100 BASEBALL CARDS

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Collecting baseball cards is a beloved American pastime that goes back over 100 years. From the earliest tobacco cards produced in the late 1800s to today’s modern releases, card collecting allows fans to appreciate individual players as well as the rich history of America’s national pastime. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at 100 iconic baseball cards that every serious collector should seek to obtain.

We’ll start with arguably the most valuable card in existence – the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909-1911, the Wagner card is legendary for how few are known to exist in high grades. Honus Wagner, an eight-time National League batting champion, reportedly asked the tobacco company to stop producing his card as he did not want to promote the use of tobacco. As a result, the Wagner card is exceptionally rare, with only around 60 high-grade copies known. Graded examples in high grade can sell for well over $1 million, making it truly the holy grail for collectors.

Another early tobacco card and one of the most iconic of all time is the 1913 E95 strip card featuring “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. Known for his dazzling fielding and throwing abilities as well as his impressive .408 batting average in the 1908 season, Jackson became embroiled in the infamous “Black Sox” scandal when he conspired with other players to throw the 1919 World Series. As a result, he was banned from organized baseball for life. Today, high grade examples of the E95 Jackson card can fetch $100,000 or more.

Moving into the 1950s, one of the most desired cards is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. As one of the first color cards produced, it pictures an up-and-coming Mantle during what would become a legendary Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 Gem Mint grades of this iconic Mantle rookie can sell for well over $100,000. Another ’50s card that demands high prices is the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron rookie. One of the cleanest and most visually striking cards ever made, high grade Aarons can reach the $50,000 range.

The 1960s had no shortage of incredible cards, like the 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie. One of the greatest pitchers of all time with a record 7 no-hitters, the Ryan rookie in PSA 10 condition consistently sells for $15,000-$20,000. The 1964 Topps Sandy Koufax is another ’60s gem, depicting the Dodger lefty at the peak of his powers during his memorable 1965 season when he won the Triple Crown. High grades bring $10,000+. The 1968 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie also commands big money around $10,000 in PSA 10 as Jackson developed into one of the game’s true slugging superstars.

The 1970s saw perhaps the most iconic card of all time first introduced – the 1973 Topps rookie card of Bronx Bomber slugger Thurman Munson. As the Yankees’ captain and leader, any high grade Munson rookie is a true trophy card worth $5,000-$10,000. The 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. rookie also showed promise of greatness and high grades can reach $5,000 for the future Hall of Famer. Another ’70s rookie that demands big dollars is the 1975 Topps George Brett in pristine condition at $3,000-$5,000 range. Brett would become one of the game’s greatest third basemen and sluggers of all time.

In the 1980s, perhaps no card symbolized raw potential like the 1984 Donruss rookie card of Mets phenom Dwight Gooden. As a rookie, “Doctor K” stunned the baseball world by going 17-9 with a 1.53 ERA and 276 strikeouts to win both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award. High grade Gooden rookies reach $3,000 today. Another ’80s star whose rookie card maintained strong value is the 1987 Topps Chipper Jones, one of the decade’s best switch-hitting third basemen. Pristine PSA 10 examples trade hands for $2,000-$3,000. And no card from the late ’80s had more hype than the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. The style and mechanics of “The Kid” made this one of the most popular and valuable modern rookie cards at $1,500-$2,000 PSA 10.

The 1990s had new star power emerge as the sport entered a new era after the 1994 player strike. Chief among the new generation of stars was the 1992 Upper Deck Alex Rodriguez rookie card. Considered one of the greatest shortstops ever, a PSA 10 A-Rod tops $3,000. The iconic 1992 Studio Chipper Jones Fleer rookie card also remains a consistent $2,000 PSA 10. Other ’90s standouts like the 1998 BowmanREF Tim Hudson rookie, 1999 Bowman Piazza rookie, and 1996 FinestJeff Bagwell rookie all hold value ranging from $1,000-2,000 in top condition.

The 2000s got off to an epic start with the legendary 2000 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout rookie card. Still just entering his prime years later, pristine Trout rookies are already a $2,000+ card. The iconoclastic 2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki rookie also became an instant classic and demands $1,000 PSA 10. Other modern stars whose rookies are affordable but steadily appreciate include the 2003 Topps Adrian Gonzalez at $500 PSA 10, 2006 Topps Ryan Braun at $400 PSA 10, and the 2009 Topps Strasburg at $300 PSA 10. These represent smart long term holds assuming these players’ careers continue on a Hall of Fame trajectory.

In the 2010s, big players emerged that will define the next generation, with cards that are affordable now but have immense future potential. This includes the 2011 Topps Bryce Harper at $150 PSA 10, 2012 Topps Mike Trout at $100 PSA 10, 2013 Topps Manny Machado at $75 PSA 10, 2014 Topps Kris Bryant at $50 PSA 10, and the 2015 Topps Corey Seager and 2016 Topps Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both hanging around the $25 PSA 10 mark currently. These represent the future stars and their cards at their absolute lowest prices before careers potentially take off. Investing now could yield exponential returns down the road assuming talent ultimately translates to consistent production and Superstar status.

This article only scratched the surface of the many iconic cards that make up the rich history of baseball card collecting. With each new release, new stars emerge whose cards could one day join the hallowed ranks of the most valuable cards ever made. For collectors, it’s about appreciating both the established legends of the game as well as identifying the rising talents whose cards could become the future classics. With over 160 years of history, baseball cards continue to represent the thrill of the game and connect generations of fans through the enjoyment of collecting.

BASEBALL FOOTBALL BASKETBALL CARDS

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The history of sports trading cards dates back over 130 years. Some of the earliest documented sports cards featured images of baseball players and were included in packages of cigarettes in the late 1880s. These cards helped promote both the cigarette brands and helped grow the popularity of professional baseball. In the early 1900s, companies like American Tobacco began mass producing sets of baseball cards that could be collected and traded. Stars of the day like Honus Wagner and Cy Young became hugely popular partly due to their appearance on these early baseball cards.

The golden age of baseball cards is widely considered to be the 1950s and 1960s. Iconic sets like Topps, Fleer and Bowman were produced yearly and featured the biggest names in the sport. Young boys all across America collected and traded these cards, with some like the famous 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card becoming extremely valuable decades later. The boom in baseball card popularity was fueled by the rise of televised baseball games that exposed new generations to the stars and teams. This was also when innovative promotion techniques like including a free pack of cards inside of bubble gum were introduced, driving even more sales and interest.

Football cards began appearing in the early 1930s but did not take off in popularity until the post-World War 2 era when the NFL was growing. Bowman Gum led the way by introducing the first modern football card sets in 1948 and 1949. These early football cards featured both college and pro players. Topps began mass producing football cards in 1951 and their designs and sets became the most popular through the 1950s and 60s. Iconic rookie cards from this era that hold huge value today include Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath. As the NFL gained more national television exposure, interest in football cards grew steadily through the 1960s alongside the rising superstardom of players.

Basketball cards lagged slightly behind the other major sports in terms of widespread popularity and production values. Some of the earliest documented basketball cards date back to the late 1930s but production was sparse. The sport gained more mainstream attention after World War 2 and the first Golden Era of basketball cards began in the 1950s as companies like Bowman and Topps began releasing basketball sets on a regular annual basis. Rookie cards of legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West from this era are extremely valuable today. Interest in basketball cards grew through the 1960s as the NBA gained popularity but production levels were still behind baseball and football until the 1970s.

The 1970s marked another boom period for all sports cards as interest grew across demographics. Iconic rookie cards were produced of future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Walter Payton, Dr. J and Magic Johnson. The 1970s also saw innovation and competition heat up between the main producers Topps, Fleer and Kellogg’s. This included experimentation with new materials, color photos and promotion of the stars through oddball sets focused on a single player or team. The 1970s is also remembered as the first boom of sports memorabilia collecting, as adults began spending money seeking rookie cards of their favorite childhood players and teams.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, sports card popularity continued to grow exponentially with baby boomers and Generation X. New stars like Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan and Ken Griffey Jr. drove interest in their rookie cards. Many regional and independent companies entered the lucrative sports card market but Topps maintained its dominance through savvy licensing deals. The sports memorabilia market also grew into a billion-dollar industry. The overproduction of cards in the early 1990s led to a crash as supply far outpaced demand. This caused a down period for the industry through the mid-1990s.

The modern sports card era began in the late 1990s and 2000s. Several factors revived the market including renewed adult interest, the rise of online auctions, special parallel and autographed inserts in sets, and new technology like swatches of game-worn memorabilia in cards. Iconic rookie cards were produced of Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning, Kevin Garnett that hold huge value today. Modern basketball cards in particular saw explosive growth thanks to the international popularity of Michael Jordan and the NBA. Meanwhile, companies like Upper Deck and Leaf entered the market and produced innovative, high-end sets that attracted adult collectors.

In the 2010s, sports cards are more popular than ever. While the youth market has declined some, a huge population of adult collectors fueled the market during this period. Digital platforms like eBay made collecting accessible worldwide and values of vintage cards reached new highs. Modern stars like Mike Trout, Patrick Mahomes and Luka Doncic saw their rookie cards break records. New technologies like autographs on front of cards and relic cards with game-used memorabilia pushed innovation. Despite the 2020 pandemic slowing production, the long-term future of the sports card industry remains strong as a multi-billion dollar business driven by passionate adult collectors worldwide.

Over 130 years since the first baseball cards of the 1880s, the trading card industry has grown into a multi-billion dollar worldwide phenomenon. While youth interest has waxed and waned some over the decades, the growth of adult collecting has fueled new highs in popularity, innovation and collectible card values. Icons of baseball, football and basketball from the past several generations are memorialized through their rookie cards, driving ongoing interest from fans and collectors. The integration of digital platforms and technologies with traditional card production has made the modern sports card industry stronger than ever.

1997 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1997 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the 1997 baseball season and contained images of players and teams from the 1996 MLB season. Some key notes about the 1997 Topps checklist:

The set contains 792 total cards including regular player and rookie cards as well as manager, coaches, prospect, team, and league leader cards. The design of the cards featured a blue background with team logos prominently displayed at the bottom like in previous years. Topps continued its trend of including fewer cards per pack compared to the late 1980s/early 1990s with just 5-6 cards per pack on average.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Jim Thome, Jeff Bagwell, and Nomar Garciaparra were included in the set. Other top rookies featured were Todd Hollandsworth, Jason Kendall, Paul Konerko, Robb Nen, and Todd Williams. Top veteran players showcased included Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz among many others.

The chase cards in the 1997 Topps set included #1 Ken Griffey Jr., #69 Mark McGwire (in honor of his then-record 69 home runs in 1998), #420 Daryl Strawberry, and #777 Mariano Rivera. Parallel inserts like Diamond Kings paralleled popular players by position. The Topps Finest subset featured glossy photo variations of 100 stars.

For the first time, Topps included autograph cards randomly inserted in packs. The 1997 Topps Autographs checklist featured signatures of past and present players like Nolan Ryan, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, Barry Larkin, and Dennis Eckersley among others. Major League Materials autograph cards contained swatches of game-used fabric also.

Topps Traded was released mid-season as always and showcased updated rookie cards, stars from playoff teams, and traded players in new uniforms. The Traded set was much smaller than the base issue at just 132 cards but provided late-season additions. Select parallels like Goldparallels and Sepia parallels numbered to 50 or less featured some of the stars in the Traded subset.

In 1997 Upper Deck featured rookie cards of Andruw Jones, Todd Helton, and Jason Varitek among others but began to lose popularity to more inserts and parallels offered by Topps and Leaf who continued trying new insert ideas. Score also released a smaller 490 card base set but focused more on promotions instead of chasing Topps.

The 1997 season saw the Cleveland Indians defeat the Florida Marlins in the World Series 4-3, led by Series MVP José Mesa. Other top performers featured included Roger Clemens’ AL-best 21 wins, Larry Walker’s NL-best .366 average, and Ken Griffey Jr.’s 56 home runs. The Baltimore Orioles drafted high school shortstop Derek Jeter who would go on to cement his status as a baseball icon.

While smaller in size than 1980s issues and less flashy than modern ultra-chrome parallels, the 1997 Topps baseball card set remains a solid reflection of the players and teams from that season. Rookies of future Hall of Famers and chase hits like autographed cards added excitement for collectors at the time and many of the cards remain affordable for collectors today seeking to build sets from the 1990s era.

PRO SET BASEBALL CARDS

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Introduction to Pro Set Baseball Cards
Pro Set is a sports card company that started in 1987 with the goal of challenging the dominance that Topps had in the baseball card industry. Their first set featuring active major league baseball players debuted that year and helped usher in a new era of competition and creativity in the hobby. Since then, Pro Set has released several different baseball card sets per year showcasing both current athletes and vintage players from baseball’s past.

While Topps had established itself as the premier brand due to decades as the sole producer of MLB licensed cards, Pro Set sought to differentiate itself through innovative design styles, unique photography, and inserts highlighting special subsets of players. They also offered more cards per box and set compared to Topps, providing collectors with better odds of completing full roster collections. This introduction of new competition finally broke Topps’ monopoly and forced them to adapt as well.

1987 Pro Set Baseball Cards – The Origins
Pro Set’s 1987 baseball release served as their debut entry into the market and helped put the upstart company on the map. The base set totaled an impressive 762 cards featuring major and minor league players. Rosters of each MLB franchise were included along with rookie cards, career stats on the backs, and a wide array of variations including refractors, die-cuts, and acetate parallels.

Notably, this initial set contained rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio. Other top rookies like Chuck Knoblauch and Travis Fryman also had their first cards produced through Pro Set in 1987. The design scheme utilized action photography with a dark gray border around each image. Set checklists and information was provided on the wrappers and inside boxes.

Later in 1987, Pro Set followed up their flagship release with a Traded set highlighting players who were dealt to new teams midseason. This 101 card insert focused more on career accomplishments and statistics compared to the base rookies found in the main set. Both issues from ’87 were successful in introducing collectors to the new brand and remained popular for years after in the secondary market.

Beyond 1987 – Subsequent Pro Set Baseball Releases
In the decades since, Pro Set has continued to add new baseball products each year. Some of their most notable sets included:

1988 – Their second year boasted an 888 card standard issue plus inserts like Traded, Hometown Heroes, and MVP Awards. This maintained Pro Set’s reputation for quality and volume.

1989-1992 – Pro Set kept up a busy release schedule during this stretch with various oddball parallels, short prints, and special subsets added to their flagship offerings each spring.

1993 – Highlighted by rookie cards of Derek Jeter, Jim Thome, and Jason Giambi, this 796 card set saw Pro Set still thriving amid competition.

1997 – Mark McGwire’s epic 70+ home run season fueled interest in this 660 card rainbow foil design release. Base cards had additional color tints.

1999 – Featured one of the rarest modern parallels, the 1/1 Silk Cut Signature parallel autograph card of Carlos Delgado.

2000 – Their last true baseball set before changing directions, it contained 600 cards and notable rookies like Adam Dunn.

While no longer actively producing new MLB-licensed cards on an annual basis today, Pro Set created a legacy as an innovator and volume leader. Their early releases in the late 80s and 90s grew the market, brought rookies to new collectors, and challenged Topps’ dominance with creative designs, parallels, and variations that are still beloved today from a nostalgic standpoint. Pro Set pushed the entire baseball card industry forward during their time as a major competitor and influential participant.

Collecting Pro Set Baseball Cards Today
Though Pro Set is no longer an active baseball card manufacturer, their older sets and inserts from the late 80s through 90s remain very popular with both collectors and investors. Completed base sets in top condition can carry significant value depending on the specific year and any short prints, parallels, or notable rookie cards included. Some examples of desirable Pro Set cards that command premium prices include:

1987 Tom Glavine rookie card (PSA 10 has sold for over $7,000)
1992 Derek Jeter rookie card (PSA 10 over $20,000)
1996 Jim Thome refractive parallel rookie (Gem Mint has exceeded $5,000)

Vintage Pro Set inserts like Traded, MVP Awards, and Coach cards containing all-time greats fetch high sums as well. Perhaps their rarest modern parallel, the 1999 Carlos Delgado 1/1 Silk Cut auto sold for nearly $9,000 back in 2001. These scarce Pro Set issues from their heyday remain hunted trophies by dedicated collectors decades later.

For the everyday collector on a budget, Pro Set still offers an affordable path to building full teams or players due to their large print runs compared to other brands from the late 80s and 90s. Many stars, role players, and entire league sets can be completed for a reasonable cost. Organizing the large volumes of cards they produced each year also forms an fun challenge respected within the hobby. Overall, Pro Set created a lasting legacy through both their pioneering efforts and enduring cardboard treasures from baseball’s past.

Conclusion
Through their introduction of new competition and emphasis on volume, innovation, and player subsets, Pro Set revolutionized the baseball card industry. While no longer producing new MLB licensed products today, their 1980s and 90s releases remain highly regarded for both nostalgia and long-term investment potential. Pro Set challenged Topps’ monopoly dominance and pushed the entire hobby forward through progressive design styles and parallel variations that collectors still appreciate today. This underdog company that sought to dominate carving out its own unique identity left an indelible mark on the baseball card space that remains influential to both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike within the collecting community.

1991 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 baseball season resulted in some memorable moments both on and off the field. In cards, the 1991 Upper Deck set led the way as one of the most iconic releases of the junk wax era. While many ’91 cards hold little value compared to vintage issues, a few star rookies and short printed parallels make the set worth a closer look for savvy collectors.

The MLB landscape was changed forever when the Atlanta Braves signed a then-17 year old shortstop from Curaçao named Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens made his debut in August of ’91 and showed flashes of brilliance, foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card from Donruss is one of the key 1991 pieces to acquire. Graded mint examples have sold for thousands.

In October, Twins’ jack-of-all-trades Kent Hrbek emerged as a postseason hero by batting over .400 to lead Minnesota to a shocking World Series title over the heavily favored Atlanta Braves. The emotionally charged series culminated with Hrbek’s infamous takedown of Braves first baseman Ron Gant in extra innings of Game 2. Both players’ ’91 Upper Deck rookie cards have gained value as a result of their performances.

Upper Deck’s release changed the baseball card landscape, popularizing the use of photography and pioneering industry innovations like fractional serial numbering. The base rookie cards of World Series MVP Jack Morris, Cy Young winner Tom Glavine, and all-stars Darren Daulton and David Justice remain relevant and hold steady value for collectors.

Upper Deck also featured short printed parallel sets like Gold Inserts (1:96 packs), Mini Leaders (#/999), and Special Edition Black Gold (#/100) that created buzz and became highly sought after by traders. Graded rookie examples of Gold Inserts for Tom Glavine and Jack Morris have reached prices in the thousands of dollars.

While 1991 Donruss, Fleer, and Score issues are abundant, certain stars breakthrough seasons resulted in lasting demand for their base rookie cards. Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg bounced back from injury to win the NL MVP award. His continuing popularity with Cubs fans keeps his commons cards priced higher than contemporaries from the junk wax era.

The 1991 score set saw skyrocketing sales of Griffey’s rookie after he took the sport by storm with his combination of five-tool talent and exciting flair in the outfield. PSA 10 examples of his Score RC have topped six figures at auction. Donruss also cashed in on Griffeymania with multiple parallel issues of his first card that hold value, especially in top graded condition.

Perhaps no 1991 rookie is more sought after than Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Manuel Lee. Only 106 copies of Lee’s rookie card from Score are known to exist after an error in the printing process omitted his image. Rumors swirled about Lee’s potential before injuries derailed his career after just 80 MLB games. In gem mint 10 condition, a Manuel Lee RC recently sold at auction for over $250,000, shattering expectations for a card from the junk wax era.

Though production numbers were massive overall in the early 1990s, certain 1991 stars and parallels achieved cult status among seasoned collectors. Key rookies like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Tom Glavine, and Jair Jurrjens sparked continued interest and solidified their place in card history. Upper Deck innovations also pushed the industry forward into a new age. While the vast majority of 1991 commons hold nominal value, a dedicated search through the junk wax can still uncover noteworthy gems and investment opportunities for discerning collectors.

VALUE OF WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS

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Willie Mays is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Over the course of his illustrious 22-year career playing center field primarily for the New York and San Francisco Giants, Mays dazzled fans with his incredible abilities both offensively and defensively. With 660 career home runs, over 3000 total hits, stolen bases titles, and tremendous defense in the outfield, Mays secured his place as a baseball legend for generations. Given his iconic career and status, it’s no surprise that Willie Mays baseball cards are some of the most coveted andvaluable cards in the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at some key Mays cards and what factors influence their worth.

One of Mays’ earliest and most iconic rookie cards is his 1951 Bowman card. Issued during his second major league season after making his debut in 1951 with the New York Giants, the 1951 Bowman Mays is arguably the most significant and valuable post-WWII rookie card in existence. With its simple yet iconic design showing a smiling Mays in a Giants cap ready at the plate, the 1951 Bowman captured Mays at the very beginning of his trailblazing career. In top gem mint condition, this rare Mays rookie has sold at auction for over $600,000 in recent years, establishing it as among the costliest cards ever. Even well-centered excellent or near mint copies can fetch five figures. What makes it so highly sought is that it documents the early days of a legend shortly before he went on to have a career for the ages.

For collectors seeking a cheaper Mays rookie alternative, his 1952 Bowman card offers a more affordable option still packing major nostalgia and history. While produced a year later than the ultra-rare 1951 issue when Mays was already an established star, the 1952 Bowman captured Mays in just his third MLB season when he was still a rising young star. Low population numbers mean high-grade copies are still quite valuable, with near mint to mint versions trading hands for $3,000-6,000. The card is instantly recognizable displaying Mays from his Giants days in batting stance with the iconic Polo Grounds in the background. Even though it postdates his true rookie season, the 1952 Bowman acts as a nice proxy for those unable to afford or find the astronomically expensive 1951 card.

Mays’ rookie seasons in the 1950s established him as one of baseball’s emerging stars, but it was the latter half of his career playing in San Francisco that cemented his iconic status. His popular 1965 Topps card from his days as the face of the Giants franchise is undoubtedly one of the most historically significant Mays issues. With its crisp photography showing the Say Hey Kid batting in a Giants road grey uniform, the 1965 Topps captured Mays at the peak of his powers in the midst of some of his best statistical seasons. Graded mint copies in the coveted MINT 9 or 10 condition regularly sell in the $1000-2000 range, a testament to the strong collector demand for high quality examples of Mays in his Giants prime. Even well-centered near mint copies are still highly sought after and valuable at the $300-500 price point. The 1965 joins his 1951 and 1952 Bowmans as a “holy grail” card for any serious Mays or vintage card collector.

While Mays’ 1950s Bowman rookies and 1960s flagship Topps issues dominate talk of his valuable vintage cards, collectors should not sleep on some of his earlier 1950s Topps issues as well. Cards like his 1954, 1955, and especially 1957 Topps portray Mays in the early stages of greatness for the Giants and remain quite collectible and affordable for most budgets compared to the megabucks 1950s Bowmans. A sharp copy of Mays’ iconic 1957 Topps card, which showed him batting from the left side in San Francisco duds complete with sunglasses, can be obtained in the $100-250 range depending on condition. This is an extremely iconic and visually pleasing Mays image that documented one of his MVP seasons and established him as a bona fide star of the decade.

The 1970s posed unique challenges for collectors seeking Mays cards as he had retired from playing after the 1973 season. As a result, his main cardboard appearances come from archives, oddball, or team issue sets from the decade that lack the mass production of Topps flagship sets. Cards like his 1971 Topps Archives reprint or 1973 All-Time Giants set card remain quite scarce in high grades. Another unique Mays card comes from 1975, one of the inaugural years of the Pacific brand. The simple vertical format card showed Mays in retirement as a coach but remains a scarce Mays issue traded usually in the $150-300 range. Resourceful collectors should explore some of these deeper vintage cuts for affordable Mays representations from his post-playing days.

Fast forwarding to the modern era, Mays’ first autograph and memorabilia cards emerged in the early 1990s special sets from brands like Upper Deck and Topps. While these posed more affordable Willie Mays collectibles compared to his vintage issues, graded high quality examples of Mays’ autographed and memorabilia cards from the dawn of that category in the early 1990s UD and TSC sets still command over $1000 today. More contemporary Mays signings from the 2000s in mainstream sets like Topps Gallery are fairly plentiful on the secondary market in the $50-150 raw range depending on the exact parallel, design, and autograph quality. These modern options allow today’s collectors access to direct Mays pieces at affordable price points relative to his pre-1960 cards.

In summary, Willie Mays’ iconic career and status as “The Say Hey Kid” cemented him as one of the most collectible and imposing figures baseball cards have ever known. From his exceedingly rare and expensive 1950s Bowman rookie issues to mid-career flagship Topps portrayals to unique oddballs and autographs, Mays cards span the entire breadth of the hobby’s history. Whether it’s marquee cards like the 1951 Bowman or more reasonably priced 1970s and 1990s issues, admirers of the Mays mystique will continue to enthusiastically collect artwork celebrating one of the true pioneers of America’s pastime.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic issues from the early 1970s due to some of the rookie cards and stars featured. Over the past decade, values of certain key cards from the 782-card set have increased considerably.

This was the first Topps set to feature player headshots taken with dark film backgrounds rather than team uniforms. The design featured a color team logo at the top along with the player’s position and batting or pitching stats. At the bottom was the team name written in a script font. The backs continued with the simple white design featuring career stats and a short biography.

The rookie class of 1973 included Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, John Montefusco and player-turned-manager Jim Leyland. Some key rookie cards to look for include:

Dave Winfield, Padres (#1): One of the most iconic rookie cards in the sport. Near mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition can fetch $3,000-$5,000. Higher grades above PSA 9 push into the $10,000 range.

John Montefusco, Giants (#659): A PSA 8 trades for $500-800 while a PSA 9 goes for $1,000-1,500. Higher grades command more value.

Jim Leyland, Pirates (#675): Has increased in value steadily the past few years. PSA 8 is $150-250 and PSA 9 is $300-500.

Ron Cey, Dodgers (#30): Not a hall of famer but an important Dodger from that era. PSA 8 is $150-250.

Bert Blyleven, Twins (#684): PSA 8 is $150-250. His dominance in the late 70s and 80s has increased interest in his rookie card long term.

Some of the veteran superstars featured in the set that command big money include Nolan Ryan’s Astros card (#632), Roberto Clemente’s Pirates (#20), Hank Aaron’s Braves (#75) and Willie Mays’ Mets (#660). All are highly coveted by collectors in high grades.

The biggest stars fetch the highest prices. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan can sell for over $8,000. A PSA 8 Hank Aaron is $2,000-3,000 and a PSA 9 is $5,000-7,000. A PSA 9 Roberto Clemente is $7,000-10,000 range while his PSA 8 goes for $3,000-5,000.

The 1973 Topps set also features unique error cards that are highly sought after. The two most notable are:

Mike Kekich, Yankees (error): Has him wearing a Yankees cap and uniform but credited to the Indians on front. Scarce error that a PSA 8 sold for $5,000 in early 2020 auction.

George Scott, Brewers (error): Credited to the “Brewers” but photo shows his Expos uniform clearly. PSA 8 trades between $1,200-2,000.

Beyond the star rookies and veterans, there are also several other notable short prints and harder to find cards that command demand:

Bill Singer, Angels SP (#670): Low printed short print. PSA 8 trades for $300-500.

Clarence Gaston, Expos SP (#662): Scarce find. PSA 8 brings $200-350 range.

Dan Spillner, A’s SP (#628): One of the toughest 1973 SPs to locate. PSA 8 potential $500+ card.

Willie Davis, Dodgers SP (#50): Quality versions still around $150-250 in PSA 8.

Don Sutton, Dodgers (#12): High quality years were ahead but still valuable Dodgers star. PSA 8 is $150-250.

The 1973 Topps set is remarkably complete and accessible for collectors of all budgets. Many key stars and rookies can be found in affordable near mint grades while gem mint copies of the true vintage stars continue increasing in value steadily. For a vintage set with so many iconic players featured, 1973 Topps cards remain a relatively inexpensive entry into the vintage hobby.

ELITE EXTRA EDITION BASEBALL CARDS

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Elite Extra Edition baseball cards have been a highly coveted collectible for decades. Produced by Topps, these special cards have additional embellishments and extras that make them a step above the standard card offerings in any given year. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes Elite Extra Editions so desirable among collectors.

The Elite Extra Edition series began in 1987 as Topps’ attempt to offer collectors an even more premium product beyond their standard sets. Where a typical card would have the player photo and stats on the front with a write-up on the back, Elite cards added several extra elements that enhanced the collectibility. Some of the key differences that set Elite cards apart included embossed foil stamping on the front, extra color photo variations, autographed memorabilia relic cards, and serially numbered parallels.

In terms of design differences, Elite cards stood out right away due to the foil stamping. Whether it was the player’s name, team logo, or “Elite Extra Edition” banner across the top – these elements really made the cards pop. The foil added extra flair and made the cards feel like true premium pieces. Beyond just the foil, many Elite cards also featured colorized photos instead of the usual black and white. Having photos with different color tints made each card feel unique.

When it comes to the memorabilia and autograph relic cards, these are what really drive up the value and demand for Elite Extra Editions among collectors. Inserted randomly in packs, relic cards contain actual swatches of game-used jerseys, bats, balls or other memorabilia alongside a player autograph. No two relic cards are exactly the same since each contains a truly one-of-a-kind piece of memorabilia. For superstar players, these autographed relics can sell for thousands of dollars depending on the player and size/condition of the memorabilia piece included.

In addition to the standard issue cards, Topps also produced parallel and short printed variations of the Elite cards that are even harder to find. These include gold foil stamped parallels, black bordered “black gold” parallels, and ultra-short printed red parallels. Numbered to usually 10 copies or less, these parallel Elites take collecting to an entirely new level of rarity. Locating and acquiring one of these elusive parallel cards is the holy grail for many collectors.

Over the years, Elite Extra Editions were released on and off by Topps through 2009. The 1987, 1992, 2000, 2001 and 2003 editions are among the most coveted and valuable. With each new release, Topps upped the production quality and memorabilia offerings even more. The 2000 and 2001 Elite sets took things to a whole new level with triple relic cards, quad relic cards, and game jersey relic autos. Prices for these ultra-premium pieces have reached astronomical heights at auction.

For the hardcore collector looking for the pinnacle of baseball card rarity and craftsmanship, Elite Extra Editions truly represent the cream of the crop. While the standard rookies, stars and base cards of any given year may lose value over time – the special Elite issues seem to gain value at a faster rate due to their limited quantities and one-of-a-kind memorabilia components. Whether you’re a vintage collector or modern player collector, having an Elite card brings a certain prestige that other products can’t match. They remain some of the most desirable baseball cards in the hobby.

MOST VALUABLE 1980S ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. Previously, baseball cards were mostly included as inserts in gum and candy. But in the 1980s, the industry began packaging cards on their own as collectibles. This led to a boom in popularity and skyrocketing valuations for the hottest rookie cards from the decade.

While many rookies from the 1980s went on to have productive MLB careers, nothing compares to the star power and on-field success enjoyed by Toronto Blue Jays star shortstop Tony Fernandez. Fernandez debuted with the Jays in 1983 at just 20 years old and would go on to play until 2001, making five All-Star teams along the way.

However, Fernandez’s 1983 Donruss rookie card stands out as one of the premier key rookies from the decade. In near-mint condition, the Fernandez rookie has increased exponentially in value, now routinely selling for over $1,000 and sometimes reaching up into the multi-thousand dollar range. While Fernandez wasn’t the biggest name player of the decade, his rookie card became highly sought after by collectors interested in owning an integral piece of baseball card history from the early days of the modern collecting boom.

Of course, no discussion of 1980s rookie sensations is complete without mentioning the “Captain America” himself, New York Yankees slugging first baseman Don Mattingly. Selected by the Yankees with the ninth overall pick in the 1979 draft, Mattingly made his MLB debut in 1982 at age 21 after blasting hit way through the minors. He immediately took the league by storm, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award and establishing himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars on baseball’s biggest stage in New York.

Mattingly’s popularity exploded during the decade and his rookie cards followed suit. High-grade copies of his 1982 Topps, Donruss, and Fleer rookie cards are now worth thousands of dollars. It’s the venerable 1982 Topps card that stands out as the true blockbuster. With its perfect logo and straightforward snapshot of a young Mattingly in Yankees pinstripes, the 1982 Topps rookie is a true icon of the era and considered by many to be the most valuable card of the entire decade. Graded mint copies often sell in excess of $10,000, with the all-time record being $211,000 set in 2016.

While Mattingly and Fernandez burst on to the scene early in the decade, one of the most hyped rookie classes came in 1984 as Hall of Famers like Dwight Gooden and Barry Bonds began their careers. As a rookie in 1984, Dwight Gooden went 24-4 with a microscopic 1.07 ERA and 268 strikeouts, winning National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award honors for the New York Mets.

Gooden’s 1984 Topps rookie is probably the second most valuable card from the 1980s after Mattingly. Top-graded examples in mint condition regularly sell for $4,000-$6,000. Gooden’s star burned extremely bright as a rookie but flickered out early due to injuries and substance abuse issues. Nevertheless, his record-setting 1984 season made his rookie card extremely sought after by collectors.

Another 1984 standout was Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prodigy Orel Hershiser. While he didn’t immediately match Gooden’s video game numbers, Hershiser emerged as one of the top hurlers of the late 1980s. He won 20 games for the Dodgers in 1985 and would win both the Cy Young and World Series MVP in 1988 after tossing a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings.

Hershiser’s 1984 Fleer Update rookie card isn’t valued as highly as Gooden or Mattingly but still carries value due to his excellence later in the decade. Mint condition copies can sell for $1,000-$2,000 today. Considered a key piece of one of the deepest rookie classes in card history from 1984.

While pitchers Gooden and Hershiser stood out in 1984, it was position players Barry Bonds and Kirby Puckett that became bigger stars as the decade continued. Bonds debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986 and would win three MVP awards in the 1990s on his way to the Hall of Fame. His rookie cards from 1984 and 1986 Fleer are two of the more valuable from the decade thanks to his all-time great career. Mid-grade versions sell for $500-$1,000.

Meanwhile, Puckett emerged as a fiery catalyst for the World Series champion 1991 Twins after debuting in 1984. Despite playing alongside bigger names like Gooden and Bonds as rookies, Puckett developed into a twelve-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner for Minnesota. His striking 1984 Fleer and Donruss rookies remain quite valuable at $300-$600 even graded. While he didn’t put up gaudy offensive numbers, Puckett established himself as the heartbeat of dominant Twins teams.

Two other position players that made huge splashes as 1980s rookies were Cincinnati Reds slugger Eric Davis in 1984 and Oakland A’s legend Jose Canseco in 1986. Davis possesses one of the most visually striking and desirable rookie cards ever issued in his 1984 Topps sticker card, which commonly fetches $300-$500 today. Meanwhile, Canseco electrified the baseball world with 33 home runs as a rookie, fueling interest in his rookie cards from 1986 Topps, Donruss, and Fleer. Higher grade versions of the Canseco rookie cards can reach $400-$800.

While stars like Gooden, Mattingly, Bonds, and Griffey dominated the decade, several other notable 1980s rookie cards have stood the test of time due to the players’ careers. Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace posted a .296 average over 16 seasons and his distinctive upper-gear rookie card from 1988 Fleer is valued around $75-$150 graded. California Angels reliever Dennis Eckersley had several dominant seasons but is best known for his 1990 comeback with the A’s. His classic 1977 Topps rookie from his tenure with the Cleveland Indians commands $200-$400.

The 1980s produced countless Hall of Fame careers and several of the most iconic rookie cards in the history of the hobby. Cards like Don Mattingly in 1982 Topps, Dwight Gooden in 1984 Topps, and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989 Upper Deck redefined the collectibility and value of rookie cards. While the stars of the 1980s rookie class shined the brightest, lower-key players like Grace, Eckersley, and Fernandez have also maintained valuable spots in the release year card market due to memorable careers and the nostalgia of the decade. The 1980s truly kicked off rookie cards as we know them today.

1985 MLB BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1985 MLB baseball season produced some memorable rookie cards and highly sought after veterans. The season was delayed by a players’ strike but ended with the Kansas City Royals defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. This era brought a boom in the popularity of collecting baseball cards and the 1985 Topps set is one of the most iconic of the 1980s.

One of the most notable rookie cards from 1985 was that of Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees. Widely considered one of the greatest first basemen of all time, the 23-year old Mattingly was already proving himself as a superstar, having won the American League batting title and MVP award the previous season. His iconic 1985 Topps card shows him in his classic batting stance and is one of the most desirable and valuable rookie cards ever produced.

Another hugely popular rookie card was that of Roger Clemens, who was just starting to showcase his dominance on the mound for the Boston Red Sox. Clemens would go on to win a record seven Cy Young awards and establish himself as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. His rookie card captured him in the middle of his powerful windup and remains highly collectible today.

Dwight Gooden, who dazzled in his debut 1984 season with the New York Mets, had his first Topps update card in 1985 following an even more impressive sophomore campaign. Gooden won both the Cy Young award and pitching’s Triple Crown in ’85 and his card showcased why he was already regarded as perhaps the most talented young pitcher in the game.

Veteran cards that stand out from the 1985 Topps set include Rickey Henderson’s action shot depicting his elite base-running skills for the Oakland A’s and Wade Boggs’ classic card posing with the Red Sox. Also highly sought after are Kirby Puckett’s card in a Twins uniform after winning the 1985 AL batting title and Darryl Strawberry’s powerful image launching a home run for the Mets.

The strike interrupted what was shaping up to be another historic season for Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds as he closed in on breaking Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record. His 1985 Topps card is a favorite for collectors anticipating Rose making history later that year. Other coveted veterans include Gary Carter swinging for the Mets, Ozzie Smith backflipping for the Cardinals, and Nolan Ryan’s imposing windup on his Astros card.

The design of the 1985 Topps set featured many innovative elements that collectors appreciated. Among the notable additions were box scores and stats on the back of many cards as well as die-cut images on others. The backgrounds also incorporated colorful team graphics that added visual appeal compared to previous plain designs. Overall it was among the sharpest and most creative sets Topps had produced to that point.

While the MLB season was interrupted that year, baseball card collecting only continued to take off in popularity. Products from rival brand Fleer also thrived with desirable rookie cards of future stars like Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds. The boom amplified interest in vintage cards from prior decades as enthusiasts searched attics and collectibles shops for childhood favorites and new finds to reminisce major leaguers past.

Whether collecting for investment purposes or nostalgia, the 1985 baseball card set remains a core part of the hobby. Iconic rookies like Mattingly, Clemens, and Gooden established themselves as future Hall of Famers while stars in the prime of their careers like Henderson, Boggs, and Ryan thrilled fans on the field. Over 35 years later, these classic cardboard images still invoke memories of summer afternoons at the ballpark and continue to bring collectors of all ages joy.