1990 FLEER ALL STAR TEAM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Fleer All Star Team baseball card set was issued prior to the 1990 Major League Baseball All-Star Game held in Wrigley Field in Chicago. The set featured current All-Star players from both the American League and National League on special designed cards to commemorate the Midsummer Classic. At 80 total cards, the 1990 Fleer offering was one of the larger All Star Team sets produced at the time and provided a unique snapshot of the brightest MLB stars as the decade came to a close.

With the baseball card industry at the peak of its popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Fleer saw the All Star subsets as a way to cash in on collector interest surrounding the annual exhibition and give fans an updated look at the game’s top talent. In addition to current stars, the 1990 set also paid tribute to legendary players no longer active by including a “Hall of Fame” section highlighting some of the greats enshrined in Cooperstown. Overall design of the rectangles saw a photograph on the front with additional stats and career highlights on the reverse.

Some of the more notable American League players featured in the set included Kirby Puckett, Frank Thomas, Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs. Puckett, named MVP of the 1985 All-Star Game, was in his prime as the catalyst for the powerhouse Minnesota Twins teams of the era. “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas was in his third big league season and already showing signs of the monster power numbers to come. Base-stealing king Rickey Henderson continued adding to his legend after moving from Oakland to the New York Yankees. Roger Clemens was in his eighth season and had won the triple crown for MLB pitchers in 1990 while cementing his status as one of the fiercest hurlers around. Wade Boggs, the model of consistency, was on his way to another 200-hit season with Boston.

On the National League side, stars like Barry Bonds, Ozzie Smith, Greg Maddux, and Roberto Alomar made the All Star cut. An up-and-coming Barry Bonds was just hitting his stride in Pittsburgh and beginning his slow transformation into the home run king he would become. Ozzie Smith, a wizard with the glove at shortstop, was a fan favorite as the longest-tenured Cardinal. Greg Maddux, already a four-time All Star at age 23, was making his case as the best pitcher in baseball during his dominant Atlanta Braves years. Second year player Roberto Alomar provided a glimpse of the skills that would make him a future Hall of Famer with San Diego.

Notably absent from the NL portion was Atlanta Braves first baseman Sid Bream, who had been elected as a starter by fans but was unable to participate in the game due to injury. Bream’s regular season card is included but his All Star card was replaced by that of San Diego Padres starter Bruce Hurst, one of the players added to the NL roster as a replacement. The inclusion of Hurst shows how Fleer aimed to provide the most up-to-date All Star rosters possible within production limitations.

The Hall of Fame segment proved a special treat for collectors, preserving in card form legends like Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, and Hank Aaron. Robinson’s poignant inclusion came just two years after his 1988 passing at age 53. Mantle, Musial, and Aaron remained fan favorites even in retirement for their mammoth career hitting numbers and World Series heroics. These legendary players helped pass the torch to the current stars featured elsewhere in the set.

In terms of scarcity, the 1990 Fleer All Star Team cards can still be obtained at reasonable prices by today’s standards. While stars like Bonds, Maddux, Henderson, and Thomas carrying premium costs, most regular All Star cards trade in the $5-20 range. Short prints exist but are less rare compared to contemporary flagship Fleer series. The complete 80-card team and Hall of Fame checklist also means finding affordable fillers is more feasible for collectors looking to finish the set. Overall condition of the available pop does tend to run on the poorer side after 30 years of circulation and play. But for fans of 1990s baseball or those intrigued by the best players around the sport at a pivotal moment, this Fleer offering provides a fun window to a classic All Star year.

The 1990 Fleer All Star Team baseball card set functioned very well as a special annual commemorative issue highlighting MLB’s midsummer showcase event. Providing updated snapshots of 80 deserving All Stars and Hall of Famers, the set delivered quality cardboard collectibles that baseball fans could enjoy for years to come. While production values may pale compared to today’s sophisticated offerings, sets like this one from Fleer in 1990 succeed admirably in freezing a moment in time to remember great players, performances, and an exciting period in baseball history. For both casual collectors and serious set builders, the 1990 Fleer All Star Team endures as an affordable way to preserve the athletic talents that shone brightest on the diamond during baseball’s “Steak and Beer” era.

KOBE BRYANT BASEBALL CARDS

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Kobe Bryant was known worldwide as one of the greatest basketball players of all time during his iconic 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. What some may not realize is that Bryant had a fledgling baseball career in his past as well. In fact, between 1991 and 1996, Bryant’s baseball prowess was documented in the form of trading cards at a time before his NBA superstardom. While Kobe’s legacy would be firmly cemented on the basketball court, these rare baseball cards provide a interesting window into a different path his athletic career could have taken.

Born in Philadelphia in 1978, Bryant naturally grew up a fan of the Phillies and enjoyed playing baseball as a youth along with basketball. In 1991, at just 13 years old, Bryant impressed local amateur scouts enough with his skills at shortstop and pitching that he was offered a tryout with the Montreal Expos professional baseball team. While Bryant didn’t sign, it showed his significant baseball talents at a young age. That same year, Bryant’s potential was acknowledged when he was included in the classic 1991 Leaf Rookies and Trainees baseball card set. At only 13, he was one of the youngest players ever featured in a national baseball card release.

Through the early 1990s, Bryant continued to play both basketball and baseball with dreams of going pro in either sport. In 1992 and 1993, his baseball skills were documented again in the Sportflix and Scoreboard trading card sets respectively. By 1994, at age 16, Bryant made the difficult choice to drop baseball and solely focus on basketball, realizing that sport offered him the best path to a professional career. That year, he was selected to join the U.S. national junior team and play in the 1994 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.

Despite giving up baseball, Bryant’s athletic hype didn’t diminish and collectors still wanted cards showing his two-sport promise. In 1995, Classic Draft Picks baseball cards featured Bryant even though he had been solely a basketball player for over a year at that point. Then in 1996, Bryant received his final baseball card inclusion to date in Upper Deck’s Minor League Prospects set. The cards depicted Bryant as a prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, even though he never actually signed or played a game of pro baseball. All of these early baseball cards showing a young Kobe Bryant are extremely rare today and hold substantial value for collectors given his future basketball stardom.

After his 1994 basketball focus, Bryant graduated from high school a year early and declared for the 1996 NBA Draft, where he was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets but immediately traded to the Lakers. The rest is history as Bryant went on to win five NBA championships with Los Angeles and establish himself as one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game. Bryant’s NBA career accomplishments and scoring records are legendary, making him a first ballot Hall of Famer. But his path could have been different had he stuck with baseball as well into his high school years. At 6’6″, Bryant certainly had the size and athletic gifts to potentially succeed as a pro baseball player too.

While Bryant never reached the major leagues, his early baseball card rookie issues continue to fascinate collectors. Cards from the 1991 Leaf, 1992 Sportflix, and 1993 Scoreboard sets in particular are exceedingly rare today given Bryant’s superstardom increased their value exponentially over the decades. In Near Mint condition, examples from these earliest Kobe Bryant baseball card releases can fetch thousands of dollars nowadays. Even his later baseball cards from 1995 to 1996 maintain substantial collector interest and command mid-range premium prices relative to other athletes from those same sets who didn’t achieve his mega-fame.

For basketball enthusiasts and Lakers fans, Kobe Bryant’s trading cards chronicling his youth two-sport potential provide an esoteric connection to his pre-NBA life and a path not taken. They preserve a visual record of Bryant as an amateur baseball prospect with a still-unwritten future. Following his tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020 at age 41, these rare baseball cards have taken on even greater significance as some of the only memorabilia in existence showing Bryant before his iconic basketball career defined him as a global icon. While Kobe will always be remembered foremost for his accomplishments on the court, the limited baseball cards issued in the early 1990s that captured Bryant on the diamond remain a treasured oddity for collectors today seeking a unique perspective on one of basketball’s all-time greats.

LOT OF BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and remain one of the most popular collectibles worldwide. They allow fans to maintain connections to their favorite players and teams long after games have been played. Whether part of the original release or carefully preserved in near-mint condition, a lot of baseball cards can represent significant monetary and nostalgic value.

Some of the earliest documented baseball cards date back to the late 1860s when organizers sought novel promotional methods to boost attendance. These primitive cards often featured just a name and sometimes position. They helped foster interest in the growing sport. Through the early 20th century, cards continued to emerge but were not regularly issued sets. Instead, they came randomly in products like cigarette packs.

The modern baseball card era began in 1909 when the American Tobacco Company launched its T206 series. For the first time, cards boasted colorful images of players on the front with bios on the back. Wide circulation through cigarette sales exposed the cards to a massive audience. Notable T206s include the rare Honus Wagner, which has sold for over $3 million. Other pioneering sets soon followed like E90s and E121s in the 1910s-20s.

The 1930s saw another major development when Goudey Gum began inserting cards in chewing gum packages. Their 1933 offering is particularly prized by collectors forhall of famers like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Through World War II, cards remained subsidiary products until the 1950s postwar boom. Bowman, Topps, and other brands began issuing expansive annual sets that captured every major leaguer. Color photography also advanced the realism of these cards compared to earlier illustrative styles.

The 1960s was a golden age as Topps achieved monopoly status. Their vibrant designs and the rise of baseball on television supercharged the hobby. Youngsters eagerly awaited the next year’s series in the drug store. Star rookies like Sandy Koufax and Roberto Clemente gained instant notoriety through their rookie cards. The decade also saw greater emphasis on detailing player stats on the back instead of just bios. Some icons from this period like the 1965 Koufax and 1954 Mantle are among the most valuable ever printed.

Into the 1970s and 80s, Topps sustained its dominance while rival brands like Donruss struggled for footing. Investments like the creation of Topps Traded and more inserts helped sustain interest. Newer stars like Reggie Jackson attained legendary status reflected in the value of their rookie issues. The national pastime also weathered challenges as player strikes dominated the news, but cards remained a dependable connection to the game. In the late 80s, new competitors like Fleer finally breached Topps’ control of the market.

The 1990s ushered unprecedented growth and speculation. Upper Deck broke in with lavish photography and autograph cards. Their Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is among the most coveted. Meanwhile, investors hustled to unload rookie tickets of future Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter. The unparalleled prosperity of sports cards mirrored the economic boom, but also sowed the seeds of an inevitable collapse. When the speculative bubble popped in the late 90s, many retailers went bankrupt and the industry contracted severely.

Into the 2000s, the market stabilized under the Big 3 brands of Topps, Upper Deck, and Leaf. Innovation also continued through inserts like autographed patches and serialized number cards. Iconic cards entered private collections like Michael Jordan’s rare rookie which fetched over $500,000 at auction. Young collectors took to online trading through sites like EBAY facilitating a resurgence. Social media platforms now fuel passion across generations with groups sharing hits, questions, and vintage scans.

Recent years have seen renewed appreciation as cards regain nostalgic sentiment and values climb. A 2009 Mike Trout rookie paper traded hands for over $400,000 in 2017. Juan Soto’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor fetched $350,000 only months after issue. For dedicated enthusiasts, building complete vintage and star rookie sets remains an endless pursuit. Whether chasing dreams of discovering a priceless gem in a new box or admiring a treasured inherited collection, baseball cards secure their hold on fans and collectors for generations to come.

Over a century into their history, baseball cards remain a conduit to the game, its players, and memories for millions of enthusiasts. Even as interests come and go, the tradition of collecting cards provides lasting connections and value across eras. Whether savored in penny sleeves, stored in binders or safely secured for decades, a lot of baseball cards symbolize passion, achievement and history that will continue to be appreciated for years to come.

YARD SALE BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been collected for generations and are one of the most popular items to find at yard sales. Whether someone is just cleaning out their attic or a former collector looking to downsize, baseball cards often end up in boxes at sales across the country. For those hunting for treasures or looking for a fun hobby, digging through piles of old cards at yard sales can uncover surprising finds.

Baseball card collecting really took off in the late 1800s when companies like Goodwin & Company and Allen & Ginter began inserting cards into tobacco products. It wasn’t until the modern era of mass-produced premium cards in the late 1980s that the hobby exploded. As interest grew, many families amassed huge collections over the years by opening wax packs. But interests change and collections get passed down, meaning valuable vintage and modern rookie cards often get dumped unlabeled into boxes at sales.

While the vast majority of common cards found at sales have little monetary value, a lucky yard sale shopper could score a significant gem. Some key things to look for that may indicate a possible valuable card include old tobacco brands pre-1950, rookie cards from the 1980s or later, stars and Hall of Famers, unique errors or variations, autographed or serial numbered parallels. Even condition matters – a flawless mint card can be worth far more than a well-loved played-with version. Bringing along checklists, price guides or smartphone apps are useful references when digging through potential treasure troves of cardboard.

Many legendary players entered the hobby through backyard card collections passed down or purchased anonymously. Baseball lore is full of stories like the fan who bought a shoebox of old cards for a couple bucks only to find a pristine 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie valued at over $2 million inside. While odds of finding a true Holy Grail are infinitesimally small, a dedicated yard sale enthusiast could still find cards worth hundreds or even thousands with diligent searching and a bit of luck.

Some classic sets from the pre-war years that could hold valuable gems include 1911 T206, 1914 Cracker Jack, 1915 Cracker Jack, 1920 W516-1 and W593 Old Mill, and 1933 Goudey. Finding a decent conditioned Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, or Mickey Mantle rookie from any of the 1950s Topps sets like 1951, 1952, or 1952 could net a four-figure payday. Authenticated autographed Lou Gehrig, Mickey Cochrane, or Phil Rizzuto cards also command premium prices.

The true golden era for unearthing huge scores at sales was likely the junk wax era of the late 1980s through early 1990s. As interest waned, collections were tossed aside or ended up at yardsales for pennies. Sets like 1987 Topps, 1988 Donruss, 1989 Upper Deck, and 1992 Leaf featured the rookie cards of future superstars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr, Nomar Garciaparra, and Chipper Jones. In gem mint condition, any of these coveted young star cards could fetch over $100 raw and many times more if professionally graded.

While the junk wax era produced a glut of common cardboard, it also introduced premium parallel rookie cards through sets like Upper Deck, Score, and Pinnacle that have aged very well. Parallels like Larry Walker’s 1991 Upper Deck Minors card or Carlos Delgado’s 1992 Topps Traded RC parallel numbered to 5,000 could sell for hundreds to the right buyer today. Autographed or serial numbered parallels are even more desirable for modern players. With patience and discernment, hidden treasures may surface at yard sales from these overproduced but still nostalgic years before the internet auction era.

Beyond individual cards, another opportunity for yard sale finds are intact partial or complete vintage sets. Locating things like a 1957 Topps set missing a few stars, 1960 Topps nearing completion, or run-of-the-mill 1970s and 80s sets can still hold value, especially to set builders. While profit margins won’t match rare singles, selling complete older sets on eBay may net a collector two or three figures depending on condition. Buying a disorganized long box of cards for $20 could just be an old set waiting to be rediscovered and profitably resold with some curation work.

The boom in nonsport trading cards in the 90s produced various entertainment and pop culture sets beyond just baseball that might show up unexpectedly. Riffling through Transformers, Slam Dunk, or Pokémon cards offers a chance to come across a key rookie card parallel or rare serial numbered parallel worth many times its original issue price years later. While low odds, these crossover categories could contain hidden modern gems that collectors seeking to fill out registry sets might pay top dollar to acquire.

While dreams of uncovering a true T206 Wagner or ’52 Mantle are surely unrealistic, yard sales provide an affordable avenue for casual collectors to build sets, discover nostalgic memories from childhood, or potentially find valuable vintage and modern cards worth real money with a little luck. Just a few hours of fun weekend searching could unearth surprise treasures buried amid a sea of common cardboard that others overlooked. For the adventurous, yard sale baseball cards continue to spark the thrill of the hunt decades after the packs were originally opened.

STEPHEN VOGT BASEBALL CARDS

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Stephen Christopher Vogt is a former professional baseball catcher and first baseman. While he had a relatively short MLB career from 2013-2019, Vogt established himself as a fan favorite known for his hearty smiles and scrappy playing style. As a late bloomer who didn’t make his MLB debut until age 30, Vogt’s career path and perseverance made him a feel-good story for baseball fans. Due to his memorable tenure with the Oakland Athletics franchise and starring role in their 2013 playoff run, Vogt remains a popular figure among collectors today who seek his baseball cards.

Born in 1981 in Visalia, California, Vogt was not drafted out of Central California Community College or the University of Tampa, where he played collegiate baseball. He began his pro career in 2006 as an undrafted free agent signing with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization. Vogt spent six years in the minors with the Rays and Boston Red Sox systems before getting released after the 2011 season at age 30. It seemed his dreams of reaching the majors had ended, but after signing with the Athletics organization in 2012, Vogt’s career path took an unexpected turn thanks to a breakthrough season at Triple-A Sacramento.

Vogt’s offensive prowess in the Pacific Coast League earned him his first big league call up with the Athletics in June 2013 at the relatively old age of 31. After starting his MLB career 0-for-11, Vogt had a breakout performance in his 12th game, going 5-for-5 with a home run against the Houston Astros on June 29, 2013. This stunning debut marked the beginning of Vogt mania in Oakland, as the undersized catcher immediately became a fan favorite for his all-out playing style and infectious positivity. He finished his rookie season hitting .279 with 10 home runs in just 78 games, and proved to be one of the Athletics’ most valuable players as they made a surprise run to the ALDS.

Vogt’s impressive rookie campaign made him one of the hottest rookie commodities in baseball cards overnight. 2013 Topps Update baseball cards featuring his rookie debut became highly sought after by fans and investors alike. Other popular rookie and base versions included those from 2013 Topps Series 2, 2013 Bowman Chrome, 2013 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, and 2013 Panini Golden Age. But perhaps no Vogt rookie card became more iconic than his 2013 Topps Update “Record Breaker” parallel card, which featured a photo from his historic 5-for-5 game and marked it as a franchise record at the time. This parallel parallel became one of the most prestigious and valuable modern rookie cards in the hobby.

While Vogt struggled with injuries in 2014 that limited him to just 56 games, he continued being a fan favorite in Oakland thanks to his enthusiasm and leadership qualities. Collectors sought out his base rookie cards and parallels from 2014 Topps Series 1 and 2014 Topps Series 2 to continue following his career path. In 2015, Vogt rebounded to hit .271 with 12 homers in 112 games to establish himself as the Athletics’ primary catcher. Highlights that year included an All-Star selection and winning the Willie Mac Award as the team’s most inspirational player, cementing his popularity in Oakland. Key Vogt cards from this breakout season included those from 2015 Topps, 2015 Topps Chrome, and 2015 Stadium Club.

Following a thumb injury that cost him most of the 2016 season, Vogt continued to be a force at the plate in 2017 by hitting .253 with career-highs of 10 homers and 52 RBIs despite missing over a month with knee inflammation. This durable performance kept interest high in his base cards from sets like 2017 Topps Series 1 and 2017 Topps Series 2. Despite being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2018 season, Vogt had arguably his best year offensively by batting .302 in 89 games combined with Oakland and Milwaukee. Key cards from this late-career hot streak included 2018 Topps Update base and parallels, which were some of the last cards featuring Vogt in his familiar Athletics uniform.

After signing with the Tampa Bay Rays organization for 2019, injuries limited Vogt to just 12 games before he was released that May, effectively ending his six-year MLB career. While short, Vogt’s feel-good story and faithful fan following in Oakland ensured his baseball cards remained popular with collectors. Sets releasing cards of Vogt in his various jerseys like Rays, Brewers, and Athletics uniforms are still actively collected and traded today. His legacy as an inspirational underdog who persevered past multiple odds remains an endearing part of baseball lore. With his iconic smile frozen on cardboard, Stephen Vogt’s cards continue captivating collectors years after his final at-bat. The journeyman catcher’s story serving as a reminder of what determination and hard work can achieve in baseball.

MOST EXPENSIVE 1993 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Leaf Baseball card set marked the return of one of the iconic card brands of the 1980s and early 1990s. While the set itself was fairly standard for the era featuring current players and limited retro cards, a small number of cards from the base set have gone on to become extremely valuable modern chase cards coveted by collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most expensive and desirable 1993 Leaf Baseball cards.

Perhaps the most legendary chase card from the 1993 Leaf Baseball set is the Alex Rodriguez rookie card. In 1993, A-Rod was still in the minors playing for the Mariners’s Single-A affiliate but was considered one of the top prospects in baseball. His rookie card appearance in the Leaf set was one of the first widely available versions of his rookie. While Rodriguez would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and cement himself as one of the greatest players of all time, in 1993 he was still an unknown prospect.

Due to the limited print run of the 1993 Leaf Baseball set and the relatively low initial hype around A-Rod, many of his rookie cards ended up in penny sleeves and long boxes instead of toploaders and magnetic holders. As Rodriguez’s stardom grew throughout the 1990s and 2000s, collectors started scrambling to obtain his rookie. Today, a PSA 10 graded Alex Rodriguez 1993 Leaf rookie card regularly sells for $100,000-$150,000 at major card shows and auctions. Even well-centered PSA 9 examples command $30,000-$50,000 due to the rarity of high-grade A-Rod’s on the market.

While the A-Rod rookie gets most of the headlines, another 1993 Leaf card that has exploded in value is the Ken Griffey Jr. Most of Griffey’s early rookie cards from 1989 Fleer and Upper Deck are considered the true rookie cards. However, 1993 was one of Griffey’s early superstar seasons where he won the first of his consecutive AL MVP awards and Baseball released some of his best and most iconic cards in sets such as Finest and Topps.

Griffey’s 1993 Leaf card featured him smiling in a Mariners uniform and became a highly sought after chase card very early on due to Griffey Mania of the 1990s. Even back in the 1990s, pristine PSA 10 copies would sell for $500-1000. Today, that same PSA 10 Griffey ’93 Leaf is worth a staggering $50,000-$80,000 to prestigious collectors. PSA 9s in great condition still fetch $20,000-$30,000. While not technically a rookie card, Griffey’s ’93 Leaf has stood the test of time as one of his most popular and valuable vintage issue cards.

In addition to A-Rod and Griffey, the 1993 Donruss Elite Series parallel insert set found within 1993 Leaf factory sets and cases also contain some extremely high-priced short prints. The most well-known is the Kirby Puckett parallel insert short print numbered to only 125 copies. Puckett was already a six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner by 1993 but remained a hugely popular collector favorite throughout the late 80s and 90s.

Mint raw examples of the ultra-rare Puckett ’93 Donruss Elite parallel have sold for over $15,000 in recent years. A true PSA 10 gem mint could potentially sell for $30,000-$50,000 if one ever surfaces, underlining how incredibly scarce high-grade versions are. The other major short prints from the Donruss Elite parallel insert set like the Cal Ripken Jr. (237 copies) and Nolan Ryan (150 copies) numbered parallels also commonly sell for $3,000-$6,000 each in top-graded PSA/BGS slabs due to their extreme rarity within the 1993 Leaf set.

A couple other 1993 Leaf cards that have achieved significant value due to player achievement as well as print run scarcity are the Derek Jeter rookie and the Frank Thomas rookie. Jeter’s legend and career 5 World Series rings with the Yankees have made any of his early 1990s Upper Deck, Stadium Club, and Score rookie issues highly sought after trophies today worth $10,000-$30,000 in PSA 10.

His 1993 Leaf rookie falls into a similar category of non-traditional yet highly valuable Jeter rookies due to the player and the set’s scarcity. In gem condition, PSA 10 Jeter ’93 Leaf rookies could bring $15,000-$25,000 today and even strong PSA 9s sell for $7,500-$12,000 showing the rising demand from Jeter collectors. Meanwhile, Frank Thomas was well on his way to becoming one of the game’s most feared hitters by 1993 after winning the 1990 AL ROY award. PSA 10 examples of his 1993 Leaf RC have sold for $5,000-$8,000 price tags.

While not one of the flashiest or most print run scarce sets of the early 1990s, the 1993 Leaf Baseball release contains some true blue chip treasures for wealthy vintage collectors today. Cards like the Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, rare Donruss Elite parallels, and star rookies of Jeter and Thomas have all achieved astronomical values worthy of anchor status in the strongest collections. For patient collectors who can stomach the high prices, hunting a pristine graded gem of one of these 1993 Leaf big boys remains a worthy modern collecting quest and potential investment.

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PLACES THAT BUY BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL CARDS NEAR ME

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For many collectors of sports memorabilia like baseball and football cards, finding places to sell or trade cards can sometimes be a challenge. While online marketplaces make it easy to find buyers and sellers worldwide, there is still value in having local brick-and-mortar stores that are dedicated to buying cards. Here are some of the top options to consider when looking for places near you that buy baseball and football cards.

Local Comic Book and Collectible Stores – Comic book shops have long been hubs for trading cards of all kinds, from Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering to sports cards. Even if the shop does not specialize exclusively in cards, many comic stores will have a section devoted to buying and selling sports memorabilia. They typically pay cash for valuable rare finds or take trade-ins that can be resold to other customers. Calling local comic stores is a good starting point to ask if they purchase cards and what conditions they need to be in.

Specialty Sports Card and Memorabilia Stores – Dedicated card shops are the ideal places to go for getting the best value on card sales or trades. Larger cities often have independent stores or regional chains that focus only on sports collecting. Places like these employ experienced “graders” who can adequately assess conditions and assign market values. Serious or long-term collectors may trade in bulk lots of duplicates for cash or store credit. Specialty shops stay on top of the fluctuating values for vintage cards or rookie cards of current stars.

Card Shows and Conventions – For those wanting to cast a wider net, attending organized card shows offers the opportunity to set up a booth, display inventory, and negotiate trades or sales with many buyers and sellers under one roof. Events range from smaller local weekend shows at convention centers to sprawling national conventions that draw collectors from all over. Vendors are on hand to appraise collections and make competitive cash offers. Some card shows even have dedicated areas for appraisals and a “cash for cards” service.

Card Buying Services – Websites like CardBuyer.com, CardCash.com, and others operate like pawnbrokers for sports cards, buying individual rare pieces or entire collections sight-unseen based on photos submitted online. They offer quick payment by check or electronic funds transfer in exchange. While the prices paid won’t match a garage sale, these services provide convenience for those wanting to liquidate cards without the legwork of seeking out local buyers. Grading credentials and buyer reputations should be verified before sending valuable cards through the mail.

Online Classifieds – Sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and local “buy and sell” Facebook groups allow posting classified listings to find potential buyers. Photos and detailed descriptions help show condition and get top dollar, whether arranging for local pickup/delivery or shipping. Meeting in a public space and only accepting cash are recommended precautions. Online classifies expand the potential customer pool beyond local brick-and-mortar shops.

Auction Houses – Estate sales, appraisal services, or auctioneers may purchase entire collections and break them up to sell individually on platforms including eBay, Heritage Auctions, Lelands, or their own auction calendars. While sellers don’t get to set prices, auction houses take care of grading, research, and advertising to maximize values. An auction rep can assess over-the-phone if a collection warrants a cash offer or consignment contract with a percentage of proceeds going to the seller.

Sport Card Show Schedules – Many metro areas and regional sports conventions have regular monthly or bi-monthly shows. Checking event calendars and following promoter pages on Facebook keeps an eye out for upcoming opportunities. Well-attended shows attract the most vendors who are more likely to pay fair cash prices on the spot rather than just browsing merchandise.

Pawn Shops – As a last resort, local pawn and buy/sell shops might give cash advances on valuable single cards or small collections. These businesses are more suited to moving general items quickly and probably won’t recognize rare finds or give collector prices. Condition issues may also not be to the standards of serious buyers. But for those needing fast cash, pawn shops are an option of last resort if no other interest from specialized outlets can be found.

Sports memorabilia stores, card shows, online classified listings, and auction houses represent the best bets for local sellers to have cards viewed and priced appropriately by knowledgeable collectors. Cash in hand or store credit allows hunting for new gems to repeat the collecting cycle. With some networking and research of buyer reputations, these outlets help turn treasured cards back into the funds to grow collections even further.

1995 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1995 Topps baseball card set was the 74th annual set released by Topps and featured cards of players from the 30 Major League Baseball teams. The set totaled 792 cards and included photographic cards, rookie cards, record breaker chase cards, and manager/coach cards. Some key things to know about the 1995 Topps set include:

Design and Photography: Topps continued with a basic white bordered design for the 1995 set similar to previous years. They did make some enhancements to the photography which resulted in higher quality images compared to sets of the early 1990s. The card fronts featured larger clearer photos of the players in action shots or portrait style poses. Background colors were also varied more compared to plain white or gray backgrounds of past years. The back design was updated as well with a cleaner layout showcasing stats and career highlights in an easy to read format.

Rookies and Rookies Stars: Notable rookie cards in the 1995 Topps set included Derek Jeter, Hideo Nomo, Todd Hollandsworth, Troy Percival, and Jason Kendall. The top rookie was undoubtedly Derek Jeter who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees. Jeter’s card is one of the most iconic and valuable from the entire1990s era. The set also included a “Rookie All-Stars” subset which highlighted 17 top prospects like Jeter, Nomo, and Todd Hundley.

Record Breakers Chase Cards: Topps issued “Record Breaker” chase cards focusing on career milestones attained in 1994. These included singles chasers for career hits leaders like Pete Rose and career home run leaders like Hank Aaron. There were also pitching leaders cards like Nolan Ryan’s career strikeouts. These parallel cards used different color borders and photography to stand out from the base set.

Traded and Update Series: As with previous years, Topps issued a traded series and factory set update series to account for late season trades and callups. The 1995 traded set included 60 cards focusing on players that switched teams after the regular Topps set was finalized. The 1995 update series had 132 cards of players omitted from the base set or with new photos.

Top Rookie Cards: Some of the highest valued rookie cards from the 1995 Topps set include:

Derek Jeter (#166) – Often tops $500+ in PSA 10 grade and over $100,000 for raw copies. Iconic rookie.
Hideo Nomo (#613) – Consistently $100-200+ in PSA 10 due to his breakout success with Dodgers.
Todd Hollandsworth (#556) – Lower print run made this a short printed card selling for $50-100 graded.
Troy Percival (#613) – Solid $50-100 PSA 10 price tag for underrated setup pitcher’s first card.

High Series Numbers: The 1995 Topps set featured some unusually high numbered cards stretching all the way to #792. This was due to the inclusion of nearly 100 extra cards used for the traded and update series cards inserted directly into the base set checklist. The Derek Jeter rookie notably checks in at a high #166. Other issues in the early-mid 1990s also utilized stretched checklists well past the usual #525 range.

Controversial/Error Cards: A few cards from the 1995 Topps set caused controversy. Mo Vaughn’s (#331) posed with champagne toasting drew criticism. Also, the photography on Mark Wholers’ (#548) card was altered digitally leading to an “airbrushed” look which was less than flattering. Errors included Mickey Tettleton’s (#442) misspelled first name and Gregg Olson’s (#541) upside photo.

Key Sets in the 1990s: The 1995 Topps baseball release was one of the stronger mainstream issues from the mid-1990s period. It followed the immense success of the traded/update-heavy 1992 and 1994 Topps sets which featured rookie cards ofstars like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Roy Halladay who all debuted in those years. The1996 Topps set which boasted rookie gems like Derek Jeter, Todd Helton, and Nomar Garciaparra wasarguably even more coveted. But the 1995s set the stage with Jeter, Nomo, and a strong, well-designed overall product. It remains a premier set for collectors to this day because of its star rookies and historical significance in 1990s card culture.

The 1995 Topps baseball card set exhibited stronger design and photography compared to early 1990s issues. Rookies like Derek Jeter made for valuable chase cards that hold up well today. Inserts focusing on career milestones and a generous trading card and update series helped make it one of the sets collectors sought after in the mid-1990s. While prints runs were high overall in the early to mid-1990s, key rookie cards and short prints from 1995 Topps like Jeter and Hollandsworth remain affordable collectibles with room to appreciate over time. The set serves as a snapshot of Major League Baseball in 1995 packed with hall of famers, all-stars, and young prospects embarking on their careers.

1991 COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Collector’s Choice baseball card set celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021 and remains one of the most coveted issues from the junk wax era for collectors. With 756 total cards covering all major and minor league players as well as manager and coach cards, the 1991 Collector’s Choice set stands out for its memorable photography, die-cut shapes, and a wide array of parallel and insert subsets that captured the interest of collectors at the time and have maintained value decades later.

Some of the most notable aspects of the 1991 Collector’s Choice set that have endured its popularity over the years include the innovative card designs that went beyond the traditional card shape. Collector’s Choice featured many cards with die-cut shapes such as rookie stars cards in the shape of stars, all-star cards in the shape of baseballs, and league leader cards in the shape of trophies. These unique shapes were a novelty at the time that attracted collectors and they have maintained their appeal to this day for collectors seeking cards that stand out from the standard rectangle.

The photography featured on the 1991 Collector’s Choice cards is also widely praised by enthusiasts. Featuring crisp, colorful action shots primarily from the previous 1990 season, the set captures many iconic players from the era such as Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roberto Alomar in their athletic primes. Collectors appreciate the way the photography transports them back to that period of the late 80s/early 90s and how it has aged better than static posed portraits seen in many other issues. Combined with the die-cut shapes, the memorable photos help many of the cards retain strong collector demand.

In addition to the base card set, Collector’s Choice in 1991 was among the early adopters of insert sets within issues that became a hallmark of the junk wax era. Notable subsets included Glossy Sendbacks, Stars of the Game, League Leaders, Celebrity Foldouts, and Team Cards. The Glossy Sendbacks captured the biggest stars of the day in a glossy foil parallel numbering to 50 copies or less that are extremely rare to find in high grade today. The Celebrity Foldouts featured likenesses of sports and entertainment stars of the time such as Mark McGwire, Wayne Gretzky, and Roseanne Barr.

Perhaps most significantly, Collector’s Choice in 1991 introduced what would become the most iconic insert set of the era – Stadium Club. The original 61 card black-and-white photograph Stadium Club set within the 1991 Collector’s Choice is one of the most sought after subsets from the junk wax era. Featuring award-winning action photography and a slick, premium presentation, it established The Stadium Club brand that would continue as a popular separate annual set for many years. Rookie cards of players like Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Todd Helton are extremely valuable finds from the 1991 Stadium Club set today.

While produced during the peak of the early 90s junk wax bubble, the 1991 Collector’s Choice managed to stay relatively scarce compared to many other issues. The sheer volume of parallel and insert sets combined with uniformly strong photography helped inflation-proof many of the cards to a degree. Condition-sensitive inserts like Glossy Sendbacks rarely appear on the secondary market today in high grade. Though produced in the millions like most 1991 sets, finding a complete high grade set of the 660 base cards and various subsets poses a challenge for collectors.

For younger collectors just getting started in the late 2010s and beyond, the 1991 Collector’s Choice has proven an attainable vintage set that can still deliver affordable star rookies and parallel cards while capturing the visual drama and player selection from a pivotal time in the sport. Vintage players like Barry Larkin, Will Clark, and Dennis Eckersley remain fan favorites alongside young stars like Griffey, Bonds, and Ripken capturing their early primes. The unique card designs and photography have sustained the set as one of the most visually interesting from the overproduced era.

Whether sought for investments, team collections, or enjoyment of the photography and gameplay moments preserved, the 1991 Collector’s Choice baseball card set stays popular among vintage collectors decades later. Its innovative designs and parallel subsets made it stand out when new while maintaining affordable access points for collectors just entering the hobby. For capturing a specific season and roster of talent on engaging cardboard, 1991 Collector’s Choice endures as one of the landmark sets representing the peak of the early 90s trading card boom.

MOST VALUABLE ACTION PACKED BASEBALL CARDS

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When building a collection of rare and desirable baseball cards, action or play cards often top the list of coveted cardboard. These non-portrait cards showcase players in action during memorable plays and feature lively graphics that make them stand out from typical baseball cards. While finding high-grade examples of these scarce issues in flea markets or dollar bins is highly unlikely, their captivating designs and links to important baseball history elevate them among the costliest collectibles in the hobby.

Some of the earliest action cards date back to the late 19th century when tobacco companies like Allen & Ginter and Old Judge began inserting baseball cards into their products. Rarities like an 1885 Old Judge Nap Lajoie and an Allen & Ginter Eddie Plank are legendary in the hobby, valued well into the hundreds of thousands due to their immense historical significance as some of the earliest licensed baseball cards ever produced. It was not until the 1930s and 1940s that action cards truly began emerging as specialized subsets focusing on specific plays or events from the previous season.

Considered the holy grail of action cards is the iconic 1933 Goudey Johnny Frederick. Centered around one of Babe Ruth’s then record 60 home runs on the season, the card captures “The Babe” mid-swing with fans in the background engulfed in the action. In pristine gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $2.5 million, making it not only the most valuable baseball card but sports card of all-time. Another extraordinarily rare Goudey issue is the 1934 Jimmie Foxx batting against the monumental pitcher Dazzy Vance. Only a handful are known to exist and in top grades it can rival the value of the Ruth.

Through the 1930s and 1940s, more specialized action sets began to emerge like 1939 Play Ball which honored various MVP winners or 1940 Gum Inc.’s TrueFlite series that reenacted entire baseball sequences in a comic book style across multiple cards. But the golden age of legendary action cards arrived in the 1950s once Bowman, Topps and others inserted full color photo variations into their releases.

Two of the most iconic from this era would have to be the 1958 Ernie Banks and the 1959 Roy Campanella. The Banks captures the Cubs slugger mid-swing at Wrigley with a fervent crowd in the background. Often cited as the best conditioned Banks in the population, a PSA Gem Mint 10 recently changed hands for a staggering $3.12 million, placing it only behind the Ruth for the highest auction price achieved for a single card. As for the Campanella, it commemorates the Dodgers catcher’s last at-bat before his tragic car accident left him paralyzed, ending his Hall of Fame career. In Near Mint to Gem Mint condition unsupported estimates range $500,000-750,000 given its immense story and singular subject matter focusing on such an important baseball moment.

But perhaps no set contained more breathtaking action photography than Topps’ 1960 run. Highlights included a Willie Mays diving catch, Mickey Mantle’s record breaking home run, Ted Williams’ final at-bat, and Al Kaline robbing a home run. The Mays in particular, with its perfect spotlighting of “The Say Hey Kid” floating through the outfield grass mid-air is considered the most iconic modern baseball photo ever captured on cardboard. In a PSA Gem Mint 10 state, a recent auction brought a staggering $5.2 million setting a new high watermark for the hobby.

Into the 1970s, 80s and beyond, action photography remained a staple of sets like Topps, but the true holy grails were established in the post-war window culminating with some of the unsurpassed images from 1960 Topps. Some other examples that still command six-figure valuations today include 1975 Nolan Ryan’s no-hitter from the previous season, 1977 Rod Carew’s game-winning hit pictured at the climax of his swing, and 1987 Donruss Jose Canseco’s record-breaking 40th home run.

For modern issues, inserts focusing on singular moments remain the most coveted subcategories within releases. The 2009 Topps Chrome Mike Trout rookie autographed refractor captured the Angels star at the height of his jump, while 2021 Topps Archives Clayton Kershaw’s perfect game parallel fetched over $50,000 shortly after release. As technology improves, so too will the quality of photography and rarity of parallel print runs, ensuring demand stays high for these stand-out snapshots of baseball history frozen in time.

When pursuing the most valuable vintage action cards, there are a few key factors which elevate certain issues considerably. First and foremost is condition, as the scarcity and value exponentially increases the higher up the 1-10 BGS or PSA grading scale a card climbs. Provenance documenting a card’s history all the way back to its pack-fresh origins is also important given authentication concerns with such high-price assets. Singular iconic moments featuring all-time great players at their best comprise the most elite tier representing some of the rarest photographic archives from professional baseball’s storied past. While displaying breathtaking action, these cards tell memorable stories which capture the hearts of collectors and cement their place as the true blue chip investments in the baseball card world.