Tag Archives: 2019

BEST 2019 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

The 2019 Topps baseball card set was another highly anticipated release from the industry leader Topps. With a vast array of rookie cards, stars of the game, and insert sets to collect, the 2019 Topps cards offered collectors plenty of exciting cards to add to their collections. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best cards collectors searched for from the 2019 Topps baseball release.

One of the most sought after rookie cards in the 2019 Topps set was that of superstar rookie Pete Alonso. As the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year and home run champion, Alonso burst onto the MLB scene with a monster 53 home run season for the New York Mets. His base rookie card, found in both the standard and update series, garnered huge attention and value from collectors. With his impressive rookie campaign, Alonso seems poised for stardom making his rookie cards a great long term investment. Graded gem mint 10 examples of his base rookie card currently sell for over $1000, showing just how much his star has risen in a short period of time.

Another rookie who made his presence strongly felt in 2019 was Eloy Jimenez of the Chicago White Sox. While he didn’t smash home runs like Alonso, Jimenez showed off his five-tool talents by hitting 31 home runs and batting .267 for the season. His Topps rookie cards from the standard and update sets also gained significant collector interest. Like Alonso, Jimenez is considered a future superstar and his Topps rookie cards hold great value, with PSA 10 examples now reaching the $400-500 range. With his huge upside, Jimenez rookie cards are a smart pickup.

Staying in Chicago, the White Sox had another breakout rookie star in 2019 – Luis Robert. While an injury cost him the end of the season, Robert flashed all-star caliber skills in the first half by hitting .328 with 12 home runs in just 73 games. As one of the highest rated prospects in baseball, Robert’s Topps rookie cards were a must-have for collectors. With his five-tools and youth, Robert is poised for stardom making his rookie cards a bargain now, but potential gems for the future. Even ungraded copies of his Topps rookie sell for $50-75 showing how much promise is expected from the young Cuban star.

No card is more sought after from the 2019 Topps set than that of superstar Mike Trout. As arguably the best player in baseball today, Trout’s base Topps cards are always in high demand. His pristine swing makes him one of the most enjoyable players to watch, and collectors love adding Troot cards to their PC’s. While expensive, Trout’s 2019 Topps base card is a cornerstone for any collection. PSA 10 examples currently sell for around $500-600, but that price seems sure to rise as Trout continues putting together what could be a Hall of Fame career. For diehard Trout collectors, it’s a card that needs to be owned.

The 2019 Topps update series also featured some highly coveted rookie cards. Cardinals super prospect Dylan Carlson had a breakout season that saw his prospect stock skyrocket. As a potential five-tool star, Carlson’s Topps Update rookie card gained traction. While still just a prospect, Carlson seems destined for stardom in St. Louis making his rookie cards a bargain now at just $10-15 raw. For patient collectors, it has the potential to pay off big down the road. Another update rookie to track is Tigers flamethrower Casey Mize. As the number one overall pick in the 2018 draft, Mize has ace potential and his Topps Update RC sells for $20-30 showing the promise attached to his name. Both Carlson and Mize rookie cards present solid longshot speculation for collectors.

The 2019 Topps base set also featured some of the game’s biggest stars and most collectible names. Cards of Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Ronald Acuna Jr, and Mookie Betts were hot ticket items as each player has become the face of their franchise and perennial MVP candidates. For team collectors, specialized cards like Yordan Alvarez’s Houston Astros debut card or Bo Bichette’s Toronto Blue Jays debut rookie were also highly sought after additions. Autograph and memorabilia cards of these young stars continue gaining value as well.

Topps also released several popular insert sets within the 2019 flagship product that produced some standout chase cards. The Heritage Minor League set paid tribute to the farm systems and featured prospects like Carter Kieboom, Gavin Lux and Mitch Keller. Topps Chrome, Topps Finest GQ and Topps Allen & Ginter inserts injected premium parallels and refractors of the games brightest stars into the mix. Vintage Stock and Topps Archives inserts mimicked classic design aesthetics. Each parallel brought its own unique collector demand.

The 2019 Topps release had no shortage of cards that excited the collector community. Rookies like Alonso, Jimenez and Robert led the way while stars like Trout and Acuna remained highly sought after. With its wide ranging checklists and insert sets, the 2019 Topps baseball release gave collectors plenty to hunt for in their quest to build the perfect PC’s and investment portfolios. Many of these cards will surely increase in value as the careers and legends of these players continue to grow.

2019 BASEBALL TRADING CARDS TOP RATED

The 2019 baseball season gave collectors of sports cards many exciting rookies and performances to chase. While rookie cards will always hold value over time, the 2019 season in particular saw some incredible debuts that produced hugely popular new trading cards. With lengthy analysis of the top rookies and veterans from last season, this article will break down the most desirable baseball cards from 2019 releases.

Beginning with the rookie class, no newcomer shined brighter than San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Tales of his five-tool talents were well known coming into the season, but no one predicted his immediate impact and elite play. Tatis smashed 22 home runs in just 84 games and dazzled with spectacular defense at shortstop. This made any of his 2019 rookie cards extremely sought after. His Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor Parallel Auto is one of the costliest at over $1,000. Other desirables include his Topps Base Auto, Stadium Club Chrome Auto, and Bowman Chrome Auto. As long as he continues developing into a perennial MVP candidate, Tatis cards will retain value.

Staying in San Diego, catcher Francisco Mejia also arrived as a highly-touted prospect and his rookie cards gained traction. Though his playing time was limited, Mejia showed off a smooth swing and arm behind the plate. Collectors chased parallels of his Topps Chrome Update RC Auto and Bowman Chrome RC Auto. Another catcher breakout involved Bryan Lavastida, who appeared in 17 games for the Nationals late in the season. Lavastida possesses good power potential and his autographed versions of Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Stadium Club RCs earned demand.

The American League saw two shortstop rookies dazzle in Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette and Rays’ Brandon Lowe. Bichette wasted no time making an impact, slashing .311/.358/.537 with 11 home runs over 46 games. Among the most sought RC parallels were his Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor Auto and Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto. Lowe spent most of the year in the minors but homered in his MLB debut and collected 23 total in just 70 games. His Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor Auto and Bowman Chrome Auto hold strong collector interest going forward.

Other rookie position players that gained traction included Yankees slugger Mike Ford, Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado, Giants second baseman Mauricio Dubon, and Angels pitcher/hitter Jared Walsh. Their Topps, Bowman, and refractors on the market from Chrome Update have seen increasing buyer attention. On the pitching side, Mariners’ Justin Dunn, Rangers’ Brock Burke, and White Sox’ Dylan Cease had low print run autos that collectors eyed as high-upside arms. The 2019 rookie class was so deep and full of thrilling debuts that it created demand across all of their notable rookie card releases.

Moving beyond rookies, superstar veterans often drive the highest prices in modern trading cards. In 2019, two legends chasing milestones saw their cards make huge impacts. When Albert Pujols neared 700 career home runs playing for the Angels, collectors clamored for any of his rare parallels. His Topps Authentic Signed on-card auto parallel to /99 skyrocketed over $2,000 raw once Pujols eclipsed the 700 mark. Likewise, when the Yankees acquired pitcher CC Sabathia in July, collectors bid up any auto cards of his in anticipation of 3,000 career strikeouts. In Topps Archives, his auto parallel also reached over $2,000 upon Sabathia crossing that threshold.

Staying on the milestone front, cards of Cincinnati’s Trevor Bauer gained steam after the fireballer tossed a video game-like 13 strikeout, no-hitter season. His 2019 Topps Heritage auto parallel /50 and Topps Chrome red refractor auto both raked in thousands. On a hitting note, Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber compiled a monster 38 home run season at Wrigley. Topps Update Blue Refractors shot to over $200 each as collectors bought into the revival of his power ways. Another slugger turning heads in 2019 was Mets rookie Pete Alonso, who smashed an NL rookie-record 53 home runs. His 2018 Bowman Chrome 1st auto parallels escalated beyond $300.

Rookies and veterans were not the sole drivers of 2019 trading card demand, as special insert sets generated massive popularity too. Topps Transcendent Collection paid tribute to historic cards from the 1950s/60s, featuring intricate reproduction designs. Boxes were scarce and inserts like the Mickey Mantle sold out instantly online over $500 each. Topps Heritage High Number also served up tough pulls like the Hank Aaron auto parallel /10 hitting ebay for over $1,200. Even relatively common Topps Big League short prints like a Gleyber Torres sold robustly over $50 each online. Such unique inserts amplified collector appetite across the entire 2019 landscape.

From new breakout stars to career milestones to tough-to-find inserts, the 2019 baseball season manifested into phenomenal modern trading cards across all the major brands. Sales data has proven that cards featuring rookies like Fernando Tatis Jr, veterans like Pujols/Sabathia, as well as rare variations from Topps products continue ascending in secondary market pricing. With an embarrassment of riches from the 2019 rookie class alone, coupled with exciting MLB storylines last year, collectors formed strong long-term demand for this year’s entire batch of baseball cards.

2019 BOWMAN DRAFT BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

The 2019 Bowman Draft baseball card set is one of the more valuable recent Bowman Draft releases thanks to the exciting rookie class it features. Released in June 2019, just after the 2019 MLB Draft, the set showcased many of the top prospects selected that year who are now breaking through to the majors. With several notable rookies already making an impact at the highest level, 2019 Bowman Draft cards have gained popularity among collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from the set and what they tend to sell for in the current market.

Perhaps the most valuable card from 2019 Bowman Draft is Adley Rutschman. The catcher out of Oregon State was the first overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles and is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Rutschman’s rookie card can fetch hundreds of dollars depending on grade and version. The base paper rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint condition has recently sold for over $700. The chrome refractors and autographed cards go for significantly more, with his gold refractor /50 selling for around $2,000 ungraded and his autographed red refractor /5 bringing in upwards of $5,000. As the presumed future star catcher and face of the Orioles franchise, Rutschman cards hold a ton of value and interest from collectors.

Another uber-prospect who has burst onto the scene is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller. Drafted 15th overall out of Louisville, Miller made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed electric stuff out of the bullpen. His 2019 Bowman Draft base rookie PSA 10 has sold for around $500-$600 in recent months. The prized rare parallels also demand a premium, such as his purple ice refractor /250 fetching over $1500 ungraded. Miller’s autographed cards, including a true red refractor /5, have reached over $3,000. His emergence as a potential Dodgers closer or frontline starter has boosted enthusiasm for his rookie campaign.

Staying in Southern California, Padres shortstop CJ Abrams’ cards have surged following his early success in San Diego. The 6th overall pick in 2019 got off to a hot start in the bigs before an injury delayed his development. Abrams’ flagship base rookie in a pristine PSA 10 recently brought $450 at auction. His more limited refractors have climbed higher, with the orange ice /250 at $1,000 ungraded. The 21-year old possesses elite speed and defense that could make him a perennial all-star, maintaining interest in his first graded Bowman issue.

Over in Philadelphia, Alec Bohm’s solid play at third base for the Phillies has led to rising 2019 Bowman Draft card values. The 3rd overall selection poses with a sweet lefty swing and should anchor their hot corner for years. Bohm’s basic rookie PSA 10checks in around $350. Parallel versions fetch a premium, as evidenced by his purple ice /250 at $900 in mint condition. His super short printed red ice /10 is an ultra-rare find that could net over $2,000 for serious Phils PC collectors. Bohm looks like a future cornerstone that makes his initial cardboard that much more coveted.

Beyond the current MLB performers, several 2019 draft picks still developing in the minors hold potential long-term value based on their prospect status. One is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. Drafted 5th out of Hagerty H.S. (FL), Greene boasts plus power and hit tools that could make him a perennial All-Star. Even with just High-A stats so far, his base PSA 10 checks in around $300. Rarer parallels like the purple ice /250 and orange ice /150 consistently command over $1,000 each. As Greene climbs the ladder, his early cards stand to gain substantially.

Another future star with incredibly scarce first pro cards is Drew Waters. Selected 41st by Atlanta, the toolsy centerfielder has blazing speed and developing pop in his bat. Despite being traded to KC last year, Waters’ prospect stock remains high. His standard PSA 10 trails Greene’s value slightly at $250 or so. His true hitting talents shine through parallels – the purple refractor /250 routinely fetches $800+, with his red refractor /5 reaching estimated value of $1,500. Waters may blossom into a five-tool star, adding luster to his pre-pro issue.

The 2019 Bowman Draft presents an exciting glimpse at many rising talents that are now household names or hold elite prospect status. Veterans like Rutschman, Miller and Abrams anchor the set thanks to instant MLB success. Meanwhile, prospects Greene, Bohm and Waters maintain long-term hold value as their careers progress. Overall grades, parallels and autographs further boost individual card prices. For baseball card investors, the 2019 Draft class provides a gold mine of future potential and already paying major league dividends in top rookies making their mark. This fun release commemorating a fantastic draft class stands to only gain more collector following for years to come.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2019

The 2019 baseball card season was one of the most exciting in recent memory. Rookie stars like Pete Alonso and Yordan Alvarez burst onto the scene, superstar veterans like Mike Trout and Christian Yelich had incredible seasons, and legendary players like Mariano Rivera were inducted into the Hall of Fame. With so many storylines and standout performances, it’s no surprise that some of the best baseball cards of the year featured these players. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from 2019.

Perhaps the most sought-after rookie card of the year was Pete Alonso’s Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor rookie card. Alonso smashed an MLB rookie record 53 home runs for the New York Mets and won NL Rookie of the Year. His dominance right out of the gate made his rookie cards extremely popular. The Yellow Refractor parallel captured the attention of collectors due to its flashy color and limited print run. Graded mint condition examples regularly sold for well over $1000. Alonso is poised to be the face of the Mets franchise for years to come, making this an iconic rookie card to own.

Another rookie who had collectors buzzing was Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez. After a mid-season call-up, Alvarez launched 27 home runs in just 87 games and helped lead Houston to the World Series. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor rookie, like Alonso’s, became one of the most expensive cards on the market in 2019. Alvarez’s hype and production as such a young player made this a must-have card for Astros fans and investors alike. With gold parallels selling for $500-$1000 graded, the Alvarez rookie emerged as one of the best long-term holdings from last year’s crop.

For National League MVP Christian Yelich, two of his top cards in 2019 were his Topps Finest Refractor and Topps Chrome Refractor. Yelich followed up his 2018 MVP season by slashing .329/.429/.671 with 44 home runs for the Brewers. The Finest Refractor captured Yelich’s skills in a colorful refracted design, while the Chrome carried prestige as one of Topps’ flagship products. Both parallels saw strong demand, with high-grade examples trading hands for $300-$500. As one of the game’s best all-around players, Yelich has become a star on and off the field – making any of his 2019 standout cards valuable keepsakes.

Mike Trout, widely considered the best player of this generation, continued to dominate in 2019. The 27 year old posted career-highs with 45 home runs and 104 RBIs while slashing .291/.438/.645. Two of his top cards were the Topps Finest Negative Refractor and Topps Chrome Negative Refractor. The negative refractors stand out for their one-of-a-kind black coloring, making them highly sought after parallels. With Trout’s greatness assured as one of the all-time Angels, any of his modern refractors hold value as a piece of baseball history from one of the games all-time elites.

One of the most iconic players to retire in 2019 was New York Yankees’ closer Mariano Rivera. The legendary “Sandman” formally ended his Hall of Fame career after 19 seasons in pinstripes. Topps paid tribute to Rivera with a special “HOF-Bound” inscription on his 2019 Topps Series 2 card. This moving farewell issue became a highly collectible card commemorating Rivera’s surefire induction into Cooperstown. With Rivera’s legendary status and this marking his final card while still an active player, the Series 2 stood out as one of the year’s most memorable issues.

Rookies like Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Eloy Jimenez also had noteworthy rookie cards in 2019 Topps Chrome. Each showed promise of future stardom in their debut campaigns. Bichette’s smooth defense and bat at shortstop made his Blue Jays cards popular in Toronto. Guerrero collected hits at a torrid pace after a mid-season call-up for the Jays. And Jimenez launched 31 home runs as one of the game’s most exciting young power hitters with the White Sox. All three have the talent to be annual All-Stars, making their rookie cards solid long-term holdings.

Veteran superstars like Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Mookie Betts also had defining issue cards in 2019 Topps Series 2. Bellinger followed his Rookie of the Year with an MVP caliber season, Yelich repeated as NL MVP, Acuna established himself as one of baseball’s brightest young stars, and Betts continued his excellence as one of the best all-around players in the game. The colorful design on these base cards captured each player’s dominance and made for prized additions to any collection. With all four in their primes, these modern base cards hold value.

The 2019 season was packed with breakout performances, milestones, and Hall of Fame careers coming to an end. Topps captured it all on cardboard with a standout year of products. Rookie stars like Alonso and Alvarez, veterans continuing their greatness like Trout, special parallels, and tribute cards to legendary careers made 2019 one of the best years in recent memory for high-end baseball cards. With so many future stars and modern classics, there were plenty of worthwhile cardboard investments to be made.

BEST 2019 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

The 2019 Topps baseball card series featured many highly sought after rookie cards from some of the game’s brightest young stars. As the players’ careers progress and living collectors continue to fuel demand, these rookie cards hold strong long-term value and appreciation potential. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most desirable 2019 Topps rookie cards on the market today.

Pete Alonso, New York Mets (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Alonso burst onto the MLB scene in 2019, smashing a rookie record 53 home runs and winning the National League Rookie of the Year award. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor /99 is one of the true heavyweight rookie cards from the 2019 set and a cornerstone for any collection. Graded PSA/BGS 10 examples now sell for well over $1000.

Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Tatis immediately established himself as a budding superstar in 2019 with his elite power/speed combo and flair for the dramatic. Like Alonso, his Topps Chrome refractor rookie /99 is one of the most coveted 2019 rookie cards. High-grade copies regularly sell for $500-$1000 already.

Eloy Jimenez, Chicago White Sox (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Jimenez showed prodigious power as a 21-year-old in 2019, slugging 31 home runs in his rookie campaign. His Topps Chrome refractor rookie is a strong long-term hold, with PSA 10 copies selling in the $300-$500 range currently.

Victor Robles, Washington Nationals (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Robles established himself as a budding star and won a ring with the 2019 Nationals. While not quite the household name of others on this list yet, his refractor rookie remains a solid long-term investment graded PSA/BGS 10 for $150-$300.

Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Alvarez smashed 27 home runs in just 87 games as a rookie, finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Despite Houston’s sign-stealing scandal, his refractor rookie remains a strong long-term hold, with PSA 10 copies around $150-$250.

Cavan Biggio, Toronto Blue Jays (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Biggio showed excellent plate discipline and pop as a rookie, with 16 home runs and a .369 OBP. As a legacy prospect and part of Toronto’s rebuild, his refractor rookie carries long-term appeal, selling PSA 10 for $100-$200 currently.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): “Vlad Jr.” was one of the most hyped prospects ever and did not disappoint in his rookie year. Despite some struggles, his prodigious talent and Blue Jays future make his refractor one of the safest long-term investments at $100+ PSA 10.

Keston Hiura, Milwaukee Brewers (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Hiura launched 19 home runs in just 84 games as one of 2019’s breakout rookies. As Milwaukee’s new young star, his refractor rookie shows strong potential, selling PSA 10 for $75-$150 already.

Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Flaherty emerged as an ace in 2019 with a minuscule 0.97 ERA after the All-Star break. His refractor rookie is a solid long-term hold for Cardinals fans and collectors, selling PSA 10 for $75-$125.

Chris Paddack, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Paddack looked like a future ace as well in his rookie year, posting a stellar 3.33 ERA. As a key part of San Diego’s young core, his refractor rookie shows strong long-term promise at $75+ PSA 10.

Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Tucker showcased his five-tool talent in his September call-up. As Houston’s future left fielder, his refractor rookie remains undervalued today at $50+ PSA 10 with breakout potential.

Nick Senzel, Cincinnati Reds (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Injuries hampered Senzel’s rookie year but he remains a possible future star. His refractor rookie is a solid long-shot speculation buy at $40+ PSA 10 with Cincinnati re-build upside.

Mike Soroka, Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Refractor RC #132): Soroka emerged as Atlanta’s ace with a stellar 2.68 ERA as a rookie. His refractor rookie looks like a strong long-term hold, selling PSA 10 for $40+ already in a strong market for Braves prospects.

The 2019 Topps Chrome rookie refractor cards of Alonso, Tatis Jr., Jimenez and others represent some of the most coveted modern rookie cards available. For collectors pursuing long-term value appreciation through today’s emerging young stars, these cards offer an excellent foundation. As the careers of these rookies continue to develop, so too will demand and prices for their flagship rookie cards from the 2019 Topps series.

BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS 2019

The 2019 baseball season was an exciting one for the Atlanta Braves franchise. After a disappointing 2018 season that saw them finish under .500 for the first time since 2010, the Braves came roaring back in 2019 to win the National League East division title with a record of 97-65. Their young core of position players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Freddie Freeman led the way offensively, while young arms like Mike Soroka, Max Fried, and rookie sensation Mike Soroka anchored the pitching staff. The Braves’ success on the field translated to increased popularity and demand for their baseball cards from the 2019 season.

Top Rookies

Some of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 2019 Braves included Mike Soroka, who had a phenomenal rookie season going 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card is one of the key rookie cards from the 2019 Braves set and has steadily increased in value since the season. Another hot rookie was Austin Riley, who was called up in May and provided an immediate power surge with 18 home runs in just over half a season. Riley’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor has also gained value as collectors speculate on his long-term potential. Other rookie cards that saw increased interest include relievers Shane Greene and Luke Jackson, who both contributed in important bullpen roles down the stretch.

Established Stars Drive Demand

While the rookies generated buzz, the proven veteran stars on the 2019 Braves roster continued to be the biggest drivers of card demand. Franchise cornerstone Freddie Freeman had another All-Star caliber season, hitting .295 with 38 home runs and 121 RBI to finish 4th in NL MVP voting. His autographed and memorabilia cards from 2019 sets maintained very strong values. Fellow young star Ronald Acuña Jr. picked up where he left off in his stellar 2018 rookie campaign by hitting .280 with 41 home runs and 101 RBI at just age 21, cementing his status among the game’s brightest young talents. Acuña’s rookies from 2018 also saw renewed collector interest in 2019 as he took his game to an even higher level. Shortstop Dansby Swanson rebounded from a disappointing 2018 with a .251 average, 17 home runs and 73 RBI, boosting the value of his cards. Max Fried, Mike Soroka and Sean Newcomb provided quality innings from the starting rotation beyond veteran ace Mike Foltynewicz. Their established roles increased demand for their base cards in flagship products like Topps, Bowman, Stadium Club and more.

Parallels and Memorabilia Cards Spike in Value

In addition to the base rookies and stars, parallel and memorabilia cards featuring Braves players saw a surge in collector demand through 2019. Topps Chrome refractors and negatives of Acuña, Soroka, Riley and others were some of the most sought-after parallel cards on the secondary market. Autograph cards of any Braves player also held strong collector value, but the prized hits were 1/1 printing plates and autographs of Acuña and Freeman. Memorabilia cards that incorporated game-used materials like bats, jersey swatches or signed balls from these Braves stars commanded top dollar. Relics of franchise icons Chipper Jones and Hank Aaron from heritage sets remained highly valuable as well. The Braves’ deep postseason run into the NLDS against the Cardinals only added to the collector fervor for these highly coveted parallel and memorabilia cards capturing the team’s breakout season in 2019.

2020 Outlook

Heading into the 2020 season, the 2019 Braves cards and prospects remain a focus for collectors. After re-signing Freeman long-term, the Braves look poised to continue contending with their exciting young core. Acuña, Albies, Soroka and the rookies from 2019 like Riley all figure to have bigger roles and produce more highlights. Their cards from flagship 2020 sets like Topps, Bowman and Stadium Club are already generating buzz, especially Acuña’s prized first Topps Chrome update card. Parallels and memorabilia from 2020 featuring these rising Braves stars will command top dollar as well. Veterans like Mark Melancon, Cole Hamels and Félix Hernández were brought in via free agency to boost the pitching staff. Their cards could see collector interest if they play meaningful roles on a winning Braves team. The 2019 Braves baseball cards established this exciting franchise as one to watch, and the collector fervor for their rising stars shows no signs of slowing down heading into 2020 and beyond.

The 2019 Atlanta Braves’ playoff run and emergence of young stars like Acuña Jr., Albies and Soroka translated directly to increased demand and rising values for their baseball cards across the hobby. From prized rookie cards to parallels, autographs and game-used memorabilia, the top Braves players saw their 2019 cards become highly sought after by collectors. This excitement around the Braves core has carried momentum into the 2020 season, suggesting their cards will remain a focus area for baseball card investors in the years to come. The franchise’s bright future bodes well for the long-term potential of their recent players’ cards.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 2019

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for generations, allowing fans to collect pieces of the game they love and commemorate their favorite players. Whether you’re looking to build your childhood collection or start a new one, 2019 offers no shortage of options for buying baseball cards. With new releases coming out all year from the major card companies and countless vintage and modern cards available online, here’s a comprehensive guide to the exciting world of baseball cards for sale in the current year.

Topps continues to be the industry leader and released several major baseball card sets in 2019. Their flagship Topps Series 1 hit shelves in early spring and featured rising stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and superstar veterans like Mike Trout on the cover. As with every year, this set included base cards for every player as well as inserts, parallels, and autographs to chase. Series 2 followed in late June with another complete player roster plus new special cards. Topps Chrome, considered one of the premier modern releases, arrived in July and September with glossy refractors and prized autographs inserted throughout the boxes and packs.

Upper Deck also had an active year, starting with their March release of MLB Showcase featuring popular current players. In the summer they debuted MLB BASEBALL which focused on on-field action shots rather than traditional posed portraits. Both sets had autographs and memorabilia cards mixed in randomly. Upper Deck also holds the license for baseball greats of the past and their Cooperstown collection paid tribute to legends through unique relic and auto cards from retired HOFers.

Panini had a major presence in 2019 with several sets under their Donruss and Contenders brands. Donruss Optic came out in April/May with a sleek design and refractors, while Donruss Diamond Kings in July honored star players through dazzling parallels and memorabilia. Contenders Baseball hit in August/September and contained some of the year’s most sought after autographs from top rookies and veterans. Prizm, one of Panini’s premier brands, debuted a baseball edition in October that became a fast favorite with collectors.

For vintage cards, T206s from the very early 1900s remain some of the most coveted and expensive, though high grade examples from that era realistically sell in the thousands to over six figures. More affordable vintage options include the iconic 1952 Topps set starting around $10-20 per common card depending on condition. The 1968 Topps set, featuring the likes of Hank Aaron and Bob Gibson, typically sells for $5-15 each. Rarer vintage rookies can fetch much more – a Mickey Mantle ’52 Bowman in good condition would list around $1000-1500 for example.

When it comes to online buying, the largest and most trusted marketplace is eBay. Here you can find virtually any card from any year, with tens of thousands of new listings added daily from individual sellers and large dealers. Condition is extremely important for value – near mint to mint vintage cards will demand much higher prices than well-worn copies. Reputable eBay sellers like BlowoutCards and Sportlots specialize in new release boxes, cases, and singles as well. Other popular sites to browse for cards include COMC.com (formerly TradingCardDB), Amazon Marketplace, and individual sports card shop websites. Auctions are also a great way to find rare vintage gems through Goldin Auctions or Heritage Auctions.

For those looking to build their PC (personal collection), 2019 was a great time to focus on rookie cards, especially with new stars coming up. Top prospects like Eloy Jimenez, Victor Robles, and Keston Hiura had their official Topps rookie cards released to much fanfare. Even bigger names like Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. cemented their places in history with their debut cards appearing in Series 1 and Update Series. These modern rookies can gain significant value as players rise to stardom. Relics, autographs, and numbered parallels remain some of the most in-demand chase cards year after year as well.

While the resale market is huge, many collectors also enjoy the fun of opening new packs, boxes, and blasters themselves. Hobby shops, card shows, and online breaks offer this social experience of not knowing what gems may lie within. Popular sets to crack like this included Topps Series 1/2, Topps Chrome, Stadium Club, Heritage, and Bowman’s Best/Chrome. Of course there’s always the chance of hitting a huge jackpot auto or 1/1 parallel worth major money. Sealed wax boxes from the 1980s and earlier can also be found and researched for valuable unopened treasure within.

Whether spending $5 on a 2019 Topps base card or thousands on a rare T206 Honus Wagner, the joy of baseball cards lies in the memories, players, and history they represent on and off the field. With such a massive selection available both new and vintage, 2019 was truly a collector’s paradise no matter the budget or interests. Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck will continue releasing new products throughout 2020 as well. So for fans of America’s pastime and the cardboard treasures that commemorate it, the opportunities for growing a baseball card collection remain endless.

2019 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

The 2019 Panini Baseball card set was released in March of 2019 and contained a variety of inserts, parallels, and rookie cards for baseball fans to collect. Panini has established itself as one of the top brands for sports cards over the past decade and their 2019 baseball release was highly anticipated. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key details and highlights from the 2019 Panini Baseball set.

The base card design featured a clean and simple look with the player’s name, team, and position along the bottom. Each card contained a single photo with no borders around the image. The photography and image quality was sharp as has become the standard for Panini releases in recent years. The base set contained 350 total cards and included stars, rookies, and veterans from both the American and National Leagues.

Some of the top rookies featured in the base set included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Kyle Tucker, Forrest Whitley, and Nick Senzel. These were some of the most coveted rookie cards for collectors to chase down. The set paid tribute to Hall of Famers and all-time greats with “Legendary Performers” parallels that highlighted career accomplishments on the back of the card. Players like Mariano Rivera, Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Chipper Jones received these special parallels.

When it came to inserts, Panini delivered with several exciting short print and hit possibilities for collectors. The “Flawless” and “Flawless Patch” parallel inserts featured premium swatches or autographs of the game’s biggest stars. These ultra-rare 1/1 parallels carried enormous value. Other inserts included “Diamond Anniversary” parallels commemorating a player’s 10-year anniversary in the Majors as well as “Hall of Fame” parallels marking likely future inductees.

Fan-favorite inserts returned like “Stars of the Game” highlighting iconic MLB moments with a memorabilia swatch. Rarest of all were 1/1 “Diamond Anniversary Signature Patch” parallels which contained dual swatches and autographs from Hall of Famers. The “Stars of MLB Autographs” insert offered on-card and memorabilia autographed cards of current players. For the first time, Panini also included “Diamond Anniversary Dual Relics” pairing swatches from past and present stars to commemorate their careers.

When it came to parallels, Panini offered “Green Shimmer” /150, “Gold Shimmer” /50, and “Black Gold” 1/1 parallel variations of the base cards. These added different levels of rarity and visual appeal beyond the standard base cards. Additionally, “Green Prizm” and “Gold Prizm” parallels contained iridescent refractors of the same rarities. The “Green / Gold Wave” parallels featured a dynamic wave pattern across the front of the card and were limited to /25 and /10 respectively. These were some of the most visually striking parallels in the set.

Panini also included team-specific inserts highlighting each MLB franchise. Ranging from /99 to /25, these “Team Gallery” inserts paid tribute to the history and traditions of each club. Other inserts like “Diamond Anniversary Logos” and “Diamond Anniversary Memorabilia” offered new creative card designs while still maintaining the quality photography and production value collectors had come to expect.

For hobby boxes of the 2019 Panini Baseball release, the advertised hit ratios included one autograph or memorabilia card per box on average. Additional short prints and parallels provided other chase cards to potentially pull as well. While retail blasters, hangers, and fat packs offered fewer hits, they still provided an affordable entry point for collectors to participate in the excitement of ripping packs. Overall, Panini delivered another outstanding MLB licensed product with its 2019 Baseball release that had something for fans and collectors of all levels.

The combination of sharp photography, premier rookie cards, exciting inserts, and desirable parallels made the 2019 Panini Baseball set highly popular among the collecting community. While the licensing restrictions from Major League Baseball prevent Panini from creating the same level of retro offerings as competitors like Topps, they continue gaining ground each year with innovative new designs, cutting-edge parallels, and strong memorabilia and autograph cards. With their consistent quality control and creative concepts, Panini Baseball remains one of the top modern options for collectors seeking the latest MLB stars. Their 2019 release was another example of why the brand has become so popular in recent years.

Whether collecting for investment, enjoyment of the hobby, or to cheer for favorite players – the 2019 Panini Baseball set delivered an outstanding overall product. The base cards provided the foundation while inserts and parallels offered multiple collecting avenues. Landmark rookie cards of future stars and tributes to baseball legends made the set historically significant. With over 350 total cards accompanied by short prints, parallels, hits and more – there was truly something in the 2019 Panini Baseball release for all types of collectors. It’s easy to see why this set remains a highly coveted release by the collecting community.