1957 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1957 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1950s. Issued shortly after Topps gained the exclusive baseball card license in 1956, the ’57 Topps set marked the company’s second year of production and featured many future Hall of Famers from that era in colorful card photos. Several factors influence the value of individual 1957 Topps baseball cards including the player featured, the condition or grade of the card, and certain specialty parallels that are much rarer than the common version. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable 1957 Topps cards and what traits can make them exceptionally pricey for serious collectors.

Perhaps the single most coveted and expensive 1957 Topps card is the legendary Mickey Mantle #303. In pristine near-mint to mint condition (graded NM-MT 8 or higher), Mantle rookies have sold for over $100,000 due to his iconic status as one of the best players in MLB history. Even well-centered, sharply-cornered examples in excellent condition (EX 5-) can fetch $10,000+. What makes Mantle cards from this set so valuable is that 1957 was the height of his career when he won the Triple Crown and led the Yankees to a World Series title. Few of these delicate 62-year-old cards survive in top shape today.

Another extremely valuable 1957 Topps card is #244, featuring Hall of Fame shortstop Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs. High-grade Banks rookies in NM-MT 8 or above have sold at auction for $50,000-$60,000 in recent years. He was a prolific home run hitter for his position and helped lead the Cubs to successive NL pennants in 1958-59 early in his stellar career. Condition is critical, as well-worn Banks rookie cards may sell for under $1,000. Also very valuable are cards showing fellow HOFers Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Whitey Ford, and Roy Campanella, which can reach $15,000+ in pristine condition due to their on-field accomplishments and nostalgic nostalgia factor.

In addition to the most desirable base cards presenting rookie seasons or career peak years of legends, there are much rarer parallel variations in the 1957 Topps set that exponentially increase a card’s value. One of these is the “turquoise back” variation, where the standard grayish card back is replaced by a vivid bright blue-green hue. Fewer than a dozen turquoise backs are known to exist, making each remarkably scarce and coveted by advanced collectors. High-grade Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron turquoise backs have sold at public auction for $100,000 and $70,000 respectively. An even more exotic parallel is the legendary “golden color” card, where the player photo has an unexpected gold tint instead of the usual black-and-white. Only one is confirmed to exist – a Pee Wee Reese – which holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a single sports card at $2.8 million.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set launched one of the most important companies in the industry and featured many of the game’s true immortals. With rarer finds like gold/turquoise parallels making certain individual cards worth six figures or more, it remains one of the most coveted and collectible vintage sets – especially for the biggest names in pristine conditioned. While common cards may sell for $10-50 today, hidden in attics or basements could be true buried treasures worth thousands or more. Anyone who finds 1957 Topps cards in their collection would be wise to have them carefully graded and shop them around to knowledgeable dealers and auction houses.

BASEBALL CARDS 1966 MICKEY MANTLE

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The 1966 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. Mantle was already a living legend by 1966, having won three MVP awards and playing in over 17 World Series for the mighty New York Yankees dynasty of the 1950s and early 1960s. The 1966 season would prove to be one of Mantle’s last truly great years in Major League Baseball.

By 1966, Mantle was 34 years old and his career was winding down due to the toll taken on his body from injuries and his hard-charging style of play. He was still capable of superstar performances and in 1966 he hit .304 with 24 home runs and 94 RBIs while playing in 154 games for the Yankees. This production helped the Yankees win the American League pennant that year before they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

The 1966 Topps set featured 660 total cards and Mantle’s card was number 130 in the set. The photo on the front shows Mantle from the waist up in his classic Yankees pinstripes batting stance, with his trademark batting helmet on and bat raised. He has a serious, intense expression on his face that captures the ferocity he brought to every at-bat. On the back of the card, Mantle’s career stats and 1965 season stats are listed. It also provides a short biography that highlights some of Mantle’s many accomplishments to that point in his Hall of Fame career.

What makes the 1966 Topps Mantle so iconic and valuable today is that it captures Mantle near the end of his playing days, when he was still an impact player but also in his athletic decline phase. For collectors, it’s a nostalgic reminder of one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers in what turned out to be one of his final elite seasons. The card also benefits from being from Mantle’s most famous team, the Yankees, and from one of the most popular annual sets in the history of the hobby in Topps’s flagship 1966 release.

In the years since its original release, the 1966 Mantle has become one of the key vintage cards coveted by collectors. In high-grade specimens, it has consistently sold for thousands of dollars even in the pre-COVID era. For example, in late 2019 a PSA Gem Mint 9 copy sold for over $12,000. Then in the frenzy of the pandemic-influenced collecting boom of 2020-2021, prices exploded. PSA 10 versions were selling for $50,000+, with ungraded near-mint copies bringing $15,000+. Even well-centered but lower-grade copies in PSA 5 or 6 condition could still sell for $1,000+.

The 1966 Mantle has sustained its value because, unlike many other vintage cards, there are not a huge number of high-grade copies still in existence due to the fragility of the old paper stock. Mantle is also one of the true icon players of the hobby’s early decades who is still a household name even among casual fans today. The card remains highly sought-after by collectors looking to add a defining piece from one of the all-time greats to their vintage collection.

For Mantle fans and collectors, the 1966 Topps issue is a special way to remember the Mick near the end of his playing career. The photo captures the grit and determination he played with despite injuries slowing him down. And for collectors, it’s proven to be one of the best long-term investments in the hobby, consistently bringing top dollar at auction. Over 50 years after its original release, the 1966 Mantle endures as one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made.

2017 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 1

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The 2017 Topps Baseball Series 1 set introduced fans to the new crop of rookies and stars from the 2017 MLB season. As the flagship release from trading card giant Topps, Series 1 established themes and designs that would be expanded on in later series releases throughout the year.

The base card design featured a simple white border around a solid color photo of each player. Paying homage to Topps’ original 1954 design, the solid colors gave each card a very clean and classic look. At the core of any Topps Series 1 set are the rookie cards – young players just embarking on their MLB careers. 2017 was no exception, with future stars like Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, and Andrew Benintendi among those featured in the set as rookies.

As with any Series 1 release, the checklist was extensive, featuring over 350 total cards with base versions of nearly every player on a Major League roster. Topps also included variations like “Gold Foil” parallels, available one per pack on average. These featured the same photo but with a gold ink border that brought more visual appeal. Additional parallels like Blue, Red, and Silver added further to the excitement of the hunt.

Short prints were also included in each box, with the SP cards featuring different photos than the base versions. Legendary players like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays got an SP tribute nod. Checklist highlights outside of rookies included big stars like Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, and new Chicago CubsWorld Series heroes like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Jason Heyward also received top billing as one of the Cubs’ 2016 offseason acquisitions.

Veteran stars still going strong like Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, and Bartolo Colon added a sense of familiarity and baseball history. Rookies and prospects like Gleyber Torres, Yoan Moncada, and David Dahl represented the future. Internationally, players like Shohei Ohtani and Shohei Otani gained initial cardboard presence in America with their Series 1 rookie cards as well.

Ace starting pitchers like Max Scherzer, Corey Kluber, and Chris Sale highlighted each team with potent on-field performance photos. Meanwhile, larger-than-life sluggers like Giancarlo Stanton, Bryce Harper and home run kings like Miguel Sano and Gary Sanchez flexed their power potential on cardboard. Of course, franchise cornerstones like Mike Trout and Buster Posey anchored the checklist as perennial superstars.

Fans also found autographed and memorabilia rookie cards of prized prospects mixed throughout packs. ‘Chrome’ parallels featured refractive surfaces and added another layer of collecting potential. As with any Year One release, these early looks at the emerging stars held tremendous long-term potential if any of the featured rookies blossomed into superstars.

Additionally, Topps offered value-added promotions like rewards cards that could be redeemed for special prizes. Multi-player inserts brought attention to position players, pitching staffs and top rookies across the league. As with prior years, Series 1 established a familiar but fresh foundation for a full year of baseball card releases spanning multiple series and special sets/co-branded issues.

Overall, Topps MLB Series 1 for 2017 delivered the yearly ritual of baseball’s opening day in cardboard form. From established veterans through rising stars and future impact players, the set represented Major League Baseball at the start of another season with visual flair and collecting depth that endured well past Opening Day. While releases continued evolving, the first Series maintained tradition by previewing the current MLB landscape each spring.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory. With a star-studded rookie class and returning fan favorites, this year’s Topps offering is primed to produce cards that could gain significant value in the years to come. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key 2023 Topps cards collectors should keep an eye on.

One of the biggest storylines heading into 2023 involves Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez. After winning AL Rookie of the Year in 2022, Rodríguez is poised for superstardom. His Topps rookie cards from last year have already increased dramatically in price and any of his 2023 Topps base or parallel cards could become extremely valuable long term. As one of the faces of baseball, Rodríguez is a near lock to continue producing at an elite level and gain nationwide popularity.

Another rookie generating massive buzz is Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II, who had a phenomenal debut season in 2022. Harris II played a key role in the Braves’ run to the NL East title and his Topps rookie cards sold for big money last year. With his five-tool skill set and potential to be a perennial All-Star, Harris II’s 2023 Topps issue cards are must-owns for any savvy collector. His paper rookies could be worth a small fortune in the coming decades.

On the pitching side, Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane Baz is poised for stardom after returning from Tommy John surgery. When healthy, Baz has the electric stuff to dominate as an ace and his Topps cards from 2020 when he was a prospect hold solid value already. Baz’s 2023 Topps rookie cards have the chance to become extremely expensive long term. The same goes for fellow talented young hurlers like Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad and Philadelphia Phillies flamethrower Andrew Painter.

For veteran stars, any parallels or short prints of superstar talents like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge should hold strong long term value. Ohtani, Soto, and Judge are all capable of putting up MVP caliber seasons annually and continuously increasing their brand recognition. Rarer versions of their 2023 Topps base cards could gain thousands of dollars in value down the road.

Rookies and young stars aren’t the only players worth targeting though. Veterans still producing at an elite level like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Francisco Lindor will always have desirable cards that retain value. Even parallels or serially numbered inserts of these established superstars could be worth a significant chunk of change in the future.

When it comes to chase cards in 2023 Topps, keep an eye out for serially numbered parallels below /199 as well as the always popular Topps Chrome and Paper rookies. Prizm and Optic also offer exciting parallel and short print options. For inserts, look to the Topps Fire, Topps Holiday, and Topps Inception sets which tend to hold strong long term value. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top young talents are also great long term investments.

The 2023 Topps release has all the makings of a classic issue. With so much young star power and proven veterans, there will be no shortage of cards that gain value over the next 5-10 years. Playing the long game by acquiring rookies, short prints, and parallels of top players is a proven strategy. For collectors willing to hold cards long term, this year’s Topps offering could pay huge dividends.

BEST 1996 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1996 Upper Deck baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the mid-1990s. Coming off the massive success of the company’s inaugural 1989 set, Upper Deck had established itself as the premier brand in the hobby. Their innovative designs, sharp photography and focus on quality had baseball card collectors eagerly awaiting each new year’s release.

The 1996 set did not disappoint, featuring some of the biggest names and rising young stars in the game. The checklist was led by superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux and Cal Ripken Jr., all of whom were featured on highly sought after rookie or star cards from the late 1980s and early 90s Upper Deck sets. With vivid colors, intricate embellishments and crisp close-up images, the 1996 Upper Deck cards captured the essence of many of baseball’s top talents at the height of their abilities.

While the headliners alone made 1996 Upper Deck a must-have set for collectors, several under-the-radar cards have emerged in the ensuing years as valuable gems in their own right. Here’s a look at some of the top standouts from the 1996 Upper Deck baseball card set beyond the obvious star cards:

Derek Jeter #158: As one of the sport’s biggest stars of the late 90s and 2000s, Jeter’s rookie card has become a highly valuable piece of memorabilia. The 1996 Upper Deck version features a clean photo of the young Yankees shortstop poised for greatness. Near-mint copies regularly sell for hundreds of dollars today.

Nomar Garciaparra #162: Like Jeter, Garciaparra was an emerging star for the Red Sox in the mid-90s. His rookie card shows promise of what was to come, with Nomar crouched in the batter’s box. High-grade versions can fetch $100-200.

Todd Helton #180: Helton went on to a fine career and still holds several Rockies franchise records. His rookie card from 1996 is one of the more affordable for a future Hall of Famer, selling in the $30-50 range.

Andruw Jones #186: As a rookie, Jones was already displaying elite defensive skills in center for the Braves. His card value has risen steadily in recent years to $50-75 due to his stellar peak from the late 90s through 2005.

Kerry Wood #199: Wood’s iconic 20-strikeout game as a rookie in 1998 made this card hugely popular. Near-mint copies in toploaders sell for $75-100.

Nomar Garciaparra autograph #UA99: Garciaparra’s autograph rookie ranks among the most coveted in the set. Grading a pristine 9 or 10, it can fetch over $1,000.

Derek Jeter autograph #UA100: As with the Nomar auto, Jeter’s is the creme de la creme pull from 1996 Upper Deck. High-grade copies have sold at auction for upwards of $5,000.

Ken Griffey Jr. #1: The Kid leads off the set as one of the faces of 90s baseball. High-grade versions remain quite valuable at $150-200 due to Griffey’s iconic status.

Cal Ripken Jr. #7: Ripken was in the midst of his record-setting consecutive games streak. Near-mint copies sell for $75-100.

Greg Maddux #12: Maddux was in his prime as one of the best pitchers ever. Clean copies command $50-75.

Barry Bonds #13: Pre-steroid allegations, Bonds was already a superstar. His card holds steady value of $50-75.

While stars will always drive interest and prices in the hobby, it’s the unheralded rookie cards that can provide the biggest surprises years later. The 1996 Upper Deck baseball set endures as one of the iconic issues of the modern era thanks to spectacular photography, memorable subjects and the chance to own a piece of history from some of the game’s all-time greats. For collectors, it remains a set with tremendous nostalgia and lasting appeal.

1991 DONRUSS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 Donruss Series 1 baseball card set is considered a classic among collectors. Issued at the peak of the baseball card boom in the early 1990s, the 1991 Donruss cards featured sharp photography and designs that projected a retro, nostalgic feel. While the sheer volume of cards printed at the time means most individual commons have little value today, there are still several notable rookie and star player cards that can fetch respectable prices from collectors.

The biggest money cards from the 1991 Donruss Series 1 set are the highly sought after rookie cards. Chief among them is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As one of the premier young stars of the 1990s, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves. His iconic rookie card from this set is the most valuable, routinely fetching well over $100 in near mint condition. Graded gem mint 10 examples have sold for upwards of $1,000. Another premier rookie from 1991 was Pat Riley, who had a standout year with the Toronto Blue Jays. Barring any flaws, his Donruss rookie card can sell for $50-75.

Other top rookie cards that bring strong returns include Jermaine Dye ($30-50), Tony Fernandez ($15-25), and David Justice ($10-15). Less heralded rookies like Russ Davis, Aaron Small, and Jeff Conine can still command $5-10 each. And for truecompletists, even more obscure first year player cards like Chris James, Paul Sorrento, and Bob Patterson hold value at $2-5 a piece. The rarity of some of these lesser known rookie names makes them appealing to dedicated collectors looking to finish their 1991 Donruss sets.

In addition to rookies, star players cards from established veterans are also strong sellers from Series 1. Perhaps not surprisingly, cards featuring members of the dynasty 1990s Braves hold significant value. Hammerin’ Hank Aaron’s card regularly sells for $15-25 due to his legendary Hall of Fame status. Other Braves like David Justice, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz can each fetch $10-15. High profile stars from other clubs also maintain demand. Nolan Ryan, whose pitching career stretched into the early 90s, has a $10-15 Donruss card. Ken Griffey Jr, the superstar of the Seattle Mariners, commands $8-12 for his issue.

Condition is key when determining value for the most expensive 1991 Donruss cards. Near mint to mint copies will typically be worth 2-3 times as much as heavily played or good condition examples. For cards priced over $20, gradings from authentication services like PSA or BGS help secure top dollar. Even receiving a 9 instead of a 10 can halve or quarter the worth. Of course, the rarest finds like miscuts, oddball parallels, or autographs exponentially increase value. With so many packs opened in 1991, unopened wax boxes and factory sets have become quite collectible as well, selling in the $100-200 range.

While mass produced in the millions, savvy collectors know there is still solid value to be realized from digging through boxes of 1991 Donruss Series 1 cards. With the nostalgia and retro designs still in high favor among hobbyists, combined with starring rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, this set endures as a foundation of any vintage collection. Prices seem poised to climb steadily as the generation that grew up with these cards enters advanced collecting years with more disposable income. For uncovering hidden gems or completing a coveted personal collection, spending time sorting and researching a bucket of 1991 Donruss remains a worthwhile investment of time and money for old school card collectors.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 2022 BOWMAN

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The 2022 Bowman baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues of the year. As the flagship rookie card product for MLB’s top prospects, Bowman annually features the game’s future stars in their earliest card appearances. This year’s crop of rookies does not disappoint, headlined by prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Jackson Holliday.

While individual cards and players will rise and fall in value over time, here is a look at some of the top rookies, parallels, and inserts to watch for in the 2022 Bowman set that collectors should be targeting.

Druw Jones – Considered by many to be the best pure hitting prospect in the 2022 draft class, Druw Jones was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The son of five-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, Druw has incredible bat speed and athleticism that could make him a future star in the outfield. His base rookie cards and parallels will be hot commodities.

Jackson Holliday – The first overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Baltimore Orioles, Jackson Holliday had a monster junior season at Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. A left-handed hitting shortstop with power potential, Holliday is already generating comparisons to superstars like Alex Rodriguez. His flagship rookie card will be a must-have for collectors.

Termarr Johnson – A switch-hitting shortstop with blazing speed and instincts on the basepaths, Termarr Johnson was taken fourth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022. Still just 18 years old, Johnson has the tools to develop into an elite defender at a premium position with impact offensive potential. He will be one of the top rookies to watch across all of baseball.

Brooks Lee – The eighth overall pick in 2022 by the Minnesota Twins, Brooks Lee put up huge numbers as a junior at Cal Poly. A polished hitter with a smooth lefty swing and solid defensive skills at third base, Lee has the all-around game to move quickly. His Bowman rookies will be hot sellers.

Elijah Green – Considered a potential top-five pick before slipping to 17th overall where the Padres selected him, Elijah Green is an athletic outfielder with huge raw power. At 6-foot-3 with developing hitting skills, Green has a high ceiling if he continues progressing. His cards could emerge as steals.

Daniel Susac – A left-handed hitting catcher taken 19th overall by the Oakland A’s, Daniel Susac showed excellent power and plate discipline at Arizona. His defense behind the plate is also advanced for his age. Susac has the complete package to become a star, making his Bowman cards buys.

Brock Porter – The third overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Texas Rangers, Brock Porter has the type of power arsenal that excites scouts. Capable of hitting triple digits with his fastball while also showing a swing-and-miss slider, Porter dominated as a prep arm in California. He is a top pitching prospect to track.

Gabriel Hughes – A projectable righty with a power four-pitch mix, Gabriel Hughes was selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. At 6-foot-8 with room to fill out his frame further, Hughes offers immense upside if he can stay healthy and refine his command. His cards present a high-risk, high-reward profile.

Emerson Hancock – A former first-round pick of the Mariners in 2020, Emerson Hancock missed the 2021 season due to injury but re-established himself as one of the minors’ top pitching prospects in 2022. Back healthy with a plus fastball and slider combo, Hancock has the arsenal to develop into a frontline starter.

Eury Perez – Signed for $3.8 million as an international free agent by the Reds in 2021, Eury Perez is already generating buzz as one of the best hitting prospects in the low minors. Still just 17 years old, Perez has shown advanced plate skills and power potential from the left side. His Bowman cards could take off as he develops.

In addition to top rookies, several insert sets stand out in the 2022 Bowman release that collectors will want to target. The Black Border parallel is one of the most coveted variations, featuring a striking all-black design that is limited to /199 copies or less. These serve as high-end chase cards at the top of most wishlists.

The popular Rainbow Foil parallels that span /299, /150 and /50 copies in red, blue and yellow respectively are always in high demand. For top prospects, even the /299 red versions can gain value quickly. The Gold Rainbow Foil /50 parallel takes the design up a notch with a prestigious gold tint.

Bowman Sterling returns again in 2022 with its high-end parallels and autographed rookie cards. Featuring a sharp embossed design, Sterling offers Silver Pack parallels numbered to /99 as well as the coveted Gold Foil autographs that are limited to just /10 copies. These present some of the rarest and most investment-worthy cards in the set.

New for this year is the Bowman 1st Chrome set, offering the first chrome rookie card versions of top prospects. Ranging from Green Foil /499 to Superfractor /1, these cutting-edge parallels take flagships cards upmarket. For elite talents, even the base Green Foils can gain traction.

Of course, the biggest chase remains the elusive Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs, which feature the prized autographed rookie of a top player on the prestigious Rainbow Foil stock, serial numbered to an ultra-low /5 copies. Landing one of these is a true crown jewel for any collection.

The 2022 Bowman release shapes up as one of the most anticipated issues in years. With a loaded class of rookies that features future MVP candidates like Druw Jones and Jackson Holliday, this year’s crop of flagship rookie cards and inserts are sure to attract heavy collector interest and fuel the trading card market for years to come. Savvy investors would be wise to target deals on key cards from this release before they inevitably appreciate in value as these young stars’ careers progress.

BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS MO

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Baseball Cards in St. Louis: A Rich History of Collecting

St. Louis has long had a rich history with baseball and baseball cards intertwined. While the sport and collecting cards are enjoyed nationwide, the connections run especially deep in St. Louis where baseball and its related collectibles have been a cherished pastime for over a century. From the decades-long reign of the iconic St. Louis Cardinals franchise to the city’s important role in the early roots of organized baseball card collecting, St. Louis offers collectors a special glimpse into this unique hobby and its growth alongside America’s pastime.

The St. Louis Cardinals themselves have been an inextricable part of the city’s identity since arriving in the late 1800s. Known as the Browns for many years prior, the team helped popularize baseball in Missouri and attracted legions of loyal fans. As baseball cards first emerged in the late 19th century, photographs and memorabilia of St. Louis stars like “Stan the Man” Musial, “Dizzy” Dean, and Bob Gibson gained collectors in the area. Cards picturing these local heroes held extra significance for many young ball fans just getting introduced to the pastime.

By the early 20th century, St. Louis had developed into a true hotbed for the organized trading and collecting of baseball cards. In 1916, the American Caramel Company included baseball cards with their caramel products and sparked a nationwide frenzy amongst children. Local shops in St. Louis became hubs where kids could meet up to trade and compare collections. It was in the 1930s when two St. Louis natives truly helped elevate baseball cards from a child’s pursuit into a serious hobby.

In 1933, Jefferson Burdick founded the American Baseball Card Collectors Association in St. Louis, considered the first official organized group of adult baseball card collectors in America. Burdick published the association’s magazine and helped foster collecting communities across the country. Meanwhile, Dr. Gladys Riley of St. Louis published one of the earliest price guides for vintage cards in 1933, giving collectors a reference for the growing values of rare cards in the market. Both Burdick and Dr. Riley played pivotal roles in establishing the structure and price benchmarks that transformed casual collecting into the sophisticated hobby enjoyed today.

St. Louis was also centrally located as railroad hubs expanded in the early 20th century, enabling the easy trading of cards across states and helping collections grow more diverse. Local shops like Wehmeyer Cigar Store became nationally known destinations where collectors from afar would visit St. Louis solely for epic trading sessions. Even well into the 1950s, the city hosted large annual conventions where hundreds of enthusiasts from around the country would convene.

As new generations of Cards stars emerged throughout the 1900s like Musial, Gibson, Lou Brock, and Ozzie Smith, local collectors eagerly pursued the latest cardboard portrayals of their heroes. The decades also saw new local dimensions added to collecting, such as the rise of larger conventions centered around collecting autographs from Cardinals legends. Today’s major enthusiast conventions such as Cardfest and National Sports Collectors Convention can trace roots to those groundbreaking St. Louis get-togethers.

For modern collectors, St. Louis still holds abundant resources. Several dedicated card shops throughout the region help fuel the hobby, including longtime fixtures like Topps Authority in Maryland Heights and collectorshows attract attendees. Events like Sport Collectors Conventions at America’s Center also bring national dealers together. Meanwhile, the Cardinal Hall of Fame and Museum downtown displays memorabilia including rare vintage cards that depict the storied history that still inspires collectors today.

So whether hunting for prized cards of Stan the Man or Pujols at weekend shows, or simply reminiscing about collecting classics from decades past, St. Louis allows baseball hobbyists a special glimpse into this beloved pastime’s roots. The city’s deep connections to both baseball and its related memorabilia make it ground zero for appreciating how America’s favorite player stat started as children’s play but grew into a cherished tradition for fans everywhere.

1994 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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1994 Fleer baseball cards were the final series produced by the Fleer Card Company before losing the MLB license to rival company Score. The 1994 set marked Fleer’s 28th year of producing baseball cards and included some highly sought after rookie cards as well as special insert sets that have become very popular with collectors.

The 1988 flagship set included 363 total cards and featured all Major League players as well as managers and coaches. Notable rookies included in the base set were Paul Molitor, Cecil Fielder, Randy Johnson, and Gary Sheffield. Molitor and Fielder had outstanding careers while Johnson and Sheffield also had hall of fame caliber performances. The design of the 1994 Fleer cards was similar to previous years with a picture taking up most of the front alongside the team name and player information along the bottom. The Fleer logo was in the top left corner and the card number was found on the lower right side.

A popular insert set included in the 1994 Fleer release was “Fleer Futures” which showcased some of the top minor league prospects. A total of 22 prospects were featured in the Fleer Futures subset with most going on to have solid MLB careers. Notable names included in Fleer Futures were Dante Bichette, Eric Karros, Bobby Higginson, Bobby Bonilla, and Frank Thomas. Thomas’s Fleer Futures card in particular has become one of the most valuable non-rookie cards from the 1990s as he went on to have a hall of fame career winning two MVP awards.

Perhaps the most iconic cards from the 1994 Fleer set were the rookie cards of future hall of famers Chipper Jones and Ramon Hernandez. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft, expectations were high for Jones entering his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves in 1994. His Fleer rookie card became one of the most popular and valuable rookie cards of the 1990s as he went on to a career as one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history. Ramon Hernandez also had a solid 19 year MLB career primarily as a catcher but his 1994 Fleer RC is especially coveted by collectors as one of the few stars from the 1994 rookie class.

Another famous Fleer insert set from 1994 was “Flair Showcase” which featured full bleed photographic images of star players. A total of 15 Showcase cards were included spotlighting the games biggest stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and more. These unique photographic style cards separated themselves from the typical baseball card design and have remained very popular with collectors. The Flair Showcase cards also stood out for their shiny foiled treatment on the photos making for a true “premium” insert compared to the standard base cards.

While 1994 was the final Fleer MLB license year, they went out with arguably their best and most complete set of the decade. Standout rookies, popular insert sets, and memorable photography cards added tremendous value and collector interest. The rookie cards of Jones, Hernandez, and others from the set have grown to become extremely valuable over the past few decades. Condition sensitive Fleer Futures and Flair Showcase inserts also remain some of the set’s most coveted chase cards. With its star power, memorable cards, and new trends like full bleed photography, the 1994 Fleer baseball release reminds collectors why they were a defining brand in the hobby for nearly three decades.

BUBBLE GUM BASEBALL CARDS

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Bubble gum baseball cards, also commonly called bubble gum cards or gum cards, were a series of baseball cards inserted in bubble gum packages from 1952 to 1981 by Topps Chewing Gum. The concept of including baseball cards with bubble gum packages was developed by the Topps Chewing Gum Company as a way to help sell more of their bubble gum products. The cards were a huge success and helped launch the modern sports card collecting hobby.

In the early 1950s, Topps executives knew they needed a new marketing strategy to help boost gum sales. They came up with the idea of including a small piece of cardboard with baseball players’ photos and stats inside wax-wrapped bubble gum packages. The first series of cards were released in 1952 and featured players from the American and National Leagues. The cards measured approximately 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches and featured a colorful design on the front with the player’s picture and team name/logo. On the back was a brief bio with stats from the previous season.

The cards were an instant hit with kids and helped drive sales of Topps bubble gum through the roof. Kids enjoyed collecting and trading the cards as much as they enjoyed chewing the gum. Topps released new series of cards each year from 1952 through 1981, featuring players from Major League Baseball. Over the decades, Topps issued cards for thousands of players in the style that helped launch the modern sports card collecting hobby.

In addition to baseball cards, Topps also issued cards for other sports like basketball and football in the same bubble gum packaging format. Baseball cards always remained the most popular. As the years went on, Topps experimented with different designs, materials, and added more stats and info on the backs of cards. Some notable series included the hugely popular 1956 Topps set, the 1967 Topps set that featured player’s poses from actual photos, and the iconic 1969 Topps set with its colorful borders.

The inclusion of baseball cards in bubble gum helped drive Topps to become the dominant force in the sports card industry for decades. In 1981 Topps stopped including cards in gum packages due to rising production costs. Instead, cards were sold separately in wax packs just like modern cards. This marked the end of the true “bubble gum era” of sports cards, though Topps continued issuing annual baseball sets sold in stores.

For collectors today, vintage 1950s-1970s Topps bubble gum cards remain hugely popular items to collect and study. They are considered the origin of the modern sports card collecting hobby. Near-mint vintage cards of star players from this era can sell for thousands of dollars. Even common cards in worn condition from classic sets hold value for collectors. The simple concept of including cards with gum helped spark kids’ interest in collecting, trading, and learning about their favorite ballplayers. This helped solidify baseball cards as an integral part of American pop culture for generations.

While no longer found in gum, Topps remains the dominant force in baseball cards over 60 years since the hobby began. They continue annual sets featuring today’s MLB stars. The original bubble gum cards from the 1950s-1980s remain popular items to collect, study, and reminisce about for many who grew up with cards found in sticks of Topps bubble gum. They represent a nostalgic connection to baseball’s past for collectors around the world and kickstarted today’s multibillion-dollar sports memorabilia industry. The simple concept Topps pioneered of combining cards and gum helped weave baseball cards into the fabric of American childhood for decades.