1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS DREAM TEAM

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The 1991 Score baseball card set was unique in that it featured fantasy teams comprised of players from across different eras meant to represent the ultimate dream teams. Among these fantasized lineups was the “1991 Score Baseball Cards Dream Team”. Unlike modern all-star teams and awards that focus heavily on stats from just one recent season, this dream team selection took a broader historical perspective to assemble the best possible roster regardless of era.

Assembling the perfect baseball team across all of history is, of course, subjective with many legitimate ways to approach player evaluation and position choices. The editors at Score put thought into a variety of factors like peak performance, career stats, hardware earned like MVP awards and championships, advanced metrics before they were widely used, iconic status, and other less tangible attributes like leadership. The end result was a star-studded starting lineup and pitching rotation with many of the most acclaimed names in baseball history represented.

Behind the plate, they opted for Yankee legend Yogi Berra as the catcher. In a career from 1946 to 1965 largely spent in pinstripes, Berra was a legendary leader and winner with an impressive 10 World Series championships. Offensively, he hit .285 lifetime while leading the league in doubles twice. Defensively, he gunned down over 30% of base stealers.

At first base was the incomparable Lou Gehrig. From 1923 until his retirement in 1939 at age 36 due to ALS, “The Iron Horse” delivered Hall of Fame feats for the Yankees like a .340 career average, 493 home runs, lifetime walks/strikeouts of 1.275, two AL MVPs and six World Series rings in his 17 seasons. He holds the record for most grand slams (23) and once played in 2,130 straight games, a record that still stands today.

At second base was legendary leadoff hitter Joe Morgan. An offensive focal point of the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s, Morgan won back-to-back MVP awards in 1975-76 and led the NL in OBP four times. He was a five-time All-Star known for patience, power, and speed with a slash line of .271/.392/.433 in his career from 1963 to 1984 spent mostly with the Reds and Astros.

At shortstop was the classy and productive Cal Ripken Jr. who played his entire 21-year career for the Baltimore Orioles from 1981 to 2001. Ripken tallied 3,184 career hits while redefining durability and work ethic by playing in 2,632 straight games, breaking Lou Gehrig’s record. He won two MVPs and helped the O’s to a World Series title in 1983 while boasting a .276 average and 431 home runs at the position until retirement.

Rounding out the infield at third base was the transcendent Mike Schmidt. From 1972 to 1989 with the Philadelphia Phillies, “Schmidt hit 548 career home runs primarily as a third baseman, still the most all time by a primary third baseman. He won an unprecedented three NL MVP awards and was a 12-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner who led the league in home runs eight times and RBI four times while hitting .267 for his great Hall of Fame career.

In the outfield, taking up centerfield for the dream team was Willie Mays. From 1951 through 1973, primarily with the New York and San Francisco Giants, Mays thrilled fans with electrifying plays and a .302 average. Nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid”, he amassed 660 career home runs and 338 stolen bases while winning two MVPs and helping lead the Giants to several pennants and the 1954 World Series title. He’s regarded by many as the best all-around player in baseball history for his five tool play.

In left field, a spot was reserved for Ted Williams. From 1939 to 1960 spent mostly with the Boston Red Sox, Williams hit a career .344 average which is the highest of all time for a qualifying player in the post-19th century era. He also blasted 521 home runs and had a staggering 1.716 OPS in his Hall of Fame career. Williams won two Triple Crowns and was a 19-time All-Star, two-time batting champion, and AL MVP who impressively hit .406 in 1941, the last player to bat over .400 for a season.

In right field was the great Babe Ruth. From 1914 to 1935 with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, “the Bambino” redefined what was possible for a slugger by hitting 714 career home runs, a total that stood as the all-time record for 38 years until Hank Aaron broke it. Offensively, Ruth had a career .349 OBP and .690 SLG en route to blasting 60 homers in a season three times. On the mound early in his career, he also went 94-46 as a pitcher and helped the Red Sox to two World Series titles.

On the mound, as the ace of the pitching staff was Walter Johnson. From 1907 to 1927 primarily with the Washington Senators, “The Big Train” won 417 games against only 279 losses with a career ERA of 2.17. He led the AL in ERA 11 times, strikeouts 12 seasons and posted a record 110 shutouts over his Hall of Fame career spent entirely in D.C. His longevity and dominance at throwing his legendary “smokeball” fastball earned him a spot among the top pitchers in history.

Next in the rotation was Lefty Grove, who from 1925 to 1941 amassed 300 wins while primarily pitching for the Philadelphia A’s and Red Sox. He struck out nearly 2,500 batters and from 1929-33 when he won four ERA titles and two pitching Triple Crowns, Grove emerged as the first true superstar southpaw. He led the AL in shutouts six times and still holds the single season record for lowest opponent batting average of .178 in 1931.

Rounding out the rotation at number three was Sandy Koufax, whose brilliant peak from 1961-1966 with the Los Angeles Dodgers was arguably unmatched. In that span, he won three Cy Youngs and one MVP while leading the NL in wins four times and strikeouts five times. Among those incredible seasons, in 1966 he became the first pitcher ever to twirl four no-hitters. Across his 12-year career he went 165-87 with a 2.76 ERA and struck out 2,396 batters including a record four in a World Series game.

In the bullpen, the closer role went to Mariano Rivera who from 1995 through 2013 spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees. Over that span, he notched 652 saves to set the all-time career saves record while maintaining a preposterous 2.21 ERA and 0.992 WHIP. Rivera pioneered the closer role and became perhaps the most reliable ninth inning man in baseball history with an iconic cutter that provided repeated clutch late-inning heroics.

Meanwhile, the setup man job belonged to Rollie Fingers. From 1968 to 1985, he emerged as a standout reliever for several franchises including the A’s with whom he won the World Series in 1972 and 1974. Fingers racked up 341 career saves at a 2.90 ERA out of the bullpen and won the AL MVP in 1981 to recognize his elite conversion rate as a premier setup ace. His distinctive sidearm delivery produced with pinpoint control made him highly effective in high leverage situations.

This star-studded collection of talent would have been virtually impossible to beat across eras. But assembling these types of hypothetical squads requires creative consideration of diverse factors, and reasonable people may disagree on alternative selections or arrangements. Still, the editors at Score crafted a convincing Dream Team starting nine and pitching staff that leveraged the best attributes and performances found throughout baseball’s illustrious history up until that point in a fun conceptual exercise that pushed fans to contemplate new ways of evaluating the game’s greatest stars.

MARKET FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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The market for baseball cards has seen massive growth in recent decades and remains a thriving industry. Collecting baseball cards has been a popular American pastime since the late 19th century. Some key things to know about the modern market for baseball cards:

There are several major companies that produce baseball cards that are sold in stores and online. The main manufacturers of modern baseball cards are Topps, followed by Panini, Leaf, and Donruss. Topps has held the exclusive license to produce MLB player cards since 1956. Their dominance means Topps rookie cards and autographed cards are the most sought after on the secondary market.

Graded and enclosed baseball cards have become very popular, led by companies like PSA/DNA, BGS, and SGC. Getting cards professionally graded assigns the card a numeric grade based on its condition and appearance. This provides collectors assurance of a card’s quality and authenticity. Top graded rookie cards can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auction.

While packs of modern baseball cards can be purchased at retailers for around $4-5, the real money is in the secondary market of individual vintage and rare cards. Websites like eBay, COMC, and auction houses like Goldin Auctions facilitate thousands of baseball card sales daily between collectors all over the world. Prices fluctuate based on player performance, card availability, and overall collector interest in the hobby.

Some all-time best selling and most valuable baseball cards include the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, the 1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb, and the 1909-11 T206 Nap Lajoie. Wagner’s are usually considered the prize of all card collections, with ungraded examples selling for over $2 million. The highest price ever paid was $6.6 million for a PSA NM-MT 8 graded example in 2016.

Rookie cards tend to hold the most value, as they were produced in the smallest numbers before players established themselves in the major leagues. Some example rookie card sales in recent years include a 2009 Bowman Draft Patrick Mahomes for over $400K, a 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout PSA 10 for over $900K, and a 1999 Bowman Chrome Mookie Betts PSA 10 for over $260K.

Autographed memorabilia holds value as well. Bat and ball autographs tend to fetch higher prices than unsigned items or photos. Top stars like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Jackie Robinson routinely sell autographs for $50,000-100,000 or more depending on condition, rarity, and number produced. Game-used and autographed jerseys are also popular high-dollar acquisitions on the memorabilia market.

Younger generations continue to find the hobby through online platforms. Social media groups dedicated to collecting allow easy sharing of collections and valuable guidance. The overall player pool today results in more available cards on the market, but interest remains high. Despite fluctuations, baseball cards retain their mystique as tangible pieces of sporting history everyone can enjoy and potentially profit from over the long haul. With the help of growing digital communities, the market looks positioned to welcome new collectors for decades to come.

The baseball card collecting industry thrives through manufacturers like Topps creating new products each year, professional grading enhancing card values, and an active secondary market online and at auction. Memorabilia further expands the possibilities. Rookie cards, rare vintage issues, and autograph gems drive the high-dollar sales, while packs and commons keep the hobby fun and accessible for new and younger collectors. As long as baseball remains popular, interest in its trading cards will surely continue.

ALEJANDRO DE AZA BASEBALL CARDS

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Alejandro De Aza Baseball Card History and Values

Alejandro De Aza had a 10-year career in Major League Baseball from 2008-2017, playing for the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Miami Marlins. While he was never an All-Star or award winner, De Aza established himself as a solid outfielder and hitter who could provide value to a team. He had some productive seasons that make his baseball cards worth taking a look at for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at De Aza’s career and the baseball cards issued during his playing days.

De Aza was signed by the White Sox as an amateur free agent in 2002 out of Venezuela. He slowly worked his way up through Chicago’s farm system, making his MLB debut in 2008 at age 26. De Aza’s rookie cards from 2008 Topps and Upper Deck are some of his most common issues. The Topps card can be found for under $1 in near mint condition, while the Upper Deck RC sells for around $3-4. As a rookie, De Aza only played in 26 games and had 58 plate appearances, so these cards did not gain much value over the years.

In 2009, De Aza received more playing time with the White Sox and responded with the best season of his career to date. In 109 games, he hit .296 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. He established himself as a regular in the Chicago outfield and leadoff hitter. De Aza’s 2009 Topps and Upper Deck base cards from this breakout season can be acquired for $2-3 in near mint condition. The Topps Chrome and Finest refractors from that year have modest values of $5-8.

De Aza continued to be a solid contributor for the White Sox over the next two seasons from 2010-2011. He averaged around 100 games, 15 stolen bases, and an .800 OPS each year. His production dipped a bit and he began to lose playing time. As a result, his common issue cards from 2010-2011 Topps, Upper Deck, and other brands have very low values of $1-2.

Prior to the 2012 season, the White Sox traded De Aza to the Baltimore Orioles. He became a valuable fourth outfielder/platoon player for the O’s over the next two and a half seasons. De Aza’s 2012 Topps and other base cards from his time in Baltimore are only worth $1-3 due to limited playing time. Collectors seem to enjoy his 2012 Topps Mini card, which features a fun close-up photo. Those can be found for $5-8.

De Aza had his best season as an Oriole in 2013. In a career-high 130 games, he hit .262 with 9 home runs, 44 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. He proved himself a capable starter when given the opportunity. De Aza’s 2013 Topps and other base cards from that solid campaign are valued around $3-5. The Topps Mini and Topps Chrome parallels from ’13 hold slightly higher values of $7-10.

After the 2013 season, De Aza was traded again, this time to the Chicago Cubs. He spent the 2014 season platooning between the Cubs and their Triple-A affiliate. This resulted in very limited production and playing time. Not surprisingly, De Aza’s 2014 Cubs cards are only worth $1-2 at most. He was released after the season.

De Aza caught on with the Miami Marlins in 2015 and had a nice bounce back year. Starting regularly in left field, he hit .276 with 9 home runs and 49 RBI in 129 games. Collectors seem to enjoy De Aza’s Marlins cards the most out of his later career issues. His 2015 Topps and other Marlins base cards can be acquired for $3-5. Parallel versions like Topps Chrome hold values around $7-10.

De Aza spent the 2016-2017 seasons splitting time between the Marlins and their Triple-A club. He totaled only 76 MLB games over those two years combined. As a result, his late career 2016-2017 cards from Miami have very low values of $1-2. De Aza announced his retirement after the 2017 season at age 36, wrapping up a decade-long MLB tenure.

While Alejandro De Aza was never a superstar, he had some productive seasons that make his baseball cards worth looking at, especially for budget-minded collectors. His best cards to acquire are likely his 2009 breakout season issues with the White Sox or his 2015 solid campaign with the Marlins. Later career and rookie year cards have understandably lower values. With solid performances that provided value to several teams, De Aza deserves recognition from baseball card collectors and fans.

1996 BAZOOKA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1996 Bazooka baseball card set is one of the more memorable issues from the popular gum and collectibles company known for their fun and quirky take on sports cards.Released towards the end of Topps’ run with the exclusive MLB license, the 1996 Bazooka set stands out among collectors for its unique design elements, inclusion of rare promotional cards, and mark on 1990s baseball card pop culture.

Containing 330 total cards, the 1996 Bazooka baseball set focused on featuring current Major League players from the 1995 season. Unlike other traditional card issues of the time, Bazooka took a more cartoonish and kid-friendly approach to its photography and designs. For example, many of the regular player cards featured close-up headshots of the athletes with comical background scenes or thought bubbles included. This gave each card a funnier tone compared to the deadpan studio portraits seen in contemporaries like Topps and Fleer.

In addition to standard rookie and star player cards throughout the set, Bazooka also included several specialty subset lists. One of the more sought-after inclusions was the famed “Nickname” series, which paid tribute to some of baseball’s most recognizable alter egos on 12 unique cards. Future Hall of Famers like “The Rocket” Roger Clemens, “Papi” David Ortiz, and “Junior” Ken Griffey Jr. all received caricatured illustrations that highlighted their nicknames.

Another popular subset was the return of the longtime Bazooka tradition of “Trading Card Backs.” Dating back to the company’s 1960s/70s issues, this innovation allowed for dual-image cards where the rear showed an entirely different photo or topic than the front. In 1996, 24 select cards came with amusing backside portraits or scenes when flipped over. The set included 12 “Team Best” cards highlighting top players for each MLB franchise, as well as a postseason “Best of the Championship Series” subset.

While the standard player offerings anddesigned subsets addedcollector value, perhaps themost notablepart of the 1996Bazookairelease wasthe inclusionof eighthighlylimitedpromotioncardsonlyavailablethroughthecompany’s PuzzleCardcontests. Theseelusivetelescopingcardswereonlygivenoutasprizestothosewhocorrectlysolvedthedifficultpuzzlesandmailedthembackbeforethedeadline.Titleslike”TedWilliamsintheBattingCage”and”ReggieJacksonatthePlate”madetheseamongsthehardestBazookacardstotrackdown.

Complementing the on-card content, the 1996 Bazooka set also came packaged with a variety of creative extras. Each penny pack included stickers and puzzles like word searches or mazes themed after players, teams or stats. The more premium dollar packs provided additional value with candy, temporary tattoos, or in some cases Pogs-like slammer discs featuring baseball artwork. Overall designers aimed to create a well-rounded collector’s product beyond just the card checklist alone.

Upon its initial release, the 1996 Topps Bazooka baseball card set was largely overshadowed by the prestige of brands like Topps Finest and Ultra that were seen as cutting edge at the time. In the decades since, the quirky issues from the Wrigley subsidiary have developed a strong cult following among enthusiasts of oddball 90s designs and unorthodox parallels. Factors like the sought-after Puzzle Cards, dual-image Trading Card backs, and memorable caricatured photography give the set enduring appeal above peers from the era. Whether completing rosters or hunting down the scarce short prints, collectors today continue appreciating Bazooka’s fun and untraditional take on the vintage sport.

For Bazooka completists, finding and acquiring the 1996 set in its entirety does present challenges due to the rarity of certain cards. The promotional Puzzle Cards especially trade and sell for top dollar when available. Resilience among collectors has kept prices fair and attainable compared to other premium releases from the decade. Sites like eBay provide a strong aftermarket, while vintage card shows always have supply from enthusiasts looking to place copies with new homes. The 1996 issue stands as a true time capsule of baseball cards’ lighter side during the exciting finale years of the classic cardboard era.

25 MOST VALUABLE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set marked the 26th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from that season. While not the most iconic or popular set compared to the late 1950s or early 1960s, the 1987 Topps cards contained some of the biggest stars and rookie cards from that era. Several factors influence the value of any given card, from the player featured to its condition and scarcity. Here are the 25 most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition and recent auction prices:

Ozzie Smith #610 – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith’s smooth fielding and acrobatic plays made him a fan favorite. His 1987 Topps card in top condition can fetch $150-200 due to his Hall of Fame career and iconic defensive skills.

Rickey Henderson #199 – Known as the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in MLB history, Rickey Henderson stole over 1,400 bases in his career. His 1987 Topps card sells for around $200 in top condition given his offensive prowess and base stealing records.

Kirby Puckett #509 – A six-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner, Kirby Puckett led the Minnesota Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. His cheerful demeanor made him a fan favorite as well. Near-mint to mint 1987 Puckett cards sell for $200-250.

Roger Clemens #660 – Already a two-time Cy Young award winner by 1987, “Rocket” Roger Clemens went on to win six more Cy Youngs and pitch until age 43. His intimidating fastball and longevity make his 1987 Topps card worth $225-275 in top condition.

Cal Ripken Jr. #642 – Though not yet the Iron Man, Cal Ripken Jr. was already an All-Star and Gold Glover in 1987. His near flawless career, breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record, and Hall of Fame enshrinement boost his 1987 rookie card value to $250-300.

Wade Boggs #5 – Already a five-time batting champion by 1987, Wade Boggs was the epitome of consistency at the plate. Known as “The Chicken Man” for his daily ritual, Boggs’ 1987 Topps PSA 10 sells for around $300 due to his excellent career numbers.

Tim Raines #674 – Nicknamed “Rock,” Tim Raines was one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers of the 1980s. He amassed over 800 stolen bases in his career. Near-mint to mint 1987 Raines rookie cards sell between $300-350.

Nolan Ryan #690 – Already with over 4,500 career strikeouts in 1987, “Ryan Express” Nolan Ryan holds the all-time strikeout record with 5,714. One of the game’s most intimidating pitchers, his 1987 Topps PSA 10 fetches $350-400.

Ozzie Smith #610 Error – Only about 10 of these rare Ozzie Smith error cards are known to exist where the photo is upside down. Considered the holy grail for Ozzie collectors, one in pristine condition sold at auction in 2021 for an astounding $420,000.

Mark McGwire #234 – Already a power hitter by 1987 with 158 career home runs, “Big Mac” Mark McGwire went on to smash the single season home run record in 1998. His 1987 rookie card in top condition sells for $400-450.

Kirby Puckett #509 Error – Like the Ozzie Smith error, only a handful of the ultra-rare Kirby Puckett upside down photo errors exist. One in PSA 10 condition sold for $500,000 at auction in 2020, showing the card’s immense scarcity value.

Dwight Gooden #648 – Nicknamed “Doc,” Dwight Gooden won the 1985 NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. He dazzled with a 100 mph fastball but personal issues curtailed his career. Still, his 1987 rookie card fetches $450-500 in top shape due to his dominance as a young pitcher.

Barry Bonds #660 – Already a three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner by 1987, Barry Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record. His 1987 Topps card in pristine condition sells between $500-550.

Don Mattingly #630 – The smooth swinging “Donnie Baseball” was the heart and soul of the late 1980s Yankees. A nine-time All-Star and 1985 AL MVP, Mattingly’s 1987 Topps PSA 10 sells for around $600.

Roger Clemens #660 Error – Only a small number of the rare upside down photo error of Roger Clemens are known to exist. Considered the true “holy grail” for Rocket collectors, one in PSA 10 condition sold for over $650,000 at auction in 2019.

Greg Maddux #92 – Already a two-time Gold Glove winner in 1987, “Mad Dog” Greg Maddux went on to win 4 Cy Youngs in the 1990s with pinpoint control. His 1987 Topps rookie card fetches $650-700 in top shape.

Tom Glavine #92 – Like Maddux, Tom Glavine was already establishing himself as an ace in 1987 before winning two Cy Youngs of his own. The duo’s strong careers and the scarcity of high grade 1987 Topps rookie cards push Glavine’s value to $700-750.

Ken Griffey Jr. #151 – The smooth swinging “Junior” was already dazzling fans in 1987 at age 17. He went on to smash 630 career home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves. His iconic 1987 Topps rookie in PSA 10 condition now sells for $800-850.

Barry Bonds #660 Error – Only a small handful of the elusive upside down photo error of Barry Bonds are known to exist. Considered the true “crown jewel” for Bonds collectors, one specimen graded PSA 10MINT sold for an astounding $1 million at auction in 2021.

Frank Thomas #630 – Already a force as a rookie in 1987, “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas won back-to-back AL MVPs in the 1990s. His smooth left-handed swing and Hall of Fame career make his 1987 Topps rookie extremely valuable at $900-950 in top condition.

Mark McGwire #234 Error – Like the Bonds and Clemens errors, only a small number of the ultra-rare upside down photo error of Mark McGwire exist. One in PSA 10 condition was sold privately for over $1.2 million in 2018, showing its immense rarity and demand.

Ken Griffey Jr. #151 Error – Only about 10 examples are known of the elusive Griffey Jr. error card where his photo is sideways. Considered the true crown jewel for any Griffey collector, one specimen graded PSA 10 sold for $2.88 million at auction in 2021, setting a new record.

Nolan Ryan #690 Error – Even rarer than the Griffey error, possibly fewer than 5 copies exist of the Nolan Ryan error card where his photo is sideways. A true “holy grail” for any sports card collection, one graded PSA 10 sold privately in 2020 for an astounding $3.12 million.

Roger Clemens #660 Error – The most valuable regular issue card, an upside down Clemens photo error in PSA 10 condition was sold privately in 2017 for $3.5 million, showing its immense rarity and demand from Clemens collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr. #151 Error – The undisputed king of 1987 Topps, possibly only 2-3 examples are known to exist of the ultra-rare sideways photo Ken Griffey Jr. error card. A true sports collecting treasure, one in PSA 10 condition was sold privately in 2021 for a record-breaking $5.2 million, cementing it as the most valuable baseball card of all-time based on a public record.

While not the flashiest or most popular set overall, the 1987 Topps baseball cards contained some of the biggest stars and most valuable rookie cards ever due to certain ultra-rare photo errors. Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and Nolan Ryan hold incredibly scarce and desirable cards that have shattered sports collecting records. Condition and scarcity drive the enormous values, making the 1987 Topps set one of the most intriguing in the modern era.

VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS REDDIT

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Vintage baseball cards from the early 20th century have developed a cult following among collectors on Reddit and beyond. With beautiful lithographic images and historical significance, old baseball cards hold tremendous nostalgic and monetary value for many. Several Reddit communities have formed to share knowledge and bring collectors together from around the world.

One of the largest is r/baseballcards, with over 130,000 members. Here, people of all experience levels discuss the hobby. Beginners share their first vintage packs and ask for authentication help, while experts post pieces of their vast collections worth tens of thousands of dollars. The community aims to be welcoming to newcomers interested in learning about this classic sport memorabilia.

Beyond just showcasing cards, the subreddit also explores the business and cultural aspects. Posts dive into everything from the early card companies like T206 to modern grading standards. The intersection of baseball, art, history and finance makes for rich discussion. Of course, being Reddit, memes and good-natured ribbing are also happily embraced.

1909 to 1911 T206 cards named for the series they were included in are among the most prized in the world. Posts featuring rare Honus Wagner specimens or pristine examples from other greats like Matty, Cy Young and Grover Cleveland Alexander always generate excitement. Grading firm Beckett even uses the T206 as its pictorial guide for the ultra-prestigious 0-10 quality scale still in use today.

Rookie cards also entice collectors. A 1909 Cabrera & Romero Cuban Cigar card in near mint state just changed hands for $136,000. Prominent players’ first issued cards retain value whether it’s a Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Ken Griffey Jr. or current stars like Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. Redditors excitedly discuss major hits from breaks and new additions to theirPC (personal collection).

Vintage cards come from across baseball history. The 1914 Cracker Jack issued cards after the infamous baseball owners’ trust conspiracy to monopolize the sport are as prized as those featuring negro league greats like Josh Gibson. Exhibitions of forgotten minor league studs and oddball regional issues also intrigue collectors. No player, set or era is excluded from the Reddit discussions and appreciation.

Many subreddits focus on specific slots within the hobby. R/baseballcardsells is for buying and selling within the platform’s protected framework. R/sportscardtracker promotes organization with a database for registering collections. Dozens of team clubs like r/NYYankeesCards showcase pinstripes legends. Even the mechanics of the collecting process have dedicated homes – r/baseballcardrestoration for repairs and r/autographassistance when trying to verify a signature.

Related interests synergize too. R/vintagecardvalues has spreadsheets estimating investment potential. R/cardshowhauls shares photos from big trade shows. Memorabilia adjoins cards at r/sportscollectibles. Regardless of specialty, all aim to keep the passion thriving through community support of each other’s pursuits. Whether seeking bargains, advice, appraisals or just kinship with fellow fans, Reddit brings collectors together from far corners of fandom.

As with any marketplace, scams sometimes surface too. But overall, the spirit of integrity, generosity of knowledge sharing and pure fun of the search for cardboard history from over a century ago keeps drawing more to join these online card collecting strongholds. For both casual browsing appreciation of the past or serious investing, Reddit ensures baseball’s earliest franchises remain vibrantly alive among a dedicated 21st century following. And its members’ passion promises to pass the tradition on to new generations discovering the joy, intrigue and connection that comes with a dusty old pack of vintage baseball cards.

1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is one of the iconic releases from the 1970s that still resonates strongly with collectors today. The designs and photography from this series have stood the test of time. For enthusiasts looking to invest in graded examples of stars and key cards from this set, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) slabbing is generally the preferred choice.

Released in 1979, the Topps flagship set contains 524 total cards including 30 playoff performers cards and 22 manager cards for a base set of 472 players. Some of the biggest stars featured include Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, George Brett, Robin Yount, Reggie Jackson and Dave Winfield. Condition is especially important for high value vintage cards like these. PSA has been the gold standard in third-party grading since 1991 and provides assurance to potential buyers that a card is authentic and has been assigned an accurate numerical grade.

For the 1979 Topps set, the most desirable PSA population report grades are Gem Mint 10 and Mint 9. These top two tiers give collectors the best chance at acquiring a perfectly centered example in pristine condition without creases, folds or other flaws. Even PSA 8s and lower for rare and valuable cards can sell quite well depending on the player or card design. It’s important to check the latest Pop Reports online for each individual card to understand how many have achieved certain grades. Population helps determine scarcity and current market value.

Some 1979 Topps cards that consistently attract serious interest and premium prices in PSA 10 condition include Nolan Ryan’s base card, the Reggie Jackson All-Star card, Steve Garvey’s Phillies card after his big trade and vintage rookie cards for Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith and Cal Ripken Jr. Lower pop reports make attaining a pristine grade even more difficult. On the secondary market, these top gems can sell for thousands depending on the player pedigree and card design desirability among collectors.

During the peak speculative market boom of the late 1980s and 1990s, hundreds or even thousands of 1979 Topps cards were sent to PSA for grading each month from collectors hoping to cash in. The longterm damage done by improper storage, circulation through the hands of young fans at the time and general wear and tear meant very few examples could achieve the coveted Mint grades. Population reports reflect how difficult it is to find high grade vintage cards compared to modern issues.

In addition to individual card prices tied to certain Hall of Famers or stars, there is also value in complete PSA sets for 1979 Topps. Sellers will piece together all the base cards graded together to create a true “gem” or “mint” series. These can command tens of thousands depending on condition due to the difficulty in acquiring every card with consistent high grades. An about uncirculated complete set in PSA 8s which captures all the key stars and rookies still holds value in the thousands currently.

For collectors, PSA is also a solid choice for pedigree and authentication purposes. Their rigorous standards and multi-point inspection give confidence for condition sensitive vintage and help reassure buyers of authenticity. The slabbing also protects valuable gems longterm and makes high grade examples much easier to show off, transport or trade compared to loose raw cards. The drawbacks are mainly the cost of grading and time waiting compared to faster bulk grading services, but the price differential is often justified by potential resale premiums.

The 1979 Topps set remains a benchmark among 1970s issues for both its photography and the star players featured within. PSA population data highlights the challenge still present today in finding pristine examples that earned top Gem Mint 10 status. Using PSA certification makes the most sense for condition sensitive vintage rarities or full complete sets given the assurance provided around grade, authenticity and longterm preservation in plastic. Prices will likely continue rising over time for recognizable Hall of Fame rookie cards and stars secured within that coveted black label slab.

CARD TARGET BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible item for both kids and adults. Part of the appeal of collecting baseball cards is the hunt for rare and valuable cards. While some collectors enjoy simply building sets by collecting all the cards from a particular year or series, others get a thrill out of searching packs, boxes, and collections for elusive “hit cards” that could be worth significantly more than the average card.

One type of hit card that collectors eagerly seek out are known as “card target” cards. Card target cards feature a unique design element not found on standard issue cards from the same set. Specifically, card target cards have a red circular target stamped somewhere on the front of the card. This target stamp identifies the card as being scarce and potentially more valuable compared to the base cards in the set.

The first card target cards date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this era, some of the major baseball card manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss would include a small number of card target cards randomly inserted into their wax packs and boxes. These early target cards were usually inserted at a rate of about one per every few hundred packs or boxes.

Some of the earliest and most sought after card target cards include the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan (#521), 1969 Topps Tom Seaver (#553), 1970 Topps Johnny Bench (#130), and 1971 Topps Hank Aaron (#1). These particular cards are considered the key vintage card target cards due to their iconic players, scarcity, and the historical significance of being among the first target stamped cards ever produced. In gem mint condition, high-grade examples of these early target cards can sell for tens of thousands of dollars or more at auction.

In the 1970s and 1980s, most major baseball card manufacturers continued the tradition of including card target cards in their sets at limited insertion rates. Notable ’70s and ’80s target cards include the 1974 Topps Mike Schmidt (#610), 1975 Topps Reggie Jackson (#591), 1979 Topps Ozzie Smith (#646), and 1986 Topps Roger Clemens (#181). These mid-modern target cards tend to have values ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the player, condition, and demand.

The practice of inserting scarce card target cards really took off again in the late 1980s and 1990s as the modern baseball card boom was in full swing. Companies like Topps, Fleer, Donruss, and Upper Deck flooded the market with new sets and included more card target cards than ever before. Some key ’80s and ’90s target cards that collectors love include the 1987 Topps Mark McGwire (#226), 1989 Fleer Barry Bonds (#415), 1992 Donruss Frank Thomas (#505), and 1994 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. (#1). With their mass-produced runs, these modern targets have values more in the $50-$300 range if in top condition.

In the 2000s and 2010s, card manufacturers began experimenting with different target-style variations beyond the classic red circle. Brands produced parallels like refractor, autographed, and memorabilia card targets. Some examples include the 2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki refractor (#132), 2005 Bowman Draft Mike Trout autograph (#1), and 2010 Topps Update Clayton Kershaw jersey card (#US38). These contemporary target cards tend to have lower print runs and higher values, often reaching into the thousands of dollars each.

While the specific designs and scarcity levels of card targets have evolved over the decades, their appeal to collectors has remained constant. Finding and owning a coveted target card from any era provides a unique thrill. Card targets represent the pinnacle hits within their respective sets. Even for common players, card targets command premium prices due to their built-in rarity. For vintage target cards of star players, the values can be astronomical for serious collectors chasing the ultimate cardboard trophies. As long as baseball cards remain a popular hobby, card target cards will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who love the hunt.

PACK OF BASEBALL CARDS

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A pack of baseball cards is a small bundle of cardstock cards sold with baseball players and team logos printed on them. Baseball cards have been popular collectibles since the late 19th century when cigarette and candy companies began including them as advertisements in their products to help market their brands to children and young adults.

In the early decades of the 20th century, baseball cards were primarily included as incentives in cigarette packs from brands like Sweet Caporal, Hassan, Old Mill, and others. These tobacco cards featured single players per card and covered various sports and non-sports topics in addition to baseball. It was the inclusion of cards in chewing gum in the 1930s that really helped popularize baseball cards as a mainstream collectible in their own right.

Bowman Gum began the modern format of putting 11 cards to a pack in 1948. Their packs featured all-current major league players across multiple cards rather than just one per pack. Other gum and candy companies like Topps, Fleer, and Leaf soon followed suit. Standard packs from the 1950s onward usually contained about 10-12 cards that spanned both players and team logos or facts. More premium and high-end offerings might include 15-20 cards per pack.

The specific composition of cards within a pack is intentionally random to encourage collectors to purchase multiple packs in hopes of completing their sets. The level of randomness has varied over the years depending on factors like overall print runs, number of sets released in a given year, and whether inserts or parallel variants were included alongside the base cards. In the early decades when production levels were lower, it was easier to potentially get a complete set from just a few packs.

As the hobby boomed in the late 1980s and 1990s, sets ballooned well over 600 cards, necessitating that dedicated collectors had to purchase many more packs or resort to trading online to fill out short prints and chase rare inserts. Insert sets would either be randomly inserted throughout normal packs or available as prize cards in specially marked packs within display boxes. Popular examples are Upper Deck’s Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card or Topps Finest Refractors chase cards from the late 1990s and 2000s.

Baseball card pack contents are designed both to allow for fun random openings but also create scarcity to drive purchasing and collecting. The thrill of not knowing exactly what cards may pop out keeps the experience exciting. Some of the main variants found within packs over the years include:

Base cards: The common player and team cards that make up the bulk of each set. Usually serially numbered for tracking completeness.

Inserts: Parallel subsets within the base set that may feature a photographic variation, retired greats, commemorative anniversary cards, or fantasy “what if” scenarios. Examples are Topps Diamond Kings, Upper Deck Legends.

Autographs/relic cards: In today’s market, packs may contain rare serialized jersey or autograph cards of star players. These guarantee at least one hit per box on average.

-parallels:Printed on alternative colors/fabrics with limited numbers, like Topps Chrome, Stadium Club, Allen & Ginter’s embossed. Adds chase factor.

-promos: Special extra cards available only through select retail outlets, often retired player hits.

Packaging has also evolved, from simple wax paper wraps to intricate plastic trays and hit rate guaranteed boxes. While resellers dominate retail today, part of the joy for collectors remains having the serendipity of finding a precious pack or sleeve on the shelf and hoping for gems to be uncovered inside. Whether pursuing vintage cardboard for nostalgia or hunting the latest modern collectibles, baseball cards in pack form are a classic American sport collecting tradition.

BASEBALL CARDS POUGHKEEPSIE NY

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture for over 150 years. While the hobby took off on a national scale, some local communities have their own special history with baseball cards as well. Poughkeepsie, New York is one such community that has deep roots in the collecting and trading of these iconic pieces of memorabilia.

Some of the earliest baseball cards to feature Poughkeepsie players date back to the late 1800s. In 1887, the American Tobacco Company began inserting cards into packs of cigarettes and chewing tobacco as a promotional item. One of the players featured in the early sets was Jack “Death to Flying Things” Glasscock, a former major leaguer who was born in Poughkeepsie in 1860. While Glasscock had already retired from professional baseball by the time these cards came out, his inclusion showed that even early on, local heroes were being recognized on baseball’s earliest trading cards.

In the early 20th century, Poughkeepsie saw the rise of its own minor league teams, like the Poughkeepsie Colonials of the Hudson River League from 1903-1905. Players for this early 20th century minor league squad occasionally appeared on regional baseball cards from the time period. Brands like Candy, Gilt Edge, and Leaf featured cards highlighting the Poughkeepsie Colonials players, helping grow the hobby in the local area. Fans could find and trade these regional cards in Poughkeepsie shops and help connect the community over their shared fandom of the home team.

As the decades went on, Poughkeepsie continued to see local heroes immortalized on cardboard. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Poughkeepsie Giants of the Eastern League featured future major leaguers like Luke Appling, Early Wynn, and Bobby Doerr. Their rookie cards, which could be found in local shops and traded at the ballpark, helped grow the next generation of Poughkeepsie card collectors. Icons from this era like Goudey and Play Ball included the up-and-coming Poughkeepsie Giants stars, providing a tangible link between the community and its minor league ambassadors.

Into the 1950s and 1960s, Poughkeepsie was still a hotbed for baseball card collecting and regional sets that highlighted Hudson Valley players. The city was also home to legendary card shops like Poughkeepsie Sportscards, which opened in 1960 and became the hub of the local card trading scene for decades. Hometown heroes like Yankee great Whitey Ford, who attended Poughkeepsie High School, had their rookie cards readily available in local stores. The shop also hosted frequent baseball card shows, bringing collectors from all over the region to Poughkeepsie to trade, sell, and stay up to date on the latest releases – it was truly the epicenter of the hobby for many miles.

In the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond, as the national baseball card boom took off, Poughkeepsie collectors were still finding ways to connect to local players and teams. The city was home to the Poughkeepsie Knights franchise in the Atlantic League from 1984-1988, and players like Dave Staton had their cards printed in the big national sets by Topps, Donruss, and Fleer that kids in Poughkeepsie could add to their collections. Even as the national pastime expanded, Poughkeepsie kept its hometown roots in baseball cards alive.

Today, dedicated collectors in Poughkeepsie still seek out the rare early 20th century cards featuring players who suited up for the city’s long-gone minor league teams. Local card shows bring history buffs and enthusiasts together to discuss the rich baseball memorabilia heritage of the area. While the hobby has grown exponentially, its heart remains in local communities like Poughkeepsie that have supported baseball cards for well over a century. From Jack Glasscock to Whitey Ford to the Poughkeepsie Giants, the city will forever have a special bond with this all-American collectible. Its history shows how baseball cards can help preserve a community’s connection to its sporting past and build shared memories for generations to come.