BEST CARDS IN 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s. Coming off a record-breaking 1990 season that saw star rookies like Sandy Alomar Jr. and Chuck Knoblauch make their MLB debuts, collectors were eager to see who Donruss would feature on some of the set’s most coveted rookie cards. While it didn’t have the monster rookies of ’90, the ’91 Donruss set still had plenty of future Hall of Famers and all-stars to chase after. Here’s a look at some of the biggest hits and most valuable cards collectors sought in packs and on the secondary market in 1991.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the set, Griffey’s rookie card led the way in pack after pack. Fresh off back-to-back AL Rookie of the Year awards in 1989-1990, Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. Highly sought after by collectors both then and now, PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s rookie regularly sell for thousands. Even well-centered, sharp examples in PSA 8 or 9 command big money due to his iconic status.

Frank Thomas (#44) – Though not quite the household name Griffey was in ’91, “The Big Hurt” was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s most feared power hitters during his early years with the White Sox. Thomas smacked 27 homers in his first full season in 1990 and would go on to have one of the most decorated careers of any player from the 1990s. His Donruss rookie is highly valuable in top grades due to his five AL MVP awards and status as a true five-tool player.

Greg Maddux (#60) – After consecutive Cy Young awards in 1992 and 1993, Maddux established himself as the premier pitcher of the 1990s. But collectors knew they had something special even before his breakout seasons, snatching up his ’91 Donruss rookie. Known for his pinpoint control and ability to induce weak contact, Maddux would go on to rack up 355 career wins and four consecutive NL Cy Youngs between 1992-1995. Near-mint examples still fetch over $100 due to his Hall of Fame resume.

Tom Glavine (#143) – Like Maddux, Glavine emerged as an ace of the 1990s Braves staff, winning two Cy Youngs of his own in 1991 and 1998. His pinpoint control made him a workhorse, leading the NL in wins twice and innings pitched four times. Glavine racked up 305 career wins and two World Series rings by the end of his stellar career. His rookie card showed collectors his potential early on and remains quite valuable in high grades.

David Justice (#166) – One of the young stars that helped power the Braves dynasty of the early 1990s, Justice smashed 87 homers between 1990-1992. His sweet left-handed swing and athleticism in right field made him a fan favorite. Justice’s Donruss rookie remains one of the more iconic and aesthetically pleasing cards from the set. Highly centered examples still command $50-75 despite Justice never achieving the individual accolades of some others on this list.

Roberto Alomar (#215) – The smooth-fielding second baseman was already an all-star caliber regular by 1991 after winning AL Rookie of the Year in 1988. Alomar’s slick defense, speed, and ability to spray line drives from gap to gap made him a constant threat at the top of the order for Toronto and Baltimore throughout his career. He remains one of the finest second basemen of all time. His rookie card has retained significant value due to his Hall of Fame career and elite all-around skills.

Dennis Eckersley (#292) – By 1991, Eckersley had already reinvented himself as one of baseball’s premier closers after struggling as a starter earlier in his career. “Eck” racked up 45 saves for the A’s in 1990 and would go on to rack up 390 career saves, leading the AL four times. His changeup was nearly unhittable during his peak years. Highly valuable in top grades due to his Hall of Fame career and status as one of the game’s first true closers.

Cecil Fielder (#321) – After breaking out with a 51-home run season in 1990, Fielder was one of the game’s most feared power threats during the early 1990s. His mammoth blasts helped lead Detroit back to relevance. Fielder smashed 84 homers between 1990-1991 and remains one of just 13 players to ever club 50 or more in a season. His rookie card shows promise of the prodigious power to come. Valuable in top grades due to his iconic home run prowess.

Roberto Kelly (#356) – One of the set’s top shortprint cards, Kelly’s rookie showed flashes of potential as a speedy, contact-oriented outfielder. Though he never fully lived up to expectations, Kelly was still a productive player for several years. His rookie remains one of the most sought-after shortprints from the set due to its rarity. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch $50-75 based on condition alone.

While it may not have had the monster rookies of 1990 Donruss, collectors found plenty to chase after in the ’91 release. Featuring future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux, Glavine, and Alomar, as well as young stars like Justice, Thomas, and Fielder, the set had no shortage of talent. High-grade examples of the top rookie cards continue to hold tremendous value today. For collectors in 1991 and beyond, hunting hits from this classic set has always been a fun and rewarding hobby.

BOB MAX BASEBALL CARDS THAT WERE NEVER MADE

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Bob and Max were two young baseball card collectors growing up in the suburbs of Detroit in the late 1950s. While they had amassed sizable collections of the stars from the various baseball teams of the era in their Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron rookie cards, there were a few players that they wished had cards made but never did. This article explores some of those players that Bob and Max hoped would one day have a baseball card made in their likeness but never did.

One of the first players that Bob and Max wished had a card was Dick Donovan of the Boston Red Sox. Donovan made his MLB debut in 1957 and had a solid rookie season, going 13-8 with a 3.04 ERA. Due to some quirks in the baseball card production process that year, Donovan was left off the roster for the 1957 Topps set despite his contributions. This disappointed both Bob and Max as they were big Red Sox fans growing up and wanted to add Donovan to their collections. They thought for sure he would get a card in 1958 but again he was omitted. Donovan went on to have a decent 6-year MLB career but never saw himself immortalized on a baseball card.

Another missed opportunity was Kansas City Athletics pitcher Bill Fischer. In his rookie season of 1958, Fischer went 15-9 with a 3.46 ERA and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Al Kaline and Bob Allison. His solid numbers that year made him a favorite of both Bob and Max. When the 1959 Topps set was released, Fischer was again absent despite his breakout rookie campaign. Both boys were puzzled as to why such a promising young player didn’t get recognized with his own cardboard. Fischer continued to pitch reasonably well for the A’s over the next few seasons but personal issues derailed his career and he was out of baseball by 1963, leaving Bob and Max still wishing for a Fischer card that never came to be.

Perhaps the most glaring omission from the boys’ perspective was Kansas City Athletics outfielder Earl Robinson. In 1960, Robinson emerged as the A’s best all-around player, batting .304 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI. He led the league in triples with 12 and also stole 24 bases. Both Bob and Max were impressed with Robinson’s five-tool skillset and thought for sure he would get his due with a card after such a stellar season. When the 1961 Topps set dropped, Robinson was yet again left out. They speculated as to why such an exciting young player who finished 9th in AL MVP voting got passed over. Robinson continued to produce for Kansas City over the next few years but injuries derailed his career, and like Fischer, he never saw a baseball card in his playing days, much to the chagrin of Bob and Max.

One of the more puzzling near-misses for a card to Bob and Max was Detroit Tigers pitcher Earl Wilson. In 1961, Wilson emerged as the Tigers’ best starter, going 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA and finishing 6th in AL Cy Young voting. His breakout performance positioned him as the ace of the Tigers staff. Both boys were big Tigers fans and wanted to add Wilson to their collections. When the 1962 Topps cards came out, Wilson was absent again. They talked to other collectors who were also perplexed by this omission. Wilson went on to have a solid 13-year career, winning 20 games three different times, but never had a card in his playing days, which disappointed Bob and Max to this day.

Perhaps the most glaring oversight in need of a baseball card to Bob and Max was Kansas City Athletics slugger Dick Green. In 1963, Green enjoyed a breakout season, batting .288 with 27 home runs and 79 RBI. His 27 round-trippers led the American League that season. Both boys were impressed with Green’s power showing and thought for sure the power-hitting first baseman would receive cardboard recognition after leading the league in home runs. When the 1964 Topps set was released, Green was nowhere to be found, much to their dismay. Green continued mashing home runs over the next few seasons before injuries cut his career short, and like others on this list, he never saw a baseball card issued during his playing days, which still bothers Bob and Max to this day.

In closing, while Bob and Max amassed impressive collections of the stars from the 1950s and 1960s over the years in their Mickey Mantles, Willie Mayses, and Hank Aarons, there were several promising players who slipped through the cardboard cracks that they always wished had cards – players like Dick Donovan, Bill Fischer, Earl Robinson, Earl Wilson, and Dick Green. For whatever reasons, these talented ballplayers who had breakout seasons and career-best performances were passed over by the card companies at the time. Both Bob and Max have often discussed and debated over the years as to why such noteworthy players never saw themselves immortalized on a baseball card. While their collections grew to be the envy of their neighborhood, a few key cards were always missing that represented players they admired but never had the baseball card recognition they deserved.

MOST POPULAR BASEBALL CARDS LAST 10 YEARS

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The baseball card industry has evolved tremendously over the last 10 years with new parallels, insert sets, rookie cards, and autographs driving collector interest. While long-time stars still hold value, modern rookie cards of future Hall of Famers have taken on immense popularity. Let’s take a look at some of the most coveted baseball cards issued since 2010.

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractor (#BDPP-MT): Widely considered the best baseball player of his generation, Trout’s first major card appearance came in 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects as an 18-year old Angels prospect. While the standard base card trades for around $50-100, the refractors and parallels can fetch thousands. The BDPP-MT refractor is arguably the pinnacle Trout card from the last decade since it was his first true “hit” card available on the hobby market. Graded examples in PSA 10 have sold for over $10,000, making it one of the most valuable modern rookie cards.

Bryce Harper 2009 Bowman Sterling #: Many expected Harper to be the next Mickey Mantle after dominant play as a teenager. His first mainstream rookie card was issued in 2009 Bowman Sterling, a high-end set at the time. Short printed to just 750 copies, the Sterling parallel rocketed in value as Harper lived up to expectations. High grade examples now sell for $3,000-5,000, though a PSA 10 could demand over $10,000 at auction among serious Harper collectors.

Manny Machado 2012 Topps Chrome RC Auto (#150): As one of the most hyped prospects ever, Machado’s rookie season with the Orioles was epic. His flagship Topps Chrome autographed refractor rocketed his hobby presence. While stock BCs trade for $100-200, top-rated gems over $2,000 are not unheard of. Amazingly crafted 1/1 printing plates have commanded north of $10,000 long before his eventual free agency.

Cody Bellinger 2016 Bowman Chrome Purple Refractor RC (#86): Winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2017, Bellinger became the new face of the Dodgers. His flashy 2016 Bowman Chrome rookie materials gained intense popularity. The pop 1 purple refractor parallel especially took off, reaching the $3,000-5,000 range for PSA 10s. Near-gem mint examples still bring $1,000 due to Bellinger’s superstar potential.

Juan Soto 2018 Topps Chrome Red Refractor RC Auto (/150): After a dominant 2018 campaign as a teenager, Soto quickly became a fan favorite in Washington. His 2018 Topps Chrome Red Refractor Autograph skyrocketed, gaining over $1,000 in the following years. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have topped $3,000 at major auctions as Soto established himself as a perennial MVP candidate at a young age.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Chrome Orange Refractor RC (/150): With “baseball’s LeBron” comparisons, Acuña exploded onto the scene with Atlanta in 2018. The rookie phenom’s flagship product refractor parallel gained heavy momentum. Even well-centered PSA 9s have climbed over $1,000 as Acuña’s 5-tool ability and marketability shined bright. A flawless example could draw a bid north of $3,000 down the road.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2018 Bowman Chrome Purple Refractor RC (/250): Like father, like son – Vlad Jr. had monster hype transitioning to the Blue Jays. His 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie materials became white hots. The short printed purple parallel especially took off. Near-mint PSA 9s have reached $1,500 based on Vlad Jr.’s incredible skill set and star pedigree. A PSA 10 Holy Grail could command a premium of $5,000-plus one day.

Ozzie Albies 2017 Topps Chrome RC Auto (/99): Playing alongside Acuña, Albies emerged as a dynamic second baseman for Atlanta. His 2017 Topps Chrome autographed refractor gained steam as Albies developed into an All-Star. Even PSA 9s have climbed over $500 long-term as Albies helped the Braves regain relevancy. Top-rated gem mint examples could reach the $1,000-2,000 range over time.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil RC (/1986): With “best prospect ever” hype, Tatis lived up to it by becoming ROY in San Diego. His 2019 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor rocketed as arguably the most popular modern card. Even PSA 9s have pushed $500 due to Tatis’ 5-tool skills and fan appeal. True gems might bring $1,000-2,000 in the years ahead if Tatis’ star continues rising.

One commonality among these cards is that they feature future superstars who immediately gained sizable fan followings and made incredible impacts on winning teams as rookies. While veterans still retain value, cards featuring young generational talents at the onset of their careers have taken on immense popularity in the hobby over the past decade. With elite skill sets, breakout rookie seasons, and long-term superstar potential, these players’ first mainstream hobby cards are sure to remain highly cherished by collectors for years to come.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE BY YEAR

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Topps baseball cards have been hugely popular collectibles since the company began producing them in the early 1950s. Over the decades, certain years and specific cards within those years have increased tremendously in value based on factors like player performance, condition scarcity. Here’s an in-depth look at Topps baseball card values by year:

1952: The first Topps baseball card set featured 382 cards and debuted what would become the iconic yellow background design. In gem mint condition, complete sets from 1952 can fetch over $100,000. Key cards include Mickey Mantle (grading over a PSA 9 can sell for $30,000+), Willie Mays ($15,000), and the ultra-rare Frank Torre error card missing the “R” in his last name (valued $50,000+).

1957: Considered one of the most coveted vintage sets, the 1957 Topps featured future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and a rookie card of future home run king Hank Aaron. Complete near-mint sets can sell for $60,000. High-grade Aaron and Mays rookies can each reach $10,000.

1958: Topps switched to the embedded gum technology, debuting the iconic ‘stick of gum’ packaging beloved by collectors today. Key rookies include future stars like Ernie Banks and Bob Gibson. Complete sets sell for around $15-20k. Exceptional graded examples of Banks or Gibson rookie cards sell for $5,000 each.

1961: The first color photos were featured in 1961 Topps sets. Mantle and Mays rookies from this year continue to appreciate greatly in value. Complete near-mint to mint sets sell for $15,000. High-grade Mantle and Mays rookies each fetch $10,000+.

1962: Complete sets in very good to near-mint condition sell for $8,000-$12,000 depending on centering and surface quality. Key cards include rookie seasons of future stars like Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton. Top-graded examples of their rookies sell for $5,000 each.

1964: Often cited as one of the toughest complete vintage sets to obtain, 1964 Topps featured a transition to player individual packet packaging. Complete near-mint sets sell for around $30,000 due to scarcity. The key rookie card in this set is Sandy Koufax who can sell for $6,000 in high grade.

1965: A complete set in near-mint condition sells for around $15,000. Rookie season cards of future Hall of Famers like Joe Morgan and Dick Allen average around $1,500 each in high grade.

1968: With the transition to color photography, the 1968 Topps set featured a more “modern” design. Complete near-mint sets sell for $8,000. Key rookie cards of future stars Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench average around $4,000 each in top condition.

1969: Considered by many collectors the pinnacle of 1960s Topps design, complete sets typically sell for $6,000-8,000 depending on centering and surface quality. The key rookie card is Reggie Jackson who can reach $3,000+ in gem mint condition.

1970: The dawn of the 1970s design saw larger player images and team logos incorporated into the layouts. Complete sets sell for around $2,000 in near-mint condition. Future Hall of Famers like George Brett and Dave Winfield debuted in this set with their rookies valued around $1,000 each in high grade.

1974: The transition to employing All-Star and World Series subsets made 1974 one of the more popular vintage issues. Complete near-mint sets sell for around $2,500. Standout rookie cards include future stars Mike Schmidt ($1,200 PSA 10), Gary Carter ($800 PSA 10), and Nolan Ryan’s final Topps rookie ($800 PSA 10).

1975: Widely considered one of the toughest complete sets to acquire due to limited original print run. Near-mint sets can fetch $5,000. Future Hall of Famer George Brett debuted in this set with his enticing rookie valued at $800 in high grade.

1977: An innovative design saw the incorporation of team checklists. Complete mint sets sell for $1,800 on average. Future star Cal Ripken Jr. debuted in this set valued around $700 for a high-grade rookie.

1979: Continued experimentation resulted in one of the more visually captivating 1970s designs. Near-mint complete sets sell for $1,200. Dave Parker, Ozzie Smith, and Don Mattingly all featured in this set debuting as rookies valued around $500 PSA 10.

1987: The dawn of the mass-produced “Junk Wax” era began but featured some notable rookie debuts. Complete sets sell for around $100 near-mint. Rookies of Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine each average $150 PSA 10. Ken Griffey Jr.’s spectacular Upper Deck rookie remains the true key from this era at $5,000 PSA 10.

1989: At the height of the overproduction boom, sets sold by the box at retail. Near-complete sets sell for around $50 today. Notable rookies debuted like Frank Thomas ($70 PSA 10), Gregg Jefferies ($50 PSA 10), and Moises Alou ($40 PSA 10).

Vintage 1950s-1970s Topps issues show the most dramatic appreciation due scarcity as the original print runs were much lower. Condition is critical, and gem mint examples can skyrocket in value compared to average circulated copies. Meanwhile, junk wax era 1980s-90s cards derive value more from a specific rookie’s career achievements and rarity within their given set. Topps baseball cards provide an engaging historic chronicle and will likely remain a cornerstone of the sport collecting landscape for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS BUSINESS

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The baseball cards business has seen significant growth and change over the past few decades. What started as a simple promotional item included in packages of chewing gum or cigarettes to incentivize purchases has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. While the collecting of baseball cards as a hobby has waxed and waned in popularity over the years, interest seems to be consistently growing.

At the core of the baseball cards business are the trading card companies that produce and distribute the physical cards. The two largest producers are Topps and Panini America, which together command over 90% of the market. Topps has been in the baseball card business the longest, continuously producing cards since 1938. They have long held the exclusive license from Major League Baseball to produce licensed on-card content featuring active players, team logos, and uniforms. This license provides Topps with a significant competitive advantage over other producers.

Panini America entered the baseball card market more recently, in 2008. They have sought to differentiate their products by focusing more on memorabilia cards that include game-used pieces of uniforms or equipment embedded within the card. Not having the MLB license, Panini cards do not feature on-card content from current seasons and instead rely more on retired players and vintage photography or artwork. Both Topps and Panini release numerous baseball card sets each year in all price ranges to appeal to collectors both casual and serious.

Beyond the large producers, there are also numerous smaller independent card companies that release more niche or high-end products. These include companies like Leaf, Bowman, Stadium Club, and Allen & Ginter. Many focus on producing limited serially numbered parallel versions of cards or one-of-one autograph cards to appeal to serious collectors seeking rare and exclusive content. The independent producers fill important niches but together capture a relatively small portion of the overall baseball card market.

While physical card sales still dominate the business, digital and online platforms have become increasingly important distribution channels and drivers of interest. Websites like eBay allow collectors to easily buy, sell, and trade cards online, giving the hobby a virtual community aspect. Applications like the Topps Bunt digital card collecting game have also helped introduce new generations to the hobby in a mobile-friendly format. Industry analysts predict digital and online elements will continue growing in importance going forward.

On the retail side, the largest sellers of baseball cards historically were big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens that carried cards as an impulse purchase item by the checkout aisles. The rise of online selling and speciality hobby shops catering to dedicated collectors has seen retail market share shift in recent decades. Major national hobby shop chains like Dave & Adam’s Card World and Steel City Collectibles now command significant sales, as do the online stores of individual hobby shops. Online-only retailers like Steel City Collectibles and Blowout Cards also play a meaningful role in the current retail landscape.

The demand side of the baseball cards business is driven by collectors both casual and serious. Casual collectors, including many former players themselves, enjoy collecting as a nostalgic hobby and way to reconnect with the game. They tend to focus on relatively recent seasons and star players, and are less concerned with factors like card condition or serial numbers. More serious collectors seek vintage cards from the earliest years of the hobby as well as higher-end modern parallels and autographs. The small subset of extremely high-end vintage cards have achieved auction prices in the millions of dollars in recent years, a testament to the passion of the most dedicated collectors.

In addition to individual collectors, the demand from investors has grown the business in recent decades. Some view vintage baseball cards as an alternative asset class to diversify investment portfolios. The rising prices of elite vintage cards has attracted many new collectors seeking financial returns rather than nostalgia. The baseball card investment market is also highly speculative and volatile given the inherently subjective nature of collectibles. While headlines of million-dollar card sales grab attention, the vast majority of cards hold little intrinsic value outside of collectors.

Looking ahead, the long-term prospects for the baseball cards business appear bright. Interest from both casual and serious collectors seems to have steadily grown each generation as more people experience the nostalgia and connection to the game. And while investment demand is harder to predict, the passion of collectors should ensure demand for decades to come. Both Topps and Panini release innovative new products that keep the hobby fresh. Digital platforms also continue introducing new fans to the collecting experience. As long as baseball itself remains a popular sport, its trading card industry seems poised to remain a vibrant business.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2022 PRICE GUIDE

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Topps Maintains Dominance of Baseball Card Market with 2022 Releases

Topps has long been the industry leader when it comes to producing trading cards for Major League Baseball players, and 2022 was no exception. With several highly anticipated sets released over the course of the year, Topps once again dominated baseball card sales. Let’s take a closer look at some of their 2022 offerings and how certain cards from these sets are faring in the collectibles marketplace based on sales data from platforms like eBay.

2022 Topps Series 1 (Released in February):

The annual flagship Topps Series 1 set is always one of the biggest releases of the new year. This year’s 330-card base set featured every MLB player along with additional inserts, parallels, and rookie cards. Some key rookie cards that have held strong value include Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez ($50-75), Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson ($25-40), and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene ($15-25). Vintage stock parallels of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto can fetch $10-15 while their base rookies trade for $5-10. Popular veterans like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have base cards selling in the $3-5 range.

2022 Topps Series 2 (Released in June):

Similar in design to Series 1 but with a new photo for each player, Series 2 also included the usual assortment of inserts, parallels, and rookie debuts. Top rookies from this set include Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II ($20-30), Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman ($15-25), and Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco ($10-15). Top veteran cards include Tatis ($5-7), Trout ($4-6), and Judge/Ohtani ($3-5). Rare foil parallels and autographs of top stars can sell for much more.

2022 Topps Series 2 Update (Released in September):

Issued to account for midseason player movements and call-ups, Update typically features fewer rookie debuts but often has impact performers from late in the season. This year’s key rookies included Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan ($10-15), Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos ($8-12), and Mariners reliever Matt Brash ($5-8). Popular veterans held steady or increased slightly from Series 1/2 values.

2022 Topps Allen & Ginter (Released in August):

Taking a break from just baseball players, A&G is one of Topps’ most unique non-sports sets. It mixes in characters, landmarks, hobby inserts and more. While player cards don’t carry high values generally, rare parallels and autographs of stars can exceed their standard release prices. Unique mini cards and autographed landmarks tend to attract the most attention.

2022 Topps Heritage (Released in May):

Paying homage to classic baseball designs, Heritage is a nostalgia favorite. This year’s top rookies include Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts ($15-20), Blue Jays outfielder George Springer ($12-15), and Brewers catcher Saul Gonzalez ($8-10). Parallels and autographs of stars can outpace their modern issue prices. Complete mini sets and team/league collection values also factor into this set’s appeal.

2022 Topps Chrome (Released in September):

As the premier “hit” product, Chrome features slick photo variants, refractors, and autographed Young Gun rookie cards. Big rookies this year were Mariners’ Rodriguez ($75-100), Tigers’ Torkelson ($50-75), and Reds’ Greene ($40-60). Top base veterans ranged from $5-10 with parallels and autographs much higher. Complete Chrome sets remain quite valuable investments long term.

2022 Topps Transcendent Collection (Released in November):

Offering high-end, one-of-one autographs with brilliant blue refractor photography, Transcendent is the pinnacle Topps brand. Boxes contained one autograph per case. Key pulls included Ohtani, Trout, Acuña and Soto automatics. Individual cards sold from $500-5000+ depending on the player signature, with the biggest stars reaching five figures.

As shown here, Topps once again delivered on all cylinders with multiple tiers of baseball cards reaching collectors of every budget and interest level. With the storied brand’s production quality and eye for design consistently recognized, Topps sets maintain strong active aftermarket resale demand overall. Factoring in the intrinsic appeal of collecting today’s game’s brightest young stars alongside established veteran talent, Topps’ diverse 2022 lineup underscores why it remains the standard in the baseball card world year after year. Be sure to bookmark this guide for a quick reference to relative values across their modern releases moving forward.

TOPPS SPORTING NEWS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Topps Company and The Sporting News have an extensive history of partnering to produce baseball cards that have been highly popular with collectors for decades. The association between the two companies began in the 1950s and has resulted in some of the most iconic and desirable baseball card sets ever created.

Topps launched baseball cards nationally in 1952, pioneering the modern hobby. They were looking to increase distribution and reach even more fans. This led Topps to strike a deal with The Sporting News, the premier national baseball publication of the time, to use their brand and widespread readership as promotion for a new line of cards beginning in 1954.

The 1954 Topps Sporting News cards were the first in the historic partnership. They featured 165 cardboard cards with player images on the front and biographical info on the back. Some of the biggest stars of the day like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron had cards in the set. Distribution was tremendous through Sporting News, drug stores, candy stores and other outlets. This helped make the 1954 Topps Sporting News set one of the most widely produced baseball cards ever.

In the following years, Topps and The Sporting News continued to collaborate on new annual baseball card releases. Many consider the 1957, 1959, and 1964 Topps Sporting News issues to be among the finest in design and player selection of any vintage card sets from that era. Cards from these particular releases are highly sought after by collectors today due to the quality of the images, statistics included on the backs and the fact that many of the players featured went on to achieve baseball immortality.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Topps Sporting News brand remained the standard bearer for high quality baseball cards backed by the authority and reach of The Sporting News publication. The series went on hiatus after the 1964 set. Topps shifted focus to its larger flagship baseball cardreleases under its own brand name for much of the late 1960s and 1970s.

In 1981, the long dormant Topps Sporting News series was revived with the release of a 168 card commemorative throwback set celebrating the best players and teams of the 1950s and 1960s. This revival proved there was still excitement from collectors for the nostalgic connection between Topps and The Sporting News.

Encouraged by the positive response, Topps and The Sporting News began a period of sustained annual collaborative releases between 1982-1990. These modern era Sporting News issues maintained the classic color photos on the front with stats on the reverse style that made the 1950s/1960s originals so popular. The 1980s run included memorable sets in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1990.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the entire Topps Sporting News series is considered to be the spectacular 1987 release. The design paid homage to the card aesthetics of the 1950s/1960s by using a green backdrop with player images and golden printing. The choice of players in the set from that season is also iconic, capturing breakout stars like Mark McGwire in addition to superstars like Rickey Henderson during one of his best offensive campaigns. In gemmint condition, coveted cards from the 1987 Topps Sporting News set can easily fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars today.

After 1990, Topps and The Sporting News went their separate ways as licensing partners for baseball cards. Topps entered the 1990s focusing on flagship releases under their own branding like Studio, ProCards and Topps Finest. Meanwhile, The Sporting News maintained other sportscard licenses of their own with manufacturers like Fleer. Collectors never forgot the special connection and amazing cards produced through the classic Topps Sporting News releases from 1954 through the late 1980s golden era.

In 2018, Topps rekindled their legendary partnership with The Sporting News by launching the first new Sporting News branded baseball cards in nearly 30 years. The retro inspired 2018 Topps Sporting News Baseball Collection featured 200 cards highlighting top players and key moments from the 2017 MLB season. While a modern update, the new Sporting News set paid tribute to the designs, large player photography and biographical details of the beloved 1950s/1960s originals. Time will tell if Topps and The Sporting News decide to continue collaborating on more Sporting News baseball card releases to thrill collectors with a brand that created some of the most prized vintage issues in the hobby’s history. For almost 75 years, the Topps Sporting News partnership has resulted in numerous iconic baseball card sets that remain close to the hearts of many players and collectors today. Their influence on the industry cannot be overstated.

A RELIC BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century, with the earliest documented cards dating back to the late 1800s. For decades, the typical baseball card contained only a photo and basic stats and information about the player featured on the front. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the hobby saw a rise in specialty insert cards that offered collectors something more unique. One of the most popular specialty insert sets in the early ’90s were Upper Deck’s Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card autograph redemption cards. While autographed cards had been inserted in packs on rare occasions previously, Upper Deck’s Griffey redemption cards were one of the first mainstream releases to offer collectors the chance to redeem an autographed card of the star player.

This novelty sparked the beginning of what would become known as “relic” cards – specialty inserts featuring game-used memorabilia pieces from famous players. In 1992, Topps pioneered the relic card concept by inserting jersey and bat card pieces from players like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Cal Ripken Jr. into factory sets. These were an instant hit with collectors and fueled the rapid growth of the memorabilia card market. Over the next few years, virtually every major card company released sets featuring relic cards showcasing game-used equipment, uniforms, and even signature patches from some of baseball’s biggest stars.

Some of the earliest and most coveted relic cards included 1992 Topps Stadium Club Cal Ripken Bat Piece, 1993 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Jersey Card, and 1994 Leaf Signature Series Frank Thomas Patch Autograph. As the technology to authenticate memorabilia pieces improved, card companies were able to offer collectors increasingly rare game-used materials. Everything from batting gloves and cleats to bases and broken bats found their way onto baseball cards throughout the 1990s boom period. Relic cards quickly became some of the most desired chase cards for collectors, especially those featuring pieces of their favorite players.

The increased popularity of relic cards also led to innovations in relic types and presentation. Companies experimented with different materials like swatches of fabric, leather, synthetic turf, and even rare game-used cards or tickets from significant moments in a player’s career. Upper Deck pioneered “dual relic” cards that showcased pieces of two different players who had a memorable on-field interaction. Exquisite patches were meticulously crafted from authentic jerseys featuring entire logos or numbers. Serial-numbered parallels and one-of-one printing plate cards took the chase for the rarest relics to new heights.

Not all relic cards have aged well over time. Some of the earliest relic types like jersey swatches, batting gloves, and caps have held up, but others have shown signs of deterioration. Fabric and leather swatches can discolor or flake away from the cardboard over decades. Synthetic materials like turf are prone to cracking. Even game-used cards or tickets inserted in relic cards may not remain intact long-term. There have also been well-documented cases over the years of third-party memorabilia dealers and unscrupulous collectors attempting to pass off fake relics. This has led to increased scrutiny of authentication and provenance for high-end relic cards today.

While the memorabilia card market cooled off significantly following the speculative bubble of the late ’90s, relic cards remain one of the most popular insert subsets for modern releases. Today’s top products like Bowman Sterling, Topps Chrome, and Panini National Treasures continue to feature exclusive game-used memorabilia from today’s MLB stars. New authentication technologies like DNA isotope testing and microscopic fiber analysis have made it possible to verify increasingly small game-used pieces. Serial-numbered parallels and one-of-one patch card variations ensure the rarest relics retain significant collector demand and value.

For dedicated team and player collectors, high-end relic cards remain the holy grail. Finding an authentic, game-used relic card that directly connects them to their favorite star from a specific season or memorable moment can be worth thousands of dollars. While the memorabilia card market may never regain the speculative heights of the ’90s boom, relic cards will likely remain a driving force in the sports card hobby for years to come. They provide a tangible connection to professional baseball that standard base cards simply can’t match. As long as the sport itself endures, its history and memorabilia will continue to captivate collectors through the enduring medium of baseball cards.

VALUABLE ASTROS BASEBALL CARDS

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Top Valuable Houston Astros Baseball Cards

The Houston Astros joined Major League Baseball as an expansion team in 1962 and have endured over half a century of franchise history. During that time, many notable players have donned the Astros uniform and their baseball cards hold significant value for collectors. Let’s explore some of the most valuable Astros cards that fetch impressive sums at auction.

Craig Biggio (#88) 1989 Topps Rookie Card

Widely considered the greatest Astro of all time, Craig Biggio spent his entire 20-year career with Houston from 1988 to 2007. His rookie card from 1989 Topps is among the most sought after and valuable in the hobby. High graded examples in Mint condition regularly sell for $1,000 or more due to Biggio’s Hall of Fame career and status as an Astro for life. In gem mint 10 condition, a PSA-graded Biggio ’89 has sold for over $5,000, a true kingpin card for Astros collectors.

Jeff Bagwell (#117) 1991 Bowman Rookie Card

Arguably the second greatest Astro ever after Biggio, Jeff Bagwell terrorized pitchers across 15 stellar seasons in Houston from 1991 to 2005. His rookie card comes from 1991 Bowman and also holds immense significance. Mint 9 copies have changed hands for $1,000 while a pristine PSA 10 example topped $4,000 at auction in 2022. Bagwell cemented his Cooperstown status and this rookie serves as a prized addition to any Astros PC.

Lance Berkman (#107) 1998 Bowman’s Best Chrome Refractor

“The Big Puma” Lance Berkman enjoyed a terrific 14-year MLB career including 11 seasons launching bombs for Houston from 1999 to 2010. His supershortprinted 1998 Bowman’s Best Chrome Refractor rookie stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable Astros RC’s available. Only 10 are known to exist in a PSA 10 gem and it set a new record when one copy sold for an eye-popping $30,000 at Goldin Auctions in 2020.

Roy Oswalt (#31) 1996 Bowman Chrome Rookie Refractor

A stellar righty who was an All-Star for Houston from 2001 to 2010, Roy Oswalt consistently delivered for the Astros at the top of their rotation. Among the most coveted of his rookie cards is the ultra-rare 1996 Bowman Chrome Refractor which appears on checklists but remained virtually unseen for years. Incredibly, one authenticated PSA 10 example uncovered in 2017 and realized $17,500 at auction, showing its immense rarity and cachet with Astros collectors.

Billy Wagner (#46) 1993 Bowman Rookie Card

Before closing out games for other clubs, Billy Wagner was lights out as Houston’s flame-throwing closer from 1995 to 2003. His 1993 Bowman RC is one of the more iconic and bankable Astros cards available. High graded versions in PSA 9-10 condition consistently realize $500-1000 at auction given Wagner’s elite career numbers and strikeout prowess as an Astro All-Star reliever. This is an affordable way for collectors to add a true Houston great to their collections.

Mike Scott (#33) 1981 Topps Traded

Winning the 1986 NL Cy Young leading the Astros to within a win of the World Series, Mike Scott cemented his status as one of the franchise’s all-time best pitchers. Especially coveted by collectors is his scarce 1981 Topps Traded card which features him in an Angels uniform after being dealt to Houston that season. PSA 10 examples have crossed the $1,000 mark, a true premium for such an important piece of Astros history and one of their most impactful hurlers.

Jeff Kent (#29) 1990 Bowman Rookie Card

Spending six productive seasons in Houston from 1992 to 1997, second baseman Jeff Kent went on to further All-Star success with other clubs. His extremely tough 1990 Bowman rookie remains a real prized find. High graded copies have reached well over $1,000 at auction given Kent’s prolific 21-year MLB career and the extremely low print run of his early Bowman issues as an Astro. This serves as a true key card from their talent stable in the early 1990s.

César Cedeño (#24) 1973 Topps

A five-time All-Star outfielder for Houston’s “Killer B’s” squads of the 1970s, César Cedeño shined briefly but brightly as one of their franchise cornerstones. Especially sharp 1973 Topps cards holding his Astros tenure capture significant nostalgia and history. High-grade examples have topped $500 at auction, showcasing Cedeño’s popularity among collectors of this era in Astros annals.

J.R. Richard (#50) 1979 Topps

Possessing perhaps the nastiest stuff seen in an Astrodome mound man, J.R. Richard was well on his way to the Hall of Fame before stroke ended his career at age 30 in 1980. Often called the greatest pitcher to never make the Hall, his 1979 Topps card represents the physical prime and dominance of “The Big Horse.” PSA 10 specimens have reached $1,000 showing immense demand for a key piece of underrated Astros history from their lineup of aces in the 1970s.

So in summation – while the Astros franchise history remains relatively young compared to others, they have boasted several true icon players who are represented by some enormously valuable baseball cards. Key rookies of Bagwell, Biggio, Berkman and others continue to gain esteem and sell for impressive highs. Collectors would be wise to pursue these vital cards that showcase some of the greatest talent to don an Astros uniform through the decades.

BASEBALL CARDS 80S AND 90s

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The 1980s and 1990s saw massive growth and changes in the baseball card industry. After experiencing a boom period in the late 1970s and early 80s, the baseball card market hit a downturn in the mid-80s but rebounded strongly in the 1990s. Several new manufacturers entered the scene and innovative marketing strategies led to increased popularity.

In the early 80s, the main manufacturers were Topps, Donruss, and Fleer. Topps had dominated the market for decades but now faced new competition. Donruss debuted in 1981 and became the first viable competitor to Topps in over 20 years. Their cards featured creative photography and designs that appealed to collectors. Fleer also re-entered the market in 1981 after a long absence. They emphasized flashy graphics and included additional information on the cards to distinguish their product.

The mid-1980s saw a decline in the baseball card market. Overproduction led to card saturation and plummeting values. Many retailers had trouble moving excess inventory. In response, manufacturers cut back on production runs. Topps, Donruss, and Fleer all downsized their 1985 sets. The 1986 Fleer set was only 132 cards, less than half the size of previous years.

The late 1980s saw a resurgence in baseball card popularity. In 1987, Score debuted with innovative card designs and statistics on the back. That same year, Upper Deck began as a small California company but gained notoriety for high quality printing and cardboard stock. Their attention to detail set a new standard that other companies aspired to match.

The early 1990s experienced phenomenal growth, fueled by the entry of new manufacturers, innovative marketing, and rising player salaries in Major League Baseball. Score, Upper Deck, and Studio released premium sets with glossy photographs, embossed logos, and autographed or memorabilia cards inserted randomly. These inserts created excitement for collectors seeking rare and valuable cards.

In 1991, Fleer obtained the exclusive NFL license previously held by Topps. This marked the first time since 1956 that Topps did not control the NFL market. It showed that Topps’ dominance could be challenged. Later that year, Leaf trading cards debuted with a focus on young star players. Their marketing emphasized the chase for short printed rookie cards that could become extremely valuable.

The speculative bubble of the early 1990s reached its peak in 1992. Record numbers of collectors sought cards of rising stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and others. Multiple companies released large base sets with insert sets featuring rare parallel or serially numbered parallel cards. The market was flooded with product but collectors eagerly snapped up factory sealed wax boxes hoping to pull a valuable rookie card.

The overproduction and speculation led to a crash. By 1994, the bubble had burst. Retailers were left with massive unsold inventory that tanked in value. Many collectors lost interest or money after speculating on cards that plummeted in secondary market prices. Manufacturers scaled back production amidst declining sales. The market consolidated as smaller companies like Leaf and Score struggled.

Topps, Donruss, and Upper Deck emerged as the surviving mainstream manufacturers. They cut back on sets but maintained quality. Insert cards of current stars or parallel rookie variations continued to be popular random inserts driving excitement. Autograph and memorabilia cards inserted at lower print runs created a new premium segment for high-end collectors. Refractor parallel cards with prismatic colors also became popular in the mid-1990s.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Nomar Garciaparra from the 1990s are now highly coveted by collectors, especially in mint condition. The designs, photography quality, and statistics featured on the backs of these cards set the standard that is still followed today. While the boom years of speculation are in the past, baseball cards remain a popular part of the hobby for collectors, investors, and those nostalgic for the players and era of their childhood. The 1980s and 1990s established many of the product innovations and business strategies that shaped the modern sports card industry.

The 1980s and 1990s saw significant growth and changes in the baseball card market. New manufacturers entered to challenge Topps’ dominance. Innovative marketing and premium inserts created excitement among collectors. The early 1990s experienced a speculative bubble that crashed by the mid-90s, consolidating the industry. Many popular designs and strategies from that era still influence the baseball card market today. Rookie cards from stars of the 80s and 90s remain highly desirable for collectors and investors.