Tag Archives: 1998

1998 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1998 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1990s. While it didn’t feature any rookie cards of future superstars, there are several standout cards from the set that have increased tremendously in value over the past two decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 1998 Upper Deck baseball cards that are worth money today.

The flagship card of the 1998 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. jersey parallel card. Labeled as “Griffey Jr. Threads”, this parallel insert featured Griffey wearing a piece of his authentic game-used Mariners jersey embedded within the card. Only 50 of these rare parallel cards were printed, making it one of the most coveted Upper Deck parallels ever produced. In near mint condition, a Griffey Jr. Threads card in a PSA 10 gem mint grade is worth around $15,000-$20,000 today. Even well-centered examples in PSA 9 excellent condition can fetch $5,000-$8,000.

Another incredibly rare and valuable parallel from 1998 Upper Deck is the “Diamond Kings” parallel of Sammy Sosa. This parallel featured Sosa’s image made entirely of tiny diamond shapes. Like the Griffey Jr. Threads, only 50 of these were inserted into packs. High-grade Sosa Diamond Kings parallels in a PSA 10 are worth around $10,000 today, while PSA 9s can sell for $4,000-$6,000. Both the Griffey and Sosa parallels are must-have cards for serious vintage collectors due to their extreme scarcity and iconic designs.

In terms of base rookie cards from the 1998 Upper Deck set, there aren’t any that have increased tremendously in value. The Derek Jeter rookie card has maintained strong demand over the years from Yankees collectors. High-grade Jeter rookies in a PSA 10 are valued around $500-$800, while PSA 9s can sell for $200-$400. The Jeter is certainly the most valuable base rookie from the set in top-pop grades.

Another card that has seen good appreciation is the Ken Griffey Jr. base card from 1998 Upper Deck. Considered one of Griffey’s best and most iconic baseball cards ever, high-grade Griffey base cards from this set are worth a pretty penny. A PSA 10 Griffey base in near-mint to mint condition could sell for $300-$500. Well-centered PSA 9s are valued around $150-$250. Even though it’s not a rookie card, Griffey’s popularity and the iconic photo used have kept demand strong for this base issue over the years.

While not quite as valuable as the parallels, there are also a few other key short-print and serially numbered cards from 1998 Upper Deck that have increased nicely in price. The Ivan Rodriguez short-print card, which was only inserted around 1 per pack, has risen to $50-$75 in high grades. The Mark McGwire short-print also commands $40-$60 in top condition.

In terms of serially numbered cards, the “Diamond Anniversary” parallel cards numbered to only 100 copies each have held their value well. The Sammy Sosa Diamond Anniversary parallel in a PSA 10 is worth $150-$250. The Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. Diamond Anniversary parallels in a PSA 10 grade sell in the $100-$150 range as well. These low-numbered parallel inserts remain highly sought after by collectors.

While not the flashiest or most star-studded set from the 1990s, the 1998 Upper Deck issue does contain some true gems that have proven to be great long-term investments. The ultra-rare Griffey Jr. and Sosa parallel cards lead the way in terms of value, but there are also strong returns to be had on high-grade versions of Griffey and Jeter’s base cards. Add in the desirable short-prints and low-numbered parallels, and it’s easy to see why 1998 Upper Deck remains a highly collectible vintage release. For those willing to pay top dollar, it offers some true vintage baseball card treasures worth thousands in today’s market.

While it may lack the rookie card firepower of some other classic 90s releases, the 1998 Upper Deck set deserves recognition as one of the most valuable issues from the decade. Headlined by the unprecedented Griffey Jr. and Sosa parallel cards, it provides vintage collectors a chance to own iconic pieces of card history. Factor in strong demand for stars like Griffey, Jeter, and McGwire, and there is money to be made by investing in high-quality examples from this underrated classic set. For those seeking blue-chip vintage cardboard, 1998 Upper Deck continues to deliver great long-term returns nearly 25 years after its original release.

1998 DONRUSS PREFERRED BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1998 Donruss Preferred baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom in the late 1990s by Donruss, one of the biggest names in the trading card industry. With high production values, unique parallel sets, and some of the most popular players in the game featured on the cards, the 1998 Donruss Preferred set became a highly collectible and desirable release.

Some key things to know about the 1998 Donruss Preferred set include that it contained 384 total cards and featured current MLB players as well as retired legends of the game. The base card design was very clean and classic looking, with a white border surrounding each player’s photo on a colored background that matched their team’s uniform colors. Statistics, career highlights, and fun facts about each player were included on the back of the cards.

Some of the top rookie and star players featured in the 1998 Donruss Preferred set included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Tony Gwynn, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Derek Jeter. Collectors loved being able to find these current superstars and future Hall of Famers in the set during the peak of their careers.

In addition to the base card set, Donruss also released several parallel insert sets to add to the excitement and chase for collectors. Among the most coveted were the Super Special parallel cards, which featured blue lettering and numbering on a silver/grey background. Only 15 copies of each Super Special card were produced, making them extremely scarce and valuable. Another rare parallel was the Titanium Refractor parallel cards, which featured a colorful orange/reddish prismatic foil effect on the fronts. The Gold Signature parallel cards featured gold foil signatures of the players.

In order to maximize the number of chase cards for collectors, Donruss created many subset series within the 1998 Preferred release. Some of the most popular were the All-Century Team subset, which paid tribute to the greatest players from the 20th century; the Record Breakers subset, honoring notable single-season achievements; the Leaders subset profiling team captains and franchise stars; and rookie subsets highlighting top rookie prospects. Exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards of star players were also inserted randomly in packs at low production numbers.

One of the biggest highlights and most valuable cards in the 1998 Donruss Preferred set was the Ken Griffey Jr. Titanium Refractor parallel card. Only 10 copies of this ultra-rare parallel insert were made, making it highly coveted by Griffey collectors. In gem mint condition, examples have since sold at auction for over $15,000 due to its extreme scarcity and Griffey’s legendary playing career. Many consider the 1998 Donruss Preferred Griffey Titanium to be the “crown jewel” among all of the brand’s releases during the 1990s trading card boom.

Despite being released towards the end of the robust trading card market of the 1990s, the 1998 Donruss Preferred set is still considered one of the premier baseball releases from that era. With so many popular inserts, parallels, rookie cards, and star players included, it captured the excitement of the sport during baseball’s peak popularity period. In the years since, as today’s collectors have become nostalgic for the cards of their childhoods, the 1998 Donruss Preferred set has grown in both desirability and value on the secondary market. Twenty-five years later, mint condition examples of Topps rookiestars and star player parallels continue to trade hands at auction for thousands of dollars. Its iconic designs, plentiful chasing cards, and historical context in the industry cement the 1998 Donruss Preferredrelease as one of the elite sports card sets ever created.

The 1998 Donruss Preferred baseball card set distinguished itself among the many releases during boom years of the 1990s baseball card market. With great photography and designs, star players in their primes, fun parallel and insert sets at limited numbers, and an emphasis on both current season standouts and baseball legends of the past, it captured the excitement of the sport during a peak period for its popularity. Today it remains a nostalgic favorite for collectors, with covetedrookie cards and chasing cards still retaining and gaining value for enthusiasts decades later. The 1998 Donruss Preferred set earns its place among the most iconic and desirable sports card sets ever produced.

1998 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1998 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage card sets from the 1990s.Released in 1998 by Score Board, Inc., theScore set featured many star players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While not the flashiest baseball card release of its time period, the 1998 Score set contains several key cards that have increased dramatically in value over the past two decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from this set and analyze what has driven their current worth in the collecting market.

One of the most notable rookies featured in the 1998 Score set is Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. As arguably the best player of his generation and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, Jeter’s rookie card has unsurprisingly gained immense value over time. In near-mint to mint condition, his 1998 Score RC currently sells for $500-800. What’s impressive is even well-worn copies in poor condition still fetch $100+. The mystique and winning pedigree of Jeter as the longtime Yankees captain is a huge factor in the high demand for this card.

Another massive hitter who shattered records was Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire. In 1998, he set the single-season home run record with 70 long balls, a mark that wouldn’t be broken until Barry Bonds in 2001. McGwire’s power surge captivated the country and stirred massive interest in collecting his cards from that record-breaking year. His 1998 Score card in top shape will set you back $500 today. Like Jeter, it shows the lasting appeal of historic single-season performances for driving up recognition and value decades later.

Staying in St. Louis, the dominant pitching performance of 1998 was turned in by 23-year-old Matt Morris of the Cardinals. That season, Morris went 18-7 with a 2.47 ERA and finished third in NL Cy Young voting as he established himself as one of baseball’s best young hurlers. His sharp rookie card from Score in top condition eclipses $200 today. Though injuries later derailed his career, collectors still covet cards from Morris’ breakout 1998 season when he looked poised for stardom.

One of the most iconic players of the late 90s/early 2000s was Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa. In 1998, the Dominican outfielder led the NL in home runs with 66 in a huge breakout year. That powerful campaign is reflected in the price of his ’98 Score issue – upwards of $150 in mint condtion. Sosa’s charismatic home run prowess made him one of the most popular players worldwide during baseball’s steroid era. That fan adulation is a big reason why his cards from this pivotal year hold significant collector interest.

No baseball card set from the 1990s would be complete without a mention of Atlanta Braves superstar Chipper Jones. As arguably the greatest switch-hitter in MLB history and a surefire Hall of Famer, Jones’ career arc is one followed closely by collectors. His rookie card from 1998 Score – depicting him as an exciting young talent just starting his journey – has appreciated well and now sells for around $70-80 in top shape. Despite being over 20 years old, Jones’ iconic rookie maintains solid demand as collectors seek out cards chronicling the early stages of his outstanding career.

While star rookies and young breakout players drew plenty of 1998 Score card attention, veteran superstars held cachet as well. For example, a mint Ken Griffey Jr. card can range from $150-200. The Reds legend was still playing at an extremely high level in the late 90s before injuries derailed him. Similarly, a pristine Cal Ripken Jr. card fetches $100-125 based on his certain Hall of Fame status and the cultural impact of breaking Lou Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played record in the 90s. These cards exemplify how consistent all-time greats maintain long-term worth in the market.

The 1998 Score baseball set endures as a seminal vintage release due to chronicling the stars and performances that defined late 90s MLB. Headlined by rookies like Jeter who became legends and breakouts like McGwire involved in history-making feats, ’98 Score captured lightning in a bottle. Coupled with the set featuring solid designs/photos that have aged quite well, values have trended up considerably since the turn of the century. For savvy collectors, hunting bargains on overlooked but solid veteran cards also creates opportunity. In all, 1998 Score endures as a must-have set for those constructing a portfolio emphasizing the excitement and nostalgia of late 90s baseball.

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1998 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1998 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic releases from the 1990s. While not the most valuable set overall, there are several standout rookie and short printed cards that command big money today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1998 Topps cards that collectors consider the most valuable from that year.

One of the true heavyweights from the 1998 set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and longtime Atlanta Braves star, Jones had a very successful career that has seen him inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His rookie card from the 1998 Topps set, card #245, is one of the most sought after from the entire decade. In top gem mint condition, graded PSA 10, Jones’ rookie will pull in upwards of $2,000. Even in just near mint to mint condition, PSA 8 or 9 grades, the card still demands $300-500. It’s safe to say Jones’ rookie will remain a key piece in vintage baseball collections for years to come.

Another true icon from the 1998 Topps set is Sammy Sosa’s rookie card, found at card #99. As one of the faces of the late 90s home run boom and a multiple time NL home run leader, Sosa enjoyed tremendous popularity during his playing days. His 1998 Topps rookie is a true key card for Cubs collections. PSA 10 examples can reach $1,000 today, with PSA 9s bringing $300-500 and lower grades still valued around the $100 mark. Given Sosa’s star power and place in baseball history, his rookie remains one of the most important cards for collectors to own from the 1990s era.

Two other star sluggers also had their rookie cards found in the 1998 Topps set. At card #268 is Jim Thome’s debut. As a six-time all star, three-time silver slugger award winner and member of the 600 home run club, Thome put together a Hall of Fame worthy career. His rookie is highly sought after by Indians fans especially. PSA 10 condition examples can pull in $400-500, with PSA 9s around $150-250 and lower grades holding value of $50-100. At card #230 is Andres Galarraga’s rookie. Known as “The Big Cat” during his playing days, Galarraga put together a fine career including an NL batting title. His rookie is a key piece for Rockies collectors and still holds value despite lower print runs compared to the likes of Thome. PSA 10s can reach $200, with lower grades valued at $25-75.

A true short print from the 1998 Topps set is Paul Konerko’s rookie at card #650. Far back in the alphabetical checklist, Konerko’s initial printing was extremely limited making it quite the find pulled from packs back in the day. For White Sox collectors it’s arguably top priority. In PSA 10 condition just a handful exist and when they hit the market can demand over $1,000 with no sales under $800 in recent years. Even PSA 9 copies start at $250 due to the extreme rarity. Short prints are where vintage sets can really gain long term value and Konerko’s 1998 Topps rookie fits that bill perfectly.

Another short print of note is Roy Oswalt’s rookie card, found very deep at #670 in the set. As one of the game’s top pitchers through the late 90s and 2000s winning a World Series with Houston and 3 All Star nods, Oswalt developed quite a following with Astros fans. His deeply short printed rookie from 1998 Topps has become a key piece for vintage Houston collections. In PSA 10 condition just a handful are known to exist with the last such example fetching $800 in an auction. Even in PSA 9 it still holds great value around $200-300 due to both the player pedigree and true short printed status.

The 1998 Topps set also featured rookie cards for Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa as they engaged in the memorable home run race that captured the nation’s attention. While far less rare than their respective 1992 and 1993 rookie cards, the 1998 versions still hold appeal to collectors of the sluggers. In PSA 10 condition McGwire’s card #253 can reach $80-100, with PSA 9s around $30. Sosa’s card #99 in the same top grades will pull $60-80 for a PSA 10 with PSA 9s at $20-30. Both remain staples for collections focusing on McGwire or Sosa’s careers.

Of course, no discussion of valuable 1998 Topps cards would be complete without mentioning Ken Griffey Jr, one of the true rookie collection holy grails from any era. Unfortunately his true rookie is confined to the vastly more valuable Upper Deck and Fleer sets from 1989, but his still iconic card #191 from 1998 Topps is recognized by collectors. While out of reach pricewise compared to vintage rookie cards like Jones, Thome and others, PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s 1998 Topps card can still demand $40-60, with PSA 9s around $15-25 showing the eternal star power of “The Kid” even a decade into his iconic career when captured in the 1998 Topps set.

While not the highest selling vintage set overall, the 1998 Topps baseball release featured rookie cards and short prints of future all-time greats that have stood the test of time and retained strong collector demand. Keys like Jones, Sosa, Thome and the ultra-short printed cards of Konerko and Oswalt push certain 1998 Topps cards into truly premium territory for dedicated vintage collectors and investors today. With stars of the late 90s still beloved by fans, their rookie and early career cards from sets like 1998 Topps maintain relevance in the hobby and stable long term value for complete collections.

1998 FLEER TRADITION BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1998 Fleer Tradition baseball card set was one of the most popular and highly sought after issues in the late 1990s. Produced by the Fleer corporation, the Tradition set marked a return to a classic design aesthetic that harkened back to the golden age of baseball cards in the 1950s and 1960s. With 525 total cards in the base set, extensive rookie and star player selection, and beautifully designed vintage-style imagery, the 1998 Fleer Tradition set attracted a huge following among collectors both young and old.

Some key aspects that made the 1998 Fleer Tradition set so memorable and collectible included the classic design elements like team logo fronts, player photo backs with stats, and the nostalgic feel of the cardboard stock and printing quality. Fleer opted for a uniform look across the entire set with team colors prominently displayed on each card front along with the team name arching across the top. Player names were printed horizontally along the bottom. This cohesive, brand-building approach harkened back to the design conventions of the early Topps and Fleer sets of the past.

The photography and production values were also a major step above most other 1990s issues. Crisp, high-quality player photos dominated each card back alongside full career stats. Fleer also included additional retro touches like simulated creases and corner wear that added to the vintage aesthetic. The thinner, stiffer cardboard stock had a premium feel that collectors loved. The 1998 Tradition set succeeded in capturing the look and feel of the classic 1950s/1960s designs that many collectors held in such high regard.

From a player content perspective, the 1998 Fleer Tradition stood out for its excellent rookie selection and coverage of the game’s biggest stars. Future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn anchored the set. But rookie cards of future stars like Nomar Garciaparra, Mark McGwire, Jeff Bagwell, Chipper Jones, and Sammy Sosa made the set a treasure trove for investors. The base set also included short prints and parallel subsets that increased the excitement of the chase and added to the long-term value.

Released during the height of the 1990s baseball card boom, demand for the 1998 Fleer Tradition was off the charts. With impeccable timing coinciding with McGwire and Sosa’s epic home run chase that summer, the set became a collector favorite. In the following years, the Tradition cards held their value extremely well due to the combination of iconic designs, star content, and limited subsequent reprints. PSA 10 and BGS 9.5 graded versions of stars like McGwire, Griffey, and Garciaparra routinely sell for thousands.

The immense popularity of the 1998 Fleer Tradition also spawned several parallel and insert sets that further expanded the product line. Key subsets included the ‘Fleer Futures’ rookie cards, ‘Fan Favorites’ veteran parallels, ‘Greats of the Game’ retired star tribute cards, ‘Team Traditions’ jersey parallel inserts, and ‘Diamond Kings’ refractors. All took the core retro design concept to new levels with additional flashy inserts, parallels, and short prints that collectors eagerly pursued.

While production quality control issues led to problems with centering, edges, and surprints on some 1998 Fleer Tradition cards that downgrade their grades, mint examples remain highly valuable. On the secondary market, a PSA 10 Griffey or McGwire rookie can sell for over $10,000. Even common stars like Maddux, Ripken, and Gwynn in top grades command four-figure prices. For set builders, a complete high-grade 1998 Fleer Tradition set including all variations would be worth a small fortune.

In the decades since, the 1998 Fleer Tradition baseball card set has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved issues ever produced. By tapping into collectors’ nostalgia for the classic 1950s/1960s designs while also providing a who’s who of late 1990s baseball superstars and future Hall of Famers, Fleer created a true collector’s set. The combination of retro aesthetics, star content, and limited subsequent reprints explain why mint 1998 Tradition cards remain such a sound long-term investment even today. For both casual fans and serious investors, the 1998 Fleer Tradition set endures as a cornerstone of the modern era of baseball cards.

The 1998 Fleer Tradition baseball card set was a watershed moment that successfully blended nostalgia with contemporary relevance. By capturing the look and feel of classic 1950s/1960s designs while also profiling the game’s modern greats, Fleer gave collectors the total package. Extensive parallels and inserts, impeccable production values, and the excitement of the home run chase all contributed to the Tradition set achieving iconic status. Even after 25 years, its combination of retro aesthetics, star power, and limited future reprints make mint 1998 Fleer Tradition cards a sound long-term collectible investment.

1998 AURORA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1998 Aurora baseball card set marked a turning point for the long-running brand. Once one of the most prominent names in the hobby alongside Topps and Fleer/Skybox, Aurora was struggling by the late 1990s after overproducing sets and losing distribution deals. The 1998 set would be the company’s last mainstream release before filing for bankruptcy the following year.

Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, the 1998 Aurora cards remain a favorite among collectors today. Featuring notable rookie cards, unique parallels, and artwork appealing to both kids and adults, the set captured the late 90s baseball scene in an iconic way. Let’s take a deeper look at what made the 1998 Aurora baseball cards so memorable.

Design and Product Mix

The base cards from the 1998 Aurora set featured traditional vertical player photos on a white background, with team logos and stats prominently displayed. What set these apart was the thicker, higher quality cardboard stock used – a step up from the thinner and more brittle materials used in earlier Aurora and competing sets. The card backs also included fun new graphics and a novel puzzle-piece design.

Aurora packaged the 1998 release in several popular formats of the time. The most common were wax packs containing 9 cards each, as well as value boxes containing 24 packs. For the first time, Aurora also released factory-sealed jumbo packs of 24-27 cards aimed at adult collectors. Hobby boxes contained 36 wax packs, and there were even special ‘Black Gold’ parallels only available in limited edition factory sets.

Key Rookie Cards

One of the primary draws of the 1998 Aurora baseball cards were its impressive rookie class, headlined by future Hall of Famers Albert Pujols and Nomar Garciaparra. Pujols’ distinctive swinging pose remains one of the most iconic baseball cards ever printed. Garciaparra’s smooth left-handed swing also translated beautifully to card form.

Other exciting rookies finding their way into packs that year included Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Freddy Garcia, Billy Wagner, and Placido Polanco. With so many future stars, 1998 Aurora rookie cards have aged extremely well and command high prices today. Variations like the above-mentioned ‘Black Gold’ parallels of rookies are particularly sought after.

Special Insert Sets

In another innovated move for the late 90s, Aurora incorporated several scarce colored parallel and insert sets within the base 1998 product. The most coveted was the 24-card ‘Tribute’ set honoring MLB’s all-time greats. Pulled one-per-box on average, cards paid homage to legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Willie Mays.

Aurora also included ‘Gold Medal’ parallels on gold cardstock, ‘MVP’ parallels with embossed foil textures, and ‘Hall of Fame’ inserts highlighting players enshrined in Cooperstown. With precise numbering and short printed runs, these special cards created intense chase across the hobby. Modern technology has made some easier to collect, but contemporaneous mint versions remain highly valuable.

Artistic Style

While not quite on par with the illustration-heavy designs of 1990s Fleer or the embossed foils of Upper Deck, 1998 Aurora baseball cards stood out for their creative depictions of players. Rendered portraits captured likenesses well, while action shots found new ways to showcase batting and fielding skills. Some cards even showcased unique personality traits or history behind the players.

The ‘retro’-style artwork also had crossover appeal between kid collectors interested in stats and adults fond of nostalgia. Names like Dan Bakkedahl, Jeff West, and Randy Lee Evans brought new artistic flair despite the brand’s struggles. Their imaginative touches left a lasting impression beyond Aurora’s final run.

Legacy and Collectibility

While the shutdown of Aurora after 1998 was disappointing given the company’s storied history, collectors look back at that final set with fondness. It perfectly balanced traditional and innovative elements at a creative peak for late 90s cardboard. Rookie cards that were hot packs became investments. Parallels and inserts created organic chase aspects before strategic short printing became standard.

Today, a factory sealed 1998 Aurora box can fetch over $1,000. Top rookies like Pujols and Garciaparra exceed $100 PSA 10 gem mint. Even common base cards maintain value due to the brand’s cachet. On card collecting forums, the 1998 Aurora release remains a fondly discussed part of the hobby’s past. Two decades later, it lives on as one of the most memorable and complete baseball card sets ever made.

PINNACLE BASEBALL CARDS IN A CAN 1998

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In 1998, Pinnacle Brand released a unique and innovative new trading card product – cards packaged inside of an aluminum can. This marked the first time mainstream trading cards were packaged and sold in cans rather than traditional wax packs, cardboard boxes, or plastic cases. Dubbed “Cards in a Can” by Pinnacle, baseball cards of 1998 MLB players were sealed inside 12 oz aluminum soda pop-style cans.

While novelty card products in unusual packaging had been released before by smaller companies, Pinnacle Brand was a major player in the late 90s baseball card boom. Their decision to put cards inside of cans was a bold gamble that helped breathe new life into the frenzied trading card market of the late 90s. Packaging cards in reusable aluminum cans was a risk, but it paid off by generating tremendous buzz and excitement among collectors both young and old.

Each Pinnacle 1998 Cards in a Can contained 5 regular size trading cards of MLB players from the 1997-1998 seasons randomly inserted. The cards had standard size and design akin to Pinnacle’s regular 1998 baseball card releases. Being sealed inside an aluminum can gave the product a cool, unique twist that collectors loved. The cans helped protect the fragile cardboard cards from damage as well.

Beyond the novelty of unusual packaging, Pinnacle’s 1998 Cards in a Can release was highly anticipated by collectors due to strong checklists of stars from the late 90s baseball era. Roster stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux, Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter were all featured possibilities inside the shiny aluminum containers. With the excitement of the home run chase between McGwire and Sosa in 1998 in full swing, demand was high for cards of the game’s top offensive sluggers.

Upon opening a Pinnacle 1998 Cards in a Can, collectors were greeted by 5 surprise cards concealed inside the protective pop-top can. The cards were sealed tightly within cardboard separators inside each can for durability during shipping and handling. Peeling back the pop-top lid revealed a fun reveal of the enclosed cardboard trading cards concealed inside. Many kids and collectors developed the habit of keeping their empty cans as a sort of memorabiliadisplay case after enjoying the enclosed cards.

While distribution of Pinnacle’s 1998 Cards in a Can was originally slated for traditional hobby shops and mass retailers like Walmart, their unique packaging required an expanded sales strategy. In addition to hobby stores and big box retailers, Pinnacle worked deals with convenience stores, delis, bodegas, and even some bars to stock Cards in a Cans on shelves alongside soda pops and snacks. This unconventional distribution exposed the product to a much wider potential collector audience beyond the core hobbyist base.

To further drive interest, Pinnacle included special insert cards inside Cards in a Cans with even rarer parallels. “Gem” parallels boasted bright orange borders while “Diamond” parallels sported green borders. Ultra short print “Gold” parallels were the rarest inserts possible in 1-in-10,000 odds. With so many desirable insert parallel possibilities, demand to rip open more Cards in a Cans was insatiable among serious collectors of the era.

While initial supply of Pinnacle’s quirky 1998 Cards in a Can release met collector demand, it did not match the massive craze and hype in the market that year. The product sold out fast at retail and cans fetch high prices to this day in the vintage trading card resale market. The innovative idea of packaging cards in an aluminum can helped pioneer new collecting frontiers. It was a unique, fun way for both kids and adults to experience baseball cards beyond the normal wax pack ritual.

Over 20 years later, Pinnacle’s 1998 Cards in a Can remain a treasured piece of nostalgia for collectors of 90s card culture. Their distinctive cylindrical can packaging and high-quality card checklist make them a true pinnacle baseball release of that era. By betting boldly on an untested novelty idea, Pinnacle helped shape the evolution of the collecting hobby. While cards in plastic packs and boxes became the industry standard format, 1998 Cards in a Can stand as a reminder of when baseball cards freely rolled off store shelves conveniently canned for the taking.

1998 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1998 Topps baseball card set was the 67th annual release from Topps and featured cards of Major League Baseball players and managers from the 1997 season. Some of the top rookies featured in the set were Nomar Garciaparra, Carlos Beltran, and Vladimir Guerrero. The design featured a unique border motif around each photo with colorful geometric shapes and patterns. Prices for individual cards from the 1998 Topps baseball set have fluctuated over the years based on player performance and collecting interest. Let’s take a deeper look at prices for some of the top cards from the 1998 Topps release according to the latest guidelines.

Garry Maddox (#1) was the sole representative of the Philadelphia Phillies on the starting lineup checklist featured on the back of Series 1 packs. Due to his prominent placement and relative scarcity compared to star players, mint condition copies of his base card have sold for $15-20 in recent years. Another key Cardinals player, Mark McGwire (#16), dominated the home run race that season and his card remains one of the most popular chase cards from the set. Pristine, near-mint copies can be found for $25-35 dollars while well-centered mint examples command over $50.

Babe Ruth (#66), shown in a Red Sox uniform, was one of the legendary players paid tribute to in the Hall of Fame highlight subset. Due to the storied status of Ruth and the subset theme, his card frequently fetches $8-12 in top-notch condition. The diamond kings parallel subset introduced colorful parallel variations of star players with a diamond-encrusted design. Ken Griffey Jr’s spectacular parallel (#D1) regularly trades hands for $40-60 in mint condition due to his star power and the allure of the rare parallel design.

Although not a rookie card, Nomar Garciaparra’s (#97) impressive debut season made his base card a popular chase. Near-mint examples are found for $15-25 while true mint copies commanding upwards of $35. Vladimir Guerrero’s striking rookie card (#598) depicts him with the Expos and has grown in demand due to his Hall of Fame caliber career. Near mint copies sell in the $25-35 range while pristine mint copies reach as high as $50.

Additional notable and frequently purchased insert cards from the 1998 Topps set include Darryl Strawberry’s “Best I Ever Saw” card (35 cents insert) which is found for $4-6 in top-notch condition due to Strawberry’s star power. The “Farewells” subset featured retired players in their original team uniforms. Cal Ripken Jr’s moving emotional last season send off card (#FW-CR) fetches $8-12 in mint condition.

High series and parallel cards from the 1998 Topps set possess premium pricing for avid collectors. The rare 1/1 printing plate parallels that featured each player’s name and statistics imprinted on printing plates fetch top dollar. A Ken Griffey Jr. printing plate sold at auction in 2018 for over $1,000 in protected slabs. The elusive final card of the base set, featuring Frank Thomas (#808), can sell for $80-120 in pristine condition due to its coveted positioning and star subject.

1998 Topps traded, and special parallel variations are key chase cards. The Florescent Parallel Pete Rose card (#T306) sells between $80-120 in top-grade. The Crackled Ice Parallel Michael Jordan baseball cameo card (#SI-MJ), a true one-of-a-kind due to Jordan’s basketball dominance, has reached as much as $5,000 when graded and encapsulated by PSA. Overall, 1998 Topps remains an engaging vintage release for collectors and the prices of individual stand out cards from the base and insert sets steadily appreciate along with the players’ careers and sustained collecting demand. Whether seeking rookie stars or aging all-time greats, the 1998 Topps baseball card set provides affordable classic cardboard for most budgets.

The 1998 Topps baseball card set features many investment-worthy cards for collectors at both budget and high-end levels. Rookie sensations like Nomar Garciaparra and Vladimir Guerrero hold steady resale value increases. Home run heroes Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. command strong prices. Unique parallel and insert variations offer rarer chase opportunities. And superstar subjects like Cal Ripken Jr. and Babe Ruth ensure nostalgic cardboard endures. Whether casually completing a set or selectively upgrading highlights, the 1998 Topps release remains a fan favorite two decades later. With the potential for future price boosts, its cards remain a sound consideration for patience collectors.

FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS 1998

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Fleer Ultra was one of the premium baseball card products released in 1998 alongside brands like Topps Chrome and Finest. Fleer Ultra was known for its flashy aesthetic featuring vivid colors and glossy card stock. The 1998 set in particular showcased some incredible rookie cards and insert cards that have become highly valuable among collectors today.

The 1998 Fleer Ultra baseball card set contained 330 total cards spanning all 30 major league teams at the time. The base cards featured colorful portraits of players on a textured silver foil background. One of the most notable aspects of the design was the foil flecks printed throughout the card that really made the photos pop under light. At the time, this prismatic foil technology was cutting edge and helped Fleer Ultra stand out among competitors.

Some of the biggest rookies featured in the 1998 Fleer Ultra set were Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, Diamondbacks pitcher Brian Anderson, and Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon. Wood’s impressive rookie season where he struck out 20 Astros made him one of the most sought after rookies in the class. While injuries plagued his career, his Fleer Ultra rookie remains a key card for Cubs collectors. Brian Anderson never panned out but his rookie was hot at the time due to the excitement around the new Diamondbacks franchise. Trot Nixon became a respectable career .276 hitter mostly with Boston so his rookie card maintains value as well.

In addition to the base cards, Fleer Ultra 1998 included several popular insert sets. One of the most iconic was the “Chrome” parallel subset featuring current players on refracting foil-coated cards. Greats like Ken Griffey Jr, Cal Ripken Jr, and Mark McGwire received these highly visual Chrome treatment parallels that added immense appeal. Another popular insert was “Fleer Futures” highlighting top prospects that had yet to make the majors such as Adam Eaton, Bobby Seay, and Mark Johnson. Autograph cards signed by stars like Sammy Sosa and Jeff Bagwell were also sprinkled throughout packs.

Perhaps the most acclaimed insert set from Fleer Ultra 1998 however was the “Parallel Universe” subset highlighting alternate position or league variations of star players. For example, a card could show Cal Ripken Jr as a pitcher instead of his usual shortstop position. The design portrayed these hypothetical throughs on a unique intergalactic foil pattern background. Parallel Universe cards of Ozzie Smith at third base, Ken Griffey Jr in the American League, and Tony Gwynn as a pitcher became enormously fun for collectors. With only 100 copies of each variation made, they instantly took on immense value as rare specialty pieces.

When it was released in 1998, a hobby box of Fleer Ultra retailed around $100, containing 24 packs with 8 cards per pack. Due to the exciting rookies, inserts, and overall aesthetics, the product was universally praised and sold out in stores almost instantly. It set the standard for what a modern premium card product could deliver. Today, sealed boxes from the original print run command thousands on the secondary market showing how well the set has maintained interest.

Key rookie cards like Kerry Wood, Trot Nixon, and Brian Anderson can still be obtained in mint condition for $10-20 each while their graded gem mint versions are worth hundreds. Parallel Universe insert cards in a PSA 10 holder routinely sell for over $1000 online. Even common base cards of stars in pristine condition can sell for $5-10 due to collectors seeking to complete the 330 card set. This lasting popularity and demand make Fleer Ultra 1998 one of the standout releases from the exciting 1990s sports card boom era. It brought premium design and exciting rookie coverage to the baseball card world and its allure has lasted generations amongst collectors.

Overall, Fleer Ultra from 1998 was among the most impactful and highly regarded baseball card sets ever produced. Defining aesthetics like its multifoil texturing and flashy rookie class coverage elevated it above competitors at retail. Meanwhile, insert sets like Chrome, Futures, and Parallel Universe sparked new levels of collector enthusiasm that strengthened the entire modern card industry. Whether seeking key rookies, coveted parallels, or to simply build the full 330 card base team set, Fleer Ultra 1998 remains a must-have piece of any baseball card collection nearly 25 years later. It represents an apex of both 1990s card design and successful long term collectibility.

1998 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1998 Upper Deck baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that did not disappoint collectors. Upper Deck was the dominant brand in the late 1990s having risen to prominence just a few years prior. Their innovative style and focus on quality photography set the standard that other companies tried to match.

The 1998 set featured traded players from both the American and National Leagues as well as all 30 major league teams. A total of 792 cards made up the base set including parallel “Ultra” and lettered parallels that added to the excitement of each pack. Beyond the base set, Upper Deck also issued several insert sets focusing on special accomplishments and milestones from the previous season.

Perhaps the biggest draws in the 1998 Upper Deck set were the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Pedro Martinez, and Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey’s record-setting home run chase the previous season made his rookie card one of the most iconic and valuable in the entire set. Many collectors at the time predicted he had a chance to break the all-time home run record held by Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.

Pedro Martinez also showed flashes of dominance in 1997 after being called up late in the season. His blazing fastball and incredible control hinted at a potential Cy Young caliber career. His Upper Deck rookie in 1998 has proven to be one of the best investments as Martinez went on to win three Cy Young awards and helped the Boston Red Sox break their World Series curse.

Chipper Jones remained one of the most consistent hitters throughout the 1990s and 2000s while manning third base for the Atlanta Braves. As the number one overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft, expectations were high. Jones’ rookie card remains a staple in virtually every Braves collector’s collection and is still very popular on the secondary market today.

In addition to star rookies, the 1998 Upper Deck set featured photography and write-ups on established All-Stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and many others. Bonds’ chase of the single season home run record dominated baseball storylines throughout the summer and added excitement to collecting his cards.

Upper Deck managed to secure rare autographed rookie cards from superstars like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciaparra for extremely limited insert sets. These have become some of the most valuable modern baseball cards ever produced due to the unprecedented success and fame achieved by each player.

Beyond the players, Upper Deck produced popular inserts focusing on certain seasons, records, milestones and accomplishments. The “20 Seasons” insert highlighted the 20th anniversary of legendary teams and players from the 1970s and 1980s. “Century Club” paid tribute to the 24 players who hit over 300 home runs in their careers up to that point. Other inserts like “Fan Favorites”, “Diamond Kings”, and “MVP Threads” gave collectors exciting parallels and variations to chase after in each pack.

While production totals and checklists vary across the different sources, most agree the 1998 Upper Deck baseball set included 792 cards in its base checklist. Population reports show several hundred thousand of each base card were printed. Parallel and autographed insert cards often have populations under 1000 copies. This scarcity combined with strong long term demand has made many of the premium 1998 Upper Deck cards extraordinarily valuable today.

In the ensuing years,Upper Deck managed to maintain its position as the top brand in baseball cards through the late 1990s. The collectibles industry began experiencing serious turmoil and decline starting in the early 2000s. Overproduction, lack of quality control and industry restructuring damaged baseball cards’ appeal to both collectors and investors.

While Upper Deck is no longer the dominant force it once was, their incredible designs and photography from the 1990s remain iconic. The 1998 set specifically captured lightning in a bottle by featuring such legendary rookies and following arguably the most exciting home run chase in history. Today, graded gem mint examples of Chipper Jones, Pedro Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr rookies routinely sell for thousands of dollars – a true testament to the enduring iconic status of 1998 Upper Deck in the memories of collectors everywhere.