MAGIC THE GATHERING BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

In 2021, Topps partnered with Wizards of the Coast to incorporate Magic: The Gathering onto popular baseball card packs for the first time. The collaboration brought the fantasy trading card game into the mainstream sports card industry introducing the iconic game to a whole new audience.

Magic: The Gathering, commonly referred to as Magic or MTG, is a trading card game released in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Players use customized decks of “spells,” “artifacts,” and “creature” cards to battle each other in a duel. The game quickly grew a loyal following and is considered the earliest collectible card game, preceding Pokémon and other popular TCG titles. Since its launch, Magic has seen over 20,000 unique cards printed and tens of millions of players around the world. The game was still relatively niche compared to mainstream sports.

Topps saw the opportunity to introduce new demographics, especially younger players, to Magic through sports cards. The company is renowned for producing the most iconic and recognizable sports trading cards globally. Topps baseball cards dominate the market having been staples since the 1950s. With the 2021 season, Topps included 5 premium Magic: The Gathering insert cards accessible through special packaging inserted randomly into flagship baseball products like Series 1, Series 2, and Allen & Ginter.

The insert cards featured recognizable Magic planeswalkers, or powerful wizard-like characters, as athletes on mythical teams. One example depicted Jace, the Mind Sculptor as the star shortstop for the Riverglide Rogues. Another card featured Chandra Nalaar pitching for the Caldera Firebrands. Topps utilized the same glossy, high quality stock as its standard baseball cards with authentic designs marrying Magic IP with sporting themes. This juxtaposition of fantasy and sports was an intriguing introduction for curious new fans and collectors.

Initial reception of the Magic baseball inserts from both existing fans and the mainstream sports community was very positive. Many praised Topps for cleverly merging the worlds of fantasy gaming with America’s favorite pastime. Posts across social media praised the creative concepts and production quality matching Topps’ renowned sports cards. The crossover also renewed interested in Magic for lapsed players and fueled new collectors.

For Wizards of the Coast, the partnership with the sports card juggernaut Topps was profoundly significant. It exposed Magic to a completely new potential customer base outside of game and comic stores. Through baseball cards found in drug stores, big box retailers, and card shops across North America, millions more eyes saw Magic in a whole new light. Market research showed thousands of new players were inspired to try the game who otherwise may have never known about it.

As a result of the success in 2021, Topps and Wizards of the Coast agreed to expand their Magic baseball card releases for subsequent seasons. In 2022, several new premium Magic insert sets were included like “Arcane All-Stars” and “Spellslingers.” These continued novel sports-fantasy crossovers withplaneswalker characters on new imaginary rosters. The collaborations also grew to incorporate other Topps sports licenses beyond just baseball as well like NBA, NFL and soccer. Moving forward, Topps committed to regularly including Magic inserts yearly to sustain interest and attract even more new potential fans to both properties through an innovative merge of fantasy gaming and real-world sports.

The unlikely union between Magic: The Gathering and Topps baseball cards has proven hugely impactful for broadening awareness and inclusion of the famous trading card game. By bringing the rich worlds of Magic to an entirely new mass market consumer base of sports fans and families, many new eyes and potential players have been introduced. Thanks to innovative partnerships like with Topps, Magic: The Gathering looks primed to continue enticing new generations of players and collectors for decades to come no matter their interests in fantasy or sports.

1930S BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1930s were an iconic decade for baseball cards. During this time, many legendary players rose to fame and had their likenesses captured on cardboard for collecting. The Great Depression had taken hold of America by the early 1930s, yet the popularity of baseball only grew as a diversion for many. Card companies capitalized on this by producing inexpensive packs that could be purchased virtually anywhere for just a few pennies.

The most notable brand of the era was Goudey Gum Company, known for including a stick of gum with each packet of cards. From 1933 to 1939, Goudey released 13 different baseball sets. Their distinctive designs featured vibrant colors and player stats on the back. Iconic stars of the time like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio gained even more notoriety appearing in those stylish cards in the hands of millions of fans.

The 1933 Goudey issue is particularly collectible today. That inaugural Goudey set included 161 total cards plus additional promotional issues. Notable rarities include Babe Ruth’s infamous “called shot” card which commemorated his famous home run during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. Another coveted card is Lou Gehrig’s, which was accidentally printed without any stats on the reverse. Only a handful of the stat-less Gehrig card are known to still exist.

Many collectors consider the 1935 and 1939 Goudey releases to be the most visually appealing issues of the entire decade. The ’35s had colorful team emblems decorating the borders. Meanwhile the ’39s are noted for their elegant sepia-toned portraits. The 1939s also marked the last Goudey baseball set before the company shifted focus during World War 2. Honus Wagner, one of the biggest names in collecting, was included for the first and only time in the 1939 issue.

While Goudey was the market leader, other companies participated as well. In 1936, Brooklyin-based DeLong produced a 100 card set featuring new stars like Dizzy Dean and Joe DiMaggio. Additionally in 1937, Play Ball Cigarettes inserted cards into their tobacco tins with a different design than the Goudeys fans had grown accustomed to seeing.

It was world events that led to baseball cards nearly disappearing after 1939. As American factories geared up for war production, the scarce supplies that once went to baseball cards were reallocated. Gum and candy companies halted card production almost entirely for the 1940s. Some noteable late 1930s outliers include sets inserted in product lines like OPC gum, Red Man tobacco, and Pabst Beer. But these final 1930s issues were quite scarce compared to the bulk releases of earlier years.

Recreational activities naturally declined during World War 2 as millions of Americans mobilized for the war effort. Many minor league teams even disbanded temporarily. Without national pastimes like baseball or new cards being produced, collecting stalled out. Some estimated production fell by 90% or more during the 1940s compared to the 1930s heyday.

After years without new cardboard to pursue, collectors eagerly awaited the return of the hobby when peace finally came. In 1948, Leaf Gum ended the card famine by issuing their first attractive post-war set featuring the new stars that emerged while major league play continued on the home front. But it wasn’t until 1951 when the Bowman Gum company greatly expanded sets with colorful vivid photos that the golden age of ‘50s cardboard fully began. By then, many of the old heroes of the 1930s had long since retired. Their legendary careers were immortalized on small works of arts – those beautifully designed and cherished Goudey cards produced in baseball’s golden era.

The 1930s represent a peak decade when baseball exploded in popularity and card companies worked diligently to meet collector demand. Iconic stars rose to fame and had those memorable early issues produced in their likeness that are worth a small fortune today. While scarcity slowed production to a halt by the 1940s, the marvelous cards of the 1930s maintained their value and nostalgia. They serve as a glowing reminder of America’s pastime before all else was put on pause during World War 2. The memorable vintage cardboard treasures of the 1930s will always have an honored place in hobby history.

GUM INC BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The American Chicle Company, known for their famous Chiclets chewing gum, started producing baseball cards as an advertising inclusion with their products in the late 1880s. In 1948, the company spun off its non-confectionery products into a new company called The Gum Inc. This marked a new era for the sports cards they had been producing as a side product for decades.

Gum Inc. began ramping up baseball card production in the post-World War II era, seeing the growing interest in the sport across America. Their most iconic baseball card series during this time was the 1951 Bowman set, featuring vivid photos on a colored background. This innovative design set the standard that remains influential to this day. Bowman was one of the first card manufacturers to include rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente in sets distributed with gum.

Throughout the 1950s, Gum Inc. released numerous baseball card sets under the Bowman and Red Man brand names. Some of the notable releases included their 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957 sets. These continued the colorful photographed-front design and helped expose a new generation of fans to players through cards inserted in packages of chewing gum. Stars of the era like Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Warren Spahn, and Duke Snider captivated young collectors.

In 1961, Topps Chewing Gum usurped much of the baseball card market. Topps had been producing competitor cards since 1952 but struck an exclusive deal with Major League Baseball for rights to player images starting in 1961. This led Gum Inc. to focus more on non-MLB players and teams over the following years in sets with the Play Ball, Red Man, and Leaf brands. They added cards highlighting Negro League stars, minor league players, and international athletes to fill the void.

Through the 1960s, Gum Inc. still found success with their various non-Topps card lines. Notable releases included the 1961 and 1962 Play Ball sets, 1963 and 1964 Red Man sets, and 1965 and 1966 Leaf sets. These featured a mix of MLB, Negro League, minor league, and international stars. Icons of the era like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente had some of their final card appearances issued by Gum Inc. during this period before they largely moved to the exclusive Topps model.

Gum Inc.’s waning baseball card production through the late 1960s reflected a declining gum and candy business sector overall facing more health-conscious consumers. In 1970, they made their last baseball card release with a 120 card Play Ball set highlighting Negro League stars and other non-MLB players.

The American Chicle Company re-gained control of Gum Inc. as a subsidiary in 1974. By this time, Gum Inc.’s baseball card output had dwindled significantly due to the Topps monopoly. In the late 1970s, Topps would start branching out by acquiring the makers of rival brands like Bazooka and Bowman.

In 1980, frustrated with declining gum sales, American Chicle sold its Gum Inc. division to the Beatrice Foods conglomerate. Beatrice owned the World Wide Gum corporation that made products like Dentyne and Trident. They merged Gum Inc.’s assets into World Wide Gum to become a stronger competitor in the shrinking gum market. With baseball card production no longer part of their strategy, this marked the end for Gum Inc. as they faded out of the industry that started with their Chiclets origins.

While relatively brief compared to industry giants like Topps, Gum Inc.’s involvement in baseball cards helped grow the hobby during critical eras after World War II and into the 1960s. Their colorful, well-produced sets under Bowman, Red Man, Play Ball, and Leaf brought the sport to new audiences through the innovative marketing strategy of rewarding gum customers with enclosed collectible cards. Legends from Hank Aaron to Roberto Clemente had their rookie cards distributed to mass audiences that sparked lasting interest in the stars of their time through Gum Inc.’s cardboard contributions alongside candy and chewing gum. Although no longer an independent entity, Gum Inc.’s influence on the early development of baseball cards as a mass-market product left an impact still recognized today within collectible card history.

1987 DONRUSS OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1987 Donruss Opening Day baseball card set is considered a classic among collectors and holds significant nostalgia and value for many. Originally released as a rack pack in 1987 and featuring players from that year’s Opening Day rosters, the set contains 132 cards and includes some true icons of the baseball card collecting hobby from the late 1980s.

While not one of the flagship or highest printed card sets of that era, 1987 Donruss Opening Day cards still hold meaning and merit in the collecting world decades later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this particular set notable and the values some of its star cards can currently command.

The Design

Donruss is known for illustrative and cartoonish card designs in the 1980s, and the 1987 Opening Day set followed suit with that artistic style. Each card featured a colorful painted portrait of the player on a blue background with a yellow border. Prominent stats like batting average, home runs, and RBI from the previous season were displayed alongside.

The back of the cards contained the standard rookie card, stats, and career highlights information layout fans had come to expect. What made the designs unique was the depiction of various stadiums and ballparks behind each player photo, harkening to the set’s “Opening Day” theme with a new visual element. Overall it was a fun, colorful look that matched the tone of 80s cardboard.

Top Rated Cards

While there are no true rookie cards or first year player issues that achieve extreme value in this set, several star players from the late 80s have cards that hold meaningful value based on pedigree and playing career accolades. Here are some notable examples:

Roger Clemens (#84) – Widely considered one of the greatest pitchers ever, and his career was just taking off in 1987. Mint condition examples fetch $30-50 routinely.

Mike Schmidt (#113) – Future Hall of Famer and the best third baseman of his generation. His legendary status earns $15-25 for a near mint card.

Ozzie Smith (#86) – Similar to Schmidt in terms of all-time defensive wizard reputation at shortstop. Fetches $10-20.

Rickey Henderson (#50) – Perhaps the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer who was already a star in 1987. $10-15 range.

Dwight Gooden (#63) – Fresh off his Rookie of the Year season and one of the most dominant early careers ever. $8-12.

Condition and Popularity

As with any older issue, condition is extremely important when evaluating the potential value of 1987 Donruss Opening Day cards. Even top name stars will only return $1-5 for heavily played examples. Finding high grade copies of stars in near mint to mint condition is no simple task after 35+ years of existence.

The set also sees less population pressure and overall collector demand compared to the flagship sets from that season like Topps, Fleer, or even other Donruss products. So while the best cards may carry meaning and value, there is less protection of value due to rarity factors alone – demand must be present.

Variant and Parallel Versions

This set only had a traditional base issue but no special parallel, insert, or short print variations that drastically boost individual card prices. Knowledgeable collectors may pay slight premiums for error cards missing stats, miscut examples, or other unusual printing flaws depending on the specific error.

While not in the same stratosphere as true rookie card monsters, the 1987 Donruss Opening Day baseball card set remains a respected part of the vintage collector marketplace. Finding high quality examples of the set’s biggest star players from the decade like Clemens, Schmidt, Smith, and Gooden in the $5-50 range seems fairly stable based on long term demand and playing achievements. For fans and investors of 80s cardboard, this issue delivers fun memories and solid nostalgic value.

FAMOUS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been popular collectibles since the late 19th century, with some of the early cards becoming extremely valuable over time. Cards from the early 20th century featuring legendary players who helped popularize and professionalize the sport of baseball are among the most famous and sought after in the hobby. Here are some of the most notable baseball cards that any serious collector hopes to find in their collection.

1909-11 T206 White Border – The holy grail of baseball cards is generally considered to be the 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, fewer than 60 examples are known to exist today in collectible condition. What makes the Wagner so rare is that the player refused to endorse tobacco products, so his card was pulled early and fewer made their way into circulation. High grade examples have sold at auction for over $3 million. Other notable stars featured on the T206 set include Ty Cobb, Cy Young, and Walter Johnson.

1914 Cracker Jack – Introduced as an insert in Cracker Jack boxes, the 1914 Cracker Jack baseball cards featured a variety of major and minor league players. Perhaps the most significant card is the Babe Ruth rookie from 1914, as the Sultan of Swat had just started his career with the Boston Red Sox. Only an estimated 50-100 examples are known to exist, making this one of the key early Ruth cards. Graded examples in high grades have cracked the $1 million mark at auction.

1933 Goudey – The first modern mass produced set, the 1933 Goudey baseball card set featured photos on the front and stats on the back. Highlights include Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, but the true star is the one-of-a-kind “Mecca Double Print” error card which features two images of Jimmie Foxx. Only one is known to exist and it holds the record for the highest price paid for a single card at $2.8 million. Other key Goudey rookies are Dizzy Dean and Bill Dickey.

1948 Leaf – The post-WWII Leaf set is perhaps best known for the Mickey Mantle rookie card, one of the most significant cards in the hobby. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees and is still one of the most popular players ever. High grade Mantle rookies have exceeded $2 million at auction. The 1948 Leaf set also featured other future stars like Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Whitey Ford.

1952 Topps – Generally considered the most famous set in baseball card history, the 1952 Topps issue introduced the modern cardboard format still used today. Iconic photos like Mickey Mantle’s exaggerated follow-through swing and Willie Mays’ famous basket catch graced the fronts of these cards. Top rookies included Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente. In high grades, complete sets have sold for over $1 million. Individual key cards can reach six figures as well.

1956 Topps – While the ’52 set may be more famous, the ’56 Topps issue featured the true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, and Don Drysdale. Koufax’s iconic windup photograph makes his one of the most visually stunning cards ever produced. In high grades, a Koufax rookie has sold for over $250,000. The ’56 set is also notable for the error card featuring Mickey Mantle without a cap, only two of which are known.

1957 Topps – Often considered the “holy grail” of complete vintage sets much like the T206 Wagner is for a single card. The ’57 Topps set introduced the modern design that would be used for decades, with team logo on the left and player photo on right. The true stars are the rookie cards of future all-time greats like Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, and Billy Williams. In pristine condition, a ’57 Topps set recently set the record for highest price paid for a complete set at $2.88 million.

There are numerous other notable and valuable baseball cards produced over the decades in the 20th century as the hobby boomed. These represent some of the most iconic issues, players, and single cards that continue to captivate collectors today. With the combination of star players, historical significance, rarity, and aesthetics, these cards will likely remain the pinnacles of the baseball card collecting world.

2000 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

The 2000 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the new millennium and features rookie cards and stars from the 1999 MLB season. While not one of the most coveted vintage sets, there are still several cards from the 2000 Topps collection that hold value for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards from the set that are worth money for enthusiasts.

One of the standout rookie cards from 2000 Topps is that of New York Mets pitcher Tom Glavine. As a two-time Cy Young award winner and one-time World Series champion, Glavine cemented his place in baseball history. This helped drive interest in his rookie card over the years. In near mint condition, Glavine’s 2000 Topps rookie card #178 can fetch $30-50. For traders interested in notable Mets, it remains a sought-after inclusion.

Another compelling rookie to emerge in 2000 was Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals. Widely considered one of the greatest hitters of all time, Pujols debuted with the Cardinals in 2001 and went on to have a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. Not surprisingly then, his 2000 Topps rookie card #241 is a blue chip item for collectors. In gem mint 10 condition, it can sell for $1,000 or more given Pujols’ legendary status. Even well-worn copies still trade hands for $75-150 based on his incredible legacy.

Pitcher Hideo Nomo also had an impressive career defined by his innovative throwing motion, and thus his 2000 Topps issue #620 retains collector attention. Near mint copies can sell between $15-30. For fans of 1990s Japanese stars like Nomo who made successful transitions to MLB, this serves as a noteworthy commemorative piece. Though not in the same star stratosphere as Pujols or Glavine, it remains a fun collectible for its subject.

The 2000 Topps set also functioned as the rookie card issuer for future superstars like Bobby Abreu #381, Lance Berkman #625, and Brad Lidge #669. While they may not command Pujols prices in high grade, Near Mint/Mint versions of these rookies can still sell in the $10-25 range based on the players’ strong MLB tenures. They provide bang for the buck as quality vintage pickups for collectors on tighter budgets. The 1999 Rookie All-Star subset also features young talents like Khalil Greene #91 who went on to have solid careers.

For fans of recent baseball history, 2000 Topps also contains serial numbered parallels like the ‘2000 Topps Millennium Photography’ prizm insert set that featured portraits of stars alongside fascinating factoids. Numbers cards below /1000 like Nomar Garciaparra #MP7 and Chipper Jones #MP23 can sell for $5-15 based on demand for the players and scarcity of low numbered versions. Parallel and serial numbered inserts from the era tend to hold collectors’ fascination when featuring notable names.

The base set itself contains iconic players as well. Ken Griffey Jr. #124, whose upper deck rookie is one of the most valuable modern cards, can trade hands for $3-8 in Near Mint condition based on his transcendent talent and popularity among collectors. Cal Ripken Jr. #141 holds steady $2-6 value for his remarkable iron man streak and status as a Baltimore and baseball legend. Such pedigree player items that tap into nostalgia will remain enjoyable pickup for 2000s collectors.

While not the most valuable vintage release, the 2000 Topps set does contain impactful rookie cards like Pujols that retain heavyweight status. Keys like Glavine, Nomo and prizm parallels of stars provide affordable entry points for collectors. Steady veterans like Griffey and Ripken grant nostalgia appeal. With a perfect storm of factors, certain 2000 Topps singles can offer a worthwhile financial foundation for growing a collection or flipping portfolio. With patience, the set remains one to watch in the vintage market space.

DONRUSS 1989 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the late 1980s. While it may lack the star power and rookie cards of some other vintage sets, the 1989 Donruss cards have developed quite a following over the years thanks to their unique design aesthetic and place in the hobby’s history. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes these cards special and explore the value of some of the top 1989 Donruss rookie cards and stars.

The 1989 Donruss set was the fifth release in the brand’s run of producing baseball cards during the late 1980s boom period. By this time, Donruss had established itself with collectors thanks to innovative sets like 1987 and 1988 that featured creative vertical card designs and oddball parallel subsets. For 1989, the brand opted to go with a more traditional horizontal layout while still incorporating some eye-catching graphical elements. Each card featured a solid color background with a thick white or gray border surrounding a central action photo. Player names were rendered in a stylized font with positions listed in the bottom left.

At only 399 cards, the 1989 Donruss set lacked the complete team checklist of some other brands like Topps and Fleer that season. It made up for this by continuing Donruss’ tradition of including fun special parallel subsets. The most notable of these was the “Diamond Kings” insert set that highlighted the game’s biggest stars on embossed silver foil cards. Other subsets included “Record Breakers”, “Donruss All-Stars”, and “Team Leaders”. The set also featured traded player variations and update cards for players who switched teams after the initial checklist was finalized.

While the 1989 Donruss set may lack star rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. or players who went on to the Hall of Fame, it did feature future stars like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and David Justice in their rookie or early career cards. Other notable rookie cards included Gary Sheffield, Gregg Olson, and Darrin Jackson. The biggest star featured was undoubtedly Nolan Ryan, who was still in the prime of his Hall of Fame career pitching for the Texas Rangers at age 42. The condition sensitive design and foil elements also gave collectors several interesting parallel and inserted cards to seek out.

In terms of individual card values, here are some of the most desirable and valuable 1989 Donruss rookie cards to watch out for:

Barry Larkin Rookie: Considered one of the top rookie cards from the set. High grade PSA 10 examples can fetch $500-1000. More common PSA 8s sell in the $50-150 range.

Tom Glavine Rookie: Another very popular rookie. PSA 10s sell for $300-500 while PSA 8s go for $50-150.

Gregg Olson Rookie: The premier rookie pitcher in the set. Near mint PSA 8s sell for $75-200 depending on market conditions.

Gary Sheffield Rookie: An exciting young star at the time. PSA 8s sell for $50-150 and PSA 10s have reached $300.

David Justice Rookie: Not quite as sought after as others but still a solid early career card. PSA 8s sell for $30-75.

In terms of stars, some valuable 1989 Donruss cards include:

Nolan Ryan Diamond Kings: The premier star card in the set. High grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1000. PSA 8s range from $150-500.

Ozzie Smith Diamond Kings: A true icon of the 1980s. PSA 10s have reached $500-800. PSA 8s sell for $75-250.

Wade Boggs Diamond Kings: Consistently one of the top hitters of the decade. PSA 10s sell for $300-600. PSA 8s go for $50-150.

Roger Clemens Diamond Kings: Arguably the top pitcher of the late 1980s. PSA 10s have sold for $400-800. PSA 8s range from $100-300.

While the 1989 Donruss set doesn’t have quite the star power or rookie class of some other years, it remains a classic release that any vintage collector should seek to build. The unique design aesthetic, fun subsets, and historical significance continue to drive collector interest and values for this iconic 1980s set over 30 years later. With a focus on condition and parallels, savvy collectors can still find deals, especially on stars outside the true elite. The 1989 Donruss cards are sure to remain a staple in the vintage marketplace for years to come.

BASEBALL CARDS GLASTONBURY CT

Leave a reply

Baseball Cards in Glastonbury, Connecticut: A Rich History

Glastonbury, Connecticut has a long and rich history with baseball cards that spans generations. Located just outside of Hartford, the town of Glastonbury was a hotbed for baseball card collecting and dealing throughout the 20th century. While the hobby may seem small today, during the 1950s through the 1980s, Glastonbury was truly the epicenter of the baseball card universe in Connecticut.

Some of the earliest baseball card shops in the state were located right in downtown Glastonbury. Stores like Bob’s Baseball Cards and Sportscards Plus were pioneering the baseball card retail business in Connecticut during the 1970s. They helped fuel the boom in collecting during that decade by stocking racks with wax packs, boxes, and individual cards from the most recent sets. Kids from all over the region would flock to Glastonbury on the weekends, eager to add to their collections and hopefully find a coveted rookie card.

In addition to being a retail destination, Glastonbury was also home to some of the biggest names in the baseball card trade. Legendary dealers like Marty Einhorn operated out of his “Card Shack” in town. Einhorn was a pioneer in direct marketing and helped develop the concept of direct sales of individual cards to collectors. He would send out mail order catalogs to customers nationwide. Another top dealer from Glastonbury was Howie Wexler. Based out of his family’s liquor store, Wexler bought and sold some of the rarest vintage cards in existence during the 1960s and 70s. He had a national reputation.

In the 1980s, Glastonbury saw the rise of the modern sports card show. Promoters like Al Palicki and the Card Collectors Club of Connecticut helped launch some of the earliest and largest card shows in the region. These events, held at venues like Glastonbury High School, attracted thousands of collectors from across New England. Every weekend was like a baseball card convention, with tables filled with wax packs, commons, and high-end vintage cards. Some unforgettable deals were made and lifelong friendships were forged at these bustling shows.

As values skyrocketed during the boom years of the late 1980s, Glastonbury became ground zero for the high-end baseball memorabilia market as well. Auction houses like Robert Edward Auctions, located in town, helped pioneer the sports collectibles auction industry. Million-dollar transactions were not unheard of for rare T206 Honus Wagner cards and other iconic pieces that crossed their auction block. Wealthy collectors from across the country were flying into Bradley International Airport, just to drive the short distance to Glastonbury to check out the action.

While the white-hot collecting frenzy of the 1980s cooled down, Glastonbury maintained its status as a baseball card hub well into the 1990s and 2000s. Card shops adapted to the changing marketplace, focusing more on supplies, storage, and team sets over packs and commons. The card shows continued on a smaller scale. And dealers like Howie Wexler kept buying and selling some of the rarest vintage cardboard in existence. Glastonbury was still a required stop for any serious collector or dealer venturing through New England.

Today, while the industry landscape has shifted dramatically online, Glastonbury still supports the local hobby in several small ways. Card shops like Sportscards Plus are still in business, catering to longtime customers and newcomers alike. The town also hosts an annual baseball card and memorabilia show each spring, drawing collectors from around Connecticut each year looking to buy, sell, and trade.

And many longtime Glastonbury residents still have fond memories of growing up in the baseball card capital of Connecticut during the 1970s and 80s. Stories are still shared of the legendary dealers, big shows, and unbelievable finds made in town during the hobby’s golden era. While the activity level may be lower, the rich baseball card history and tradition in Glastonbury lives on. The town will always have a special place in the story of our national pastime on cardboard.

BASEBALL CARDS 2012 TOPPS

Leave a reply

The 2012 Topps baseball card set was the 81st year of production for Topps and featured designs and photography that paid homage to some of the most iconic baseball cards of the past. The base set included cards for over 800 major and minor league players as well as managers, coaches, and team checklists. Some of the top rookie cards in the set included Mike Trout, Yu Darvish, Matt Moore, and Bryce Harper. The design featured a clean and classic look that was well received by collectors.

Topps has long been the dominant brand in the baseball card industry and their 2012 set continued that tradition with quality photography and design elements that appealed to both new and veteran collectors. The base cards featured a white border around each player image with their name and team prominently displayed at the top in blue font. Statistics from the 2011 season were listed on the bottom half of each card along with the Topps logo. The classic and understated design allowed the high quality images to shine through.

Some of the top rookie cards in the set that have gained value in recent years include Angels center fielder Mike Trout, who had one of the greatest rookie seasons in baseball history in 2012. His Topps rookie card from that year is among the most sought after in the modern era. Rangers starter Yu Darvish, considered one of the best pitchers in baseball, also had a very prominent rookie card in the 2012 Topps set that is still in high demand. Other notable rookies like Rays lefty Matt Moore and Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper also had iconic rookie cards that year that started collectors on a journey following their careers.

In addition to the base set, Topps released a variety of inserts focusing on special player stats, milestones, and achievements from the 2011 season. The “Topps Heroes” insert set paid tribute to some of the game’s biggest stars of the past decade including Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Mariano Rivera. Other popular inserts sets included “Topps Tales” story-driven cards, “Topps Traditions” focusing on classic ballparks, and “Topps Tokens” highlighting unique stats. Autograph and memorabilia cards of star players like Josh Hamilton, Justin Verlander, and Andrew McCutchen were also popular chase cards inserted randomly in packs.

Topps also produced a variety of parallel and short print variations of the base cards to add to the hobby’s chase aspect. The popular “Topps Finest” parallels featured refractors, black borders, and photo variations. Other parallel sets included “Gold Rush”, “Green Ink”, “Red Hot”, and “Blue Chips”. Short prints like the “Gold Medal” set and “Red Hot Signatures” parallels maintained the vintage look of the base design while offering a different visual twist. The “Hit Parade” short prints series paid tribute to some of the all-time single season hitting records.

In addition to the traditional wax pack distribution, Topps released a variety of special box and tin sets in 2012. The “Heritage” set replicated the classic design aesthetic of the 1950’s while the “Topps Tribute” set honored the 60th anniversary of Topps baseball cards with a retro-style design. “Topps Transcendent” featured premium cards with autographed memorabilia pieces of players like Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander. For the high-end collector, “Topps Triple Threads” offered triple-relic parallels with serially numbered patches and autographs.

The 2012 Topps baseball card set was met with widespread acclaim and remains one of the most popular modern issues due to the classic yet modern photography and design elements that paid homage to the history of the hobby. While the base rookie cards of stars like Trout, Harper, and Darvish receive the most attention in the current market, the entire set maintains strong collector interest nearly a decade later. From the base cards to elaborate inserts and parallels, Topps captured the essence of baseball in 2012 and created a set that will surely stand the test of time as a memorable part of the hobby’s history.

PRICING FOR BASEBALL CARDS 1970

Leave a reply

The 1970s was an iconic time for baseball card collecting, with many all-time great players dominating the diamond during this decade. Understanding pricing trends for 1970s baseball cards provides collectors with valuable insights. Several key factors influenced values, including player performance, card production numbers, and the evolving collecting market.

A dominant force in the early 1970s was pitching legend Nolan Ryan, who made his MLB debut in 1966 but started becoming a true superstar during this decade. Some of his most valuable 1970s rookie and common cards include his 1972 Topps, 1973 Topps, and 1975 Topps issues. Higher grade versions of these have sold for thousands, given his astounding career strikeout record and Hall of Fame enshrinement. Other elite pitchers like Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton also command four-figure prices for their prized rookie and star cards from the 1970s.

Position players were well represented too, with icons like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Johnny Bench possessing some of the most in-demand 1970s cards. Aaron narrowly missed hitting .300 during the decade but still cracked numerous home runs. His 1973 and 1974 Topps are among the priciest of his classic issues. Jackson’s multi-home run performances in the 1973 World Series put him on the map, escalating interest in his early Topps issues like his 1969 rookie. Bench was a towering presence behind the plate for the Big Red Machine dynasty, making several of his 1970s cards Top 10 in value at his position.

Production technology changed greatly during the decade. In the early 1970s, most flagship Topps issues had print runs over 100 million. But the wider collecting boom led Topps to steadily decrease numbers, with the celebrated 1975 set having only 60 million printed. Scarcer late 1970s cards have trended up more, including the popular Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron final cards from the 1978 Topps set with only 38 million made. High grade specimens of these scarce 1970s oddball and regional issues can reach the low four-figures.

The proliferation of independent producers also created new opportunities. Food/drink companies like Kellogg’s and bubble gum makers produced novel mini/pocket sets. More esoteric issues emerged too from organizations like the Pacific Coast League and Mexican Leagues. Finding investment grade copies of obscure 1970s international and minor league issues can prove exceptionally rewarding in today’s market. The 1970s also witnessed the initial sports memorabilia boom, where ambitious entrepreneurs overproduced and widely dispersed new cards beyond the traditional baseball market.

Mass speculation fueled the 1980s bubble but damaged pricing long term. Dedicated collectors who assembled sets during the 1970s golden age are now reaping the rewards of ripe vintage cardboard. Strong financials especially appeal to modern collectors not around to experience the decade firsthand. Twenty-first century auction pricing demonstrates how leading 1970s stars maintain elite five-figure valuation, with true Near Mint PSA/BGS 10 examples moving well into the tens of thousands. Sleeker designs, smaller production runs, and timeless players immortalized make seminal 1970s issues savvy portfolio pieces today.

An understanding of production quantities, player performance, and evolving collector demand provides valuable insight into 1970s baseball card values. Iconic stars remain the most expensive, while harder-to-find oddball and regional issues also peak interest. Complete or high grade example sets acquire a premium, satisfying both vintage collectors and investors. The relatively affordable collecting opportunities of the 1970s create a sturdy backbone for today’s varied baseball memorabilia market. Studying pricing trends sheds light on some of the smartest long-term cardboard to hold.