DEAN’s SPORTS CARDS BASEBALL

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Dean’s Sports Cards has been a leading hobby shop for collectors of sports cards, memorabilia, and other collectibles for over 30 years. Located in a small town in Ohio, Dean’s began as a small storefront operation started by Dean Miller, an avid baseball fan and collector himself. Over the decades, Dean’s has grown into one of the most well-known and trusted sources for collectors across the country. While they carry items from many sports, their extensive collection of vintage and modern baseball cards remains the heart and soul of their business.

Baseball cards have been collected for over 130 years, beginning with the earliest tobacco cards of the late 1800s. Dean’s prides itself on having one of the most extensive archives of vintage baseball cards in existence, with examples dating all the way back to those original tobacco issues. Some of their rarest and most prized possessions include honors cards of legends like Cy Young, Honus Wagner, and Babe Ruth from the very earliest days of the hobby. Dean’s basement vault is a veritable museum paying homage to the history of the sport.

In addition to one-of-a-kind vintage rarities, Dean’s also carries extensive selections of modern baseball cards from the past several decades. Their inventory is massive, with unopened boxes and cases of sets from the 1970s all the way to the present day. Whether a collector is looking to fill in the holes in their childhood collection or start a new project, Dean’s vast selection makes it easy to find what you need. Their staff is also exceptionally knowledgeable about the nuances of different eras and sets, able to offer guidance on value and collectibility.

While their brick-and-mortar location remains the heart of their business, Dean’s also operates a robust online storefront. This allows collectors from around the world to access their inventory without needing to visit in-person. The online store makes the entire collection searchable and available with the click of a button. Items can be shipped anywhere, opening up Dean’s reach far beyond their local customer base. Condition guides, set checklists, and in-depth historical articles also enhance the online experience.

In addition to ready-to-buy singles, wax packs, and boxes, Dean’s also offers a variety of custom slabbed and graded cards. They have relationships with all the major grading services, allowing consignments to flow smoothly. Slabs protect valuable vintage and modern cardboard in pristine condition while also establishing verified grades. This adds confidence for serious investors and elevates pieces to museum quality. Dean’s staff can also assist with custom submission needs for collectors.

For investors and high-end collectors, Dean’s runs regular public auctions throughout the year in conjunction with industry-leading auction houses. Rarities from their own inventory are made available alongside external consignments. Online and in-person bidding options cater to all collector budgets and preferences. Previous auctions have featured seven-figure sales of iconic cards like the T206 Honus Wagner and items from the personal collections of baseball legends. All auctions are an event for the card collecting community.

In the store and online, Dean’s also focuses on exclusive memorabilia to complement their extensive card offerings. Game-used bats, jerseys, balls, photos, and other authentic pieces of baseball history can be found. Many items come directly from retired players, coaches, and other VIPs. The store also sells collectibles from other sports, movies, music, and more. But baseball will always remain the true heart and soul of Dean’s extensive collection.

After three decades, Dean’s Sports Cards continues to be run by Dean and his family with the same level of passion and dedication to their customers that began it all. The store has become a local landmark and national destination. Dean’s massive collection, expertise, and personalized service have made it the most trusted name for collectors pursuing the hobby of baseball cards and beyond. Their impact on the sports memorabilia industry is immense and will ensure Dean’s legacy continues for generations to come.

DONRUSS 91 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The design features sharp photography and a clean layout that still holds up today. While it may not contain the star rookies or hall of famers of some other years, the 1991 Donruss set provides collectors with affordable vintage cards of stars from that era that can still appreciate in value.

Released in 1991 at the height of the baseball card boom, Donruss printed the set in massive numbers with production runs estimated to be over 1 billion cards. While this high print run means common cards are still easy to find, the sheer number of collectors opening packs in the early 90s also leads to more wear and tear on the cards over the decades. Near mint to mint condition examples of even common players can still hold nice value.

The base card design is clean and straightforward, with a solid color background, team logo at top, and black and white photo taking up most of the front of the card. Statistics are listed on the back along with the standard Donruss design elements. The photo quality and crispness varies depending on the individual photographer, but overall the images have aged very well. Rarity is determined by serial number, with parallel subsets like “Diamond Kings” adding complexity.

Let’s take a look at some of the top valuable cards and players from the 1991 Donruss baseball set that still attract interest from collectors today:

Ken Griffey Jr – The rookie card of “The Kid” is one of the key chase cards from the set. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $1000. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $100-200. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars in 1991.

Cal Ripken Jr – Ripken was in the midst of his incredible consecutive games played streak. His ’91 Donruss card remains one of his most iconic and is highly sought after by Ripken PC collectors. PSA 10’s have sold for $500-600 range.

Roberto Alomar – Alomar’s smooth defensive skills and hitting prowess made him a fan favorite. His rookie card carries a BV of around $50-75 in top grades.

Tom Glavine – The ace lefty’s rookie is one of the key Braves cards from the era. PSA 10’s have reached $150-200.

David Justice – As an Atlanta star, Justice’s rookie remains popular. Near mint copies can sell for $30-50.

Dennis Eckersley – Eck was already an established closer but his card is popular with A’s and Red Sox collectors. PSA 10’s have sold for $150-200.

Bobby Bonilla – The smooth-swinging Bonilla was a prolific hitter for many years. His card holds a BV of $15-30 in top condition.

Darren Daulton – “Dutch” was a gritty leader of those early 90’s Phils teams. His card has a BV around $10-20.

Jeff Bagwell – Bagwell’s early success foretold a hall of fame career. His rookie has sold for $50-75 in top grades.

David Cone – As a staff ace, Cone’s card remains popular with Yankees collectors. PSA 10’s have reached $75-100.

Andres Galarraga – “The Big Cat” was one of the game’s most feared sluggers. His card holds a $10-15 value.

While stars like Griffey Jr. and Ripken Jr. lead the way, there are also plenty of affordable vintage cards throughout the set of other talent from that era. For example, PSA 9 copies of the above players often sell in the $10-30 range. The 1991 Donruss set captured a great time for the sport and provides an affordable entry point for collectors looking to build their vintage collections. For those who enjoyed the players, teams and designs from that year, it remains one of the most iconic and collectible sets from the junk wax era. Graded examples in top condition of stars from that time will likely continue their steady appreciation over the long term. The clean and classic photography based design has ensured the 1991 Donruss set remains a set collectors enjoy to this day.

1990 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Topps All Star Baseball card set was released midway through the 1990 MLB season as a special collector’s set by Topps to commemorate some of the best players in baseball at the time. The set contains 36 cards featuring excellent players who had established themselves as top talents in their respective leagues. This special All Star release gives collectors and fans a chance to own cards of big name players separate from their standard team sets.

Some of the biggest names featured in the 1990 Topps All Star Baseball set include Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Ozzie Smith, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan. These were unquestionably some of the most popular and accomplished players in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Puckett had just led the Twins to the 1987 and 1991 World Series titles while Boggs and Gwynn were dominant hitters winning batting titles. Smith, Bonds, and Henderson terrorized opposing defenses on the basepaths. Meanwhile, Clemens and Ryan were still overpowering hitters in their late 30s as two of the game’s all-time great pitchers.

Beyond just the huge star power featured, the 1990 Topps All Star Baseball set also does a great job highlighting the balance between the American and National Leagues. There are 18 cards representing the AL and 18 devoted to the NL. Position players are well represented along with several top pitchers to make for a nicely curated mix. Rosters for both leagues capture not just the very biggest names, but also players who were standouts for their respective teams and leagues at the time like Bobby Bonilla, Dennis Eckersley, and Mark McGwire among others.

In terms of design and production qualities, the 1990 Topps All Star Baseball cards have a fairly basic look that was common for the era. A solid light blue border encases each 3.5″ x 2.5″ card with team logo at the top. Headshots of the players are featured on the front with their name, uniform number, and team clearly listed. Biographical information as well as career highlights and stats are printed on the back. The simplicity allows the focus to remain squarely on celebrating the talents and accomplishments of these all-star level performers.

When it comes to the condition and rarity of the 1990 Topps All Star Baseball cards, there are a few key factors collectors look at. As a special limited collector’s set, the print run for these cards was significantly smaller compared to the standard team sets released that same year. Population reports suggest only around 500,000 total cards were produced, making high grade specimens more scarce. The light blue borders also shows wear more easily over time. Since it was not a “rookie card” set, relatively fewer were pulled and submitted for grading over the decades. As a result, mid-grade examples suitable for most collections remain attainable for enthusiasts.

Prices for 1990 Topps All Star Baseball cards will range quite a bit depending on the individual player and condition. Some in near mint to mint condition have sold recently online for between $10-30 with the most desirable stars like Puckett, Bonds, and Clemens climbing above $100. Well preserved rare rookie cards can reach $500-1000. There are also plenty of opportunities to acquire cards of accomplished players like Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Ozzie Smith in played condition for just a few dollars as a fun affordable way to land cards from this legendary set. It remains one of the finer All Star collections ever produced by Topps.

For the serious baseball card collector, historians, or fans just looking to commemorate some of the game’s greats from the late 80s and early 90s peak, the 1990 Topps All Star Baseball set endures as a prized component of any collection. Its fairly basic and straightforward approach allows the raw talent showcased to shine through untouched. While its limited production run means higher grades won’t be easy to locate, there are still plenty of reasonably priced means to add these stars of the day to one’s hoard. Three decades later, this snapshot of top All Star performers lives on as a memorable piece of the rich culture and history surrounding America’s pastime.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 1970’s

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The 1970s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. Following the surge in popularity that occurred during the post-World War II era, the sport and its accompanying collecting hobby reached new heights. Technologies like color printing became more widely available, insert cards with innovative designs were introduced, and many of the game’s greatest stars from that era had rookie or early career cards issued. As a result, several 1970s-issued baseball cards have reached immense value today due to their historical significance, scarcity, and condition. Here are some of the most valuable and desirable cards produced during the Me Decade.

Perhaps the single most coveted and expensive baseball card worldwide is the 1949 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card. While not from the 1970s itself, the card reached new appreciation levels during that decade as Mantle-mania took hold. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold at auction for well over $1 million, making it significantly more valuable than any other card issued. Another Mantle card that sharply rose in prominence was his 1952 Topps card, widely considered one of the most beautiful baseball designs ever made. High grade copies can sell for six figures.

During the 1970s, two rookies emerged who would eventually join Mantle in the pantheon of baseball legends – George Brett and Nolan Ryan. Brett’s 1974 Topps rookie card stood out not just for his talent but also its striking photo and design, with the future Hall of Famer smiling in a Blue Jay uniform. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for over $25,000. Ryan’s 1966 Topps rookie also gained immense value as his 27-year career saw him rack up mind-boggling stats like 5,714 strikeouts. A pristine example can reach $50,000.

Two of the most iconic and important players of the 1970s had invaluable rookie cards as well – Reggie Jackson’s 1967 Topps and Ozzie Smith’s 1978 Topps issues. “Mr. October’s” aggressive pose made his one of the coolest and most recognizable of its time. Graded mint copies trade hands for north of $15,000. Meanwhile, “The Wizard’s” slick defensive skills were apparent before he became a 13-time Gold Glove winner. Near-perfect specimens sell for around $8,000.

Several other 1970s stars possessing highly valued rookie cards include Tom Seaver’s famous 1967 Topps card, with its “Tom Terrific” logo selling for over $10,000 in top condition. Steve Garvey’s 1968 Topps rookie of the bespectacled Brooklyn Dodgers rookie brings $3,000-$5,000. Meanwhile, Johnny Bench’s 1968 Topps issue established him as a future Hall of Famer and can fetch multiple thousands as well.

Insert sets from the 1970s also gained lasting popularity. In 1975, Topps released the first Traded set featuring players who had switched teams mid-season. Highlights include a Nolan Ryan Astros card and Catfish Hunter Yankees issue. Complete PSA 10 sets have sold for $30,000. Another innovative subset was 1977 Topps Star Stickers–die-cut stars could be peeled off and stuck anywhere. Near complete sticker books command $5,000.

Among the most visually striking cards of the 1970s were those produced via photo variations. The 1971 Topps Santiago issue exists with a regular photo or one showing him holding a ball–the latter variation earns $1,500 alone in top shape. Another example is Joe Rudi’s 1975 Topps card, which has a major league photo swapped for an unknown minor leaguer in error. Just 150 of the “Rudi Rookie” mistake exist, valuable at $3,000 apiece.

The 1970s represented the artistic peak and explosive growth of the baseball card industry. Legends were born, technologies advanced, and designs broke new ground. As a result, many classic cards from that era retain immense widespread popularity and value decades later. Whether its all-time great rookies, innovative subsets, or photographic anomalies, select 1970s issues can sell for sums greater than any other sport’s memorabilia from that period. Going forward, as the decades recede further into the past, such collectibles will likely retain and potentially increase their already tremendous worth.

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1967 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1967 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after complete sets by collectors. Issued during the Summer of Love in 1967, the cards featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and captured the aesthetic of the times with colorful photography on a brightly painted background. The set contains 660 total cards and is considered by many the high point of visual design for the entire Post-War Topps run that spanned from 1948 to 1981.

Looking back, 1967 was truly a magical year for baseball. The Minnesota Twins won the American League pennant behind the pitching of Jim Kaat and the hitting of stars Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew. In the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the San Francisco Giants in a tight pennant race led by Bob Gibson’s dominant season. The Twins then defeated the Cardinals in a thrilling 7-game World Series that went down to the wire. Topps did an excellent job highlighting the seasons biggest moments and players within the cards that year.

In terms of design, the 1967 set stands out with its psychedelic pop art styling. Each player’s photo is surrounded by a colorful border that uses bright primary colors like red, yellow and blue against white or grey backgrounds. Topps also incorporated cartoon-like elements into the borders such as stars, clouds, streaks and zig-zags that gave the cards a very hip vibe. On the backs, statistics were presented in easy to read bold fonts against solid blocks of colors. One small criticism is that some borders overwhelmed the photos a bit, but overall it was a radical departure from previous drab designs.

The sheer volume of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats featured in the 1967 set is staggering. Legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Johnny Bench and Reggie Jackson all had rookie cards in the set. Legends like Mickey Mantle, Ernie Banks, Roberto Clemente and others were still in their prime. Arguably the most valuable card in the set is the Hank Aaron rookie, which in mint condition can sell for well over $100,000. Another coveted card is the Reggie Jackson rookie, which has also cracked the $100k mark in pristine “gem mint” state.

Completing the 1967 Topps set in high grade is no small feat, as many of the cards have not held up well over decades of circulation. The bright colors and dull paper stock used has caused fading, creasing and other wear issues common to vintage cards from that time period. Collectors should expect substantial premiums paid for cards grading EX-MT or higher on the accepted grading scales. Lower grade examples are still quite collectible, but true “investment quality” gems that can appreciate substantially over time are few and far between for this particular issue.

In terms of scarcity and demand, the 1967 Topps set truly has it all. Iconic rookie cards, Hall of Fame talents across the board, as well as a retro-cool psychedelic design scheme that is still admired today as a classic of pop culture. For dedicated vintage collectors, owning a high-quality example of this complete 660 card rainbow is considered one of the holy grails. While it may seem like an insurmountable challenge, with patience and deeper pockets collectors can still track down all the cards needed to finish such an historically significant set over time on the secondary market. For its mixture of talented subjects, memorable photography and radical graphic innovations, the 1967 Topps baseball card set remains one of the most beloved issues in the entire hobby.

The 1967 Topps baseball card complete set stands tall as a true monument of 20th century pop culture collecting. Featuring some of the game’s all-time greatest players encapsulated at the height of their powers, combined with psychedelic-inspired design that still feels fresh, it’s easy to see why this particular set continues to capture imaginations and demand high prices decades after first being distributed. For serious vintage collectors, amassing a pristine 1967 Topps rainbow in its entirety remains the pinnacle achievement and will assuredly retain its iconic status for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS SHORT PRINT

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans of America’s pastime for over a century. While the vast majority of cards produced in a given year are common and can be found with relative ease, some cards are intentionally printed in far fewer numbers than others. These scarce short print cards have long held a special appeal for dedicated collectors.

The concept of the short print in baseball cards originated in the early 1950s as the modern post-World War II era of mass-produced cardboard was taking shape. Bowman and Topps, the two dominant manufacturers at the time, began experimenting with printing select cards in limited numbers as a way to add variety and intrigue to their releases. Early short prints may have been as few as one per case of cards. Finding one became a thrill of the hobby and instantly elevated their status.

As production and distribution expanded, target print runs for short prints increased but remained modest. By the 1960s, Topps was printing certain cards at rates around one per pack or one per box. Bowman targeted figures closer to one per two or three packs. Still, compared to the mainstream cards which numbered in the millions or tens of millions, these output levels guaranteed the short prints would be scarce. Their elusiveness is what made them so desirable.

The specific players or teams chosen for short print treatment varied greatly over the decades. Early examples included obscure minor leaguers or lesser known teams. As the hobby grew in the 1970s, stars like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson and Nolan Ryan received the short print treatment from Topps. Bowman focused short prints on popular young talents like George Brett. Regional variations also emerged, with short prints highlighting hometown heroes for specific areas of the country.

Topps is generally credited with establishing the modern conventions for short prints. In the 1980s, the company began numbering the short prints at the end of each series, usually in the high 800s or low 900s. This made them easier to identify versus simply being unknown scarce cards. Topps also started including short prints of the biggest stars like Mike Schmidt and Wade Boggs to increase fan interest. Other manufacturers followed suit with their own numbering systems.

While short prints were initially happy surprises for collectors, their scarcity became a point of contention as values rose dramatically. In the late 1980s, shows emerged where unscrupulous individuals would “doctor” common cards to resemble short prints, damaging the integrity of the hobby. In response, manufacturers implemented tougher anti-counterfeiting measures like color-shifting ink and microprinting. Still, reprints and forgeries persist as issues today.

As the 1990s rolled around, the definition of a short print expanded. Insert cards featuring parallel images, autographs or memorabilia emerged in place of traditional base short prints. Parallel sets like Topps Finest and Bowman’s Best highlighted short printed parallels within their premium products. Inserts like Topps Archives Autographs guaranteed autograph relic short prints. Manufacturers also experimented with serial numbering short prints like Topps Tek.

In the modern era, short prints remain an integral part of the collector experience. While print runs have increased overall with the explosion of interest, manufacturers still release short printed parallels and inserts at rates comparable to the heyday of the 1970s-80s. Popular examples include Topps Chrome refractors, Bowman Chrome autographs and Topps Transcendent memorabilia cards. Regional and team sets also provide new short print opportunities.

The hobby continues to debate how scarce constitutes a true short print. Some purists argue anything over a few hundred is too common, while others accept anything under a couple thousand. As with any collecting category, condition and scarcity ultimately determine value. But the allure of finding that one-in-a-box hit endures as the driving force behind short print mania for baseball card collectors today, just as it was for the pioneers who first experienced the thrill of the chase decades ago.

PLACES NEAR ME THAT BUY BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL CARDS

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Are you looking to sell your collection of baseball cards, football cards, or other sports cards? While you could try selling them online through platforms like eBay, it can sometimes be easier and more convenient to find local shops that buy sports cards. Here are some of the top options near you for places that purchase baseball and football cards.

Sports Cards Plus – This shop has been a staple in the area for over 25 years for buying, selling, trading, and collecting all things cards. Whether you have vintage treasures from the 1950s or recent modern ball players, Sports Cards Plus pays top dollar for near mint and better condition cards. They specialize in baseball, football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, and non-sports cards. To get the most value for your cards, it’s best to call ahead for an appointment so one of their experts can provide you with a cash offer over the phone. They pay competitively and have thousands of cards in stock to browse and make potential trades. Customers praise their friendly and knowledgeable staff. The shop is located at 1234 Main St. and opens daily.

Game Time Collectibles – As the name implies, Game Time focuses exclusively on sports-related collectibles including autographed memorabilia, jerseys, bobbleheads, photos, and cards. They have a large walk-in case full of thousands of newly released and vintage cards categorized by sport and player. Customers report Game Time often offers some of the highest prices locally for valuable rare editions. While they accept all sports cards in any condition, their buyers are especially interested in well-centered mint condition cards from the 1950s-1980s that can grade PSA/BGS 8 or higher. Be prepared to provide details on specific players, sets, and any notable flaws when looking to sell. Cards are purchased daily during business hours. Game Time is located downtown at 456 Elm Ave.

SportsCards.com – As one of the larger card shops in the city, SportsCards.com is the place to go if you have a massive long-standing collection to sell all at once. The shop boasts over 10,000 square feet of retail card space filled from floor to ceiling. They have a dedicated team of five full-time staff whose sole focus is on evaluating collections and making cash offers on the spot. SportsCards.com buys all sports at all levels from commons to ultra high-end. Being an internet retailer themselves, they are particularly interested in large multi-box lots and full sets to resell online. Before visiting, contact their collection buyers department to provide details on what you have and to setup an appointment. SportsCards.com accepts everyday during store hours and is located just off the highway at 789 Industry Blvd.

Stadium Cards – Baseball cards are what Stadium Cards was built on over 30 years ago and remains their specialty to this day. As exclusively a baseball focused store, their buyers have unmatched expertise to offer extremely competitive pricing on all things related to America’s pastime. Stadium Cards prides itself on fast payment and a relaxed hassle-free selling process. Simply bring in your cards to be cashed out during normal business hours – no appointment needed. In addition to newer sets, they are always in the market for vintage greats like Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and others. Stadium Cards has a loyal local following and is easy to access just down the road from the ballpark at 12345 Ballpark Ave.

AnySportz – For a more versatile experience, AnySportz handles all trading card sports under one roof from their superstore location. The store hosts weekly events, tournaments, and seminars that draw enthusiastic collectors from around the city. Their large knowledgeable buying staff is on-site daily from open to close. AnySportz purchases individual cards, complete sets, partial collections, memorabilia, and other related items from any sport or era in any condition. Before your visit, call their collection line for a preliminary cash offer amount while providing an estimated number of cards and general condition overview. Customers like that AnySportz offers merchandise credit in addition to cash towards future purchases. The store is very easy to find near the mall at 987 Commerce Way.

NorthStar Sports – Venturing slightly outside the city, NorthStar Sports in the suburbs has been praised as one of the most reputable sports memorabilia and card buyers around. While their inventory is primarily purchased online, their brick and mortar location is the go-to spot each Wednesday evening from 5-8 pm specifically dedicated to evaluating collections to make cash offers. NorthStar focuses on high-end condition cards from the 1970s to 1990s peak of collecting. An appointment is recommended during these times to ensure individual attention from their top buyer. NorthStar pays extremely well for valuable complete sets and trades of Hall of Famers in gem mint condition. They are very easy to access just off the highway at 456 Country Road.

Showcase Cards – For a true nostalgic sports memorabilia experience, check out family-owned Showcase Cards which has provided the local community with cards since the 1990s at their small shop feel location. Every Saturday is their “sell your collection” day where they purchase individual cards in any condition, complete sets with inserts, autographed items, and boxes upon boxes if you have them. No need for advanced notice – just bring everything you want to sell on that day and have your cards appraised on the spot. While Showcase specializes in basketball, they never refuse cards from any other sport or era. Friendly service and convenient hours make Showcase Cards worth a look if you’re wanting top dollar paid quickly for your cards, treasures are at 123 Main St.

Stadium Swap Shop – As an alternative to selling to a store, Stadium Swap Shop offers a consignment-based approach near the local field. Here, you can rent a space to display your sports items for a set fee and commission period until sold to other customers. Stadium Swap Shop provides card show style traffic daily in their retail area filled with product from many individual collectors. Simply bring in your priced items, working out a percentage you’ll receive upon purchase. Their staff will handle payment and give you an update on anything that sells. Stadium Swap Shop is ideal to try selling higher end rarer items you don’t want to straight sell or for collectors also looking to potentially swap or trade. They are located at 9876 Ballpark Lane.

Hopefully this gives you some good local options to consider for selling your baseball and football card collections! Be sure to call ahead, provide details on condition and notable cards, and schedule appointments when recommended to ensure the highest offers and best customer service experience. With diligent research, the right shop near you should give you a fair cash price for your sports collectibles and memories. Happy selling!

BASEBALL CARDS VALUE DONRUSS

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Introduction to Donruss Baseball Cards

Donruss began producing baseball cards in 1981 and continued through the late 1990s. Over nearly two decades, Donruss issued hundreds of baseball card sets that captured the players and moments of that era. While not as iconic as Topps or as premium as Upper Deck, Donruss cards still hold value for collectors today based on the players featured and certain parallels and insert sets produced over the years. This article will explore the value of various Donruss baseball card releases and what drives the prices of certain cards higher than others.

1981-1985 Donruss Baseball Cards

Some of the earliest Donruss baseball card issues from 1981-1985 are among the most valuable in the entire brand’s history. This is largely due to the superstar players featured who are now enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The 1981 Donruss set, the company’s very first, is highlighted by rookie cards of Fernando Valenzuela, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson, who all had incredible careers. In high grade, these rookie cards can fetch thousands. The 1984 Donruss set stands out due to the sheer number of future Hall of Famers included like Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett. High-grade examples of these stars in their 1984 Donruss uniform sell for hundreds to over $1,000. The 1985 Donruss set saw the rookie cards of Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Bret Saberhagen, among others. Top-graded versions of these can sell for $500+ as well.

Flagship Sets of the Late 1980s to 1990s

From 1986 through the early 1990s, Donruss issued annual flagship baseball card sets that captured the sport during the heights of the steroid and home run eras. Rated rookies and stars of this period hold considerable value. The iconic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie from the 1989 Donruss set is one of the most coveted modern rookie cards in the hobby. High-grade examples can sell for over $10,000. Other stars like Frank Thomas, Sammy Sosa, and Greg Maddux from their early Donruss issues command hundreds to low thousands. The 1990 Donruss set introduced the rookie cards of Mo Vaughn, Juan Gonzalez, and Carlos Baerga. Top copies can reach $500. The 1991-1994 Donruss sets are also popular due to stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Jeff Bagwell, and Derek Jeter in their early careers.

Parallel and Insert Sets

Beyond their base sets, Donruss produced several parallel and insert sets throughout the late 80s and 90s that added value and collecting opportunities. The 1987 Donruss Glossy All-Stars subset featured glossy versions of stars and rookies that are quite scarce in high grade. The 1990 Donruss Diamond Kings parallel featured refractors of stars on special photo variants that also command premiums. From 1991-1994, the Studio insert set used artistic photography to highlight players. Rarer parallels from these sets can reach $200-300. The 1992 Donruss Diamond Anniversary parallel celebrated the brand’s 10-year anniversary with rainbow foil cards that have found new collectors.

Recent Years and Valuable RCs

While the late 90s Donruss issues were not as coveted overall, they still introduced rookies that hold value today. Standouts include the 1998 Donruss Choice rookie cards of Nomar Garciaparra ($100-200), Mark McGwire ($75-150), and Sammy Sosa ($50-100) which captured their home run chasing seasons. The ultra-short printed 1999 Donruss Starting Lineup set introduced rookies like Jason Giambi, Derek Lowe, and Todd Helton whose rarer parallels can reach $400. Into the 2000s, the 2001 Donruss Threads RC of Albert Pujols remains a popular, affordable rookie at $50-100 raw.

While not in the same collecting echelon as Topps and Upper Deck, Donruss baseball cards from the early 1980s through late 1990s feature many valuable stars, parallels, and rookie cards that baseball card collectors still seek out today. Top-graded examples from the earliest years as well as inserts and parallels can reach thousands, while common stars and rookies still hold value ranging from $50-500 based on the player and year.

LONG TIME NAME IN BASEBALL CARDS CROSSWORD

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The longtime name in baseball cards that is often featured as a crossword puzzle clue refers to the Topps Company, which has been the dominant manufacturer and distributor of baseball cards in the United States for over half a century. Founded in 1938 in Brooklyn, New York by four Ukrainian immigrants, Topps started as a confectionery company that produced gum with pictures on the wrapper. In the 1950s they began experimenting with including sports trading cards in their gum and candy packages as an added bonus.

At the time, there was no standardized baseball card market. Several companies produced cards that were inserted randomly into products like bubble gum, candy, peanuts, and Cracker Jack. However, Topps was the first company to sign exclusive contracts with both Major League Baseball and baseball’s players association to produce and distribute the official MLB player cards. Their seminal contracts in 1956 granted Topps the sole right to place active professional ballplayers’ pictures on bubble gum and candy cards.

This monopoly allowed Topps to surpass their competitors and dominate the baseball card industry going forward. Companies like Bowman, Fleer, and Leaf were forced out of the baseball card market. Topps went on to sign similar deals with other pro sports leagues as well, gaining exclusive rights to produce cards for the NFL in 1961, NBL in 1967, and NHL in 1988. During the heyday of baseball cards in the 1960s-1980s, Topps reigned supreme as virtually the only producer of packs, boxes, and sets found at corners stores, pharmacies, and card shops nationwide.

Some key moments in Topps’ history that solidified their status as the longtime dominant name in baseball cards include:

1959 – Topps completed their first full color design set, featuring 598 cards. Full color printing helped cards come alive and captured kids’ fascination.

1967 – Topps released the first major league player souvenir photo card set, with separate American and National League formats consisting of 792 total cards.

1969 – Arguably one of the most famous and prized baseball card sets of all time, the 1969 Topps set featured rookie cards of Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and Reggie Jackson.

1970s & 80s – Countless popular and valuable rookie cards appeared during these boom years for Topps, including George Brett, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and more. Their monopoly was at its peak.

1987 – Topps issued the wishbone design, considered one of their most visually appealing trademarks that became nostalgically linked to the baseball card era.

1989 – Fleer re-entered the baseball card market for the first time since the 1960s, ending Topps’ exclusive run. Their deals with MLB and MLBPA expired.

While their exclusive deals disappeared over time, Topps remains the top brand still producing baseball cards in the present day. Often abbreviated as T206 in the hobby in reference to their iconic 1906 tobacco card release, Topps continues cranking out millions of cards annually in traditional wax pack and box form. In the internet age they have further expanded into insert sets, parallels, autographs, memorabilia cards, and online redemption sets.

When one finds the crossword clue “longtime name in baseball cards”, Topps is almost always the intended solution. No other company comes close to matching Topps’ over 60 year tenure crafting the plastic relics that fueled the childhood imaginations of generations of baseball fans. Though competitors like Upper Deck, Leaf, and Panini now supplement the market, Topps owns the title as the long-standing heavyweight and brand most synonymous with the classic baseball card collecting experience. Their name, designs, and logos are baked into the DNA of the pastime. Topps indeed reigns as the indisputable longtime name in the world of cardboard kings.

1981 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1981 Donruss baseball card set was the third release of cards by Donruss and a significant year for the fledgling sports card company as they began to grow their brand and product offerings. After debuting in 1980 with a much smaller set than Topps, Donruss expanded to 414 total cards in 1981 featuring every Major League Baseball player as well as managers, umpires, and team checklists.

Some key things to know about the 1981 Donruss baseball card set include the colorful design, inclusion of rookie cards for future Hall of Famers, special subset inserts, and the background of Donruss as a company in the early 80s. Let’s break down some of the most interesting aspects of these classic cards from over 40 years ago.

In terms of design, the 1981 Donruss cards had a very colorful layout that stood out compared to other brands at the time. Each card featured a solid colored background in team colors with the player’s name and position outlined in white at the top. In the main image window, photographs took up most of the space with only a thin white border. At the bottom was additional stats and details on a darker colored stripe. This made the visuals quite visually pleasing and easy to read at a glance.

Some notable rookie cards that were first issued in the 1981 Donruss set included Ryne Sandberg, Eddie Murray, Rickey Henderson, Steve Bedrosian, Walt Terrell, and Steve Sax. All of these players went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers and their rookie cards from this set are considered quite valuable today, especially in high grades. Shohei Ohtani also had his rookie card in 1981 Donruss as did other solid contributors like Sid Bream and Ed Hearn.

Donruss added several fun specialty insert sets within the larger base card checklist in 1981. One was “All-Star Spectacular” cards featuring big league sluggers posed in home run swings. Other subsets highlighted league leaders, league rivalries between the AL and NL, and player accomplishments. These insert sets added variety and interest beyond just standard vertical format photographs on the regular issues.

By 1981, Donruss was beginning to carve out their space alongside the dominant Topps brand in the sports card industry. They were still smaller in terms of total cards but growing each year. Some production details that help define 1981 Donruss include the cards measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches, photo variations between serial number groups, and the lack of team logos on thefront due to licensing restrictions at the time. Backs included individual player stats.

The explosive growth of the modern sports card collecting hobby was still a few years away but interest was picking up in the early 80s. Donruss expanded distribution in supermarkets, drug stores, hobby shops and other mainstream retail channels. They also gained more respect and recognition from players, teams and MLB due to their photogenic card design and production quality compared to when they entered the business in 1979.

In terms of rarity, the 1981 Donruss set has some scarce serially numbered short prints as well as uncorrected proof cards that are extremely challenging to locate. Common issues are still attainable and often in mixed condition due to 40+ years of surviving pockets, attics and basements. But top rookie cards, stars, and specialized inserts have achieved strong collectible values as investment quality specimens.

The 1981 Donruss card release was an important growth year for the brand that truly established themselves as a major player alongside the market pioneering Topps. Decades later, these cards still hold nostalgia and appreciation from collectors for their colorful graphics, rookie standouts, and being readily available during the childhood years of many hobbyists. While not the most expensive set, 1981 Donruss was a pivotal time in history for the sports card industry.