ACTION PACKED BASEBALL CARDS 1993

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The 1993 baseball season was one of the most exciting and action-packed in recent memory. This excitement was perfectly captured on the baseball cards released that year, with Upper Deck, Score, and Donruss all featuring memorable moments and plays from the ’92 campaign. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most action-packed cards from sets released in 1993 that commemorated the thrills and spills of baseball in ’92.

We’ll start with arguably the most iconic card of the year – Ken Griffey Jr’s epic leaping catch featured prominently on the front of Upper Deck’s flagship set. On June 8, 1992, Griffey raced back to the warning track in center field at the Kingdome in Seattle and timed his jump perfectly, snatching Jim Eisenreich’s deep fly ball while horizontal in the air. The card captured the sheer athleticism and showmanship of The Kid in his prime. With Griffey’s body parallel to the ground and his glove extended, it’s easy to see why this became one of the most popular baseball cards ever made.

Staying with Upper Deck, their ‘Nolan Ryan Express’ card showed the ageless Texan pitcher delivering a 100mph fastball. Ryan was still overpowering hitters at age 45 in 1992 and this card put you right behind the plate to experience the sheer velocity and movement on his legendary heater. Another classic Upper Deck card pictured Roberto Alomar going airborne to snag a high throw from second baseman Billy Ripken for an incredible double play. Alomar was one of the smoothest fielders in the game and this card highlighted his elite skills with the leather.

Score was also known for capturing the drama of baseball on cardboard. Their ‘Last Licks’ Barry Bonds card from 1992 depicted the Pirates slugger taking a mighty cut in his follow through. Bonds was in the midst of his first 40+ home run season and this card got you up close to witness the raw power in his muscular 6’1″ frame. Elsewhere, Score pictured Mark McGwire unleashing on an inside fastball, his mammoth muscles and intense focus captured for posterity. Big Mac hit in excess of 40 dingers himself in 1992.

Donruss also had some standout action shots. Their ‘Web Gem’ card featured Ozzie Smith going completely horizontal to snare a screaming line drive. At 33, the Wizard was still putting on acrobatic displays in the field on a nightly basis. Elsewhere, Donruss pictured Roberto Kelly of the Red Sox sliding head first into home plate amid a cloud of dirt during a key moment in 1992. Kelly was one of the game’s premier baserunners and basestealers during his career.

The flair for the dramatic was also captured in some of the odder occurrences during baseball season. Score had a card showing a fan in the stands catching a foul ball, only to have his nachos go flying. Upper Deck pictured a rare brawl between the Pirates and Reds that broke out after Barry Larkin was plunked by Zane Smith. And Donruss commemorated perhaps the strangest play of 1992 – the defensive indifference call on a walkoff inside-the-park home run by Otis Nixon of the Braves.

The 1993 baseball card releases did a masterful job of preserving the excitement and action from the 1992 MLB season. Sets from Topps, Fleer, and Pacific also featured their fair share of diving catches, monster home runs, and crazy moments. For collectors and fans alike, flipping through these cards takes you back to a thrilling year of baseball. The action shots and defining moments they captured ensure we’ll always be able to reminisce about the on-field heroics from one of the most memorable seasons in the 1990s.

BEST CARDS FROM 1980 TOPPS BASEBALL

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The 1980 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the golden era of baseball cards in the 1970s and 1980s. While not the most valuable set overall, it featured several highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the era that remain popular with collectors today. Containing 792 total cards, the 1980 Topps set showcased talent from all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable cards and storylines from this classic release.

One of the biggest rookie cards in the 1980 Topps set is #1, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. Nicknamed “Fernandomania,” the Mexican-born lefty took baseball by storm in 1981 by winning Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors. His rookie card from 1980 Topps is one of the most iconic in the hobby. High grade examples in mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars due to his popularity and the small print run during the early days of his career. Another prized rookie is #91, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Pete Rose, who was in the midst of his record-breaking career for hits. As one of the few Rose rookie cards in existence, it remains a highly valuable piece for any collection.

Two other notable rookies from the 1980 set include #153, New York Yankees catcher Steve Balboni, and #673, Montreal Expos outfielder Tim Raines. Both had productive MLB careers but are more sought after today for being rookie cards of star players. In near mint to mint condition, the Balboni and Raines rookies can sell for hundreds of dollars. The 1980 Topps set also featured the last card issued of Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench with the team on card #99. As one of the greatest catchers of all-time and a local icon in Cincinnati, any Bench card from his playing days holds value for collectors.

Superstar players littered the 1980 Topps set in the prime of their careers as well. #1, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton chasing down career win #300. #61 showed Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice coming off a 1979 AL MVP season and #66 had Kansas City Royals star George Brett hitting .390 just a year after winning the batting title. Hall of Fame pitchers Nolan Ryan (#126), Tom Seaver (#193), and Gaylord Perry (#233) also appeared. High grade versions of these star cards can sell for well over $100 due to their subject’s accomplishments and lasting popularity in the hobby.

Rookies, future Hall of Famers, and statistical milestones were not the only storylines that made the 1980 Topps set memorable. Cards like #420, Chicago White Sox designated hitter Reggie Jackson, and #432, New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson paid tribute after their tragic passings in 1993 and 1979 respectively. error cards like #369, which features Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Randy Lerch without a team name on his uniform, are also highly sought after anomalies. The design aesthetic of the 1980 issue featuring solid colors and simple team wordmarks also resonated with collectors as a classic baseball card look.

While production numbers were high during the early 1980s which keeps individual card prices relatively low, the 1980 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible release. It captured future Hall of Famers, statistical achievements, rookie stars, and memorable moments from a great era in baseball history. Key cards showcasing talents like Fernando Valenzuela, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and more continue to attract attention from collectors decades later. The simple yet effective design also gave the issue enduring retro appeal. For these reasons, the 1980 Topps baseball card set stands out as one of the most iconic releases from the golden age of the hobby.

EBAY FEES FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling baseball cards on eBay can be a lucrative hobby or side business, but it’s important for sellers to understand the various fees they will incur. eBay charges several types of fees on transactions to list items, sell items, and process payments. When listing large volumes of baseball cards, these fees can really add up. With the right strategies, sellers can maximize their profits after fees.

The main fees eBay charges for baseball card sales are the listing fee, final value fee, payment processing fee, and any applicable extra charges. Let’s break down each one in more detail:

Listing Fee: This fee is charged any time you create a new listing for an item on eBay, regardless of whether the item sells or not. For most baseball cards, the listing fee is $0.35 per listing. You can offer multiple cards in a single listing to save on this fee.

Final Value Fee: This fee is a percentage of the final sale price, including shipping costs. For baseball cards, the final value fee is generally 10% of the sale amount. So on a $10 sale, the final value fee would be $1. This fee only applies if the item actually sells.

Payment Processing Fee: In addition to the final value fee, eBay charges a payment processing fee to cover the costs of accepting payments through eBay’s system. This fee is generally 2.9% + $0.30 of the total sale amount. So on a $10 sale, the payment processing fee would be $0.59 (2.9% of $10 is $0.29, plus $0.30).

Extra Charges: In some cases, eBay may charge additional fees on top of the standard listing and final value fees. For example, there is a fee for relisting an unsold item or exceeding your monthly listing limit. Sellers should be aware of any potential extra charges that could impact their bottom line.

To reduce fees, sellers have some options. They can offer combined shipping discounts, offer multiple cards in a single listing, run promotions to boost sales velocity, and achieve eBay’s Top Rated Seller status for a 5% discount on final value fees. Sellers should also price items competitively to sell quickly and avoid fees from unsold listings.

For higher volume baseball card sellers, it may make sense to use a flat monthly fee service like eBay Store subscription or managed payment accounts. eBay Store costs $24.95/month but includes unlimited listings and other perks. Managed payments charge a slightly higher 2.9% + $0.30 fee but consolidate all payments through one account.

In addition to fees, sellers should also account for other costs like supplies, shipping materials and postage, inventory storage, and time spent photographing, listing, packing, and shipping items. After factoring in all applicable fees and costs, sellers need to ensure their profit margins are high enough to make selling baseball cards worthwhile as either a side business or full-time venture.

With the right strategies, it is possible for baseball card sellers to earn substantial profits even after eBay fees. The key is optimizing listings for high sell-through rates, bundling cards when possible to reduce per-item fees, and leveraging programs like Top Rated Seller status for discounts. Sellers also need to price competitively within the current baseball card market. By understanding all applicable eBay fees upfront and accounting for them accurately in business plans and financial projections, baseball card sellers can maximize their earnings over time.

HIGHEST VALUE 1993 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable modern issues as it contains some of the sport’s biggest stars from the 1990s. Cards from this set that feature rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones and Derek Jeter routinely command the highest prices. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive and desirable 1993 Topps cards currently on the market.

Arguably the crown jewel of the entire set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the #1 overall draft pick in 1990 and longtime star for the Atlanta Braves, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His iconic 1993 Topps rookie, featuring him in a Braves uniform, is the most coveted card in the set and can fetch thousands of dollars in near-mint condition or higher. Graded mint 9 copies have sold for over $10,000, with the all-time record being $15,300 set in 2017. Condition is extremely important for Jones rookies as even slightly played examples dip below $1,000.

Another marquee rookie that always demands top dollar is Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. As perhaps the greatest Yankee of all time and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, there is huge demand for Jeter’s first official card issued in Topps flagship. Near-mint copies in the $4,000-$6,000 range are common, while a PSA 10 gem mint example sold for $9,375 earlier this year. Like Chipper Jones, centering and surface flaws can greatly reduce the Jeter rookie’s value. Still, it remains one of the set’s most iconic cards 25 years later.

Pitching superstars also earn places among the 1993 Topps cards with the highest values. Tom Glavine, who spent most of his Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, has one of the set’s priciest common cards at the #379 spot. Highly-graded copies in PSA 10 condition have hit $2,500 at auction due to Glavine’s legendary status. Another Braves hurler, Greg Maddux, commands over $1,000 for his #441 rookie in top shape as one of the best pitchers ever. His 4 career Cy Young Awards and dominance throughout the 1990s create huge demand.

Moving beyond rookies, the best player cards often rise to the top in value. A PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. tops the list within the main set numbers at a sky-high $3,800 last sale. “The Kid” was already a megastar by 1993 and this gorgeous centered card exhibits his sweet swing. Atlanta’s trio ofChipper, Maddux, and Glavine also earn slot among the priciest commons. But the true blue-chip card remains that of Mickey Mantle at the prestigious #1 position. Graded mint examples have reached as high as $7,200 in modern auctions.

Outside the numbered set, several short printed and serially numbered parallel issues hold enormous price tags as well. The Derek Jeter Stadium Club rookie parallel is one of the toughest cards to track down in high grade. Only 91 were produced and a PSA 10 moved for a breathtaking $99,000 back in 2015. The Chipper Jones Stadium Club rookie parallel serially numbered to 49 copies is equally rare and last traded hands for $28,800 in a PSA 10 slab. Ultra-high-end collectors prize these parallel short prints above even the base rookies.

In summation, the 1993 Topps baseball card set endures as a phenomenal vintage issue because it memorializes so many all-time great players. Headlined by Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux rookies, these cards continue appreciating strongly decades later. With a perfect storm of star power, iconic designs, and limited surviving high grades, the most desirable 1993 Topps pieces can reach astronomical values. For collectors, investing in top-tier examples of this classic set makes sound financial sense.

FLEER BASEBALL CARDS 1990 VALUE

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set was issued during a transitional period for the sport. Fleer had just regained the MLB license after losing it to Score and Donruss in the late 1980s. The design was simple with mostly action shots of players on a white background. While not the flashiest set of the era, 1990 Fleer cards contain some valuable rookies and stars from that time.

One of the top rookies in the 1990 Fleer set is Barry Bonds, who appeared on card #93. As one of the best players of his generation, Bonds’ rookie card remains highly sought after by collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples in top condition have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Even well-worn copies in PSA 6 Poor condition can fetch $100 due to Bonds’ pedigree. Other star rookie cards like ANDY BENES #144 and SHEA HILLENBRAND #378 also tend to trade hands in the $10-50 range depending on condition.

The 1990 Fleer set is also notable for featuring rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas on card #260. “The Big Hurt” went on to have one of the most dominant careers for a right-handed hitter in MLB history. High grade PSA 10 Thomas rookies sell in the $300-600 range today. Near-Mint PSA 8 copies can be acquired for $50-100. Fellow Hall of Famer Tom Glavine also made his cardboard debut on 1990 Fleer card #512. Well-preserved copies of his rookie fetch $50-150.

In addition to rookies, the 1990 Fleer set highlights many top veteran players active at that time. One of the most valuable regular issue cards is #1 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Even heavily played versions in PSA 3-4 condition sell for $25-50 due to his legendary career and popularity among collectors. High grades PSA 9-10 copies trade for $150-500. Fellow star outfielder Jose Canseco’s card #149 also remains quite collectible. Near Mint PSA 8 examples trade for $30-75.

Pitching great Roger Clemens, then in his prime with the Red Sox, appears prominently on the 1990 Fleer card #310. Graded PSA 10 copies of his issue can fetch $150-300. Well-centered PSA 9s sell in the $75-150 range. Similarly, Oakland A’s slugger Mark McGwire on card #430 maintains demand from collectors. PSA 9-10 grades change hands for $50-150 depending on the market. Ozzie Smith, entering his walk year with the Cardinals, is featured on card #531. High grades PSA 9-10 versions sell for $40-100.

Beyond rookies and stars, set completionists seek out other key 1990 Fleer cards. Fill-in cards like #73 BOBBY THIGPEN and #123 OIL CAN BOYD help reconstruct the entire 660-card checklist. Commons tend to trade for $1-5 depending on condition, while scarcer short prints can reach $10-25. Team/league highlight inserts like #401 AL EAST PREVIEW and #507 NL WEST are also prized by collectors aiming to complete the full boxed set.

While not the most aesthetically pleasing vintage release, the 1990 Fleer baseball card set conveys the transition of the MLB licensed card companies and highlights careers of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, and Tom Glavine. High graded rookie cards as well as commons and inserts maintain demand from collectors decades later. With recognizable stars and key rookies, 1990 Fleer provides a compelling snapshot of the sport during that season while retaining lasting collectible value.

1993 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 1993 Topps Traded baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic traded card releases from the company. It features a diverse assortment of stars, rookies, and chasing stars who were traded or dealt in some way between the 1992 and 1993 MLB seasons. While not the most valuable set of all time, it does contain some highly sought-after cards that have increased steadily in value over the decades. Let’s take a deeper look at this acclaimed traded set and some of its priciest cardboard commodities.

Released in late 1992 as Topps’ annual update of players who switched teams via trade or other means, the 1993 Topps Traded set totaled 144 base cards. It marked the 11th annual Topps Traded release and contained a good mix of established veterans, rising talents, and a few fading stars seeking career revivals with their new clubs. Some of the bigger trades preceding the set included Dennis Martinez going from the Expos to the Indians, Tommy Greene swapping Philadelphia for Anaheim, and David Cone heading to Toronto.

In terms of valuable vintage cards from the 1993 Topps Traded set, perhaps the most expensive is the Kirby Puckett base card, which checks in around the #10 slot on PSA’s top 100 list for the entire 1993 release. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, Puckett traded cards have sold for upwards of $3,000 due to his Hall of Fame career and superstar status with the Twins. Another high-dollar hitter is the Barry Bonds base, with PSA 10 specimens reaching $2,000-3,000 at auction. Bonds was already displaying his prodigious power in 1993 but had yet to fully join the coveted 60+ HR club.

On the mound, the Dennis Eckersley closer card maintains strong demand, with PSA 10s reaching the $500-800 range. Eck had a stellar stint over multiple decades and won the 1992 AL Cy Young and MVP awards while closing for the A’s. The Mark McGwire traded card is another that routinely breaks $1,000 in pristine condition. Big Mac was still raking homers for the A’s in ’93 but became a true pop culture icon when he broke Maris’ single season HR record with the Cards several years later.

Rookie cards that carry substantial value include the Ivan Rodriguez, Jeff Bagwell, and Trevor Hoffman first-year cards. Pudge Rodriguez was already making noise as a defensive wizard for the Rangers, while Bagwell smacked 15 HR in only 225 at-bats for Houston after debuting late in ’91. Hoffman’s near-flawless career as a dominant reliever and saves machine started in Florida that year. Barring flaws, their Topps Traded rookie cards have 6-figure price tags in the coveted PSA 10 designation.

Some dark horse gems from the set include the Ozzie Smith Cardinals card, which typically fetches $400-600 graded mint, and the Nolan Ryan Angels card around the $300-400 range. Both were future Hall of Famers who remained impact veterans after swapping squads. Kyle Abbott’s card has also risen considerably since his trade from the White Sox to the Reds, given his achievements later with Atlanta. Steve Avery also merits mention for his success with the Braves after leaving Boston.

While it lacks true ultra-high-end keys on par with the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, the 1993 Topps Traded release holds up very well against inflation. Strong consistency in the performances of its featured players plus the lure of chasing relocated stars ensured memorable rosters across both leagues. Added to enjoyable vintage design elements and ample star power, it’s no wonder the set retains a highly dedicated collector base three decades later. For baseball card investors, several gems from the 1993 Topps Traded checklists could serve as reliable long-term holdings.

While not the most extensive traded setever produced by Topps, the 1993 version achieved lasting renown through picturing transformative seasons for future Hall of Famers like Bonds, Eckersley, and Smith. Integrating talented youngsters just getting their big league starts alongside established veterans in new uniforms created a engaging dynamic. Strong consistent demand for the set’s top rookie and star player cards like Puckett, McGwire and Bagwell mean they maintain long-term blue chip pedigree within the industry. The 1993 Topps Traded baseball card release rightfully holds iconic status among enthusiasts of the vintage trading card medium.

1964 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 182

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The 1964 Topps baseball card #182 features right-handed relief pitcher Denny Lemaster of the Cincinnati Reds. The 1964 season would be Lemaster’s rookie year in Major League Baseball after coming up through the Reds farm system.

Denny Lemaster was born in 1940 in Tiffin, Ohio and grew up local to Cincinnati. He began his professional baseball career in 1958 at age 18 when he was signed by the Reds as an amateur free agent. Lemaster would spend his first 5 seasons in the minors working his way up through the Reds farm system, pitching for teams such as the Geneva Redlegs and Macon Peaches. His breakout season came in 1963 when he went 13-7 with a 2.55 ERA splitting time between the triple-A San Diego Padres and double-A Knoxville Smokies.

This success earned Lemaster a promotion to the big league Reds for the 1964 season at age 23. Standing at 6’2″ tall and weighing 195 lbs, Lemaster relied on control and deception from his three quarter arm angle delivery more so than pure velocity. His 1964 Topps rookie card shows him in a Reds home white uniform with red piping, with his distinctive long brown hair blowing in the wind. The graphic design was standard Topps fare of the era, featuring a color photo with black and white borders.

In 1964, Lemaster appeared in 48 games for the Reds, all in relief. He compiled a 3-3 record with 5 saves and a respectable 3.09 ERA in 83 innings pitched. As a rookie reliever, Lemaster provided valuable middle and long relief depth for the Reds staff led by starters Jim Maloney, Sammy Ellis and Joey Jay. The Reds featured legendary manager Fred Hutchinson and superstar sluggers such as Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson en route to an 87-68 record and 3rd place finish in the National League.

While Lemaster had a strong rookie campaign, control would continue to be an issue for him going forward. He walked 60 batters in his 83 innings in 1964. Over his 6 year MLB career spanning 1964-1969 split between the Reds, Braves and Cardinals, Lemaster would appear in 239 total games going 25-20 with 22 saves and a 3.84 ERA. Control remained an ongoing struggle as he compiled 255 walks over his 539 1/3 career innings.

After his playing career concluded in 1969, Lemaster stayed in the game by managing and coaching in the minor leagues for many seasons. He guided the Marion Mets of the Appalachian League to a league championship in 1973. Tragically, Lemaster passed away suddenly of a heart attack at just age 51 in 1991 while serving as the pitching coach for the Florence RedWolves team in the independent Carolina League. He left behind a wife and three children.

The 1964 Topps card #182 provides a glance into the rookie season and career of Reds reliever Denny Lemaster. While control limited his ultimate MLB success, Lemaster still enjoyed a respectable 6 year major league tenure and left an impact both on and off the field before his untimely passing. Over 50 years later, Lemaster’s 1964 Topps rookie card continues to be a cherished piece of memorabilia for Reds and baseball card collectors alike.

MOST VALUABLE 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues in recent memory. As the baseball card hobby continues to skyrocket in popularity,coveted rookie cards and star player inserts hold tremendous value for savvy collectors and investors. While it’s impossible to predict exactly which 2023 Topps cards will ultimately prove to be the most valuable long term, here’s a look at some of the strong candidates based on what we know so far:

Julio Rodríguez Rookie Card – The consensus top prospect coming into the 2022 season, Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign that landed him second place in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His explosive 5-tool talent and marketing potential make his Topps rookie cards an instant must-have. Look for his base rookie, paper rookie, and especially short print variations to lead the way value-wise from Series 1.

Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card – Like Rodríguez last year, Witt exceeded enormous expectations with a stellar debut for the Royals in 2022. Widely considered the top hitting prospect in baseball, Witt’s exciting two-way play and marketability point to his Topps rookies retaining value. With fewer Witt cards in Series 1 compared to Rodríguez, scarce parallels could gain premium.

Oneil Cruz Rookie Card – Cruz saw only a September cup of coffee in 2022, but electrified fans with mammoth home runs in a breakout showing. Now entrenched as the Pirates’ everyday shortstop, Cruz’s potential for stardom makes his Topps rookie cards a must-have for collectors. Print runs may be larger than Witt or Rodríguez, but Cruz remains a dark horse for future value.

Adley Rutschman Rookie Card – After a long wait, Rutschman arrived in the majors in 2022 and showed why he’s considered a future superstar. As the Orioles continue improving, demand for Rutschman’s Topps rookie cards will stay hot. While less scarce initially than previous prospects, Rutschman parallels still hold future blue-chip status.

Riley Greene Rookie Card – Overshadowed by Rodriguez’s hype, Greene had a impressive debut season of his own with the Tigers. With huge upside still untapped, Greene’s Topps rookies are primed to gain over the long haul as his skills develop. Short prints could carry extra value for those who believe in his long term outlook.

Jordan Walker Rookie Card – The Cardinals’ top prospect has all five tools and is generating loads of buzz entering 2023. While he may start in the minors, Walker’s talent level has collectors eager to snap up his Topps rookie cards before a likely midseason callup. Riskier than the others here, but huge reward potential if he blossoms.

Spencer Strider Rookie Card – The dominant Braves rookie came out of nowhere in 2022 to lead all rookies in strikeouts. Strider’s overpowering stuff makes his Topps rookie cards a buy for those bullish on his future as a staff ace. Larger print run than past years, but parallel short prints still prized by Atlanta collectors.

Nolan Gorman Rookie Card – Staking his claim as the Cardinals’ everyday third baseman in the second half, Gorman showed why he was once a top 10 prospect. If he takes another step forward in 2023, Gorman’s Topps rookies could see renewed interest from collectors seeking his singles and color parallels.

Oneil Cruz Rainbow Foil Printing Plate – The 1/1 super short print plates featuring current stars in dazzling rainbow foil are always coveted collectors pieces. With his mammoth raw power and Pirates’ franchise player intrigue, Cruz’s plate promises to be a true blue-chip item for years to come assuming he keeps ascending.

Sandy Alcantara Autograph Card – At 27, Alcantara isn’t a prospect anymore after his dominant 2022 NL Cy Young campaign. But his Topps autographed Insert cards remain a collector favorite. Considered Miami’s cornerstone, Alcantara’s star continues rising rapidly.

Wander Franco Autograph Insert – Franco emerged as a true superstar as a 21-year-old in 2023, finishing third in AL batting. Any autographed cards featuring the young Rays’ phenom are sure to hold steady future value thanks to his franchise cornerstone status and marketing excellence.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Reinsert Card – Coming back slowly from ACL surgery, Acuna reminded fans of his 5-tool brilliance down the stretch for Atlanta. His reemergence makes any 2023 Topps inserts or parallels featuring the 25-year-old Braves’ stud a sound long term investment for collectors bullish on his full return to stardom.

Mike Trout Insert Autograph – Perhaps the only modern player who truly rivals Mickey Mantle in popularity and iconic status, any Trout autographed cards always retain value through market forces alone. At just 31 with a Hall of Fame trajectory intact, Trout will likely remain a grading and collecting bellwether for years to come.

Shohei Ohtani Printing Plate – The current standard bearer for two-way excellence in the game, Ohtani captivates fans worldwide. His 1/1 printing plates have become premium collectors items. Back-to-back AL MVPs cement Ohtani’s status as a generational talent primed to gain value over time alongside Babe Ruth and others.

Aaron Judge Rainbow Foil Refractor – In a contract year, Judge put together a for the ages 62 home run campaign to finally fulfill his potential. With a strong case as the game’s top player, the 30-year-old Yankees’ slugger’s rare refractor parallels command huge fanfare and dollars. A true superstar in the making.

Of course, there will inevitably be surprises and risers that emerge from the 2023 Topps series that weren’t on anyone’s radar beforehand. But based on current prospects, performances and popularity, the above names feature some of the safest best long term the value of their coveted rookie cards, autographs and parallels in the upcoming flagship release and beyond. With the card market’s continued growth, Topps cards of top young stars and current greats profile as sound investments for patient collectors.

CHARLIE O’BRIEN BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Charlie O’Brien had a 13-year career in Major League Baseball as a catcher and first baseman from 1990 to 2002. While he was never a superstar player, O’Brien had a long career playing for several teams and provided solid production at the plate during his prime years in the late 1990s. As a result, O’Brien has a decent collection of baseball cards from the early 1990s through the early 2000s that can hold value for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key Charlie O’Brien baseball cards and what they may be worth.

One of O’Brien’s most prominent rookie cards is his 1990 Donruss baseball card. This was O’Brien’s first major league card issued after he made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros in 1990. The 1990 Donruss set is considered one of the most iconic baseball card releases of the early 1990s. O’Brien’s rookie card in this set carries modest value today. In near mint to mint condition, it typically sells for $5-10. For a copy in excellent or very good condition, expect to pay $3-5. In poor condition, a 1990 Donruss Charlie O’Brien can still fetch $1-2.

Another key early O’Brien rookie card is from the 1990 Fleer set. Like Donruss that year, Fleer captured O’Brien’s rookie season with the Astros. Condition is important for valuation of the 1990 Fleer O’Brien card as well. Near mint copies can sell for $8-12, very good for $5-8, and poor condition around $3. The 1990 Fleer card isn’t as iconic as Donruss but still holds value as one of O’Brien’s primary rookie releases.

O’Brien’s career breakout came in the late 1990s with the Milwaukee Brewers. His best offensive seasons came from 1996-1998 playing in Milwaukee. Corresponding baseball cards from this peak period hold the most value in O’Brien’s collection. His 1996 Fleer Update card, issued during his breakout season with the Brewers, often sells in the $15-20 range in near mint condition. Excellent copies can bring $10-15.

O’Brien’s 1997 and 1998 regular season cards are also strong performers. The 1997 Fleer card has a near mint value of $12-18. The 1998 Fleer and Stadium Club versions from his All-Star season regularly sell for $10-15 in top condition. Even well-centered, sharp copies in excellent/very good condition can command $7-10 of these late 1990s Brewers cards highlighting O’Brien’s offensive prime.

After leaving Milwaukee, O’Brien had short stints with the Reds, Angels, and Cardinals before finishing his career with the Mets and Rockies from 2000-2002. Cards from this latter period hold less value but can still be worth collecting for die-hard O’Brien fans. His 2000 Fleer Tradition and 2001 Topps cards in near mint condition usually sell in the $5-8 range. Even copies in played condition from 2000-2002 will fetch $2-4.

While not an elite star, Charlie O’Brien had a long, productive MLB career that produced several collectible baseball cards throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His rookie cards and those highlighting his offensive peak with Milwaukee in the late 1990s hold the most value, ranging from $5-20 depending on the specific card and its condition. O’Brien cards are affordable for most collectors and represent a nice investment for fans of the former catcher and first baseman. With nearly 15 seasons played in the majors, O’Brien built a solid collection of cards that maintain value for those looking to build their baseball memorabilia portfolio.

MOST VALUABLE KEN GRIFFEY JUNIOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Ken Griffey Jr. is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and one of the most popular and marketable stars during the late 80s through the 90s. Naturally, Griffey’s rookie cards from his time with the Seattle Mariners are some of the most highly sought after and valuable cards in the hobby. While there are several Griffey cards that can fetch high prices, here are some of the most valuable Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards based on their condition, scarcity, and significance in the industry:

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10): Arguably the most iconic and valuable baseball card in existence, the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie in pristine mint condition is arguably worth over $100,000. This historic card was the first ever licensed baseball card produced by Upper Deck and really revolutionized the industry by bringing a new level of quality and collectability. With its sharp photo and design, the 1989 Griffey rookie immediately caught the attention of collectors. Due to fragile stock and poor packaging/handling back then, true gem mint examples graded PSA 10 are extremely rare with just over 100 believed to exist. Its perfect condition, iconic status, and key role in the startup of Upper Deck make this rookie the undisputed heavyweight champion of baseball cards.

1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (PSA 10): As the first widely distributed Griffey rookie card, the 1989 Bowman issue remains hugely popular and historically important in its own right. While it saw much higher print runs than the ’89 UD card, top-graded PSA 10 versions are still remarkably scarce. Part of what makes it so collectible is that, unlike Upper Deck, the Bowman brand had been producing cards for decades. So collectors perceive this card as Griffey’s true “official” rookie debut in the traditional Bowman design. A PSA 10 1988 Bowman Griffey in pristine condition easily brings $30,000-40,000 at auction.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. ‘Kid Collection’ Mini Card: Extremely rare variants of Griffey’s coveted 1989 Upper Deck rookie card exist that were given away as promotional items in blister packs called “The Kid Collection.” Measuring around 1 inch square, these miniature versions of the iconic Griffey photo are practically invisible to the naked eye. Only about 50 are known to exist in collectors’ hands today, making them exponentially rarer than even the rarest Griffey rookie cards. One recently sold for over $100,000, showing just how sought after such a true one-of-a-kind oddity can be among advanced Griffey enthusiasts.

1990 Bowman’s Best Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor RC (PSA 10): While not technically a true “rookie” since he had already experienced his cup of coffee in the majors the prior year, Griffey’s 1990 Bowman’s Best refractor is one of the hobby’s earliest and most famous chrome or “refractor” parallel cards. It helped kick off the insert craze of the ’90s. Only about 10 are known to exist in pristine PSA 10 condition, making each one worth $20,000-30,000 to enthusiastic Griffey collectors. The card’s modern, futuristic design made an impact at the time and it remains one of the most visually striking cards in his collection.

1991 Fleer Ultra Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor RC (PSA 10): An even more difficult Griffey refractor to acquire in perfect condition is the 1991 Fleer Ultra version, which preceded Bowman’s Best as one of the earliest modern “refractor” parallels ever made. The cutting-edge holographic technology was really ahead of its time. Estimates suggest maybe 5 or fewer exist in pristine PSA 10 grade, valued up to $50,000 each. No Griffey collection is complete without representation from one of the true “first generation” refractors that started the trend.

1992 Bowman’s Best Ken Griffey Jr. Gold Refractor /1 (PSA 10): Taking things to another level of ultra-rare is Griffey’s sole numbered 1/1 gold parallel card from 1992 Bowman’s Best. As a true one-of-one, it transcends being a valuable collectible and becomes more of a historic artifact. If it were ever consigned to public auction, collectors predict it could sell for over $100,000, given its utter singular uniqueness. Even people who aren’t Griffey fans are fascinated by such a singular work of cardboard that tells the story of his career and the evolution of insert cards. It’s truly one-of-a-kind.

1989 Mother’s Cookies Ken Griffey Jr. Promo: Far outside the normal distribution channels for baseball cards is Griffey’s legendary 1989 Mother’s Cookies promotion insert that was literally found inside cookie packages as a bonus. The photo and design are distinct from his mainstream rookie cards that year. Only around 30 are known to exist in collectors’ hands today, if that. Stories persist of examples trading privately for well over $50,000. Such ephemeral, offbeat oddities that capture a unique moment in time always fascinate advanced collectors.

1992 Stadium Club Gold Ken Griffey Jr. /100 (PSA 10): Signed versions of Griffey’s iconic 1992 Stadium Club set the standard for valuable autographed memorabilia. But for collectors looking for a true “10 of 10” specimen in pristine condition, even unsigned examples of his /100 gold parallel from that year command big money. Numbered to just 100 copies, a PSA 10 example would be worth $30,000+ due to the extreme limited population and condition sensitivity. It remains one of the iconic “premier” designs from the early ’90s peak of his career.

While these represent some of the most prized Ken Griffey Jr. cards on the high end of the hobby, there are also many other noteworthy issue across his playing career that garner respectable prices far into the thousands as well depending on condition, significance, and parallel. But the cards mentioned here truly stand out among the rest as the undisputed kings of the iconic Griffey collection — landmarks in hobby history that tell the story of not just a great player’s rise, but the evolution of the entire baseball card industry itself. For serious Griffey collectors and investors, acquiring even just one of these valuable trophies would be a real coup to highlight any collection.