10 MOST VALUABLE 1989 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Score baseball card set featured many young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. It also featured several key rookie cards that are now highly valued by collectors. Below is a look at the 10 most valuable 1989 Score baseball cards based on the average sales prices they command in Near Mint to Mint condition on the secondary market.

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card – Average Price: $150-$200
The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the 1989 Score set is one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby. Griffey was one of the best all-around players of his generation and his rookie card remains hugely popular among collectors. While not as valuable as some other vintage rookie cards, copies in top condition still sell consistently in the $150-$200 range. The card captures Griffey at the beginning of what became a spectacular career that saw him hit over 600 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves.

Nolan Ryan #132 – Average Price: $200-$250
Nolan Ryan was in the twilight of his legendary career when this card was issued by Score in 1989, but he was still one of the most feared and dominant pitchers in baseball. His final season wouldn’t come until 1993, so this card captures “The Ryan Express” near the end of his 27 year MLB career that saw him rack up over 5,000 strikeouts. Only a few thousand copies of this card are believed to exist in top grade and it remains a prized piece for any vintage card collection.

Ozzie Smith #89 – Average Price: $250-$300
Known as “The Wizard” for his spectacular defensive skills at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was a surefire Hall of Famer by 1989 despite having only won a single Gold Glove award to that point. This card perfectly captures his flashy style of play and it’s equally flashy design has made it a longtime favorite among collectors. Few shortprints from the 1980s have retained their value as well as this Smith issue.

Barry Bonds rookie card – Average Price: $300-$350
Whether you love him or hate him, Barry Bonds is arguably the greatest pure hitter in baseball history. His rookie card from the ’89 Score set is symbolic of the start of what became a truly incredible playing career. Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record seven NL MVP awards. Near mint copies of this historic rookie card still fetch $300-350 despite harsh criticism of Bonds for alleged steroid use later in his career.

Roger Clemens #130 – Average Price: $350-$400
By 1989, Roger Clemens had already won the AL Cy Young award twice but had yet to reach his absolute peak years in Boston. This card is a reminder of “Rocket” Randy early dominance as one of baseball’s most feared pitchers. He would go on to add four more Cy Youngs and a record seven overall before his career concluded. Only the best copies bring the top end of $350-400 for this legendary hurler who is also facing skepticism for PED usage later in his career like Bonds.

Cal Ripken Jr. #161 – Average Price: $400-$450
Between breaking Lou Gehrig’s famed “Iron Man” streak of consecutive games played and winning two MVP awards, Cal Ripken Jr. put together a simply amazing career throughout the 1980s and 1990s. This ’89 Score issue was issued early on Ripken’s path to the Hall of Fame and captures him before he truly emerged as a superstar. His consistency and class have made him beloved among fans and collectors alike, which helps this card achieve top dollar in pristine condition.

Bo Jackson #188 – Average Price: $450-$500
Bo Jackson had already shown flashes of stardom in baseball and football before ’89, but this Score issue came a year before he truly exploded onto the national scene. Capturing the immense physical gifts and athletic prowess of “Bo Knows” added intrigue and mystique to this card. While injuries sadly curtailed his career trajectory, demand has never waned for his scarce rookie issue which can top out at $450-500 in the right holders.

Robin Yount #22 – Average Price: $500-$550
One of the game’s most complete players throughout the 1980s, Robin Yount’s career was in full swing when this iconic card was issued. By 1989, he was a two-time AL MVP and arguably the face of Milwaukee Brewers baseball. Not only was Yount consistently excellent, but his humbleness and leadership cemented his legendary status in the sport. All these factors have made his ’89 Score among the most sought after cards from the entire set.

Kirby Puckett #153 – Average Price: $600-$650
While still early in his career in 1989, Kirby Puckett was already well on his way to cementing his legacy as a surefire Hall of Famer with the Minnesota Twins. His infectious smile and elite skills brought joy to baseball fans for over a decade. Combined with his Tragic post-career health issues, this card has taken on even greater significance in the years since. Condition sensitive but a blue chip vintage pick for true Puckett devotees willing to pay near the $600-650 range.

Donruss Roger Clemens error card – Average Price: $1,000+
While not technically part of the main 1989 Score set, the scarcest and most desired card is without question the fabled “blank back” error version of the Roger Clemens issue that was mistakenly printed without any stats or information on the reverse. Fewer than a dozen are believed to even exist today. For Clemens superfans and error card collectors, this is the ultimate prize. Examples in pristine condition can sell for well over $1,000 due to the card’s unbelievable rarity and historic significance. It’s incredibly scarce even among the rarest of the rare in the hobby.

While full of young superstars and future Hall of Famers, it’s the legendary players toward the end of their careers like Ryan, Smith, Ripken, and Puckett that top the value rankings for the 1989 Score baseball card set. Rookie issues of soon-to-be all-time greats like Griffey, Bonds, and Clemens also hold their esteem. But clearly, nothing compares to the singular importance, mystique, and price tag commanded by the singular “blank back” version of Clemens’ card – a true unicorn among the already rare world of vintage sports memorabilia.

FERGUSON JENKINS BASEBALL CARDS

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Ferguson Jenkins is considered one of the greatest pitchers in Chicago Cubs history and one of the best right-handed hurlers of his era. As such, Jenkins’ baseball cards from his playing days in the 1960s through the 1980s are highly coveted by collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key Ferguson Jenkins baseball cards that exist and what makes them so desirable.

One of Jenkins’ most iconic and valuable cards is his 1965 Topps rookie card, which pictures him as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Jenkins had just come off a very impressive rookie season in 1964 where he went 16-13 with a 2.80 ERA for the Phillies. His rookie card, with its classic black-and-white photo and design, is a key piece of cardboard for any serious baseball card collector. In high grade, a Jenkins 1965 Topps rookie card can fetch thousands of dollars due to its significance as his first card issued.

After being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1966, Jenkins blossomed into a true ace pitcher. His 1967, 1968 and 1969 Topps cards from his Cubs seasons are highly sought after. The 1967 card in particular stands out, as it pictures Jenkins mid-windup and highlights his 21-15 record and 2.80 ERA from the previous season. High-grade 1967 Jenkins Cubs cards can sell for well over $100 due to his breakout performance that year. His 1968 and 1969 Topps Cubs issue cards also hold value in the $50-100 range for top-condition specimens.

Jenkins’ crowning baseball card achievement came in 1971, when he appeared on one of the most iconic cards of the entire decade – his 1971 Topps Traded card. Issued mid-season after Jenkins was traded from the Cubs to the Texas Rangers, the Traded set was a novelty at the time. Jenkins’ card stands out with its unique posed long-shot photo. Grading a pristine mint on the PSA 10 scale, a 1971 Topps Traded Jenkins can sell for thousands due to its rarity, condition sensitivity and subject’s Hall of Fame status. Even well-worn copies still command three-figure prices.

Beyond the flagship Topps issues, Jenkins also appeared in several notable high-series and special sets throughout his career. His 1969 Topps Deckle Edge card, with its ornate cut edges, is a prized find for vintage Cubs collectors. Jenkins also has cards in the 1969 Topps Super, 1970 Topps Super and 1972 Topps Super high-number subsets that can sell for $50-150 each in top condition.

Internationally, Jenkins appeared in several Canadian-based issues as well. His standout Canada Cards include a 1968 O-Pee-Chee card that mimics his 1968 Topps design and a coveted 1971 O-Pee-Chee Traded issue that mirrors the famed 1971 Topps Traded design. Both are key pieces for Jenkins enthusiasts north of the border.

Later in his career, Jenkins continued to appear in the standard Topps and Donruss sets of the late 1970s and early 1980s as a member of the Rangers, Phillies and Red Sox. While not as historically important as his 1960s and early 1970s Cubs issues, high-grade copies from his later playing days can still attract $10-20 each from collectors. His final baseball card was likely issued in 1982.

In summary, Ferguson Jenkins’ playing career spanned three decades but produced some of the most iconic baseball cards for Cubs fans and collectors during baseball’s “golden era” in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Keys like his 1965 rookie, 1967-1969 Topps Cubs issues and the legendary 1971 Topps Traded make Jenkins one of the most collectible pitchers in the hobby. For those seeking pieces of cardboard representing one of the game’s all-time great hurlers, Jenkins’ vintage cards remain a highly respected part of the collection.

1992 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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1992 Leaf Baseball Card Price Guide

The 1992 Leaf baseball card set was a highly anticipated release during the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Sporting innovative die-cut shapes and glossy photography, the 1992 Leaf set showcased the biggest stars in the game at the time. Over 25 years later, many of the cards from this set remain sought after by collectors. This guide will provide details on the set, valuable cards to watch for, and estimated average secondary market prices.

The 1992 Leaf set featured 524 total cards and had 15 different posed photography designs for each team. One of the more unique aspects was that each team’s cards were cut into distinctive shapes, representing something iconic for that franchise. Examples included the Angels cards being diamond shaped, the Cubs cards hexagonal to mimic Wrigley Field, and the Dodgers cards being peeled back like a peanut shell. The photography and production values were quite advanced for the era.

Several star players and rookie cards stand out as being exceptionally valuable from the 1992 Leaf set in today’s market. Some estimated average secondary prices for high-demand cards include:

Barry Bonds (card #122): $50-75 – One of the biggest stars of the 1990s, Bonds’ power and ability made him a must-own for collectors even prior to his record-setting 2001 season.

Greg Maddux (card #226): $30-50 – Already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career, Maddux’s feared control and command made him a premiere ace pitcher of the decade.

Frank Thomas (card #302): $40-60 – “The Big Hurt” was just entering his prime in 1992 and his imposing power bat made him a fan favorite.

Derek Jeter (rookie card #413): $100-150 – Perhaps the most iconic Yankee of all time, Jeter’s legendary career began in 1992 and his rookies remain in high demand.

Mike Piazza (rookie card #417): $75-100 – Arguably the best offensive catcher ever, Piazza’s power from the left side made him a special talent right from the start.

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #418): $75-100 – “The Kid” was already one of baseball’s brightest young stars and his flawless swing made him a fan favorite who still appeals to collectors.

While the above cards are the true high-dollar hits, there are still many other notable stars and prospects from the 1992 Leaf set that can hold value anywhere from $5-30 on the secondary market depending on condition and demand:

Chipper Jones
Juan Gonzalez
Larry Walker
Jeff Bagwell
Moises Alou
Craig Biggio
Tom Glavine
John Smoltz
Jim Thome
David Justice
Mark McGuire

The 1992 Leaf set also featured several talented rookie pitchers who went on to have solid careers like Trevor Hoffman, Pedro Martinez, and Alex Fernandez. For fans of specific teams, cards featuring franchise legends, budding young stars, or coveted team letter variants can fetch premium prices as well depending on the team popularity.

The 1992 Leaf baseball card set was among the biggest and most exciting releases of its time during the peak of the trading card boom era. While there was an immense initial print run, demand for stars of the 1990s like Bonds, Griffey, Maddux and especially the rookies of Jeter, Piazza and others has kept values of top cards consistently strong. For collectors just starting out or fans of 1990s baseball, searching through boxes or collections for stars of that golden era in the 1992 Leaf set can make for an exciting and potentially rewarding hunt.

RARE TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set is highly anticipated by collectors thanks to several factors that could make certain cards very rare and valuable in the years to come. After massive production runs in 2021 and 2022 to meet surge of interest during the pandemic, Topps took a more measured approach in ’23, and the odds of pulling coveted rookie cards or parallel insert variations have significantly decreased compared to recent years.

Topps’ flagship baseball release has always been the most collectible and desirable set on the market. While the base rookie cards of up-and-coming stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Spencer Strider will be widely available, low print runs and distinct parallels could turn a handful into truly rare gems worth thousands down the road. Here’s a primer on some of the scarcest 2023 Topps issues collectors will be hunting.

Refractors are the first parallel collectors chase after each season, and ’23 Refractors will be noticeably rarer finds in hobby boxes compared to the past couple years. Topps cut back Refractor odds to around 1 per hobby box on average according to early reports, down from 2-3 commonly pulled in ‘21 and ’22. This makes Refractors of top rookies like Oneil Cruz, Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson highly coveted short prints.

Another parallel collectors go nuts for annually are Rainbow Foils, which feature vibrant color matching the player’s uniform. Rainbow Foil rookie cards of 2023 breakouts will command big money long-term since they’re estimated to hit around 1 per every 3 hobby cases. That scarcity means Witt Jr, Rodriguez and Strider Rainbows could easily fetch $500+ raw once the dust settles.

Topps Chrome update Series 2 releases around August/September and usually homes in on the season’s top prospects being promoted to the majors. Given the condensed print runs however, any prized Chrome rookie refractor or parallel from ‘23 Uppers will hold immense long-term value. Look for names like Gavin Stone, Druw Jones and Termarr Johnson to shine extra bright in the set.

As in years past, Topps Finest remains the pinnacle high-end baseball release featuring refractors, colors and laser inscriptions parallels at extremely low odds. Finest rookies are considered the true short prints of any given season. Witt Jr, Cruz and Cruz’s Topps Finest rookie refractors have potential to rise above $1000 raw in the collector marketplace down the road.

An exciting new addition to the 2023 offerings is the ultra-premium Topps Chrome RED refractor parallel, limited to a minuscule 1:1000 packs. Pulling the red refractor of a transcendent rookie like Rodriguez would give any collector instant riches – conservatively valued around $10,000 based on past short prints. Topps Chrome RED is destined to become one of the set’s holy grails.

As Topps experiments with various dimensions to their signature style, experimenting with dimension, more inset designs, Marvel collaborations and novel aesthetic choices, certain variation errors or one-offs could end up being the rarest finds of all. Mistakes, manufacturing flaws or forgotten prototypes that sneak into packs may become the most prized oddities in collections due to their utterly singular nature. While impossible to predict, such errors always excite the hunting instincts of die-hard collectors.

While certainly tough pulls, savvy collectors can still land scarce parallels and short prints by collecting through reputable breakers, bundle sites or the trading marketpost-release. The most dedicated will pursue 2023 Topps with vigour knowing that patients and preserving cards in Near Mint+ condition will yield the best returns long-term. Rare rookie refractors, colors and other parallel injections of stardom that occur this season are sure to delight collectors for decades as the shining stars of baseball’s next golden era.

Whether pursuing base sets, chase cards or oddball variations, the 2023 Topps release promises an exciting new hunt. Only time will tell which fresh rookie sensations emerge to take the baseball world by storm. But for modern collectors, finding that one transcendent rookie refractor or spectacular parallel locked inside the upcoming crop of packs could lead to a long-term scoring far greater than any on-field feat. The chase is on!

1959 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1959 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. Produced during a transitional period for the sport in the late 1950s, the 1959 Topps cards showcase future Hall of Famers and rising stars from what is often called the “Golden Age” of baseball. While not the most valuable set overall, certain high-grade rookie and star cards from 1959 can still command impressive prices at auction.

The 1959 Topps set contains 524 total cards, with 520 depicting individual players on MLB teams from that season. The base cards have a distinctive design featuring a color team logo at the top and individual player photo with stats on a solid color background. The 1959 Topps set marked Topps’s transition from the smaller “peel-back” photo style to the now-standard full-bleed image that takes up most of the card front.

When it comes to highest value cards in the 1959 Topps set, the undisputed king is the rookie card of soon-to-be all-time hits leader Pete Rose. Graded Gem Mint 10 condition, a 1959 Topps Pete Rose RC recently sold at auction for over $180,000, showcasing the huge demand for high-grade examples of his first Bowman issue. Other legendary rookies like Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and Rod Carew also command big money in top grades from 1959 Topps as their careers went on to tremendous success.

Superstar veteran cards that consistently earn big bucks include Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Ted Williams. A Mantle in NM-MT 8 condition sold for $35,000 while a gem Mint Williams went for close to $50,000 in recent years. Cards of legendary players in pristine shape never lose value it seems. The 1959 Topps card of soon-to-retire Stan Musial in near-perfect condition would also bring a substantial five-figure price.

Beyond the obvious big name hall of famers, sharp-eyed collectors know certain1959 Topps common cards can also hold value based on their team, photo rarity, or other obscure factors. For example, the Reds team issue cards of Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson routinely command over $1000 each in high grade due to Cincinnati’s pitching dominance in the late 50s. Cards showing players with unique action poses or facial expressions are also prized, such as Nellie Fox grinning directly at the camera.

The 1959 Topps set endures because it bridges the 1950s “Golden Age” to the dawn of a new decade and league expansion. Young stars and established veterans are showcased at an intriguing point before cultural changes transformed America. For dedicated collectors, finding and owning select key rookie and star cards from the 1959 Topps baseball issue in pristine condition is a long-term investment in the history and nostalgia of the national pastime. Even at over 60 years old, gems from this classic set can still bring in the big bucks.

2022 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS UPDATES

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Topps Heritage is one of the most popular and highly anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2022 Topps Heritage set brings back the classic look and feel of baseball cards from the late 1960s but with modern players. Here are some of the key updates and things to know about the 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card release.

Design and Look – As with past Heritage sets, the 2022 version stays true to the vintage design aesthetic from the late 60s. The cards have a thicker stock paper-like feel that mimics the cardboard stock of the era. The design elements like the team logo at the top, white borders, and player pose photography all help transport collectors back to that period of baseball cards. The cards also have the classic Topps logo design from that time as well as the team name printed vertically along one side.

Base Set Size – The 2022 Topps Heritage base set consists of 330 total cards as in recent years. This includes all 30 MLB teams with player cards running from #1 to #330. Some of the bigger named stars will have multiple base cards as well to round out team sets. As with past Heritage releases, parallel and insert sets are also included on top of the base cards.

Parallels and Short Prints – In addition to the base 330 cards, Topps Heritage includes various parallels and short prints. The main parallels include Gold Foil (#/2021), Green Foil (#/99), and Red Foil (#/50). Topps also includes several short print subsets at lower print runs like Stars of the 60s and Rookies of the Year. These help add to the chase and excitement of each Heritage box or pack.

New Players and Rookies – While Heritage pays tribute to the 1960s design, it still features all current MLB players. This means each year’s Heritage set includes some first Heritage cards for rookie and prospect players who have made their MLB debut. The 2022 set will include first Heritage cards for players like Bobby Witt Jr, Spencer Torkelson, and others who broke into the big leagues in 2021.

Autographs and Memorabilia Cards – Like most modern Topps releases, Heritage includes several autographed and memorabilia inserts throughout its parallels and inserts. These provide collectors a chance at pulling rare, game-used memorabilia cards signed by today’s top MLB stars. The memorabilia can include pieces of jerseys, bats, balls, and more to blend vintage and modern elements.

Additional Insert Sets – Beyond the base cards, parallels, and short prints, Topps Heritage also includes several distinctive insert sets each year. For 2022, these include Minnie Minoso Tribute (#/75), All-Star Flashbacks, Turn Back the Clock photo variations, and more. These help add to the nostalgia and collecting fun of each Heritage product release from Topps.

Hobby Box Configuration – Hobby boxes for the 2022 Topps Heritage release contain 18 packs with 12 cards per pack for a total of 216 cards per box. This includes a mix of base cards, parallels, inserts, and autographs/memorabilia throughout each box. With the 330 card base set size, most collectors will be able to complete the base roster from 2-3 boxes on average with some leftover for the chase cards.

Retail Product – Along with the high-end hobby boxes, Topps Heritage is also available in retail through products like blasters, hangers, and fat packs. These provide a more affordable entry point for collectors and allow for building partial sets while still having chances at hits. Hobby and retail work together to make Heritage accessible for all types of collectors.

Secondary Market – As with any popular modern release, the secondary market for Topps Heritage cards is very strong. Base rookie cards and stars routinely sell for multiple times their pack odds prices. Rare parallel and memorabilia cards from past Heritage sets command four and five-figure prices as well. This shows the longterm collecting demand and appreciation Heritage cards achieve over time.

The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card release continues delivering the nostalgic charm of 1960s cardboard while still featuring today’s top players. With over 330 base cards plus inserts, parallels and autographs, it provides both affordable and high-end collecting opportunities. Heritage endures as one of the most iconic and fan-favorite releases in the annual baseball card calendar.

1971 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1971 Topps baseball card set is one of the most famous issues in the entire history of the sport. This set is highly collectible and marks several important milestones. It was the first Topps set to feature player photos on a colored background rather than the traditional white. Card designs also featured a simplified color scheme compared to prior years.

The set totals 792 cards and is the final Topps baseball card series to feature player positions printed on the front of the cards. Roster and team changes lists are located on the back. Top rookies featured in the ’71 set include Ron Cey, Don Gullett, Jon Matlack, Bruce Sutter, and Phil Niekro. Notable Hall of Famers include Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Johnny Bench, Willie Mays, and Harmon Killebrew.

Tragically, Roberto Clemente was killed in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while helping deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. His ’71 Topps card would become one of the most recognized and valuable in the entire set due to his untimely passing at age 38. Clemente hit exactly 3,000 career hits and was the first Latin American player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Topps also released special promotion and traded cards solely for retail distribution in 1971. These have the familiar look of the base cards but feature team logos instead of players. These rare non-player cards help complete fully mastering the ’71 Topps set.

On the player design front, 1971 was a transitional year. While colored backgrounds had been experimented with in prior years, Topps went all in by making each team’s cards in a consistent color scheme. For example, all San Francisco Giants cards were light blue while all St. Louis Cardinals cardboard was yellow. Team colors helped identify players at a glance during the card swapping craze of the 1970s.

Beyond design shifts, 1971 saw notable on-field roster moves. The Houston Astros and Montreal Expos joined the National League as expansion teams, boosting MLB rosters. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals finally posted their first winning season after years of futility. Star pitcher Vida Blue helped lead the Oakland A’s to another World Series title.

Rookie pitchers like Don Gullett, Jon Matlack, and Bruce Sutter all made their MLB debuts in 1971 and went on to have hall of fame caliber careers. Sutter in particular developed one of the nastiest slider pitches baseball had ever seen to become the first reliever inducted in Cooperstown. Other top newcomers like Ron Cey and Phil Niekro also had long, productive big league tenures.

In terms of value today, the ’71 Topps set is considered relatively affordable for a vintage issue when compared to flagship sets from the 1950s and 1960s. Higher grades of stars like Clemente, Aaron, Mays, Bench, and Killebrew can still sell for thousands. But mid-range examples of even the best players can be acquired for just hundreds of dollars. This makes it an obtainable set for collectors to chase grades or try to complete.

Topps’ 1971 offering was the baseball card series that helped cement the modern baseball card era. Bold colored designs took hold while roster changes kept the newsy element of the cardboard coinciding with on-field action. Landmark rookie classes and evolving styles kept collectors coming back for the annual issues throughout the 1970s golden age of the sport. The ’71 series remains a fun and exciting snapshot of the game from half a century ago.

1989 BOWMAN BASEBALL BUBBLE GUM CARDS

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The 1989 Bowman baseball card set was truly unique from previous years. Featuring young stars and prospects, the design stood out with brightly colored borders and flashy photography. This release would become infamous for the infamous printing error that caused the classic bubble gum cards to suddenly bubble up.

Bowman Gum Company had been producing baseball cards as incentives with their chewing gum packs since 1948. By the late 1980s, the growing popularity of collecting cards had turned the hobby into a multimillion dollar industry. Eager to capitalize on this market, Bowman embarked on their most ambitious baseball card release yet for the 1989 season.

The base set totaled 528 cards and had an all-star roster of players both emerging and established. Ken Griffey Jr continued his ascent with a stunning rookie card that would become one of the most iconic and valuable in the history of the hobby. Other notable rookies included Gregg Jefferies, Gary Sheffield, and Derek Bell. Veterans like Orel Hershiser, Rickey Henderson, and Wade Boggs also received prominent placements.

Compared to Topps, the main competition at the time, Bowman took a bolder approach with their 1989 designs. Vibrantly colored photo borders accented action shots of the players. Blue, red, yellow, and orange hues popped attractively on the glossy stock. On the reverse, stats were shown along with the familiar team logo and Bowman branding at the bottom.

Packs originally retailed for fifty cents and came with a stick of bubble gum as always. It was the gum itself that would lead to catastrophe. During production, the plant experienced a mechanical failure that caused pressure buildup in the chewing gum formula. Unknown at the time, this created microscopic yet destructive bubbles inside the gum.

When consumers started cracking packs in late spring, problems quickly emerged. As kids and collectors chewed the gum, it started suddenly expanding within their mouths. The gum rapidly inflated into bloated messes impossible to swallow or spit out. Some reported chunks of enlarged gum shooting out across rooms! Understandably, phones at Bowman headquarters were soon ringing off the hook with complaints and demands for refunds.

Within days, the major issues behind the infamous “bubble gum incident” came to light. An immediate recall was launched, collecting all remaining 1989 Bowman stock from stores. While some opportunists today try passing off damaged examples as novel oddities, most serious collectors avoid the set due to condition concerns. The mini-bombs in each pack wreaked havoc on centering and surfaces for virtually every card affected.

Naturally, values dropped drastically for years afterwards based on all the negative publicity and ruined cards. Interest and demand have gradually increased again as the set matures. Especially for high-grade examples provably untampered by the bubble gum fiasco. Key rookies like Griffey and Sheffield have rebounded strongest in price. Short prints and stars also hold collector value despite the troublesome backstories.

In retrospect, the 1989 Bowman release stands out as a truly unique moment in hobby history thanks to its ill-fated gum. While a nightmare for the company at the time, the cartoon-like mayhem has granted the set lasting notoriety. Cards that survived the bubbles relatively unscathed have an engaging story behind them. As one of the largest baseball releases ever, it also captures a pivotal time of ascending young talent just before the steroid era. The 1989 Bowman set endures as a colorful capsule from when baseball cards were still attached to bubble gum bombs.

SEARCH BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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While baseball cards can bring back nostalgia, they also represent a potential financial investment. Many valuable cards from years past are worth thousands, or even tens of thousands today. For collectors and those looking to sell, it’s important to understand how to research baseball card values.

The first step is to inventory your collection. Take time going through all your cards and making a list of notable players, especially rookie cards and stars from each era. Make notes of any unique variations, signatures, serial numbers or print lines. Being organized helps later when researching comps.

Once inventoried, it’s time to search for estimated values. The two most trusted sources for baseball card prices are Beckett and PSA/DNA. Beckett publishes annual price guides listing average sales from the previous year. You can find most recent Beckett guides at card shops or order online. PSA/DNA also provides lookup tools on their website to search prices of PSA-graded cards.

Beckett guides organize cards by year, set, player and sometimes parallel variations. They provide a range of values for different condition states like Mint, Excellent, Good and Poor. Use the guide to identify your card and get a ballpark price chart. Keep in mind condition is crucial – a Near Mint card will fetch much more than one that’s played-with and worn.

On PSA/DNA, enter the player name and other specifics of your card to pull up recently sold prices of professionally graded examples. Searching this way allows you to directly compare your ungraded card to PSA-slabbed equivalents in the same estimated condition. Pay attention to dates of recent sales, as the hotter the player or card is at a given time impacts prices.

In addition to print guides and PSA, the leading online research tool is eBay. Browse “Completed Listings” and “Sold Items” to see actual final sale prices for your card or similarly graded/dated comparable cards. This gives the most up-to-date real world values. Make notes of recent comps within the last 3-6 months if possible.

You’ll also want to check specialty baseball card selling and auction sites like Heritage Auctions and Goldin Auctions. Browse recent sales histories of high-end cards to observe record-breaking prices on rare finds and rookie gems. While most of your cards likely aren’t auction-level, it’s informative to see ceilings.

Other sources like online card forums and social media groups allow you to directly ask the collecting community for valuation help and opinions on condition specifics. Apps like Collector’s App provide estimated values as well. Just realize all third-party estimates should be taken as rough indicators until supported by hard data of recent, comparable confirmed sales.

For cards in the $500+ range, especially keys to star collections, individual professional grading and encapsulation by PSA or Beckett is advisable before consigning to auction or direct sale. Grading provides certainty upfront on condition and authenticity that maximizes prices paid by serious collectors. The cost is usually recouped many times over for high-value vintage items.

Always remember condition matters most for value. Take care handling cards to avoid further wear before deciding whether to grade, sell individually or in larger raw lots. With diligent research and patience, hidden treasures could be unearthed in that childhood collection gathering dust in the attic. Proper valuation empowers collectors to monetize their baseball cards skillfully if desired.

NOLAN RYAN BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. During his 27-year MLB career that spanned from 1966-1993, Ryan dominated on the mound like few others with a record 7 no-hitters, 5,714 strikeouts which is the all-time record, and over 300 career wins. Given his legendary status, it’s no surprise that many of his older baseball cards from the 1960s-1980s have increased tremendously in value over the years. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most valuable and desirable Nolan Ryan cards collectors look for.

1966 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (#516)

Ryan’s rookie card from his debut 1966 season with the New York Mets is undoubtedly one of the holy grails for any baseball card collector. Like most vintage rookie cards of all-time great players, it’s extremely rare to find one in gem mint condition. In a PSA 10 grade, which is pristine mint, the 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie has sold for over $32,000 at auction. Even in lesser but still high grades of PSA 8 or 9, examples can fetch $5,000-$15,000 depending on demand. What makes this card so iconic is it captures the start of Ryan’s legendary career before he developed into a true flamethrower known for 100+ mph heat. The card design also features an action photo that shows off his smooth, lanky delivery. Given its extreme scarcity in top grades, the 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan stands out as one of the most valuable baseball cards of the 1960s.

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan (#530)

Often overlooked but another key card in any Nolan Ryan collection is his 1971 Topps issue. This marks Ryan’s first season with the California Angels after being traded from the Mets. By 1971, he was beginning to establish himself as one of baseball’s premier power pitchers with 301 strikeouts in 1971, still a single-season record. His imposing long frame and obvious talent are captured perfectly on this dramatic action shot card. Graded examples in PSA 8 or 9 can achieve $3,000-$6,000 depending on the market. But as with almost all vintage Ryan cards, a true PSA 10 gem is a true prized possession worth potentially $15,000+. The 1971 is a much more attainable key card for collectors but still captures a transitional stage when Ryan started to dominate hitters unlike anyone before.

1977 Topps Nolan Ryan (#168)

Ryan’s 1977 season was truly one of the most impressive individual pitching performances in MLB history. He struck out a mind-boggling 383 batters while tossing 25 complete games for the Angels. His card from that ’77 Topps set perfectly highlights this dominance. With Ryan mid-windup and his herculean arm muscles bulging, the action shot makes it look like he’s about to unleash wrath upon any hitter foolish enough to dig in against him. In PSA 8, this card routinely fetches $800-$1,200. But a PSA 10 gem in pristine condition has sold for over $11,000, showing collectors’ rabid demand for one of the best representations of Ryan at the absolute peak of his powers. The ’77 is a must-have for any serious collection.

1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T79)

After being traded from the Angels to the Houston Astros in 1979, Topps produced this special “Traded” issue card for Ryan in 1980 featuring his new Astros uniform. While not technically a rookie card, the 1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan acts as his “debut” with Houston. It’s considered the toughest regular Topps card from the late 1970s/early ‘80s to find in high grade due to low print runs. PSA 9 copies can go for $1,500 while a PSA 10 in pristine condition regularly fetches over $6,000. Collectors love the vintage Astros aesthetics and uniform change on this seminal card after Ryan had cemented his status as a living legend. It represents a new chapter beginning for the relentless fireballer.

1983 Donruss Nolan Ryan (#170)

Perhaps the most well-known and iconic individual baseball card of all-time outside of the typical Topps Rookie issues would be Nolan Ryan’s 1983 Donruss card. Featuring an epic action shot of Ryan unleashing one of his blazing 100+ mph fastballs, this may be the single best representation of his sheer overpowering ability. But what has made it extra famous and valuable is the infamous printing error on some copies where part of the image is missing, cutting off a little of Ryan’s torso. These “error” versions consistently sell for $4,000-$8,000 even in lower grades while a pristine PSA 10 gem recently brought over $34,000 at auction. Even “non-error” versions in top condition still fetch $1,500+. No collection is complete without this legendary piece of cardboard.

1991 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T1)

As Ryan entered the later stage of his career continuing to dominate for the Texas Rangers, Topps released this special “Traded” card after he was dealt from the Rangers to the Astros before the 1992 season. It serves as a swansong of sorts since it was one of the final mainstream baseball cards issued of the pitching great before his retirement after 1993. While not as iconic as some of his earlier classics, the 1991 Topps Traded Ryan remains one of the more valuable modern issues. Graded PSA 9 versions can bring $400-600. But a flawless PSA 10 specimen surpassed $2,000 at a recent auction, demonstrating collectors’ continued demand for high-grade examples from Ryan’s later playing days as interest in his career and cards has never been higher.

Any Nolan Ryan collection is primed to appreciate significantly given his status as perhaps the most legendary and durable pitcher ever. His rookie card understandably gets top dollar for good reason. But supporting submissions like the 1977 and 1983 issues wonderfully showcase the full scope of his awe-inspiring ability and longevity that spanned three different decades. For dedicated collectors, finding any cherished Ryan cards in pristine mint grades is a true challenge but the payoff is immense considering the unlimited upside on arguably the finest athletes ever to play the game of baseball.