2000 FLEER TRADITION BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2000 Fleer Tradition baseball card set was an interesting release during a transition period for the Fleer brand. Fleer held the Major League Baseball license from 1990 to 2000 after acquiring it from Topps. In 2000 Topps regained the MLB license starting in 2001. As a result, the 2000 Fleer Tradition set had to balance being a standard annual release while also signaling it would be Fleer’s last under the MLB license they had held for over a decade.

The set included cards for all 30 MLB teams and tried to highlight history and tradition in both its photographic style and added editorial content on many cards. Roster cards showed the team photo along with stats for that year. Many starred players received unique retro-style solo portraits instead of being included on a roster card. This helped promote some of the game’s biggest star players who many collectors enjoyed chasing.

Design-wise, the 2000 Fleer Tradition cards had a very clean and uncluttered look focusing on neat silver and white borders surrounding the central image. Fleer’s logo was kept subtle and placed discretely in the bottom corners. Most cards simply listed the player’s name, team, and position above the image without additional text or statistics. This allowed the central portrait or action shot to really stand out clearly.

The set totaled 792 cards as was standard for Fleer releases of the late 90s before the expiration of their MLB deal. However, Fleer also included 86 additional ‘tradition’ cards highlighting players, moments, and aspects of baseball history throughout the 20th century. These historical cards gave collectors a interesting peak into the past of the game in between the standard 2000 season roster and player cards.

Subjects of the historical cards included tributes to beloved ballparks like Ebbets Field and Tiger Stadium that were no longer standing. Others profiled retired players who were true icons of the game such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Lou Gehrig. Some highlighted important dates, games, and records that remained milestones in MLB annals. It was a creative way for Fleer to provide additional collector and historian value beyond just the current year’s rosters.

Image quality was generally sharp, with portraits that really captured the likenesses of today’s players as well as archival action shots and photos from baseball’s earlier eras. The 2000 Fleer Tradition set did have some print run inconsistencies that were common for late 1990s Fleer productions. Some cards came with noticeable color shifts, off-centers, or poor cutting/trimming from the manufacturing process.

Fleer also included 36 special ‘tradition collection’ parallel cards within the base set numbered to 999 copies. These offered a more premium version of the standard cards for players like Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Cal Ripken Jr. Insert sets included ‘Fleer Futures’ focusing on top prospects and a ‘500 Home Run Club’ saluting the 21 players who achieved that milestone up to that point.

In terms of chase cards, autographs and memorabilia were included through special parallel subsets. The ‘Signatures of Sports’ insert set featured swatches or signatures of stars like Roberto Alomar, Greg Maddux, and Tony Gwynn. Superstars like Sammy Sosa received autographed parallel base cards as true hits to excite collectors. Overall condition of the autograph and memorabilia cards varied greatly based on their individual printing and handling over the past 20+ years.

Upon release in 2000, the Fleer Tradition set was met with mostly positive reception. Collectors enjoyed its classic retro photography style and historical inserts that provided interesting supplementary context beyond just stats from that season. Although not quite up to the production quality of competitors like Topps and Upper Deck, it served as a solid traditional annual issue in Fleer’s final year under the MLB umbrella. Today among vintage collectors, 2000 Fleer Tradition cards remain relatively affordable and available to build complete sets or target favorite players. Its blending of past and present through images and references to tradition has stood the test of time even after Fleer’s MLB license concluded with the turn of the century.

BASEBALL CARDS TO INVEST IN 2023

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Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible for both casual fans and serious investors. The baseball card market saw huge growth in the late 1980s and early 90s fueled by the rise of stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. While the bubble eventually burst in the mid-90s, interest and prices recovered over the following decades.

Today, the baseball card market remains strong and offers opportunities for savvy investors. With another season in the books, it’s a great time to look ahead at the top baseball cards that could appreciate significantly in value in 2023 and beyond. By focusing on star players, rookie cards, and cards from iconic sets, investors stand the best chance of seeing strong long-term returns.

Mike Trout Rookie Cards (2009 Topps, Bowman Chrome, etc.)
Many experts consider Mike Trout the greatest baseball player of his generation and one of the all-time greats. As the likely future Hall of Famer enters his age-30 season in 2023, his already valuable rookie cards from 2009 and 2010 are only going to increase in demand. Trout’s 2009 Topps rookie card is one of the most iconic in the modern era and has already crossed the $10,000 price point for high-grade copies. His 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie is even more valuable, with PSA 10 copies selling for over $150,000. As Trout continues piling up accolades and edges closer to career milestones, these cards are sure to appreciate significantly and should be a cornerstone of any baseball card portfolio.

Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has quickly become one of the most unique and compelling players in baseball history as a top pitcher and hitter. His 2018 rookie cards were already in high demand, but interest exploded after his MVP 2021 season and will likely continue rising if he stays healthy and productive in 2023. While PSA 10 copies of his Topps Series 1 and 2 rookies currently sell in the $2,000-3,000 range, prices are forecast to at least double within the next couple years. His ultra-rare 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie could be a true long-term blue chip, with only a handful of PSA 10s known to exist.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
Prior to a devastating knee injury that ended his 2021 season, Ronald Acuña Jr. was well on his way to superstardom and appeared poised to battle Mike Trout as the face of MLB for years to come. If he’s able to return to pre-injury form in 2023, interest in his already valuable 2018 rookie cards will spike dramatically. Even after missing much of 2022, PSA 10 copies of his Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookies still sell in the $1,000-2,000 range. With his huge talent and still being just 25 years old, Acuña has the potential for huge appreciation if he gets back to producing like an MVP.

Wander Franco Rookie Cards (2021 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
Tampa Bay Rays super-prospect Wander Franco had one of the best MLB debuts in recent memory in 2021 at just 20 years old. While he battled injuries in 2022, he still showed tantalizing talent and will enter his age-21 season with immense expectations. Franco’s rookie cards exploded in popularity in 2021 and remain some of the most sought-after on the modern market. PSA 10 copies of his flagship Topps Chrome rookie have already crossed the $1,000 threshold and could climb much higher if Franco fulfills his destiny as a perennial All-Star. He may have the highest long-term upside of any young player.

Juan Soto Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the best pure hitters in baseball. After his monster 2022 season where he led MLB in walks and on-base percentage, interest and prices surged for his 2018 rookie cards. PSA 10 copies of his Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookies now sell in the $500-1,000 range on the high end. With Soto locked up long-term in Washington, he should continue producing at an elite level and gaining more mainstream recognition. His rookies have the potential to reach the $2,000-3,000 range within the next couple years.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rookie Cards (2019 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
After a breakout 2021 season where he finished second in AL MVP voting, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks like a surefire superstar for the Blue Jays. His 2019 rookie cards gained significant value last year but still have room to appreciate further. PSA 10 copies of his Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookies currently sell in the $300-500 range. As Guerrero Jr. approaches his age-24 season with 40-homer, 100-RBI potential, these cards could reach the $1,000 level within the next couple years if he stays healthy and productive.

Luis Robert Rookie Cards (2020 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
When healthy, White Sox center fielder Luis Robert looks like a true five-tool star capable of putting up MVP-caliber seasons. Injuries limited him to just 68 games in 2022, but he still showed why his 2020 rookie cards gained so much hype. PSA 10 copies of his Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookies have dipped a bit from their 2021 highs in the $300-500 range but have long-term breakout potential. If Robert can avoid the injury bug in 2023 and produce at an All-Star level over a full season, interest will spike again in these cards.

Spencer Torkelson Rookie Cards (2021 Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Chrome)
Tigers top prospect Spencer Torkelson had a disappointing MLB debut in 2022 that dampened some of the hype around his rookie cards. At just 23 years old, he still has all the tools and hitting ability to develop into a perennial All-Star. His 2021 rookies from Topps and Bowman are relatively inexpensive in high grades currently in the $50-150 range. For patient investors with a long-term outlook, taking a chance on Torkelson bouncing back with a breakout 2023 season could yield huge returns down the road on these cards.

Rookie Cards from Iconic Sets (1952 Topps, 1957 Topps, 1987 Topps, etc.)
While focusing on recent stars offers the most short-term upside, baseball cards from iconic vintage sets can deliver steady long-term appreciation. Sets like 1952 and 1957 Topps introduced the modern cardboard format and featured legends like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays in their rookie seasons. High-grade rookie cards from these sets sell for hundreds of thousands, if not millions. More recent classics like 1987 Topps, which featured young stars like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, have also gained steady value. Even mid-level vintage rookie cards offer a relatively low-risk way to hold blue-chip collectibles.

By concentrating on the rookie cards of today’s emerging young stars combined with strategic investments in cards from beloved vintage sets, savvy collectors can build a baseball portfolio with strong long-term appreciation potential. Focusing on stars with MVP upside like Trout, Ohtani, Acuña Jr. and Guerrero Jr. offers the best chances of multiplying initial investment many times over in the coming years as their careers progress. With another exciting MLB season ahead in 2023, now is an ideal time to get in the game.

94 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1994 baseball card season produced some of the most valuable modern cards in the hobby. While the early 1990s saw a massive boom and bust cycle in baseball cards that devastated the industry, 1994 remained one of the last truly great vintage sets before production numbers exploded.

The 1994 Topps set is considered the flagship release of that year and contains some iconic rookie cards and star players that remain highly sought after by collectors decades later. With stringent quality control and meticulous production values, 1994 Topps cards tended to withstand the test of time much better than the flimsier cards produced in later years. This longevity has helped many 94 Topps cards retain or even increase in value over time.

One of the most valuable 94 Topps cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was already a budding superstar by 1994 and his iconic upper deck rookie from 1989 is one of the most valuable baseball cards ever printed. Naturally, his 1994 Topps rookie follows suit as one of the key rookie cards from that year. In top gem mint condition, the Griffey Jr. 94 Topps RC regularly sells for well over $1000 and some have been known to reach $2000-3000 in pristine mint condition. Even in excellent near mint to mint condition, expect to pay $500-800.

Another huge star from the 1994 class is Frank Thomas, who won the AL MVP that year. His 94 Topps rookie card is highly coveted, often reaching $400-600 in top grades. Fellow future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio also debuted in 1994 and his Topps rookie card can fetch $200-400 in top condition. Star pitchers Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, and Curt Schilling all had rookie cards as well that can reach $100-300 depending on grade.

Rookies weren’t the only valuable cards from the 1994 Topps set. Serial stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. (non-rookie), Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn routinely sell for $50-150 in top-graded form. The ultra-short printed refractor parallel cards from 1994 Topps are also enormously valuable, with the Bonds and Griffey Jr. refractors being the most coveted. In pristine mint condition, those refractors can reach the $1000-2000 range or more.

While Topps dominated the 1994 landscape, other notable releases included Upper Deck, Donruss, and Fleer. The Upper Deck set featured premium quality and innovative technology like holograms. As a result, many of its stars and key rookies carry premiums over comparable Topps cards. Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Craig Biggio rookies from Upper Deck ’94 can reach $300-600+ in top condition. Even base cards of stars like Bonds, Ripken, and Gwynn command $50-150.

Donruss and Fleer also had solid offerings in 1994. The Donruss Gold parallel cards were short printed and sought after. Gold parallels of stars like Bonds, Ripken, and Biggio routinely sell for $100-300+. Fleer Ultra refractors were also low-printed and the Griffey Jr. and Biggio versions are valued around $200-500 in top grades. Base rookie cards from Donruss and Fleer for players like Pedro, Smoltz, and Schilling often sell in the $50-150 range depending on condition.

While the junk wax era diluted values of many modern cards in subsequent years, 1994 remained a high point. Strong, recognizable stars combined with limited modern printing technologies to create a vintage set that has proven to be remarkably resilient. Many consider it the last truly great year for baseball cards before inflation took over. As a result, savvy collectors continue to uncover value in the iconic rookies and stars captured in their 1994 forms over 25 years later. With solid demand and limited remaining supply in top grades, 1994 cards look poised to retain and potentially increase in value for dedicated collectors into the future.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1990 O-PEE-CHEE

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The 1990 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was produced by O-Pee-Chee, the Canadian subsidiary of Topps, and features players from both the American and National Leagues. The set contains 204 total cards with player photos, biographies and stats on the front and back. While not the most valuable vintage baseball card set, the 1990 O-Pee-Chee cards provide collectors a snapshot of the game from that era and include several stars who were just beginning to emerge. Here is a detailed price guide and overview of some of the top cards from the 1990 O-Pee-Chee set.

The 1990 O-Pee-Chee set included many of the game’s biggest stars from that time such as Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Roberto Alomar. The true stars and most valuable cards from the set are those that feature players who were early in their careers in 1990 and went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. For example, the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the key cards from the set. Griffey was already showing signs of greatness in 1990 with 19 home runs as a 20 year old and his card is among the most sought after. In near mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 O-Pee-Chee rookie card can fetch upwards of $150-$200.

Another star just starting his career in 1990 was Frank Thomas, who had a breakout season that year winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. Thomas slugged 31 home runs and drove in 105 runs in his first full season. His 1990 O-Pee-Chee rookie card in near mint condition is valued around $75-$100 currently. Two other young stars with valuable rookie cards from the set are Tom Glavine and David Justice. Glavine, already showing brilliance on the mound in 1990, has a rookie card worth around $50-$75 near mint. Justice, an emerging power hitter for the Braves, has a rookie valued at $30-$50. Both Glavine and Justice went on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their 1990 rookie cards a worthwhile investment.

In addition to rookie cards, the 1990 O-Pee-Chee set contains the last cards featuring legends of the game who were nearing the end of their careers. For example, the Nolan Ryan card has added value since it was one of the final cards issued of the all-time strikeout king before his retirement after the 1993 season. Ryan’s 1990 O-Pee-Chee is priced around $15-25 in near mint condition. Another legend with one of his last mainstream issued cards being in the 1990 O-Pee-Chee set is George Brett. Brett played just one more season in 1992 after 1990. His final mainstream card from this set sells for roughly $10-15. Collectors seek out the last cards featuring all-time greats to commemorate their careers.

The 1990 O-Pee-Chee set also included stars who were entering their primes such as Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Cal Ripken Jr, and Wade Boggs. While not rookies, these players were young and just beginning their ascent up the career leaderboards. Bonds’ monster 2001 season has overshadowed his early career, but he was already an elite player by 1990. His card from that year sells for around $5-10. McGwire’s monster home run seasons were still a few years away, but collectors recognize 1990 as marking his transition into stardom. His card has a value of $3-5. Ripken and Boggs were both established by 1990, but their cards remain popular for collectors at $2-4 each.

While not the most expensive vintage set, the 1990 O-Pee-Chee cards provide a great snapshot of the players and game from that era. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Thomas, Glavine and Justice give collectors a chance to own early career cards of legends at affordable prices compared to their more established years. Last career cards of legends like Ryan and Brett are also popular. With stars young and old, the 1990 O-Pee-Chee set offers collectors and investors several worthwhile cardboard opportunities to build a baseball collection.

CRAFTS WITH OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for generations. While the cards themselves may no longer hold value for their stats or players, they can still be enjoyed through creative crafts and projects. With a collection of old or duplicate cards, you have the perfect materials to make fun and unique decorations, gifts, and more. Here are some ideas for crafts you can make with old baseball cards:

Baseball Card Picture Frames – One of the simplest but most effective crafts is to turn cards into picture frames. Cut cards into square or rectangle shapes and arrange them artistically around a picture opening. Glue them securely to a piece of cardboard cut to the same size as the picture. Add a piece of wood or cardboard to the back for hanging. You can make frames in team colors or arrange by player position.

Baseball Card Wreaths – Gather cards and cut them into various shapes like squares, circles, or triangles. Glue them decoratively around a styrofoam or cardboard wreath form. Add ribbon for hanging. These make great homemade gifts or decorations for a baseball fan’s home or man cave. You can theme wreaths by decade, favorite player, or team.

Baseball Card Mirror – Adhere cards to the front of a cheap thrift store mirror frame using strong glue. Arrange them in an overlapping pattern or collage style. Seal with a coat of polyurethane or mod podge to protect the cards. Hang your new baseball card themed mirror anywhere in the home.

Baseball Card Coasters – Cut cards into circular shapes using cookie cutters or tracing. Glue them front side up onto coaster blanks, tile coasters, or wooden rounds. Seal with a water-resistant topcoat. Make sets themed by players, teams, or eras for gifts or personal use.

Baseball Card Art – Get creative by gluing cards onto canvas boards, wooden plaques, or frames to make unique wall art. Arrange them in patterns, collages, or to depict something like a baseball diamond. Seal well. Display art signed by favorite players or of team logos. Get kids involved by letting them design their own baseball card art.

Baseball Card Shadow Boxes – Frame cards attractively in shadow or display boxes. Arrange them standing up or at angles inside. Seal well before closing the box. Display boxes themed by position, decade, or other category. Shadow boxes make great gifts that can be hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf or desk.

Baseball Card Jewelry – Cut cards into shapes like circles or ovals and glue onto bobby pins, hair clips, or necklace blanks. Seal well. Wear your baseball fandom on your sleeve with earrings, bracelets, or necklaces made from cards. You can theme pieces by favorite players or teams.

Baseball Card Wallets – Cut and glue cards onto leather or faux leather wallet blanks. Arrange them attractively on the front. Seal and trim excess. Personalize wallets as gifts for baseball fanatic dads or husbands. Make matching sets for a father-son gift.

Baseball Card Bookmarks – Trim cards into rectangular shapes and glue onto craft sticks, wooden dowels, or cardstock strips for easy DIY bookmarks. Seal well. Personalize as gifts or keep for your own baseball book collection. Make sets themed by decades or players.

Baseball Card Ornaments – Cut cards into various holiday shapes like trees, snowflakes, or balls using templates or freehand. Glue securely onto ornament blanks, wooden balls, or clothespins. Add ribbon, twine or string for hanging. Display your baseball card creations on the tree or around the house during holiday seasons.

The possibilities are endless for repurposing baseball cards into fun crafts and gifts. With some basic supplies, a little creativity, and your collection of old cards, you can make memorable homemade pieces for yourself or to give others. Best of all, these crafts allow you to showcase your baseball passion in a whole new light long after the stats fade. So gather your cards and get crafty!

1990 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TRADED SET

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The 1990 Topps Baseball Cards Traded set was released at the end of the 1989 baseball season and collected cards issued in Topps flagship sets from 1974 to 1990 with some key variations. Similar to modern parallels, Traded sets provided collectors another way to obtain cards from the past several years with subtle differences in design. The 1990 version was highly anticipated and contained many valuable and desirable cards sought after by collectors both old and new.

At 24 cards per pack and 8 packs per sealed wax box, the 1990 Topps Traded set included 192 total cards looking to replicate what trades might have looked like throughout the 1970s and 80s. Topps selected cards representing key player moves between teams during those seasons and redesigned the borders and color schemes from the original issues to distinguish them as “traded” versions. While the photos and basic design elements remained consistent, each card received a graphical border treatment matching the team color scheme where the player was theoretically “traded” to.

Some notable cards distributed in the 1990 Topps Traded set include a 1974 #620 Mike Schmidt traded card depicting him in a Phillies uniform with crimson borders to replicate a trade to the team he played for his entire career. A 1976 #35 traded Nolan Ryan card placed him in a Angels uniform with red and yellow lining around the borders as if he had been dealt from the Angels to another club. The 1980 #559 traded George Brett card featured him donning a Royals uniform with royal blue borders even though he was only ever associated with Kansas City.

High-value rookie cards and stars from the 1970s and 80s that saw significant uniform changes throughout their careers were especially featured. A 1978 #500 Rogers Clemens rookie card depicted him on the Red Sox with a navy border befitting a theoretical trade. The 1987 #141 Mark McGwire rookie card carried cardinal red borders transferring him from the A’s. A 1986 #569 Barry Bonds rookie included him sporting Pirates black and gold as if traded from Pittsburgh. Some true “traded” stars like Dave Winfield from 1981 and Vince Coleman from 1985 also received new border colors.

While the concept was novel and exciting for collectors, accuracy in player history took a backseat to creative liberties. No such trades ever actually transpired yet the rebooted visuals created aura of possibility. Condition sensitive rookie stars from the late 70s/early 80s boom carried premium demand but commons were also hotly pursued to complete rainbow sets based on the border color parallels. Wax boxes sold for over $100 individuallywhile individual premium cards like the Schmidt or Clemens rookies surpassed $1000 each.

Despite the licensing, reproduction, and spacing challenges of accurately depicting the uniforms underneath specially designed borders, Topps photography and production values maintained the authentic retro look and feel collectors expected. Each card carried the familiar small dings, fingerprints, and worn edges that added to their collectability as believable traded versions of the original issues. While purely novelty, the concept captured imagination of traders and fueled secondary market prices.

While 1991 and 1992 Topps Traded sets struggled to replicate the hype, the landmark 1990 edition left an indelible mark. It beautifully fused the past, present, and future of the hobby in a single visually dynamic and creatively re-conceived product. For older collectors, it rekindled memories through the reproduced classic designs. For younger collectors, it introduced beloved players and careers in a fresh light. Whether actually depicting potential trades or alternative histories, the 1990 Topps Traded cards represented the art of what if achieved at its zenith to capture collectors minds and collections for decades since.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2023 baseball season is set to begin in just a few months, which means the new year of baseball cards are starting to hit the hobby. Baseball card collectors are always eagerly awaiting the release of the latest season’s cards to rip packs, chase their favorite players, and find the big hits. 2023 looks to continue the momentum from recent years and provide collectors with some excellent hobby box options across the major brands.

Topps, as the longest-tenured brand in the baseball card industry, will have its standard Topps Series 1, Series 2, and Topps Chrome releases. The flagship Topps Series 1 is always one of the most anticipated releases of the year, as it provides collectors their first chance at cards featuring stats and photos from the previous season. The 2023 Topps Series 1 is set for wide release in late February/early March. It will feature the usual assortment of base cards, parallels, inserts, and autographs/memorabilia cards. Topps Chrome then follows in late spring/early summer with its refractor parallel version of the base cards. Both sets are must-haves for any collector looking to build their player collections from the ground up.

Panini also has another strong year of licensed MLB products on deck for 2023. Their flagship Donruss baseball set is expected to hit shelves in March/April, headlined by an exciting new design. Donruss has really upped their game in recent years to compete with Topps, so collectors can expect another high-end release. Panini also has exclusive rights to produce special subsets like Contenders Draft Picks, which provides a first look at the previous year’s draft class. Their Impeccable and Immaculate ultra-high-end releases will also be must-haves for those chasing 1/1 hits.

Bowman is sure to excite collectors again in 2023 with their annual Bowman Draft, Bowman Chrome, and Bowman’s Best releases. Bowman Draft in particular is a favorite of prospect hounds, as it gives an early glimpse of the cream of the amateur crop. Past years have seen major stars like Wander Franco featured as rookies in Bowman Draft. Bowman Chrome then polishes things up with its refractors, while Bowman’s Best delivers premium parallels and autographs later in the year. All three Bowman sets are must-owns for any collector with an eye on the future of the game.

While the big three brands will drive much of the early season hype, several smaller companies are also worth keeping an eye on. Leaf is coming off a strong 2022 that saw hits like Juan Soto 1/1 autos. Their 2023 offerings could provide another avenue for high-end parallels and memorabilia. Also, newer brands like Stadium Club and Allen & Ginter from Topps continue gaining steam by delivering creative designs and unique inserts at affordable price points. And Heritage Minors from Leaf gives a nostalgic look at prospects coming up.

For collectors looking to rip hobby boxes, the best approach is often to target releases early in the season before prices escalate. Topps Series 1 and Bowman Draft are usually among the most cost-effective per pack when first available. But demand is high, so pre-orders sell out quickly. Later flagship releases from Donruss and Chrome tend to carry higher per-pack prices. For extremely rare hits, high-end releases from brands like Panini and Leaf require deep pockets. But even modest hobby boxes of mainstream releases can provide a fun ripping experience and foundation for long-term player collections.

The 2023 baseball card season is primed to excite collectors with new designs, prospects to chase, and star rookies and veterans to add to collections. With the return of a full MLB schedule on deck after the shortened 2020 and lockout-impacted 2022 campaigns, the major brands will bring their best product to celebrate the game. For those who enjoy the thrill of the rip or hunt for the biggest rookie cards and autographs, 2023 offers a deep mix of mainstream and high-end hobby box options across many respected brands. With patience and discipline, savvy collectors can build their collections and find treasures across the wide landscape of this exciting hobby.

300 GREAT BASEBALL CARDS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

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Baseball cards have long been a staple of the sport, providing memorable glimpses into the game’s history. With millions upon millions printed over the past century, narrowing down the best of the best is no easy task. Here are 300 cards that stand out as particularly iconic representations of baseball in the 20th century.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner – The rarest and most valuable card in the world, estimated to be worth over $2 million. Only 50-200 are known to exist. Wagner, arguably baseball’s first superstar, banned the American Tobacco Company from using his image without permission.

1914 Cracker Jack Wiltse – One of the earliest notable vintage cards, honoring Giants pitcher Bill Wiltse. Features attractive artwork and early example of on-card statistics. Highly collectible for pre-WWI card fans.

1914 M101-4 Eddie Plank – Plank was a star pitcher for Connie Mack’s A’s dynasty in the early 1900s. This card depicts him in a classic action pose that set the standard for baseball photography on cards.

1915 Cracker Jack Walter Johnson – Captures the intimidating presence of the legendary “Big Train,” with 100 mph heat and a scowl. As the game’s foremost flamethrower, Johnson was a perfect subject for one of the earliest popular baseball cards.

1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb – Considered one of the most beautifully designed Cracker Jack cards ever. It highlights Cobb’s ferocity on the basepaths and at the plate that made him arguably the best player who ever lived.

1915 Billy Sullivan – Known as the “Mona Lisa of baseball cards,” it depicts the Red Sox infielder in crisp detail. Only a handful are known to exist in pristine condition, making it one of the rarest pre-war issues.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the most iconic images in sports. Shows the Bambino taking a mighty cut with his iconic called shot pose from the ’32 World Series. First mainstream card set to feature true stars.

1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig – Depicts the Iron Horse at bat, highlighting his consistency and durability that led to a then-record streak of 2,130 consecutive games played.

1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx – Captures the power and smoothness of “Double X”, who smacked 534 career home runs and won three MVP awards. Helped establish Goudey as the premier modern card brand.

1933 Goudey Mel Ott – Highlights the home run prowess of the “Giant Killer” who still holds the NL record of 511 career round-trippers. Ott was one of the first true five-tool stars.

1933 Goudey Lefty Grove – Displays the dominance of “The Big Train from Lancaster,” who went 300-141 with a 2.86 ERA in his Hall of Fame career. First card to feature a pitcher’s windup.

1933 Goudey Dizzy Dean – Iconic image of the charismatic Cardinals fireballer, winner of the 1934 MVP and 30 games in ’33-34. Helped launch Dean’s popularity as one of baseball’s first true celebrity pitchers.

1933 Goudey Joe Cronin – Early card of the slick-fielding shortstop who later managed the ’67 Impossible Dream Red Sox to the pennant.

1937 Play Ball Dizzy Dean – Striking portrait highlights Dean’s intensity on the mound for the Gashouse Gang. His 30-13 record in 1934 made him a superstar and this is one of his earliest vintage cards.

1938 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio – Captures Joltin’ Joe in mid-swing, foreshadowing his 56-game hitting streak two years later. First mainstream card to feature the Yankee Clipper.

1948 Bowman Jackie Robinson – Groundbreaking first card of baseball’s color barrier breaker. Shows Robinson at Ebbets Field, a year after his 1947 Rookie of the Year campaign. Iconic for civil rights history.

1949 Bowman Ted Williams – Classic image of Williams unleashing his powerful left-handed swing. Card cemented him as one of the game’s true superstars, en route to a .344 career average.

1949 Bowman Stan Musial – Beautiful action shot highlights Musial’s grace and skill at the plate. First card recognizing his emergence as the NL’s top hitter with a .376 average in ’48.

1949 Bowman Bobby Doerr – Underrated Red Sox second baseman who hit .288 for his career. Highly collectible for condition and Red Sox fans.

1949 Bowman Larry Doby – Important early card of the AL’s first black player, who broke the color barrier just months after Robinson. Helped establish Doby’s place in civil rights history.

1950 Bowman Willie Mays – Iconic rookie card of “The Say Hey Kid” in his classic Giants cap. Foretold greatness for one of the five best players ever.

1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle – Striking rookie card that predicted stardom for the switch-hitting Yankees slugger. Helped make Mantle the first true baseball superstar of the TV era.

1951 Bowman Whitey Ford – Classic early card of the Yankees’ crafty lefty, who won 236 games with a 2.75 ERA over 16 seasons in pinstripes.

1952 Topps Willie Mays – Beautiful portrait highlights Mays’ smile and joy for the game. Considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing Topps designs ever made.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – Powerful action shot captures Mantle’s intensity. Along with the ’51 Bowman, among the most iconic of The Mick’s early cards.

1952 Topps Duke Snider – Striking image of the Dodgers’ center fielder, who smacked 407 career home runs. Helped establish Snider alongside Mantle and Mays as the era’s preeminent sluggers.

1953 Topps Sandy Koufax – Early card of the lefty before he blossomed into a Hall of Fame ace. Highly collectible for Brooklyn Dodgers fans and Koufax completists.

1954 Topps Roberto Clemente – Classic rookie card of the Pirates’ star, who dazzled with his arm and hit .317 lifetime. Iconic for his skill and humanitarian work.

1955 Topps Hank Aaron – Beautiful portrait highlights Aaron’s sweet swing before he broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. Considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing Topps designs ever.

1956 Topps Don Drysdale – Striking image captures the intimidating presence of the Dodgers’ flamethrower before his breakout ’56 season.

1957 Topps Warren Spahn – Classic card of the Braves’ lefty, who won 363 games and led the NL in wins seven times. Highly collectible for condition and Spahn fans.

1958 Topps Bob Gibson – Early card of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame fireballer, who later struck out 3,117 batters with a 2.91 ERA.

1959 Topps Brooks Robinson – Underrated rookie card of “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” before his 23 Gold Gloves and World Series heroics. Highly collectible for Orioles fans.

1960 Topps Frank Robinson – Iconic rookie card that predicted stardom for the Reds’ slugger, who later won MVPs with the Reds and O’s.

1961 Topps Roger Maris – Captures Maris during his record-setting ’61 campaign, when he shattered Babe Ruth’s single-season home run mark.

1962 Topps Maury Wills – Classic rookie card of the Dodgers’ speedster, who stole a then-record 104 bases in ’62 and revolutionized the stolen base.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax – Striking portrait highlights the transformation of the Dodgers lefty into a superstar, on the way to three Cy Youngs and four ERA titles.

1964 Topps Jim Bouton – Action shot captures the knuckleballer during his breakout ’63 season for the Yankees. Iconic for his ‘Ball Four’ tell-all memoir.

1965 Topps Pete Rose – Early card of baseball’s hit king with the Reds, before he amassed 4,256 career base knocks. Highly collectible for condition and Reds fans.

1966 Topps Johnny Bench – Iconic rookie card that predicted greatness for the Reds’ future two-time MVP, who redefined the catcher position.

1967 Topps Tom Seaver – Classic rookie card of “Tom Terrific” before he won 311 games and three Cy Youngs for the Mets and Reds.

1968 Topps Willie McCovey – Beautiful portrait highlights McCovey’s sweet swing during his prime years anchoring the Giants’ lineup.

1969 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – Iconic card captures Yaz during his Triple Crown and AL MVP season, leading the Impossible Dream Red Sox to the pennant.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – Striking action shot highlights Bench in his prime, having just won his first of two MVP awards. Considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing Topps designs ever made.

1971 Topps Reggie Jackson – Powerful rookie card foretold stardom for “Mr. October” before his 563 career home runs playing for the A’s and Yankees.

1972 Topps Rod Carew – Classic portrait highlights Carew’s grace and skill at the plate

2023 BASEBALL CARDS TO HAVE

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The 2023 baseball season is fast approaching which means new baseball card releases are on the horizon. While no one can predict the future, here are 20 baseball cards from upcoming 2023 sets that collectors should target based on the players’ established talent and future potential. Having these cards in a collection could yield strong returns as these athletes’ careers progress and ascend to new heights.

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps, Panini, etc.) – There may never be another two-way player as talented as Shohei Ohtani who is a true unicorn as a dominant pitcher and power hitter. Entering his age-29 season, Ohtani is still improving and achieving new milestones. His rare skillset makes his cards a must-have for any collection.

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and is a generational talent. Moving to San Diego is a big storyline and playing for a new team could propel Soto to even greater heights. His cards will remain highly sought after.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps, Panini, etc.) – When healthy, Acuña is one of the most electrifying players in baseball with 5-tool talent. He’s still just 25 and returning from an ACL tear. If he can stay on the field, Acuña has superstar potential and his cards could skyrocket in value again with a big season.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 21 years old, Franco has already established himself as a franchise cornerstone after a stellar rookie campaign. He possesses incredible contact skills and hit tools that could make him a perennial all-star and batting champion. Franco’s star will only continue to rise.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a breakout 2021 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Guerrero is still getting better at only 23 years old. Playing for a contender in Toronto, Guerrero could put up huge numbers and cement his status as a true superstar, making his cards a wise investment.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season that was cut short by injury but showed why he’s considered a future star. At only 22 years old, Rodriguez has five-tool talent and could take another step forward in 2023 while playing for a contender. His cards remain quite affordable now.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The number one pick from 2019 had a solid debut campaign and looks like a future cornerstone for KC. Witt plays a premium position at shortstop and should only get better in his second season at age 23. His cards are quite reasonably priced for his upside.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a disappointing rookie year, expectations are high for Torkelson to turn it around in 2023 playing every day for Detroit. The number one pick from 2020 has huge power potential and could bust out with a strong sophomore season at age 23 to boost his cards.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The top prospect finally made his debut in 2022 and showed why he’s such a special talent. As the future cornerstone catcher for the O’s rebuild at age 25, Rutschman is primed for stardom. His cards are very affordable for a player who may someday win MVP awards.

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins (Topps, Panini, etc.) – In his first full MLB season at age 26, Ryan established himself as the ace of the Twins’ staff. With excellent command and stuff, Ryan looks poised for continued success and could become an all-star caliber starter for years. His cards are underpriced for his upside.

Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a solid debut in 2022, more is expected from Gorman in 2023 playing every day at a premium position for St. Louis. The power-hitting lefty has all-star potential at age 23 and plays for a perennial contender, setting him up well long-term.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw tools, Cruz was one of the most exciting rookies in baseball in 2022 after his debut at age 23. He’ll have every opportunity to play regularly and could blossom into an all-star caliber shortstop, making his affordable cards a bargain.

Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Rodriguez suffered an injury in 2022 but is still considered Baltimore’s ace of the future at age 23. With a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Rodriguez has true #1 starter upside that could make him a future Cy Young candidate.

Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Miller made his MLB debut in 2022 at age 23 and showed why he was such a highly touted prospect. Pitching for the Dodgers, Miller has the makings of a future frontline starter and his cards remain quite affordable compared to other top pitching prospects.

Drew Waters, Kansas City Royals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Now with a fresh start in KC, Waters will have every opportunity to play regularly in 2023 at age 23. The former top 100 prospect has five-tool talent and could break out as an all-star caliber player, making his cards a bargain for the potential upside.

C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a solid debut with the Padres, Abrams now moves to Washington where he’ll have the opportunity to play shortstop every day at age 22. His five-tool skillset and premium defensive position give Abrams superstar potential.

Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The former first round pick has ace-level stuff and could debut in 2023 at age 24 after returning from injury. Pitching in Seattle, Hancock has the raw talent to develop into a frontline starter, making his prospect cards a savvy long-term investment.

Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After injuries slowed his progress, Davis will look to break out in 2023 at age 23 playing every day for Chicago. His combination of power and speed gives Davis all-star caliber potential that makes his affordable cards very intriguing.

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 21 years old, Henderson quickly rose through the minors and may debut in 2023 after his stellar 2022 campaign. The future is incredibly bright for this budding superstar who could become a perennial all-star and face of Baltimore’s rebuild.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The former Vanderbilt star and number two overall pick debuted in 2022 and will look to settle into the Rangers’ rotation in 2023. At only 22 years old with high-end stuff, Leiter was considered a future ace and top-of-the-rotation starter who is still realizing his vast potential.

While it’s impossible to predict the future, having cards from any of these up-and-coming young stars in your collection sets you up well to potentially profit as their careers progress and abilities are fully realized. Their established talent, premium positions, team situations, and upside leave plenty of room for growth on and off the field in 2023 and beyond.

FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS 2002

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Fleer Ultra baseball cards hold a special place in the hearts of many 90s kids who grew up collecting during the heyday of the ultra-modern cardboard craze. The 2002 edition continued the flashy foil flourishes and intricate die-cuts that were Ultra’s signature style. While not quite as iconic or valuable as the star-studded rookie year of 1998, the ’02 set showcased another terrific crop of future Hall of Famers still in their prime.

Released in March 2002 toward the tail end of the monopoly years before Topps regained its MLB license, Fleer Ultra contained 340 total cards including 26 diverse parallel inserts. The base set featured vivid close-up photography with silver foil accents around most player images and stats on a sea of deep navy blue. Standouts like Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Sammy Sosa adorned the cards donning their familiar team uniforms from the previous season.

Rookies included future stars Jimmy Rollins, Bronson Arroyo, Jason Varitek, and Curt Schilling in their debut Fleer Ultra designs. Even though the likes of Albert Pujols and ichiro Suzuki had already debuted the prior year, collectors were still eager to add their sophomore cards to growing PC collections. Veterans like Greg Maddux, Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, and Ken Griffey Jr. also appeared wearing the familiar colors of their respective franchises from 2001.

In addition to the base checklist, Fleer Ultra incorporated several exciting insert sets to entice buyers. “Stars of the Show” featured horizontal die-cuts highlighting big names alongside career stats on a glittering blue background. “Fleer Ultra Masterpieces” took a more artistic approach with shiny foil embellishments and embossed embossing effects. These premium insert cards really popped among the shining silver borders that were Ultra’s visual signature.

The inclusion of parallel inserts in varying colours added another layer of complexity for collectors. There were Red (#/150), Green (#/100), Gold (#/50), and extremely rare Black (#/10) parallels across the base set and specialty inserts. Landing one of these scarce parallel pulls straight from a fresh wax pack was the ultimate thrill for any young aficionado. Even common Red parallels hold extra cachet two decades later thanks to their more limited print runs.

Some highlights from the diverse insert sets include “Ultra Teams” spotlighting individual franchises through intricate die-cuts, “Franchise Foundations” saluting each club’s legendary players and history in a modern foil-embossed design. “All-Time Greats” paid homage to baseball icons through regal etched foil portraits. “Turf Tandems” paired two stars together on dual graphics separated by an iridescent foil line. Each subset offered collectors different aesthetic and collecting angles beyond the base checklist.

The flashy foil finishes, brilliant colors, creative die-cuts and intricate embellishments across Fleer Ultra’s entire 2002 product line gave the cards a real “Wow factor” that helped them stand out on the crowded card aisle shelves. While production values have gone through various peaks and valleys in the two decades since, that initial burst of flashy creativity left an indelible mark on a whole generation of collectors just starting to build their binders. Even after all these years, 2002 Ultra cards remain a nostalgic link to the glorious ultra-modern peak of the entire modern card boom era.

For serious vintage collectors and fans of 90s/00s cardboard, finding and acquiring star rookie and parallel gems from Fleer Ultra 2002 can still provide a real thrill. Even common base cards hold appeal thanks to iconic photography capturing an exciting period in MLB history before many superstars later tainted their legacies. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, Fleer Ultra will always have a special place in the hearts of anyone who tore wax or added to their binders during the flagship product’s flashy heyday over 35 years ago.