Tag Archives: 2007

HOW MUCH ARE 2007 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

The 2007 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable and desirable sets from the 2000s era. There are a few key factors that contribute to the value of cards from this set 15 years later.

First, the 2007 Upper Deck set featured some of the biggest star players from that time period in their prime, including superstars like Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter. Having legendary future Hall of Famers captured in their athletic primes always makes for sought-after vintage cardboard.

Another positive is that 2007 was right in the heart of the economic baseball card boom before the late 2000s recession took hold. Production numbers were high across the board for sets during this time, but interest and demand from collectors remained strong as well. This helped 2007 Upper Deck avoid being overproduced in the way some late 90s/early 2000s sets were.

Grading and condition also play an important role. Like most sets from the modern era, even mid-range star rookies or parallels from 2007 Upper Deck that come back as Mint Graded gems have potential to gain significant value over time. Top rookies that are near-mint to mint can often fetch a strong premium. This set held its collectibility well thanks to the quality of cards produced.

Moving on to specific player cards that tend to have strong valuations, we’ll start with some of the top rookie cards from 2007 Upper Deck. Josh Hamilton’s base rookie card in Near Mint-Mint condition can sell for $50-75. As one of the best prospect talents of that era before injuries took hold, his rookie remains a mainstay in collections. Other sought-after rookies include Cole Hamels (Phillies ace) at $15-30 NM-MT, and Hunter Pence ($10-20 NM-MT) who became a fan favorite.

Superstar veterans like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez routinely command $5-15 for their base cards depending on grade. Their inserts, parallels, and autographs can reach far higher prices. For example, a Chipper Jones Top Prospects refractors parallel numbered to 99 from this set in gem grade would likely sell for $150-250.

Rare insert sets within 2007 Upper Deck also hold value. The much-lauded UD Black parallel set, limited to only 50 copies of each card, features some modern classics. A Black parallel of then-rookie Ryan Braun in Gem Mint could pull in $300-500 for instance. Other highly-limited inserts like 1/1 relic or autograph patches featuring elite HOFers can sell for thousands.

When it comes to sealed 2007 Upper Deck product, that too has staying power. A factory sealed wax box in top condition would probably sell in the range of $150-225 today. Multi-box breaks of this set are still popular events online decades later.

As one of Upper Deck’s strongest modern releases thanks to the star players and parallels featured, 2007 Upper Deck baseball cards remain a favorite among nostalgic collectors and investors today. Rarity, condition, and iconic athletes immortalized in their primes make this a vintage set likely to retain and build value over the long haul. While a few key rookies and autographed serial 1 parallels reach four figures, most mid-range stars and stars of the future in top shape are findable in the $5-250 range today.

2007 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

The 2007 Goudey Baseball Card set was released on April 18, 2007 to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the iconic Goudey Gum Company baseball card series from the 1930s. Produced by Topps, the 2007 set paid homage to Goudey’s innovative artistic designs from the early 20th century with 270 total cards featuring today’s biggest MLB stars. Named after The Goudey Gum Company based in Louisville, Kentucky, the original run of Goudey cards from 1933-1938 are considered some of the most beautiful and collectible in the hobby. Nostalgia for those early cards drove Topps to bring back the Goudey branding for their 2007 release.

The 2007 set had significant historical backing and visual allure that captivated classic card collectors. Topps meticulously reproduced elements of the vintage design aesthetic that made early Goudey cards so appealing, including dramatic portraits with ornate borders, gold accents, and elegant font typeface. Each card also featured the iconic “Goudey Gum Company” banner across the top used on the originals. While it had 270 cards like a standard Topps flagship set, the 2007 Goudey release felt like a premium limited edition with its premium attention to authentic retro visuals and nostalgic connection to early 20th century baseball culture.

Beyond the nostalgia factor, the on-card content in the 2007 Goudey set also paid homage to the past. As with 1933 Goudey, each player portrait in 2007 had a unique artistic border design surrounding it – some straight lines, others more intricate patterns. This border style varied from card to card and perfectly mimicked the look of the earliest Goudey issues. Career stats printed on the back of each card were kept simple like the 1930s, only listing batting average, home runs, and RBI. No modern data points were included unlike today’s more information-packed card backs. Collectors appreciated this refined focus on the essentials just like the early Goudeys featured.

While contemporary collectors enjoyed the nostalgia of the 2007 Goudey design, the set also thrilled investigators of baseball and card history. Significant research went into the player portrait selection process to best represent the heritage of the Goudey name. Legends and stars from both the past and present made the cut, instilling the 2007 release with cross-generational appeal. Pitchers like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and current Aces Roger Clemens and Johan Santana were featured alongside fan favorites like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays spanning several eras. Even notable debut cards of early MLB standouts made the 2007 checklist in tribute, a prime example being Joe DiMaggio’s first card appearance.

Topps went to impressive lengths to procure the necessary historical imagery for these heritage cards in the 2007 Goudey set. Black and white photographs from the 1930s and 40s were located through extensive archives searches to illustrate legends no longer living. Careful colorization and restoration was then done by hand to transform these vintage photos into the printed cards. For modern players without historical photos available, Topps commissioned new original portrait art and border designs that stylistically matched the 1930s aesthetic. Whether historical image or newly commissioned artwork, the overall cohesive retro style of the 2007 Goudey design paid homage to the cardboard greats of baseball past.

The actual on-field production of the 2007 Goudey Baseball Card set saw Topps take a unique distribution approach compared to their flagship series as well. Only sold through select hobby shops and specialty dealers rather than mass-market retail, Goudey carried an air of exclusivity. Initially short printed to just 50,000 sets produced, demand far outstripped the limited print run. This scarcity has only enhanced Goudey’s collectible cachet in the years since, with complete sealed 2007 factory sets now commanding four-figure prices despite their relatively modern production date. Individual rookie cards or stars with low print numbers have reached even higher auction totals. Clearly, Topps struck a chord with their tribute to a piece of early cardboard history beloved by the hobby.

For purists and historians of vintage baseball cards, one of the most intriguing aspects of the 2007 Goudey release was the inclusion of “reproductions” of several key 1930s issues. Among the highlights were recreates of the legendary 1933 Goudey subset cards like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig which are considered the rarest and most valuable in the entire sport. While obviously produced in 2007 rather than the 1930s, these modern remakes carried the exact same visuals, stats and player info as the originals. Having high quality, intact replicas of such iconic cardboard available after decades of being confined to museums thrilled collectors. The appeal to investigate facsimiles versus authentic counterparts adds an engaging layer to the 2007 Goudey set’s merits even today.

In the over fifteen years since its release, the 2007 Topps Goudey Baseball Card set has undoubtedly cemented its status as one of the most intriguing specialty issues ever produced. Both a meticulous tribute to early 20th century card design as well as an innovative snapshot of 2000s baseball, Goudey marries nostalgia, history study and modern collecting dynamics in a cohesive full-color package. Whether cherishing iconic star portraits, unearthing insert hit cards, or simply appreciating the carefully rendered retro production values – the magic recipe Topps captured with Goudey in 2007 continues to excite collectors to this day. The longevity, collecting enthusiasm and market performance this now truly “vintage” baseball card set enjoys is a true testament to how deftly it blended tradition and renewal for a timeless tribute to a classic cardboard heritage.

2007 TOPPS ANGELS TEAM SET BASEBALL CARDS

The 2007 Topps Angels team set was released as part of Topps’ annual MLB team sets during the mid-2000s. This 36-card team set provided Angels fans with portraits of every player on the 2006 roster. Some key facts and highlights about the 2007 Topps Angels team set include:

The 2006 Angels finished with a record of 89-73, good enough for second place in the AL West division behind the Oakland A’s. The team was led by star players like Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Garret Anderson, and Kelvim Escobar. Topps’ team set captured each of these stars with individual photography cards.

Aside from the main roster, the set also included three manager/coach cards – one each for Mike Scioscia, Bud Black, and Ron Roenicke. Scioscia had been the Angels’ manager since 2000 and led the team to a World Series title in 2002. Black and Roenicke were both bench coaches under Scioscia in 2006.

Rookies on the 2006 roster like Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis, and Ervin Santana each received their own rookie cards in the 2007 team set. This provided collectors the chance to obtain the first Topps cards featuring these up-and-coming young players as they began their MLB careers. Kendrick in particular went on to have a long, productive career primarily with the Angels.

Highlights of the photograph selection for the player cards included dramatic action shots for pitchers like John Lackey and Jered Weaver, close-up portrait images emphasizing the facial features of hitters like Figgins and Anderson, and full-body photos showcasing the batting or throwing motions of two-way talents like Guerrero and Mathis. The photography selection made each card portrait unique.

The design template for the 2007 Topps Angels set featured a simple white border around each photo with a blue and red colored team logo in the upper-left corner. Player names and statistics were printed in white text at the bottom of each card front. The back of each card contained a headshot, personal stats from 2006, and a brief career summary. No autographed or memorabilia cards were included.

To complete the set, collector’s needed to track down short printed cards like the rookie cards of Ervin Santana (#29) and Jeff Mathis (#31) which were inserted at lower rates. The #1 card was designated for Vladimir Guerrero as the team’s offensive star and franchise player of the era. Other chase cards included John Lackey (#8) and Chone Figgins (#13) as respected veterans on the roster.

While not worth as much in the secondary market as high-end flagship Topps sets from the same year today, the 2007 Angels team issue provided an affordable option for die-hard Angels collectors to build a complete, photographic set of their favorite 2006 roster. Prices for commons in the set currently range from under $1 to just a few dollars for the more scarce short prints. As a snapshot of that Angels team over 15 years ago, it remains a fun collection for fans of the Orange County ball club.

The 2007 Topps Angels team set was a 36-card issue focused entirely on providing photographs and stats for every active player on the 2006 Angels roster, including stars, rookies, and coaches. While a fairly basic and low-end product in Topps’ annual baseball offerings, it served as an attainable collectible for Angels fans looking to preserve images of that 2006 team in card form. Today it provides a fun retrospection on a mid-2000s Angels squad for collectors two decades later.

BEST 2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

The 2007 Topps baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year due to several highly sought after rookie cards and key player updates. The design featured a clean look with mostly white borders and player photos centered above their team logo. While not the flashiest set visually, it contained several standout cards that have become highly valuable in the years since. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best 2007 Topps baseball cards.

Perhaps the most notable rookie card from the 2007 Topps set belongs to Josh Hamilton. As the first overall pick of the 1999 MLB draft, Hamilton had all the talent in the world but struggled mightily with substance abuse issues early in his career. He made his MLB debut in 2007 with the Cincinnati Reds after getting clean and showcasing his prodigious five-tool skills in the minors. Hamilton’s rookie card shows him in a Reds uniform and is one of the more iconic modern rookie cards due to his compelling comeback story. PSA 10 gem mint examples now sell for well over $1000.

Another hugely valuable rookie card is that of Ryan Braun, who won NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2007 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Braun burst onto the scene by hitting 34 home runs and finishing third in NL MVP voting. His Topps rookie card captured the beginning of what became a stellar career. High-grade Braun rookies have sold for over $500 in recent years. Fellow NL West stars Troy Tulowitzki and Hanley Ramirez also had noteworthy rookies in this set that remain popular with collectors.

On the pitching side, Cole Hamels had a breakout season in 2007 while leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series title. The left-hander went 15-5 with a 3.39 ERA and finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting. His Topps card is one of the more iconic from the Phillies’ championship squad. Another ace rookie pitcher featured was Tim Lincecum, who won the NL Cy Young in his first full season with the San Francisco Giants. High-grade Lincecum and Hamels rookies can reach the $200-300 range.

The 2007 Topps set also had several chase parallel and insert sets that added to the excitement. The popular Topps Chrome parallels featured refractors of the base cards. The ‘Hits Of The Game’ insert set highlighted iconic MLB moments on special parallel-style cards. ‘Topps Total’ inserts focused on player stats. And ‘Topps Traded’ update sets in July and August captured midseason trades and helped complete rainbow sets.

Some other notable star cards from the base set include Alex Rodriguez on the New York Yankees, who was in the midst of his record-breaking career. Ichiro Suzuki and Ken Griffey Jr. also had popular cards as veteran stars. Rookie cards of other future standouts like Clayton Kershaw also appear. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top players from the set have reached enormous prices in recent years as well.

In the years since its release, the 2007 Topps baseball set has grown in esteem due to the success of players featured as rookies and prospects. Sets from the mid-2000s are also benefiting from renewed collector interest in the modern era. The combination of star rookies, parallels, and chase inserts give the 2007 Topps issue universal appeal for both casual and invested collectors. While it may not stand out visually compared to modern ultra-chrome designs, the 2007 Topps set endures as one of the most historically significant releases due to the talented players featured at the start of their careers. Values remain strong and are likely to continue appreciating over time.

2007 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 22KT GOLD BASEBALL CARDS

The 2007 MLB season was one to remember for Boston Red Sox fans as their beloved team won their second World Series title in four years. To commemorate the Red Sox’s remarkable championship run, the team partnered with The Topps Company to produce a limited series of 22K gold baseball cards featuring players from the 2007 team. Only 250 sets were produced, making these cards highly coveted among collectors today.

Each set contained 27 commemorative cards featuring key players such as Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, and World Series MVP Mike Lowell. What made these cards particularly unique was that they were crafted entirely out of 22-karat solid gold. The front of each card depicted the player in their Red Sox uniform along with their stats from the 2007 season. The elegant gold frames wrapped around photo overlays immersed in deep red backgrounds, representing the team’s iconic colors.

On the back of each card, detailed statistics were printed alongside descriptions of noteworthy moments and achievements from the 2007 season and postseason. For Mike Lowell’s card, it highlighted his dominant postseason performance where he batted .353 with eight RBI in the Fall Classic. Jonathan Papelbon’s card noted that he saved 35 games on the year and went 5 for 5 in save opportunities during October. Collectively, the backsides told the epic story of the Red Sox’s title run through textual snippets and numerical data.

Due to the substantial amount of precious metal used, production of the 22K gold card sets was an extensive process. Individual photographs were first selected for each player and thoroughly inspected to ensure high image quality. From there, digital files were sent to a specialty mint where photographs were printed onto gold foil sheets using advanced technology. Ultra-thin gold frames were then precisely die-cut and affixed around the edges to complete single cards.

After an exacting quality control process, the individual cards were assemblages into numerically-ordered sets contained within custom-made leatherette presentation boxes. Each box front depicted the iconic Red Sox logo and “2007 World Champions” text carved into the gold-tone metals. The attention to detail and craftsmanship resulted in a collector’s item befitting of commemorating a World Series championship in America’s pastime.

Upon release, all 250 sets sold out immediately as collectors and fans eagerly vied to own a piece of Red Sox history crafted from the rare precious metal. On the secondary market today, unopened sets have sold for upwards of $25,000 given their extremely limited production numbers. Even single cards from sets occasionally appear for sale, though prices start at thousands of dollars each. As one of the most exclusive sports memorabilia items ever created, the 22K gold Boston Red Sox 2007 World Series cards have become among the most prized possessions in any baseball card collection.

By utilizing solid 22-karat gold, The Topps Company elevated baseball card production to new prestige heights befitting the momentous achievement of the 2007 Red Sox. Their victorious season had brought great joy to New England, and these exquisite collectibles allow that triumph to be preserved forever in a tangible keepsake for generations of fans. Though mass-produced paper cards can succumb to the test of time, the 22K gold 2007 Red Sox cards will endure to commemorative the championship for decades and centuries to come. They stand as a true work of sports art that reflects the intangible meaning and emotional attachment fans feel towards their teams and players.

BASEBALL CARDS 2007

Baseball Card Market in 2007

The baseball card market experienced significant changes in 2007. After several years of declining interest and sales in the early 2000s, the hobby began showing signs of renewed popularity as collectors sought investments and nostalgia from their childhoods. Several high-profile rookie cards and vintage cards sold for record prices at auction. The industry also faced challenges that year from issues surrounding manufacturing and distribution.

On the collector side, there was strong renewed demand for vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s. Iconic cards like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and 1957 Topps Hank Aaron rookie fetched over $100,000 each at Goldin Auctions. The hot vintage market was driven by aging baby boomer collectors seeking to reclaim pieces of their youth. Upper-middle class men in their 50s-60s had more disposable income for hobbies and were willing to spend big on graded vintage gems. Finding high-quality vintage cards in this tight market became quite difficult.

For modern cards, the rookie seasons of Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, and Dustin Pedroia generated a lot of buzz. Their 2006 Bowman Chrome rookie refractors and 2007 Topps Chrome rookie refractors traded hands frequently on eBay. The cards appreciated quickly as the young stars got off to hot starts in 2007. By the end of the season, graded mint versions of these rookies were going for $100-300 each online. Their success helped reinvigorate interest in following the next generation of baseball stars through card collecting.

Manufacturing and distribution issues plagued the industry. The large card companies like Topps, Upper Deck, and Leaf were having problems with paper/card stock shortages and delays. Many 2007 baseball products were released late or had to be short printed due to production problems. This aggravated collectors and hobby shop owners who depended on new releases. The delays were attributed to an industry-wide decline in available paper/plastic supplies and machinery upgrades needed to produce high-end inserts.

Secondary sports card seller websites like eBay also came under increased scrutiny in 2007. Many collectors and consumer groups raised concerns about whether graded card slabs from services like PSA, BGS, and SGC could be reliably trusted on the secondary market. Cases of re-slabbed or fake slabs were uncovered. This damaged confidence in the rapidly growing market of six-figure vintage card auctions on eBay. Both PSA and BGS vowed to improve authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures going forward.

The large national hobby shop chains also faced difficulties. Due to the rise of eBay sales, online competition was cutting into LCS (local card shop) sales. Many shops struggled to pay high monthly rent for large retail spaces in malls. This led to closures of hobby shop franchises like Comic Images and Great American Hobby Shop across the country in 2007. On the other hand, dedicated independent LCSs that cultivated strong community followings fared better and still thrived.

While renewed collector demand drove a renaissance in the baseball card market in 2007, manufacturing and distribution problems as well as larger structural issues remained roadblocks for the industry’s growth. Changes were needed to restore confidence and stabilize the fluctuating fortunes of the unique, multi-billion dollar hobby. In the years since, the baseball card market has continued evolving, with the rise of internet sales, new card technology, and an aging generation of nostalgic collectors.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

The 2007 Topps baseball cards checklist was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. As always, Topps aimed to capture the biggest moments and stars from the 2006 MLB season in their vintage styled designs. The flagship set featured various parallels, inserts, and special cards to keep collectors excited throughout the year.

The design stayed true to Topps’ classic aesthetic they had been utilizing for decades. Bold colors and graphic illustrations remained prominently featured on each card. All 30 MLB teams were well represented across the 700+ base cards in the set. Rookies, future Hall of Famers, and 2006 award winners received distinguishing treatments to stand out amongst the checklist.

Some of the top rookies featured includedRyan Braun, Adrian Gonzalez, Anibal Sanchez, and Joakim Soria. Legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente received tributes in the set as well. MVP winners Justin Morneau and MVP award winner Justin Verlander received special accenting. Update and retiree cards provided closure to player storylines from the previous season.

Parallels were a growing part of the checklist in 2007. The base set featured Silver Pack parallels at a 1:12 ratio. More elusive variations included Red parallel /150, Green parallel /100, and Gold parallel /50. The premium parallels attract the most attention from collectors with their ultra-low print runs. Topps also released a highly coveted Topps Chrome baseball set with refractors and parallels of its own to satisfy the increasing demand for “hits”.

Continuing popular insert sets included “Topps Heroes”, “Topps Greats”, and “Topps Turnbacks”. “Topps Heroes” paid homage to iconic player accomplishments with vivid illustrations. “Topps Greats” showcased career stats and information of all-time legends in the game. “Topps Turnbacks” transported fans back in time with period-accurate throwbacks uniforms and designs.

Rookie/Prospect inserts included the likes of Delmon Young, Clay Buchholz, and Evan Longoria. The “Topps Ticket” shortprint subset featured various ticket stubs digitally overlaid on players’ photos as a clever retro nod. Autograph and memorabilia cards started to become more prevalent hits for collectors to eagerly search packs for as well.

Exclusive parallels like the Diamond Anniversary parallels /30 in honor of Topps’ 60th year and “Gold Medal Performers” saluting Olympian baseball players added depth. Mini boxes released special “Mini box HOF” parallels /86 of Hall of Famers. The fan-favorite “Topps Town” and “T205” tributes to pre-war tobacco era designs were also part of the year’s checklist.

Additional inserts scattered throughout were “Topps America”, ‘Topps Highlights”, and “Topps Triple Threads”. Special 100th anniversary logos and autographs added prestige. Oversized cards and inserts were inserted one per case further fueling the chase. Popular ongoing photographic insert sets like “Topps Photo” and “Topps Tiffany” seamlessly integrated into the overall product year after year.

At the conclusion of the season, Topps released updates including rookie debuts, playoff performers, league leaders, and World Series winners to wrap a bow on the complete 2006-2007 MLB story. The mix of vintage design, star talent, varied insert sets, and chase parallels made 2007 Topps among the most anticipated and collected issues in the brand’s storied history. It captured a season while staying devoted to the simplicity and nostalgia that makes Topps cards a cherished hobby staple. Collectors could spend years sorting and appreciating all that the massive 2007 Topps checklist offered.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 2007

The year 2007 was a landmark year for baseball cards as some of the most coveted rookie cards in the modern era were printed and distributed that season. While cards from the 1980s and earlier eras still command top prices due to their vintage status, the 2007 season ushered in a new generation of star players whose rookie cards collectors eagerly sought. More than a decade later, the top cards from 2007 remain highly valuable due to the legendary careers and iconic status of the players featured.

Heading the list of the most valuable 2007 baseball cards is none other than Mike Trout. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Trout’s rookie season was in 2011 but collectors were able to get his first baseball card two years prior in 2007 when he was selected 25th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the MLB Draft out of high school. Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor parallel card, serial numbered to just 5 copies, has sold for as much as $400,000, making it one of the highest valued modern baseball cards ever. Even Trout’s base rookie card from 2009 Bowman sells regularly for over $1000 in Near Mint condition.

Another exceptionally hyped young star in 2007 was Bryce Harper. Selected first overall by the Washington Nationals, Harper was hailed as “Baseball’s LeBron James” due to his five-tool skillset and prodigious talent at such a young age. Harper’s first card came in 2009 Bowman and his Bowman Chrome Superfractor parallel from that year hits the six-figure mark as one of the priciest unlicensed modern issues. The regular Chrome rookie also averages over $500. Harper has since lived up to the billing, winning NL MVP in 2015 at just 22 years old.

Staying in the Nationals organization, Stephen Strasburg’s arrival was highly anticipated after he was drafted first overall out of San Diego State in 2009 following one of the greatest college pitching seasons ever. Strasburg mania took off immediately and his 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft RC sells for $300-400 in top grades due to his short but dominant MLB career thus far. Strasburg captivated the baseball world in his debut season of 2010 before an injury hampered his career going forward, cementing his early cards as some of the most valuable in the post-2000 era.

While these ‘Big 3’ prospects of 2007 dominated the headlines, other elite young talents also emerged that retain value over a decade later. Buster Posey, selected 5th overall by the San Francisco Giants, won NL Rookie of the Year and 3 World Series in his first 4 full seasons, cementing his status as one of the game’s top catchers. Posey’s flagship 2009 Bowman Chrome RC in a PSA 10 has reached over $1000, showing the longevity of his popularity.

Elsewhere in the 2009 Bowman set, homeowners of rookies like Drew Storen (10th overall), Ike Davis (18th overall by the Mets), Rick Porcello (27th overall by the Tigers), and Jason Heyward (14th overall by the Braves) all hold onto cards that have exceeded $100 PSA 10. On the international market, Cardinals prospect Kolten Wong from Hawaii and Japanese import Aroldis Chapman also debuted accessible rookie cards in 2009 Bowman that maintain mid-level value currently.

While 2007 may seem like a distant year through modern eyes, it was a watershed moment that introduced stars whose careers are still unfolding today. The rookie cards produced as a result stand the test of time as some of the cornerstone investments in any vintage collection. With so much history still to be written, 2007 cards centered around talents like Trout, Harper and Strasburg have the potential to reach even greater heights in the collecting world.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2007

The 2007 baseball card season was one of the most exciting in recent memory. Fueled by breakout performances and historical milestones, the crop of rookies and veterans that graced baseball cards that year produced some of the most valuable and sought after cards in the hobby. While no single card stands out as the undisputed best of ’07, here are some of the top contenders based on player performance, rarity, and long-term collectibility.

Perhaps the most obvious choice for the top baseball card of 2007 would be one featuring Josh Hamilton. After overcoming years of personal demons, Hamilton enjoyed a storybook season for the Cincinnati Reds. The 28-year old outfielder batted .292 with 19 home runs in just 90 games, winning the National League batting title and coming in third place in MVP voting in his first full season in the majors. Hamilton’s performance was nothing short of miraculous considering his well-documented past struggles with addiction. His 2007 rookie cards, whether from Topps, Upper Deck, or other manufacturers, showcase one of the greatest comeback stories in baseball history and remain extremely popular with collectors today due to Hamilton’s inspirational tale.

Another breakout rookie who had a phenomenal first season was San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley. After batting just .267 with 5 home runs in limited action in 2006, Headley exploded in 2007 by hitting .375 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in only 87 games. He finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting and his rookie cards from that season have increased steadily in value. While he never quite lived up to his early promise, Headley’s ’07 cards memorialize one of the more surprising rookie campaigns in recent memory.

On the pitching side, Tim Lincecum had one of the greatest rookie seasons for a starter in modern baseball history with the San Francisco Giants. The “Freak” went 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA and led the NL with 265 strikeouts, winning Rookie of the Year honors and coming in second in Cy Young voting. Lincecum’s control of four plus pitches made him a nightmare for hitters from day one. His ’07 Topps Chrome refractors and Bowman Chrome autographs are some of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby due to his immediate dominance and two future Cy Young awards.

Alex Rodriguez also had a banner year in 2007 that is well represented in his baseball cards. After signing a record-breaking 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees, A-Rod responded by putting together perhaps the finest offensive season of his career. He batted .314 with 54 home runs and 156 RBI to win both the Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente Awards while leading the Yankees to their first World Series title since 2000. Rodriguez’s accomplishments and status as the game’s highest paid player at the time made any of his ’07 cards, from base Topps to rare autographs, highly sought after.

Two all-time home run records were also eclipsed in 2007 that hold historical significance reflected in the baseball cards of that season. Barry Bonds smashed Hank Aaron’s career home run record when he hit number 756 as a member of the San Francisco Giants. While the accomplishment was tainted by the steroid era, Bonds’ record-breaking 2007 Topps card remains an iconic piece of baseball memorabilia. The other major home run milestone was achieved when Sammy Sosa hit his 600th career home run playing for the Baltimore Orioles, capping a career that saw him challenge Mark McGwire’s single-season record. Sosa’s 2007 Topps card highlighting this achievement remains a noteworthy piece for any collection.

Rookies like Ryan Braun, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jacoby Ellsbury and others also had memorable first seasons in 2007 that produced valuable baseball cards at the time which have increased in demand from collectors in the years since. Meanwhile, veterans like Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Vladimir Guerrero enjoyed productive seasons reflected in their ’07 cards. In all, the combination of historical performances, rookie debuts and milestones from stars of the day made the 2007 baseball card season one of the most collectible in recent memory. While individual cards may rise and fall in price over time, the stories and talents featured ensure these cards will remain popular with hobbyists for decades to come.

2007 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

The 2007 Fleer baseball card release has proven to be one of the more valuable sets in recent memory. While not as flashy as some of the larger modern productions from companies like Topps and Upper Deck, the 2007 Fleer set offers collectors a fun blast from the past along with cards of stars that have since cemented their legacy.

Released in 2007 toward the tail end of Fleer’s run as a baseball card manufacturer, the design is fairly straightforward with mostly basic photography on a white or cream colored background. What it may lack in creative design it more than makes up for with the inclusion of several young stars who were early in their careers at the time but have since become household names.

Cards of a pre-Prime Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez in his Yankee years, and David Ortiz still in the early stages of cementing himself as a Red Sox legend can fetch decent money in high grade. Pujols’ base card in Near Mint to Mint condition usually sells between $10-20 while A-Rod and Big Papi base are in the $5-10 range. For star rookie cards from the set, prices can climb much higher depending on the player and grade of the card.

One of the biggest hits from the 2007 Fleer set is Josh Hamilton’s rookie card. Hamilton was already generating buzz in 2007 as one of the game’s top prospects after overcoming well-documented personal issues, and since became a former American League MVP award winner. His base rookie card in Mint condition can bring $50-75 while a Near Mint example may sell for $30-50. autograph and numbered parallel versions exist that could far surpass those prices.

Other notable rookies in the 2007 Fleer set include Max Scherzer,Cole Hamels, Ian Kinsler, and Robinson Cano. While not quite at the level Hamilton commanded early, all became impact big leaguers and their rookies have respectable value today. A Near Mint Scherzer rookie would sell around $15-20. Hamels and Kinsler are $10-15 range. Cano sits just below that at $8-12 depending on grade.

Beyond rookie cards, the 2007 Fleer set also featured several stars early in their Hall of Fame careers like Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, and Joey Votto. Their base cards in top grades can reach the $5-10 price point. Pitchers like Roy Halladay, CC Sabathia, and John Lackey also popped up in the 2007 Fleer set pre-prime and go for a few dollars. Parallel and autographed versions would be much more expensive.

While nowhere close to the price levels of the classic ’50s/’60s Fleer sets that can fetch thousands, the 2007 release has developed a nice nostalgic following. The designs are straightforward but capture a fun mid-2000s baseball vibe. Most importantly, it features some truly generational talents who were just getting going like Pujols, Hamilton, and others. For younger collectors who grew up watching those players in their primes, 2007 Fleer cards are a nice blast from their childhood/early fandom.

While the 2007 Fleer set lacks some of the flashier modern extras collectors expect today, it offers a nice mix of established stars and young talents who went on to great success. Base cards of big names like Pujols and A-Rod or star rookies like Hamilton and Scherzer can sell for $5-25 depending on condition – not bad for a relatively inexpensive older release from the tail end of Fleer’s long baseball run. With years of continued appreciation, the 2007 Fleer values are proven to stand the test of time for collectors today.