MY STRANGE INHERITANCE BASEBALL CARDS

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My dad had always loved baseball. He played shortstop in high school and never lost his passion for America’s favorite pastime. But he never made enough money to really indulge in collecting baseball cards like many of his friends. So when he passed away last year, I was surprised to learn that among his few possessions was a sizable collection of vintage baseball cards.

According to the notes he left, the cards had been passed down to him by his eccentric great uncle Fred, who never married or had kids of his own. Uncle Fred traveled the country as a salesman in the 1920s and 30s, and would buy packs of cards wherever he went to remind him of home. Over the decades, the collection grew to thousands of cards spanning the early 20th century.

When dad inherited them in the 1960s, the condition was mixed – some were near mint while others were worn and faded with age. But he was sentimental and couldn’t bear to sell them. He’d sometimes pull them out on summer nights to reminisce with my brother and I about the heroes of antiquity like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner. Our favorite part was imagining the adventures Uncle Fred must have had acquiring each one.

Now they were mine. I was surprised such an extensive set had been kept mostly intact over 100 years. But I had no idea what to do with a massive old-timey baseball card collection. Most of the players were totally unknown to me and I didn’t have the same nostalgic attachment as my dad. After the sadness of losing him started to fade, I began to think of the cards more as a financial asset.

I consulted with several expert graders and appraisers about the collection. They were stunned by both the size and completeness of the set dating back to the 1880s. Doing the math, they estimated the cards were conservatively worth at least $250,000 if I sold them piecemeal to dedicated collectors.

I debated the ethics of breaking up my dad’s cherished inheritance versus the temptation of a big payday. In the end, pure finances won out – I felt obligated to maximize the value for my own family’s future. I decided to put a small selection of the highest graded gems up for auction, like an 1886 Old Judge Tobacco card that was in pristine condition and a 1909 Honus Wagner that was arguably the finest known copy in the world.

The auction was a smash success. Bidding wars erupted amongst the most well-heeled collectors desperate to own pieces of baseball history. The Old Judge went for a record $2.1 million while the Wagner soared past even the wildest estimates to $5.2 million. The intense publicity also attracted interest in the remainder of the set. I was quickly inundated with offers from private collectors wanting to scoop up full teams or individual star players.

Within a matter of weeks, I had moved virtually the entire collection, netting over $35 million total. It was a staggering and completely unexpected windfall. In the span of just a few months, I went from inheriting a collection of seemingly worthless old trading cards to becoming one of the wealthiest people I knew virtually overnight.

I invested conservatively and have been able to live very comfortably off the investment returns ever since without touching the principal. And while I sometimes miss looking through those cards and learning about the legends of the game, I don’t regret cashing in Uncle Fred and my dad’s accidental treasure for the financial security it provided. Their little piece of baseball history fueled dreams I never imagined and gifts me with peace of mind every day. I only hope wherever they are, they’d feel it was money well spent too.

MOST VALUABLE 1995 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable card issues from the early and mid-1990s. While it didn’t feature any major rookie cards, the 1995 Score set contained several key veteran cards that have grown tremendously in value over the past 25+ years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards collectors seek out from the 1995 Score baseball release.

Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey was already established as one of the game’s biggest stars by 1995, having won back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1990-1991 with the Seattle Mariners. His superb talent, outstanding production, and exciting style of play made him one of the most popular players in baseball. As a result, any Griffey card from the mid-90s holds significant value. His 1995 Score card, featuring him in a Mariners uniform, routinely fetches well over $100 in Near Mint-Mint condition. PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples have reached prices upwards of $400-$500 in recent years due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and status as one of the all-time fan favorite players.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken was in the midst of his incredible consecutive games played streak in 1995, which would end at an astonishing 2,632 straight games played over almost two full decades. That milestone, achieved in 1995, is part of what makes his 1995 Score card so desirable today. The card depicts Ripken suited up for the Baltimore Orioles and has sold for as much as $80-$100 graded Mint and above. Like Griffey, Pristine/Gem Mint Ripken ’95 Score cards have sold for $300+ due to his iconic status and Iron Man legacy with Baltimore.

Barry Bonds – As one of the game’s premier power hitters throughout the 1990s, Bonds’ 1995 Score card holds great value. This was prior to his record-setting 73 home run season in 2001 with the Giants, but Bonds was still putting up MVP caliber numbers as the star left fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His ’95 Score card routinely fetches $60+ in top-rated condition. Bonds’ historically successful career, which included the all-time home run record, only adds to the long-term collectible nature of his mid-90s cards.

Roberto Alomar – The smooth-fielding second baseman was a consistent All-Star caliber player throughout his career, including the mid-90s with the Toronto Blue Jays and Orioles. His 1995 Score issue shows him in a Baltimore uniform about halfway through his 12-year career. Graded Mint Alomar ’95 Scores have reached over $50 recently. Despite some controversy later in his career, Alomar remains one of the finest defensive second basemen ever and that further enhances the desirability of his vintage cardboard.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” was in the midst of one of the great offensive runs in baseball history during the mid-1990s. He followed up back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993-1994 with another monstrous season in 1995. That sustained dominance makes his 1995 Score card, portraying him as the power-hitting Chicago White Sox first baseman, a highly sought card to this day. Thomas examples graded Gem Mint 10 have reached $150-200 auction prices. Even raw or lower grade Thomas ’95 Scores can fetch $30-50.

Larry Walker – Though he wouldn’t earn mainstream recognition for quite some time, Walker was putting up huge numbers as the Montreal Expos right fielder during this time period. His combination of power, speed, defense, and consistent production has only grown in appreciation since Walker’s playing days ended in 2005. As a result, his 1995 Score card featuring him in an Expos cap has increased dramatically in value in recent vintage card market. Mint Walker ’95 Scores have sold for $75-100 range in recent auctions. That figure is likely only to increase as Walker’s Hall of Fame case strengthens over time. A rare PSA 10 example could go for $250 and up.

Greg Maddux – Already during what was the peak of his incredible career, the dominant right-handed ace was in the midst of potentially his finest season in 1995. Maddux would go on to win his third-straight NL Cy Young Award courtesy of another outstanding year for the Atlanta Braves. As one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, the 1995 Score card of Maddux has become one of the more valuable pitching cards from the era. BGS/PSA Mint examples have sold for $60-80, with Gem Mint 10s reaching triple digits or more.

Chipper Jones – While not quite an established star yet, rookie cards from the 1990s of future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones are always highly sought. His 1995 Score card shows him just starting out as the promising Atlanta third baseman still with promise yet to be fulfilled. Chipper examples graded Mint to Gem Mint can still be acquired for $30-50. As one of the genuine superstars of his generation, prices are only expected to increase for iconic Jones rookie cards like his 1995 Score issue in the years ahead.

Randy Johnson – “The Big Unit” had asserted himself as one of baseball’s most intimidating and dominant pitchers by 1995 with Seattle. Standing an imposing 6-foot-10, left-hander Johnson was already displaying the filthy stuff that would make him a five-time Cy Young winner. Although not his true rookie card, Randy’s 1995 Score depiction as a Mariner is highly valuable today. Graded examples have reached $60-80 on the vintage card market. As one of the all-time great hurlers, Johnson cards retain their collectibility.

While they may not rival the true rookie cards of Griffey, Ripken or Alomar for monetary value, the 1995 Score cards for stars like Maddux, Thomas, Bonds, Walker, Jones and Johnson are extremely affordable opportunities to acquire lasting pieces of cardboard history from the 1990s for under $100 graded Mint or better in most cases. For collectors looking to build positional subsets, certain 1995 Score cards like those of Alomar, Ripken and Bonds represent affordable options to highlight their collections. Whether speculating on long-term growth or enjoying the nostalgia of the vintage designs, cards from Score’s popular 1995 release will likely continue garnering interest from collectors for decades to come.

1979 BASEBALL CARDS PRICES

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1979 was a transitional year for baseball cards as the hobby began gaining more mainstream popularity. While many early ’70s and pre-war cardboard had already seen price increases, the late ’70s is when the modern collectibles craze really took hold. As such, 1979 set values reflect the shifting landscape of the card collecting world at that pivotal moment.

The massive amount of 1979 Topps cards produced kept overall prices relatively low compared to earlier releases from the same company. The standard issue cards could often be found for around a quarter each or cheaper in penny boxes or in bargain packs well into the ’80s. Certain star players even from this common set have gained value due to strong lasting demand.

Hall of Famer Dave Winfield’s 1979 Topps card, for example, typically sells in the $15-20 range graded MINT condition or better as one of his earliest issue cards capturing him during his peak playing days with the San Diego Padres. Another Padre, Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers, commands $10-15 for a quality ’79 Topps. Stars of that era like George Brett, Nolan Ryan, or Mike Schmidt in top grades canreach $8-12. Less heralded but valuable rookie cards from 1979 Topps include Don Mattingly (>$30 PSA 10), Carlton Fisk (>$20 PSA 10), and Ozzie Smith (>$15 PSA 9).

Continuing the rising scarcity and demand that defined the 1970s, the flagship 1969 Topps set gained recognition as one of the most important releases in the hobby’s history. High-grade specimens of popular Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson or Catfish Hunter now sell for $150-250. True gems have shattered records – a PSA GEM MINT 10 Jackson traded hands for over $50,000 in recent years. Finding any ’69 Topps unopened in the original wax paper wrapping today would be considered a monumental discovery worth five figures at minimum.

While mass-produced by today’s standards, the 1979 Topps Traded set stands out among collector interest three decades later. Featuring players’ photo switches between teams or special highlight shots, these special “traded” cards command significant auction value. Mint condition examples of Rod Carew or Gaylord Perry have sold for $250-400, with a PSA 10 Dave Parker reaching $800. The true blockbuster remains a BGS/PSA 10 Traded Nolan Ryan card, which shattered the $25,000 barrier in a 2013 auction.

Apart from ubiquitous Topps, other 1979 issues hold distinct niches. The design-forward SSPC set endures as a cult favorite among graphic designers for its striking vertical card concepts. High grades of Ozzie Smith or Steve Garvey can reach $50-75. Earlier designs like 1969 Fleer, 1967 Topps, or 1957 Topps have been mimicked in subsequent decades, proving nostalgia plays no small part in vintage valuation.

One of the most iconic minor league issues was 1979 TCMA, commemorating the Texas-California League. Star power like a Dave Winfield ($50 PSA 9) or future Cubs/A’s manager Bob Melvin (~$25 PSA 9) help sustain prices. But lesser talents can still yield returns – a Bob Gallagher PSA 9 sold recently for $15 given his inclusion among the scarce set. The oddball 1979 Nova Cardinals local photos have also become quite collectible, with Hall of Famer Lou Brock regularly trading hands in the $50 range.

Key 1979 rookie cards continued appreciation through the modern era. Seattle Mariners sensation Ken Griffey Jr.’s first Bowman card has cracked the $10,000 threshold in pristine condition as one of his earliest certified issues. Graded rookies of Don Mattingly and Ozzie Smith from ’79 Topps can achieve $400-600 and $200-300 respectively. And pre-superstar cards of future aces like Nolan Ryan hold onto much of their early perceived value due to epic MLB careers in retrospect.

While 1979 production levels keep most standard issue cards affordable, strong player selection and earlier star talent continue elevating prices for the right names and sets as baby boom collectors fuel nostalgic demand. Condition sensitivity remains paramount, with high certified grades exponentially improving values especially for the rarest ’79 rookies still holding collectible cachet decades later as formative issues. As nostalgia and memorabilia mania persist, this crucial transitional year of 1979 cardboard holds meaningful lessons and chances for both new and experienced collectors.

LIDS BASEBALL CARDS

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Lids baseball cards were a unique brand of promotional baseball cards issued by the popular sports apparel and headwear retailer Lids from 2007 through 2011. Unlike traditional baseball cards produced by companies like Topps and Upper Deck for collectors, Lids cards were given away for free in their stores as a marketing tool to help promote the brand. They have since gained a following among collectors for their unique concept and colorful designs showcasing both current players and older legends of the game.

The first Lids baseball cards were released in 2007 as a trial promotional campaign during the MLB season. Individual cards were packaged in plastic sleeves and handed out to customers making purchases at Lids retail locations. The cards featured basic stats and career highlights on the front with promos for Lids deals and contests on the back. Players included current MLB stars like Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia as well as Lids brand ambassadors like Jason Varitek and Jimmy Rollins.

Lids cards proved popular enough with shoppers that the company opted to continue the promotion in future seasons. In 2008, they expanded the checklist to include over 100 athletes and introduced trading card packs containing 12 randomly inserted cards that could be opened like traditional wax packs. Some rare “hit” cards even included memorabilia swatches or autographs of the players featured. The cards took on more vibrant colors and added tech specs like glossy foil boarders and shiny cardstock.

Standout elements of 2009 and 2010 Lids card sets included “Legendary Performers” subsets highlighting all-time greats like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron alongside current All-Stars as well as “Alumni” subsets for retired players still associated with the brand. Special chase cards for popular athletes pulled at low rates also generated collector interest. Lids ultimately produced over 400 unique baseball trading cards between 2007-2010 covering both Major and Minor League Baseball across all 30 franchises.

While the Lids cards offered no resale value, their artistic designs and access to top players made them desirable keepsakes for sporting goods shoppers and a new area of collecting interest. Independent online forums and trading communities emerged dedicated to swapping and tracking complete Lids card sets. The brand found itself in the rare position of a corporate promotional product attaining cult following status among cardboard aficionados. Financial difficulties would see Lids end its baseball card program after 2011.

In early 2011, Lids underwent management changes and reorganization after facing declining same-store sales and rising costs that contributed to over $48 million in losses reported for 2010. One of the changes included discontinuing premium marketing initiatives like the baseball card promotion. The final 2011 Lids set, which had already been partially produced and distributed, featured career retrospective pieces on Derek Jeter and Chipper Jones who were embarking on their final MLB seasons. No new sets were issued after that point.

The abrupt end left many collectors short a few cards or subsets to complete their Lids collections. Once limited retail exclusives became increasingly scarce as leftover stock dwindled. While not technically sports cards, secondary market demand and scarcity has seen higher end Lids cards gradually gain modest resale value among dedicated collectors. Full factory sealed packs have even fetched hundreds of dollars online from fans looking to recapture the thrill of the hunt from those bygone promotional card releases.

In the years since, Lids has rebounded financially but never brought their baseball cards back. The promotion remains a nostalgic footnote and peculiar niche in the broader world of trading cards. Their colorful creativity and access to current superstars made for unique additions for sports fans and an early pioneer in the trend of corporate sports sponsor cards. Though short-lived, Lids left an imprint among collectors with their promotional cardboard that reflected their passion for the game and signature style now synonymous with hats and memorabilia. The cards may be gone but their fun, fiery designs and commemoration of the sport will ensure they are not soon forgotten.

EBAY 1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. Issued the year Mickey Mantle hit his career high of 35 home runs, the 1959 Topps set featured 598 total cards and is highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at the history and key details surrounding these classic cards.

The 1959 Topps set marked Topps’ seventh year as the sole baseball card producer after acquiring the rights from Bowman in 1956. The cards featured colorful painted portraits of players and basic stats on the back, similar to designs of the late 1950s. One noticeable change was the reduction in card size – from 2.5×3.5 inches in 1958 to 2×3 inches. This smaller “pocket size” would remain standard for Topps through the 1980s.

In terms of player content, the 1959 Topps set covered all 16 major league teams from that season. Notable rookies included future Hall of Famers Nellie Fox and Eddie Mathews. Star players like Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more were featured prominently. The final few cards in the numbered series featured “Traded” players who had been dealt to new teams after the start of the 1959 season.

The condition of 1959 Topps cards seen on the secondary market today varies widely. Due to the sheer numbers printed over 60 years ago, well-preserved high-grade examples can be tough to find. There are also plenty of played, worn copies available for collectors on a budget. The most coveted cards tend to be the rookies, superstars and any unique error variants.

Speaking of errors, the 1959 Topps set contained several notable printing mistakes. Card #402 featuring pitcher Billy O’Dell was missing the team designation on the back, making it extremely rare. Other errors like swapped photos or missing signatures also pop up. These anomalies are highly sought by advanced collectors.

In terms of monetary value, 1959 Topps cards vary tremendously based on condition, player and specific card variations. Here are some key price points seen for different levels of the set in recent eBay sales:

Common cards in poor/played condition – $1-5 each
Common Near Mint/Mint condition – $5-15 each
Star rookie cards (Fox, Mathews) – $50-150+ depending on grade
Mantle, Mays, Aaron Mint – $100-300+
#402 O’Dell error card – $1,000-5,000+ depending on condition
High-grade rookies, stars – $500-5,000+ for true gem copies

As one of the most iconic vintage sets, the desirability and value of 1959 Topps cards is unlikely to diminish any time soon. While not quite reaching the stratospheric prices of the 1952 Topps set, a complete 1959 collection in high grades would still command a substantial six-figure price tag. For collectors on a budget, affordable common cards can still be found to build a representative sample of this classic issue. Whether investing or enjoying the nostalgia, 1959 Topps cards remain a cornerstone of the baseball card hobby.

The 1959 Topps baseball card set was a transitional design that marked several changes but retained the visual style and player quality synonymous with 1950s issues. Featuring iconic stars, valuable errors and sought-after rookie cards, it remains one of the most historically significant releases in the hobby. Over 60 years later, these classic cards continue to enthrall collectors with their colorful portraits, connections to baseball’s golden era, and wide range of values depending on condition and specific card. The 1959 Topps set solidified Topps’ dominance and cemented its place as one of the true vintage classics.

MOST VALUABLE TOPPS 2006 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2006 Topps baseball card set was one of the most prolific and valuable sets of the modern baseball card era. While not quite as renowned as some of the early 1970s sets that featured legends like Mickey Mantle in their rookie seasons, the 2006 Topps set contained several highly coveted rookie cards and parallels that have grown exponentially in value over the past 15+ years.

One of the biggest reasons for the surge in popularity and demand for these cards has been the emergence of stars whose rookie cards were featured in 2006. None is more prominent than Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2015 and helped lead the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. Bryant’s main rookie card from the 2006 Topps set, card #188, has appreciating rapidly since his arrival on the MLB scene. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of this card now routinely sell for well over $1000, making it one of the most valuable modern rookie cards on the market.

Another superstar whose rookie campaign was documented by Topps in 2006 is Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto. Though he didn’t debut until 2018, Soto immediately announced himself as a true five-tool talent and has become one of the faces of MLB at just 23 years old. His 2006 Topps rookie card #614 is also one of the set’s most expensive, with PSA 10 copies trading hands for $800-1000+. Considering Soto’s all-world talent and incredibly bright future, his rookie card price seems poised to keep rising steadily for years to come.

While Bryant and Soto’s cards have clearly benefited most from their post-rookie success, there were several other potential future stars whose first Topps cards came in 2006 as well. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, and Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw all made their Topps debuts that year. While they may not command quite the same premium as Bryant and Soto currently, PSA 10 examples of their rookies can still fetch $200-400.

In addition to rookie cards, another driving factor in the 2006 Topps set’s importance has been the existence of several rare parallel and short print variations that are enormously difficult to acquire in top condition. Chief among these is the infamous Topps 206 parallel subset, which featured distinctive photo variations of 96 players on gold-foil stock. Only 206 copies of each player card were produced, making these some of the true holy grails for collectors. PSA 10 examples of stars like Kershaw (card #60), Freeman (#18), and Cole Hamels (#94) regularly sell for $3000+.

Perhaps the most coveted parallel in the entire set, however, is the 1/1 Miguel Cabrera autograph parallel (card #333). As the sole copy of this autographed parallel in existence, it is undoubtedly the most valuable single card from 2006 Topps. One recently sold in a private sale for a staggering $25,000. Other highly-sought after short prints and parallels include Update SPs, SP Variations, Printing Plates, Glossy Parallels and more. Even solid condition versions can sell for hundreds to low thousands.

While the rise of stars like Bryant, Soto, Kershaw and others has fueled collector demand, another unique aspect of the 2006 Topps set that enhances its intrigue is the production rarity of true gem mint 10 graders. Due to some issues during the printing and cutting process that year, PSA 10 specimens are exceedingly scarce across the board. This has served to exponentially increase the value of any pristine 2006 Topps cards that surface, like the aforementioned Bryant rookie which has been reliably selling for over $1000 raw as a PSA 10.

The 2006 Topps baseball set has developed an incredible long term pedigree thanks to showcasing future Hall of Famers, producing an array of rare and desirable parallels, and having a shortage of high-grade cards even in lower numbered print runs. For collectors seeking blue chip modern investments or true condition sensitive gems, 2006 Topps continues to deliver and will likely remain one of the most valuable mainstream releases from the turn of the century era for many years to come. As stars like Bryant, Soto and others propel themselves to legend status, their associated 2006 rookie cards should appreciate proportionally.

POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS 1994

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In 1994, General Mills continued its long tradition of including baseball cards in boxes of their popular Post cereals. The 1994 Post cereal baseball card series highlighted another exciting season in Major League Baseball and featured some of the game’s biggest stars on the cards packaged with Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, Alpha-Bits, Golden Crisp and other popular cereals.

The 1994 Post cereal baseball card collection consisted of 132 total cards printed by Chicago-based printer Donruss. Donruss had been producing the Post cereal baseball cards since 1990 after taking over production from Topps, which printed the cards from 1961 through 1989. The 1994 Post cereal baseball card set focused exclusively on Major League players and managers rather than including any minor leaguers or retired stars as previous sets had.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series was its focus on relatively recent players rather than stars of past eras like previous sets sometimes included. The oldest active player featured in the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series was Nolan Ryan, who was then in his 27th and final MLB season at age 47. This highlighted how the series concentrated on highlighting the current season’s rosters.

Some of the biggest stars and most popular players who were featured prominently in the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Thomas, Roberto Alomar, Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson. These were some of the true superstars and most recognizable names in baseball at the time. Griffey, Bonds, Ripken and Thomas in particular regularly appeared on many of the chase cards in factory packs due to their widespread popularity.

In addition to photos of current players, the card designs for the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series incorporated some fun retro baseball elements. The fronts of many cards featured decorative baseballs or baseball seams around the borders. Some cards even utilized old-timey typefaces to give the cards more of a vintage baseball feel. Stats and career highlights on the back of the cards also highlighted how the players were performing that current 1994 season.

Factory card packs contained in boxes of Post cereals generally included a mixture of common base cards along with semi-rare “extended” series cards showing additional photos or stats and rare “chase” cards of the biggest stars. Insert cards were also occasionally included spotlighting various player accomplishments or retirees. While the checklist was never published, through collectors opening thousands of packs, the full 132-card roster was determined. The vast majority of cards were of current Major League players but a few managers and retired stars like Brooks Robinson and Sandy Koufax made cameo appearances as well.

For young baseball card collectors in the 1990s, the Post cereal baseball cards were highly coveted additions to breakfast. Along with providing a fun, affordable way to build a collection on a budget, the cards also served as a connection to Major League Baseball during the season. While the sets focused more closely on currently active players than previous decades, the cards still embodied the nostalgia and tradition of baseball card collections found in cereal over half a century. Though Post cereal baseball cards were discontinued after 2001, the 1994 series stands out as representing the prominence and excitement of MLB during a memorable year for the national pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS MEDFORD

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The unique history of baseball cards in Medford, Oregon dates back to the early 20th century. Like many American cities and towns during this period, the popularity of baseball was rapidly growing in Medford in the early 1900s. Children and adults alike were captivated by the emerging professional baseball leagues, especially the National League and American League. Figuring and trading baseball cards became a hugely popular pastime.

Some of the earliest baseball cards available in Medford came in the forms of tobacco cards inserted in cigarette and chewing tobacco packages. Starting in the late 1880s, tobacco companies like Allen & Ginter, American Tobacco Company, and Goodwin & Company began inserting illustrated baseball cards as incentives to purchase their products. By the 1890s, the inserts gained huge popularity among youth. Tobacco shops in Medford stocked the latest card series and local kids traded avidly.

In 1909, the Edward C. Jones Company of Chicago began mass producing baseball cards as standalone collectibles for the first time, not associated with tobacco products. Their inaugural series featured over 500 retired and current players. News of the new baseball cards spread quickly. Stores specializing in candy and sports equipment were some of the first retailers to stock these non-tobacco baseball cards in Medford. They sold for a penny per pack and were an instant hit with local collectors.

Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, baseball cards thrived in Medford as the craze only grew larger nationwide. New series were released annually featuring the latest stars of the era like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Babe Ruth. Medford’s two general stores, Markum’s and Atherton’s, became major hubs for kids to browse cards and make trades. By the mid-1920s, some enterprising Medford children even began opening makeshift card shops in their homes on weekends to facilitate trades on a larger scale.

In 1933, the Goudey Gum Company issued the first modern gum-and-card packaging format, which became the standard into the 1950s. Each pack contained a stick of gum and several cards sealed tight. This preserved the cards and gum freshness. It also spurred even more collecting activity in Medford. Grocery stores carried the packs, and boys spending their allowancesfrequently chose the gum-and-card option over candy. Medford saw some early rarities emerge, like the iconic 1933 Babe Ruth card.

During World War II paper shortages impacted baseball card production greatly. From 1942-1945 only a few minor series were printed. This absence only seemed to intensify collectors’ appetites upon the war’s conclusion. The bowman Gum Company resumed regular sets in 1948. Their designs and player photography advanced noticeably. This ushered in Medford’s post-war card boom. Local dime stores, drug stores and newspaper stands now stocked boxes to be opened and traded in the backs of classrooms.

Into the 1950s, the “Golden Age” of cardboard, issuers like Topps gained prominence. Their innovative designs set the standard. Every release contained chase cards of the day’s stars like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Of course, it remained tough to pull these short printed gems in Medford. One epic find was a local boy cracking open an unopened 1953 Topps box at a drug store to pull the legendary Mickey Mantle rookie. A flurry of trade offers from around town followed.

As the 1960s rolled in, Medford’s hobby shops started catering more to card collectors. Stocking long boxes of commons and rack packs of the latest issues from Topps and Fleer. They also connected collectors with each other through bulletin boards advertising “haves” and “wants.” This made completing sets from the dawn of the hobby much easier for serious collectors in town. The arrival of an LCS also meant prices increased beyond a pack or two. Serious collecting became more of an investment.

In the 1970s, Medford saw its baseball card heritage reach new generations. As values exploded on vintage cards, local attics were scoured to assemble complete vintage sets. Some truly remarkable finds emerged, like a near-complete run of 1910-1911 tobacco cards discovered in an old trunk. Local card shows also arrived, where collectors could buy, sell and trade in bulk. An economic boom in Medford provided expendable income for many to start impressive collections featuring the stars of that era like Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan.

Another upswing occurred in the late 1980s sparked by the arrival of Upper Deck, Score, and Fleer Ultra premium card issues. Their quality far surpassed Topps for the first time. Promptly, Medford’s LCS expanded greatly to sell freshly-ripped wax boxes from which kids hoped to pull star rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. The values placed on rare pulls proved mind-blowing to many. Some Medford parents questioned if collecting crossed into gambling. The LCS remained a vital community hub.

Throughout the 1990s, Medford saw the sport card market truly mature into a speculative business. Supply and demand ruled all. Each year brought new investment grade “rookie cup” parallel sets featuring prospects like Derek Jeter. Some savvy Medford collectors flipped such cards for huge profits as careers took off. Unchecked speculation also led to an industry “Crash” in the late 90s. Many stores closed while the collecting landscape drastically changed.

Today, Medford’s baseball card legacy continues as both a hobby and business. Online sales transformed the landscape, as collectors worldwide can now reach each others “haves” and “wants” with ease. Meanwhile, local card shops still thrive by hosting tournaments, events and sell limited edition releases. And lucky finds of star-studded vintage cards still emerge from Medford’s past, a nostalgic reminder of this Pacific Northwest town’s deep roots in America’s favorite pastime on cardboard. The heritage of baseball cards in Medford seems destined to impact future generations as it has over the past century.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1990 UPPER DECK

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The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly groundbreaking and helped spark the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. When Upper Deck released its inaugural set in 1989, it completely changed the baseball card industry by using higher quality paper stock and graphics. The 1990 Upper Deck set took it even further by being the first card issuer to use foil stamping and embossed logos on many of its cards. This set contained 762 total cards and had several short prints and rookie cards that are highly valuable today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set and what they sell for in today’s market based on the card’s condition and demand.

One of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a budding superstar in 1990 with the Seattle Mariners and his rookie card became extremely popular. In near mint to mint condition (NM-MT 8+), Griffey’s rookie card in 1990 Upper Deck can sell for $800-$1,200. If the card is in gem mint condition (GM 10), the price jumps up significantly with auctions seeing them sell for $2,000-$3,000. The Griffey rookie is also one of the set’s short prints, making high grade copies even more difficult to find. Needless to say, the Griffey rookie is the crown jewel of the 1990 Upper Deck set.

Another hugely valuable rookie card is Frank Thomas’ debut in 1990 Upper Deck. Like Griffey, Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is a key piece for any serious baseball card collector. In NM-MT 8+ condition, the Thomas rookie has sold for $450-$650 at auction. Finding it in flawless GM 10 condition is very tough but can demand over $1,000. The card was not quite as short printed as Griffey’s but is still highly sought after by collectors 30 years later. The combination of Thomas’ dominance and the quality of Upper Deck cards make this a blue chip investment piece.

While Griffey and Thomas rookie cards take the top two spots, there are several other notable rookies and stars featured in the 1990 Upper Deck set. Chipper Jones’ rookie is highly valuable, selling for $200-300 in top condition given his career. The Juan Gonzalez rookie has also held value well in the $150-250 range. Other stars like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine all have cards in the $100-200 range depending on grade. The 1990 set was truly a who’s who of future Hall of Famers and all-time great players.

In addition to the star rookies and veterans, the 1990 Upper Deck set featured several short printed “SP” parallel cards that are keys to the set. The Nolan Ryan SP card, with its blue foil embossed logo, is one of the biggest short prints from the set and highly sought after. In top condition it can reach $400-600. Other valuable short prints include the Ozzie Smith SP ($250-350), Cal Ripken SP ($200-300), and Kirby Puckett SP ($150-250). These parallel cards are true needle in the haystack finds for set builders since they were printed in far fewer quantities than the base cards.

While the rookie cards and short prints drive the highest prices, there are also several other notable individual cards that command four figure values in pristine condition. The Ken Griffey Sr. “father-son” photo card is one of the most iconic from the set. Finding one in flawless mint condition could fetch over $3,000 today. The Nolan Ryan record breaking 5000th strikeout card also holds great value, with gem mint examples bringing in $1,500-2,000. The Roberto Alomar error card, where his first name is misspelled “Robeto”, is another major error/variation that can reach $1,000+ in top shape.

The 1990 Upper Deck baseball set broke new ground for the hobby and featured some of the most iconic rookie cards, stars and short prints of the modern era. Even 30 years later, a complete set in high grade can sell for $3,000-$5,000 depending on conditions encountered. But the real values come from holding onto individually graded examples of the Griffey, Thomas and other star rookies which have proven to be sound long term investments. The combination of star players, short prints, and Upper Deck’s unmatched production quality make the 1990 offering one of the most sought after sets for collectors today.

BEST 1986 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While sets from this time period are not generally known for their scarcity or demand, there are a few standout cards from the 1986 Fleer set that have maintained or increased in value over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1986 Fleer baseball card release.

One of the most well-known and valuable rookie cards from any set is the Roger Clemens rookie card. Clemens had just begun to emerge as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers in 1986, his first full season in the majors. The Rocket would go on to win seven Cy Young awards and pitch until he was into his 40s, cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. In pristine mint condition, the Clemens rookie now fetches prices well over $1,000. Even well-centered, nicely centered examples in EX-MT condition can sell for several hundred dollars. The iconic photo and subject matter make this one of the true blue-chip cards from the 1980s.

Another rookie card that holds tremendous value is that of Barry Bonds. Like Clemens, Bonds was just starting to show signs of his eventual superstardom in 1986 as a talented but still developing young outfielder. Of course, Bonds would explode onto the scene in the late 80s and 90s as perhaps the greatest power hitter in baseball history. High grade Bonds rookies now sell for $500-$1000, a tremendous return on investment for a card issued during the junk wax era. Even more impressive is the fact that Bonds was not yet a household name in 1986.

While rookie cards tend to drive the most interest and demand, there are also some star player cards outside of rookies that maintain solid value from 1986 Fleer. One is the Kirby Puckett card, featuring the iconic photo of the Twins’ star sliding face first into third base. Puckett was already an established star by 1986 after winning the World Series in 1991, and his infectious smile and enthusiasm for the game made him a hugely popular player. Pristine Puckett cards can reach $100-$200 today. Another star card with lasting appeal is that of Don Mattingly. The smooth swinging Yankees’ first baseman was on his way to being a perennial All-Star and fan favorite. High grade Mattinglys sell in the $50-100 range.

In addition to star players and rookies, 1986 Fleer featured a memorable subset focusing on the league leaders from 1985. This 16-card Leaders subset highlights the top players in various offensive and pitching categories from the previous season. Some of the most desirable cards here include the Rickey Henderson stolen base leader card, the Don Baylor RBI leader card, and the Dwight Gooden strikeout leader card. These specialized statistical leader cards tend to carry premiums over typical base cards from the same players. Complete, high grade sets of the Leaders subset can reach $200-300.

While the 1986 Fleer set overall was produced in enormous numbers that still weigh down values for most base cards, there are certainly some standouts that have maintained collector interest and demand. The star rookies of Clemens and Bonds anchor the set as true blue-chip cards. But stars like Puckett and Mattingly as well as the fun Leaders subset also provide collectors with solid vintage cardboard that holds value. For those who enjoy vintage baseball and were able to acquire some of these key cards years ago, the 1986 Fleer set remains one with lasting potential to appreciate over the long run.