1990 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 1990 Topps Traded baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in baseball at the time, making several cards highly coveted by collectors both then and now. With 284 total cards and featuring stars traded to new teams during the 1990 season, this set provides a snapshot of a pivotal time in baseball history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought-after cards from the 1990 Topps Traded collection.

Arguably the most iconic card from the set is the Nolan Ryan Express card, featuring “The Ryan Express” pitching for the Texas Rangers. At 43 years old in 1990, it was Ryan’s 19th and final MLB season. He was still lighting up the radar gun, striking out career hit number 5000. This ultra-rare action shot captured one of the game’s greatest legends in his latter years. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for over $2,000, showing its enduring popularity among collectors even decades later.

Another Texas Rangers card near the top of value charts is the Jose Canseco card, featuring the slugging outfielder after his trade from the Oakland A’s. Canseco led the league with 44 home runs in 1988 and was still dominating at the plate in 1990. His powerful swing and youthful exuberance made him one of baseball’s biggest stars of the late 80s/early 90s. High-grade copies rarely trade hands but have sold for over $1,000 when available.

The star-studded New York Mets of the early 90s are represented as well. One of their prized acquisitions, Lonnie Smith, gets a highlight card showing his ability to impact games both offensively and on the bases. Playing a key role in the Mets’ pennant runs of 1988-1990, Smith provided veteran leadership to the young squad. Mint condition examples can fetch $400-500 due to his important contributions during that exciting period for Mets fans.

Another highly sought Mets card is the Bobby Bonilla issue, featuring the smooth-swinging third baseman who was a consistent offensive threat for over a decade. Joining the Mets in 1990, Bonilla smashed 27 homers and drove in a career-high 109 RBIs. He was a fan favorite known for clutch hits, earning him a spot among the Mets’ all-time greats. Pristine PSA 10 copies sell in the $300-400 range.

Rickey Henderson’s electric base-running abilities made him a constant highlight for Oakland Athletics fans during the late 80s. He was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers for 1990, giving LA fans their own Rickey show. With blazing speed and seemingly unlimited energy, he was must-see TV every time he stepped on the field. Near-mint copies typically sell for $150-250, a bargain considering his all-time legend status.

While star power dominates the list of most valuable cards, there are also rare variants that drive values higher. The Mike Harkey card is considered the set’s main printing plate error due to an offset in color registration. Only a small number are believed to exist, making high-grade copies true collectible gems. One recent PSA 10 sale reached $575, a true rarity for a non-star player’s issue.

The 1990 Topps Traded set released during baseball’s sterling “new era” in the late 80s/early 90s. It captured many future Hall of Famers and perennial All-Stars in their primes with new uniforms following key trades. Led by iconic cards like Nolan Ryan and Jose Canseco, plus star-studded teams on the rise like the Mets and Dodgers, this set vividly illustrated a dynamic period of change. While initially just a product of the year, 30 years later it has grown into an important historical collection for fans and investors alike. Condition-sensitive gems still offer find value opportunities for savvy collectors.

ELECTRONIC BASEBALL CARDS

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The Rise of Electronic Baseball Cards

Baseball cards have long been a staple of the sport, allowing fans to collect photos and stats of their favorite players. The traditional paper card has faced increased competition in recent decades from electronic baseball cards. Thanks to technological advancements, baseball card companies can now deliver digital versions with enhanced features. This has transformed card collecting for a new generation of fans.

The earliest electronic baseball cards date back to the 1990s when companies like Score launched digital sets available on compact discs. These early efforts never gained much traction since few households had internet access at the time. It wasn’t until the 2000s that electronic cards began seriously challenging paper as broadband internet became mainstream. Pioneering companies like e-Topps and Upper Deck e-Series released complete digital sets that could be collected and traded online.

This allowed for new capabilities beyond the physical limitations of paper. Digital cards had unlimited storage space, so entire seasons and career stats could be included. Animations and video clips brought the players to life in a way static photos never could. Online trading also removed geographical barriers, connecting collectors worldwide in one virtual marketplace. Perhaps most importantly, electronic cards appealed to a younger generation that had grown up digital. They embraced the interactive experience over the traditional paper format.

By the 2010s, every major baseball card company offered digital lines alongside their physical products. This included industry giants like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. They developed mobile apps and websites to distribute electronic card packs for purchase. Advanced technologies like augmented reality were also incorporated, allowing card images to be superimposed into the real world. As smartphones proliferated, collecting transitioned from computers to being accessible anywhere through portable devices. This made the hobby even more convenient and engaging for fans on the go.

While paper cards remain popular with older collectors seeking nostalgia, electronic is undoubtedly the future. Younger fans who grew up digital expect an interactive experience and see physical cards as antiquated. Statistics also show digital sales now outpace paper versions. In response, companies have devoted more resources toward innovative electronic-first products. Topps in particular has led the charge, securing MLB licensing exclusively for digital cards since 2020 in a major shift.

There is immense potential for further growth and advancement. Upcoming technologies like blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse open new frontiers. Blockchain allows for verifiable scarcity and ownership of digital assets. NFT baseball cards function as collectibles within the expanding crypto economy. And the metaverse provides an entirely virtual world for card-based games, auctions, and communities to exist. All of this helps ensure the tradition of baseball card collecting remains vibrant for generations to come, simply by transitioning to new digital mediums that better suit modern audiences.

While nothing can replace the nostalgia of rummaging through stacks of paper cards, electronic versions have firmly taken root as the predominant way for new fans to engage with the hobby. Their interactive experiences, global connectivity, and incorporation of emerging tech perfectly positions them to be the format of the future. Baseball card companies that embrace digital innovation will reap the most rewards as physical paper inevitably continues declining. The electronic baseball card revolution is in full swing.

RUBE WADDELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Rube Waddell was one of the most eccentric and intriguing pitchers in baseball history who played in the late 19th/early 20th century. His unorthodox antics and dominance on the mound made him a fan favorite during his career, which spanned from 1897 to 1910. Perhaps unsurprisingly given his larger-than-life persona, Waddell has become one of the most collectible players from the early years of professional baseball. His starring role in the competitive baseball card market of the early 20th century has helped solidify his legacy more than a century after his playing days ended.

Waddell first rose to prominence pitching for the Louisville Colonels in the National League from 1897-1902. His success with the team and penchant for attention-grabbing hijinks made him one of the first true baseball superstars. During this time, the emerging baseball card industry recognized Waddell’s popularity and began featuring him prominently in their sets. One of the earliest known Rube Waddell cards comes from an 1898 issue of Klondike brand cigarettes. This rare cardboard features a action photo of Waddell in a Colonels uniform with colorful back text describing some of his off-field antics. It’s considered one of the earliest examples of a baseball card focused on an individual star player’s personality rather than just statistics.

Waddell’s most acclaimed MLB seasons came after he was traded to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1903. Led by legendary manager Connie Mack, the A’s became a dominant force in the early AL with Rube as their ace. He won 20 games or more in 4 straight years from 1903-1906 while also leading the league in strikeouts an astonishing 4 times. This incredible success translated to Waddell receiving extra attention and value in the exploding market for cigarette baseball cards at the turn of the century. Probably his most commonly encountered early card is a 1904 issue from Sweet Caporal cigarettes showing him in an A’s uniform. The iconic image of the mustachioed Rube pacing the mound captured his fiery competitive spirit.

In the mid-1900s, the nascent hobby of baseball card collecting was beginning to take shape. Fans were now seeking out older cards of star players from the deadball era to add to their collections. Rube Waddell’s renown and skill guaranteed his cardboard remained desirable items. One prized card is a 1906 issue from Murad cigarettes picturing Waddell in an A’s uniform. Produced during one of his statistically best seasons, it underscored his status as a superstar of the deadball period. Around this same time period, another coveted Waddell card appeared from the series called T206 White Border. This esteemed set featured only the sports world’s biggest names done in vibrant color images.

After making his last All-Star team in 1910, Waddell’s career declined rapidly due to issues with mental health and alcoholism. He was out of baseball by the end of that season at the young age of 33. While his playing days were over, interest in collecting cards featuring stars from the early MLB decades was really taking hold in the 1920s-30s. As cards from sets like T206 drifted out of packs and into the hands of dedicated collectors, Rube’s cardboard retained value given his legendary peak years and magnetic public persona. One that became particularly important to vintage collectors was a card picturing Waddell in an A’s uniform from the iconic 1911 issue of Turkey Red trading cards. Featuring bold color portraits, it reinforced memories of Rube in his athletic prime for fans of the era.

Come the 1950s, a true hobby of baseball card collecting had emerged with fans seeking out vintage cardboard to reminisce about the heroes and histories of baseball’s early golden age. Rube Waddell’s renown from the Deadball period ensured strong demand for any pre-WWI issues featuring him remained. A prized example is a card showing Rube in an A’s cap from the rare and refined 1911 Minor League set produced by American Caramel. It underscored his beginnings before making the big leagues and was a sharp portrait of great eye appeal. Condition was always key for these antique and fragile cards. Meanwhile, the wider popularity of the sport in the 1950s also led to new tribute issues like those in the 1953 Bowman set picturing Waddell decades after his career concluded as primarily a historical inclusion.

In the modern collecting renaissance beginning in the 1980s, Rube Waddell cards became highly valued pieces of baseball memorabilia. Advanced statistical records and scouting reports from the Deadball Era provided fuller context for Waddell’s unprecedented talent and impact. Thanks to his larger than life image and sheer statistical records of strikeouts and wins, he became revered as one of the best and most significant pitchers in the sport’s early annals. For enthusiasts amassing complete vintage sets or collections focused on Deadball stars, high grade specimens of Waddell’s rarer pre-WWI cardboard become highly prized trophies. Even in well-traveled X condition, a 1906 Murad or 1911 Turkey Red would take pride of place. Reproductions in modern sets paid homage to Rube’s legend for a new generation of fans.

In summary, Rube Waddell’s unforgettable on-field exploits and charismatic public image made him one of the first true baseball superstars at the dawn of the 20th century. This ensured his baseball cards remain some of the most collected and desirable pieces of early MLB memorabilia to this day. From turn-of-the-century cigarette issues to modern tribute releases, his cardboard continues to attract enthusiasm as a connection to the game’s formative painted years. The man known as “The Carolina Wolrdhound” fascinates collectors over a century after his passing with his sheer talent and undeniable mystique on and off the diamond immortalized in cardboard. As one of deadball baseball’s true icons, Rube Waddell’s legend and collectable cards will remain part of the sport’s history and culture for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS BARRIE

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of the game and culture of baseball for over 150 years. While the modern baseball card collecting hobby began in the late 19th century in the United States, the history of baseball cards in Barrie, Ontario has its own unique story spanning several decades.

Some of the earliest baseball cards produced in North America came out in the late 1880s from companies like Goodwin & Company and Old Judge tobacco cards. These early tobacco insert cards helped popularize and spread the game of baseball across the continent. While it’s unclear exactly when the first baseball cards made their way to Barrie, Ontario, it’s very possible locals were enjoying collecting and trading these early cards in the late 1800s as the sport began gaining popularity.

One of the first documented organized baseball teams in Barrie was the Barrie Athletic Club, which was playing as early as the 1890s. As the game took root in the town, it’s reasonable to assume local youth were starting to collect cards featuring their favorite big league players and teams during this period. Production of baseball cards slowed in the early 1900s after tobacco companies shifted promotions.

The modern baseball card collecting craze is generally considered to have started in 1909 with the hugely popular and iconic T206 tobacco card series issued by the American Tobacco Company. Featuring all the biggest stars of the day like Ty Cobb, Cy Young, and Honus Wagner, these colorful and beautifully designed cards helped spark a new wave of interest in collecting across North America. By this time, baseball had truly taken hold in Barrie with the formation of more organized amateur and semi-pro teams around the turn of the century.

In the 1910s and 1920s, Barrie was home to several thriving semi-pro and factory-sponsored baseball teams that competed in various regional leagues. Popular brands like Christie’s Biscuits and Barrie Foundry fielded competitive squads. This helped grow the local passion for the game of baseball in the community. During this golden age of early 20th century baseball cards from companies like T206, M101-5, and others, collecting mania was surely in full swing among Barrie’s youthful fanbase.

Local general stores like J.J. Turner’s and J.A. McLean’s would have stocked the latest packs of cards to sell. Meanwhile, the bustling trading card market allowed kids to swap and discuss their collections on playgrounds and in schoolyards. Some of the most coveted cards depicting legendary players of the deadball era like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson were no doubt treasures to early Barrie collectors.

In the 1930s and 1940s, production of baseball cards ramped up significantly from companies like Goudey, Play Ball, and Leaf. These decades marked baseball’s rise as the national pastime in North America. In Barrie, the sport’s popularity continued growing stronger thanks to the emergence of more organized minor league and junior-level baseball. The Barrie Greyhounds played in the Ontario Baseball Association from 1934 to 1950.

Young Barrie fans in the 1930s and 40s were now able to find baseball cards much more readily at corner stores, drug stores and specialty sports card shops. Leaders Candy Store was a popular haunt for kids to pick up the latest packs of Goudey gum or Play Ball candy to hunt for stars like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams or Bob Feller. Meanwhile, the booming trading market allowed collectors to pursue complete sets by swapping duplicates with friends at school, the park or local card shows.

In the postwar 1950s, Topps emerged as the dominant baseball card company launching the modern era of the hobby. Their innovative design and wider distribution helped cards truly explode in popularity among Barrie’s youth. Little leagues and sandlot games were in full swing, fueling passion for collecting cards of heroes like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and early Blue Jays stars. By this time, Barrie even had its own semi-pro club, the Barrie Flyers, who played until 1959.

The 1960s saw the rise of many other competitive teams in Barrie like the Majors, Braves and Cubs providing local heroes for fans to collect. Ira Needles Sports Cards opened in 1965 as one of the first dedicated sports card shops in the city, satisfying demand. The 1970s arrival of the likes of Donruss, Fleer and Score in the marketplace created a boom in collecting. In 1973, the opening of the new Parkway Mall brought the hugely popular Sports Card World to attract collectors from across Simcoe County.

Through the 1980s trading card boom years led by Star, Donruss and Fleer, Barrie saw many card shops thrive. Establishments like The Sports Card Shop and Collector’s Corner catered to collectors pursuing rookies of future Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. The 1990 Upper Deck set launched ultra-premium cards and parallels that took collecting to new heights. By this time, Barrie was producing its own stars in the Blue Jays system like Homer Bush and Rob Butler.

In the 1990s, the sports card industry exploded with innovations, short prints, and autograph cards chasing huge profits. This fueled even more intense collecting passions among Barrie’s youth. The 2000s saw a rise in memorabilia cards and serial-numbered relic inserts. Popular Barrie shops like The Sports Card Shoppe and Collector’s Cache satisfied local fans pursuing pieces of their favorite Blue Jays like Roy Halladay.

Today, while the marketplace has contracted, the hobby remains strong. Barrie collectors can be found at card shows across Ontario, chasing the latest parallels and prospects in the Blue Jays system. Local shops like Collector’s Cache and The Trading Post provide a hub for the community. And in 2022, Barrie will open its long awaited baseball hall of fame and museum to honor the rich history of the game in the city and preserve memories for future generations through its archives of cards, photos and memorabilia.

Over its 150 year history in Barrie, the baseball card collecting hobby has grown into a cherished pastime that has connected generations of fans to their favorite players and teams. It has helped spread the popularity of America’s national pastime to new heights in the city. Barrie’s card collectors can look back with pride at the rich legacy and memories they have built throughout the decades.

BLANK BASEBALL CARDS

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Blank baseball cards have been a staple of the baseball card collecting hobby for decades. While pre-printed cards featuring current major league players have always been the most popular, collectors and creative fans have found many uses for the blank stock that card manufacturers produce. Whether it’s creating custom cards for fictional players, filling in stats for obscure minor leaguers, or just having fun designing cards, blank baseball cards allow collectors to put their own spin on the hobby.

The history of blank baseball cards dates back to the early days of the collecting craze in the late 19th century. Some of the earliest card manufacturers like American Tobacco Company and Goodwin & Company produced runs of blank stock that could be handwritten to commemorate local amateur or semi-pro teams. These crude homemade cards helped fuel interest in baseball and collecting during a time when few mass produced professional cards existed.

In the modern era beginning in the late 1930s, most major card companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss would include small quantities of blank stock in their annual baseball sets. These were usually included as bonuses for collectors or given out as prizes at card shows. The blanks allowed kids to design their own players, teams, and stats. In the pre-internet days before stats and info were easily available, blanks helped fill in gaps for obscure minor league seasons that weren’t fully documented.

As the collecting boom took off in the 1980s, independent blank card manufacturers emerged to exclusively serve this niche market. Companies like Blank Baseball Card Co. and ROOKIE Card Co. produced high quality PVC stock identical to the Topps flagship sets of the time. Collectors could purchase factory-sealed wax packs exclusively containing 24 or 36 blanks to use however they wished. Popular pre-printed designs included team logos that could be filled in by hand.

In the 1990s, the introduction of desktop publishing software gave blank card customization a huge boost. Collectors gained the ability to easily design cards on their computers then print them on inkjet or laser printers onto blank stock. Popular blank card software titles like CardPro and ROOKIE Studio allowed for the addition of photos, team logos, fonts, and even simulated foil stamping and embossing effects. Entire imaginary league and player databases could now be brought to life.

Today there are still a handful of manufacturers producing blank baseball cards to satisfy the ongoing demand from creative collectors. Websites like BCW Supplies and Blowout Cards sell blank PVC stock in various card styles and sizes to allow for any custom design. Blank card customization has evolved into an artistic outlet and grown into its own unique segment within the broader hobby. Every year, collectors showcase their imaginative creations at card shows in dedicated “custom card” display cases.

While pre-printed cards of current MLB stars will always be the most popular, blank baseball cards ensure the hobby remains open to everyone’s individual interests and talents. Whether designing cards for obscure independent ballplayers lost to history or bringing entire fictional leagues and eras to life, blanks have massively expanded the creative possibilities within collecting. The blank slate of these stock cards has fueled collectors’ imaginations for generations and will continue to do so for many more to come. With basic computer skills or just pen and paper, any fan can put their personal stamp on the hobby and become a card designer with the help of a simple blank baseball card.

GOUDEY GUM COMPANY BASEBALL CARDS

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The Goudey Gum Company began producing some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in the early 20th century. Founded by pharmacist Benjamin Goudey in 1884, the company grew to become one of the leading chewing gum manufacturers in the United States. In the 1930s, Goudey sought new ways to promote its gum products and decided to include collectible baseball cards as incentives inside gum and candy packages.

From 1933 to 1941, Goudey released five distinct sets of baseball cards as promotional items. These early releases helped popularize baseball cards as a mainstream collecting hobby. The 1933 Goudey gum cards were the first mass-produced set of modern baseball cards. Each pack of gum contained a single card with photographic images of current Major League players on the front and their stats printed on the back. A total of 81 cards were released in the 1933 set, highlighting stars from both the American and National Leagues.

Notably, the 1933 Goudey issue introduced the first “action shot” cards that depicted players in action poses rather than stiff formal portraits. This set is also unique in featuring one of the rarest and most iconic cards in the hobby – the Babe Ruth card, of which only 12 examples are known to exist in mint condition. Due to its superb condition and historical significance, one of these Ruth cards sold at auction in 2016 for over $5 million, setting a new record as the highest price ever paid for a baseball card. The 1933 Goudey issue laid the foundation for the baseball card collecting industry and remains one of the most pursued sets by serious vintage enthusiasts.

Following the success of that first release, Goudey went on to produce cards in 1936, 1938, 1939, and 1940. The 1934 and 1935 issues were not true “sets” and instead consisted of assorted single cards inserted individually into gum packs. The 1936 set expanded to include all teams from that season and featured additional photographic action shots on a thick, glossy stock that has held up remarkably well over the decades. Rated a 7.5 on the standard 10 point quality scale due to the set’s above average centering and clarity, high-grade 1936 Goudey cards command top dollar from vintage collectors.

In 1938, Goudey went through a major design change, shifting from green-bordered portrait cards to a larger golden yellow landscape format with statistics printed directly on the images. The 1938 set also saw the first “rookie cards” produced for future Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Ted Williams and others. Perhaps the most renowned cards issued during this later period were the 1940s, known both for their artistic dual image “double folded” design as well as the inclusion of several true “superstars” in the early stages of their careers, including Joe DiMaggio and Satchel Paige.

While production of Goudey baseball cards ceased after 1941 due to the onset of US involvement in World War II, the company left an indelible mark on the emerging market it helped create. Today, collectors remain passionate about acquiring high-quality specimens from each of the five original Goudey sets released in the 1930s-40s golden era. With sharp images, historical significance, and scarcity enhancing their value, Goudey cards routinely appear as centerpiece attractions at major card shows and auctions. Particularly coveted by investors are pristine conditioned examples likely to still garner strong prices decades from now. As one of the true pioneer forces behind baseball cards, Benjamin Goudey’s company ensured its place in sports collecting lore by introducing America’s national pastime on inexpensive packs of chewing gum nearly a century ago.

2022 PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 MLB draft class was highly anticipated with several elite prospects expected to be selected early. Bowman Draft hosted the official MLB draft this year from July 17-19. Panini also released their 2022 Prizm Draft Picks product focused on the drafted players. Within the Prizm Draft Picks release, several rookie cards immediately stood out as having the most long term value and breakout potential. Let’s take an in depth look at the top 2022 Prizm Draft Picks baseball cards to watch.

Druw Jones – Atlanta Braves (1st Overall Pick)
Jones had been projected as a possible first overall pick for over a year leading up to the draft. The athletic outfielder lived up to expectations by being selected first by the Braves. Not surprisingly, his Prizm Draft Picks rookie offerings immediately became the set’s most valuable cards. The Jones Prizm Silver Pack Fresh /15 is arguably the showcase card of the entire release. Only 15 of these exist and several have already sold for well over $1000. Other marquee Jones cards holding strong value include his Orange Prizm /499, Green Prizm /125, and Yellow Prizm /50. As the consensus top prospect and first pick, expect Jones’ cards to rise substantially if he develops into a star as projected. He has all the tools to become a perennial all-star and take the mantle as the face of the Braves franchise.

Brooks Lee – Twins (8th Overall Pick)
The smooth swinging Lee slipped slightly on draft day but still landed with a great organization in Minnesota. His on-field production at Cal Poly boosted him up draft boards after an incredible junior campaign. Lee’s draft stock fell just enough for his rookie cards to have more affordable prices than Jones. His Prizm cards still carry strong value. The Lee Green Prizm /125 and Yellow Prizm /50 are two of the pricier choices in the set. With further development, Lee profiles as a potential all-star caliber player. He should get the opportunity to move quickly through Minnesota’s system. Lee flashed above average power potential in college so there is breakout potential if he starts tapping into that power as a pro.

Termarr Johnson – Pirates (19th Overall Pick)
While Johnson has more inherent risk as a high school bat, he flashed star qualities leading up to the draft. The athletic five-tool centerfielder dominated at events like Under Armour All-America week. Johnson also crushed it during his senior season in Georgia. As a premium prep position player taken in the first round, his Prizm Draft Picks cards are in high demand. The Johnson Green Prizm /125 is one of the set’s pricier highlights. Though riskier than college hitters, high ceiling high school picks like Johnson can pay off tremendously if they develop as hoped. If he starts to fulfill scouting reports as a pro, expect his cards to appreciate considerably from their already strong prices.

Elijah Green – Royals (15th Overall Pick)
The large and athletic Green possessed possibly the highest upside of any hitter in the entire 2022 draft class. Questions over his bat speed and consistency dropped him to 15th, but the tools are immense. Green’s 1st round selection and offensive upside make his Prizm Draft Picks cards great long term holds. Even cards out of the base Prizm product carry value. But his Orange /499, Green /125, and Yellow /50 really pop. Green is a projection play who could be a superstar if everything comes together. His rare physical gifts combined with top 15 draft status gives Green cards enormous breakout potential if he starts tapping into that raw power.

Brock Porter – Rangers (3rd Overall Pick)
One of the biggest risers in the pre-draft process, Porter rocketed up boards with his performance and stuff across his senior season. While some questioned his durability long term, no one could deny the electric stuff. Porter became the third overall pick by Texas and immediately became one of the top prospects in their deeply talented system. All of his Prizm Draft Picks cards hold strong value, led by the always popular Green /125 and Orange /499 versions. Porter throwing in the mid-90s with a power curve gives him frontline starter upside. If he stays healthy and commands his stuff as a pro, his cards will shine tremendously as one of the premier arms from this class.

Jacob Berry – Cardinals (25th Overall Pick)
As a switch-hitting power bat from LSU, Berry brought credibility and production to the draft. Many saw him as a potential top 10 talent. Falling to 25th only increased the long term value in his rookie cards. Berry’s polished bat and above average power give him legitimate all-star offensive upside. His Prizm Draft Picks Orange /499 and Green /125 are two of the hottest cards in the set at the moment. Playing in hitter-friendly Busch Stadium and within the Cardinals’ strong player development system bodes well for Berry’s pro potential. If he rises up their system promptly, his cards could explode in value quickly when compared to his draft position.

Brooks Lee – Twins (81st Overall Pick in 2021)
While already in professional baseball, Lee’s 2021 draft class Prizm Draft Picks cards still hold great long term merit. As an above average hitter with 20-20 upside, Lee became the first ever player from Cal Poly to be drafted in the first round. He dominated in rookie ball and low A during 2022. With further success, Lee’s cards from when he was a highly touted true freshman could gain immense value retroactively. His 2021 Orange Prizm /499 and Green Prizm /125 showcased Lee as an elite prospect and remain two of the more prominent cards from that draft class set today.

This covers some of the most valuable long term hold rookie cards from the 2022 Prizm Draft Picks baseball release. With such a talented drafting class that featured future stars like Druw Jones, Brooks Lee, and Brock Porter, these cards have enormous breakout potential. Top picks from winning franchises carry extra appeal. While risk exists with any prospects, these prospects all profiled as premium talents with all-star upside. If even a few deliver on that talent level as pros, their rookie cards from 2022 Prizm Draft Picks could appreciate tremendously in future years. This hyped rookie class makes for many exciting prospects to watch both on the field and in the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY TOPPS

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While baseball cards have been around since the late 1800s, it was Topps who popularized modern trading cards with their iconic designs released in the 1950s. Since then, Topps has produced billions of baseball cards, with some becoming hugely valuable today. Whether it’s rare errors, iconic rookies, or historic moments captured, certain Topps cards can fetch thousands—even hundreds of thousands—at auction.

One of the most expensive and sought-after baseball cards ever is the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in near-mint condition. Considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards, a PSA 9 graded Mantle sold for $5.2 million in 2021, setting records. What makes it so valuable? It was Mantle’s rookie card released during his Triple Crown season when he was already a rising star at age 20. Very few high-grade examples survive today in the pristine condition collectors desire.

Another hugely valuable Topps rookie is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Though it was part of the iconic T206 series rather than a true “rookie” since Wagner was already a star, its rarity and subject still make it the holy grail for collectors—one in a PSA 8 condition was sold for $6.6 million in 2016. It’s believed Wagner demanded his image be removed from production, leaving only 50-200 known to exist today in any condition.

For a true post-WWII rookie card, the 1952 Topps Willie Mays is also extremely valuable. As one of the game’s all-time greats and also capturing his rookie season playing for the New York Giants, high-grade Mays rookies can sell for over $500,000. Like Mantle, very few survived the years in pristine condition.

Rookie cards aren’t the only ones that can be worth a fortune. Historic or extremely rare variations can also make certain Topps cards enormously valuable. A 1967 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card with an error featuring him in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform rather than his actual Angels uniform sold for $240,000 in 2018 since it’s a true anomaly.

The iconic 1968 Topps Roberto Clemente is another highly valued card for capturing a HOFer and his career .317 batting average, as well as being released shortly before his tragic death in a plane crash at age 38. A PSA 9 recently sold at auction for over $90,000.

Perhaps the rarest Topps variation ever found is the 1952 Mickey Mantle commons reverse negative. Instead of the photo being printed correctly, this one card had Mantle’s image reversed by mistake. After being lost in a collector’s attic for decades, it resurfaced and sold in 2021 for $312,000, setting a record for the highest price paid for a single modern card.

While those examples show the extreme high-end, there are also many valuable Topps cards worth collecting that can be had for thousands. The 1954 Topps Hank Aaron rookie in good condition is valued around $4,000 raw or $15,000 graded PSA 8. The 1956 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie in similar grade is worth $6,000-$10,000.

The 1964 Topps Sandy Koufax that captures his perfect game is also valued around $4,000 raw or $10,000 PSA 8 since it commemorates such a historic achievement. And the 1969 Topps Tom Seaver rookie, showing the HOFer during his Rookie of the Year season with the Mets, can reach $3,000 ungraded or $12,000 PSA 9.

For investors, the 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie remains a steady riser since he’s one of the most dominant pitchers ever. Ungraded examples are around $2,000 now but a PSA 9 brings over $15,000. And the 1975 Topps Fred Lynn rookie, which honors the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year, rises steadily and can reach $2,000 raw or $8,000 PSA 9.

While modern issues after the 1980s don’t carry the same cachet as vintage, certain stars’ rookie cards retain value. Raw copies of the 1987 Topps Chipper Jones rookie are around $150 but a PSA 10 gem is worth $1,000. And the 1992 Topps Derek Jeter rookie remains popular—a PSA 9 brings over $500 today.

While it takes serious money to acquire the true crown jewels like the Mantle and Wagner rookie cards, savvy collectors can still profit by finding affordable gems from the 1950s and 60s produced by Topps. Whether it’s a star’s first card, rare errors, or historically significant designs, certain issues will always retain demand. With patience and knowledge of what to look for, valuable Topps cards are out there waiting to be unearthed.

PRINTABLE BASEBALL LINEUP CARDS FREE

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Printable baseball lineup cards are a useful tool for any coach or manager to have on hand. Whether you need cards for a practice, scrimmage, or official game, free printable templates allow you to quickly and easily generate professional-looking lineup sheets without having to design them from scratch or pay for pre-made cards.

There are a few key things that should be included on a baseball lineup card. First and foremost is the batting order, with each player’s name and jersey number listed in the order they will come to the plate. Below the batting order, space should be allocated to list defensive positions for each player. Coaches will want to note starting pitchers as well as relievers and designate who will pitch specific innings. Another important inclusion is pinch hitters and runners – players designated to come off the bench in certain situations.

Listing contact information such as cell phone numbers for coaches, managers, and team representatives is also advisable in case of scheduling changes or other important updates. Noting the date, time, location of the game, and opponent helps identify the context at a glance. Some coaches also include stats from previous games like batting averages or earned run averages to remind themselves of tendencies when making tactical decisions during play.

Free lineup card templates can be easily found with an online image search or on baseball coaching websites and blogs. When choosing a template to use and customize, look for ones with clear, easy-to-read fonts large enough to see from a distance if needed. Opt for a simple, uncluttered design that draws the eye to the most vital information instead of distracting graphics or backgrounds. Card stock paper in the 8.5×11 inch size works well to print double-sided and fold into thirds for compact portability.

Once you’ve selected or designed a template, the process of populating it with your team’s details is straightforward. Type in players’ names and numbers in the batting order section. Note defensive positions below. Don’t forget pitchers. You can also indicate game date, time, location, and opponent at the top. Use the bottom or back for extras like pinch hitters, assistant coaches’ contacts, notes from previous matchups, etc.

When printing the cards, check that all text is legible before the game. Consider making multiple original cards to photocopy or print multiple copies in case of mistakes, smudges, or extra needs on gameday. Staple pages together if double-sided. The cards are now ready to bring to practices and contests to stay fully organized with all players’ assignments at your fingertips. Refer to them during coaching, substitutions, or for informal post-game reviews.

Having a consistent format on neatly presented baseball lineup cards is a professional way to manage the team. It demonstrates that you take preparation seriously and have all critical details planned out. Players and parents will appreciate the organized approach as well. Using free templates cuts down on design time and costs while still allowing you to produce high-quality lineup sheets. With a simple fill-in-the-blanks process, you’ll be equipped with all the useful information you need right there on the bench or in the dugout come game time.

1992 STUDIO BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1992 Studio baseball card set is one of the more unique issues from the early 1990s. While it did not have the same mainstream appeal or distribution of sets from Topps or Fleer at the time, it has developed a solid cult following among vintage card collectors in recent decades. Let’s take a deeper look at the specifics of this set and what a complete near-mint condition collection might be worth today.

Studio was an upstart brand launched in 1991 with the intention of producing high-quality cards with creative photography and design. For their 1992 offering, they stuck with the traditional form factor of 559 total cards but went in a more artistic direction compared to the “traditional” look of other brands. The photographs showcased players in unique poses or along creative themes instead of straight action shots. Studio also included retired players and managers in the set for the first time.

Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of any vintage card collection. For a complete 1992 Studio baseball set in near-mint to mint condition, a collector could expect to fetch between $3,000-$5,000 today. There are a few key factors driving this estimate:

Studio print runs were much smaller compared to Topps or Fleer during this period. While exact numbers are unavailable, analysts estimate only a fraction as many Studio packs were distributed nationally. This scarcity drives modern demand higher.

The creative design and photography have allowed the issue to retain collectors’ long-term interest despite the smaller initial audience. Vintage card investors appreciate Studio’s outside-the-box approach.

Rosters included many superstar players from the early ’90s such as Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr, Cal Ripken Jr. Iconic names continue to pull in casual collectors.

Condition is paramount, as these cards were not nearly as widely circulated as other brands. Finding a true “complete set” in great shape is increasingly challenging.

Some key individual cards that can add significant value to a collection if graded gem mint include the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie (#1), Cal Ripken Jr. (#20), a Barry Bonds rookie (#198), Nolan Ryan (#241), and Ozzie Smith (#387). Each of those cards in PSA/BGS 10 condition could fetch $100-$300 on its own in today’s market.

There are a few other items that can bump the estimated value even higher for discerning collectors:

An unopened factory-sealed Series 1 or Series 2 hobby box (60-packs). These rarely trade and could add $1,000-$2,000 to the price tag.

Original artist rendition renderings or promo binders used for studio set. These seldom appear for sale but attract major premiums in the thousands from uber-completists.

PSA/BGS population report showing your complete set cards grading exceptionally well could merit an even stronger asking price into the $5,000+ range versus a more typical centering/corners receipt.

So in summary – while the 1992 Studio baseball card set did not achieve the same renown as flagship issues from Topps or Fleer in its time, discerning collectors have come to appreciate its creative designs and photography. Finding a fully intact collection in top condition nearly 30 years later is no small feat. Between $3,000 – $5,000 makes for a reasonable estimate of current market value, with room to grow over time as this particular brand continues developing a cult following within the vintage trading card realm.