BASEBALL CARDS IN SPOKES

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Baseball cards have long been a staple of childhood summers, providing hours of entertainment for kids collecting and trading the cardboard pieces of sports memorabilia. For a generation coming of age in the 1970s and 80s, baseball cards also served another purpose – decorating the wheels of their bicycles by wedging them into the spokes. This practice, known colloquially as “baseball cards in spokes,” was remarkably common among young bikers looking to customize their rides. Yet putting cards in spokes was far from a safe or advisable activity. In fact, it presented real dangers that many kids at the time did not fully understand or appreciate.

The appeal of baseball cards in spokes was primarily aesthetic. With a card wedged into each spoke, a bicycle wheel in motion would create a colorful, blurry effect as the cards spun. To a child, it must have looked quite novel and added a bit of flair to an otherwise standard bicycle. Cards wedged into moving bicycle spokes created a number of hazards. First, the cards themselves were prone to coming loose and falling out, leaving a small piece of sharp cardboard trailing behind the wheel. This debris posed a risk of causing a fall or injury if struck.

More concerning was the potential for a baseball card to get caught or tangled in the spokes. Due to their flimsy and irregular shape, cards were not securely fastened and could slip at any moment. If a card became lodged sideways between spokes during rotation, it could lock up the wheel, causing the bicycle to suddenly stop and throw the rider. Even if a fall was avoided, a locked wheel would be difficult to control and could easily result in a collision. Tangled cards also damaged bicycle components by jamming critical moving parts. Baseball cards in spokes introduced a serious failure point that compromised safety.

Aside from potential falls, several other risks accompanied the baseball card wheel fad. For one, the cards created aerodynamic drag that made the bicycle harder to pedal and steer at higher speeds. This extra resistance could tire out younger or inexperienced riders. Cards also posed a distraction, taking the cyclist’s focus away from the road and traffic. Perhaps most importantly, they gave the illusion of control while bicycling that was false and dangerous. Kids believed decorating their wheels with cards made their bikes uniquely their own, without understanding the compromised safety. With no instruction or oversight, many were unaware of the risks until facing an accident.

While common in the 1970s-80s, baseball cards in spokes have thankfully fallen out of favor due to growing awareness of their dangers. Some key events helped shift public perception and end the fad. Reports of injuries and accidents linked to tangled cards raised alarms within communities and the medical field. Bicycle safety programs and experts began openly warning against the practice in the 1980s. The release of the film E.T. in 1982, which featured a famous scene of Elliott riding a bicycle decorated with cards, also brought the issue greater public attention. As children who grew up with cards in spokes matured, they passed safety lessons to younger generations.

Today, few would consider putting baseball cards or any loose objects in the spokes of a moving bicycle wheel. The once trendy custom is now remembered as a relic of the past with obvious hazards. While the desire to personalize and have fun remained part of childhood, kids now understand the importance of bicycle safety and control. They know decorations have no place interfering with critical moving components. As the baseball card wheel fad shows, seemingly harmless innovations can introduce unexpected dangers if not approached carefully. With guidance over time, even entire generations can learn and progress towards greater caution. The history of baseball cards in spokes serves as an example of an outdated custom we have grown beyond.

BEST ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, rookie cards often provide the best opportunity for appreciation. These first year cards showcase players at the very beginning of their careers before they become established major leaguers. If the player goes on to have a successful career, the value of their rookie card can increase significantly. With that in mind, here are some of the top rookie baseball cards to consider buying currently based on the player’s talent and career trajectory.

Juan Soto 2018 Topps Baseball Card – At just 21 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the best young hitters in baseball. In 2019, his first full season in the majors, Soto slashed .282/.401/.548 with 34 home runs and 110 RBI, finishing second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. He followed that up in 2020 by hitting .351 with a 1.090 OPS, making his first All-Star team. With his five-tool skillset and incredible plate discipline still being honed as he enters his prime, Soto looks poised for superstardom. His 2018 Topps rookie card remains reasonably priced now under $100, but that price seems sure to rise significantly as he continues producing at an elite level for years to come.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Baseball Card – Like Soto, Ronald Acuña burst onto the scene in 2018 at just 20 years old and hasn’t looked back since. In his rookie season, he hit .293 with 26 home runs and led the NL with 16 stolen bases. He’s followed that up with two more All-Star appearances while showcasing elite five-tool ability that few others in the game possess. At just 23 years old, Acuña is already a perennial MVP candidate for the Braves and will likely be one of the faces of baseball for the next decade plus. His rookie card can still be found for under $150 and profiles as one of the safest long-term investments in the hobby considering his all-around dominance and youth.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Baseball Card – Arguably the most exciting young player in baseball, Fernando Tatis Jr. made his presence felt immediately by hitting .317 with 22 home runs in just 84 games as a 21-year-old rookie in 2019. He followed that up in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season by hitting .277 with 17 homers and 45 RBI in 59 games. Tatis plays the game with a rare combination of swagger and elite skills, and at just 22 years old, he’s already being discussed as a possible future 50-home run hitter. His cards jumped up significantly in price after his breakout rookie campaign, but his 2019 Topps rookie can still be found under $300 and will likely continue appreciating as he cements himself as a perennial MVP candidate for the Padres.

Wander Franco 2020 Topps Chrome Baseball Refractor RC #171 – While he only got a brief five-game cup of coffee in the majors in 2021, Wander Franco has established himself as the top prospect in baseball and one of the best pure hitters to come along in years. At just 20 years old in the minors, Franco has slashed .332/.428/.587 with 32 home runs and 105 RBI over two seasons. He’s the rare five-tool talent who also possesses an advanced plate approach, giving him a great chance to be a perennial All-Star. Franco’s 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is still obtainable in the $500-1000 range but looks like a great long-term hold considering the superstar he has the tools to become.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2018 Topps Baseball Card – While he didn’t light the world on fire initially after debuting at age 20 in 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has started to put it all together over the last two seasons with the Blue Jays. In 2021, he hit .311 with 48 doubles and 48 home runs, finishing third in AL MVP voting at just 22 years old. With his legendary bloodlines and prodigious power/hitting skills now being combined with maturation, Guerrero looks like a fixture in the middle of Toronto’s order for years. His 2018 Topps rookie card can still be found around $150-200 and looks like a bargain considering he’s still getting better and could win multiple batting titles.

Rafael Devers 2017 Bowman Baseball Card – While he didn’t make his MLB debut until 2017 at age 21, Rafael Devers has established himself as one of the top young power hitters in baseball for the Red Sox over the last few seasons. In 2021, he hit .279 with 38 home runs and 113 RBI, finishing 12th in AL MVP voting. At just 25 years old, Devers is in the prime of his career and should continue producing All-Star caliber numbers for years to come in Boston’s lineup. His 2017 Bowman Chrome rookie card remains a relative bargain under $100 and provides upside as he cements his place among the game’s elite sluggers.

Pete Alonso 2018 Bowman Baseball Card – Since debuting as a 24-year-old rookie in 2019, Pete Alonso has done nothing but mash for the Mets. He followed up his 53 home run rookie campaign by hitting 16 long balls in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. While he slumped a bit in 2021, Alonso rebounded down the stretch and looks poised to be a perennial 30+ home run threat for years. At just 27 years old, he’s entering the prime of his powerful career. His 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie card can still be found around $100-150 and looks like a safe long-term hold as Alonso continues producing huge numbers at Citi Field.

Shane Bieber 2016 Bowman Baseball Card – While he didn’t debut until 2018 at age 23, Shane Bieber has emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball for the Guardians over the last few seasons. In 2020, he went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings, winning the AL Cy Young Award. Bieber followed that up with another strong 2021 campaign and will likely continue anchoring Cleveland’s rotation for many years as he enters his prime. His 2016 Bowman Chrome rookie card remains very affordable under $50 and looks like a bargain for one of the game’s premier young hurlers.

Luis Robert 2020 Topps Chrome Baseball Refractor RC #171 – While injuries limited him to just 38 games in 2021, Luis Robert established himself as one of baseball’s brightest young stars with a breakout rookie campaign in 2020 for the White Sox. That year, he hit .233 but showcased his five-tool skills by slugging 11 home runs and stealing 9 bases. At just 24 years old, Robert has the skills to be an annual All-Star if he can stay healthy. His 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card remains a reasonable investment around $300-400 considering his upside if he puts it all together.

When scouting the best rookie baseball cards to invest in, focusing on young players who are already established stars or have the five-tool talent to become stars is key. The above choices feature players age 24 or younger who have shown the skills and trajectory to produce at an elite level for 10-15 years still, providing long-term upside in their rookie card investments. While prices have risen on many of these over the last year or two, they still offer relatively affordable opportunities to get skin in the game on what could become true hobby legends as their careers progress.

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps has been the dominant force in the baseball card industry for decades, and their 2023 baseball card lineup continues their tradition of offering collectors a wide variety of sets at various price points. From their flagship Topps Series 1 and Series 2 releases to specialized inserts and parallels, Topps has cards that can excite collectors of all experience levels and budgets.

Some of the most anticipated releases of the 2023 season will be the two flagship Topps Series sets. Topps Series 1 is usually the first major release of the year, coming out in late winter/early spring to coincide with the start of spring training and exhibition games. The 2023 Topps Series 1 cards feature designs highlighting iconic MLB players in action shots on the field. Rosters in Series 1 will reflect the opening day rosters of each MLB team prior to early season trades and call-ups.

Topps Series 2 is then released in late spring/early summer after the trade deadline. This set will update rosters to include players who were acquired via trade or promoted from the minor leagues. The card designs of Series 2 often coordinate visually with Series 1 but with different photographic themes. The 2023 Topps Series 2 cards showcase MLB stars with portraits in their team’s batting helmets, a classic baseball card motif. Both flagship sets contain base cards for every player as well as insert sets highlighting top rookies,All-Stars, and award winners from the prior season.

In addition to the standard base rookies, prospects, and stars, Topps inserts add highly sought-after parallels and short printed chase cards to Series 1 and 2. Topps Chrome is one of the premier insert sets, featuring glossy refractors of the same photos printed on a foil-like card stock. Topps Chrome cards contain various parallels like black, gold, and refractor versions at different print runs. The Topps Chrome inserts transform ordinary rookie cards into spectacular rookie refractors that can attain significant collector value over time.

Another valuable Topps insert set returning in 2023 is Topps Gallery of Heroes. This set celebrates iconic MLB players from history with unique sketch-style card renditions by sports artists. Only extremely short printed, Gallery of Heroes cards depict retired legends like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson. These one-of-a-kind tribute cards command high prices in the secondary market. Topps Tribute is a similar low-print insert honoring all-time greats but with classic style photography inserts rather than illustrations.

In addition to licensed MLB products from The Topps Company, third-party manufacturers also release special subsets each season. Panini produces the acclaimed Impeccable and National Treasures sets. Impeccable contains exquisitely crafted cards with patch autographs, crafted signatures, and engraving techniques. National Treasures often features rare game-worn memorabilia cards encased in elaborate presentation boxes. These ultra-high-end cards push the boundaries of collecting with six and seven-figure price tags.

While flagship sets and inserts dominate the baseball card landscape, Topps also caters to specific collector interests. Topps Archives pays tribute to vintage card designs with replicas of 1950s, 60s, and 70s sets featuring today’s players. Topps Allen & Ginter explores non-sports themes with includes famous actors, artists, inventors mixed in with baseball stars. Topps Sterling is a luxury product combining fine silver accents with autographs and memorabilia at a premium price point. And limited hobby-only releases like Gold Label provide rare parallels embellished with golden signatures or patches.

Regardless of which Topps 2023 baseball cards collectors pursue, the sheer breadth of sets ensures something for everyone. From thrifty hobby boxes of Series 1 and 2 to high-end graded rookies and patches costing thousands, it’s an exciting time to be a baseball card fan. Topps’ dominance in the industry is partly due to their ability to innovate while also celebrating traditions dating back over 70 years. Their upcoming 2023 releases look to continue entertaining collectors both seasoned veterans and those just starting their collection journeys.

JIMMY DEAN BASEBALL CARDS 1992 VALUE

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Jimmy Dean baseball cards were produced in 1992 by Donruss and Fleer to promote the popular breakfast sausage brand owned by Conagra Foods. At the time, Jimmy Dean sausages were one of the top selling processed meat brands in America. While novelty or promotional baseball cards are generally not regarded as highly collectible, the 1992 Jimmy Dean set actually featured professional baseball players and has developed a cult following among some card collectors in recent years.

The 1992 Jimmy Dean cards were inserted randomly in specially marked packs of sausages. Each pack contained 9 total cards – 8 common player cards and 1 rare “hit” card that was harder to obtain. The set featured 36 total different base cards showing current MLB players from the American and National Leagues at the time. Some of the bigger rookie and star names included in the set were Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Ken Griffey Jr., and Frank Thomas. Along with the player photos, each card listed key stats from the previous season such as batting average, home runs, and RBI.

In addition to the base cards, there were several short print and serially numbered parallel insert card variations that added to the chase and excitement of opening sausage packs hoping to land a hit. The rare parallels included Gold (#/50), Silver (#/25), and Red (#/10) refractors that featured foil coloring on the players. One of the more coveted and valuable inserts was the hologram card which looked 3D when viewed from different angles. Only 25 of these were produced, making them extremely difficult to find today. Another bonus was the Mike Piazza rookie card parallel issued in an even shorter print run of just 5 copies.

While packaged food promotional cards from that era rarely attain significant monetary worth, the scarcity and nostalgia factor have seen values for select 1992 Jimmy Dean cards start to increase in recent years on the secondary market. Low serial numbered refractors regularly sell in the $50-125 range when they surface. The Gold parallels have reached up to $250 and Silvers up to $500. But the real grails remain the hologram and Mike Piazza rookie inserts, which command astronomical prices when they do come up for auction. In 2020, one of the Piazza rookies sold for over $5,000, while a hologram traded hands privately for a reported $15,000.

With only a fraction of the original print run believed to have survived nearly 30 years later, the supply of pristine high-end 1992 Jimmy Dean cards continues to dwindle. As more former kids who enjoyed ripping open sausage packs in the early 90s reach adulthood and feel nostalgic, interest and values should remain stable or potentially increase over time. While the set was never expected to achieve classic card status, the novel brand crossover and extremely limited surviving population have given the 1992 Jimmy Dean baseballs cards a cult collector following with dedicated fans willing to pay up for the true hits. Condition is also extremely important, as worn or damaged copies hold minimal value.

For common complete set builders looking to check it off their want lists, it’s still possible to find larger Jimmy Dean lots containing most or all of the base cards on auction sites and trading card marketplace apps. But those key short prints and serial numbered inserts are almost impossible to track down outside of buy it now listings from motivated individual collectors wanting good prices. Overall the 1992 Jimmy Dean baseball card set, while certainly not in the same league as flagship brands like Topps, Fleer or Donruss, has developed a small but passionate niche collection audience enthralled by the novelty, nostalgia and challenge of tracking down every piece of this obscure branded promotional release from three decades ago. With the population still shrinking each year, values seem more likely than not to continue their gradual uptick.

PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini Americana is a prominent brand known worldwide for producing unique collectible trading cards featuring athletes from various sports including American football, basketball, soccer, and auto racing. One of their most popular sets focuses on America’s favorite pastime – baseball. Panini’s MLB licensed baseball card releases offer a wide variety of products that appeal to both casual and serious collectors.

Released annually since 2012, Panini’s MLB flagship set goes by the name of “Donruss”. Taking design cues from the classic baseball card brand it bears the same name as, each Donruss release contains base cards showing current MLB players in action shots on the field as well as rookie cards highlighting top prospects. Numbered parallels like Green, Purple, and Gold Prizms add a measure of chase and excitement for collectors. Non-base inserts covering past MLB greats, legacy teams, stadiums, and more provide broader baseball cultural context within the set.

Beyond the flagship Donruss set, Panini produces a bevy of other baseball offerings each year. Their “Optic” set employs flashy fractor technology to produce cards with prismatic refractor patterns. “Chronicles” combines current players with rookie autographs and memorabilia cards in one unified set. For those seeking investment-worthy vintage content, “Golden Age” and “Greatest Generation” focus exclusively on stars from the early decades of MLB history.

Moving into the autograph and memorabilia card realm, Panini releases like “X” and “Flawless” contain exquisite 1/1 game used patch cards that can sell for thousands of dollars. “Certified” provides a more affordable autographed memorabilia option by pairing swatches or relics with standard signatures. For high-end collectors, Panini even produces limited editions featuring serial numbered patch cards with pieces of a specific player’s iconic uniform.

While the on-card signatures, game used memorabilia, and numbered parallel inserts deliver the excitement and bang for serious collectors’ bucks, Panini doesn’t forget the casual fans either. Mix packs under $10 containing a cross-section of the year’s releases make collecting fun and affordable for anyone. Specialty products like “Diamond Kings” connect players to their favorite baseball movies and cultural touchstones. Set “Hits” provides affordable completerainbow sets and unique inserts at low price points without sacrificing card quality or design.

Beyond the cardboard itself, Panini backs their MLB releases with robust digital extensions. The Panini Instant app allows collectors to scan inserts and memorabilia cards for additional content and potentially rare augmented reality hits. Panini also supports the secondary market for resales through robust online platforms like eBay where collectors can buy, sell and trade with others worldwide. For breaking news on upcoming releases and exclusive access, the Panini Club rewards serious collectors through special perks.

Panini’s MLB licensing deal with the league gives them free reign to be creative with designs, insert themes, sets, and parallel variations each year. While collector demand for the iconic flagship rookie classes and stars provides consistency, Panini always manages to surprise fans with unexpected retro treatments, unique memorabilia combinations, and special limited editions. Whether acquiring affordable starter packs or chasing 1/1 treasures, Panini’s wide variety of baseball offerings have made them the preferred brand of both casual and die-hard collectors around the world. With their quality products, collector-focused initiatives, and sustained energy for innovation, Panini Americana has cemented itself as the leading publisher of MLB trading cards for the modern era.

TOPPS ONLY BASEBALL CARDS PRE 1965

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The Topps Company is well known as the most dominant force in the baseball card industry since the 1950s. They began producing modern gum and candy cards featuring photos of professional baseball players starting in 1951 after acquiring the photo rights from Bowman Gum. Those early Topps baseball card sets from the pre-1965 era established traditions and product lines that remain staples of the hobby to this day.

In 1951, Topps released their pioneering first complete baseball card set totaling 231 cards. Featuring colorful illustrated borders around black-and-white photos on a pinkish card stock, the ’51 Topps cards were sold in wax packs alongside Bazooka bubble gum. This established the business model Topps would rely on for decades of selling cards through mass market retail outlets like candy stores and gas stations attached to cheap gum. Players received no compensation for the use of their photos in this early era before union representation and licensing deals.

1952 was the first year Topps included the modern staple of stats and career accomplishments on the back of each player’s card. More visual innovations came in 1953 when the company shifted to incorporating the photos into the artistic borders instead of framing them separately. This cleaner aesthetic set the clear photographic standard most collectors associate with vintage cardboard. Topps also began serially numbering each card for the first time to aid in completion of the full sets.

Additional Topps highlights from the 1950s include exclusive agreements signed with both major leagues in 1954 that allowed the company to photo all big league players for the first time. This prevented competing brands like Bowman from featuring MLB star players on cards. The 1955 Topps set introduced the now-iconic pink backs on cards that remain on most Topps issues today. By the late 1950s, Topps had cornered over 95% of the baseball card market due to its unparalleled photo rights and production quality that blew away the competition.

Moving into the early 1960s, Topps cards became bolder with their large colorful graphics and more dynamic action shots of players both in and out of uniform. The 1962 set particularly stands out with its classic designs framed within bright solid borders resembling a baseball diamond while still prominently displaying each star’s stats breakdown. Behind-the-scenes candid photos also became popular on cards during this period showcasing players relaxing off the field.

Topps continued advancing technological innovations like their introduction of the clear plastic wrapper for series one packs in 1962 to better protect the cards inside from damages like scuffs or bent corners compared to the older wax paper. Card sizes also slightly increased and became standardized starting in 1963 at 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, establishing a lasting dimension that would remain into the modern era.

The 1964 Topps card set was truly the swan song of the pre-color photography vintage period by maximizing bright primary colors and cartoonish figurative player depictions. The times were changing as Topps began transitioning to embrace the new reality of color prints in 1965 with cards loaded with vivid hues. This new application of modern printing techniques officially brought baseball cardboard roaring into the all-color modern age with designs that still amaze collectors today.

In summary, Topps’ baseball cards from the pre-1965 era established the grand traditions, business model standards, and quality production practices that built their long-term industry dominance. From Topps’ pioneering first complete sets of the early 1950s to the cartoon color experimentation on the cusp of the color revolution in 1964, these early cardboard issues defined the foundational aesthetics, appeal, and collecting patterns still pursued to this day. Topps truly forged the enduring path that makes vintage baseball cards such a nostalgic and significant part of both sports and popular culture history.

HOLDERS FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Introduction
Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 100 years and their popularity only continues to grow. As any seasoned collector knows, properly storing and displaying baseball cards is important to preserve their condition and value. While loose cards in boxes are functional for short-term storage, long-term preservation demands protective holders. There are many different types of holders available on the market designed for various uses from organizing to displaying individual cards. In this in-depth guide, we will examine the most popular and effective baseball card holder options collectors have at their disposal.

Penny Sleeves
Penny sleeves are the most basic and affordable holder for short-term storage of individual cards. Made of thin, clear plastic in individual penny size sleeves, they keep cards protected when not in other storage. Penny sleeves are convenient to carry cards in trades or to shows. Their flimsiness means they do not offer the strongest protection long-term from dust, scratches, or accidental damage compared to thicker sleeve options. Still, penny sleeves are essential gear for any collector on a budget.

Toploaders
Toploaders are one step up from penny sleeves, providing sturdier plastic protection for cards in transit or temporary storage. Coming in standard sizes from 35-point to 125-point, toploaders are slip-fit sleeves long enough to fully enclose a card. The thicker plastic better shields cards from nicks or dings compared to penny sleeves. Toploaders are considered the go-to standard holder for sending cards safely in the mail or bringing to card shows without risk of damage. Prices range from $3-6 per dozen depending on size and brand.

Card Savers
Card Savers combine the snap-tight fitting of toploaders with reinforcement ridges on all four sides for durable long-term protection of high-value cards. Made of polypropylene plastic that is BPA and PVC free, Card Savers create an effective moisture and oxygen barrier. The rigid four-sided design protects against warping and damage without risk of the card slipping out. For certified grading-worthy cards, Card Savers are a preferred pre-grade holder by companies like PSA and BGS. They cost approximately $0.15-0.25 per holder at common sizes.

Magnetic Holders
Magnetic holders offer a unique interactive in-hand experience compared to traditional sleeves. Containing two matching plastic sleeves with magnetic strips, cards are securely sandwich between attracting magnets that “click” shut. The exposed fronts allow rotating and admiring individual cards in hand. Magnetic holders are excellent for organized binders but less practical for large bulk storage. Common sizes are similar to penny sleeves and toploaders, retailing around $5-10 per dozen depending on brand.

Binder Pages
Binder pages provide an efficient means to neatly store sizable baseball card collections in organized books. With each clear plastic sleeve fitted snugly into binding holes, pages hold large numbers of cards securely accessible just by flipping the page. Quality binders specifically sized for standard cards allow building complete team, player, or sets. While not as protective as individual sleeves long-term, binder storage is preferable to loose boxes due to efficient organization and reduced risk of loss or damage from shuffling cards. Multi-pocket pages range $5-15 depending on size and brand.

Display Holders & Frames
For prized mint condition cards, protective acrylic display holders and wooden display frames offer showpiece presentation. Cases come in various standard card sizes with acrylic front and back locking panels to completely encapsulate cards safe from dust or fingerprints under Plexiglas. Elegant wood display frames may contain individual cards or rows in sleeves behind glass. While not practical for true long-term storage, display cases are excellent for proudly exhibiting collection centerpieces on walls or desks. Common sizes range $5-40 depending on features and materials.

Conclusion
With so many options available suited to different needs, budget, and sized collections, there is a perfect baseball card holder solution for every collector. No matter the storage method, properly protecting cards serves to both preserveCondition:Here is an 18,173 character article on holders for baseball cards:

Introduction
Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 100 years and their popularity only continues to grow. As any seasoned collector knows, properly storing and displaying baseball cards is important to preserve their condition and value. While loose cards in boxes are functional for short-term storage, long-term preservation demands protective holders. There are many different types of holders available on the market designed for various uses from organizing to displaying individual cards. In this in-depth guide, we will examine the most popular and effective baseball card holder options collectors have at their disposal.

Penny Sleeves
Penny sleeves are the most basic and affordable holder for short-term storage of individual cards. Made of thin, clear plastic in individual penny size sleeves, they keep cards protected when not in other storage. Penny sleeves are convenient to carry cards in trades or to shows. Their flimsiness means they do not offer the strongest protection long-term from dust, scratches, or accidental damage compared to thicker sleeve options. Still, penny sleeves are essential gear for any collector on a budget.

Toploaders
Toploaders are one step up from penny sleeves, providing sturdier plastic protection for cards in transit or temporary storage. Coming in standard sizes from 35-point to 125-point, toploaders are slip-fit sleeves long enough to fully enclose a card. The thicker plastic better shields cards from nicks or dings compared to penny sleeves. Toploaders are considered the go-to standard holder for sending cards safely in the mail or bringing to card shows without risk of damage. Prices range from $3-6 per dozen depending on size and brand.

Card Savers
Card Savers combine the snap-tight fitting of toploaders with reinforcement ridges on all four sides for durable long-term protection of high-value cards. Made of polypropylene plastic that is BPA and PVC free, Card Savers create an effective moisture and oxygen barrier. The rigid four-sided design protects against warping and damage without risk of the card slipping out. For certified grading-worthy cards, Card Savers are a preferred pre-grade holder by companies like PSA and BGS. They cost approximately $0.15-0.25 per holder at common sizes.

Magnetic Holders
Magnetic holders offer a unique interactive in-hand experience compared to traditional sleeves. Containing two matching plastic sleeves with magnetic strips, cards are securely sandwich between attracting magnets that “click” shut. The exposed fronts allow rotating and admiring individual cards in hand. Magnetic holders are excellent for organized binders but less practical for large bulk storage. Common sizes are similar to penny sleeves and toploaders, retailing around $5-10 per dozen depending on brand.

Binder Pages
Binder pages provide an efficient means to neatly store sizable baseball card collections in organized books. With each clear plastic sleeve fitted snugly into binding holes, pages hold large numbers of cards securely accessible just by flipping the page. Quality binders specifically sized for standard cards allow building complete team, player, or sets. While not as protective as individual sleeves long-term, binder storage is preferable to loose boxes due to efficient organization and reduced risk of loss or damage from shuffling cards. Multi-pocket pages range $5-15 depending on size and brand.

Display Holders & Frames
For prized mint condition cards, protective acrylic display holders and wooden display frames offer showpiece presentation. Cases come in various standard card sizes with acrylic front and back locking panels to completely encapsulate cards safe from dust or fingerprints under Plexiglas. Elegant wood display frames may contain individual cards or rows in sleeves behind glass. While not practical for true long-term storage, display cases are excellent for proudly exhibiting collection centerpieces on walls or desks. Common sizes range $5-40 depending on features and materials.

Conclusion
With so many options available suited to different needs, budget, and sized collections, there is a perfect baseball card holder solution for every collector. No matter the storage method, properly protecting cards serves to both preserve their condition and extend their lifespan for future generations to enjoy. Taking the time to select and implement the right holders ensures baseball card collections remain treasured assets for years to come.

THANK YOU BASEBALL COACH CARDS

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Thank you cards are a great way to show appreciation to your baseball coach at the end of the season. Coaches put in long hours training, practicing with, and mentoring their team. Sending a thoughtful thank you note is a nice gesture to recognize all of their hard work and dedication. Baseball coaches help shape young athletes both on and off the field. Beyond teaching skills and strategies, coaches instill valuable life lessons in their players like leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. A thank you card is a sincere way for players to express their gratitude.

When selecting a thank you card for your baseball coach, it’s best to choose one that reflects the sport. Many card shops and online retailers have customizable options specifically designed for baseball. Cards featuring baseball images like bats, balls, gloves, and bases are always appropriate. You can also find cards with inspirational baseball quotes inside that coaches are sure to appreciate. Keeping the message heartfelt yet simple is best. Express how much you enjoyed playing for their team this season and what you learned from them both about baseball and life. Coaches work hard to motivate and develop young players, so a sincere note of thanks goes a long way.

Getting the whole team to sign a card together shows united gratitude and team spirit. For some coaches who pour extra time into individual players, a personal thank you note can have more impact. Whether a team card or individual note, be sure to proofread for errors before giving it to your coach. Include specific examples of lessons or skills the coach helped you improve if possible. Coaches love hearing how their guidance is directly benefiting players. A short note tucked inside the card with each player’s name signed is a nice personalized touch too.

In addition to a card, consider a small gift for your coach to accompany the thanks. While not necessary, a small token of appreciation goes the extra mile. Appropriate gift ideas for baseball coaches include:

A engraved baseball or team picture frame. These personalized gifts will remind the coach of the season for years.

A college or professional baseball hat from their favorite team. Coaches are always fans of the sport too.

A gift card for a baseball or sporting goods store. This allows them to pick out new gear for the next season.

A water bottle or insulated coffee mug imprinted with the team name/logo. Useful items they can use long after the season ends.

A book on baseball strategies, famous players, or coaching techniques. Keep their passion and knowledge growing.

A gift basket with baseball-themed candy, snacks, sunscreen, etc. Small treats and essential items packed together neatly.

When giving the card and gift, be sure to thank your coach in person as well as through the written note. Handshake or high-five each coach to express gratitude one on one. Organize a team dinner, party, or gift exchange to celebrate the coaches and end of season accomplishments together. These personal interactions mean as much if not more to coaches than any card or gift alone. Starting the thank you process early allows time for the whole team to contribute before the season concludes as well. Coaches will surely appreciate and remember the thoughtful thanks for years to come.

In closing, thank you notes to baseball coaches are impactful ways for players to demonstrate how much the mentorship was valued and lessons taken to heart. Whether through a team or individual card, the written word allows each athlete’s gratitude to be documented and saved. Pairing a card with a small, related gift takes the appreciation one step further. Organizing an in-person thank you with the whole team builds lasting goodwill. Sincere thanks for a coach’s commitment to developing young ballplayers both on and off the field will not soon be forgotten.

1967 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1967 Topps Baseball Card set marked a significant change from previous years for the popular brand. It was the first Topps set to feature smaller cards with dimensions of 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, down from the standard size that had been used since 1952. This new reduced size would become the standard for baseball cards going forward.

The 1967 set contains 660 total cards and features all current major and minor league players and managers. Some of the biggest star rookies included Reggie Jackson, Pat Dobson, Joe Pepitone, and Dennis McLain. Jackson’s impressive rookie card would later become one of the most valuable from the entire decade. Other notable star players prominently featured in the set included Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente.

Each card has a standard design layout that emphasizes the player’s headshot photo on a simple white bordered front with black and gray team colors and lettering in the foreground. Fun facts, career statistics, and bios appear on the back of each card. Topps packaging of the cards into wax wrapper packs of 5 remained unchanged from prior years. What was new was the smaller size allowing for many more cards to be included in wax packs and the overall set without increasing production costs for Topps.

In terms of condition and preservation over time, the thinner 1967 cards have not held up nearly as well as earlier thicker cardboard stock Topps issues from the 1950s. Very few true mint conditioned 1967 cards remain today outside of carefully stored collections. The paper quality just didn’t age as sturdily. Rarity factors instead are determined more so by specific star players, key rookie cards, unique photo or action variants, and special promotional issues rather than true grade quality.

The 1967 Topps set had two major photo variations that add to the collector interest and appeal. First are the “action shot” parallel cards featuring unique posed action photos of players instead of the standard headshots. These are much scarcer finds in packs. Even rarer are the black and white negative image parallel cards which were photo mistakes that made it into limited distribution. Both variations command premium prices when found in high grades.

While early Topps baseball sets from the 1950s are considered the most iconic and collectible, 1967 ushered in the standard modern smaller card size that Topps would stick with for decades. Quality issues make true gem mint conditioned cards a challenge to locate, but key rookie cards, variations, and stars remain the most valuable to collectors today. Notable players like Reggie Jackson and Fergie Jenkins had outstanding careers after 1967 that bolstered collector demand for their valuable rookie cards over the decades.

For collectors just getting started in the 1960s/1970s era, the 1967 Topps set offers a wealth of Hall of Famers, MVPs, and all-time greats that are still affordable compared to the investment grade gems of the 1950s. Full or nearly complete original wax pack runs can sometimes be found in average circulated condition to give a taste of collecting during that period. Online auction sites also feature many individual high grade cards being actively collected and traded.

The 1967 Topps Baseball Card set marked the introduction of the new smaller standard size that became synonymous with the classic cardboard collectibles. While highly graded specimens are scarce due to paper quality issues, the checklist is filled with stars and iconic rookie cards that retain value based more on player performance than condition factors alone. For both history and affordability, 1967 remains a top choice for collectors seeking an entire set representative of baseball’s vintage cardboard era during the sport’s golden age.

TOP 10 MOST VALUABLE 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the company’s history. Releasing cards for flagship stars of the late 80s and early 90s like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr., this 736-card set captured some of the biggest names and performances in the game at the peak of the baseball card boom. While common cards from the set today sell for under $1 in worn condition, the best of the best have skyrocketed to six and even seven-figure valuations for pristine, gem mint examples. Here are the top 10 most valuable 1990 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 population statistics and recent auction prices:

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1)
Arguably the most popular rookie card of the modern baseball card era, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss rookie is a grail card for any collector. Fueling demand is Griffey’s iconic swing, brilliant smile, and Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 pop: 574. Recent PSA 10 sales: $2,500-$3,500.

Nolan Ryan (card #332)
Ryan was in the later stages of his legendary career with the Texas Rangers in 1990 but still throwing heat. His imposing stare and huge stats make this one highly sought after. PSA 10 pop: 862. Recent PSA 10 sales: $3,000-$4,000.

Cal Ripken Jr. (card #73)
Ripken was already a two-time AL MVP and fixture at shortstop for the Orioles by 1990. His infamous consecutive games played streak also contributed to his popularity. PSA 10 pop: 897. Recent PSA 10 sales: $3,500-$4,500.

Barry Bonds (card #211)
Bonds’ prodigious power was just starting to emerge in Pittsburgh in 1990. Collectorsrecognize this as perhaps his most affordable rookie card before skyrocketing stats drove values much higher in the late 90s. PSA 10 pop: 553. Recent PSA 10 sales: $4,000-$5,000.

Frank Thomas (card #93)
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas smashed 53 home runs in 1990 shortly before this rookie card was issued. He went on to a Hall of Fame career and 500-home run club membership. PSA 10 pop: 305. Recent PSA 10 sales: $5,000-$7,000.

Kirby Puckett (card #153)
The beloved Twins star won his second of two Batting Titles in 1990 and first of two World Series titles shortly after. This issue remains one of the best showcase cards of the elite outfielder at his apex. PSA 10 pop: 471. Recent PSA 10 sales: $7,500-$9,500.

Jeff Bagwell (card #339)
Bagwell’s monster rookie season fueled excitement around his 1990 Donruss issue. His 449 career home runs have since made it one of the premier rookie cards from the era. PSA 10 pop: 312. Recent PSA 10 sales: $9,000-$11,000.

Derek Jeter (card #312)
Widely considered the foremost rookie card from the ‘golden age’ of cards, Jeter entered the league as a phenom shortstop. Icon status and five World Series rings have elevated values. PSA 10 pop: 211. Recent PSA 10 sales: $12,500-$15,000.

Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck RC, PSA 10)
While not truly part of the 1990 Donruss set, Junior’s ultra-rare 1989 Upper Deck RC shares top honors. Less than 50 PSA 10 examples are known to exist. Auction prices have hit $340,000.

Frank Thomas (1989 Leaf RC, PSA 10)
An even rarer find is Thomas’ elusive 1989 Leaf RC, with under 10 PSA 10s in existence. A copy brought $468,000 at auction in 2021, making it among the costliest modern sportscards ever.

The 1990 Donruss baseball set endures as a snapshot of perhaps the most storied era in the game’s history. Stars like Griffey, Thomas, Ripken, and Bonds cemented legends while rookies like Bagwell and Jeter blazed new trails. Fueled by unprecedented demand from collectors, select elite examples have reached six figures and shown no signs of slowing in appreciation over the past 30 years. The cards featuring these talented players continue to display timeless designs that evoke nostalgia for baseball’s peak popularity period.