HOW MUCH ARE 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 1990 Donruss set marked the beginning of an iconic decade for the popular baseball card brand. These cards captured many of the game’s biggest stars from the late 1980s and early 1990s at the height of their careers. Some of the legendary names featured in the set include Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Andre Dawson.

Because it featured so many all-time great players, the 1990 Donruss set holds historical significance and strong nostalgia for those who collected cards in that era. This creates ongoing collector demand for the set and contributes to card values remaining fairly steady over time. The designs and photography from the 1990 Donruss issues are also beloved by collectors.

When analyzing card values, the most important factors are the player, the card’s condition or grade, and any special parallel issues. Top rookie cards or cards of then-current superstars in near-mint condition can be worth hundreds of dollars or more in many cases. More common cards or those of less heralded players may only be worth a few dollars.

Some of the most valuable individual cards from the 1990 Donruss baseball set include:

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (PSA 10 Gem Mint): $800-1,200. Griffey was arguably the most hyped rookie since Mickey Mantle. This is one of the key vintage rookie cards.

Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): $75-125. Ryan was already a legend in 1990 and any PSA 10 card of him from this era does very well.

Cal Ripken Jr. (PSA 10): $50-75. Ripken’s iconic consecutive games streak was underway and he was a perennial All-Star.

Ozzie Smith (PSA 10): $40-60. A defensive wizard and several time Gold Glover at shortstop who was still performing at a high level in 1990.

Wade Boggs (PSA 10): $30-50. Consistent batting champion was a fan favorite for the Red Sox and Yankees in the late 1980s-early 1990s.

Frank Thomas rookie card (PSA 10): $80-150. Thomas would emerge as one of the game’s most feared sluggers later in the decade but his rookie is still highly sought after.

Miguel Tejada rookie card (PSA 10): $50-100. Though he wasn’t a rookie until 1997, Tejada brought excitement as a shortstop for the Athletics’ “Moneyball” teams.

In terms of unopened or factory sealed 1990 Donruss packs and boxes, they can vary widely based on supply but are large ticket items. An unopened rack box which originally sold for around $50-60 could fetch $600-800 now. Wax boxes have sold for $1,500-2,500 while even loose unopened packs might pull in $50-100 each depending on condition.

Long-term, as the generation that collected these cards in their youth matures and passes interest onto their own children, demand for complete or high-grade 1990 Donruss sets is likely to remain consistent or possibly increase over the decades ahead. Factors like the 25th or 30th anniversary releases could also provide short-term boosts. Overall it’s a very collectible vintage issue that holds value well for investors. The combination of star players, iconic designs, and nostalgia ensures the 1990 Donruss baseball cards will remain a highly treasured part of sports card history.

DOES WALMART NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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While the main supercenter-style Walmart stores often have a larger selection and devote more shelf space to trading cards like baseball cards, many Walmart Neighborhood Market locations do offer a smaller assortment of sports and non-sports trading cards for customers. The availability and selection can vary significantly between individual stores.

Walmart Neighborhood Market is Walmart’s line of smaller format stores that are designed to fit into urban and suburban areas where there may not be space for a larger supercenter. They aim to provide consumers with an expanded grocery selection along with some general merchandise products in a more compact store size compared to a supercenter. Since space is more limited, they cannot carry the same massive and diverse product assortments as full-size Walmarts.

When it comes to trading cards, Neighborhood Market stores typically have a much smaller dedicated section for cards than what you would find in the main Walmart stores. They usually only have space to stock a basic selection of recently released sports trading card products rather than maintaining an expansive back catalog of older series and sets. The amount of space given to cards can be as small as just one or two short shelves or peg board strips near the front of the store.

The baseball card selection at Walmart Neighborhood Markets tends to focus primarily on the latest and most popular sets from manufacturers like Topps, Upper Deck, Panini, and Donruss that were released within the past 6-12 months. Examples of sets they may carry include the current year’s versions of Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, Topps Update, Stadium Club, and Allen & Ginter. Some stores may also have a small assortment of value packs and discounted repack boxes from the recent years.

It’s less common for Neighborhood Market locations to stock older baseball card releases unless they are incredibly sought after sets. You’re not likely to find back inventory dating back multiple years. Their allotted space is really geared towards customers being able to readily find the most up-to-date cards on the market at any given time rather than browsing a deep catalog.

In addition to baseball cards, some stores may carry a limited selection of the most recent NFL, NBA, soccer, wrestling, and non-sports trading card products as well. Again selections here are much more condensed compared to a large Walmart. The supply also depends on the time of year – during the peak seasons for each sport is when that sport’s cards are most likely to be in stock.

Another thing to note is that not every single Walmart Neighborhood Market will necessarily carry trading cards. The individual store managers have some discretion over precisely what general merchandise categories they choose to allocate shelf space to based on customer demand patterns in their local area. So cards may not be present at smaller or lower volume locations where selling space is absolutely maximized for groceries.

There is no centralized online tool for checking trading card inventory at Walmart Neighborhood Markets like there is on Walmart.com for regular supercenters. Customers would need to call individual stores ahead of time or visit in person to confirm what, if any, trading card products are currently being carried. Product selection and availability also does fluctuate frequently as new shipments are received and older items sell out.

While baseball cards and other trading cards can be found at some Walmart Neighborhood Markets, the selection offered is usually much more limited compared to larger Walmart stores due to space constraints. Patrons seeking a wide variety of older cards released over multiple years from baseball to other sports and hobbies may be better served visiting a supercenter location instead if possible. But Neighborhood Markets can provide a convenient option for locally browsing and purchasing the latest newly-issued card series and products in a smaller format store.

HOW MUCH ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 70s WORTH

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The value of baseball cards from the 1970s can vary greatly depending on several factors, but in general collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay decent amounts of money for cards from this era. The 1970s was a very popular time for baseball card collecting when the modern era of the hobby really took off.

One of the primary factors that determines the value of a 1970s baseball card is the condition or grade of the card. The grading scales most widely used by professional grading companies like PSA and BGS rank cards on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being gem mint. Generally, the higher the grade the more valuable the card will be. A common player card from the 1970s in very worn condition may only be worth $1-5, but the same card in near mint to mint condition could be worth $10-100 depending on the specific player and year. Top rookie and star players may have cards valued even higher in top grades.

The specific player depicted on the card also has a huge influence on value. “Common” players will not yield high prices even in top condition, while rookie cards or cards featuring all-time great Hall of Fame players are where the big money is. Cards of superstar players from the 1970s like Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Rod Carew, and Reggie Jackson can sell for hundreds or even thousands when graded at the high end of the scale. The true “holy grail” 1970s rookie cards worth five figures or more would be icons like George Brett, Carlton Fisk, or Mike Schmidt.

The year and brand/brandset of the card also impacts the collectible value. Certain years within the 1970s decade produced particularly iconic sets that are classics of the era like Topps 1972, Topps 1975, Topps 1976, Topps Stadium Club 1977, and Topps Traded 1977. Other major 1970s brands included Kellogg’s, Donruss/TCMA, and Fleer. Cards from flagship Topps sets in general will carry a premium over others. Rarer insert cards can also gain value due to limited print runs.

In addition to all the card-specific factors, the vibrant legacy of 1970s baseball provides collectors much nostalgia appeal. Stars of the era like Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, and Pete Rose have maintained iconic status built during the ’70s which keeps interest steady. Other generational events that boost demand for ’70s cards include the rise of free agency in the later 1970s and World Series matchups like the “Miracle Mets” in 1969 and Big Red Machine teams. The cultural influence of 1970s baseball on things like movies and music also adds entertainment value.

When it comes to selling, the marketplace for 1970s cards has experienced steady demand and rising prices in recent years according to industry figures. Major auctions consistently see cards break records, and online platforms like eBay provide broad access for buyers and sellers globally. Investors recognize the 1970s as a crucial decade in the formative years of baseball cards as a collecting hobby and cultural memorabilia.

While common 1970s baseball cards may not be worth a fortune individually, there are many factors that can raise the value considerably—especially if the card features a big star, is in top graded condition, and from a premier brand and year of production. Savvy collectors acknowledge the nostalgia and historical significance of 1970s issues, ensuring strong collecting interest and financial potential for prized pieces from this classic era in cardboard that help capture the golden age of America’s favorite pastime on the fields and in our collections.

WHICH BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS ARE MOST VALUABLE

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Some of the most coveted and expensive baseball cards ever sold are rookie cards, which are cards featuring a player from their first year in Major League Baseball. Rookie cards are prized by collectors because they represent players at the beginning of their professional careers when they had the potential to become stars. Because rookie cards were mass produced and distributed during packs of cards in the past, it’s rare to find them in pristine mint condition today after decades of wear and tear. The better the condition of a vintage rookie card, the more valuable it becomes.

One of the most famous and valuable rookie cards is the 1909 T206 Honus Wagner card. Honus Wagner was already an established star player by 1909, but this particular card series was one of the first widely distributed sets and the Wagner card has always been the rare exception in the set. It’s believed Wagner demanded his card be pulled from production due to his displeasure with the tobacco industry, so there are likely fewer than 50 authentic versions known to exist today. In recent years, Honus Wagner rookie cards in near-mint condition have sold for well over $1 million, with one selling for over $6 million in 2016. It’s considered the mona lisa of sports cards and the standard all other cards are measured against.

Another early 20th century card that frequently makes headlines is the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps rookie card. Mickey Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees and is still considered one of the greatest switch hitters of all time. In pristine mint condition, examples of his rookie card have sold for over $2.88 million. Even well-worn copies in just “good” condition can still fetch six-figures. The 1952 Topps set had a small printing and the Mantle card’s rarity and subject’s iconic status combined to make it legendary amongst collectors.

A modern era card that has experienced tremendous value growth is the Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck rookie card. When the set was released, Upper Deck was a new competitor to Topps and the Griffey card immediately stood out for its vibrant color and photo quality. Griffey would go on to have a superb 22-year career, mostly with the Seattle Mariners, and become universally regarded as one of baseball’s greats. High-grade versions have now eclipsed the $100,000 mark and set records when a pristine mint PSA 10 copy sold for $286,200 in 2019. The Griffey rookie became a symbol of the ending baseball card boom of the late 80s-early 90s.

Two rookies from the post-war Goudey set of 1938 that consistently place on top rookie card lists are Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio. Williams and DiMaggio both had Hall of Fame careers and are still living legends of the game. Their Goudey rookies are highly coveted because the set was one of the first modern issues with bubblegum and attracted widespread interest at the time. Williams’ rookies have reached $90,000 for grades as low as PSA 5, while fine specimens of the DiMaggio card topped $400,000 in recent auction. These 1930s rookies seem to retain value as older vintage cardboard.

Switching to the modern era, cards from the late 1980s and early 90s NBA expansions saw huge volumes get opened but stars are still highly valued. Ken Griffey Jr’s Upper Deck rookie averaged over $350 in the late 1980s but now approaches six figures PSA 10. The most expensive cards include Chipper Jones’ 1993 SP rookie card topping $50,000 PSA 10, and Jeffery Leonard’s 1986 Fleer Update RC around $30,000 PSA 10. 1990s stars like Pujols, Jeter, and A-Rod also command five figures for top grades due to legendary careers and increased card collecting participation during that period.

A few 2010s rookies have already reached the $1,000 plateau in top condition and have serious long term potential. 2011 Baseball Card of the Year winner Bryce Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor autograph card leads the way around $8,000 PSA 10. Fellow young stars Mike Trout, Manny Machado, and Juan Soto also have impressive rookie cards valued well into four digits for pristine copies from Topps, Bowman, and Stadium Club. Those players remain in their primes so there’s significant potential for their early card prices to appreciate further over the next decade.

The most valuable baseball rookie cards tend to feature all-time great players who had successful lengthy careers, cards from pioneering vintage sets, or modern issues of current stars. Higher grades bring substantial premiums due to rarity levels. While ungraded copies still hold value, gem mint copies in top holders like PSA and BGS often sell for five and even six figure sums. Serious collectors continue paying top dollar for these esteemed rookies that started legendary baseball journeys. As long as the players’ legacies remain strong and supply is tightly restricted by condition, their early cards seem poised to retain their status as treasured pieces of memorabilia prized by both casual and aficionado collectors.

WHY COLLECT BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been an internationally popular collectible for over 150 years. They allow baseball fans to connect with players, teams, and the history of the game in a tangible way. For many collectors, there is a nostalgia to baseball cards that takes them back to their childhood and memories of opening packs with the hopes of finding special rookie cards or stars of the day.

Beyond the nostalgia, baseball cards are collected for several key reasons. First, they are considered an investment. Valuable vintage cards from the early 20th century or rare modern rookie cards can increase significantly in value over time. With condition and scarcity being key factors that drive up the price, collectors hope to find cards that may one day be worth thousands or even millions. While few people get that lucky, it’s an exciting prospect that fuels the hunting and collecting aspect for many.

Nostalgia and investment potential aside, baseball cards are also collected because they preserve the history of the game and its greatest players in a visually engaging format. On a baseball card, you get a shot of the player, vital stats, biographical information and career highlights all in one place. As such, they are like mini baseball history textbooks that fans enjoy accumulating to learn about players from different eras. Whether it’s Honus Wagner’s famous T206 card or cards of modern stars like Mike Trout, they capture the athletes and their accomplishments for posterity.

For the more statistically-minded collector, amassing complete sets from different years allows them to track player performance stats and career progressions over time. They can compare rookie cards to later versions as players evolve. Full sets are also prized simply because they require meticulously searching through thousands of cards to locate the more obscure or rare ones to complete the puzzle. The challenge of building full runs from the 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond is a fun goal that keeps collectors engaged long-term.

On a social level, the hobby of baseball card collecting fosters camaraderie within local card shop communities and larger conventions where collectors gather. Many lifelong friendships are built through bonds over cards and the shared passion of discussing players, trades, and the nostalgia of the hobby. While the internet has allowed for greater accessibility collecting online, there remains a strong appeal to in-person card shows and discussions with other fans.

For those who take their collections very seriously, grading and professionally authenticating their best vintage and rookie cards adds another layer of strategy and investment. By sending prized cards to respected authorities like PSA or BGS to examine condition and confirm authenticity, collectors can verify value which increases exponentially for high-grade specimens. This takes collecting to a connoisseur level where the hunt is on not just for rare cards but for gems that maintained visual perfection through decades.

Baseball cards have endured because they strike that perfect balance of tangible fandom, history preservation, nostalgia, low barrier to entry yet high ceilings for investment savvy collectors. No other sport so perfectly blends the accessible fun of the hobby with longtime appreciation of stats and stories. For these reasons and more, baseball cards will likely remain a popular worldwide collection for generations to come as both an affordable diversion and potential long-term store of value. So whether just starting out or with a decades-long collection, the unique pull of baseball on cardboard refuses to loosen its grip on collectors everywhere.

WHY ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90s WORTHLESS

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In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the baseball card market experienced an enormous boom in popularity and commercialization that led to a massive increase in production numbers. Whereas in the early 1980s, some of the most popular and valuable sets like Topps and Donruss only printed a few million cards for each year, production jumped exponentially in the late 80s/early 90s.

Two key events fueled this boom and subsequent crash in value. The first was the landmark deal in 1987 when Topps lost its exclusive license to produce baseball cards, opening the door for competitors. This spurred new companies like Fleer and Score to enter the market. Dozens of new sets were launched annually that went beyond the traditional basic rookie cards and all-stars. Theme sets focused on specific player accomplishments, positions, or teams. There were even short-lived sets dedicated solely to stars from certain cities.

The influx of competition and new ideas initially captivated young collectors. It also radically increased overall card production numbers industry wide. Conservative estimates indicate total baseball card production jumped from around 50-100 million cards annually in the mid-80s to over 10 billion cards produced total between 1987-1994. Individual popular sets like Score Summit, Fleer Ultra, and Donruss Elite went from producing a couple million cards to tens of millions each.

This massive surge in supply naturally drove down demand and collector valuations of the new cardboard. Every kid suddenly had boxes of duplicates clogging their bedrooms. Whereas a star’s 1977 or 1984 rookie card may have had a print run of only a couple hundred thousand, their 1989 or 1992 equivalent likely had multi-million card print runs rendering individual copies nearly worthless.

The second major factor devaluing 1990s cardboard was the sports memorabilia investment bubble of the early 1990s. Unscrupulous brokers touted cards as a sure thing investment to wide-eyed collectors and investors. They neglected to consider the exponentially increasing supplies. This fueled speculative mania that crashed hard. By the mid-1990s the bottom completely fell out of the investment card market. With so few actual collectors compared to the number of produced cards, supply vastly eclipsed any conceivable long term demand.

Many new collectors of the 80s bubble aged out of the hobby by the late 90s as life priorities changed. No longer viewed as an investment, cards became something kids played with rather than carefully stored away or graded. They were left to scatter, fade, bend, or get thrown out over years instead of being preserved mint in protective holders. This further boosted supply of worn lower grade copies onto the secondary market.

The influx of international players in the 1990s also lessened the star power and collector interest in cards of American stars from that era compared to icons from previous decades. Cultural trends also diminished as alternatives like video games rose to dominate kids’ leisure time compared to cardboard collectibles.

While a few particularly rare 1990s inserts, parallels, autographed rookie cards of all-time greats or notable rookie year stars still maintain reasonable value today if pristine, the overwhelming bulk amount to just a few cents in the collector marketplace. More often than not they’re regarded as pointless to even bother grading or selling individually. Unless a card features a true Hall of Fame talent, sets the specific card came from, or has some notable variation, error, or hit variety, 1990s cardboard ended up virtually worthless in the collector realm.

Five main factors led to 1990s baseball cards being essentially worthless – an overproduction bubble that dwarfed collector demand on an unprecedented scale; a speculative investment mania without consideration for ballooning supplies; aging out of the original 1980s collectors; dilution of star power during the international player era; and competition from evolving entertainment trends that sidelined cards. That perfect storm created a massively abundant supply of nearly generic cardboard that has little utility or collectibility today besides very casual fans of the players and teams featured.

WHERE TO BUY TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most popular and reliable places to buy Topps baseball cards is through online card retailers and marketplace sites. There are several large websites that are dedicated specifically to trading cards where you can find a huge selection of Topps cards both new and vintage from dozens of sellers all in one convenient place.

Some of the best online card retailers to check for Topps baseball include eBay, Amazon, Steel City Collectibles, Dave & Adam’s Card World, and Blowout Cards. eBay will have the largest overall selection since it’s an auction and marketplace site, so you may find rarer vintage cards there, but condition can be more unpredictable since it’s seller-based. Amazon is very easy to use with good return/guarantee policies but has fewer higher-end choices. Steel City, DACW, and Blowout are dedicated card shops that specialize in baseball and will have very organized new and vintage singles, boxes, and packs available.

In addition to individual online sellers, many local hobby shops around the country sell packs, boxes, and singles in-person as well. While selection may not match the online giants, visiting a local shop can be a fun browsing experience and allows you to examine cards in-hand before purchasing. The big nationwide chains like Card Hub, Collector’s Cache, and Mid City Comics will carry lots of Topps but smaller independent specialty stores may have more unique vintage findables too. Check websites of shops in your area to see what they stock.

Another advantageous option for buying Topps cards, especially for set building, is to purchase factory-sealed wax product like packs, boxes, or sets right from the maker. Topps.com sells all of their current release singles, packs, boxes, update series, archives, heritage, and high-end products like transcendent directly to consumers. This ensures you’re getting authentic unsearched wax right from the original source. Of course, newly released cards won’t have appreciated in value yet like vintage, but it’s the easiest way to complete recent sets.

For sourcing true vintage Topps cards from the 1950s-1980s in excellent conditioned, your best specialized choice is often auction houses like PWCC, Goldin, or Heritage. Individual collector auction consignments will surface one-of-a-kind rare vintage gems for prices likely much higher than a retail venue. You need to properly research VALUES to avoid overpaying at auction. Alternately, reputable vintage card shops like Burbank Cards, Seth’s Sports Cards, or Gray Flannel Auctions sell consigned vintage collections and individual high-value cards too in a more fixed-price browsing environment better than multiple-bid auctions.

For Modern Topps picks there are plenty of affordable online retailer options, while vintage Topps selections require investigating auction houses, specialty vintage shops, or hitting small local hobby stores with a keen eye. Whichever source fits your budget and collection goals, always check seller histories, read return policies, and never overpay for condition-degraded specimens to maximize your Topps card buying experience. Sourcing from reputable, long-established sellers helps ensure you get top-quality, authentic Topps baseball cards worth holding onto for years.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT IN 2023

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2023 will be another exciting year for the hobby of baseball card collecting. With rising star rookies making their debuts, veteran superstars continuing to produce, and a new crop of young talent emerging, there are plenty of intriguing cards that could appreciate in value over the next few years. While it’s impossible to predict the future, here are some baseball card recommendations worth considering adding to your collection in 2023 based on recent player performance, career trajectories, and marketing:

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – There may not be a more exciting two-way player in baseball right now than Shohei Ohtani. After a historic 2021 season where he was both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani continues to dazzle on both sides of the ball. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor remains one of the top modern rookie cards to own. As one of the faces of MLB, expect Ohtani’s star and his cards to only rise higher in coming years. With another MVP-caliber season possible in 2023, his rookie cards hold must-have potential.

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – Along with Ohtani, Juan Soto may be the biggest name in baseball not named Mike Trout or Aaron Judge. After re-signing a massive contract with the Padres, Soto will look to lead a powerhouse San Diego lineup in 2023 and beyond. Like Ohtani, Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is one of the premier rookie cards in the hobby. Still just 24 years old, Soto has justified his status as a true five-tool superstar and perennial MVP candidate. His cards seem poised to appreciate as he continues delivering at the plate.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – When healthy, Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the game’s most electrifying players. His 2018 rookie season was cut short due to a torn ACL, but Acuña returned in 2022 to remind everyone of his five-tool talents. He’s still just 25 and will continue playing a major role on contending Braves teams. With sneaky upside as one of the best players of his generation, Acuña’s rookie refractor may be a bargain at its current price point. Even with the injury risk, he profiles as a potential superstar collector’s item.

Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – As the odds-on favorite for AL Rookie of the Year in 2022, Julio Rodríguez immediately established himself as a budding star and one of the game’s most exciting young players. Still just 22, Rodríguez has the talent, tools and contract longevity to be a cornerstone piece for the resurgent Mariners for many years to come. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor remains attainable but holds strong potential to multiply in value with a few more great seasons under his belt in Seattle.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – While injuries limited him as a rookie in 2022, Spencer Torkelson showed why he was the #1 overall pick in 2020 when healthy. As the cornerstone of Detroit’s rebuild, Torkelson is primed for stardom if he can stay on the field. His lefty power bat could make him a perennial 30-homer threat and anchor of the Tigers lineup for a long time. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is an affordable bet on a player with the skills to be a corner infield all-star.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – The second overall pick in 2019, Bobby Witt Jr. immediately became one of MLB’s top prospects and didn’t disappoint in his 2022 rookie campaign. Playing a premium position at shortstop, Witt flashed five-tool potential while making highlight-reel plays in the field and showing serious power at the plate. He’s on the fast track to stardom as a centerpiece for the Royals’ rebuild. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor could be a bargain now looking back in a few years.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Many regard Adley Rutschman as the top prospect in baseball before making his big league debut in 2022. He earned AL Rookie of the Month honors in September while flashing all the skills that made him the #1 pick in 2019. Playing a premium position at catcher with patient bat skills and leadership intangibles, Rutschman has the tools to be an all-around star for the Orioles. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is still quite affordable for such a high-ceiling young talent.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Standing 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw power, Oneil Cruz came on strong for the Pirates down the stretch in 2022 to show why he’s one of baseball’s most exciting prospects. Cruz impacts the game in ways few others can thanks to his rare tools, and he still has plenty of offensive development ahead as he plays a premium position at shortstop. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a low-risk, high-reward add for anyone bullish on Cruz’s long-term star potential.

Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – As one of the game’s top prospects who finally made his MLB debut late in 2022, Anthony Volpe could be the future shortstop for the Yankees. He has the hitting prowess, defensive chops and intangibles to be a pillar for New York’s lineup for years to come. While he struggled initially, Volpe hit .302 after his first call-up suggesting he may be on the verge of stardom. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a savvy investment for such a high-profile Yankees prospect.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Taken second overall in 2021 like his Hall of Fame father Al, Jack Leiter dominated in the minors before a broken fibula cut short his rookie season. He has frontline starter upside if he can stay healthy though and be a workhorse at the front of Texas’ rotation for a decade or more. Leiter’s low-numbered 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is quite affordable now and holds awesome potential if he fulfills his ace projection.

Staying atop emerging talent like the young stars and top prospects discussed is key to collecting valuable baseball cards long-term. Rookie refractor parallels from the likes of Ohtani, Soto, Acuña and more established veterans along with first-year issues of Rodríguez, Witt, Volpe and other ascending newcomers seem poised to appreciate over the next 3-5 years if they continue developing into impact big leaguers. Focusing a collection strategy primarily around today’s and tomorrow’s best young players is a low-risk approach that stands the test of time in this vibrant hobby.

WHO MAKES BASEBALL CARDS

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There are a few major companies that produce the majority of baseball cards available on the market today. The main companies that create baseball cards are Topps, Panini America, Leaf Trading Card Company, and The Upper Deck Company. Each of these companies has their own history, acquisition of MLB licenses, distribution methods, and card brands.

Topps has been creating baseball cards since the 1950s and is considered the pioneer and industry leader. They developed the modern concept of packaging cards in wax packs with bubble gum. Topps signed the first exclusive deal with Major League Baseball in 1952 to produce licensed baseball cards. They held the exclusive MLB license continuously for over 60 years until losing it temporarily in 2020. Despite losing exclusivity at times, Topps remains the largest and most recognizable brand in the industry. They produce flagship sets like Topps Series 1 and 2 every year along with special high-end releases.

In 2007, the Topps Company was acquired by The Tornante Company, making it a privately held company. It remains the largest producer and distributor of sports and entertainment cards worldwide. Topps cards can be found in hobby shops, drug stores, supermarkets, and mass-market retailers across the United States and internationally. They use their website and social media to promote new releases and sell directly to collectors.

Panini America gained a MLB player’s association license in 2020 and began producing licensed baseball cards after Topps’ MLB deal expired. Panini is an Italian corporation best known for soccer sticker/card collections but has expanded into American sports in recent years. They created the Donruss and Prizm baseball brands which are popular with collectors. Panini cards can be found primarily in hobby shops and sporting good stores. They’ve grown the hobby side of the business but have less mass-market distribution than Topps currently.

Leaf Trading Card Company has been making baseball cards since 1987 and is considered one of the “Big Three” along with Topps and Panini. They are known for high-end, limited releases rather than large mainstream sets. Some coveted Leaf sets include Gold Label, Metal Universe, and Precious Metal Gems. Leaf products have appearances in hobby shops and independent card shows. They have never held an exclusive MLB license like Topps but produce well-received licensed sets when possible.

The Upper Deck Company began in 1988 and revolutionized the industry by introducing innovative trading card features like embossed logos, signatures, and on-card autographs. They held the MLB player license from 1998-2001 but have never had an MLB-exclusive license. Upper Deck produces baseball sets without MLB logos when not licensed but the cards still feature player names and stats. Their cards are popular among collectors for the premium production quality and serial-numbered parallels. Upper Deck products are primarily sold through hobby shops and their website.

In addition to the main producers, there are also smaller regional/independent card companies that create localized baseball sets without MLB licenses. These include Donruss, Bristol Sports Cards, Rittenhouse Archives, and Blowout Cards. And companies like Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck that primarily focus on other sports will occasionally branch into baseball when opportunities arise.

In summary, Topps remains the industry pioneer and largest producer of baseball cards due to their long history with MLB licenses and mass-market distribution. But Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck have larger roles today targeting collector markets. All of these companies develop innovative card designs, signatures, and parallel printing to cater to collectors’ interests. The baseball card producing industry has evolved since Topps began in the 1950s but these companies maintain the tradition and help fans enjoy and connect to the game through card collecting.

WHERE TO BUY 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most popular and reliable places to purchase 2023 Topps baseball cards is directly from the Topps website at www.topps.com. Topps sells a wide variety of products on their site, ranging from individual packs and boxes to special hobby boxes, update sets, and high-end memorabilia cards. They will have all of the standard release products as well as any special parallels, short prints, autograph cards, and more. Topps offers safely packaged and tracked shipping across the United States.

Another excellent option is to buy 2023 Topps cards from your local hobby shop or card store. Many independently owned card shops will carry Topps baseball cards and can help you find certain parallels, memorabilia cards, or pieces needed to complete your set. Supporting local businesses is great for the card collecting community. Be sure to call ahead or check website stock listings, as inventory availability will vary between store locations.

National hobby retail chains such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Barnes & Noble often stock Topps baseball card packs, blaster boxes, and specialty tins during the season as well. Their stock also differs between locations but it’s worth a quick look. Certain Target and Walmart stores may carry a limited baseball card selection near trading card aisles as well.

Online retailers like Dave & Adam’s Card World, Steel City Collectibles, and Sportlots are tremendous resources for buying 2023 Topps cards. They stock sealed wax boxes, case breaks, individual trading cards, complete sets, and hard-to-find parallels. Sometimes you can find hot promotional parallels or 1/1 autos for auction on their sites too. Shipments are safe and orders are usually processed quickly with most companies.

Ebay is a popular marketplace for vintage and modern Topps cards. Whether you’re looking for sealed or opened product, base cards, parallels, relics, autographs, or 1/1 special editions – there is a great chance you’ll find it on Ebay from multiple third-party sellers. Be sure to check seller history, item conditions, and pictures closely. Ebay also provides buyer protection policies for disputable transactions.

Subscription services such as Blowout Cards, Loot, and Card Barrel offer monthly Topps box or pack break packages delivered to your doorstep. For around $20-50 per month depending on the tier, subscribers get an assortment of the latest baseball cards to build their collections over time. It spreads out the costs of collecting new releases throughout the year.

Attending live card shows and conventions in your area can be a blast for 2023 Topps buying too. Vendors will have tables stacked with boxes, packs, and singles for sale – plus there is fun to be had trading and socializing with other collectors face to face. Be sure to check event listings on Beckett, Blowout Cards or with your local card shop for show schedules in your region. Some of the biggest national shows include the National Sports Collectors Convention and Card EXPO each summer.

Auctions through elite auction houses like Goldin, Heritage, and PWCC provide chances to own rare Topps parallels, 1/1 editions, and signed memorabilia cards – usually for higher prices than retail. Set your maximum bid carefully based on population reports and past sale comps if wanting to bid and avoiding bidder’s remorse. Payment and shipping is then handled securely post-sale.

Social media platforms are now integral for buying, selling and trading Topps baseball cards in the current marketplace. Whether it’s using Facebook groups and Marketplace or interacting with sportscard focused Instagram accounts and their stories – plenty of collectors list available wax, boxes, and singles daily online with affordable prices and shipping costs. Like anywhere, buyer diligence for returns/refunds is important through those avenues.

In summary, Topps’ website, local card shops, major online card retailers, ebay, subscription services, live card shows, elite auctions, and social media channels provide collectors a full spectrum of buying options for adding 2023 Topps baseball cards to their collections from reliable sources. Evaluate needs, budget, and commitment level to determine the best fit platforms. With diligence and care, collectors of all levels can build exciting sets, rosters or portfolios throughout the coming season.