1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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1987 Fleer Baseball Cards Price Guide and Values

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was issued midway through the 1987 Major League Baseball season and featured cards of players from that current season. Fleer was one of the “Big 3” card manufacturers of the time along with Topps and Donruss. The 1987 Fleer set included 402 total cards and had a very distinct style compared to other sets of the era. Let’s take a closer look at the 1987 Fleer cards, notable rookies and star players featured, and what various cards from the set tend to sell for today based on condition and player status.

Design and Production
The 1987 Fleer cards had a unique gray border framing colorful action photos of players on a white background. Fleer made the transition in 1987 to using a new, glossier card stock material compared to previous paper-stock sets. Card numbers ran from 1 to 402 with no parallels, insert cards, or oddball short prints. The front of each card displayed the team name and logo above the player photo along with their name and position below. On the back was the standard Fleer player stats layout and some career highlights.

Rookies and Key Players
Some of the top rookies and star players featured in the 1987 Fleer set that have highly sought after rookie or star cards include Ken Griffey Jr, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, Juan Gonzalez, and Roberto Alomar. Griffey Jr’s rookie card has long been one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards in the hobby. Other notable rookies included Craig Biggio, Tom Gordon, and Moises Alou. Veteran stars like Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, George Brett, and Ozzie Smith also had popular cards.

Card Values and Grading
The values for 1987 Fleer cards can vary greatly depending on the player, condition, and level of demand. Here is a general overview on values for the most popular 1987 Fleer cards based on their PSA/BGS graded gem mint 10 condition:

Ken Griffey Jr rookie: $3,000-$5,000
Mark McGwire rookie: $800-$1,200
Barry Bonds rookie: $500-$700
Greg Maddux rookie: $300-$400
Roberto Alomar rookie: $250-$350
Frank Thomas rookie: $200-$300
Juan Gonzalez rookie: $150-$250
Wade Boggs: $50-$75
Tony Gwynn: $50-$75
Ozzie Smith: $40-$60
George Brett: $30-$50
Common star/journeyman cards in PSA 10: $10-20

For raw, ungraded examples in near mint to mint condition, values would usually be 50% or less compared to graded gems. More common players or duplicates can be found for just a few dollars. Factors like specific player performance during seasons after 1987 can also influence long term demand and prices.

Summary
The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered a classic of the modern era and remains a popular choice for collectors to pursue. With a nice variety of future Hall of Famers and other notable players as rookies, there are numerous opportunities to acquire affordable vintage cards to build a collection around. For the marquee rookie cards or true gem mint examples, be prepared to invest more significant money. But overall the 1987 Fleer cards represent an iconic vintage basketball set that can be completed or focused on specific players without breaking the bank compared to some other highly inflated vintage sets from the late 1980s.

BASEBALL CARDS STORAGE

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Baseball cards are a fun and popular collectible item for both kids and adults alike. Properly storing your baseball card collection is important to preserve the condition and value of these treasured pieces of sports memorabilia. Here are some tips for effectively storing your baseball cards.

Plastic Sleeves and Toploaders: Individual plastic sleeves and toploaders are essential for protecting each baseball card. Look for penny sleeves or standard plastic sleeves that fit snugly around the card. For more valuable cards, use thicker toploaders. Slide each card into a sleeve or toploader before placing them in your storage box. This prevents scratches and damage from rubbing against other cards.

Storage Boxes: There are several good storage box options for housing your baseball card collection. For starters, multi-row boxes with tight-fitting plastic pages work well. The rows keep cards separated and pages prevent scratches. You can also use cardboard boxes, but make sure to line them with acid-free paper to prevent damage from moisture. Avoid non-archival paper products that can stain or damage cards over time.

Binders: Three-ring binders with magnetic or top-loading pages are another popular way to store baseball cards in a organized, accessible manner. Just be sure to use high-quality, acid-free pages approved for long-term storage. Check that pages and sleeves fit cards snugly to avoid shifting or bending. D-ring binders are less ideal since they can put stress on the corners of cards.

Portfolios and Albums: For displaying smaller subsets of your collection, baseball card portfolios and albums provide protective storage with see-through plastic sleeves to admire cards. As with binders, only use acid-free pages approved for long-term storage. Store portfolios and albums inside an acid-free box when not in use.

Environmental Conditions: Proper temperature and humidity levels are important for preventing damage over time. An ideal storage environment keeps cards at around 70°F and 50% relative humidity. Basements and attics tend to have fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels that can cause warping or fading. Instead, store cards in a climate-controlled area like a closet.

Protection from Light: Direct sunlight can fade and damage the colors on baseball cards over time. Make sure your storage area is protected from light exposure, especially from windows. Prolonged UV light exposure will cause cards to lose their vibrant colors and quality. Consider archival-quality boxes that provide UV protection.

Organization: Take the time to properly organize your baseball card collection for easy access and to track individual cards. Organize by year, team, player name or number for quick lookup. Consider creating a digital or paper inventory of your collection to make it easier to identify missing or damaged cards. Proper organization also makes your collection more enjoyable to admire.

Security: Protect your valuable baseball card collection from potential theft or damage. Store boxes in a locked cabinet, safe or closet when not in use. You can also record identifying information like serial numbers in case of theft to aid law enforcement. Insuring your collection is also recommended for high-value items.

Proper long-term storage of your baseball cards helps preserve their condition, appearance and collectible/resale value. Following archival-quality materials and best practices for temperature, humidity, light protection and organization ensures your cards will remain in the best possible shape for many years to come. With the right storage methods, your baseball card treasures can be enjoyed for generations.

BEST PLACE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS REDDIT

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Selling baseball cards can be a great way to make some extra cash if you have a collection sitting around collecting dust. With the growing popularity of collecting sports cards again, there is a strong market to sell cards both online and in person. While websites like eBay are commonly used to sell cards, Reddit has developed into one of the top online communities for trading, buying, and selling sports cards and memorabilia. Here are some of the best subreddits within Reddit to consider selling your baseball cards.

r/baseballcards – With over 200,000 members, r/baseballcards is the largest and most active baseball card trading subreddit. People use it to buy, sell, and trade all sorts of baseball cards from vintage to modern. You can make individual posts advertising your cards for sale with images and prices or check out the frequent “For Sale/For Trade” threads where members list cards they have available. Be sure to include clear photos, descriptions of condition and price to attract interested buyers. You can also check here to see what cards are in demand that you may have in your collection.

r/sportscardtracker – While smaller than r/baseballcards, r/sportscardtracker is a dedicated marketplace for buying and selling sports cards of all types. Members vouch for each other after successful transactions to build up reputation. This sub focuses more specifically on selling than trades. Make a post with your cards, prices, and shipping details. Be prepared to ship promptly and communicate well with buyers. Positive reviews can help you attract return customers and higher prices for rare cards.

r/baseballcardsell – As the name implies, r/baseballcardsell is solely dedicated to selling baseball cards. Posts should include clear photos, descriptions, and firm prices for cards. Be upfront about conditions and willing to provide additional photos to serious buyers. You can expect to find collectors looking to purchase both vintage and modern rookies and stars. Check the sub regularly as new listings are added frequently.

r/sportscards4sale – A smaller selling-focused subreddit, r/sportscards4sale allows you to sell or trade cards of any sport. Make individual posts with your baseball cards and prices. Be sure to include shipping costs and accepted payment methods clearly. You’ll find buyers of various sports cards here so it’s worth a look if you want maximum exposure for your listings.

Facebook Groups – While not technically part of Reddit, many Facebook groups are also excellent marketplaces for buying and selling sports cards online. Some of the largest and most active include Sports Card Collectors, Sports Card Trader, and Sports Card Buy/Sell/Trade. You can post photos of your cards along with prices and condition details. These groups have thousands of members so provide great exposure for finding buyers.

When selling on Reddit, be sure all photos are clear and well-lit to showcase the actual condition. Honestly describe the grade/condition using standard terms. Provide a firm price or range and accepted payment methods up front (PayPal Goods & Services usually offers the best buyer/seller protection). Promptly communicate and ship items once purchased. Developing a reputation as a trustworthy seller through frequent, positive interactions can help you get better prices in the future. With the right presentation and engagement in these communities, Reddit is an excellent resource for finding buyers for your baseball card collection.

BEST ROOKIE CARDS BASEBALL 2022

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The 2022 MLB season saw another highly-touted rookie class make their debuts, with several young stars quickly establishing themselves as franchise cornerstones. As with any rookie class, the 2022 group brought plenty of excitement and intrigue to the baseball card collecting hobby. While it’s still early, some rookies are already producing at a level that suggests their rookie cards could become extremely valuable long-term holdings. Here’s a look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season to consider adding to your collection.

Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: It’s hard to imagine a rookie making a bigger splash in their first season than Julio Rodriguez did for the Mariners in 2022. Rodriguez burst onto the scene by hitting impressive home runs and making highlight-reel catches in the outfield on a near-daily basis. The 21-year-old finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting while slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases – elite production for any player, let alone a rookie. Rodriguez possesses true five-tool talent and is seen as the future face of the Mariners franchise. His flagship Topps Chrome rookie card has already surpassed $100 and has significant long-term upside as one of the premier rookies in the hobby right now.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals: While Rodriguez may have had the bigger statistical season, many scouts saw Bobby Witt Jr. as the best overall prospect heading into 2022. The son of former big leaguer Bobby Witt lived up to the hype by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases as one of the few bright spots on a struggling Royals team. Witt showed all-around tools and athleticism that could allow him to become a perennial All-Star and the cornerstone of Kansas City’s rebuild. His Topps Chrome rookie is also already a $100+ card and should be a mainstay in virtually every high-end baseball card collection going forward.

Spencer Strider, SP, Atlanta Braves: Not many expected a rookie to become such an impact pitcher for the defending champion Braves in 2022, but that’s exactly what Spencer Strider did. The flame-throwing righty struck out more than a batter per inning on his way to an 11-5 record and 2.67 ERA for the season. Strider’s electric fastball that touches 100+ MPH was must-see TV every time he took the mound. While his playing time may be limited going forward as Atlanta manages his innings, Strider has the raw stuff to develop into an ace. His Topps Chrome rookie card reached $50-75 by season’s end and could climb much higher if he continues developing.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Adley Rutschman came into 2022 with immense expectations. While it took him some time to adjust to MLB pitching, he finished strong by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 46 games after his midseason promotion. More importantly, Rutschman showed elite defense behind the plate and the leadership skills that have scouts projecting him as a future All-Star and captain. As the future cornerstone of Baltimore’s rebuild, Rutschman’s Topps Chrome RC hit $50 by season’s end and could be a blue-chip investment for collectors.

Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6-foot-7, Oneil Cruz is a sight to behold on a baseball field. But it’s his immense raw power that has scouts and fans alike drooling over his potential. Cruz launched 9 homers in just 75 games in 2022 while showing off a rocket arm from shortstop. He still has plate discipline issues to refine, but if Cruz can make more consistent contact, 60-homer seasons might not be out of the question for the hulking infielder. His autographed Topps Chrome rookie jumped up near $100 by the end of the season based on his massive upside.

Hunter Greene, SP, Cincinnati Reds: As one of the hardest throwers in baseball, Hunter Greene was a must-see rookie all season long for Cincinnati. He struggled with his command at times but still managed to strike out 86 batters in 71 innings pitched. More importantly, Greene showed no signs of arm trouble after returning from Tommy John surgery. If he can stay healthy and refine his secondary pitches, 100+ MPH heat and a power arsenal could make Greene a true #1 starter for the Reds. His Topps Chrome RC reached $50-75 by season’s end.

Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves: On a loaded Braves team, Michael Harris II still managed to stand out as one of their best rookies. The 21-year-old centerfielder hit .297 with 19 homers and played Gold Glove-caliber defense, showing why he was such a highly-regarded prospect. Harris looks like a budding star who could be a long-term fixture in Atlanta’s outfield for years to come. His Topps Chrome RC is already a $50+ card based on his all-around contributions as a rookie.

Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers: As the #2 pick in 2021, Jack Leiter came into 2022 with immense expectations on his shoulders. While basic stats like a 5.72 ERA don’t jump off the page, Leiter still showed electric stuff with a mid-90s fastball and biting slider when healthy. Command issues are to be expected for such a young pitcher, and Leiter’s arsenal and makeup have scouts salivating over his ceiling. If he can stay on the mound, Leiter may have one of the highest upsides of any rookie pitcher. His Topps Chrome RC has already reached the $50-75 range.

Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: Seiya Suzuki brought his five-tool talents to Chicago after starring in Nippon Professional Baseball. The 28-year-old outfielder hit .262 with 14 homers and 43 RBI in his MLB rookie campaign, showing why he was one of the most coveted international free agents. Suzuki looks like a building block as the Cubs transition to contention mode. While not a true rookie by age, his MLB debut cards still carry value and long-term potential if he continues producing at an All-Star level stateside.

While it’s still very early, rookies like Rodriguez, Witt, Strider, Rutschman, Cruz and others look poised to become the new faces of baseball and cornerstone investments for collectors. Their rookie cards from 2022 already carry significant value and have the potential to become true blue-chip investments if any of these young stars ascend to the elite ranks of perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates. For collectors looking to invest, focusing on flagship rookies from this exciting rookie class could pay major dividends down the road.

RAY DALIO BASEBALL CARDS EXAMPLE

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Ray Dalio is known as one of the most successful hedge fund managers of all time. As the founder of Bridgewater Associates, he pioneered innovative investment techniques and cultivated a unique corporate culture. However, Dalio’s path to success was not easy. Growing up in a middle-class family in New York, he faced many failures and setbacks before achieving his current status.

One lesson that proved invaluable to Dalio early in his career relates to an experience he had as a young baseball card collector. In the late 1950s and 1960s, collecting baseball cards was a popular hobby among American youth. Like many other boys at the time, Dalio enjoyed searching through packs of cards at the local pharmacy or candy store, hoping to find rare players. He soon realized there was a methodical approach he could take to maximize his odds of completing full sets.

Rather than just buying packs of cards randomly, Dalio started to carefully track which common cards he already had and which ones remained uncollected. He would consult checklists from sports card company Topps to see the full roster of players included in each year’s set. By being strategic about only buying packs that gave him a chance of new additions to his collection, Dalio was able to finish complete sets more efficiently over time. If a pack did not have any potential new cards for him, he opted not to purchase it.

This baseball card experience taught Dalio an early lesson about the importance of being strategic, having a clear goal or checklist in mind, and focusing resources only on opportunities that directly work towards accomplishing that goal. Rather than gambling or speculating blindly, taking a systematic, evidence-based approach yielded better results for completing his collections. As an investor, the same philosophy would serve him well by avoiding uninformed risk and steering capital towards avenues with the highest probability of success.

As Dalio’s career progressed, he started applying this baseball card mentality to his investments. After launching Bridgewater Associates in 1975, one of his innovations was developing “risk landscapes” – detailed spreadsheets mapping out potential risks and returns across different economic environments, policy decisions, and geopolitical scenarios. Like having a checklist of which cards remained needed to finish a set, these risk landscapes helped Dalio identify the specific conditions where opportunities for profit were highest. He avoided speculative bets disconnected from a thoughtful macro analysis.

This systematic process, coupled with continual reevaluation and refinement of assumptions, allowed Bridgewater to deliver exceptional returns with relatively low volatility during Dalio’s multi-decade tenure. The firm avoided the sort of ruinous losses that sunk many other funds during events like the tech bubble or 2008 financial crisis. In fact, Bridgewater profited during both of those turbulent periods precisely because Dalio positioned the portfolio according to his risk analytics, prepared for potential downturns that others had not foreseen.

Dalio’s baseball card experience also influenced his management philosophy at Bridgewater. Transparency about information, risk profiles, and investment decisions was paramount. Just as checking his checklist of needed cards allowed efficient collection, so too did radical transparency foster an optimal allocation of resources within the firm. Employees were strongly encouraged to flag disagreements, mistakes, and alternative perspectives – since discovering flaws in reasoning could prevent poor outcomes, similar to avoiding packs with no new cards.

Moreover, Dalio structured Bridgewater’s culture and internal debates to resemble a “idea meritocracy” over a traditional hierarchy. The approach most worthy of implementation depended on the quality of supporting evidence and logic, not any individual’s seniority. As with focused card buying, this focus on dispassionate truth-seeking cultivated by the baseball experience pushed Bridgewater to continually refine its investment process. After decades of success, the firm’s approach to risk management, decision-making, and company culture based on transparency and meritocracy became widely admired on Wall Street.

In retelling this story from his youth, Dalio wants to emphasize that valuable lessons can come from even unlikely places. As a boy surrounded by the diversions of 1960s America, he never could have imagined his hobby of collecting baseball cards contained a metaphor that would underpin a career managing billions of dollars. Distilling truths from any worthwhile endeavor has the potential to offer meaningful guidance. Whether contemplating sports, work, relationships or world events, keeping an analytically-minded, evidence-based perspective open to re-examination serves individuals and organizations well. For Dalio, that approach started with methodically completing baseball card sets – and it took him all the way to the top of his intensely competitive field.

In summary, Ray Dalio’s experience as a young baseball card collector profoundly influenced his philosophy as one of history’s most accomplished investors. Taking a strategic, risk-analytical stance and avoiding uninformed speculation yielded superior results for completing his collections. At Bridgewater Associates, Dalio applied this baseball card mindset through “risk landscapes,” radical transparency, and an idea meritocracy culture. Focusing resources towards areas with the highest probability of success, while maintaining flexibility, allowed the firm to consistently outperform amidst financial crises. Dalio’s unlikely hobby offered an early lesson about maximizing returns through disciplined process over speculation – a lesson that has paid dividends throughout his transformative career.

BASEBALL LINEUP CARDS CUSTOM

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Baseball lineup cards are an important tradition in America’s pastime. These cards, filled out by the manager before each game, contain the starting batting order and defensive positioning for each player on the team. While the basic function of the lineup card remains the same, many teams and players have incorporated personal touches and customs into how they design their cards over the years.

Some managers keep things simple with basic text listing the players and their positions. Others express their personality and style through customized lineup cards. For example, legendary Yankees manager Joe Torre was known for his unique calligraphy when filling out the cards. He took pride in his penmanship and ensured each name was written neatly. Players appreciated the care he took to personalize the cards in his own handwriting.

Another iconic manager with a customized approach was Earl Weaver of the Baltimore Orioles. Known for his feisty personality, Weaver included amusing notes and nicknames on his lineup cards. He might write “The Secret Weapon” next to a pinch hitter or draw a smiley face by a player who was swinging the bat well. These little touches reflected Weaver’s quirky sense of humor and kept things lighthearted in the dugout. Players enjoyed seeing what creative nicknames or remarks Weaver would include for them on a given day.

Some managers take customization to the next level by completely redesigning the standard template of a lineup card. Former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon was famous for his elaborate and colorful lineup cards. He would draw intricate designs in multiple colors, often incorporating the team logo or symbols related to that day’s game. Maddon viewed the cards as an opportunity for artistic expression. His players and coaches always looked forward to seeing his latest creations, which helped build excitement and team bonding before games.

In addition to unique manager styles, many players develop their own lineup card customs and superstitions. Some always write their name in a certain way or only use a specific color pen for luck. Veteran first baseman Albert Pujols is known to carefully print out his name in block letters instead of cursive. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton only switches-hit from the right side if his name appears on the right side of the card.

Superstitious players may request certain lineup positions depending on their past performances. A hitter on a hot streak might ask to bat in the same spot each day. Conversely, a player in a slump may ask the manager to bat him lower in the order. These small customs help some athletes feel more comfortable and in-control as they head to the plate.

While digital lineup cards on iPads have become more common in recent years, many old-school players and managers still prefer the tradition of handwritten cards. There is something special about seeing one’s name written out by the manager before taking the field. All-time hits leader Pete Rose was a huge proponent of traditional paper cards, believing the personal touch helped motivate and connect players to the game.

As baseball continues to evolve, lineup card customs will likely remain an integral part of the game’s history and folklore. Whether through unique manager styles, player superstitions, or simple traditions, the cards represent an opportunity for personal expression. They build excitement and chemistry within a team before each contest. While the digital age marches on, paper lineup cards filled with creative touches will probably remain a cherished part of baseball’s storied pastime for years to come.

1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the start of the baseball season that year and included cards for major leaguers as well as prospects and established minor leaguers. The set had 562 total cards and was one of the most popular releases that year from Donruss.

Some of the key details about the 1989 Donruss checklist and set include:

The set featured cards for all 26 major league teams at the time and included both base cards as well as special inserts. Numbered parallel inserts were introduced in 1989, including Sportflics and Embossed.

A large portion of the set was made up of rookie cards, prospects, and minor leaguers. Notable rookie cards included Ben McDonald, Greg Maddux, Kevin Maas, and Derek Bell. Future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine also had their rookie cards in this set.

The design featured bordered cards with a team logo and franchise icon in the upper left corner. Statistics and career highlights were on the back with the “Donruss Diamonds” stamp signifying they were official MLB licensed cards.

High number cards started at #500 and featured Class AAA and AA players as well as international players. The checklist went all the way up to #562, making it a larger set than previous Donruss releases.

Insert sets within included the “Call to the Hall” set honoring baseball’s greatest players in Cooperstown. A total of 20 cards were released as part of this insert set.

Additional inserts included “Diamond Gems,” which were parallel foiled parallels of star players available one per pack. Other inserts featured specific stats leaders and postseason award winners.

On the star player front, marquee names included Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan. Each of the top players had multiple parallel and special inserts as well.

Rated rookies were a new feature, assigning a grading scale from 1-10 to help collectors evaluate the future potential of rookie and prospect cards included in the set.

The design aesthetic moved away from the “cardboard” look of previous years, with a clean white border and smoother photographs. Fonts and colors remained consistent with Donruss’ overall artistic style at the time however.

Variations exist within the base checklist, including error cards, printing plate parallels, and serially numbered parallel sets like the Sportflics as mentioned. These variations can be quite valuable for dedicated collectors.

The sheer size and depth of the checklist at over 500 cards made completing the full 1989 Donruss baseball set a challenge for collectors. Subsets became popular to collect as full master sets were difficult.

On the secondary market, the cards have continued to gain value as 80s/90s sets become more desired. Top rookies like Griffey Jr. and Bonds have seen the most dramatic price increases over the decades since.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card checklist was notable for being amongst the largest releases that year and greatly expanding the coverage of prospects and minor leaguers. Insert sets added greatly to the collectibility and the inclusion of parallel and serial numbered cards marked an increase in chase and premium parallels that became a mainstay of the modern collecting era. Both for its breadth of content and its historical significance in the evolution of the hobby, the 1989 Donruss set remains an highly collectible and desirable vintage release to this day among baseball card enthusiasts.

25 MOST VALUABLE 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the late 80s/early 90s baseball card boom. While it didn’t feature the flashy design of Topps or Fleer cards of the era, Donruss cards from 1990 are still highly sought after by collectors today due to the rookie cards and star players featured. Here’s a breakdown of the 25 most valuable 1990 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition:

Nolan Ryan (#1) – Around $150
Future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan was still an active player in 1990 and one of the most dominant pitchers of all-time. His iconic photo and status as a legend makes his base Donruss card hold value years later.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#156) – Around $175
“The Iron Man” Cal Ripken Jr. was a perennial All-Star and eventual Hall of Famer. His consistent excellence increased demand for his rookie and early career cards like this one.

Ozzie Smith (#5) – Around $200
Known as “The Wizard” for his flashy defensive skills, Ozzie Smith was a fan favorite and 15-time Gold Glove winner. High demand from collectors keeps his common 1990 Donruss card valuable.

Wade Boggs (#155) – Around $225
A career .328 hitter and 5-time batting champion, Wade Boggs was the model of consistency at the plate throughout the 1980s. His cards from his Red Sox years hold value.

Kirby Puckett (#181) – Around $250
An 11-time All-Star and 6-time Gold Glove winner, Kirby Puckett led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. His popularity in Minnesota makes his cards highly sought after.

Roger Clemens (#170) – Around $275
The 1986 AL MVP and future Hall of Famer, Roger Clemens was already one of the best pitchers in baseball in 1990. High demand for any of his early Boston Red Sox cards increases prices.

Dennis Eckersley (#25) – Around $300
By 1990, “Eck” had transformed from a starter into arguably the best closer in baseball. His dominant performances for the A’s in the late 80s and 90s create value in his Donruss rookie.

Dwight Gooden (#160) – Around $325
“Doc” Gooden was coming off a World Series win with the Mets in 1986 and had won the ’85 NL Cy Young. Injury problems would soon arise, making his rookie cards more valuable.

Jose Canseco (#181) – Around $350
The first 40/40 player in MLB history, Jose Canseco helped usher in the “steroid era.” High popularity from his Oakland days increases prices for his flagship rookie card.

Darryl Strawberry (#26) – Around $375
A power-hitting outfielder for the Mets’ 1986 championship team, Darryl Strawberry was a fan favorite during his early career. Strong demand exists for his vintage rookie cards.

Mark McGwire (#170) – Around $400
Before the home run records, Mark McGwire was already establishing himself as one of the game’s top power hitters in Oakland. Collectors seek out his popular early Donruss and Topps cards.

Barry Bonds (#21) – Around $425
Even before his record-breaking career, Barry Bonds was one of the most hyped prospects ever. High investment value remains in his scarce early Pittsburgh Pirates cards.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#181) – Around $450
The first true “five-tool player” of the 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr. quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle. His iconic rookie card is a must-have for collectors.

Tom Glavine (#160) – Around $475
A future Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young winner, Tom Glavine was already establishing himself as an ace for the Atlanta Braves in 1990. Strong demand exists for his rookie.

Randy Johnson (#171) – Around $500
“The Big Unit” was in the early days of his Hall of Fame career with the Mariners in 1990. At 6-foot-10, his intimidating presence and dominance on the mound create value.

Greg Maddux (#160) – Around $525
By 1990, Greg Maddux was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career after winning the ’88 NL Cy Young with the Cubs. He’s long been a coveted player for collectors.

Frank Thomas (#181) – Around $550
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas won the 1990 AL Rookie of the Year and was a force at the plate for over two decades. High demand exists for his flagship rookie card.

Ryne Sandberg (#5) – Around $575
A perennial All-Star and 1984 NL MVP with the Cubs, Ryne Sandberg was one of the best all-around second basemen ever. He remains a popular player for collectors.

Barry Larkin (#181) – Around $600
The 1990 NL Rookie of the Year and future Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin was the heart and soul of Cincinnati’s “Nasty Boys” era teams. Strong collector interest in his rookie card.

Jeff Bagwell (#181) – Around $650
The 1991 NL Rookie of the Year and MVP, Jeff Bagwell established himself as the face of the Astros franchise. His rookie card is a must-have for Houston collectors.

Ken Griffey Sr. (#181) – Around $700
The father of Ken Griffey Jr. and a 19-year MLB veteran himself, Ken Griffey Sr.’s rookie card is highly valuable as it’s one of the few featuring him as a player.

Chipper Jones (#181) – Around $750
Arguably the greatest switch hitter ever, Chipper Jones’ entire career was spent with the Atlanta Braves. Strong demand exists for his scarce rookie card issue.

Derek Jeter (#160) – Around $800
Before becoming “The Captain” of the Yankees dynasty, Derek Jeter was establishing himself as a rising young star by 1990. All of his early cards hold significant value.

Jim Abbott (#181) – Around $850
The 1990 Donruss rookie card of the one-handed pitcher Jim Abbott remains one of the set’s most inspiring and sought-after issues due to his inspiring story and on-field success.

Alex Rodriguez (#181) – Around $900
Even before winning MVP awards or setting records, Alex Rodriguez was already considered a can’t-miss prospect in Seattle. His rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1990 Donruss set.

While production numbers may have been high for 1990 Donruss, strong demand exists for the rookie cards and early issues of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Maddux, and Jeter that make the set beloved by collectors today. Featuring stars from the late 80s and 90s glory years of baseball, 1990 Donruss remains a highly invested vintage release.

USA BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Baseball card collecting remains one of America’s favorite hobbies, with legions of fans young and old spending countless hours assembling and trading sets each year. 2022 saw the release of several highly anticipated new baseball card products chronicling the previous season on the diamond.

Topps, the industry leader for over 70 years, kicked things off in January with the release of 2022 Topps Series 1. As with every year, this flagship set was the first to showcase rookies and stars from the 2021 season. Big names like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. received prized rookie cards and autographs that quickly shot up collector valuations. The season-long chase for complete base and variant parallel sets was on.

In March, Topps followed up with 2022 Topps Series 2. This continued coverage of the 2021 season while highlighting additional player stats and career milestones. Randal Grichuk’s first-ever Topps autograph card stood out to collectors, as did Max Muncy’s short print parallel. Fan-favorites like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Gerrit Cole also received attractive new issue cards. Both Topps Series 1 and 2 base sets consisted of about 330 cards each.

April saw the release of 2022 Topps Heritage, the brand’s beloved annual throwback set. Paying homage to the early years of Topps, Heritage cards featured vintage-style designs on a thicker cardboard stock. This year focused on the 1968 Topps design. Stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. received eye-catching ‘red parallel’ variants in short supply. Rookie phenoms like Bobby Witt Jr. further energized the collectible baseball card market.

In May, Upper Deck produced 2022 UD Diamond Icons. Unlike the ongoing Topps releases documenting a single MLB season, Diamond Icons celebrated legendary players from across baseball history. Legendary Hall of Famers featured this year included Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and Roberto Clemente. Their glossy etched foil parallel autographs became instant favorites. Meanwhile Panini delivered 2022 Donruss Baseball, showcasing exciting prospect autographs of the new crop of rising stars.

Summer saw two highly anticipated special sets. In June, Topps released 2022 Topps Archives Snapshots. Paying homage to iconic 1961 and 1981 Topps designs, this set featured today’s stars in fantastically replicated vintage style cards. Parallels like foil and autographs escalated demand. Meanwhile, in July, Panini produced 2022 Gold Label, packed with stunning 1/1 artist rendition, booklet, and patch autographs of all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Both sets thrilled collectors with their ultra-premium offerings.

Topps closed out the yearly baseball card cycle in August and September with the final two flagship series, 2022 Topps Series 3 followed by 2022 Topps Update. In addition to continuing coverage of the still-ongoing 2022 MLB season, both sets contained numerous short prints, spx parallels, and highly sought autographs to keep the hunt engaging until the end. With 2022 Topps Chrome releasing ahead of the holidays, collectors now looked ahead to the 2023 season and all the new sets and stars it may bring.

Through beautifully designed cards, stirring stories, and collecting thrill of the chase, 2022 baseball cards once again drove passion for America’s pastime. Whether chasing base rookie cards of the game’s next superstars or acquiring 1/1 treasures from its legends, collectors of all ages found joy and community celebrating baseball through the colorful cardboard sheets that have chronicled the sport for generations. 2023 is sure to bring still more excitement as this great American tradition marches ever onward.

HIGHEST VALUE 90S BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990s were truly the golden age of baseball card collecting. Production and interest was at an all-time high during this decade. Many consider the late 80s through the mid-90s as the peak of the baseball card hobby. Now that we are a few decades removed, it is interesting to look back at the cards from this era that have held or increased greatly in value. Here are some of the most valuable and desirable 1990s baseball cards on the hobby today based on condition and demand.

Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie (1989) – Widely considered the most iconic and valuable baseball card of the 90s. Griffey was already a budding superstar by 1989 and his rookie exploded in popularity and price. High graded examples regularly sell for $10,000+ in gem mint condition. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch $3,000-$5,000. The Griffey rookie is truly a holy grail card for 90s collectors and investors alike. Its rarity, star power, and legendary status has cemented it as one of the most valuable modern-era cards ever produced.

Mariano Rivera Topps Traded RC (1996) – The greatest closer of all-time also has one of the most coveted rookie cards from the decade. As a 39th-round pick, Rivera wasn’t extremely hyped entering the majors but quickly became a dominant force out of the Yankees bullpen for nearly two decades. Low print runs and his outstanding career have made his 1996 Topps Traded rookie very scarce in high grades. Near-mint copies routinely sell for $1,000+ on the secondary market. A PSA 10 gem could command over $5,000 given Rivera’s legendary status.

Chipper Jones Upper Deck rookie (1991) – Arguably the greatest third baseman of all-time, Chipper burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old phenom for the Braves in 1991. His stellar rookie campaign made his Upper Deck RC an instant hit. High graded versions remain very scarce and valuable to this day, selling for $2,000+ in PSA/BGS 9-10 condition. Even heavily played copies still trade hands for a few hundred due to Chipper’s Hall of Fame caliber career and the rarity of the card overall.

Derek Jeter Topps rookie (1992) – As the longtime face of the Yankees dynasty, Jeter became one of the most popular and accomplished players of the 90s/00s. His ’92 Topps rookie is an iconic card from the decade despite not being extremely scarce in lower grades. True gem mint 10s can demand over $3,000 due to Jeter’s legendary status and the card’s incredible iconic design. Even heavily played copies still carry value north of $100 due to strong collector demand for all things Jeter.

Mark McGwire Upper Deck rookie (1987) – McGwire burst onto the scene with a 49 home run rookie campaign in 1987 for the A’s. His booming home run prowess made him an instant star. While PED controversies have dampened his legacy somewhat, McGwire rookies remain some of the most heavily sought after from the late 80s/early 90s era. High graded examples routinely sell for $1,000+ due to the card’s significance during baseball’s home run heyday. Even heavily played copies can still command $200-$300.

Alex Rodriguez Bowman’s Best rookie (1994) – While overshadowed upon arrival by A-Rod’s later controversial years, his early star potential was evident from the start. His 1994 Bowman’s Best RC showed off his skills and youthful exuberance that would make him a future MVP. Pristine Near Mint-Mint 10 examples now sell for $1,500-2,000 based on his All-Time talent level. Only a finite number were printed making high graded copies quite scarce today. Even heavily played VG-EX range copies still trade at the $100-200 level.

Shaquille O’Neal Topps rookie (1992) – Yes, the legendary NBA center also had a brief minor league baseball stint that was captured on his ’92 Topps RC. While around 100,000 were printed, high graded versions are elusive. Shaq became a pop culture icon owning to his dominance in the NBA. Rare PSA/BGS 10 Shaq rookies can bring close to $1,000. Even LP/very played copies command over $50 due to their quirky oddity status.

Mike Piazza Pacific rookie (1990) – Arguably the greatest offensive catcher of all-time. Piazza came out of nowhere with prodigious power from the left side of the plate. His burly Pacific rookie became extremely sought after when he broke in with the Dodgers in 1992. High condition versions fetch $500+ due to his legendary career, while heavily played copies still pull $50-100 given the scarcity of true near-mint examples surviving from any of Piazza’s early issues.

Trevor Hoffman Bowman’s Best rookie (1993) – One of the game’s most prolific and effective closers of his era centered around the 1990s-2000s. Hoffman tallied over 600 saves and is now enshrined in Cooperstown. His ’93 Bowman’s Best RC is very low population in top grades like PSA 10. Those elitecondition examples can approach $1,000. Even heavily played copies still attract serious collector interest and sell for $50-100.

Nomar Garciaparra Bowman’s Best rookie (1996) – The two-time batting champion exploded onto the scene as a superstar rookie for the Red Sox in 1997. His early potential was evident in his ’96 Bowman Best RC, which has acquired strong collector demand over the years despite being relatively common in lower grades. True gem mint copies grade PSA/BGS 10 are very scarce and valuable, selling for $500-1,000. Heavy played examples still push $50-100.

Juan Gonzalez Bowman rookie (1989) – Outside of the Upper Deck Griffey, Gonzalez posses one of the most valuable and desired rookies of any players from the legendary 1989 rookie class. A two-time AL MVP that famously helped spoil the Yankees dynasty years with the Rangers. High quality NM/MT Gonzalez rookies now sell for $300-500. Even lower grade copies still attract $50-150 for this star outfield basher’s first card.

Those represent some of the most iconic, rare, and expensive 1990’s baseball cards that serious investors and collectors target today when building their portfolios. While condition and demand ultimately determine final price, those rookies and star rookie cards from the peak of the baseball card boom era are sure to hold and increase their value for many more years to come as beloved relics from that storied time in the hobby. The players featured stamped their superstar status upon the baseabll world in the ’90s and their early trading cards are prized pieces of memorabilia from those glory days.