SCORE SERIES 2 1991 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Score Major League Baseball card series 2 was released midway through the 1991 MLB season. The cards featured current players and managers from that season. Some key things to know about the 1991 Score series 2 MLB trading cards:

The set had 132 total cards, featuring every team in Major League Baseball at the time. Some notable rookies included Scott Rolen, Jim Abbott, Reggie Sanders, Kenny Lofton, and Sandy Alomar Jr. Established stars featured included Kirby Puckett, Jose Canseco, Cal Ripken Jr., Rickey Henderson, and Dennis Eckersley. Managers included Tony La Russa, Davey Johnson, and Lou Piniella among others.

The card design featured a modernized retro look harkening back to baseball cards of the 1950s and 1960s. A crisp team logo appeared on a solid color background at the top of each card. Below was a centered vertical picture of the player in action on the field. Player names, positions, and team names ran vertically down the right side of the card. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back of each card.

One of the standout Hall of Fame players featured was Nolan Ryan in his final MLB season with the Texas Rangers. At age 44, Ryan was still an intimidating presence on the mound. His card showed him in a follow through windup. Also among the elder statesmen was 36-year old Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken was in the midst of his record breaking consecutive games played streak.

The set also highlighted several emerging star pitchers who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, including Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves and Greg Maddux of the Chicago Cubs. Both were still early in their careers but already displaying elite control and pitchability. Offensively, the cards spotlighted young sluggers like Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners and Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox, foreshadowing their upcoming dominance at the plate.

The rise of small market teams was also reflected. The Minnesota Twins, coming off a World Series championship in 1991, had stars like Puckett and Chili Davis represented. Meanwhile, the underdog Atlanta Braves were beginning to build a pitching foundation with cards of Glavine, Steve Avery, and John Smoltz.

Rookie cards in series 2 provided a first look at future stars. The Rolen card showed the power hitting third baseman from the Philadelphia Phillies swinging away. Alomar was depicted catching for the San Diego Padres in what would be his Rookie of the Year campaign. Speedster Kenny Lofton’s Cleveland Indians card captured him digging for second base.

The card design and photography quality was a step above previous Score sets. Bright, vibrant colors popped off the thick cardboard stock. Closeup action shots allowed collectors to analyze batting and pitching mechanics up close. Well-lit stadium backdrops replaced dull grey bleachers from past issues. Stamped autographs were also available on certain ’90 Score Traded inserts of star players.

When originally released in 1991, the Score series 2 packs and boxes were found in corner drug stores, card shops, and supermarkets across America. Demand was high, as Score competed fiercely with rival brands Donruss, Fleer, and Topps for collectors dollars. Today mint graded examples of stars like Griffey Jr., Rolen, Alomar, and Maddux regularly sell for $50-200 each online, while a complete 132 card set in excellent condition can fetch over $1000.

Whether documenting the early careers of future Cooperstown inductees or shining a light on pennant contending small market teams, the 1991 Score Major League Baseball card series 2 captured a snapshot of America’s pastime at a pivotal moment in the early 1990s. With its retro design aesthetic and sharp action photography, the issue created countless lifelong memories for collectors and cemented Score’s place among the elite baseball card manufacturers. Over thirty years later, the cards remain a beloved reminder of a season when baseball’s next generation of stars first stepped up to the plate.

EXPENSIVE FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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Some of the most valuable and expensive Fleer baseball cards ever produced feature legendary players from the 1950s and 1960s who helped grow the popularity of the sport. Fleer began producing modern cardboard collectibles in 1956 and released sets focused solely on baseball players starting in 1960. Several rare rookie cards and error variants from those early Fleer issues now sell for eye-popping prices thanks to low print runs, iconic players featured, and voracious collector demand.

One of the highest valued Fleer baseball cards ever sold was a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner that achieved $3.12 million at auction in 2016. While the Wagner is arguably the most famous card in collecting history, it was produced by the American Tobacco Company rather than Fleer. Sticking strictly to the most expensive Fleer baseball cards, here are some of the prized rookies and variants that can fetch over $100,000 today in top-graded condition:

1961 Fleer Mickey Mantle #252 – Widely considered the key rookie card for one of the game’s greatest sluggers, only approximately 50 copies of the Mantle rookie are known to exist in pristine mint condition. In 2013, a PSA Gem Mint 10 copy sold for $231,000. Other high-grade versions regularly sell in the $100,000+ range.

1961 Fleer Willie Mays #259 – Like Mantle, only a small number of the Mays rookie are in top-notch shape after over 50 years. A PSA 10 copy made $107,750 at auction in 2009. Other PSA 10 Mays rookies have since topped $150,000.

1964 Fleer Dick Allen #250 – Allen’s rookie is exceptionally rare in high grades due to poor centering and print issues. A PSA 9 copy brought $109,250 in 2015. A PSA 10 would likely shatter records.

1963 Fleer Nolan Ryan #534 – Ryan’s first card is scarce in pristine condition but still achievable for serious collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for $70,000-90,000 in recent years.

1961 Fleer Jim Gentile #388 – Gentile had a short but productive MLB career, making his rookie among the most obscure on this list. Only one or two PSA 10 copies are known to exist, giving it tremendous value at six figures for top condition.

Beyond prized rookie cards, there are also several ultra-rare Fleer error cards that command astronomical prices. One such example is the 1962 Fleer Ted Williams error card, which features an image of Williams on the front but lists his stats and information from the back of the 1961 design on the reverse side. Only a handful are believed to exist in any grade. In 2017, a PSA 8 copy sold for a staggering $388,500, setting a record for a Fleer baseball card error variant.

Additional elusive Fleer error cards that can reach or exceed $100,000 include the 1963 Fleer Brooks Robinson error (lists him as a catcher instead of third baseman), 1964 Fleer Maury Wills error (swapped image and stats), and 1965 Fleer Juan Marichal error (typo lists him as playing for the “San Francisco Cints”). Each of these are considered among the rarest production mistakes in the entire sports card industry.

While most vintage Fleer baseball issues from the 1950s and 1960s contained relatively low print runs compared to later decades, the true keys to high values are both the legendary players featured and the rarity of finding those specific cards in pristine condition after 60+ years of surviving in attics, basements, and collections. As interest in vintage cards continues to boom, it’s likely the most coveted Fleer rookies and errors will continue shattering records for years to come. For dedicated collectors, adding even a lower-grade example of these valuable pieces of sports history to a collection is a true thrill and testament to the enduring appeal of the players and sets that helped shape the entire hobby.

1980 BASEBALL CARDS PRICE

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The 1980 baseball card season saw the emergence of superstar players like Nolan Ryan and George Brett entering their prime years. It was also a time of transition as iconic players of the 1960s and 1970s like Hank Aaron and Reggie Jackson neared retirement. The 1980 Topps set in particular captured this changing of the guard with rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. and Ozzie Smith.

Over 40 years later, 1980 Topps cards remain a popular and valuable vintage release for collectors. While most common cards from the set can be acquired for $1-5, there are also several key rookie and star player cards that command prices well into the triple digits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1980 Topps baseball cards and analyze factors influencing their current market prices.

One of the most coveted and expensive 1980 Topps cards is the #138 Nolan Ryan rookie card. Widely considered one of the best pitchers of all-time, Ryan was just entering his pitching prime with the Houston Astros in 1980. Low print runs and the card capturing Ryan at the beginning of his legendary career have made the #138 one of the holy grails for vintage collectors. In near-mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $1,000-2,000. Pristine mint copies in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ grade have even fetched over $10,000 at auction.

Another highly valuable rookie is the #161 Cal Ripken Jr. card, featuring the future Iron Man and Baltimore Orioles legend. Like Ryan, Ripken’s rookie honors one of the game’s greatest players and is exceptionally scarce in high grades. Near-mint+ copies trade hands for $400-800, while a PSA 10 can demand $3,000+. Ripken’s iconic career and status as a fan favorite in Baltimore have kept interest and prices strong for this key rookie over the decades.

George Brett’s #500 card holds similar cache as one of the set’s biggest stars in the prime of his career with the Kansas City Royals. Brett would go on to win the 1980 AL batting title and MVP award. In gem mint condition, his flagship card has sold for $700-1,200. The #500 is highly sought after to represent one of the best all-around third basemen in baseball history at the height of his powers.

Two other rookie cards that regularly command four-figure prices are the #660 Dwight Gooden and #144 Darryl Strawberry cards from the New York Mets. As the young stars that helped lead the Mets resurgence in the 1980s, their rookie cards remain iconic representations of that era. Higher graded versions often sell in the $1,500-3,000 range. The cards are further boosted by the players’ popularity in New York and status as two of the most talented pitchers and outfielders of their generation.

In addition to star rookies, popular veteran cards like #1 Nolan Ryan ($300-600 mint), #7 Reggie Jackson ($150-350 near-mint), and #30 Mike Schmidt ($150-300 near-mint) maintain strong values. Schmidt’s dominance as arguably the best third baseman ever and the card highlighting him as a three-time NL MVP have kept it a blue chip issue. Jackson’s iconic status on legendary Yankee and A’s teams makes his flagship card a must-have for vintage collectors.

Two other factors influencing 1980 Topps prices are the set’s innovative design elements and the rise of direct-to-slab collecting. The cards featured bold colors, enlarged photos, and fun border shapes that departed from blander designs of prior years. This more visually striking aesthetic has resonated with collectors. Third-party authentication services like PSA and BGS have boosted demand by encapsulating pristine specimens in protective slabs. Top graded examples now achieve prices far above raw condition copies.

The 1980 Topps set remains a cornerstone for vintage baseball card collectors decades after its original release. Iconic rookie cards, stars of the era, innovative design, and the effects of slabbing have all contributed to maintaining and growing values for many key 1980 issues. While most commons are inexpensive, the right star cards in top condition can net thousands to serious enthusiasts looking to add important pieces from one of the hobby’s classic vintage years to their collections. As always, condition is king when it comes to realizing top dollar for any coveted 1980 Topps baseball card.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1965 PDF

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Understanding Baseball Card Values from 1965

The mid-1960s were an iconic time for baseball cards. Legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax were in their primes, capturing the attention of millions of young fans. These kids eagerly collected the 1965 Topps, Fleer and Post cards of their heroes, unaware that 50+ years later, those same cards would become highly valuable assets.

If you have baseball cards from 1965, it’s worth taking the time to properly research their worth. Prices have risen dramatically in recent years thanks to increased collector interest and demand. A price guide can help you accurately determine the value of your vintage cardboard collection.

1965 Topps Baseball Card Set

The 1965 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the modern era. With 714 total cards issued, it featured all 20 MLB teams from that season. Some key rookie and star player cards to be on the lookout for include:

Sandy Koufax (Card #130) – In gem mint 10 condition, this card can fetch $1,000+. Koufax was arguably the best pitcher in baseball during the mid-60s.

Mickey Mantle (Card #257) – Another true icon of the era. High grade Mantle rookies from ’52 are worth thousands, but his ’65 is still a highly sought card valued around $150-200 in top condition.

Willie Mays (Card #5) – “The Say Hey Kid” was still in his prime in ’65. Look for $100-150 in mint shape.

Tom Seaver (Rookie Card #212) – Seaver’s rookie is the crown jewel of the ’65 set. A PSA 10 gem could reach $5,000 or more at auction due to his Hall of Fame career.

Nolan Ryan (Rookie Card #526) – Ryan’s rookie debuted in this set as well. Near-mint to mint copies trade between $75-150.

When grading vintage cards, stick to the established standards set by companies like PSA and Beckett. Higher grades demand much more money, so take care handling cards to preserve surfaces and corners.

1965 Fleer Baseball Cards

Fleer was the only other major issuer of cards in 1965 aside from Topps. Their set included just 132 total cards but featured the same players. Key rookie and star cards to watch for include:

Sandy Koufax (Card #106) – Much scarcer than his Topps issue. Near-mint copies could reach $200-300.

Mickey Mantle (Card #23) – Generally valued around $50-75 in top condition due to rarity compared to Topps.

Willie Mays (Card #9) – Similar values to his Topps card, $75-100 range.

Nolan Ryan (Rookie Card #132) – Being the only Fleer RC, it demands more than his Topps. Expect $150-250 for a quality example.

Fleer cards are more difficult to grade due to thinner and more fragile cardboard stock. Even slight imperfections can greatly impact final grades and values.

Other Notable 1965 Issues

1965 Post Cereal Kenny Ross Rookie Card – One of the rarest modern rookie cards ever printed. Only 9 are known to exist in a PSA-graded sleeve. Values range from $50,000-$100,000 depending on grade.

1965 Topps High Numbers – An 86 card supplemental set featuring players called up after the main 714 card checklist. Key rookies include Joe Torre and Dick Allen.

1965 Topps Traded – An 18 card set highlighting trades and new players. Rarer than the base issue but still attainable for collectors.

1965 Bazooka/Topps Gum Cards – Colorful bubblegum trading cards featuring many of the same players as Topps. Generally valued less but fun collectors items.

Using Price Guides Correctly

When determining card values, it’s best to reference multiple sources such as the Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide and PSA/DNA Population Report data. Note that prices can vary greatly based on card condition, with higher grades earning much more money. Also factor in recent auction sales of comparable examples.

Supply and demand heavily impacts values as well. Rare rookie cards will always be in higher demand, as are the true legends of the era like Mays, Mantle and Koufax. Common players may have little value except to diehard collectors.

With care and research, your 1965 baseball cards could become a worthwhile long-term investment or source of nostalgic enjoyment for years to come. Take the time to properly assess your collection using guides to maximize returns should you ever contemplate selling. For collectors, it’s a fun journey back to a golden age of America’s pastime.

BUY BASEBALL CARDS NEARBY

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For baseball card collectors, finding places to buy cards locally is important to continually grow your collection with new additions. While you can shop online, being able to browse cards in-person and make impulse purchases is part of the fun of the hobby. Fortunately, there are several types of stores near most communities that sell baseball cards.

Local Card Shops
Dedicated card shops are a staple for collectors looking to buy baseball cards nearby. These mom and pop shops focus solely on trading cards of all types, from sports to non-sports cards. They stock a wide selection of new and vintage packs, boxes, and singles. Browsing the organized shelves and binders by team, player, or year is a great way to see what’s available. Prices tend to be fair, and you’ll find other collectors to chat with. Many shops also host events like group breaks or tournaments to build a sense of community. Just search online for “baseball card shop near me” to find options close to home.

Comic Book Stores
In addition to comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise, many local comic book stores maintain a sizable trading card area. They’ll carry the latest baseball card releases alongside back issues. The selection won’t be as extensive as a dedicated card shop, but it’s convenient for adding a pack or two to your weekly stop. Ask the owners if they buy or trade cards as well. Some comic stores specialize more in cards than others, so check their website or social media first.

Hobby Stores
Beyond model trains and miniatures, reputable hobby shops in your neighborhood may stock a selection of trading card products, including baseball cards. Look for those that specifically list cards among their inventory. Like comic stores, the stock won’t rival a card shop but satisfies an impulse purchase. Hobby stores are great places to check for older or harder-to-find items too since their merchandise turnover isn’t as fast.

Big Box Retailers
For those just starting a collection or wanting casual picks, big box retailers sell baseball cards as an ancillary product. Target, Walmart, and Meijer usually stock the most recent and popular releases near the trading card and collectibles aisles. Selection and pricing won’t be as specialized as the local shops, but it’s easy to quickly grab a value pack without a long drive. Retailers are also good options for impulse buys while running other errands. Just don’t expect rarer vintage finds.

Dollar Stores
Don’t overlook the baseball card selection at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General stores. While products will consist of mainly value packs and series that have been out for a while, dollar stores offer an affordable way to add packs to your collection without breaking the bank. They’re perfect for new collectors or kids just starting out. You never know – you might get lucky with a hit. And at $1 a pack, it’s not much risk if you don’t.

Card Shows & Conventions
For the ultimate baseball card buying experience beyond local shops, seek out larger card shows and conventions held throughout the year, especially during the spring and summer seasons. Here, dozens of vendors bring their entire inventories spanning all eras to one location. You’ll find everything from commons to rare vintage gems available for purchase. Shows are ideal for making want lists, browsing, and negotiating on bigger ticket singles, sets, and autographed memorabilia. Admission fees apply but are nominal for the wealth of cards under one roof. Check sportscollector.net for upcoming events in your area.

No matter your budget or collection goals, with a little searching, these are the primary types of stores and events where you can easily buy baseball cards nearby rather than relying solely on online retailers. Taking the time to support local brick-and-mortar businesses is worth it for the browsing experience and chance to build relationships within your card collecting community. Happy hunting!

HOT BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The 2022 baseball season provided plenty of excitement and unprecedented performances that are still lighting up the collectible card market. Rookie cards of superstar newcomers and gems from veteran sluggers are among the most in-demand cardboard in recent memory. With a fresh crop of young stars making their MLB debuts this year and established names chasing milestones, 2022 is shaping up to be one of the hottest seasons in baseball card history.

Top Rookies Lead the Way

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez had one of the finest rookie campaigns in recent years and his prized rookie cards are some of the biggest movers in the hobby right now. Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.463 with 28 home runs, 75 RBI, and 25 stolen bases, making him an easy favorite for American League Rookie of the Year honors. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor rookie from this year’s MLB flagship set is currently pulling in over $500 in near-gem mint condition, while less flashy but still coveted base rookie cards trade for around $100-150. Other Seattle prospects like pitcher George Kirby and shortstop Noelvi Marte are also gaining steam, with their prized first-year cards seeing rapid price climbs in the past few months.

Over in Atlanta, outfield phenom Michael Harris II broke out in a big way for the Braves and his rookie cards have exploded in value as a result. Harris slashed .297/.339/.506 with 19 homers and 20 steals, showcasing five-tool skills that have collectors buzzing. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC has cracked the $300 mark while PSA 10 examples of flagship rookies are north of $150. Fellow young Atlanta starters Spencer Strider and Vaughn Grissom made their debuts this season as well, adding more highly sought-after rookie grist to the Braves’ prospect mill.

In Queens, New York Mets fireballer Trevor Holloway made his presence felt immediately in 2022 with a blazing fastball that averaged 99.4 mph. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC is a sizzling hot item at $150 currently while flagship parallels like Topps Finest Prism also pull six figure sums in pristine condition. Over at Citi Field, slugging first baseman Pete Alonso smashed his way to another big power season and remains one of the game’s premier young cornerstone sluggers, with his 2018 Topps Update Series RC still a veritable money card years later.

Vintage Sluggers Still Deliver

While rookies made headlines in 2022, veteran superstars stayed in the spotlight by chasing baseball’s most hallowed records. Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman entered the season just 14 home runs shy of 500 for his illustrious career. Freeman would go on to eclipse that milestone in fine fashion, rounding out a tremendous first season in Dodger Blue and maintaining strong demand for his early flagship RCs from his Atlanta Braves tenure. Freeman’s 2010 Topps Update Series RC has settled in the $150 range while 2012 Topps Update Series parallels like Gold can top $400 or more in pristine condition.

Meanwhile, fellow LA slugger Mookie Betts turned in another prolific offensive campaign while in pursuit of his first AL batting title. The 2018 AL MVP has solidified himself as one of baseball’s premier all-around talents of this generation, keeping collectors flocking to his early Bowman and Topps cards from his Red Sox days. Betts’ 2012 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor RC remains a treasured trophy card at $800-1000 for high-graded copies.

But no player captivated the attention of the card-collecting masses more than a rejuvenated Albert Pujols. “El Hombre” rekindled dreams of 700 career HRs by clubbing 24 long balls in 2022 to up his storied tally to 697. Pujols thrilled fans while chasing history and his mint classic rookie cards skyrocketed along the way. Collectors far and wide scrambled to reacquire 2001 Bowman Chrome Refractors and traditional flagship RCs in hopes of holding a piece of history, with high-end condition Pujols’ first Bowmans in bull markets over $15,000 each.

Keeping Up With Parallel Mania

Alongside interest in new stars and milestone chases, the affinity collectors have for inserts, parallels and specialty cards shows no signs of slowing. Flagship products like Topps Update Series, Bowman, Stadium Club and Topps Finest are putting out dazzling “hits” in serial numbered parallels or raw materials more exclusive than years past. Holloway’s aforementioned Topps Finest Prism parallel is a prime example, as are rarefoil parallels of top rookie cards that push values even higher.

Bowman’s Silver Pack parallels featuring foil underlays on the biggest young guns are pulling in thousands. Stadium Club’s ultra-refractors in short printed 1/1 variations mesmerize collectors at monster values. Even “retail” products are capitalizing on the parallel craze, with early rookie variations like ToppsChrome Pink Refractors or Donruss Optic Orange Ice parallels emerging as must-owns for PC builders. As card designers get more creative with foil techniques, printing locations and intricate designs – and scarcity becomes ever harder to obtain – the art of parallel collecting shows no signs of demise.

Vintage Market Still Red Hot

While the influx of new stars and parallel madness keep the modern card game booming, demand for certified vintage holdings remains through the roof. Graded examples of iconic stars from the 1950s-1980s routinely crush estimates at major auctions as card values hold firm or climb even higher. A PSA 9 Mickey Mantle 1956 Topps is pushing $110,000, a BGS 9.5 Stan Musial 1951 is nearing $22K, and prized vintage rookies of legends are no longer attainable for casual collectors.

Though values for ungraded vintage remain reasonable, top-tier certified copies are truly investments for seasoned collectors with deep pockets. Regional and oddball issues from the early trading card days are also gaining ground, with arcane and obscure issues a unique challenge. As the pool of attainable vintage greats shrinks, curious collectors are widening their nets to include harder-to-find localized cards and oddballs for exploration outside the iconic names. With no signs of slowing down, the vintage market figures to remain the domain of elite collectors.

As talent continuously emerges and milestones fall under the bright lights, new heroes and historic achievements will drive collector interest for years to come. 2022 reinforced that certain cardboard can emerge overnight as the hottest commodity around. With young stars establishing themselves, veterans chasing immortality and parallel cards proliferating at frenetic paces, there’s no shortage of collectibles primed to emerge from obscurity and become the most coveted cards in the hobby. No matter the era or product, there’s always something new and exciting attracting collectors deeper into this fun and booming multi-billion dollar industry.

1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS MOST EXPENSIVE

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The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of the hobby. While it lacked the star power and rookie cards of flagship brands like Topps, the set became a cult favorite among collectors for its bold designs and photography. Several factors have contributed to key 1988 Donruss cards greatly increasing in value over the decades.

One of the most expensive 1988 Donruss cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was already showing immense talent and potential as a 19-year-old rookie for the Seattle Mariners in 1988. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism capturing performing in the outfield made him a fan favorite. The Griffey rookie has long been one of the most desirable in the hobby. In pristine mint condition, graded and encased by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the Griffey rookie has recently sold for over $10,000 and pushed $15,000 at auction. Even well-worn, played copies still fetch hundreds due to the player’s enduring popularity and status as a true legend of the game.

Other highly sought rookie cards from the 1988 Donruss set include Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, and Tom Glavine. McGwire’s monster home run prowess made him a star and his rookie card has sold for over $4,000 PSA graded. Randy Johnson, aka “The Big Unit”, went on to record over 4,800 strikeouts in his Hall of Fame career. His intimidating 6’10 stature and 100 mph fastballs, along with five Cy Young Awards, have kept his rookie in high demand at over $1,000 graded. Braves legend Tom Glavine, a two-time Cy Young winner, still plays in old timer’s games beloved by Atlanta fans. Even after over 500 career wins, his rookie has traded hands for close to $1,000 in top condition.

Veteran star cards can also hold significant collector value from the 1988 Donruss set. A PSA 10 mint Ozzie Smith back flipped through the air card reached an amazing $36,000 at auction in 2016. Widely considered the greatest defensive shortstop ever with 15 Gold Gloves to his name, “The Wizard” was a fan favorite known for his acrobatic plays. The iconic pose and photo on this card resonated with collectors. A PSA 9 brings over $5,000 today. A PSA 10 graded Jose Canseco card from the set’s “line drive” subset sold for $6,750 in 2018. Prior to McGwire, Canseco was one of the first true “sluggers” in baseball known for monster home runs. He led the league twice in the late 1980s, making this a key Athletics card at the time.

Rookie phenoms like Cal Ripken Jr. and Nomar Garciaparra also make the 1988 Donruss set valuable. While Ripken spent his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, winning two MVPs along the way, his rookie card can eclipse $2,000 graded. Nomar blossomed into one of the game’s smoothest shortstops as a cornerstone of Red Sox clubs that reached the ALCS multiple times. A PSA 10 is worth over $1,000 due to his Boston legacy. Pitching stars also do well, as a Todd Stottlemyre rookie recently sold for over $700 in top condition after a solid big league career mostly with the Cardinals.

The elusive 1988 Donruss Frank Thomas rookie rounds out some of the set’s most sought cards. “The Big Hurt” went on to legendary status with the White Sox, racking up over 500 home runs and two MVPs. High-grade copies are exceptionally rare, with only a handful known to exist. A 1997 Beckett marketplace analysis priced a PSA 10 at $500,000. While condition challenges and lower population reports have seen estimates fall to the $50,000 range today, any decent Thomas rookie remains a substantial get.

Strong player performance careers, popular teams, iconic photography, and difficult production all contribute to key 1988 Donruss cards substantially increasing in value over the past 30-plus years. While it may never achieve the fame of seminal wax like ‘52 Topps or ‘57 Topps, the set remains an affordable vintage investment for collectors pursuing Hall of Famers and inductees before they debuted. The visual nostalgia of 1980s cardboard designs also gives it lasting cult appeal among enthusiasts of the modern era.

MJ HOLDINGS BASEBALL CARDS

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MJ Holdings is one of the largest and most respected trading card companies in North America, known for producing high quality baseball cards since the early 1990s. The company got its start by acquiring the licensing rights to produce official MLB cards after the dominant companies like Topps began losing their monopolies in court.

For decades prior, Topps had maintained an exclusive deal with Major League Baseball to be the sole producer of licensed baseball cards. In the late 1980s this deal came under legal scrutiny for being an anti-competitive monopoly. The courts ruled in favor of allowing other companies to also produce official MLB cards, opening the floodgates.

MJ Holdings swooped in immediately to take advantage of the new market opportunity. Their early baseball card sets in the early 1990s helped reinvigorate the hobby during a lull period after overproduction had crashed the hot market of the late 80s bubble. MJ’s cards featured stunning photography and added numerous innovative extras that fans loved like uniforms swatches and autograph cards.

Some of MJ Holdings’ most iconic and valuable early baseball card releases include 1993 Bowman, 1994 Upper Deck, and 1995 Finest. These sets defined the Golden Age of the 1990s hobby renaissance and contained some of the best rookie cards ever produced for future Hall of Famers like Mariano Rivera, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Pedro Martinez. Secondary markets today still see individual cards from these classic sets sell for thousands.

As the decade progressed, MJ continued to aggressively grow their baseball card portfolio by acquiring new licensors and concepts. In 1997 they began producing the ultra-premium Flair brand, known for exquisite photography, embellishments, and parallel short-printed “FLIR” parallels that drove collectors nuts seeking rare versions. Later in the 90s they also took over Donruss’s baseball card license to revive that classic brand.

MJ Holdings also helped pioneer innovative non-sport trading card genres in the late 90s beyond just traditional on-card photos. Their Comic Images brand translated characters from Marvel, DC, and other licensed comics universes onto collectible cards. And Pinnacle drew in both sports fans and music aficionados with sets pairing athletes alongside rock bands and musicians on creatively designed dual-subject cards.

Entering the 2000s, MJ kept the hobby evolving by implementing cutting-edge printing techniques on their baseball card products. Brands like Sweet Spot featured embossed textures replicating the feel of a real baseball. EXpedition took collectors to remote locations for imaginative photography. And Triple Crown Showcase embraced high-end luxury appeal through exquisite foil finishes, autographs, and parallel short prints.

After over a decade of dominance the trading card industry began declining in the mid-2000s due to various factors. MJ was not immune and their beloved baseball brands like Flair ceased production as the market contracted significantly from its 1990s peak. The company transitioned to focus more on co-branding partnerships like deals with hip-hop artists and associated memorabilia products.

More recently in the 2010s, MJ has worked to revitalize their classic 1990s baseball card brands as nostalgia has fueled a resurgence of interest among new collectors. Sets under the Upper Deck, Finest, and Bowman labels saw limited edition reissues that sold out fast. In 2021, the previously defunct brand Pinnacle even made a comeback with modern rookie cards of Juan Soto and others fueling strong initial sales.

MJ Holdings has proven resilient and adaptive throughout decades of industry ups and downs. While the current baseball card market is smaller than the speculative boom years, MJ’s reputation for premium quality products continues attracting both old school and new collectors. With their extensive licensing portfolio and innovative branding heritage, they are well positioned to remain a leader producing officially licensed MLB memorabilia and cards for generations to come.

MAKE KIDS BASEBALL CARDS

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Creating baseball cards for kids is an enjoyable craft project that allows children to celebrate their favorite baseball players or be creative with original designs. Baseball cards are a fun way for kids to learn more about baseball history while fostering their interests in sports, art, writing and design. Whether you’re looking for a simple card-making activity or a more involved project, here are some tips and ideas for making baseball cards with kids.

One of the easiest ways to make basic baseball cards is to use blank index cards or heavy paper cut to the size of a standard baseball card, about 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. You can find templates online to print out and use as guides. Have kids draw or cut out pictures of baseball players, either using photos printed from online or drawings and clippings from magazines. Glue these images onto the cards. Include space below the picture for stats like name, team, position and uniform number. Number and season holograms or stickers can add authentic touches. For kids just starting out, having them write the player name may be enough.

For more involved creations, get creative with the designs and add more stats and facts. Have kids choose a player they want to highlight and research details about him using baseball almanacs or other kid-friendly sources. Facts to include could be batting average, home runs, years played, notable achievements or fun facts. Consider dividing the card into sections, with the image and name across the top and stats in columns down the sides. Leave space on the back for a short paragraph biography.

Collectible stickers are fun to include on professionally designed cards. Kids can add their own homemade holograms, team logos, positions or other themed stickers. Make personalized sticker sheets on label paper using graphics software or have kids do collages and cut them into shapes. Numbered player stickers mimic real limited edition inserts. Embellishing cards further with textures like silver or gold ink pens, glitter, puffy or metallic stickers elevates their keepsake quality.

Rather than recreating existing players, encourage kids to design original ones. Have them draw and describe a fantasy baseball player with made up stats and backstories. Kids can invent team names and uniforms to populate entirely new baseball leagues. These custom creations allow young artists and writers to explore their imaginations. Display player profiles along with their commissioned baseball cards.

Variations on standard card sizes open more design possibilities. For example, create minicards at a smaller 1×1.5 inch size on note or recipe cards perfect for packet trading. Larger 3×5 or 4×6 index cards leave expansive space for elaborate stats tables, illustrations or fold-out flaps. Non-standard shapes like ovals, triangles or polygons introduce geometric graphic elements. Experiment with card stocks too, using heavier typing paper, magnet sheets, photo paper or laminated cards crafted to last.

Reinforce the learning experience through roleplaying games with the homemade cards. Kids can construct make-believe trades between their collection, tracking stats in score sheets. Draft “teams” from the cards and have pretend matchups, tallying runs and outs. Designating a commissioner oversees league rules and resolutions. Display seasons’ worth of cards in traded page protector sheet binders just like real sets. These engaging activities spark ongoing interest and discovery.

Making baseball cards offers a genuine example of applied skills like research, organization, writing, design and craftsmanship. With guidance, kids implement concepts they’re learning across subjects into a creative pastime. The memories and pride instilled by personalized baseball cards last far beyond a crafts project. Plus, it’s a bonding experience parents and grandparents can share in with children, while passing on their passion for America’s favorite pastime together. With some basic supplies and imagination, anyone can tap into the joy of collecting with homegrown baseball cards.

1983 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1983 Topps baseball card set is one of the most beloved issues in the long history of Topps cards. The set features 660 total cards including 585 base cards and 75 rookie/star cards. It was the first year Topps shifted to using a photo on each card instead of an illustration. 1983 Topps cards introduced a nostalgia for the clean, simple designs that highlighted the player photography. While not the most valuable vintage set, it remains a favorite among collectors for its memorable rookie cards and base cards of the sport’s biggest stars from that season.

Some key details about the iconic 1983 Topps baseball card set include:

Design – The simple yet effective design featured a solid color background with the team logo in the bottom corner. Each player’s name and position was printed plainly above the centered photo. No borders were used, allowing the clean photography to shine.

Size – Standard Topps card dimensions of 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The same size Topps has utilized for most of their long history.

Photography – Topps employed a variety of talented sports photographers to produce high quality individual player shots. The natural photos brought more personality to each card compared to previous illustrated styles.

Rookies – Notable rookie cards included Ryne Sandberg, Darryl Strawberry, Donruss Wagner, Andre Dawson, and Dave Stieb. Each would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. Their 1983 Topps rookies are among the most coveted in the set.

Stars – The set paid tribute to the sport’s biggest active talents like Mike Schmidt, Wade Boggs, Nolan Ryan, and Robin Yount. Their iconic base cards remain fan favorites to this day.

Production – The 660 card checklist was produced through 7 different series released in wax packs from early March through the end of the baseball season in late September/early October.

Checklist – The base set ran #1 through #585 with parallel issues ranging from #586 to #660 featuring star, rookie, and record breaker highlights. A total of 150 short print cards were also produced.

Popularity – Fueled by the rookie class and simplicity of design, the 1983 Topps set quickly became one of the most popular issues ever released among collectors of all ages.

In terms of value, while it may not be the most expensive vintage set, ’83 Topps cards hold great nostalgia and remain some of the most iconic baseball cards ever produced:

Common Cards – Most base cards in graded mint condition can be acquired for $1-5. High numbers cards are especially affordable for completing a set.

Rookies – The cream of the crop rookies like Strawberry, Sandberg, and Dawson are very valuable, with their best graded examples topping collectors’ want lists. Expect to pay hundreds for graded mint copies of their flagship rookie cards.

Stars – The best condition copies of star player cards from the likes of Schmidt, Ryan, Boggs and others routinely attract bids in the $10-50 range. Certain top stars can break $100 for pristine specimens.

Variations – Short prints, errors, serial number parallels and the increasingly popular “oddball” regional issues that carry the ’83 design boost interest and command premium prices. Examples range from $20-200+ depending on scarcity and condition.

Grading – As with any vintage set, the higher the card’s condition grade from services like PSA or BGS, the more valuable it becomes. A PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 card can multiply an estimate 10X compared to a lower graded copy.

In the decades since its launch, the appeal and nostalgia surrounding the iconic 1983 Topps set has only grown. Armed with timeless photography and a classic design aesthetic, it ranks as one of the hobby’s most beloved modern issues. While it may lack the rarest cards or highest per card values of some other vintage sets, 1983 Topps holds an endearing place in the hearts of collectors around the world for capturing a special season and players, creating memories that last generations.