards have become an art form for many college baseball teams looking to stand out from the competition.

One of the earliest adopters of elaborate custom lineup cards was Louisiana State University. In the 1980s, LSU began printing full color, magazine-style cards for each individual game. These cards featured photos of the starting lineup as well as fun facts, stats, and bios for each player. Additional pages provided in-depth previews of the upcoming series between LSU and their opponents. The cards quickly became collector’s items for fans and helped generate more buzz and excitement around Tigers baseball. Other SEC schools like Florida, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt soon followed LSU’s lead by producing their own stylized lineup cards.

As technology advanced, the possibilities for creative lineup card designs expanded dramatically. In the 1990s and 2000s, many schools transitioned to digital printing which allowed for higher quality graphics and photos. Cards could now feature school logos and mascots in vibrant colors. Bleed edges and different paper stocks were utilized. Multiple fold-out pages became common, sometimes even including ticket order forms for upcoming games. Some programs experimented with holograms, embossing, and other advanced printing techniques to make their cards truly unique. The University of Arkansas, in particular, became renowned for their elaborate multi-page cards.

Today, nearly every Division I college baseball program has custom-printed lineup cards for their home games. While the basic information is still the same, the presentation has become an art form. Cutting edge software like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator allow for complex designs that could not have been imagined just 10-15 years ago. High resolution photos, vector graphics, and custom illustrations are seamlessly integrated into eye-catching layouts printed on high quality cardstock. Multiple bleed images and intricate die-cuts have become standard. Embossing, spot gloss, and specialized inks provide added tactile elements that make the cards truly pop.

Some schools like Florida State, TCU, and Cal State Fullerton now commission local graphic designers to create one-of-a-kind custom cards for each individual series. These multi-page works of art can feature unique themes, illustrations, and artistic styles tailored to both the home team and their opponents. Players, coaches and fans alike look forward to seeing what creative concept the design team comes up with next. For special series like conference championships or NCAA regionals, some programs will go even further by adding spot UV coatings, foil stamping, and other premium printing techniques.

In addition to outstanding graphic design, many colleges also personalize their lineup cards by including fun facts about the players, coaches, or upcoming matchups. Quotes, stats, or historical tidbits related to the opponent help add context beyond just the basic numbers. Player bios may feature hobbies, year in school, hometown, or favorite superhero. Coaches are often highlighted with career records or accomplishments. Custom illustrations, team photos or action shots provide visual interest throughout the card. For some schools, the lineup card has become an entertaining mini-program for fans to read before the game.

Of course, the primary purpose of a lineup card remains to clearly communicate the starting batting order and defensive alignment for that day’s contest. Creative colleges have found ways to accomplish this task through memorable and visually striking design. Some programs will feature die-cut player silhouettes that can be flipped to show the batting order on one side and field positions on the other. Fold-out pages allow lineups to be revealed step-by-step with fun graphic elements. Color-coding or graphical icons may denote each player’s primary position. Regardless of the presentation, the necessary lineup information is always prominently displayed in an easy-to-read format.

While other sports may use basic printed sheets, college baseball has truly embraced the lineup card as an artistic medium. The top programs spare no expense to produce collector-worthy cards that showcase their team’s brand and excite both players and fans. Whether commissioned from renowned graphic designers or created in-house, these personalized cards have become integral promotional pieces that are eagerly anticipated for every home series. Through innovative design, creative colleges are elevating the once humble lineup card into a true art form that is uniquely representative of their baseball program’s style and personality.