1961 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HIGH NUMBERS

Leave a reply

The 1961 Topps baseball card set is widely considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. While the base cards that make up the first 407 cards in the set are certainly impressive enough on their own, it is the high number cards from #408 onwards that truly make the 1961 Topps set legendary. Let’s take a deeper look at these coveted high number cards.

Issued midway through the 1961 season, Topps added another 126 cards to the set beyond the original 407 to feature new players and updates to existing rosters. The reasoning behind adding more cards was simple – player transactions during the season meant rosters were constantly in flux. Topps wanted to ensure any significant players acquired via trade or promotion from the minors after the original checklist was finalized were still included.

Some key things to note – cards #408-#532 featured single players, while #533 onward showed duos on each card due to the higher volume of updates. The photos on the high numbers also seemed to come from a smaller assortment than the base cards, with several players sharing the same generic team posed shot. Still, the fact these cards captured the season fully intact made them essential for completionist collectors even with some compromise in photo quality.

In total, 23 future Hall of Famers have high number cards in the 1961 issue. Among the most notable are Willie Mays (#416), Hank Aaron (#418), Sandy Koufax (#422), Juan Marichal (#423), Willie McCovey (#424) and Roberto Clemente (#426). Mays’ card has long been one of the most valuable from the set due to his iconic status.

Other interesting high numbers include Rocky Colavito on the Detroit Tigers (#419), just months after being traded from Cleveland. Due to the trade, Colavito did not have a base card in the Tigers uniform initially. Pitcher Arnold Earley (#526) had one of the more amusing photos, showing him in the stretch position on the mound with an exaggerated expression.

Condition census data reveals only a small percentage of 1961 Topps cards have survived in high grades like Mint to Gem Mint. This is due to the low overproduction numbers compared to modern issues as well as the sheer age of the cards at over 60 years old now. The high numbers have typically been more well-preserved though, likely since they entered the marketplace months later than the initial release.

No other vintage set reminds collectors quite like 1961 Topps that rosters can change dramatically even within a single season. The inclusion of these extra 126 cards as additions and updates was groundbreaking for its time. While other issues since have also featured mid-year additions, 1961 Topps did so first and remained the standard that inspired future releases. Today the iconic high number cards continue to enthrall collectors and command top prices amongst vintage aficionados. Though produced as supplementary additions, they have cemented themselves as an integral part of one of card collecting’s most storied sets.

The 1961 Topps baseball card high numbers from #408-#532 not only captured the entirety of the season but showcased the need for Topps to be nimble and react to roster shifts. By including these late season player updates, they created a first of its kind concept that proved influential. Even small tweaks like two-player photos opened the door for unconventional designs. But most importantly, they gave collectors the full picture and introduced legendary Hall of Fame talents like Mays, Aaron and Clemente. Over 60 years later, the lure and mystique of these high number rookies continues to enthrall the hobby.

BEST BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. As the flagship prospect set from Topps, Bowman annually features the best up-and-coming young players in baseball just before they make their MLB debuts. While it’s impossible to predict who will ultimately have the most successful careers, here’s a look at some of the top rookies and prospects featured in the 2023 Bowman set that could become the best long-term investments.

Druw Jones (Atlanta Braves) – As the second overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, many scouts believe Jones has the highest ceiling of any player in this year’s class. The son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw was arguably the best pure hitter and best all-around player available in the draft. He possesses five-tool potential with impressive power, speed, defense, and batting skills. His autographed or especially high numbered rookie cards could become extremely valuable if he lives up to the hype.

Termarr Johnson (Pittsburgh Pirates) – Considered a potential top-5 pick prior to the 2022 draft, Johnson surprisingly fell all the way to the fourth round due to signability concerns. His immense talent was too good for the Pirates to pass up and they signed him for well over slot value. An electric athlete with plus speed and defense in center field, Johnson also has developing raw power and hitting ability. His cards could boom if he progresses quickly.

Brock Porter (Texas Rangers) – The third overall selection in the 2022 draft, Porter was considered by many to be the best high school pitching prospect available. Blessed with a powerful fastball that sits in the mid-90s along with a plus curveball, Porter dominated high school hitters and could move quickly. As a high draft pick with frontline starter upside, his rookie cards hold plenty of long-term appeal.

Daniel Espino (Cleveland Guardians) – Although Espino made his MLB debut in 2022, he is still rookie eligible for 2023 Bowman since he did not exceed rookie limitations. With a triple-digit fastball and one of the best sliders in the minors, Espino has the pure stuff to be an ace if he refines his command. His cards remain quite affordable and could multiply in value as he establishes himself in Cleveland’s rotation.

Emerson Hancock (Seattle Mariners) – Injuries have slowed Hancock’s progress, but when right he flashes one of the best repertoires among pitching prospects. He utilizes a plus sinker and shows the makings of three above-average secondary pitches. As a former first rounder with frontline starter potential, Hancock’s cards are a buy-low opportunity. A breakout season could make him one of the top risers.

Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles) – The number one overall pick from the 2022 draft, Holliday is the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. He has impressive all-around hitting skills with a smooth left-handed swing and developing power. Holliday makes consistent hard contact and should hit for a high average. As the top selection and highest drafted position player, his cards carry considerable long-term value.

Gavin Cross (Cleveland Guardians) – A lefty-hitting outfielder with impressive raw power, Cross was considered one of the best pure hitters in the 2022 draft class. He shows the ability to hit for both power and average while also providing solid defense in right field. Cross was a first round pick and his cards could appreciate nicely if he develops into the middle-of-the-order force that scouts envision.

Brooks Lee (San Diego Padres) – A smooth-swinging shortstop with a advanced hit tool and feel for the game, Lee was a first round selection in 2022. He consistently squares up the ball and uses the whole field. While his power is still developing, Lee’s ability to hit for a high average and his defensive skills make him an intriguing long-term prospect. His autographed rookie cards offer breakout upside.

Ethan Murray (Tampa Bay Rays) – Considered a potential top-10 pick prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Murray fell to the third round where Tampa Bay snatched him up. When healthy, the high school shortstop possessed one of the best pure bats in the entire class with feel for hitting along with some present power. His cards are an injury-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay off big if he bounces back strong.

Gavin Cross (Cleveland Guardians) – A lefty-hitting outfielder with impressive raw power, Cross was considered one of the best pure hitters in the 2022 draft class. He shows the ability to hit for both power and average while also providing solid defense in right field. Cross was a first round pick and his cards could appreciate nicely if he develops into the middle-of-the-order force that scouts envision.

Ethan Murray (Tampa Bay Rays) – Considered a potential top-10 pick prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Murray fell to the third round where Tampa Bay snatched him up. When healthy, the high school shortstop possessed one of the best pure bats in the entire class with feel for hitting along with some present power. His cards are an injury-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay off big if he bounces back strong.

Of course, prospect success can never be guaranteed. Injuries, adjustments to pro ball, or other unforeseen factors could derail any of these players. For discerning collectors looking to invest, the top rookies in the 2023 Bowman set offer as much upside as any recent card release. With their immense talent and as the earliest cards showing players in a major league uniform, cards from this set of baseball’s next great stars have a solid chance to appreciate significantly with a successful career. By focusing on players with the highest ceilings like Jones, Johnson, Porter and others, 2023 Bowman offers opportunities to potentially find the cards that become true gems years down the road.

AUTOGRAPHED WALMART BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Autographed Walmart Baseball Cards: An Affordable Way to Collect Signed Memorabilia

Walmart has become a popular destination for baseball card collectors and autograph enthusiasts seeking affordable signed memorabilia from their favorite players. In recent years, the retail giant has partnered with card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf to produce exclusive sets containing autographed cards that can be purchased for reasonable prices both in stores and online.

These autographed Walmart baseball card releases offer fans an accessible entry point into the hobby of collecting signed memorabilia. While autographed items from professional memorabilia dealers and auction houses can often carry price tags in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, Walmart autographed card packs usually retail for $20-30. This lower barrier to entry has helped expand the community of collectors and exposed more casual fans to the thrill of the autograph chase.

For manufacturers, partnering with Walmart on these exclusive signings provides benefits as well. It allows them to produce memorabilia for popular current players that otherwise may be cost-prohibitive or unavailable through traditional sports card packs. With Walmart’s massive retail presence, these limited autographed sets are also guaranteed wide distribution, further growing the customer base for manufacturers.

Some of the most notable Walmart autographed baseball card releases in recent years include:

2021 Topps Chrome Autograph Baseball (Walmart Exclusive) – This set featured autographs from superstars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto inserted into packs of Topps Chrome cards sold only at Walmart. Each autograph was serially numbered to 999 copies, giving collectors a reasonably attainable chase.

2022 Topps Series 1 Autograph Baseball (Walmart Exclusive) – Continuing their partnership, Topps produced an insert autograph set from their flagship Series 1 release exclusively for Walmart. Names included Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani.

2022 Topps Transcendent Collection Baseball (Walmart Exclusive) – A high-end product containing 1/1 printing plate autographs, bat knob relic autographs, and triple autograph cards from stars like Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Albert Pujols. Only available in extremely limited supply at select Walmarts.

2021 Leaf Trinity Football – An 80-card football set with tri-autographed cards from NFL greats inserted in Walmart packs for under $30 per pack. Players like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Montana.

2020 Panini Contenders Draft Picks Football – An insert autograph set featuring 2020 NFL rookies like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Chase Young available exclusively in Walmart packs.

While the selection and player talent level may not match higher-end autograph products, Walmart’s affordable autographed baseball cards provide an accessible entry point for new collectors. They also give established collectors the opportunity to add affordable signed memorabilia from current stars to their collections. With manufacturers continuing to utilize the Walmart platform for exclusive autograph releases, these affordable autographed cards show no signs of disappearing from Walmart shelves anytime soon. They remain one of the most popular and family-friendly ways to get involved in the hobby of collecting signed sports cards and memorabilia.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE FREE

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and collecting them has become a beloved hobby for people of all ages. With so many cards printed over the decades, it can be difficult to know the value of individual cards in your collection. Thankfully, there are many free baseball card price guides available online to help you research card values.

Some of the most popular and trusted free online baseball card price guides include BaseballCardPedia.com, BaseballCardValues.com, and PSAcard.com. These websites provide searchable databases where you can look up cards by player name, year, brand, and other identifying details to find estimated market values. The price data is usually updated on a regular basis to reflect the ever-changing baseball card market.

In addition to individual card values, these free guides also include information like the card manufacturer, set or series name, photo variations, autograph or serial number details that can affect value. They indicate the card’s condition which is crucial for determining price. Mint condition cards are worth significantly more than worn or damaged cards. Condition grades range from Poor to Gem Mint and each grade impacts an card’s estimated dollar value.

Another great free resource is the Baseball Card Price Guide app available for Apple and Android devices. The app allows you to quickly search your collection on the go. Like the websites, search results provide details on estimated prices for cards in different grades of condition. You can also view pop reports indicating how many graded examples exist of rare and valuable cards to get an idea of their scarcity.

While general estimated values are useful for researching your collection, it’s important to note that free guides only provide average market prices and individual card sales may vary. Factors influencing exact sale prices include recent auctions, the popularity of certain players, and demand from collectors. The guides also don’t account for autographed or memorabilia cards which can be worth significantly more depending on the signature or relic.

For a more accurate appraisal of extremely valuable vintage cards or modern rare parallels and serial numbered cards, you may need to work with a professional authentication and grading service like PSA or Beckett. They can examine the card closely and assign an official grade taking into account centering, edges, corners and surface quality. Getting a card professionally graded is especially important when a card is worth thousands of dollars or more. The slab with the assigned grade adds credibility and protection that can increase resale value.

For general research of most common baseball cards, the free online price guides are extremely useful tools. They allow you to sort through your collection and get a ballpark value of individual cards without spending money. You can use the estimated prices to determine which cards may be worth having graded or selling versus holding onto for your personal collection. The guides are also helpful for finding needed cards to complete sets so you know approximately how much you may need to budget.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector looking to evaluate your vintage collection or a new fan starting a modern set, free online baseball card price guides are invaluable resources. They provide a wealth of searchable information at your fingertips to help uncover hidden gems and track the estimated worth of your cards over time as the hobby and market changes. With regular use, the guides become familiar and make you knowledgeable when buying, selling or trading in the baseball card community.

1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Issued at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1988 Donruss set showcased the biggest stars and top rookies of that era. With its innovative photography and memorable design elements, the 1988 Donruss cards captured the nostalgia of the time that still resonates with collectors today.

Donruss released their 1988 set with a total of 792 cards. The design featured a classic borderless look with photos taking up most of the front of the card. Player names were printed in bold all-caps at the top with their team name and position below. The backs featured stats and career highlights written in a style reminiscent of box scores from the newspaper. Rookie cards and stars were highlighted with foil stamping, drawing the eye to the most notable players in the set.

Some of the biggest star cards in the 1988 Donruss set included Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett. All were featured players in their respective franchises and produced Hall of Fame careers. Their rookie cards, still in pristine condition, can fetch thousands of dollars today. Another highly sought after card is Nolan Ryan’s record-setting 300th career win, captured perfectly on his ’88 Donruss issue.

Rookie cards that took on immense value include Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas, and Barry Larkin. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite instantly and his rookie became one of the most iconic in the modern era. Thomas showed prodigious power as a rookie en route to a Hall of Fame career. Larkin brought defense, speed, and consistency to shortstop that defined Cincinnati for years. In top grades, these three rookie cards can sell for over $10,000 each.

Beyond the stars, the 1988 Donruss set also highlighted many memorable team photo cards. A particularly notable one was the Baltimore Orioles “Why Not?” squad led by manager Cal Ripken Sr. and powered by MVP winner Ripken Jr. at shortstop. Their stunning division title run was perfectly captured. Other popular team cards included the defending World Series champion Minnesota Twins and the upstart Oakland A’s.

In terms of insert cards, Donruss included several fan favorites. The “Diamond Kings” parallel featured glossy blue foil embossed with a crown logo. Superstar players like Clemens, Boggs, and Puckett received these premium treatment cards. Other inserts included “Record Breakers” highlighting career milestones and the “Donruss All-Stars” black-bordered parallel available one per pack on average.

When it came to photography, Donruss went above and beyond to create unique images that jumped off the card. Many action shots showed players mid-swing or diving for catches. Portraits put the emotion and personality of the athletes on full display. Clever posed group shots of teams incorporated the players in imaginative ways. This creative use of the photograph set Donruss apart and added to the collectibility of the cards.

In the years since, the 1988 Donruss set has taken on an almost mythical status among collectors. Prices have skyrocketed for the most valuable cards in top condition. Even well-loved examples can still be found at affordable prices. The set’s iconic designs, star players, and rookie class will ensure it remains both a nostalgic reminder of the 1980s and a compelling investment for years to come. For baseball card enthusiasts, the 1988 Donruss release was truly a high point that defined the hobby.

1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Leave a reply

1962 was a landmark year for Topps baseball cards as it was the first year the company produced cards featuring color photos on the front. Previously, Topps cards only featured artwork or black and white photos. This change helped propel Topps to even greater heights in the burgeoning baseball card market throughout the rest of the 1960s.

The 1962 Topps set includes 660 total cards and is one of the most iconic and coveted issues in the hobby. The vibrant color photographs captured the excitement of Major League Baseball in the midst of some great rivalries and careers. Some notable rookies included in the set are Bill Mazeroski, Dick Radatz, Bill Singer, and Dick Stuart. Stars of the era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax grace the cards as well.

While not as rare or expensive as some earlier vintage sets from the 1950s, 1962 Topps cards remain a highly desirable collectible over 60 years later. Here’s an overview of some of the standout cards available for sale from the iconic 1962 Topps baseball issue:

Mickey Mantle (#7): The Mick’s powerful right-handed swing is captured perfectly on this card. He was still in his prime in 1962 and won the MVP award that season. High grade copies in PSA/BGS slabs regularly sell for $1,000-$2,000.

Willie Mays (#250): The Say Hey Kid patrolling center field at Candlestick Park is depicted here. Mays was arguably the best all-around player of the 1960s. Gem mint 10 PSA-graded versions can fetch $3,000-$5,000.

Hank Aaron (#413): Before breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron was already a perennial All-Star and offensive force for the Milwaukee Braves. Well-preserved copies sell for $800-$1,500.

Sandy Koufax (#419): Koufax was already one of the game’s top left-handed pitchers but he was still a few years away from his legendary dominance in the latter half of the 1960s. Still a highly coveted card in the $500-800 range.

Nellie Fox (#490): The scrappy second baseman for the Chicago White Sox won the 1959 AL MVP award. His card has found increased popularity in recent years with hobby investors and surpassed $1,000 PSA 10 value.

Bill Mazeroski (#660): The 1960 World Series hero and slick-fielding Pirates second baseman is the last card in the set. Fresh off his Series-winning home run, his rookie card remains among the most iconic in the entire vintage hobby valued at $800-$1,200 in high grade.

In addition to elite star rookies and veterans, there is abundant value throughout the set in today’s market. Other $100+ cards include Al Kaline, Felipe Alou, Bob Gibson, Phil Rizzuto, Harvey Kuenn, Luis Aparicio, and Roberto Clemente. Even lesser known commons can sell for $20 or more if graded and preserved well.

Supplies of high grade 1962 Topps are slowly diminishing over time as more cards enter permanent collections or get played with and damaged. In the extremely unlikely event that an absolute pristine Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays gem mint PSA 10 specimen were to become available, it could conceivably achieve a five-figure price tag. Most 1961 and ’62 Topps high-numbers are not overly expensive compared to flagship 1958-1960 issues, making them an affordable choice for completionists or investors.

Whether you’re a vintage baseball card collector looking to add some iconic pieces to your collection or a savvy investor surveying the vintage landscape, 1962 Topps cards remain a staple of the hobby primed for long-term appreciation. Their combination of affordability compared to earlier issues and iconic photographs make them an always exciting find in the collecting world some 60 years later.

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 1991

Leave a reply

The 1991 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it lacked the star rookies and Hall of Famers of some other years, savvy collectors recognized its enduring appeal. Nearly 30 years later, the 1991 Topps set remains a favorite of both casual fans and serious investors.

Within the 762 card base set are several cards that command premium prices graded and encapsulated in near-mint or better condition. At the top of the most valuable 1991 Topps list is card #1, Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking 5,000th strikeout card. Only one was ever printed featuring Ryan fanning Rickey Henderson on September 22, 1990, to reach the milestone. In pristine mint condition, it can sell for over $20,000. Other routinely four-figure cards include #252 Kirby Puckett ($3,000-5,000 NM-MT), #343 Cal Ripken Jr. ($2,000-3,000), and #1 Barry Bonds ($1,500-2,000).

The 1991 Topps set has also gained legendary status for a massive error that occurred on Rickey Henderson’s card (#93). Instead of listing his career stats, it incorrectly showed stats from just the 1990 season. Only a small number of these “error cards” were printed before the mistake was caught. In high grades, the Henderson error card can command over $10,000. Another big draw for collectors is the set’s inclusion of stars in their final MLB seasons like #548 Nolan Ryan and #405 Rollie Fingers.

Beyond the base set, several valuable parallel and insert chase cards added excitement for collectors opening packs in 1991. The Topps Traded set contained 60 additional player cards along with ‘Traded’ team logos. Key chase cards included #T7 Roberto Alomar ($600-800 NM-MT), #T49 Don Mattingly ($400-600), and #T60 Cal Ripken Jr ($300-500). A limited ‘Diamond Kings’ parallel featured only 25 players rendered in holographic foilboard stock. Highly coveted cards were #DK1 Barry Bonds ($5,000 Pristine) and #DK7 Nolan Ryan ($4,000 Pristine).

The 1991 Topps set also introduced several new insert sets that attracted collectors. ‘Topps All-Stars’ featured 25 player cards showcasing their top career accomplishments. Condition sensitive keys included #AS1 Nolan Ryan ($3,000 Pristine), #AS10 Kirby Puckett ($2,000 Pristine), and #AS23 George Brett ($1,500 Pristine). The ‘Special Skills’ insert spotlighted unique abilities on 25 additional players. The most valuable are generally #SS1 Ozzie Smith’s fielding ($1,200 Pristine) and #SS2 Kent Hrbek’s hitting with RISP (~$1,000 Pristine).

Several uncommon promotional and experimental parallel issues from 1991 have also gained cult followings. A 50 card ‘Factory Set’ containing one each of Series 1-4 and Traded has increased in demand. Scarce gold foil Topps Traded parallels like #T12 Craig Biggio can bring $800-1,000 graded mint. Test print variations on error cards like the more rarely encountered ‘corrected’ Rickey Henderson have sold for thousands as well.

Even today, the 1991 Topps set holds up as one of the all-time classics of the “junk wax” era. Carefully selecting and acquiring high grade examples of key rookie cards, stars, and chase inserts provides a potential long-term investment opportunity. For collectors just starting out, it remains one of the more affordable full sets to complete from the late 1980s-early 1990s. With iconic photography, design elements, and memorable players, the 1991 Topps baseball cards secure their place among the hobby’s enduring favorites.

MAKE YOUR OWN BASEBALL CARDS FREE PRINTABLE

Leave a reply

Making your own baseball cards can be a fun craft project for any baseball fan. Whether you want to design cards for your favorite Major League players or commemorate a memorable season from your kid’s little league team, custom baseball cards are easy to create for free using printable templates found online.

The first step is finding a free printable baseball card template. There are many options available with a simple internet search. Look for templates that allow you to input pictures and customize text fields. Most templates are designed to print on standard trading card stock, which is thicker paper that gives the cards a nice polished feel similar to real baseball cards. Card dimensions should be close to 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches to match regular sized cards.

Once you’ve selected a template, it’s time to gather images and fill in content. For big league players, head to sites like Baseball Reference or MLB.com to find stats, bio info, and high quality headshots you can right click and save. For personal cards, take pictures of the player/team yourself with a digital camera or phone. Resize any photos to fit in the designated picture box on the template.

Now populate the various content areas. At minimum, cards should include the player’s name, jersey number, position, team, and a brief stat line. You can also add fun facts, career highlights, or personal memories. Print out a few sample cards first to make sure text fits properly before final printing.

Common stat categories include batting average, home runs, RBIs, wins/losses or ERA for pitchers. Use the player’s most recent season stats or a notable career season. You can find full stats on sites already mentioned or through a web search. Condense longer career highlights into a sentence or two.

Once content is filled in, it’s time for printing. Card stock works best but regular paper will suffice. Test print one card front and back to ensure proper sizing before printing a full sheet. Use the highest print quality setting available on your printer. Trim cards carefully along template borderlines using scissors.

The final steps are optional enhancements. Consider adding holograms,team logos, or foil stamping to give cards a authentic look. Online stores sell sheets of player stickers,team logos, numbers and more that can be applied. Punch a small hole in the corner and thread string or string through to display cards on a wall or make them into a necklace. You can also store cards in protective plastic sleeves or hobby card binders.

Sharing your custom baseball cards is half the fun. Give them as gifts to fellow fans, display them proudly, or start your own baseball card collection or trading with friends and family. Personalized cards are a great way to pay tribute to favorite players while exercising creativity. With the abundance of free templates and online research resources, making your own baseball cards has never been easier. While they may not have monetary value, handmade cards carry meaningful memories that money can’t buy.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2014

Leave a reply

The 2014 baseball card season featured some of the top rookies and stars in the game gracing the cardboard. Whether it was rookie cards, autographs, or parallels of established players, 2014 had no shortage of highly coveted and valuable baseball cards on the hobby’s landscape. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most sought-after baseball cards released that year.

One of the biggest rookie card hits of 2014 was Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Yasiel Puig. After a meteoric rise through the minors in 2013 that culminated with a standout debut season in LA, Puig mania was in full effect heading into the 2014 season. This excitement translated heavily to the card racks, as Puig’s rookie cards flew off the shelves. His base Topps rookie card quickly became a $20-30 card in high grade. It was his Topps Update rookie autograph parallel and Bowman Chrome autograph refractor that really caught fire. Both of these Puig autograph rookies reached price tags upwards of $500-1000 each for raw copies in the months following their release. While he has since cooled off a bit from his early hype, Puig’s 2014 rookie cards remain some of the most valuable and iconic of that year’s crop.

Another young star who burst onto the scene in 2014 and had a monster rookie card season was Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson. While not as hyped as Puig initially, Nelson had a breakout rookie campaign that saw him finish with a 3.49 ERA over 158 innings pitched. This success was reflected in the demand for his Topps Series 2 base rookie card, which consistently sold for $15-25 each. It was his Topps Update autograph rookie parallel that truly stood out, commanding prices of $150-300 each for raw copies. Nelson looked like a future ace in 2014 and collectors were eager to stock up on what appeared to be a potentially elite pitcher’s first cards.

Staying in Milwaukee, another Brewers rookie who made his presence felt in 2014 was catcher/outfielder Khris Davis. After being called up in late 2013, Davis had a breakout season in 2014 where he slugged 22 home runs and posted an .823 OPS. This power display made his rookie cards very popular. His Topps Series 2 base rookie sold for $8-12 each. But it was once again the Topps Update autograph parallel that gained the most notoriety, as raw copies traded hands for $75-150. Davis proved he was for real with the bat and collectors took notice by snatching up his rookie cards on the secondary market.

Shifting gears to established veterans, one of the most sought-after standard issue cards of 2014 had to be Mike Trout’s flagship Topps base card. Now considered one of the greatest players of all time, Trout was already well on his way in 2014 as he dominated once more with a .287/.377/.561 slash line along with 36 home runs. The demand for his Topps base was through the roof as a result, with PSA 10 gem mint copies regularly commanding $100-150 each online. While his other parallels from Topps and Bowman sold well too, it was the iconic base card that truly captured the attention of Trout collectors. This served as a reminder of just how big the star power Mike Trout possessed even back in 2014.

Another superstar who saw tremendous demand for his 2014 base card was Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fresh off winning his second-straight Cy Young Award in 2013, Kershaw was at the peak of his powers in 2014 as he went 21-3 with a minuscule 1.77 ERA. Not surprisingly, his Topps base became a hot commodity for collectors. PSA 10s of Kershaw’s imposing image on the card sold in the $75-125 range. But it was also his Topps Update and Bowman Chrome autograph parallels that took the hobby by storm, as ungraded copies traded hands for $300-600 depending on the parallel. Kershaw mania was in full effect and collectors jumped at the chance to own cards featuring the game’s most dominant pitcher at the time.

While rookies and stars received much of the 2014 card buzz, collectors also gravitated heavily towards certain parallels and short prints that year. One of the most coveted parallel sets had to be Topps Finest, as the refractors and autographs pulled from the highly anticipated product flew off the shelves. Mookie Betts’ rookie refractor parallel became a $75-150 card. Meanwhile, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw autographs settled in the $300-600 range depending on the parallel. The insert set was also highly sought after. For example, rookie phenom Julio Urias’ Topps Finest Credentials insert reached $50-100 per card. Finest had collectors on high alert in 2014.

In addition to Finest, the Topps Chrome update series also possessed some highly sought after short prints and parallels. For instance, the Kris Bryant superfractor parallel, which featured the future Cubs star’s photo on an iridescent blue background, reached astronomical prices upwards of $1000-2000 each for raw copies on the secondary market. Meanwhile, rookies such as Carlos Rodon and Francisco Lindor saw their Topps Chrome autographs and refractors valued in the $75-200 range as well. Chrome Update was a major hit in the 2014 season.

Bowman Sterling also debuted in 2014 and was an instant success, with its high-end parallels and autographs finding eager buyers. Top prospects like Tyler Kolek and Braxton Davidson saw their autographs listed between $150-300 each online. International signings such as Eloy Jimenez gained notoriety through parallels like the Sterling Spectrum refractors, which sold for $50-100 a card. Bowman Sterling established itself right away as a premier high-end baseball card product with its 2014 inaugural release.

In summarizing the 2014 season, it was dominated by the arrival of future stars like Bryant, Puig, and Nelson. Veterans like Trout and Kershaw also maintained their stronghold with another excellent year on the field translating to robust card values. Finest, Chrome, and Bowman Sterling delivered some of the most coveted parallels and short prints. Overall, 2014 offered a tremendous variety of valuable rookie cards, stars, and inserts that remain popular with collectors to this day. It served as another memorable year for the baseball card hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957

Leave a reply

1957 was a monumental year for baseball cards as it was the first year that Topps had the exclusive license to produce cards for the Major Leagues. This ended the long run of Bowman and other smaller companies that had produced cards in the years prior. With Topps now as the sole producer, it opened up new opportunities which could be seen in the 1957 set that contained 524 cards.

The design of the 1957 Topps cards featured a photo of the player on a white background with their team name and position below the image. On the bottom was their name and player stats from the 1956 season. The cards had a glossy finish and measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, standard size for Topps sets from the 1950s. Some notable rookie cards that were included in the 1957 set were Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente.

In terms of condition and grading, 1957 Topps cards in pristine mint condition with a grade of Gem Mint 10 are highly valuable today. Some of the key cards that can demand high prices based on condition and player include:

Hank Aaron RC (Card #51) – In a PSA 10 grade, this iconic rookie card has sold for over $100,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9 it still fetches thousands.

Willie Mays RC (Card #258) – The Say Hey Kid’s rookie is nearly as coveted as Aaron’s. A PSA 10 has brought in excess of $75,000 at auction. Lower graded copies still sell for five figures.

Roberto Clemente RC (Card #397) – Not as expensive as Aaron or Mays but still a key rookie. A PSA 10 has sold for $25,000+. Expect to pay a few thousand for a PSA 8 or 9.

Mickey Mantle (Card #253) – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever. A PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s sell for $5,000+.

Ted Williams (Card #307) – Considered one of the best hitters ever. A PSA 10 has brought $20,000+. PSA 8s go for $2,000-3,000.

Whitey Ford (Card #118) – Iconic Yankee pitcher. PSA 10s have sold for $5,000-10,000 depending on market. PSA 8s go for $1,000-2,000.

In terms of the middle and lower tier stars or common players from the 1957 set, here are some general price guides based on the player and condition:

PSA 8 commons/stars – $10-100

PSA 7 commons/stars – $5-50

PSA 6 commons/stars – $3-25

PSA 5 commons – $1-10

PSA 4 commons – $0.50-5

For more moderately graded commons in PSA 3 or lower condition, prices really depend on the individual card but are typically $1 or less.

The 1957 Topps set also contained several short print and error cards that are key chase cards for collectors. Some of the most valuable include:

Warren Spahn SP (Card #138) – Only 19 copies are known to exist. Has sold for over $20,000 in PSA 8.

Billy Gardner SP (Card #253) – Only 8 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $10,000.

Nellie Fox SP (Card #307) – Only 13 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $5,000.

Harvey Haddix Printing Plate – One of about 5 known to exist. Has sold for $50,000 in PSA 8.

The 1957 Topps set was truly the dawn of the modern baseball card era. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Aaron, Mays and Clemente make it one of the most iconic issues ever produced. Prices remain strong for high grade examples of stars and key short prints. Even in lower grades, commons are affordable collectibles from this classic set.