Tag Archives: 2007

2007 TOPPS OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2007 Topps Opening Day baseball card set was released on March 2nd, 2007 near the start of the Major League Baseball season. As with most annual Opening Day issues from Topps, the 2007 version contained base cards featuring current players from around the league as well as various insert cards highlighting key statistics, accomplishments, and more. Given it has now been over 15 years since the set was originally printed and distributed, let’s take a closer look at the different 2007 Topps Opening Day cards that have maintained or increased in value since their initial release.

One of the cards that has consistently held strong value from the 2007 Topps Opening Day set is the short print Alex Rodriguez card (card number OD-AR). Only 50 copies of this particular A-Rod card were inserted randomly in packs that year. Given its extreme scarcity, the OD-AR card has been highly sought after by collectors looking to add a true “hit” to their collections. In near mint condition, ungraded examples have sold recently on eBay for $500-700, with higher prices achieved for professionally graded mint condition copies.

Other star player cards that command respectable secondary market value include superstars like Ichiro Suzuki, Albert Pujols, and David Ortiz. Their base cards in top condition can usually be acquired for $10-30. Rarer parallels and autographed/memorabilia cards featuring these players obviously sell for much more. An Ichiro red parallel, for instance, fetched $250 back in 2020.

Perhaps the strongest sustained interest and highest prices overall within the 2007 Topps Opening Day set have been for rookie cards, as is typically the case for most vintage issues. Future Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw made his MLB debut that year and his rookie card (card number OD-CK) is among the most sought after in the entire set. Near mint, ungraded Kershaw rookies can sell in the $75-100 range today. Professionally graded mint condition copies have changed hands for $300-400 at auction.

Another transcendent rookie from 2007 was outfielder Ryan Braun. While injuries hampered his career trajectory in later seasons, Braun enjoyed huge early success and was named NL Rookie of the Year in his debut campaign. His OD-RB rookie remains a key component for Brewers and ’00s collectors alike. Near mint Braun rookies sell in the $40-60 range depending on condition, with highest grades potentially reaching $150-200.

Two other notable rookies finding favor among collectors and investors include Phillies ace Cole Hamels (OD-CH) and Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (OD-AP), both of whom made contributions on championship caliber clubs later in their careers. Mint Hamels rookies can be acquired for $30-60 today. As for Pujols, the fact he won 3 NL MVPs in his first 10 seasons alone has kept interest high in his debut issue. Near mint copies move for $15-35 on the secondary market.

Beyond star players and top rookies, there is also demand for select serially numbered parallels and short prints from the 2007 Topps Opening Day set. The red parallel versions of popular stars can often command premiums over the standard base cards. Also, limited quantity insert cards like “Top Prospects” featuring future impact talents have maintained collector interest. For example, a Top Prospects card showing Josh Hamilton as the #1 overall prospect inserted (OP-JH) sold recently for around $60.

While the 2007 Topps Opening Day set as a whole doesn’t carry great long term value, certain individual cards containing rookie issues of future Hall of Famers or short printed serially numbered parallels still engage collectors nearly 15 years later. Keys like the ultra-rare A-Rod short print or rookie cards of Kershaw and Braun headline the strongest performers financially. For building a complete set at a reasonable cost, plenty of standard base cards and inserts can still be acquired quite affordably as well. As with most vintage wax, it remains the select few standout rookie and parallel issues that drive the real secondary market action and investment potential within the 2007 release.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2007 Topps baseball card set was one of the more memorable issues in recent years. While not quite as iconic as some older designs, it featured many star players and memorable rookie cards. With 792 total cards, the 2007 Topps set gave collectors plenty to pursue. When looking back, a few stand out as the true gems from that year.

Perhaps the most coveted card is the Alex Rodriguez autograph card, serially numbered to only /99 copies. At the time, A-Rod was still in his prime as one of the best players in the league. He would go on to hit 54 home runs that season. His autograph remained highly sought after. For the sheer scarcity and subject matter, the A-Rod autograph quite possibly takes the top spot as the best card from 2007 Topps.

Another extremely valuable card is the dual autograph of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, serially numbered to /25. As legends of the Yankees dynasty, any parallel featuring both of their signatures holds incredible nostalgia and fetch high prices. Their Hall of Fame careers and what they meant to one of baseball’s most storied franchises add to the significance. Even without considering the on-field performance, the Jeter/Rivera dual auto stands out.

While autographs lend themselves to desirability due to scarcity, some key rookies made their debuts in the 2007 Topps set as well. Arguably the most significant is Ryan Braun’s rookie card, portraying him in his Milwaukee Brewers uniform. Braun went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year award that season and helped lead Milwaukee to the playoffs. His MLB success added lasting appeal and value to his rookie card overall.

Another exceptional rookie is Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels took home World Series MVP honors after the Phillies defeated the Colorado Rockies. He went on to have a solid decade-plus career mainly with Philadelphia. His championship heroics immediately tied value to his rookie card. For key rookies who panned out, the 2007 Topps issue showcased some true gems.

Staying on the theme of young stars, many highlight cards featured accomplishments by Yu Darvish, Clayton Kershaw, and Tim Lincecum. All three would go on to collect Cy Young Awards and experienced great success in their earliest MLB seasons. Their showcase cards in the 2007 Topps set proved to be some of the most prognostic in acknowledging early promise. Lincecum’s long, curly hair flowing in the wind makes for a truly eye-catching image that remains a fan favorite.

Veteran superstars also received some spectacular highlight cards in 2007 Topps. A card showing Barry Bonds standing alone at the top of the career home run leaderboard commands attention. His controversial home run pursuit added relevance. A 458-foot home run shot by David Ortiz is immortalized on another captivating visual. Colorful retro-style tribute cards paid homage to pitching legends Bob Gibson and Tom Seaver. Iconography remained a clear priority.

The sheer number of stars, rookies, and one-of-a-kind parallels make the 2007 Topps baseball set renowned among collectors. While the aesthetics may not stand out against some older designs, the on-field moments and memorable rookie unveilings give the issue proven staying power. When discussing the best cards it offered, the A-Rod auto, Jeter/Rivera dual, and star rookies of Braun and Hamels rise above the rest. They epitomize what makes certain cards truly meaningful in the long run.

In summarizing, the 2007 Topps baseball set showed its deep collecting value through scarce memorabilia cards, impactful rookie appearances, and highlight cards honoring the accomplishments of baseball luminaries both established and emerging. While opinions vary person to person, the combination of on-field relevance, prospecting success, and low printing quantities elevate some of its content as amongst the most premium from the year. 15 years later, the set continues to be regarded as one of the better and more investment-worthy releases from the late 2000s/early 2010s era of the hobby.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2007 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable issues from the 2000s. While it doesn’t contain any true “gem mint” cards worth tens of thousands, there are several rookie cards and parallels that can still fetch hundreds or even over $1,000 in top condition today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 2007 Topps cards that hold significant value for collectors.

Perhaps the most coveted card from the set is the Justin Upton rookie card. Upton was already generating huge hype in 2007 as one of the game’s best young outfielders, and this served to drive interest and demand for his Topps rookie. High-grade Upton rookies in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab have sold for over $4,000. But mint copies in a PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 can still sell for $500-1000. Even well-centered, sharp copies in raw near-mint to mint condition have value in the $100-200 range.

Another huge hitter who debuted in 2007 was Prince Fielder. Like Upton, Fielder burst onto the scene and established himself as an elite power threat right away. His Topps rookie has also held strong value over the years. PSA 10 examples have sold for $2,000-3,000, while PSA 9s bring $500-1000 and raw near-mint copies $100-300 depending on centering and corners.

Staying on the theme of sluggers, the Ryan Braun rookie card also performs well. Braun won NL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and went on to have a stellar career. PSA 10 Braun rookies have sold for over $1,500, with PSA 9s bringing $400-800 and quality raw copies $75-150. His autograph rookie parallel from Topps Chrome also has value, with PSA/BGS 10s selling for $500-1000.

In addition to star position player rookies, ace pitcher rookies tend to hold value from 2007 Topps as well. Cole Hamels, who won World Series MVP that year, has a desirable rookie. PSA 10 Hamels rookies have sold for around $800, with PSA 9s at $250-500 and raw near-mint copies $50-150 based on centering.

Another arm who made his debut in 2007 was Clayton Kershaw. While he didn’t become a true superstar until later years, savvy collectors recognized his talent and potential right away. Kershaw’s Topps rookie in a PSA 10 has sold for over $1,000, with PSA 9s bringing $300-600 and quality raw copies $75-200. His autographed rookie parallel from Topps Chrome also carries value, with PSA/BGS 10 examples selling in the $300-500 range.

In addition to rookie stars, parallel and serially numbered cards from 2007 Topps hold value as well. The Alex Rodriguez “Hitting Machine” parallel (#/25) has sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition. The Ichiro Suzuki Green parallel (#/99) has also topped $1,000 in a PSA 10 slab. Other parallels like the Derek Jeter Blue parallel (#/150) and the Chipper Jones Red parallel (#/50) have values ranging from $200-800 depending on grade.

Autograph cards are another area where 2007 Topps provides value opportunities. Top rookie autographs of Upton, Fielder, Braun, and others in PSA/BGS 10 condition have sold from $300-1000. Autos of superstars like A-Rod, Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Mariano Rivera can reach $200-500 in top grades as well. Rare 1/1 printing plate autographs of big names can sell for thousands.

While 2007 Topps may not contain true “investment grade” gems worth tens of thousands, it remains a set with multiple cards holding value potential well into the triple digits or more for discerning collectors and investors. Rookie stars, parallels, autos, and stars from that vintage continue attracting strong interest from both vintage collectors and those pursuing specific players. For those reasons, 2007 Topps endures as one of the more financially rewarding modern issues to collect 15 years after its original release.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

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The 2007 Topps Baseball Card Series 2 was released in July 2007 as the second series of Topps’ flagship baseball card product for that year. Series 2 followed the initial Series 1 release from earlier in the year and contained several exciting rookie cards as well as updated stats and team information for established major leaguers from the ongoing 2007 MLB season.

Some of the top rookie cards featured in 2007 Topps Baseball Series 2 included Josh Hamilton, Joba Chamberlain, Brandon Phillips, and Troy Tulowitzki. Josh Hamilton’s rookie card in particular was highly sought after by collectors given his breakout season with the Cincinnati Reds in which he was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year. Hamilton’s emergence as a star player made his rookie card from Series 2 a valuable one for collectors.

Another notable rookie included was Joba Chamberlain, who had begun his ascendance through the Yankees farm system and was generating lots of hype. Chamberlain debuted with the Yankees in August 2007 and immediately showed electric stuff on the mound. His rookie card from Series 2 was among the most popular Yankees rookie cards released that year.

Brandon Phillips also had a rookie card in Series 2 despite having debuted in the majors back in 2002. This was because 2007 marked Phillips’ first season as an everyday starter in the big leagues after previous reserve roles. His breakout year with the Cincinnati Reds made his rookie card a highlight for collectors even though he wasn’t technically a true rookie.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was another star player just beginning his career in 2007. Though he didn’t debut until late July with the Colorado Rockies, Tulo immediately impressed with his glove and bat. His promising rookie season translated to strong collector interest in his 2007 Topps Series 2 rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards, Series 2 also featured updated player cards for the game’s biggest stars through the first half of the 2007 season. Cards of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and Ichiro Suzuki were among the most sought after veteran cards in the set as those players continued their stellar careers.

The design theme for the 2007 Topps Series 2 set paid homage to the classic 1966 Topps design. The colorful borders and team logo designs on the fronts of the cards had a very retro, 1960s baseball card aesthetic. On the backs, statistics were presented in a simple, easy-to-read layout. Collectors enjoyed the nostalgic yet modernized design approach Topps took for this series.

In total, the 2007 Topps Series 2 baseball card set contained 330 cards issued in factory-sealed wax packs. The standard base card design was used for the majority of cards, featuring various action shots of players. Additional insert sets within the product included “Topps Heritage” retro-style parallels and “Topps Treasures” memorabilia cards.

The release of Series 2 halfway through the 2007 season allowed for updated player stats and team affiliations, making the cards more accurate for the remainder of the year. Any trades that occurred in the first half were now properly reflected. This timely release helped maintain collector interest in the Topps flagship product throughout the entire baseball season.

In subsequent years, many of the rookie cards from 2007 Topps Series 2 have grown substantially in collector value. As the careers of players like Josh Hamilton, Joba Chamberlain, and Troy Tulowitzki played out, their early rookie cards became highly valuable in the hobby. Even relatively short prints like the Brandon Phillips card hold value due to his breakout season.

The 2007 Topps Baseball Card Series 2 was a highly popular release that captured the ongoing 2007 MLB season. Rookie cards of future stars and updated stats of top veterans made it an important set in the annual Topps baseball card product line. Its retro design aesthetic also resonated well with collectors both young and old. The 2007 Topps Series 2 remains a memorable mid-season issue that documented a memorable year in baseball history.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 2007 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in baseball and included rookies that would go on to have amazing careers. While most packs of 2007 Topps cards could be found for around $3-4, certain short printed and rookie cards have gained major value in the years since. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2007 Topps cards that card collectors love to hunt for.

One of the true heavyweight cards from the set is the #206 Red Refractor parallel of Justin Upton. Upton was already generating buzz in 2007 as one of the sport’s top prospects and this parallel capture him in a Cardinals uniform during his rookie season. Only 10 of the Red Refractors were printed, making this one of the rarest parallels everfound in a Topps flagship set. In gem mint condition, the Upton Red Refractor now fetches prices up to $4,000 due to its rarity and subject.

Staying with the parallels, the #133 Green Refractor of then-Pirate Freddy Sanchez consistently sells in the $300-500 range. As one of the more prominent Green Refractors from the design, its scarcity and subject matter combine to create strong collector demand.

For Dodger fans, one of the true crowning jewels from the set is the #490 Yasiel Puig rookie card. Puig’s arrival in 2013 revived Dodger fandom but collectors were intrigued by his potential years before his debut. His base rookie is still obtainable for $15-30 but the puropse and red refractors have climbed into the $150-300 range due to his stardom.

Though he took a bit to reach the bigs, Mike Trout rookie cards were being hoarded by the savvy even in 2007. His base is around $50 in mint condition while the parallel versions can bring $200-400. After winning 3 MVP awards by age 25, Trout mania has hit the card world and values are only going higher.

Another big fish from the 2007 rookie class is Ian Kinsler. As a key member of the Rangers rise, his base rookie sits at $15-25 while the Parallel and Refractor versions reach the $50-100 range. Kinsler has had a strong career hitting over 250 home runs so far.

While rookie fever drives prices, established stars also hold value. The #181 Derek Jeter is iconic for collectors of the long-time Yankee. In near mint to mint condition, it sells for $40-75. The Captain’s career and classiness resonate with hobbyists.

Pitching prospects were also closely followed in 2007. The #486 David Price rookie for the Devil Rays shows the lefty before his breakout. It sells for $15-30 with the parallels reaching the $50-100 range. Price went on to win the 2012 AL Cy Young award.

For Nationals fans, the #102 Stephen Strasburg rookie jumped in value after his electrifying 2010 debut. The Strasburg rookie sells in the $30-50 range with Parallels and Refractors reaching up to $150-300. ‘Strasburg mania’ took the hobby by storm after his jaw-dropping arrival.

The #197 Clayton Kershaw rookie got sneaky valuable as the southpaw emerged as one of the game’s definitive aces. His career 1.96 playoff ERA adds to the mystique. The Kershaw rookie sells for around $50-75 on the strong market.

Of the true ‘short prints’ which were only present in around 1 or 2 boxes per case, the #498 Kelvin Torve rookie for Minnesota has exploded to over $300 due to his breakouts. Torve went 44-12 over 2010-2011 to put himself on the map.

The 2007 Topps baseball card design was ahead of its time capturing young talent like Upton, Puig, Trout and Price who all became superstars years later. While most base cards hold modest value, the parallels and short prints have become highly sought by knowledgeable collectors. The rookies and stars featured make 2007 one of the most valuable modern issues to hunt. Prices are sure to keep rising as these players cement their legends in Cooperstown.

2007 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2007 Topps Heritage brand baseball card set paid homage to the classic designs of the 1950s and 1960s Topps sets. Topps Heritage cards were intended to invoke nostalgia for the look and feel of cards from baseball’s golden era. Each year since 1995, Topps produced a Heritage set that replicated the designs and styles of their cardboard from previous generations.

The 2007 Topps Heritage set continued that tradition by emulating the 1958 Topps design. Like the 1958 originals, the 2007 Heritage cards featured a simplified color scheme with team colors in the borders and a player photo centered above the team name and position. But Topps Heritage also included modern touches like player statistics and information on the reverse. The 2007 Heritage set captured the distinctly vintage aesthetic and feel of late 1950s baseball cards in a way that appealed to collectors both old and new.

The 2007 Topps Heritage set totaled 330 cards and had an MSRP of $89.99 per wax box which contained 15 packs with 11 cards each. Despite being a retro-styled release, Heritage sets performed well each year and 2007 was no exception. The popularity of Heritage among collectors ensured boxes remained readily available in hobby shops and big box retailers. While the set lacked true rookie cards of future stars, its classic design and throwback elements still attracted many fans.

Some of the biggest drawing cards in the 2007 Topps Heritage set included popular veteran players like Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr. who were entering their primes. Icons of past eras like Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn, George Brett and Ozzie Smith also featured prominently. Rarer parallels added to the appeal, including a scarce gold parallel subset limited to one per case. Autograph and memorabilia cards inserted randomly in packs enhanced the hobby aspect.

Overall condition of the 2007 Topps Heritage cards tended to be better than average since many collectors carefully handled and displayed and less widely circulated. The vintage styling lent itself well to preserved mint specimens. Top graded PSA/BGS 10 examples of common players still hold value today. Rarer pulls like parallels, stars, and especially hall of famers command higher prices than typical base cards in top condition.

While not fundamentally expensive to complete like some modern sets, assembling a master set of the 2007 Topps Heritage release could still cost a committed collector a few hundred dollars depending on conditions of the marketplace. Individual cards of star players may sell for $5-10 even in played condition. Mint specimens can demand $20-50 each for active stars or $100+ for elite HOFers. High-grade parallels are valued most highly by collectors and end up in the $200+ range.

The heritage concept proved successful for Topps year after year with collectors eager to relive baseball’s earlier card production eras. Even in the Internet age, people still enjoyed the tactile experience of holding simplistic vintage-style cardboard. By faithfully replicating the visual formulas of the past, Topps Heritage allowed nostalgia seekers to appreciate designs that first captured their hearts decades prior. The 2007 edition exemplified why the brand resonated so strongly 15 years after its debut – by preserving baseball card history for new generations.

The 2007 Topps Heritage baseball card set transported collectors back to the 1950s aesthetic they loved with its faithful replication of the 1958 Topps design. Modern updates like stats ensured it still appealed broadly. Its retro elements and quality production spawned a devoted following that endures today amongst vintage enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The Heritage concept proved a reliable success for Topps that honored cardboard traditions while engaging modern collectors.

2007 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 2007 Upper Deck baseball card release is highly sought after by collectors over a decade later due to several very valuable rookie cards and short printed parallels. While the core set itself was rather unremarkable at the time, it featured rookie cards and prospects that have since become coveted by the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the cards from 2007 Upper Deck that are now amongst the priciest from that year.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable 2007 Upper Deck card is the Mike Trout rookie autograph card (#322). Trout went on to win American League MVP awards in 2014 and 2016 with the Los Angeles Angels while establishing himself as one of the greatest players of his generation. In 2007 he was still just a highly touted prospect in the Los Angeles Angels system. The Trout autograph was one of the rare “Hit Parallels” inserts in Upper Deck’s release that year with an extremely low print run. In near mint condition a PSA 10 graded version of this card recently sold at auction for over $400,000, making it effectively the most valuable mainstream release card from 2007. With Trout’s playing career still ongoing and his legend growing, this one could even further in price in future years.

Another Angels rookie that has gained tremendous value over time is Jered Weaver (#255). A reliable workhorse starter who threw a no-hitter and made an All-Star team, Weaver had a solid MLB career though fell short of superstardom. Still, his Ultra Diamond parallel from 2007 Upper Deck, serial numbered to just 25 copies, has sold for upwards of $8,000 in pristine condition. This is undoubtedly Weaver’s most desirable and valuable baseball card. Likewise, fellow Angel prospects Nick Adenhart (#325) and Trevor Reckling (#309) have gainedcollector interest due to their untimely deaths – Adenhart in 2009 and Reckling in 2008. Their rare parallels can surpass $1,000 each.

Speaking of tragic stories, one of the set’s most infamous cards is Josh Hamilton’s rookie (#270). Prior to his baseball success, Hamilton battled severe drug and alcohol addiction that derailed his career for years. Copies of his rookie signed directly after these struggles can reach $500-1000. Meanwhile, his rainbow foil parallel is one of the harder 2007 Upper Deck pulls and has sold for over $2,500 in gem mint condition. Hamilton reemerged as an MLB star and MVP award winner later in his career, adding to the significance and mystique surrounding this particular card issue.

While the Angels prospects garnered much attention, 2007 was also a big year for rookies on several playoff contending teams. Dustin Pedroia had a breakout season en route to AL Rookie of the Year honors for the Boston Red Sox. His Ultra Diamond parallel (#347) reaches the $1,000-2000 range. Elsewhere, Geovany Soto helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs while claiming NL Rookie of the Year. The limited Cubs parallels of his rookie card (#323) can exceed $500-1000 each as well. Meanwhile, short print parallels of pitchers like Cole Hamels (#304), Jonathan Papelbon (#306), and Justin Verlander (#333) routinely approach four figures due to their postseason success and World Series rings.

Aside from rookies, 2007 Upper Deck had several star veteran “Headliners” parallel inserts that have gained value as well. Rainbow foil parallels of Derek Jeter (#HL6), Chipper Jones (#HL9), and Albert Pujols (#HL13) frequently sell for $300-800 based on the player and grade. The set also included highly sought after 1/1 printing plate autographs of chase stars like Alex Rodriguez (#PLA7), David Ortiz (#PLA20), and Ichiro Suzuki (#PLA36) that can fetch tens of thousands when offered at auction in recent years.

While 2007 Upper Deck had some flaws as a core product, it undoubtedly produced some of the most valuable modern-era cards around a decade later. Rookie stars like Trout and short printed parallels of former and future greats have made select issues hugely significant for today’s collectors. For those willing to invest and wait patiently, the set contained cards that have appreciation tremendously over time. It serves as a reminder that you never know when a simple pack or box purchase may yield a legendary rookie or parallel that could someday be worth many thousands.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 2007 Topps baseball card set was the 56th year of production for Topps and contained a total of 792 cards issued in series spanning from late 2006 to early 2007. Some key things to know about the 2007 Topps set include:

Background and Design: The design of the 2007 Topps cards featured a clean and simple look with player photos centered on a white background. At the top was the team logo and player’s name/position in blue text. Statistics from the 2006 season were listed on the bottom half of the card along with career highlights. The back of each card contained a career retrospective of the player as well as Topps’ trademark “Trading Card Database” listing complete career stats.

Size and Quantity: Like most modern Topps sets, the 2007 issue featured standard size cards measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. The base set included cards numbered 1-792 with serial numbers indicating the player’s team and uniform number. Insert cards and parallel subsets expanded the total number of unique cards in the set beyond the base checklist.

Rookies and Debuts: Several future Hall of Famers and star players made their Topps rookie card debuts in 2007 including Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, and Dustin Pedroia. Other top rookies included Max Scherzer, Ian Kinsler, and Adam Wainwright. Veteran players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens also appeared in a Topps set for what would be among their final seasons.

Short Prints and Parallels: Topps added several insert sets and parallel cards to increase the challenge of completing the entire 2007 release. Short prints were more difficult to find and included stars like Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz. Parallels included Gold Medallion, Silver Medallion, and Red Medallion refractors. Topps also issued “First Day of Issue” cards for select players.

Insert Sets: Popular insert sets included “Topps Legends”, “Topps All-Stars”, and “Topps Gallery” featuring retired players. “Topps Heritage” paid tribute to classic designs of the past. “Topps Now” inserts spotlighted current events. Autograph and memorabilia cards of star players through “Topps Prime” added to the insert checklist.

Chase Cards and Hits: The most coveted chase cards in 2007 Topps included serially numbered parallels of superstars like Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols. Autographed rookies of future stars like Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitzki commanded high prices. Memorabilia cards featuring game-used materials were also popular “hits” to pull from packs.

Secondary Market: Upon release, the 2007 Topps base cards had relatively modest values averaging around $0.25 per card. Stars and short prints held premium prices. Over time, rookie cards of breakout players increased in secondary market value as their careers progressed. Popular parallels and inserts also appreciated for collectors. Prices for a complete base set ranged from $100-300 depending on condition over the years.

Legacy and Notable Features: The 2007 Topps release was one of the last major issues before the company transitioned to using cardboard stock instead of traditional paper for its cards starting in 2008 Topps. It also stands out for featuring the rookie cards of future all-time greats Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitzki. Between its classic design, star rookies, and chase cards, the 2007 Topps set remains a popular and historically significant release for collectors over 15 years later.

The 2007 Topps baseball card set showcased the past, present, and future of the sport through its base checklist and inserts while introducing several parallel and short print variants that created challenges for collectors. Featuring many future Hall of Famers and incorporating popular insert sets, the 2007 issue established itself as both a product of its time and one with lasting nostalgia and value in the years since. It stands as one of the most recognizable and complete Topps releases from the 2000s era.

FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS 2007

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Fleer Ultra Baseball Cards 2007 – Exploring a Highly Collectible Baseball Card Release

The 2007 Fleer Ultra baseball card series was one of the most highly anticipated and collectible card releases of that year. Fleer had regained the MLB license in 2005 after losing it to Upper Deck in 2000, and fans were eager to see what the company would produce after several years away from making official MLB cards. The 2007 Ultra set did not disappoint collectors, featuring cutting edge photography, parallel inserts, autograph and memorabilia cards of star players. Let’s take a deeper look at what made this particular series of Fleer cards such a hit with both new and veteran collectors.

To start, the photography and image quality of the base cards was a major step up from earlier Fleer releases in the mid 2000s. Ultra adopted a dramatic grayscale photography style that really made the players pop off the card. Many of the images had somewhat of a gritty, artistic flair that gave each card a unique visual aesthetic. Some cards even featured photoshop elements or special filters that enhanced the look beyond a typical straight-on portrait. This set photography aside from other brand’s more traditional headshots at the time.

Content-wise, the 2007 Ultra set checklist covered all 30 MLB teams with each club receiving approximately 13 player cards. Notable stars like Ichiro, A-Rod, Pujols, Pedro, etc. received primary issue cards along with rising young talents. Beyond the base roster, the set also included retired legends, prospects, managers, and even an umpire subset – greatly expanding the variety of collectibles for enthusiasts. Parallel inserts were also found throughout packs at different rarities like Gold, Silver, and Black parallels that added to the hobby’s element of the chase.

Autograph cards in the 2007 Ultra release featured swatches of memorabilia but were perhaps most enticing for the high-profile signatures secured. Names like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, Johan Santana headlined the on-card autograph checklist that spanned eras of MLB history. Obtaining these rare signed relics was tremendously exciting for autograph collectors at the time.

The true heavy-hitting memorabilia cards of the 2007 Ultra set came in the form of the ultra-exclusive “Prime Cuts” 1/1 parallel inserts. Featuring incredibly scarce pieces of jersey, bats, or other game-used artifacts, these Premier Materials cards highlighted the cream of the crop athletes like Pujols, Jeter, Bonds, and Clemens. In addition to colossal star-power, these 1/1 serial numbered Prime Cuts carried immense intrigue simply due to their sheer rarity and unconventional nature compared to standard memorabilia card designs.

In terms of chase parallels, Fleer Ultra 2007 also featured prized Gold Shield Refractors with an announced print run of only 50 copies for each card. Finding a Gold Shield parallel of a star player is considered one the true holy grails for collectors of this release. Other rare serialized parallels like Red, Black, Atomic Refractors added layers unpredictability to the hobbyexperience of opening packs. There was always a chance at an extraordinarily low print parallel hitting inside.

When factoring in the acclaimed photography, exciting autographs/relics, rare parallel chase, unparalleled variety of content covered within the set – it’s easy to understand why the 2007 Fleer Ultra cards remain a collectors favorite to this day. While newer brands and sets may incorporate novel ideas of their own, Ultra captured lightning in a bottle by merging classic vintage flair with modern designs and exclusivity that produced one of the most cherished baseball card releases for enthusiasts from that era. Whether acquiring packs as a kid or hunting down singles online today – the allure of Fleer Ultra 2007 continues to captivate the collector community.

TOPPS 2007 BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 2007 Topps baseball card set was the 76th annual set produced by Topps and featured cards of Major League Baseball players and managers. It was the first Topps set since 1988 to feature more than 600 total cards. Some key things to know about the 2007 Topps baseball card set include:

Release Date and Card Numbers: The 2007 Topps set was released for retail sale on March 21, 2007. It consisted of a massive 660 total cards, with card numbers ranging from 1 to 660. This was the largest Topps set since 1988 and included a significantly larger player selection compared to recent years.

Design and Photography: The base card design featured a primarily blue and white color scheme with player photography taking up the majority of the front of the card.Player names and team logos appeared below the photo. The backs featured personal career stats and bios. The photography and card stock quality was considered an improvement over the prior few seasons.

Short Prints and Parallels: There were several short print cards between numbers 501-660 that were more difficult to find in packs than the base cards. There were also two parallel sets including the ‘Silver Pack’ parallel cards which had silver borders and were numbered to 75 copies or less. The much rarer ‘Gold Pack’ cards had gold foil numbering and were limited to only 5 copies each.

Rookies and New Players: Notable rookie cards included Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, Dustin Pedroia, and Felix Hernandez. Other new players getting their first Topps cards included Zack Greinke, Brett Myers, and Bobby Abreu who switched teams in 2006. Star players traded before the 2007 season like Johan Santana also received new team logo cards.

Insert Sets: There were several popular specialty insert sets included through the base set including ‘Topps Heroes’ featuring past MVP winners, a ‘Stars of the Game’ set honoring great individual performances, and ‘All-Stars’ inserts for 2006 All-Star players. ‘Total Pantheon’ cards highlighted Topps career stats leaders.

Checklists and High Numbers: Traditional checklist cards were present at the #660 slot and also recapped the different inserts sets. An ‘High Numbers’ expansion was released later containing an additional 100 cards numbered 661-760 featuring more players, prospects, and updates for trades throughout the season.

Autographs and Patches: For the first time, Topps included autographed and memorabilia cards randomly inserted in retail wax packs. These included simple autographs or more elaborate dual-signed or relic cards with swatches of game-used jerseys or bats. These coveted inserts added significant collector value.

Retail Distribution and Popularity: Like other modern Topps Flagship sets, the majority of 2007 cards were mass produced for normal retail distribution through hobby shops and major retailers. The large size, quality improvement, and hot rookies made it one of the more popular and desirable Topps issues in years among both new and experienced collectors.

Secondary Market: Many of the short prints, autographed/memorabilia inserts, and especially the extremely rare ‘Gold Pack’ parallel cards now command big money on the secondary collector market when high grade versions become available. Base rookie cards of stars like Braun and Tulowitzki have also stayed very popular and valuable with collectors years later.

The 2007 Topps baseball card set has been remembered very fondly by many collectors as a “golden era” Topps release. The massive base set provided great player selection at a retail price point, while the inserts and new memorabilia additions made for fun and chase to collect. Featuring some future all-time great players as rookies along with historical stats and image quality improvements, it established itself as one of the most complete and collectible Topps Flagship offerings of the modern era. Its popularity has ensured that high-value vintage cards from this set will remain desirable for collector investment portfolios for many years to come.