25 MOST VALUABLE 1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the late 1980s. While not as iconic as the flagship Topps sets of the era, Donruss cards from 1989 featured innovative photography and design elements that made them stand out. Several rookie cards and star players from that season are now highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a look at the 25 most valuable 1989 Donruss baseball cards based on the average sold price for high-grade PSA 10 or BGS Black Label specimens when available.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie – Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s 1989 Donruss rookie is the undisputed king of the set. High-grade PSA 10 examples routinely sell for well over $10,000. Even raw near-mint copies still fetch several hundred dollars due to Griffey’s superstar status and the card’s amazing photo of him catching a fly ball.

Greg Maddux – An absolute workhorse who would go on to win 4 Cy Young Awards, Maddux’s value has risen steadily since retirement. PSA 10s of his 1989 Donruss card have sold for over $3,000. He is one of the few pitchers whose rookie cards hold significant value decades later.

Barry Bonds – As one of the game’s all-time great sluggers, Bonds’ rookie card is a must-have for serious collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for around $2,500, with raw near-mint examples in the $200-300 range. Controversy surrounding steroid allegations hasn’t dampened interest in his rookie card.

Randy Johnson – “The Big Unit” was already an intimidating 6’10” lefty in 1989. High-grade versions of his rookie card have topped $2,000 at auction due to his legendary status. Even well-centered raw near-mint copies sell for $100-150.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” burst onto the scene in 1990 but his rookie season was 1989. PSA 10s of his Donruss rookie have sold for over $1,500. Raw near-mint copies in the $75-100 range make this a relatively affordable Hall of Famer rookie card.

Jeff Bagwell – Bagwell’s smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite in Houston. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $1,250. Even raw near-mint examples still fetch $50-75 due to his all-star caliber career.

Kenny Lofton – A speedster who was a nightmare for opposing pitchers, Lofton’s rookie card values have risen above $1,000 for PSA 10s in recent years. His exciting style of play translates to collector interest decades later.

Tom Glavine – One of the best pitchers of the 1990s, Glavine won two Cy Young awards and dominated for the Atlanta Braves. PSA 10s of his rookie card have topped $1,000 at auction.

Tim Salmon – While not a true superstar, Salmon had a long and productive career with the Angels. His rookie card has gained cult status and PSA 10s have sold for around $900. Even raw near-mint copies still sell for $30-50.

Juan Gonzalez – “Juan Gone” hit 40+ home runs in 3 different seasons for the Rangers. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $800. Near-mint raw copies still fetch $40-60.

Todd Van Poppel – Considered a can’t-miss pitching prospect, Van Poppel never lived up to expectations. But his rookie card maintained value due to hype, with PSA 10s selling for $700-800.

Gregg Jefferies – Jefferies was a highly-touted prospect who showed flashes of stardom. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $700. Near-mint raw copies sell for $30-50.

Jeff Conine – “Mr. Marlin” was a fan favorite in Florida for many years. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $600-700 range in recent sales. Near-mint raw copies sell for $25-35.

Bobby Witt – The #1 pick in the 1985 draft, Witt had a solid if unspectacular career. PSA 10s of his rookie card have still topped $600 due to his prospect pedigree. Near-mint raw copies sell for $20-30.

Tom Lampkin – A promising young catcher who never fully realized his potential, Lampkin’s rookie card maintains value due to his prospect status in 1989. PSA 10s have sold for around $550.

Craig Biggio – One of the finest second basemen ever, Biggio’s Hall of Fame career has pushed his rookie card values up. PSA 10s have sold for $500-600 range. Near-mint raw copies sell for $20-30.

John Kruk – A fan favorite in Philadelphia, Kruk’s quirky personality translated to collector interest. PSA 10s have topped $500. Near-mint raw copies sell for $15-25.

Dave Martinez – Martinez had a long, productive career mostly with the Expos and Cubs. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $450. Near-mint raw copies sell for $10-15.

Jeff Reardon – One of the top closers of the 1980s, Reardon notched over 300 career saves. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $400-500 range. Near-mint raw copies sell for $10-15.

Gregg Olson – Considered the Orioles’ closer of the future in 1989, Olson went on to save over 150 games. PSA 10s have sold for $400. Near-mint raw copies sell for $10-15.

Darrin Jackson – A solid player for many years with the Cubs and Padres, Jackson’s rookie card has gained cult status. PSA 10s have sold for around $375. Near-mint raw copies sell for $8-12.

Dave Martinez – Martinez had a long, productive career mostly with the Expos and Cubs. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $350. Near-mint raw copies sell for $8-12.

Steve Buechele – Buechele had some productive seasons with the Rangers and Angels. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $300-350 range. Near-mint raw copies sell for $7-10.

Jeff Richardson – Richardson showed promise as a young catcher but didn’t fulfill expectations. Still, PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $300-350. Near-mint raw copies sell for $7-10.

Bill Pecota – A versatile infielder who played for several teams, Pecota’s rookie card has gained cult status. PSA 10s have sold for around $300. Near-mint raw copies sell for $7-10.

While not as iconic as flagship sets from Topps, the 1989 Donruss release featured photography and designs that gave it its own identity. Decades later, stars like Griffey, Maddux and Bonds along with promising young players continue to make their rookie and star cards from that set highly valuable collectors items. This article provides an in-depth look at the 25 most valuable 1989 Donruss baseball cards based on verified auction sales of high-grade specimens.

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1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS ERROR

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The 1991 Score baseball card release is considered by collectors to be one of the most error-filled sets of all time. While error cards from this series are not necessarily the most valuable, they provide a fascinating look at what can go wrong in the mass production process of sports trading cards. The 1991 Score set had several different types of errors, from miscuts and misprints to missing foil and sticker variations. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most common errors collectors have found from this notorious baseball card year.

One of the most eye-catching errors were miscut cards, where the card stock was cut improperly, resulting in cards with images missing chunks or extending beyond the normal borders. Many collectors have found cards with significant parts of the photo cut off, revealing parts of another player hidden beneath or leaving blank white space where the image should have been. Alignment dots meant to guide the cutting blades were sometimes missed, leading to wild variations in cuts. Other miscuts saw entire sides or corners of cards sheared off. The manufacturing irregularities made each miscut card one of a kind, though they hampered the normal use of most errors in decks or albums.

Missing or double foil was another endemic problem in 1991 Score. Many cards were found missing the trademark blue foil boarder that should have outlined the photo and statistics on the front. Other cards had flaws where foil was clumped or misapplied, extending beyond the card or leaving noticeable ridges. Some collectors even came across “positive foil errors” where cards had two foil layers applied instead of the normal single layer. The lack of a consistent foil application process clearly led to all manner of variations, some more subtly imperfect than others.

Perhaps the strangest errors seen in 1991 Score involved sticker variations that had no parallel in other card sets. Several players had specially designed stickers meant to be applied over part of their photo, often obscuring facially identifying features as a sort of mystery variant. In many cases collectors found the stickers were completely missing from cards or misaligned, leaving ghostly blank spaces where sticker images were meant to be. Other times duplicate or extra stickers would be present, sometimes hiding parts of statistics or overlapping oddly. The fragile sticker process made consistency nearly impossible.

One of the most famous error cards from 1991 Score is the Nolan Ryan “missing nameplate” error, where the legend’s name is inexplicably missing from the large red block meant to identify the player. Only a small handful are known to exist among the millions of Ryan cards printed that year. Other “nameplate” errors saw misaligned, doubled up, or partially missing lettering that disrupted the card’s design. Missing or substituted text also appeared elsewhere, like on statistics or the score logo itself. With so much specific wording used, even minor flaws were readable as aberrations.

The varied photovariations seen in 1991 Score errors were also notable. Some cards were found with color shifts, where the player image had an unexpected tint variation from the normal card. Other photos had color-related flaws like flecks, blotches, or contour inconsistencies. Poor cutting sometimes revealed parts of other players in collages beneath the visible photo as well. In extreme examples, the photo was even replaced by part of another image entirely in a startling swap. With photographs serving as the visual heart of each card, errors in imaging stood out markedly.

Not all 1991 Score errors were readily visible – some were more subtle fluctuations in production sequencing and numbering. Certain parallel and serial number variations have been reported, sometimes very out of whack with the general distribution matrices. Index numbers, an anti-counterfeiting measure, also showed anomalies. Other covert errors involved minor variations in cardboard stock colors, textures, or thickness between otherwise identical cards. Only the most discerning collectors would notice these delicate production divergences from the norm.

In the aggregate, the sheer range of errors present across the entire 1991 Score baseball card set does suggest potential flaws existed somewhere in the automated manufacturing process that season. It’s possible cutting blades or foil layers became misaligned or lost calibration at some point and never fully corrected before completion. Photo and print inconsistencies could also point to issues in those areas. While frustrating for quality control, the errors have proven a true boon for today’s collectors, making each imperfect 1991 Score card like a rare one-of-a-kind work of accidental art. Their ubiquity has also kept overall individual error value somewhat lower than other limited cases, but demand remains high due to the set’s place in card collecting history. No other year exemplifies the potential pitfalls and variability of mass production quite like 1991 Score.

In wrapping up, the sheaf of inconsistencies, anomalies and mistakes present throughout Score’s 1991 baseball card offering stands as a true outlier among trading card releases due to both their diverse nature and sheer pervasiveness throughout the entire set. From miscuts and nameplate flaws to subtle stock changes and mysterious sticker variations, 1991 Score puts on vivid display what can happen at each step of the card creation process when quality control lapses. While frustrating for the manufacturer at the time, the errors have proven an enduring fascination for collectors now, freezing mistakes in time as artful aberrations. Few other card years exemplify so clearly both the human unpredictability within huge manufacturing operations and the way mistakes can morph into cherished rarities over decades. The legacy of 1991 Score’s plentiful production problems remains an engaging chapter in the annals of sports memorabilia history.

DAVE’s VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Dave’s Vintage Baseball Cards is a small business located in a strip mall in suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin that specializes in collecting, grading, selling, and trading vintage baseball cards from the late 19th century to the 1980s. The shop was opened in 2005 by Dave Johnson, a lifelong baseball fan and collector who wanted to share his passion for the history captured in these old cards with other enthusiasts.

While baseball cards have been around since the late 1800s, it was not until the late 1970s and 1980s that collecting them really took off. During this time, production and distribution expanded exponentially which resulted in many valuable older cards becoming more scarce. This surge in popularity coincided with Dave’s own childhood experiences collecting and sparked the idea to one day open a dedicated store. After working for years in information technology, Dave decided in his early 40s to take the leap and pursue his dream full-time.

He started small, operating out of a small rented space with just his personal inventory and collection to sell and trade. Word of mouth and Dave’s expertise and friendliness helped attract a growing customer base. Today, the store has expanded to 1,500 square feet and stocks over 100,000 individual vintage cards along with related supplies like sleeves, holders, and display books. While the focus remains on the pre-1990 era, Dave works hard to have representatives from every year, team, and player available to browse.

A key aspect of the business is grading cards. This process involves thoroughly inspecting each card for factors like centering, corners, edges and surface quality before assigning a numerical grade on the widely used 1-10 point scale. Higher grades command significantly higher values. Dave spent years learning the intricate grading standards of the two major third-party authorities, PSA and BGS, and is now a certified authenticator for both. Offering this service has proven very popular with collectors and helped increase traffic and sales.

Beyond buying and selling, Dave’s also caters to the social and research aspects of the hobby. A large community room in the back regularly hosts card shows and meetups that bring collectors from across the state together. Older enthusiasts especially enjoy reminiscing about their favorite childhood players and trades. Dave also maintains a vast digital library and database of card stats, prices, and checklists that patrons can access.

Among the most prized items currently in Dave’s personal collection are a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, graded PSA 2.5; a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8; and an unopened 1984 Fleer box. The real treasures are the stories behind each card that get shared every day in the shop. Whether it’s a customer finding a card from their youth or two collectors bonding over an obscure player, Dave takes pride in fostering the rich history and community surrounding the hobby.

While the sports card market experienced ups and downs over the decades, vintage baseball has proven remarkably resilient. Even with the rise of digital platforms, collectors still place high value on the tangible pieces of history held in their hands. And as more baby boomers who grew up with the cards reach retirement, many are reconnecting with their collections which bodes well for the future of the industry. For Dave, who has seen the shop flourish since opening fifteen years ago, his passion shows no signs of fading. He looks forward to many more years of helping collectors old and new appreciate the nostalgia and charm of these vintage cardboard treasures.

BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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Getting vintage baseball cards professionally graded has become very popular in recent years. There are several key factors to consider when determining which cards from your collection are good candidates to submit for grading. In this article, we will discuss the top baseball cards that are worth getting graded based on their potential value and demand in the collectibles marketplace.

One of the most iconic and valuable baseball card sets is the 1909-11 T206 set. The “Golden Age of Baseball Cards,” these tobacco era cards featured stars from all 16 major league teams at the time. Some of the most desirable cards to grade from this set include rare Hall of Famers like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. In top grade of PSA Gem Mint 10, these can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Other notable commons from the set like Eddie Plank, Jack Chesbro, and Ed Walsh can also net substantial returns if graded high.

Another excellent vintage set for grading consideration is the 1914 Cracker Jack set. Highly coveted by collectors, cards of Shoeless Joe Jackson, Nap Lajoie, and Grover Cleveland Alexander can earn thousands graded PSA 8 or above due to their scarcity and appeal. The 1933 Goudey set is also a great one to target. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig rookies in top grades are worth five figures or more. Stars like Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, and Mickey Cochrane have strong demand.

Moving into the post-war era, the iconic 1952 Topps set presents many grading opportunities. Mickey Mantle rookie PSA 8s have sold for over $100,000. Other stars of that time like Willie Mays, Duke Snider, and Roy Campanella also have value potential. The same holds true for the 1954 Topps set, headlined by the ultra-rare PSA 10 Mantle rookie. Highly coveted by collectors, this is considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards.

The late 1950s/early 60s saw the rise of the modern baseball card era. Sets like 1957 Topps, 1958 Topps, and 1961 Topps all feature rookie cards of all-time greats that grade well. Namely, 1957 Topps Hank Aaron and 1961 Topps Roger Maris rookies can earn thousands in top condition. Other stars from that era like Willie McCovey, Bob Gibson, and Juan Marichal also have appeal.

Grading 1968 Topps rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, and Rod Carew can yield strong returns. Carew’s is particularly rare PSA 10. The 1969 Topps set is iconic for featuring 20 rookie cards of future 500 home run club members like George Brett and Dave Winfield. High grades of these are valuable.

Moving into the 1970s, the 1975 Topps set stands out. A PSA 10 rookie of a Hall of Famer like Fred Lynn could earn over $10,000 given his scarcity. Stars like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan had their careers take off in the late 70s, so high graded cards from 1977-79 Topps sets can have appeal. The same holds true for rookie cards of Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Barry Larkin from the early 1980s.

The most lucrative baseball cards to consider grading tend to be rare vintage rookie cards and stars from the early 20th century through the 1980s. Sets like T206, 1914 Cracker Jack, 1933 Goudey, 1952-61 Topps, plus 1975 and early 80s are all great places to look. Focus on cards of all-time great players, especially those inducted in Cooperstown. Top grades like PSA 10 are worth the most, but even an 8 can earn a strong return with the right card. Proper research is key to determining which from your collection have the highest potential value.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS CURRENT PLAYERS

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Some of the most valuable baseball cards in the hobby today feature current major league stars. As these players continue producing on the field, their rookie cards and top performing season cards increase in demand and price. While cards of legendary players from past eras will always hold immense value, cards of today’s best players offer collectors an opportunity to invest in the future generations of the game.

Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive and desirable baseball cards of active major leaguers:

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor (#ed /5) – Estimated Value $400,000+

Widely regarded as the best player in baseball today, Mike Trout captured the attention of collectors from the very start of his professional career. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractorparallel is one of just five copies produced, making it exceptionally rare. With Trout continually putting up MVP caliber numbers year after year, this 1/1 card is sure to become exponentially more valuable as his career progresses. Even at a young age of only 28, Trout has already built a Hall of Fame resume, giving this superfractor strong potential to become one of the most valuable modern-era cards ever.

Bryce Harper 2010 Bowman Sterling Prospect Auto Patch BGS 9.5 (#ed /5) – Estimated Value $250,000+

Like Trout, Bryce Harper burst onto the scene as one of the game’s top prospects and immediately became a stud collector item. His 2010 Bowman Sterling patch autograph parallel ranks as one of the premier Harper rookie cards, with impressive pedigree as a five-copy parallel. Despite some ups and downs in Washington, Harper has still developed into a perennial All-Star and league MVP. Now starring in Philly long-term, this card representing one of the faces of MLB stands to gain more value as his career plays out.

Mookie Betts 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto BGS 9.5 NM-MT (#ed /25) – Estimated Value $100,000+

Just inside the top ten for most valuable baseball cards is Mookie Betts’ elite 2014 Bowman Chrome rookie auto. Betts emerged as the 2018 AL MVP and has maintained superstar performance since. The strong on-card signature and limited parallel print run of just 25 copies give this Betts rookie significant presence in the high-end market. At only 27 years old while playing for a marquee franchise in Boston, Betts’ career trajectory points to even greater heights that will lift this valuable card further.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Update Auto Rainbow Foil BGS 9.5 NM-MT – Estimated Value $70,000+

As one of the game’s brightest young talents, Ronald Acuña Jr. took the MLB by storm with his 2018 Rookie of the Year campaign. This flashy rainbow foil parallel autograph from Topps Update is widely considered his premier modern rookie card. Grading a pristine BGS 9.5 only adds to its investment merits. Acuña quickly established himself as a perennial All-Star who could potentially win multiple MVP awards down the road. His blend of five-tool skills and youth give this 2018 card strong long term upside.

Juan Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Red Refractor BGS 9.5 – Estimated Value $60,000

Much like Acuña, Juan Soto made an immediate splash in his age-19 rookie season of 2018 and captured NL Rookie of the Year honors. Soto’s rare red refractor autograph parallel from Bowman Chrome has gained traction as one of his crown jewel cards from his breakout season. Still just 21 years old, Soto has demonstrated he can be a generational talent by consistently getting on base and hitting for power. As one of the game’s new faces, Soto’s ultra-premium refractor auto sits well to increase in value moving forward.

Pete Alonso 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Purple Refractor BGS 9.5 – Estimated Value $50,000

No discussion of most valuable modern player cards would be complete without mentioning Pete Alonso’s explosive rookie campaign of 2019 where he led MLB in home runs. His prized 2018 Bowman Chrome purple refractor autographed parallel emerged as a true star-studded rookie item. As Alonso continues mashing prodigious home runs each season for the Mets franchise, this elite rookie auto, graded top-notch by BGS, is poised to gain even more distinction and price appreciation.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Refractors Auto BGS 9.5 – Estimated Value $45,000

San Diego’s 22-year old sensation Fernando Tatis Jr. broke out in a huge way in 2019 and became a lightning rod for collector attention. His flagship Topps Chrome factory set autographed refractor from that memorable rookie campaign has quickly positioned itself as Tatis’ lead modern card. With arguably the most exciting all-around game in the bigs today, Tatis is a superstar in the making who could further lift the value of this early career gem in the coming years.

Aaron Judge 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor BGS 9.5 – Estimated Value $40,000

Though acquired via trade by the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge first captured the hobby’s focus with his enormous raw tools depicted as a prospect in 2014 Bowman Chrome. This gold refractor autographed parallel established itself as Judge’s breakout rookie after he smashed rookie records in his way to 2017 AL ROY. As a true five-tool talent still shaping an MVP-caliber career in the Bronx, Judge’s early premier card remains a formidable asset.

This covers some of the most expensive and prized baseball cards currently featuring active major leaguers who are among the game’s biggest stars. As these talented players continue excelling on the field and adding to their impressive careers and resumes, their top rookie cards and seminal seasons can be expected to ascend to even greater heights in both collecting interest and financial worth. For savvy investors, cards showcasing today’s emerging superstars offer a doorway to participate in the future historical legends of baseball.

BASEBALL CARDS 1989 BOWMAN

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The 1989 Bowman baseball card set was released at the start of the 1989 MLB season and marked several notable events and players from that year. The set included cards for all 26 MLB teams at the time and featured many young stars and rookie cards that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers.

The 1989 season saw the debut of several talented rookies, many of which had their rookie cards included in the 1989 Bowman set. Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card was one of the most sought after cards in the set. Griffey was called up late in the 1988 season and had a breakout rookie year in 1989, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. His card is still one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby. Another star rookie was Gregg Olson, who had one of the best rookie seasons by a relief pitcher ever. His card from the 1989 Bowman set is also highly valuable today.

The 1989 Bowman set totaled 528 cards and had an unusual design compared to other sets that year. The borders were light blue with team logo shields in the corners. Player names were above the photos in thin, italicized font. The design gave the cards a classic, vintage baseball card feel. The photo quality and centering was also considered an upgrade over Topps and Donruss sets released that same year. This led the 1989 Bowman set to become a favorite among collectors, especially for its rookie cards and stars of the late 80s/early 90s.

Some other notable rookies in the 1989 Bowman set included Sandy Alomar Jr., Gary Sheffield, and Moises Alou. All three went on to have solid MLB careers. The set also included stars already established like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith, who were among the best players in the league at that time. Randy Johnson, who would become one of the greatest pitchers ever, also had his second year card in the 1989 Bowman set as he was still developing in the Montreal Expos organization.

The 1989 season saw some historical events and milestones as well. The San Francisco Giants moved into their new stadium, Candlestick Park was renamed 3Com Park, and the Chicago Cubs celebrated the 100th anniversary of their franchise. Legendary players like Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton achieved career milestones. Ryan recorded his 5,000th strikeout while Sutton won his 300th game that year. Their accomplishment cards from 1989 Bowman are prized by collectors today.

In terms of value, the 1989 Bowman set had several keys cards that are in high demand. Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. The Greg Olson, Gary Sheffield, and Sandy Alomar Jr. rookies also command thousands in high grades. Star cards of Bonds, Clemens, and Ozzie Smith can sell for hundreds as well. Even common cards of the set in high grades have value due to the classic design, photo quality, and talent featured from that era of baseball. The 1989 Bowman set endures as one of the most collectible and iconic releases from the late 1980s. It captured a great year of MLB along with the debut of future all-time great players.

The 1989 Bowman baseball card set commemorated an exciting season and featured the rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr, Greg Olson, and other young stars. The classic design, high photo quality, and talent featured have made it a favorite among collectors. Key rookie cards and stars from the set like Griffey, Bonds, and Clemens retain high values today. The 1989 Bowman release marked the debut of future Hall of Famers and immortalized players and moments from an important year in MLB history. It remains one of the most historically significant and sought after sets released during the height of the baseball card boom in the 1980s and early 90s.

1989 MOST VALUED BASEBALL CARDS

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The year 1989 produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in the modern collecting era. Several rookies from the late 80s are now considered true generational talents that havestood the test of time. Meanwhile, veteran superstars of the era like Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Ozzie Smith appeared in their baseball card primes. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most noteworthy and expensive 1989 baseball cards that continue to demand top dollar from enthusiasts and investors.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Upper Deck): widely considered the finest rookie card of Griffey and one of the most coveted modern issues overall. “The Kid” was already showing signs of greatness in his early Mariners career and this iconic UD image captured his explosive talent. In pristine mint condition, copies have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered near mint examples can demand $5,000-$10,000. The sharp, colorful design combined with Griffey’s legendary status and prodigious talent make this one of the true blue-chip investments from the late 80s/early 90s era.

Barry Larkin Rookie Card (Bowman): Another star-studded Cincinnati Reds rookie, Larkin burst onto the scene in his first full season in 1988 and won Rookie of the Year honors. This colorful and classically designed Bowman issue has also held tremendous value longterm for collectors. High grade copies have reached $15,000 at auction while most mint versions will sell for $3,000-$5,000. Larkin went on to a Hall of Fame career and 12 All-Star appearances, cementing this as an important rookie card from the late 80s.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Bowman): Unlike Griffey and Larkin who debuted in the majors in 86-87, Maddux’s first true big league action came in 1986 although he remained more of a prospect until 1988 when he started to emerge as a superstar. This classic striped Bowman RC showed the promise and poise of what Maddux would become, one of the greatest pitchers ever. In pristine condition, it has sold for well over $10,000. Most mint copies will still fetch $1,000-$3,000 depending on centering and eye appeal.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Bowman/Donruss): One of the premier second basemen of his generation, Alomar debuted in 1988 and immediately established himself as a dynamic all-around player. Both the stylish Bowman and clean cut Donruss rookie cards have aged extremely well and carry significant demand. High grade versions can reach $4,000-$6,000 today while most mint copies will sell in the $800-$1500 range. Alomar proved to be a future Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star over his great career.

Ken Hill Rookie Card (Bowman/Donruss/Score): A bit of a forgotten name now but Hill flashed tremendous promise for the Blue Jays in 1989. He went 15-8 with a 2.69 ERA and finished 3rd in AL Rookie of the Year voting. This made his rookie cards highly sought after at the time. While Hill didn’t sustain elite performance longterm, these RCs remain relatively affordable collector items today in high grades. Mint Bowmans can sell for $300-500 depending on centering.

Wade Boggs (Fleer): Entering his walk year with the Red Sox in 1989, Boggs responded by winning his fifth batting title in six seasons with a stellar .361 average. This classic Fleer issue of the hitting machine Boggs is one of the true iconic cards of the era. High grades have sold for $1,500 recently but most mint copies will trade hands in the $400-$800 range. A full 1987 Topps set including this Boggs sold for over $100,000 at auction in 2021, highlighting its desirability.

Kirby Puckett (Donruss/Fleer/Score): In the midst of a consistently outstanding career, Puckett hit .321 in 1989 and continued showing why he was already one of baseball’s best all-around players. His cards from ’89 remain some of the definitive issues showing “Puck” at the peak of his powers. Higher grade versions have topped $1,000 each while most mint Donruss, Fleer, and Score Puckett cards will sell for $300-$500. He was a 6-time All-Star and beloved star in Minnesota

Ozzie Smith (Donruss/Fleer/Upper Deck): Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his transcendent defense, Ozzie was also coming off a career year at the plate in 1989 when he batted .304. This helped raise the profile of his cards to greater heights. In top condition, some 1989 Ozzie RCs have traded hands for well over $1,000. Most mint copies can be acquired for $300-600 depending on brand and centering quality. The “Wizard” remained a fan favorite well into the 90s.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (Donruss): While 1989 was more of a breakout campaign than a true rookie season for “Big Mac,” slugging 39 home runs, his cards from that year gained immense popularity and have retained strong collector demand. High grades have sold for upwards of $4,000 in recent years given McGwire’s iconic status. More common mint copies can often be found in the $800-$1500 range. McGwire’s record-breaking 70 HR season in 1998 only boosted interest in his early career cards.

Nolan Ryan (Upper Deck): At age 42 in 1989, Ryan was still dominating as evidenced by his 301 strikeouts and a second career no-hitter. This classic UD image shows “The Ryan Express” was in the midst of a true renaissance season. High grade copies have sold for $1,000+. Most pristine examples can usually be acquired for $300-600 still making it an affordable way to own a piece of history from the legendary Texan hurler.

The vintage 1989 baseball card market remains quite strong due to hall of famers like Larkin, Maddux, Alomar, Smith and veteran stars at the peak of their powers like Boggs, Puckett, and Ryan. Meanwhile, rising talents like Griffey, McGwire and Hill added another layer of speculative value. While the ultra high-end condition copies tend to demand five figures nowadays, many iconic 1989 issues can still be collected affordably in mint condition for casual and seasoned collectors alike. Overall, 1989 stands out as one of the seminal seasons of the modern trading card era.

OLD BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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While the modern sports card hobby is dominated by newer products chasing the latest rookie stars, some of the most valuable cards in existence are from decades past. The early 20th century saw the rise of baseball cards as a popular collectible inserted in tobacco products, before the modern era of factory-produced wax packs. These vintage cards can sell for astronomical prices today due to their rarity, historical significance, and as pieces of pop culture memorabilia coveted by collectors.

One of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards is the T206 Honus Wagner, produced between 1909-11 by the American Tobacco Company. Featuring the legendary Pirates shortstop, only 50-200 examples are believed to exist in varying conditions. High grade specimens have sold for over $3 million, making it one of the priciest collectibles in the world. The scarcity is attributed to Wagner allegedly asking the Tobacco company to stop printing his card, shy of his image being used to market cigarettes. Beyond just the financial value, it’s a critical part of sports collectibles history.

From the same iconic early 20th century T206 series, other key cards to seek include representations of Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Joe Jackson. In top condition these can fetch six figures. Also highly coveted are cards showing the original Boston Red Sox before they were known as the “Red Sox”, from either the 1909-11 T206 set or an earlier series. Finding an unchanged example of a team called the “Boston Doves” or “Boston Pilgrims” cards would capture an important part of baseball evolution.

Moving back earlier, another legendary set is the 1909-11 E90-1 issues by trade card publisher Edward Clutes. Also known as the “White Border” set, it features some of the same players as T206 like Mathewson and Cobb, but in rarer quantities. High grades can sell for well over $100,000. An obscure brand putting out cards in the same time period was Rate Bone, with bios of stars alongside ads for their cigarettes. Super high end specimens have topped $150,000 at auction.

The oldest significant issued set began as promotional inserts with packages of Noble’s Baseball Candy around 1880. Called the “N172 Old Judge”, it displays 22 images of ballplayers and managers, with franchises like the Buffalo Bisons and Cincinnati Red Stockings represented. In uncirculated condition, an Old Judge fetch a premium price upwards of seven figures.

Another legendary set from the 1887–1890 period were the print run called the “Goodwin Champions” or “Red Backs”. They contained rotating poses of stars in uniforms of the time period, known for their intricate red backs. Complete pristine sets can command north of $500,000 at auction. Similarly, exquisite specimens of rare early 20th century tobacco card issues from brands like Pinkerton, Mayo Cut Plug, Sweet Caporal may yield high five-figure returns or more for one-of-a-kind specimens in new condition.

Going into the 20th century, the 1909-1911 cylinder issued ‘310 Chicago’ cards created by the publisher Hamilton Printing Company hold special significance. Depicting the Chicago White Sox players alongside sponsor ads for Chicago Cigarettes, they are now scarcer since accusations of gambling influenced “throwing” the 1919 World Series tainted the franchise’s image. Condition is critical to the valuation of over $50,000 for a premium copy.

Likewise, cards from franchises involved in early 1900s gambling scandals like the 1919 Black Sox incident that marred the White Sox still generate intense collector interest if found in pristine shape unworn by time. This includes rare specimens from series like the 1914 Cracker Jack set, sometimes referred to as the most beautiful design ever due to intricate illustrations and portraits of the implicated players before controversy.

While the above section focused mainly on pre-WWI tobacco/candy issues, there are also many valuable and historic baseball card finds possible from the early-mid 20th century. This includes high-number stars and prospects featured on 1928–1938 Play Ball caps from Goudey Gum Co., and the iconic 1933 Goudey Baseball Card set showing legendary players of that era like Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx and Mel Ott. When pristinely preserved, key cards from these releases can reach the $10,000-$50,000 range.

Similarly highly regarded are late 1930s/1940s issues like the 1939 Play Ball set and its rare parallel “NL R306-1” regional subset oversized cards. High-quality collectibles from brands like Leaf, Baker, Bell Brand, and Play Ball “R346-1” could potentially sell for five figures or more. Perhaps the single most beautiful vintage card line ever designed was the 1948-1949 Leaf Golden Backs, known for glittery gold-foil stamped backs and illustrations/action shots by famed sports artist Dick “Squarno” Perez. Untouched PSA 10 copies of Mickey Mantle or Roy Campanella from here can go for $50,000 plus.

As the sports card phenomenon evolved through the post-war era, the 1954–1957 Topps sets stand out for their iconic designs and role establishing Topps’ card dominance. Despite mass production, pristine specimens of rookie cards showing legends like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax remain valuable investments top $5,000-$10,000 plus or more in graded gem mint condition.

The early history of baseball cards is filled with stories of rabid collector demand for extremely rare and historic specimens from pioneering print runs before modern manufacturing techniques. With proper preservation, vintage cardboard from brands like American Caramel, Caramel, W563 Allen & Ginter and others may contain buried treasure worth six or even seven figure sums. For dedicated sports collectors, the thrill of the hunt for these forgotten fragments of the game’s early roots is part of their enduring appeal. With care and diligence, hidden gems could still be uncovered from baseball’s ancient past.

BEST PLACE TO SELL VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling vintage baseball cards can be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you have cards from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s in your collection. With so many options for where to sell, it can be difficult to determine the best avenue. In this article, we will explore some of the top places collectors recommend for selling vintage baseball cards and help you choose the right fit based on factors like price, audience, and ease of transaction.

Online Auction Sites:

Undoubtedly, some of the biggest marketplaces for vintage baseball cards are online auction giants like eBay. With millions of active buyers and sellers, eBay gives you access to a huge potential customer base. Listing is simple – just photograph your cards, write a description, and set a starting price and duration. eBay takes a small percentage of final sale price as a transaction fee. The downside is you have no control over what the card ultimately sells for. It could go for more or less than expected. Still, eBay remains one of the top choices due to its massive reach and buyer traffic.

Another popular auction site is Heritage Auctions. While smaller than eBay, Heritage Auctions specializes in collectibles like cards, coins, and memorabilia. They verify the authenticity and condition of items before auction, which gives buyers confidence. Listing is free, but they also take a percentage cut of final sale price. Heritage Auctions tends to attract more serious collectors bidding higher prices than eBay. The audience is smaller though.

Peer-to-Peer Sales:

If you want more control over price and don’t want to deal with transaction fees, peer-to-peer sales via sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or collector forums can be better options. You set your own firm price and facilitate the sale yourself. There’s less overhead but also less visibility than auction sites. It helps to know the approximate value of your cards beforehand via price guide research so you don’t overprice and scare off buyers. Meeting in a public place is recommended for safety when exchanging cash for cards.

Local Card Shops:

For simplicity and security, taking your cards to a local collectibles or card shop can be a good choice. Most shops will appraise your cards for free and make you a cash offer on the spot. They have to factor in their own profit margin so you likely won’t get top dollar. It eliminates any risk of an online sale going wrong. You also support a small business. Ask other collectors in your area for shop recommendations, as reputation is important. Bigger metro areas tend to have more options.

Conventions and Shows:

If you have especially valuable vintage cards in high demand, attending collector conventions and card shows could yield the highest prices. Serious collectors and dealers flock to these events, driving competition. You’ll have the opportunity to display and market your cards to a qualified audience. You’ll need to pay for admission/table space and transport your collection. It also takes more time and effort than a quick online or shop sale. Consignment with an experienced dealer is an alternative that lets them handle the show sales on your behalf for a percentage.

No matter where you choose to sell, do your homework on current market values, examine your cards closely, and be upfront about any flaws to avoid disputes. Proper protection is critical for shipping valuable vintage cardboard. With the right research and vendor, you can potentially earn a nice return on cards collecting dust in your attic or basement. Just weigh your options to pick the most suitable outlet based on your individual needs and collection.

BASEBALL CARDS JOPLIN MO

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The history of baseball cards in Joplin, Missouri stretches back over 100 years. Like many communities across America in the late 19th century, the popularity of baseball was growing rapidly in Joplin. Local boys would spend their summer afternoons playing pickup games in empty lots or fields. And when they weren’t playing themselves, they would gather to watch the traveling professional teams that came through town to play exhibition games.

As baseball’s popularity grew nationwide in the early 20th century, so too did the popularity of collecting baseball cards. The first modern baseball cards were produced in the late 1880s by cigarette and tobacco companies as promotional items to be included in their packs of cigarettes or tobacco products. These early cards featured individual players on the fronts with statistics or biographical information on the backs. Kids in Joplin, like kids everywhere, eagerly began collecting and trading these cards depicting their favorite players and teams.

In the early 1900s, several Joplin businesses began producing and distributing their own regional baseball cards as promotional items. The Joplin Sporting Goods Company issued sets of cards in 1907 and 1908 featuring players from minor league teams based in Joplin, Springfield, and St. Louis. These early Joplin-made cards helped foster the growing baseball card collecting craze in the region. Meanwhile, national companies like American Caramel began distributing their baseball cards with other candy and snacks in Joplin stores, further fueling the new hobby.

By the 1910s, Joplin had its own minor league baseball team, the Joplin Miners. The Miners played in the Western Association, competing against teams from towns like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Wichita. In 1913, the Joplin Globe newspaper began producing and giving away sets of Joplin Miners baseball cards as promotions. Each card featured an individual Miners player on the front with stats on the back. These were some of the earliest known baseball cards to feature a local minor league team. Collecting and trading the Joplin Miners cards became a hugely popular pastime for kids all around the Four States area in the early 20th century.

As baseball’s popularity continued to grow through the 1920s and 30s, so too did Joplin’s passion for the sport and for collecting baseball cards. The Joplin Miners remained the top local minor league draw. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals emerged as the top major league franchise followed passionately by Joplin fans. National card companies like Goudey, Diamond Stars, and Play Ball issued expansive card sets during this era featuring both major and minor leaguers. Joplin shops were well stocked with the latest baseball cards to fuel the growing collector boom.

During World War II, the supply of baseball cards was limited due to wartime restrictions on non-essential materials like cardboard. The passion for collecting in Joplin did not diminish. If anything, following the home teams and collecting cards became an even more cherished pastime for local families during the difficult war years. In the late 1940s, the post-war economic boom and a new generation of Baby Boomers reinvigorated the baseball card hobby across America, including in Joplin. Iconic card sets from Bowman, Topps, and others from this period are still highly sought after by collectors today.

The 1950s represented the golden age of baseball card collecting in Joplin. The city was in the midst of its own postwar population and economic boom. Meanwhile, national companies like Topps were producing expansive, colorful sets that captured the excitement of the major leagues. Joplin shops were fully stocked with wax packs containing the latest Topps, Bowman, or Red Man baseball cards. Kids would gather to trade, swap stories about their favorite players and teams, and play lively games of stickball or punchball in the streets using their duplicate cards. The Joplin Public Library even started its own “Card Collectors Club” for local youth.

In the late 1950s, the Joplin Jets joined the Class D Midwest League, fueling renewed interest in minor league ball. The Jets, like the old Miners teams before them, became a source of civic pride. Topps began issuing Jets team sets that were snapped up by collectors across the Four States. Meanwhile, the 1960s arrived along with a new generation of players, bigger better cards from Topps and Fleer, and color photography that brought the game to life like never before. Card collecting in Joplin hit a new high.

The 1970s saw new innovations in baseball cards, from the introduction of wax paper packs to the arrival of star players on the regional scene like Ted Simmons. The rise of new entertainment technologies like television began luring kids away from the baseball card hobby. By the 1980s, the glut of mass-produced cards depressed values and collector interest waned. The Joplin Jets folded in 1983. A strong collector infrastructure remained in Joplin, kept alive by the area’s die-hard fans.

In the late 1980s, the baseball card market rebounded strongly thanks to renewed nostalgia and the arrival of stars like Ken Griffey Jr. Cards featuring Joplin natives like George Brett of the Royals remained highly sought after. The 1990s saw unprecedented speculation and investment in vintage and rare cards that filtered money into the Joplin region. New hobby shops like Left Field Sports Cards opened to cater to the reinvigorated collector scene. Meanwhile, memorabilia shows and conventions drew collectors from around the Midwest to Joplin each year.

Today, baseball card collecting remains a vibrant part of Joplin’s sports culture and heritage. While the market fluctuates with broader collector trends, the roots planted over a century ago by kids swapping cards of the Joplin Miners remains strong. Local card shops still do brisk business in the latest releases while vintage Joplin cards command top dollar. Events like the annual Joplin Sports Card and Memorabilia Show each April draw collectors from around the region looking to buy, sell, and reminisce about the golden age of baseball cards in Joplin, Missouri. The legacy of this American pastime lives on.