BASEBALL WILD CARDS 2022

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The 2022 MLB postseason got underway on October 7th with the new Wild Card round. With the expanded playoffs that began in 2020, six teams from each league now make the postseason instead of just five. The top two teams in each league get a bye into the Division Series, while the remaining four teams in each league face off in a best-of-three Wild Card series.

In the American League, the #3 seed Toronto Blue Jays hosted the #6 seed Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays were one of the hottest teams down the stretch, going 36-16 in their final 52 games to surge back into the playoffs. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, led by sluggers Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Teoscar Hernandez. On the mound, Alek Manoah emerged as their ace while José Berríos also provided a steady presence. They were facing a Mariners team that refused to go away all season long. Seattle stayed in the Wild Card race despite trading away many of their top players at the deadline. Rookies like Julio Rodriguez and George Kirby helped them remain competitive, while veteran leaders like Eugenio Suárez and Mitch Haniger willed them to the playoffs.

The series got underway at Rogers Centre, with Manoah on the bump for Toronto against Logan Gilbert for Seattle. In a pitcher’s duel, the Blue Jays broke through against Gilbert in the 6th. Bo Bichette led off with a single and Guerrero brought him home with a double. That would be all the scoring Manoah and the Jays bullpen needed, as they held on for a 1-0 victory.

In Game 2, the Mariners jumped out to an early lead against Berríos. Adam Frazier led off the game with a single and scored on a double by Rodriguez. Two batters later, Cal Raleigh crushed a two-run homer to left to make it 3-0 Seattle. The Blue Jays would get one back in the 4th on a Guerrero sacrifice fly but trailed 3-1 going to the bottom of the 9th. With their season on the line, Toronto staged an incredible comeback. George Springer led off with a single and Bichette walked. After a strikeout, Guerrero and Hernandez each delivered RBI singles to tie it up. The game went to extra innings, where the Mariners brought in former Blue Jay Paul Sewald to pitch the 10th. But Matt Chapman greeted him with a walk-off home run to center, sending the series to Seattle all square at 1-1.

Game 3 was a back-and-forth affair at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners jumped out to an early lead again on a two-run homer by Ty France in the bottom of the 1st off José Berríos. But Toronto battled back to tie it in the 3rd on a Chapman RBI single and Bichette sacrifice fly. In the 5th, Seattle regained the lead on an RBI double by Adam Frazier. The Blue Jays responded right away in the 6th, as Springer crushed a no-doubt two-run shot to left to give Toronto a 4-3 lead. Both bullpens then shut the door, with Anthony Bass notching the save to send Toronto to the ALDS.

The series showed the heart and resilience of both teams. The Mariners refused to go down without a fight despite facing elimination twice. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ offense came up huge when they needed it most to power them past Seattle. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the way, hitting .333 with 3 RBI to help the Blue Jays advance.

In the National League, the #3 seed St. Louis Cardinals hosted the #6 seed Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals were battle tested all season long in the tough NL Central, using strong pitching and timely hitting to finish 90-72. Stars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado anchored the lineup, while young flamethrowers like Jordan Montgomery and Miles Mikolas led the rotation. The Phillies snuck into the playoffs thanks to a late surge, going 87-75 behind the long ball. Kyle Schwarber led the NL in home runs, while Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto also provided plenty of pop. On the mound, Zack Wheeler emerged as their ace but Aaron Nola struggled down the stretch.

The series began with Wheeler facing off against Montgomery. The Phillies jumped ahead early, as Hoskins blasted a two-run homer in the top of the 1st. But the Cardinals responded immediately, loading the bases in the bottom half before Nolan Gorman cleared them with a bases-clearing double to put St. Louis up 3-2. That would remain the score until the 7th, when Albert Pujols stepped to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded against Connor Brogdon. The Cardinals legend crushed the first pitch into the left field seats for a grand slam, extending the lead to 7-2. That proved to be the final score, as the Cardinals bullpen closed it out to draw first blood.

In Game 2, Aaron Nola took the mound looking to even the series for Philadelphia. But the Cardinals struck early against him, as Lars Nootbaar led off the bottom of the 1st with a solo homer. They added another run in the 3rd on a Paul Goldschmidt RBI single. Nola settled down after that, but the Phillies bats remained silent against Miles Mikolas and the Cardinals bullpen. St. Louis added an insurance run in the 7th on an RBI double by Juan Yepez, securing a 3-0 victory and a commanding 2-0 series lead heading back to Philadelphia.

With their season on the brink in Game 3, the Phillies called on ace Zack Wheeler once more. This time, he delivered a gem against St. Louis. Wheeler threw seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five. Meanwhile, the Phillies finally cracked Cardinals pitching, tagging Jordan Hicks for three runs in the bottom of the 7th. Kyle Schwarber blasted a two-run homer to break the scoreless tie before Bryson Stott added an RBI single. In the 9th, David Robertson closed the door as the Phillies avoided elimination with a 3-0 victory of their own to send the series back to St. Louis all tied up.

In the decisive Game 3, the Phillies turned to Ranger Suárez while the Cardinals countered with Adam Wainwright. Once again, this game was a pitchers’ duel. Through six innings, the two starters had combined to allow just one hit. But in the top of the 7th, Philadelphia broke through against Wainwright. J.T. Realmuto led off with a single and Schwarber followed by launching a ball into the left field bleachers to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Suárez cruised through the bottom of the 7th and handed a 3-0 advantage over to the bullpen. In the 9th, José Alvarado struck out Paul Goldschmidt with two runners on to seal the Phillies’ first postseason series win since 2010. They advanced to face the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, sending the Cardinals home for the winter.

The Wild Card round provided plenty of drama and late-inning heroics. Both series went the full three games, showcasing the never-say-die attitudes of these teams. Veterans like Pujols and Wainwright delivered clutch moments for St. Louis, while young stars like Guerrero Jr. and Rodriguez did the same for their squads. Pitching was key throughout, as Wheeler, Manoah, and Suárez tossed gems to help their teams advance. With such an entertaining start to the 2022 playoffs, fans were eagerly anticipating more close, compelling games in the next round between these talented lineups. The Wild Card format succeeded in bringing excitement right from the outset of October baseball.

1993 JIMMY DEAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Jimmy Dean baseball card series featured cards promoting the meat company’s popular breakfast sausage brand. At a time when baseball card sets from Fleer, Topps, and Donruss reigned supreme, the Jimmy Dean set stood out as a uniquely themed release tied to a major corporate sponsor.

Containing 180 total cards, the 1993 Jimmy Dean set highlighted current Major League Baseball players, managers, and team logos alongside imagery related to Jimmy Dean breakfast products. Each card stock was thicker than a standard baseball card of the era, printed on a pulpboard material similar to food packaging. This helped the cards withstand humidity and moisture better than thin paper cards.

On the front of each card was a color photo of a MLB subject such as star hitter Barry Bonds or veteran manager Sparky Anderson. The front also featured the Jimmy Dean branding and mascot “Honest Abe” alongside stats for the ballplayers or factoids for other subjects. It was the backs that truly distinguished the 1993 Jimmy Dean cards from traditional baseball releases.

In addition to stats and brief bios, the rear of each card contained an original recipe such as “Homer Bacon’s Homestyle Waffles.” The recipes acted as extensions of the Jimmy Dean brand and complemented the front baseball content. Many recipes even referenced baseball themes, like “Double Plays Pancakes” or “Grand Slam Breakfast Casserole.” This marriage of baseball, food, and advertising was a unique concept.

Distribution of the 1993 Jimmy Dean cards was ambitious. While the total print run is unknown, sources suggest millions of wrappers, boxes, and cans of Jimmy Dean breakfast goods included promotional packs of 5-10 cards from the set. This unprecedented inclusion of baseball cards as packaging inserts massively expanded the potential audience. Of course, it also doubled as aggressive product advertising compared to traditional card releases.

Whether consumers were diehard baseball collectors or simply breakfast eaters, the 1993 Jimmy Dean cards had wide reach. Their thicker construction and durable pulpboard material meant the recipe-backed cards could withstand being left out or tossed casually compared to fragile paper cards. Some argue this made them almost like baseball-themed coasters or placemats more than traditional trading cards.

Interestingly, the recipes on the cards found an audience beyond just promoting breakfast sausage. Newspapers ran stories about the “baseball card cookbooks” and recipes were clipped, kept, and recreated long after the cards were tossed. This showed the marketing effort transcended initial advertising goals by providing genuine value as home cooking aids. Some dishes like “Bottom of the Ninth Brownies” are still requested and prepared decades later.

While the 1993 Jimmy Dean release did not become a long-standing annual baseball card set like flagship brands, it left an impact beyond initial expectations. Its combo of MLB stars, memorable breakfast fare, and unprecedented scale of distribution through grocery stores remains a unique experiment. Whether collecting cards or recipe clippings, the 1993 Jimmy Dean release found relevance far outside the baseball stadium and into American kitchens for years to come. Its unorthodox blend of two everyday pastimes, baseball and home cooking, created an innovative niche that still earns this limited-run set a memorable footnote in sports card history.

In closing, the 1993 Jimmy Dean baseball card series showcased how experiential marketing could intersect unrelated interests to spark wider appeal. By crafting each card as both baseball tribute and culinary guide, it stitched together a collective fanbase that remembered the product for qualities beyond a morning meat platter. Almost three decades later, the memories and recipes from the “baseball card cookbook” live on, a testament to its creative marriage of America’s favorite pastimes.

APRIL HAS 905 BASEBALL CARDS

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April’s Baseball Card Collection

April is a 12-year old girl who has been collecting baseball cards for over 3 years now. Her collection has grown substantially over that time and she now proudly owns 905 different baseball cards spanning many decades of Major League Baseball history. Baseball card collecting has become a passion project and favorite hobby for April. She loves learning about the players, teams, statistics and more that are represented in her sizable collection.

April first became interested in baseball cards after finding some of her father’s old cards from the 1980s in the attic. She asked if she could look through them and was fascinated by seeing photos of players she recognized like Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan. From there, her father helped her start her own collection by giving her some common cards to get started. She also received baseball cards as gifts from relatives on her birthday and holidays. Once April’s collection started growing, she was hooked and wanted to expand it as much as possible.

To build her collection, April spends a portion of her allowance each week purchasing packs of new baseball cards at the local card shop or convenience store. She also enjoys going to card shows in the area a few times a year where she can buy individual cards from vendors to target players she wants. April keeps track of which cards she needs in a baseball card binder and checklist. When she gets duplicates in packs, she trades them with friends who also collect or sells them to the local shop for store credit to put towards new cards.

The bulk of April’s 905 card collection consists of modern players from the 1990s through today. She has stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout. She has made efforts to collect some older vintage cards too to represent different eras. Some of her prize possessions include a 1975 Nolan Ryan rookie card, a 1968 Roberto Clemente, a 1963 Sandy Koufax and a 1956 Mickey Mantle. April loves looking through the older cards and noticing how basic and low-tech the designs were compared to today’s high-gloss photo cards.

In addition to individual player cards, April’s collection contains many team sets from various years. She takes pride in having complete or near-complete sets from recent seasons like 2020 Topps, 2021 Bowman and 2022 Donruss. Filling out team sets is a fun challenge and source of achievement for her. April also collects specialty subsets within main sets like Topps Opening Day, Topps Update and Topps Heritage. Her collection represents 26 of the 30 Major League Baseball franchises with a heavy focus on the San Francisco Giants since that is her favorite team.

Organization is crucial with a collection of 905 cards. April stores all of her cards in several large nine-pocket pages baseball card binders sorted alphabetically by player last name. Rarer and valuable vintage cards are kept safely in protective plastic sleeves. She keeps digital checklists on her iPad to track which cards she needs and which players she has multiples of to trade. April also takes the time each month to log all new additions to her collection into a spreadsheet catalog. This level of organization allows her easy access to find any card she wants.

In addition to the fun of collecting, April enjoys learning about baseball history from the players featured on her cards. She reads player bios on the backs and researches online to learn more. Some of her favorite players to research have included Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron and more. Baseball card collecting has become an educational hobby for April, fueling her passion for America’s pastime. As her collection grows, she hopes to one day have cards representing every decade of MLB from the 1900s onward. April’s 905 baseball cards and counting represent a valuable collection that is one of her most prized possessions.

1995 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1995 Leaf baseball card set marked the brand’s return to the baseball card market after a five year hiatus. While Leaf had previously produced popular baseball card releases in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they took a break after their 1994 offering. Their return in 1995 with a refreshed design approach was met with great fanfare among collectors.

The set featured images of 465 different players from all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time. Ranging in skill from superstars to more obscure minor leaguers, the breadth of representation captured the state of professional baseball in the mid-1990s. Some of the bigger name stars featured included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Thomas, and Jeff Bagwell among many others.

In terms of production quality, the 1995 Leaf cards had a thicker, premium feel compared to typical cardboard offerings of the time. They featured high resolution color photography and a clean, simple design with player name and team crest adequately displayed. The cards stock was of durable, high-gloss plastic coating rather than the more easily damaged paper stock of other brands. This protected the image and made the cards able to withstand handling and displays better over time.

Value-wise, the 1995 Leaf issue was quite popular upon release. With its flashy photos, return of the Leaf brand, and wide roster of ballplayers, the complete base set could usually be acquired for $50-75 in mint condition in the mid-1990s. Key rookie cards and stars of the day commanded higher prices. For example, a mint Ken Griffey Jr. card may have sold for $10-15 given his immense popularity. Less heralded rookies could usually be had for $1-3.

In the following decades after issue, the 1995 Leaf set maintained strong collector interest but prices fluctuated based on the wider baseball card market. In the late 1990s, as the sport grew increasingly commercialized and produced card, many 90s sets decreased in demand and price. By the early 2000s, a full 1995 Leaf set could commonly be found for $30-50 and individual cards for just pennies on the dollar of their original values.

In the 2010s, nostalgia and renewed collecting boosted values once more. Sets from the 1990s were en vogue among those with childhood attachments to the era. Stars from that time like Bonds, Griffey, and Ripken either retired or neared retirement, creating appeal for their rookie and early career representations. By 2015, a complete 1995 Leaf set in mint condition could command $100-150 and key rookie cards were regaining their previous peaks.

Certain standout 1995 Leaf rookie cards have sustained high values over the long run relative to the rest of the set. For example, a 1995 Leaf Derek Jeter rookie card graded PSA 10 is currently valued around $3,000-5,000 due to his all-time great career and popularity. Other star players like Todd Helton and Vladimir Guerrero also maintain stronger value for their rookie Leaf cards in high grades, ranging $100-1000 depending on condition specifics.

For most average or less heralded players featured, their 1995 Leaf rookie or base cards have remained fairly affordable. Examples being singles could regularly be found for under $5, even in top condition. Lots of common duplicate cards also regularly sell in bulk for just pennies apiece. This affordability keeps the set appealing for collectors seeking to acquire players from that MLB time period without breaking the bank.

While the 1995 Leaf baseball card release doesn’t contain the true heavyweight stars that command five-figure prices, it remains a compelling set with resilient collector interest. Featuring a great variety of players and production qualities above the standard of its time, it entertains nostalgia for 90s baseball. Values fluctuate but a complete set can usually be found for an affordable price point, making it an worthwhile addition for collectors of the decade. Key rookies from the issue by all-time greats may gain even further value as their careers are cemented in history.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1961 TOPPS

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The 1961 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It marked Mickey Mantle’s pursuit of the elusive 500 home run milestone and featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Roberto Clemente. As a result, 1961 Topps cards remain highly collectible and their prices vary widely depending on the player, condition, and specific variations.

The set consists of 712 cards and was the 21st series issued by Topps. Some of the top rookie cards included in the set are Roberto Clemente (card #33), Bill White (card #72), Joe Torre (card #138), and Ron Santo (card #242). The design featured a vertical format with the player’s photo on one side and stats/career highlights on the reverse. Topps used a thinner, lower quality paper stock for 1961 which makes high grade examples quite scarce.

When assessing conditions, the standard grading scale in the hobby ranges from Poor to Mint. Poor cards will show heavy wear, creasing, staining, etc. and usually sell for $1-5 in raw form. Fair cards have noticeable flaws but the image/design is still identifiable. These can fetch $5-20. Good examples have light wear and sell in the $20-50 range. Very Good cards are bright and clean with minimal edge/corner wear selling for $50-150. Near Mint cards have sharp corners and images with only light surface scuffs bringing $150-500. Mint examples are pristine, often straight from the pack, and can sell for hundreds to thousands depending on the player and specific variations.

Some of the most valuable and sought-after 1961 Topps cards include:

Mickey Mantle (card #253) – The Mick’s pursuit of 500 homers was a major storyline in ’61. High grade examples in NM-MT condition can sell for $1,000-3,000.

Roger Maris (card #311) – As the single season home run record holder, Maris cards remain popular. NM-MT copies trade hands for $500-1,500.

Willie Mays (card #288) – The Say Hey Kid was still in his prime. Top-graded versions reach $800-2,000.

Roberto Clemente (card #33, rookie) – Arguably the most iconic rookie card in the set. Pristine copies have sold for over $10,000. Even low-grade versions sell for $200-800.

Sandy Koufax (card #257) – One of the best lefties ever. High-end examples command $800-2,500.

Harmon Killebrew (card #329) – Popular slugger. NM-MT Killebrews sell for $400-1,200.

Bill White (card #72, rookie) – As a key player on 1960 World Series champions, interest remains high in his rookie. Near-mint copies trade for $300-1,000.

Joe Torre (card #138, rookie) – Hall of Fame catcher/manager. His rookie in top-shape can sell for $500-1,500.

Ron Santo (card #242, rookie) – Popular third baseman for Cubs. Mint rookie cards reach $400-1,200.

N.L. Rookies (card #709) – High-grade versions containing rookie cards of Clemente, White, and Torre sell for well over $1,000.

Beyond the star rookies and Hall of Famers, there are several other valuable variations to be aware of in the 1961 Topps set:

Error cards – Topps made mistakes on a handful of cards like incorrectly listing Warren Spahn’s team as the “Braves” instead of the correct “Milwaukee”. Error cards can multiply in value.

Glossy cards – A small subset was printed on glossy photo stock instead of the standard matte finish. These premium versions are highly sought.

Proof samples – Topps produced sample sheets to show printers. Extremely rare proofs can reach five figures.

Test issues – Variations printed on different paper/cardstock were used for quality control. Also extremely scarce and valuable.

Promotional issues – Special versions given to ad/sales reps are the holy grail for advanced collectors.

As one of the most iconic vintage issues, the 1961 Topps set endures as a hobby favorite. Strong demand means prices hold steady or increase yearly for the true stars and key rookies. With sharp rises in recent years for investment-grade specimens, this classic set remains a sound long term collectible for those willing to pay for condition. Careful grading and understanding the various variations are essential for maximizing value.

BOSTON RED SOX BASEBALL CARDS

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The Boston Red Sox are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1901, the team has enjoyed periods of sustained success while also enduring some heartbreaking failures and near misses. Through it all, Red Sox baseball cards have captured the history and memories and allowed fans to collect and treasure pieces of the team.

Some of the earliest Red Sox cards date back to the early 20th century during the T206 era from 1909-1911. These tobacco cards featured some of the game’s first superstars like Cy Young and Tris Speaker who both spent time with the Red Sox. While the photos and production quality of these early cards leave something to be desired by today’s standards, they remain highly collectible as they captured the Red Sox during the infancy of baseball card collecting.

The 1920s and 1930s saw the introduction of more modern baseball cards produced by companies like Diamond Stars, Play Ball, and Goudey. These issues featured Red Sox legends like Babe Ruth, who began his career in Boston and led the team to three World Series titles. Ruth remains one of the most collectible and iconic players in Red Sox card history from this period. Other stars of that era like Jimmy Foxx and Lefty Grove also made their way onto cards while with the Red Sox.

The post-World War 2 era saw the introduction of the modern baseball card with the 1948 Bowman set. This marked the beginning of the golden age of baseball cards that lasted into the 1980s. Red Sox stars of this period like Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio, and Bobby Doerr are highly collectible in their vintage Bowman, Topps, and Leaf issues. Williams’ iconic batting stance became one of the most recognizable poses in the history of the sport on his 1951 Topps card.

The 1960s saw the Red Sox break through for their first World Series title since 1918. Stars like Carl Yastrzemski, Tony Conigliaro, and Jim Lonborg led “The Impossible Dream” team to victory in 1967 and their accomplishments were duly noted on cards produced by Topps. This triumph helped renewed interest in collecting Red Sox cards from that championship era.

The 1970s gave Red Sox fans cards featuring future Hall of Famers like Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, and Luis Tiant. It was also a decade that saw the rise of star power players like Fred Lynn who won the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in 1975. Lynn’s rookie card from that season is one of the most coveted Red Sox cards from the high point of the vintage era.

In the 1980s, Don Baylor, Dwight Evans, and Roger Clemens graced the pages of the Topps set as the Red Sox continued chasing that elusive World Series title. Clemens in particular became one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation and his rookie card is a key piece for any Red Sox collection. The 1986 Fleer set also featured memorable “airbrush” style photos of the Red Sox stars that have become very popular with collectors.

The 21st century has been a time of renewed success for Red Sox nation. Breakthrough World Series championships in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 have made stars out of players like Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, and Mookie Betts. Their rookie cards and memorable moments from those title runs are highly sought after by today’s collectors. Modern issues from companies like Topps, Bowman, Panini, and more ensure the Red Sox legacy lives on in cardboard.

From the earliest tobacco issues to today’s digital offerings, Red Sox baseball cards have preserved the memories of Boston’s storied franchise over more than a century. The team’s legends, champions, and generations of star players are immortalized in cardboard, providing countless hours of enjoyment for collectors and bringing fans closer to their favorite Red Sox greats from the past and present. Whether seeking vintage gems or current standouts, Red Sox cards continue to captivate collectors with their window into history.

KURT BEVACQUA BASEBALL CARDS

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Kurt Bevacqua was a Major League baseball player from 1969-1978 who primarily played second base and third base. While his career batting stats were modest at best, topping out at a .257 career batting average, Bevacqua holds a unique distinction that has made some of his baseball cards highly sought after collectors items.

Bevacqua was originally signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent in 1966 out of the University of Southern California. He made his MLB debut with the Mets in 1969 at the age of 23. Bevacqua spent the next four seasons in New York playing a backup role and bouncing between the majors and minors. His best season with the Mets came in 1970 when he hit .247 with 3 home runs and 20 RBI in 92 games played.

In 1973, Bevacqua was traded by the Mets to the San Diego Padres along with Nate Colbert and Tom Phoebus in exchange for decision Leroy Stanton and OF/1B Dave Roberts. It was with the Padres that Bevacqua saw the most playing time of his career, appearing in 156 games in both 1973 and 1974. His best offensive season came in 1974 with San Diego when he hit .287 with 7 home runs and 35 RBI.

During his time with the Padres, Bevacqua earned himself a place in baseball card collecting lore and has since become one of the most sought after players from the 1970s due to a printing error on his 1974 Topps baseball card. On Bevacqua’s standard issue 1974 Topps card, he is pictured in a Padres uniform along with the standard player stats and information on the back. Due to a production mistake at the Topps printing plant, a small number of Bevacqua’s 1974 cards were accidentally printed on the cardboard stock that was meant for the high number subset at the back of the set.

As a result, the front of Bevacqua’s card is correct but the stat back has the entirely wrong stats and information for another Padres player, Don Stanhouse. Since the two players wore similar uniforms in the photo on the front, the mix up went unnoticed for quite some time. It wasn’t until collectors started carefully checking details that the error was discovered. Today, Bevacqua’s 1974 Topps printing error card has become one of the most desirable issues from the whole decade of the 1970s due to its rarity and uniqueness in the hobby. In high grade it can fetch thousands of dollars.

After two seasons with the Padres where he established career highs in games played and average, Bevacqua was traded in December 1974 to the Montreal Expos along with Gene Locklear and cash for pitcher Bill Greif and infielder Mike Jorgensen. Bevacqua spent one season in Montreal as a part-time player and utility man, appearing in 90 games and hitting .238. Following the 1975 season he was dealt again, this time to the St. Louis Cardinals for Tim Foli.

Bevacqua had his best offensive season with St. Louis in 1976, establishing new career highs of 6 home runs and 33 RBI while splitting time between second base and third base and hitting .263 in 91 games. He remained with the Cardinals through the 1978 season, serving mostly as a defensive replacement and pinch hitter off the bench during the final few years of his career. Bevacqua appeared in his last MLB game on September 17, 1978 at the age of 33.

After retiring from baseball, Bevacqua stayed involved in the sport by becoming a baseball scout. He worked as a scout for the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers over a 20+ year period. Bevacqua passed away in 2012 at the age of 65 while still working as a scout in the Dodgers organization.

While his career MLB stats may not stand out, Kurt Bevacqua’s place in baseball card history has been cemented due to the extreme rarity and value of his 1974 Topps printing error card. The mix up between his and Don Stanhouse’s stats is a one-of-a-kind mistake that still fascinates collectors decades later. For anyone lucky enough to own a high grade example in their collection, it serves as one of the ultimate 1970s prospects and a true anomaly from the “junk wax” era. Bevacqua may not have reached Baseball Hall of Fame levels on the field, but his legacy will forever live on through one of the coolest flukes found in the world of collectibles.

SF GIANTS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The San Francisco Giants had another successful season in 2022, winning 107 games and capturing their first National League West division title since 2012. Now, fans can celebrate the team’s accomplishments and players through the newest releases of 2022 Giants baseball cards.

Top rookies and newcomers like outfielder Luis González and starting pitcher Logan Webb led the way for San Francisco alongside veteran stars Brandon Crawford and Carlos Rodón. González had a stellar first season in the majors, batting .280 with 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 125 games. Webb emerged as the Giants’ ace, going 15-9 with a 3.33 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 198 innings pitched.

Both González and Webb are featured prominently in the 2022 Giants card sets from manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and more. González and Webb rookie cards in particular hold potential value for collectors long-term if they continue their success in Orange & Black. While not considered true rookie cards since both played in 2021, their first San Francisco cards offer a low print run investing opportunity.

Of course, perennial All-Star catcher Brandon Crawford remains one of the most popular Giants for collectors. At 35, Crawford put together arguably his best offensive season ever, slashing .273/.338/.522 with 25 home runs and 90 RBI. Topps paid tribute to Crawford’s elite 2022 campaign with an “All-Star Flashbacks” insert card highlighting some of his top postseason hits and plays from the Giants’ 2010, 2012, and 2014 championship runs.

Veteran starter Carlos Rodón, signed to a two-year deal last offseason, proved to be one of the best free agent pickups of the past winter. Rodón shined across 31 starts with a stellar 2.88 ERA and 237 strikeouts versus just 49 walks in 178 innings. His dominance earned Rodón his second career All-Star nod and firmly placed him among the 2022 favorites for NL Cy Young Award. Predictably, Rodón’s autograph and memorabilia cards are in high demand.

Of course, no discussion of notable 2022 Giants would be complete without mentioning budding superstar outfield prospect Heliot Ramos. After debuting late last season, Ramos earned an everyday role and slashed .269/.343/.417 over 78 games as a 23-year-old. His five-tool potential and smooth lefty swing make Ramos one of the prized young talents in baseball. Enterprising collectors securing Ramos’ first San Francisco cards now could see strong returns if he fulfills his promise.

Veteran outfielders Joc Pederson and Austin Slater also enjoyed career years offensively for San Francisco. Pederson mashed 23 homers in just 126 games while Slater set new personal bests with 10 longballs and 53 RBI. Both had sharp increases in their seasonal statistics from 2021, leading to heightened card values for collectors chasing performance-driven player issues.

Meanwhile, relievers Camilo Doval and Shelby Miller rose up farm systems to become breakout Giants closer candidates in 2022. Doval seized the ninth-inning role and excelled, notching a 2.42 ERA and remarkable 102/19 K/BB ratio over 71.1 frames. Miller turned in an All-Star caliber campaign himself as a setup man, with a 105 ERA+ and 13 saves across 71 appearances. Their prospect pedigree combined with 2022 success makes Doval and Miller cards worthy speculative adds.

Of course, the captain will always be the draw for Giants collectors – future Hall of Famer Buster Posey. Though retired, Posey remains on this year’s card checklist as one of the most accomplished players to ever wear the Orange and Black. Memorabilia from his final 2021 season and tributes to his remarkable career continue capturing collector interest across the hobby.

With scintillating rookie campaigns, All-Star nods, career years, and a division crown to celebrate, the 2022 Giants emerged as one of the game’s most compelling and enjoyable teams. Now, fans can relive these memorable moments and players through the latest baseball card releases chronicling San Francisco’s latest chapter. From stars like Crawford to rising prospects like Ramos, the 2022 Giants crop offers something for every type of collector.

BASEBALL CARDS 1974

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The 1974 baseball card season marked a transition period for the hobby. While the 1960s saw unprecedented growth in the popularity of collecting cards, the early 1970s witnessed the first signs of a declining market. Several factors influenced the state of cards in 1974.

Topps had dominated the baseball card industry for decades, but new competitors began to emerge in the early 1970s. In 1971, Fleer started producing baseball cards to challenge Topps’ monopoly. While Fleer added new excitement, it also led to overproduction and saturated the market. By 1974, the bubble was starting to burst as kids lost interest in collecting at the same rate as before.

The 1973 season was Topps’ 50th anniversary of making baseball cards. To celebrate, they produced the “Golden Anniversary” set with high-gloss photo variations. Sales dipped that year and it became clear the hobby was reaching a peak. For 1974, Topps scaled back production significantly to 660 cards compared to 714 in 1973. They also removed the team name from the front of cards for the first and only time.

While Topps cut back, Fleer expanded their line that year. In addition to their base set, Fleer produced their first Traded set featuring players who switched teams since the previous season. They also issued a parallel Photo variations set like Topps had done the year before. However, Fleer’s larger output only served to further saturate the market during its decline.

One of the most notable aspects of 1974 cards was the rise of the superstars. Players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente were entering the twilight of their careers but still held immense popularity. Their cards from 1974 are among the most valuable today, especially their rookie and early career issues. Aaron famously broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record that season, cementing his legacy.

The 1974 Topps set is best remembered for its photo variations. Around one in seven packs contained “photo star” cards with brighter, high-quality images. These include the likes of Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, and other top players. The variations created a fun chase for collectors and added interest during the waning years of the hobby’s boom.

While the 1973 season was overshadowed by the player strike, 1974 was relatively strike-free. The league was still adjusting to integration as more Black players broke barriers. Players like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Frank Robinson were superstars leading their teams to success on the field. But the racism that plagued the sport for decades was still an issue in some areas.

Rookie cards remained popular components of sets in 1974. Future Hall of Famers like Mike Schmidt, Jeff Burroughs, and Bruce Sutter made their card debuts that year. The influx of new players combined with reduced collecting interest meant these rookies didn’t attain the same lofty values as the years prior. Still, their 1974 cards remain key pieces for team and player collection sets decades later.

By 1975, the bubble had well and truly burst for the baseball card market. Both Topps and Fleer cut sets significantly due to slumping sales and lost money. While the hobby rebounded some in later years, it wouldn’t reach the fever pitch of the 1960s again for some time. The 1974 season represented the beginning of a new era where cards became less of a mainstream fad and more of a niche interest. Yet it also marked the final years of some of the games’ true legends. 1974 cards sit at the crossroads between the hobby’s boom and more mature modern period.

In conclusion, 1974 baseball cards served as a transition year. Interest was waning from the 1960s peak but stars of the era like Aaron still shone bright. New competitors like Fleer added variety but also saturated the market. While the era of the super-popular bubble was ending, 1974 established foundations for the hobby’s future as a more dedicated collecting niche. The stars, rookies and variations of 1974 remain popular with collectors today.

2022 PANINI CAPSTONE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2022 Panini Capstone baseball card set has been highly anticipated since its announcement in early 2022. Panini’s Capstone set has developed a reputation as one of the most visually stunning and valuable modern baseball card releases each year. Though the 2022 edition just hit the market in late July 2022, prices are already skyrocketing for some of the prized rookie cards and veteran superstars featured in this year’s checklist.

Capstone is Panini’s flagship high-end baseball card product that focuses on capturing the iconic moments and biggest names in the sport each season through exquisite card designs and rare memorabilia pieces. For the 2022 edition, Panini once again delivered stunning cards in a 250-card base set along with several lucrative parallel and short-print inserts that collectors are scrambling to track down. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman poised for stardom plus legends like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani continuing their dominance, the 2022 Capstone checklist provides fascinating subjects that resonate with today’s collectors.

While boxes of 2022 Panini Capstone retail for around $250-300 each making the product fairly expensive to collect randomly through loose packs and boxes, the individual cards are now selling for substantial sums on the resale market. Here’s a look at some of the early value standouts from this year’s set just a couple months after its official release:

Julio Rodriguez Green Wave Prizm Auto /25 – Rodriguez took the baseball world by storm in his 2022 rookie season, making his Prizm autos among the most in-demand modern cards. An on-card auto of J-Rod numbered to just 25 copies has already risen above the $1,000 mark and some predict it could challenge the $3,000-5,000 range as his star continues rising.

Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Prizm Auto /10 – Arguably the best pure shortstop prospect to debut in years, Witt had a solid rookie campaign and saw his card values explode. His ultra-rare Capstone Gold Prizm auto numbered to a tiny 10 copies is in very high demand and has jumped up near $3,000 in the early going. Expect six figures someday.

Adley Rutschman Orange Wave Prizm Auto /50 – After a few years of hype, Rutschman made his big league debut in 2022 and showed why he’s such a can’t-miss catcher. His Premium Patch auto in this parallel stands out from most others in the set and maintains a price tag around $800-900 for its limited /50 print run.

Mike Trout Green Wave Prizm /25 – Perhaps the safest modern card investment in the hobby, Trout relics and autographs hold immense value long-term. Even his base Prizm parallels dip quite low in numbered quantity, making the Green Wave a true needle-in-a-haystack relic coveted by Trout PC collectors. Currently trading around $750-850.

Shohei Ohtani Red Ink Auto /10 – After back-to-back incredible seasons as a two-way superstar, Ohtani’s mystique has never been higher. His exclusive Red Ink auto from Capstone parallel offers one of the rarest modern Ohtani pieces, price justifiably elevated to around $1,250-1,500 for its sought-after /10 designation.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Gold Wave Prizm Auto /10 – When healthy, Tatis is one of the game’s most dynamic stars. Injuries and suspension have cast some uncertainty in 2022-23. As such, his limited Gold auto has seen a bit of a retreat from 2021 highs, settling near $900 for now but still primed to rebound when he returns to form.

As these initial values demonstrate, Panini Capstone has already cemented itself as one of the hobby’s most valuable modern baseball card sets in just a few short years. While box/case breaks remain the most cost-effective approach, savvy collectors seeking rare singles are willing to pay top dollar knowing Capstone parallels and short-prints almost invariably increase in worth over time as stars’ careers progress. Between the stunning photography, dazzling refractors, and wealth of starpower both young phenoms and legends, 2022 Panini Capstone figures to continue appreciating for years to come as one of the premier releases from the modern baseball card boom.