VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The year 1990 saw some all-time greats grace the baseball card hobby with rookie cards and iconic veterans receive some of their best cards. The late 80s/early 90s marked a peak in baseball card popularity and speculation with the rise of the flea market boom. Kids and adults alike traded, collected and invested in cards at unprecedented levels.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from 1990 is Ken Griffey Jr’s upper deck rookie card. Griffey was already being heralded as the “next Mickey Mantle” coming out of high school and did not disappoint in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners. Despite playing for a small market club, Griffey’s electric smile, effortless power and Gold Glove caliber defense made him a superstar from day one. His rookie card has appreicated exponentially, with PSA 10 gem mint examples now selling for over $10,000.

Another notable rookie from 1990 was Juan Gonzalez. While not flashy or charismatic like Griffey, Gonzalez owned one of the sweetest left-handed swings baseball has ever seen. He would go on to win back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1996-1997 for the Texas Rangers. His 1990 Fleer rookie card is a highly sought after piece for Rangers and Gonzalez collectors. High grade copies regularly sell for $500-1000.

Two Hall of Fame veterans received arguably their most iconic cards in 1990 as well. Donruss issued arguably the best Kirby Puckett card ever made, showing him sliding headfirst into home with his uniform filthy. It perfectly captured Puckett’s gritty, hustling style of play. Mint examples of this Puckett card can sell for $600-800. Meanwhile, Topps delivered perhaps the coolest Nolan Ryan card ever with him glaring intimidatingly off the front, windup captured. This capture’s Ryan’s dominance and fierce competiveness in an instant. Pristine copies often surpass $1000.

Speaking of dominant pitchers, 1990 Upper Deck gave collectors Doug Drabek’s alone rookie card. Drabek would win both the Cy Young and World Series MVP awards later that season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While not in the same stratosphere as Griffey, his rookie is still a key piece for Pirates fans and collectors. Higher graded versions can be found for $150-250.

Another star pitcher who burst onto the scene in 1990 was Chuck Finley of the California Angels. Finley’s Fleer rookie card, showing his unique sidearm delivery is highly collectible for Angel fans. Copies in mint condition have seen their values climb into the $75-150 range in recent years. Tom Glavine also received one of his better known rookie cards in 1990 for the Atlanta Braves on Donruss. Solid condition versions can be found for $40-80.

Beyond the rookies, 1990 also saw icon veterans like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs and Barry Bonds receive some of their most aesthetically pleasing and collectible cards as well. The late 80s/early 90s marked the peak of highly creative and artistic baseball card design before the influx of money hungry corporations took over the hobby in the 90s.

Card sets like Upper Deck, Donruss, Fleer and Score led the way with innovative cutting edge photography and creative artistic styles that really made the players pop off the cardboard. The 1990 edition of these sets gave collectors a visual time capsule of that era that has truly stood the test of time. While the glut of companies in the 90s watered down card quality for a few years, sets like 1990 UD and Donruss are remembered as some of the hobby’s absolute finest.

In summary, 1990 was a truly special year in the baseball card hobby that saw legendary rookies like Ken Griffey Jr and Juan Gonzalez enter the scene alongside all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, Kirby Puckett, Barry Bonds and more receive some of their most iconic and aesthetically pleasing cardboard. Combined with the peak of creativity and collector enthusiasm in the late 80s/early 90s, 1990 was a banner year that produced many cards that have become exponentially more valuable with time. The combination of rookies, veterans, photography and card design truly made 1990 a historically significant year for baseball card collecting.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 2020 UPDATE

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The 2020 baseball season brought with it a highly anticipated rookie class and new stars, making the 2020 baseball card update one of the most exciting releases in recent memory. While the COVID-19 pandemic shortened and altered the season, it did nothing to diminish fans’ interest in collecting the newest rookie cards and memorabilia from their favorite players and teams.

Some of the biggest names from the 2020 rookie class included Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox, Cristian Pache of the Atlanta Braves, and Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies. Robert in particular had a breakout season, hitting .338 with 11 home runs in only 31 games to finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor parallel /99 sold for over $1,000 shortly after release. Pache made his MLB debut and showed elite defense in center field that had scouts drooling for years, while Bohm hit .338 after being called up in August and looked like a future star at third base.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also had his first full MLB season in 2020 after debuting in 2019, and he started to live up to the hype by hitting .262 with nine home runs in 60 games. His cards from Topps Update and Bowman Chrome were some of the hottest on the market as collectors anticipated a breakout year. Other young stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. continued to dominate and saw strong interest in their 2020 cards as well.

In terms of veterans, Mookie Betts made his debut with the Dodgers after being traded from Boston in the offseason. His 2020 Update base card sold for over $100 shortly after release as Dodgers fans embraced their new star outfielder. Mike Trout remained the undisputed king of the hobby as always, with even his base cards selling for $20-30 each due to his unmatched talent and popularity among collectors. Other established stars like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Jacob deGrom, and Gerrit Cole also saw strong sales of their 2020 cards.

When it comes to parallels and serial-numbered cards, the biggest hits from 2020 Update included:

Luis Robert chrome /99 refractor – Sold for over $1,000
Fernando Tatis Jr. blue parallel /150 – Consistently sold for $300-400 each
Ronald Acuña Jr. red parallel /250 – Sold for $200-300 each
Juan Soto green parallel /499 – Sold for $150-250 each
Mookie Betts gold parallel /2020 – Sold for $100-150 each
Mike Trout atomic refractor /50 – Sold for $500-700 each
Jacob deGrom purple parallel /199 – Sold for $150-250 each
Gerrit Cole orange parallel /199 – Sold for $100-150 each

In terms of inserts and hit cards, some of the most sought after included:

Topps Chrome Update Luis Robert autograph – Sold for $500-800 each
Topps Chrome Update Cristian Pache autograph – Sold for $300-500 each
Topps Chrome Update Alec Bohm autograph – Sold for $200-400 each
Topps Chrome Update Mookie Betts autograph – Sold for $150-300 each
Topps Chrome Update Mike Trout relic card – Sold for $250-400 each
Topps Chrome Update Cody Bellinger relic card – Sold for $150-250 each
Topps Chrome Update Fernando Tatis Jr. autograph – Sold for $150-250 each
Topps Chrome Update Juan Soto autograph – Sold for $100-200 each

The pandemic caused Topps to change how they distributed 2020 Update as well. Instead of the traditional retail blaster and hobby boxes, they released the set solely through hobby boxes and jumbo boxes. This led to initial scarcity and high prices, with hobby boxes selling for $150-250 each and jumbos going for $400-600. As more product was released over time, prices stabilized to $100-150 for hobby boxes and $300-400 for jumbos.

Despite the unusual baseball season, the 2020 Update release was a massive success for Topps and collectors alike. Rookie cards of Robert, Pache, Bohm and others are sure to gain value over time as their careers progress. Parallels of stars like Betts, Trout, Tatis Jr. and Soto will always be in high demand. And hit cards featuring the new rookie class are some of the most coveted pieces in any collector’s inventory. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, the 2020 Update set provided excitement and value that transcended the circumstances of its unique release year.

RALSTON PURINA BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Ralston Purina baseball card set was one of the most widely collected issues during the late 1980s. Produced by the Fleer Corporation under license from Ralston Purina, the 1987 set showcased current major league players and had widespread distribution through boxes of Ralston cereal. The widespread distribution and high number of popular stars made the 1987 Ralston Purina set one of the most desirable issues for collectors during that time period.

Some key details about the 1987 Ralston Purina baseball card set:

The set contained 344 cards total, including 330 base cards and 14 rookie/prospect cards. All cards were produced as glossy photo cards in standard baseball card size of approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Distribution was primarily through boxes of Ralston cereals like Chex, Cookie Crisp, and Lucky Charms between March and August 1987. While not quite as widely distributed as some issues from Topps or Donruss, the Ralston set had some of the best reach of any licensed/promotional sets from that era.

Design featured a color team photo in the foreground with player stats and franchise logo in the background. Simple but effective design that allowed the large photos to really showcase each player. Backs contained stats and career highlights written in a style meant to appeal to both kids and adults.

Roster included almost every notable major leaguer from 1986, making it a who’s who of stars from that season. Names like Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Rickey Henderson all received prominent cards that are now highly desired by collectors.

Top rookie class highlighted rising young talent like Mark McGwire (card #150), Wally Joyner (#170), and Barry Larkin (#213). These rookie cards would take on increasing value as their careers developed.

Distribution method led to a large population in circulation initially. Repeated openings of cereal boxes over the years have damaged many of the original cards. Higher grade specimens have become increasingly difficult to find still in pristine condition.

Some key individual cards from the 1987 Ralston Purina set:

Mike Schmidt (#1) – Perennial star third baseman of the Phillies and future Hall of Famer. One of the most iconic cards in the set and highly sought after by Phillies and Schmidt collectors.

Ozzie Smith (#11) – “The Wizard” was just entering his prime as the dazzling defensive shortstop for the Cardinals. This early Ozzie card is a favorite among Cardinals and defensive specialist collectors.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#19) – One of the most consistent players of the late 80s and early 90s. His early Ralston card captures him as an All-Star before his legendary consecutive games streak.

Roger Clemens (#36) – The soon-to-be Rocket was in his early years with the Red Sox but already showing ace potential. His Ralston is one of the key early Clemens rookie cards.

Wade Boggs (#64) – One of the best pure hitters of the 1980s and a mainstay for the Red Sox. His Ralston is a very popular card for Boston collectors.

Kirby Puckett (#143) – Emerging Twins star outfielder who would become one of the sport’s most beloved players of the late 80s and early 90s.

Mark McGwire (#150) – Even without knowing his future, this rookie of the Athletics would prove to be prophetic. One of the bestselling cards in the set.

Rickey Henderson (#165) – Already establishing himself as the sport’s premier leadoff hitter and baserunner during his years with the A’s. Iconic Henderson rookie card.

The 1987 Ralston Purina baseball card set still holds nostalgia for collectors due to its wide 1980s distribution paired with memorable young stars and future Hall of Famers. While condition issues abound, higher grade examples remain highly sought after by both vintage collectors and fans of the individual players featured. The brand recognition of Ralston paired with top talent like Schmidt, Ripken, Clemens, and Henderson ensured this issue would develop a loyal following among collectors in the coming decades.

1993 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Leaf baseball card set was released at the start of the 1993 MLB season and marked the return of the Leaf brand to producing baseball cards after a several year hiatus. The set consisted of 330 total cards including 150 standard player cards along with various inserts, parallels, and league leader cards.

The design of the 1993 Leaf set marked a departure from the typical baseball card aesthetic of the time in favor of a bold, graphic design. The front of each card featured a large color action photo of the player taking up most of the space with their name and team logo along the bottom in all capital bold letters. Statistics were included on the back along with a short career summary. The card stock was thicker and higher quality than typical issues from Topps and Fleer which made for a premium in-hand feel.

Some key rookies included in the 1993 Leaf set were Jason Giambi, Kenny Lofton, Jeff Bagwell, and Billy Wagner. None were truly rare or scarce pulls from packs at the time since Leaf overproduced the set significantly. Total print run estimates place the number of 1993 Leaf cards manufactured in the multiple hundreds of millions of units. As a result, most common cards from the set can still be acquired in near mint condition for under $1.

In an attempt to add more excitement and chase value to the set, Leaf included several insert and parallel card variations beyond the standard base cards. Among the more notable inserts were League Leader cards highlighting the top performers in various statistical categories from the previous season. Rosters for these inserts only included 10 players each. Leaf also produced Special Edition parallels on card stock with various colored borders and backgrounds. The Special Editions were sprinkled randomly through packs at significantly lower odds than the base cards.

Perhaps the most coveted subset was the “Artist’s Proof” parallel cards. Featuring artwork by illustrator Rob Nunn, each Artist’s Proof depicted the player through a striking oil painting style portrait. Only 25 copies of each Artist’s Proof card were produced, instantly making them ulta-rare chase cards upon the set’s release. In near mint condition today, premium grade copies of star player Artist’s Proofs can sell for thousands of dollars. But even in well-worn condition, most command prices well above their base card counterparts.

While overloaded with inserts and parallels, Leaf’s distribution methods ensured nearly all variations of 1993 cards were obtainable with sufficient pack breaking. The overproduction that flooded the direct market also worked toLeaf’s detriment long term. Collectors grew tired of finding countless reprised copies in bargain bins for years after. As a result, the 1993 Leaf set never achieved the strong cult following or nostalgia of issues from the other flagship manufacturers. Values remain depressed relative to similar vintage cards from Topps and Fleer.

Still, the bold artistic design introduced by Leaf in 1993 did help carve a niche for the brand upon its baseball card revival. The Studio and Studio Plus sets released by Leaf in subsequent years built on this graphic style foundation. While never approaching the dominance of Topps in the baseball card market, Leaf has endured as a periodic third competitor through the present day. The 1993 release helped reestablish them as an option for collectors, even if the overabundance of copies defeated long term value preservation for the set. For historians of the early ’90s baseball card boom, the 1993 Leaf cards remain an important artifactshowcasing the era’s aesthetic trends and business climate.

While not achieving the same iconic status of other ’90s sets today, the 1993 Leaf baseball cards marked the company’s return to the sport and pushed design boundaries ahead of their time. Between scarce parallels, notable rookies, and an artistic presentation, the set offered excitement upon release. Unfortunately, mass production undermined future collecting demand. Still, Leaf’s imprint added healthy competition to the baseball card market and helped spur further creative innovations in the following years. For both historians and specialists, the 1993 Leaf release holds significance in card collecting progression through the early 1990s boom period.

TOPPS 88 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1988 Topps baseball card set was a highly anticipated release for collectors following a players’ strike that canceled the 1987 season. The set featured 660 total cards including profiles for current major leaguers as well as past stars. Some of the most notable rookies included Barry Larkin, Mark Grace, and Frank Thomas who would go on to have hall of fame careers.

This set is considered by many collectors and experts to be one of the top issues from the 1980s. Condition and demand for high quality examples from the 1988 Topps set remains very strong today. Part of the appeal is that many young fans from that era who collected the cards as kids in the late 80s have now reached adulthood and desire to relive their childhood collecting hobby.

Design and formatting of the 1988 Topps cards closely resembled previous 1980s issues. A classic yellow border surrounded each photo and player information box. Horizontal red and blue stripes ran across the top and bottom of the front of the card. The familiar large “T” Topps logo appeared prominently in the upper left corner. On the back, under the player photo was career statistics and a paragraph biography. The bottom third included career highlight boxes with accomplishments listed.

Some variations collectors look for in the 1988 set include parallel issues, such as the photo difference parallel which features an entirely different photo than the base card. There are also errors cards such as spelling mistakes that are highly sought after. For rookie cards, special attention is placed on centered examples with sharp corners and no surface flaws. Top rookie cards like Frank Thomas, Barry Larkin, and Mark Grace cards in near mint to mint condition can be worth hundreds of dollars or more in top grades.

Global players featured in the 1988 Topps set represented leagues from around the world including Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and others. In addition to MLB players, former major leaguers transitioning to the Japanese leagues like Dave Winfield and Terry Kennedy made appearances. Winfield’s card marked his first season with the Kintetsu Buffaloes of Japanese Central League after 18 MLB seasons.

Some other notable inclusions were rookie cards for future hall of famers like Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, and Mike Schmidt. The set paid tribute to recent retirees Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and Willie Mays with final season highlight cards. Mays’ card celebrated his 25 years in the majors. Popular veteran stars featured included Wade Boggs, George Brett, and Tim Raines among others.

Overall design aesthetic of the 1988 Topps set marked a transition period between the classic 1980s cardboard look and the smoother designs that would emerge in the 1990s. Close-up headshot photos were standard instead of more full body posed shots seen prior. The backs maintained the horizontal layout fans had known for decades rather than transitioning yet to the vertical stat boxes of future issues. Despite some slight evolutionary changes, the core DNA of what made a Topps baseball card remained intact which fans appreciated.

When released in 1988, a pack of 5 cards retailed for about $1. Since then, the 1988 set has grown significantly in popularity and individual cards can sell for tens or even hundreds of dollars depending on player, condition, and key subset status. The Mike Schmidt final season highlight card is among the most desirable and valuable in the set often garnering four figures at auction in high grades. But more reasonably priced condition sensitive cards exist throughout the set making it accessible for collectors at various levels.

Whether due to childhood nostalgia or appreciation for the players and era it captures, the 1988 Topps baseball card set remains a popular and historically important release. It marked baseball’s return following a player walkout and set the stage for stars of the late 80s and 90s to emerge. Condition sensitive examples with the iconic yellow border design continue to attract collectors and command steady interest and value decades after first being packaged and sold. The 1988 Topps set is sure remain an foundational part of the hobby for years to come.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 1986

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The 1986 baseball card season was one of the most memorable in the modern era. Led by superstars like Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, and Don Mattingly, the 1986 set featured many of the games biggest names and future Hall of Famers. With the rise of expensive rookie cards and a hot trading card market, the 1986 Topps set became a highly coveted collection for investors and fans alike.

One of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards from 1986 was that of Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens. After winning the AL Cy Young award in 1986 with a 24-4 record and a 2.48 ERA, Clemens established himself as the ace of the Red Sox staff. His rookie card from the 1986 Topps set quickly became one of the most sought after cards on the market. Graded mint condition Clemens rookies now sell for thousands of dollars. The card perfectly captured Clemens in his prime with his powerful delivery and intense competitive stare. It’s easy to see why this card became so valuable considering Clemens went on to win 7 Cy Young awards and cement his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Another hugely popular rookie card from 1986 was that of New York Mets phenom Dwight Gooden. After bursting onto the scene in 1984 and winning Rookie of the Year, Gooden followed that up with an even better 1985 campaign, winning the NL Cy Young award with a 24-4 record and 1.53 ERA. His dominance carried over into 1986 as well making his rookie card extremely desirable. Known as “Doc” Gooden, his card showed him mid-windup with his powerful right arm cocked back, capturing the electric stuff that made him virtually unhittable during his early career. Like Clemens, a mint Gooden rookie now commands thousands. Both cards were harbingers of the success their owners knew these players would achieve.

While rookie cards drew plenty of attention, seasoned superstars still held plenty of value as well. No player was more accomplished and beloved at the time than New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly. After back-to-back All-Star and Gold Glove seasons, Mattingly’s offensive prowess and leadership abilities made him the face of baseball. His iconic batting stance and thick mustache made him instantly recognizable. His 1986 Topps card showed off his smooth lefty swing from a side angle. Mattingly remained a top star for the rest of the decade and his cards from this era retain their luster.

Another perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer who was entering his prime in 1986 was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. After winning Rookie of the Year in 1986 with 33 home runs and an American League leading 117 RBI, Canseco was already establishing himself as one of the game’s most feared power hitters. His muscular physique and prodigious power were the talk of baseball. His ’86 Topps card portrayed him rounding third base, showing off his chiseled frame and competitive fire. Canseco went on to have one of the greatest careers of the steroid era and his rookie card endures as a classic from the set.

While stars on winning teams received much of the spotlight, collectors also took a liking to cards featuring players from losing clubs who were putting up eye-popping offensive stats. One such player was Chicago Cubs third baseman and 1987 NL MVP Darryl Strawberry. Despite playing for a last place Cubs team, Strawberry launched 27 home runs in 1986 to go with 81 RBI and a .281 average. His powerful left-handed swing and athletic 6’6 frame made him a threat every time he stepped to the plate. His card from ’86 captured the raw talent and promise that would eventually be fulfilled after he was traded to the New York Mets.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set was a true high water mark that has stood the test of time. Future Hall of Famers, rookie sensations, and statistical standouts all had memorable cards that year. Strong demand has kept values high for these classic cardboard collectibles over the decades. For investors and fans alike, cards from sets like 1986 serve as a portal back to a golden era of the game featuring some of its all-time greatest players. The rookies and veterans featured that year helped shape the sport for years to come.

PINNACLE 1996 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1996 Pinnacle brand baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of that year. Pinnacle had developed a reputation in the early and mid-1990s for releasing innovative and well-designed sets that captured the attention of collectors. Their 1996 offering was no exception, featuring cutting edge photography, creative parallel sets, and insert cards spotlighting iconic players from that era.

A key aspect that made the 1996 Pinnacle baseball cards so desirable was the photography. Pinnacle employed some of the best sports photographers in the business who had access to get up close with players on and off the field. This allowed them to capture unique and lively action shots that really made the cards pop. Some examples include a Ken Griffey Jr. card that caught him mid-swing with the bat perfectly framed, and a Frank Thomas card that showed “The Big Hurt” flexing his muscles in the on-deck circle.

Beyond just the photography, Pinnacle found creative ways to conceptualize and present players through parallel sets within the base issue. For instance, they created “Record Breakers” parallels that highlighted stats-based career milestones, “Then & Now” parallels juxtaposing a current photo with an earlier one from the player’s career, and “Diamond Kings” parallels that put a regal twist on some of the game’s most accomplished stars. Collectors enjoyed pursuing these premium parallel versions of stars beyond the base cards.

Some of the most cherished cards in the 1996 Pinnacle set were the insert selections featuring iconic players from baseball’s past. Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Nolan Ryan received beautiful tribute cards commemorating their legendary careers and place in the sport’s history. These were scarce pulls that became highly coveted pieces for collectors looking to represent greats from eras prior. Pinnacle did an excellent job with the graphic design and photography on these nostalgic inserts.

In addition to the stunning base issue and inserts, Pinnacle also offered Collector’s Choice packs containing unannounced short print parallels and autographs from that year’s rookie class and beyond. The thrill of the unknown meant you never knew what dazzling find might emerge from a Collector’s Choice pack. Rookie autographs of future stars like Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jason Giambi immediately became valuable and prized possessions for those lucky enough to pull them.

While Pinnacle could not match the production scale of larger competitors like Topps or Upper Deck in 1996, they maximized collector interest through innovative set design and selective use of premium chase cards. The hobby press lauded Pinnacle’s 1996 effort, and it remains a favorite amongst veteran cardboard aficionados decades later. Keys like the Griffey and Thomas base cards, Mantle and Aaron inserts, and any rookie stars autographed through Collector’s Choice are still highly sought after today in the growing vintage sports card market.

The photography, parallel styles, iconic throwbacks, and hit-or-miss autograph chase of the ’96 Pinnacle offering created a unique collecting experience that sports card fans of that era remember fondly. While raw production numbers may have been lower than other brands, Pinnacle succeeded in crafting a creative set loaded with superb contents that left an indelible mark on the hobby. Even 25 years later, this classic 1996 Pinnacle baseball card release stands out as one of the most visually striking and memorably constructed issues from the golden era of the 1990s sportscard boom. Its beautiful photography and curated selection of chasing cards targeting both superstars and legends continue to entice collectors and shape its revered legacy.

BEST 2023 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Panini Prizm baseball set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. Panini Prizm has become the premiere modern baseball card product known for its flashy refractors and prospects that can take the hobby by storm. With the 2023 season on the horizon, here are some of the top rookies, stars, and parallels to hunt for in the upcoming Prizm release.

One of the biggest storylines entering the 2023 season will be the debut of catcher Adley Rutschman with the Baltimore Orioles. As the top prospect in baseball for several years, Rutschman is poised to take the league by storm and potentially win Rookie of the Year. His Prizm rookie cards will be hot commodities upon release. Look for his standard rookie, along with colorful parallels like orange, green, and blue prizms to carry a premium. Rutschman prizms could end up being the top baseball card of 2023.

Another exciting rookie class is headlined by Druw Jones of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, Druw was taken second overall in the 2022 draft and is one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. His blend of tools makes him a five-tool talent with superstar potential. Jones prizm rookies will be must-haves, especially if he gets off to a strong start in the majors. Orange and blue prizm parallels of Jones could yield huge returns further down the road.

Two other rookies to watch out for are shortstop Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Estevan Florial of the New York Yankees. Cruz wowed with his towering home runs and elite speed in his rookie campaign. Florial has long been considered one of the Yankees’ top prospects and could break out in his first extended MLB opportunity in 2023. Their standard and colored prizm rookies will attract plenty of attention.

On the veteran side, look for stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. to have some of the most coveted base and parallel prizm cards. As two-way talents, collectors adore Ohtani cards across all sports brands. A blue prizm of the AL MVP would command a high price. Soto was just traded to the Padres and will be under the spotlight as he looks to lead his new club to October. Acuña is one of the most exciting players in baseball and his return from injury makes him a top storyline.

Superfractors are some of the rarest and most valuable parallels found in Prizm sets each year. Only a handful exist for each player featured. Some past examples that sold for big money include a Mike Trout superfractor that went for over $400,000 and a Fernando Tatis Jr. rookie superfractor that topped $100,000. While the odds of pulling a superfractor are miniscule, they represent the pinnacle prizm parallel to hunt for.

In terms of team-centric cards, look for prizms featuring emerging clubs like the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and others who made postseason runs in 2022. Rookie stars for playoff teams like Julio Rodriguez for the Mariners and Michael Harris II of the Braves will be hot. Veterans for pennant contenders like Jose Altuve, Justin Verlander, and Austin Riley on their respective teams will attract collectors as well.

When it comes to parallels, the most coveted are typically the lower numbered versions. Orange prizms, which usually number around /49, are highly sought after. Green prizms around /25 are extremely rare pulls. Numbered to 10 or less, black prizms are some of the most valuable parallels available. For the true high-end hunter, white prizms numbered to just 3 copies exist as the pinnacle parallel. Of course, the standard refractors also hold value as the core prizm parallel found in every box.

Release date rumors point to Prizm baseball hitting shelves sometime in late winter or early spring of 2023. As with every year, release timing and print runs can fluctuate. When the new set does arrive, it’s sure to create a buzz within the hobby. With another exciting MLB season on deck featuring top rookies and veterans, 2023 Panini Prizm is poised to be one of the hottest releases of the upcoming year. For collectors, it will be prime time to hunt for the next big star or ultra-rare parallel that could gain value for years to come.

JOE DIMAGGIO BASEBALL CARDS

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Joe DiMaggio is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, having played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees from 1936 to 1951. As such, DiMaggio’s rookie cards and other vintage baseball cards from his playing days are some of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most noteworthy Joe DiMaggio baseball cards from throughout his Hall of Fame career.

One of the premier DiMaggio rookie cards is from his 1936 debut season with the Yankees, released in Play Ball cigarette cards. Considered the true DiMaggio rookie by collectors, the card images the Yankees center fielder in action with text highlighting his early success in the big leagues as a 22 year old. Only about 100 copies of this elusive DiMaggio rookie are known to exist today in various states of preservation. In top mint condition, examples have sold for well over $100,000, establishing it as one of the most valuable baseball cards ever.

Other notable early DiMaggio Baseball cards include issues from 1937 to 1939. The 1937 Nagurski Football/DiMaggio Baseball card highlights both athletes careers and is quite rare itself. High grade copies regularly sell for five figures. Issues from 1938 Play Ball and 1939 Play Ball are also extremely scarce and desirable, further cementing DiMaggio’s emerging superstardom in his early Yankees tenure. Each successive vintage card from this time period captures more of DiMaggio’s stardom and better images.

By the 1940s, DiMaggio was already a household name and multiple baseball card manufacturers featured “Joltin’ Joe” in their sets on a regular basis. 1940 and 1941 Play Ball continued highlighting DiMaggio’s successes. But one of his most widely produced early issues was the 1941 Goudey baseball card, which was printed in staggering numbers for the time at over 2 million copies. Even so, high grade Goudey DiMaggios today can fetch over $10,000 due to the legions of fans who once held these cards. Other standouts from this period include his 1940 and 1941 Leaf cards, 1942 and 1943 Play Balls, and 1943 Black & White Victory Issue card printed during World War 2. Each further cemented his lasting card popularity.

By the late 1940s, DiMaggio remained one of the games biggest stars. Bowman Gum began releasing colorful, photograf-style baseball cards in 1948 that pictured DiMaggio poised and ready in centerfield wearing Yankees road gray. High grade examples can sell for over $5,000 today. 1949 Bowman took an even more close-up portrait style that many consider one of DiMaggio’s most visually striking baseball cards. He appeared again in 1950 Bowman and 1951 Bowman to wrap up his NBA career just before retirement. Each successive Bowman issue further captures DiMaggio in his later Yankees prime and increases in value for high quality specimens.

One of the most historically significant DiMaggio cards remains his 1952 Topps issue, released after Joe DiMaggio’s retirement. Not picturing an active player, the card provides career stats and highlights his legendary 56-game hitting streak of 1941. Only about 20 million 1952 Topps cards were printed, making it among the lowest printed baseball card sets ever. High grade examples consistently sell for over $1,000 each due to the iconic status of the retired Yankee Clipper.

Throughout his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees from 1936-1951, Joe DiMaggio cemented himself as one of the most collecting baseball stars ever on vintage cards. His exceptionally rare early Play Ball and cigarette issues are the most valuable, routinely fetching five and six figures. But virtually any DiMaggio card from the late 1930s through his retirement in the early 1950s remain hugely popular with investors and collectors. They capture one of the true baseball immortals and icons at the height of his abilities and success. Joe DiMaggio’s legacy lives on through these vintage cardboard relics that place him among the most collectible athletes in the history of sports memorabilia.

SMEAD JOLLEY BASEBALL CARDS

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Smead Jolley was a printer and publisher best known for the baseball cards that bore his name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Jolley produced a wide variety of baseball cards between 1886 and the 1910s that provided early glimpses of some of baseball’s biggest stars from the period. While his cards were never as common as brands like T206 or American Caramel, Smead Jolley cards remain highly sought after by serious baseball card collectors due to their historical significance and visual appeal.

The earliest known Smead Jolley cards date to 1886 and feature cards of players from major league teams like the Chicago White Stockings and Detroit Wolverines. These pioneer cards had a very simple design, often just featuring a player’s headshot on one side with basic stats and team info printed on the reverse. Through the late 1880s and 1890s, Jolley’s cards kept a similar straightforward style but began including more photography as the technology improved. Notable early players featured included Cap Anson, Kid Nichols, and Amos Rusie.

It was in the 1890s and early 1900s that Jolley began producing his most iconic series of cards. These included multi-player sets issued annually showcasing the major leaguers of that season. The 1899 issue is among the most valuable, featuring stars Hugh Duffy, Nap Lajoie, and Willie Keeler in their uniform photos. Production of annual Jolley card sets continued regularly through the 1905 season. By then, the cards were incorporating color lithography and had evolved far beyond their basic beginnings.

In addition to annual singles series, Smead Jolley also produced several rare and coveted special subsets. This included a set focusing solely on members of the infamous 1902 Baltimore Orioles ball club, considered one of the best teams of the Deadball Era. Highlights include Hall of Famers Joe McGinnity and John McGraw. In 1909, Jolley created a set highlighting stars from the previous decade titled “Baseball Immortals of the Past Ten Years.” Babe Ruth in one of his earliest known card appearances can be found in this special subset.

World Series matchups also received the Smead Jolley treatment. Of particular interest to collectors are his 1903 and 1905 World Series cards. The 1903 set featured the Boston Americans taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Future Hall of Famers Willie Keeler, Hughie Jennings, and Honus Wagner are showcased in their uniform photos. Jolley’s 1905 World Series set showcased the Philadelphia Athletics squaring off versus the New York Giants. Future Hall of Famers Chief Bender, Rube Waddell, and Christy Mathewson are some of the star players featured.

While Smead Jolley cards declined in production frequency past 1906, he still issued some notable late sets. These included a 1913 Tris Speaker rookie card issue as well as players featuring the relatively new Chicago Federal League ballclub in 1915. Jolley’s final known baseball card production came in the late 1910s and featured individual player cards from that era packaged with gum, similarly to the iconic T206 tobacco cards. However, Smead Jolley cards never achieved that level of distribution and mainstream popularity.

Today, intact Smead Jolley baseball cards in high grades remain a major attraction for dedicated collectors. As one of the earliest American publishers of baseball photography cards, Jolley helped drive interest in the relatively new hobby of collecting baseball memorabilia during baseball’s deadball era. While always less abundant than bigger commercial brands, serious Jolley collectors take pride in finding examples of sets like 1899, 1902 Baltimore Orioles, and the 1905 World Series. On the secondary market, key Jolley rookie and star player cards can rival or exceed the value of even the most desirable T206 tobacco issues when graded and preserved excellently. Overall, Smead Jolley left an indelible mark on early baseball card history and culture. His visually striking and historically significant issues remain a rewarding chase for dedicated collectors over a century later.