Tag Archives: 2020

TOPPS 2020 BASEBALL SERIES 1 BEST CARDS

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The 2020 Topps Baseball Series 1 release marked the beginning of the new decade for the iconic baseball card brand. As the flagship set for the year, Series 1 is always one of the most anticipated releases and looked at as a barometer for the season ahead. The 2020 version did not disappoint collectors, featuring a wide range of stars, rookies, and variation cards that have become highly valuable in the months since its release last February.

One of the most coveted rookie cards in the set was Blue Jays third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After an electrifying debut season in 2019 that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, expectations were sky high for Guerrero entering 2020. His rookie card, found in nearly every Series 1 pack, quickly became a hot commodity. While the base version still only carries a price tag in the $10-15 range, parallels and autographed versions have exploded in value as Guerrero continues living up to the hype. Low-numbered parallels under /10 regularly fetch $100+ on the secondary market.

Another breakout rookie making his flagship debut was Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. After a late season call up in 2019 that saw him launch 22 home runs in only 84 games, Tatis was poised for superstardom. His 2020 Topps Series 1 rookie is found toward the lower end of most pack odds but still remains reasonably available for under $20 raw. Autographed and especially numbered parallels have jumped even more than Guerrero’s, as Tatis continued terrorizing NL pitching with great power and defense amid an MVP caliber season. A Tatis Jr. auto from Series 1 in a 10 or lower print run can fetch well over $1000.

Veteran superstars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger were also well represented with highly sought after base cards. It was special parallels and variations of these cards that truly stood out. One of the rarest pull was an emerald parallel (/50 print run) of Trout, regarded as the best player in baseball. PSA Gem Mint 10 examples of this short printed parallel have sold for upwards of $2000. A popular “rainbow” parallel subset featured refractors of major stars in different color hues like purple, orange, green and blue. Full rainbow sets of stars like Bellinger, Yelich and others command premium prices.

One of the most exciting variations in Series 1 arrived via the much anticipated “Bat Down” parallel insert set. Featuring some of the game’s top sluggers in attack pose with their bats pointing downward, these parallels emerged as incredibly popular chase cards. Numbered to only /25 copies each, examples of Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger and others from this parallel regularly sell for $100-300 raw depending on the player due to their rarity and aesthetically pleasing design. For superstars, PSA 10 “Bat Down” parallels have risen above the $500 mark and still climbing as their limited numbers dwindle.

An area collectors loved exploring in Series 1 was the various vinyl parallel subsets. From “Rainbow Foil” to “Disco” to the ultra-rare “Gold” parallels, these textured card fronts brought a new layer of aesthetic appeal. The disco parallel design had bursts of white and silver swirls on players faces that always stopped just short of their eyes, creating a hypnotic effect. Numbers around /99 for most players, disco parallels remain very reasonably priced raw. But PSA 10 examples of the extremely popular “Gold” vinyl parallels, limited to an ultra-short print run of only /10 copies, have sold at auction for thousands due to their awe-inspiring visual pop.

While rookies and stars drew plenty of collector attention, Series 1 also featured a nostalgia-focused insert set paying homage to classic designs from the 1970’s and 1980’s. The retro-styled “Turn Back The Clock” parallels reproduced the classic Topps aesthetics of yesteryear on today’s top players. Numbered between /70-/99 copies each depending on the player, these throwback designs became a major nostalgic hit. Parallels of players like Trout, deGrom and Bellinger from this insert set routinely sell for $50-100 raw with strong odds to grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint.

The 2020 Topps Series 1 release delivered big hits for collectors across the board from rookies, stars, and creative parallels. With the hype and talent of players featured, coupled with the visually stunning special cards, this flagship set established itself as one of the strongest in years. Series 1 is always a sign of what’s to come each season – and in 2020 it indicated great baseball action along with huge collector demand for its standout rookie cards and short printed variations. Whether raw or graded, many of its prized cards have already doubled or tripled in price since initial release as the market demand remains high a year later. And for baseball card investors searching for the next big stars before they are household names, Topps Series 1 continues to deliver.

PROJECT 2020 BASEBALL CARDS

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Project 2020 Baseball Cards: A Unique New Way to Collect During the Pandemic

As baseball fans anxiously awaited the start of the 2020 MLB season, one thing was clear – the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic would make this season unlike any other in our lifetimes. With fans barred from stadiums and players facing an abbreviated 60-game regular season, the collectibles industry was bracing for an uncertain year. Thankfully, Topps came to the rescue with an innovative new baseball card concept called “Project 2020.”

Rather than releasing standard packs and boxes featuring the standard photo or artwork on each card, Topps unveiled Project 2020 as a unique way for collectors to stay engaged while sports were sidelines. Under this concept, Topps produced virtual “blank” cards without any images, stats or written content included. Instead, collectors could “claim” these blank cards and design their own custom fronts and backs however they choose. Using the Topps online platform, fans could upload any photo, graphic, statline or writing to personalize each card in the manner they saw fit.

It was an immediate hit among collectors locked down at home with extra time on their hands. Project 2020 offered a welcome creative outlet and allowed fans to design cards honoring their favorite players, teams or even commemorating particular moments from that strange 2020 season. There was virtually no limitation on the possibilities for customization. While Topps still determined the official print run and rarity breakdown of each players’ cards, collectors took complete artistic control over the physical designs themselves.

Naturally, many fans paid homage to icons of the game with incredible reproduction cards. Legends like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and more were honored in impeccable style through various custom designs. Others paid tribute to 2020 heroes like UCLA alum Josiah Gray, who made his MLB debut that year pitching for the Reds. Plenty of collectors highlighted breakthrough stars as well, designing eye-catching cards for up-and-comers such as Marlins sensation Trevor Rogers. With the ongoing health crisis weighing heavily on everyone’s minds, numerous collectors also created touching “Thank You” cards saluting healthcare workers and first responders.

Beyond individual players, many Project 2020 cards commemorated iconic MLB moments too. Amazing replicas of Mike Piazza’s homer after 9/11, Kirk Gibson’s 1988 World Series walk-off and other seminal playoff moments sprang up. Plenty also focused upon the pandemic itself, designing cards in remembrance of the season’s rollercoaster path – from delays, to the truncated 60-game sprint once play resumed in empty ballparks across the country. Some honored niche milestones as well, like Freddie Freeman’s 1,500th career hit for the Braves that autumn.

The level of creativity displayed by collectors was truly astounding. Photoshop wizards recreated vintage designs from decades past. Stat geeks crafted info-packed cards breaking down advanced metrics. Artists innovated with abstract, comic book-like styles. Meme-makers had fun with inside jokes and playful puns. No theme was off limits. While Topps retained control over printing and distribution of real, physical cards from each Project 2020 design, the excitement of the customization process created a vibrant online community all its own.

After initially planning a one-year run, Topps ultimately extended Project 2020 into 2021 as well due to its runaway popularity. While this year saw a return to normal spring training, opening day and a full 162-game schedule, the customizable card series remains a special way for collectors to get involved. Just like the prior year, Topps issued a fresh batch of blank “shells” for fans to personally design each month with their own themes, styles and vision. Through another unique MLB season amid an ongoing pandemic, Project 2020 maintains its status as a special collectible unlike any other in the hobby.

In the end, Topps’ bold concept proved the perfect antidote for energizing baseball card fandom during unusual times. By empowering creative collectors online, Project 2020 organically generated enthusiasm among fans sidelined from stadiums and their normal way of enjoying America’s pastime. Now firmly established as part of Topps’ lineup, the innovative initiative shows no signs of slowing entering its third successful year on the market. It has undoubtedly raised the bar for the entire memorabilia industry, setting a precedent for engaging customers in new ways even through periods of disruption to traditional sports. For baseball card aficionados, Project 2020 stands as a bright reminder of both the game’s storied past and its exciting future.

BASEBALL CARDS 2020

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors since the late 19th century, and 2020 was no exception with the release and popularity of many new baseball card sets. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased interest in collecting as people searched for at-home hobbies and ways to spend more time with family. While 2020 brought some challenges to the baseball card industry, many innovative releases helped the hobby continue to thrive.

Some of the biggest and most well-known card releases of 2020 included Topps Series 1 and Series 2, Topps Chrome, Topps Update Series, 2021 Heritage, 2020 Ginter, 2020 Topps Allen & Ginter, 2020 Topps Tier One, 2020 Bowman Draft, 2020 Bowman Chrome, 2020 Bowman, Panini Prizm, Donruss Optic, Leaf Metal, and Stadium Club. Each set brought exciting rookie cards, autographed cards, relic cards, and parallels that fueled collector demand. Popular rookie chasing cards included prospects like Gavin Lux, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Andrew Vaughn, Bobby Witt Jr. and Cristian Pache. Established stars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Christian Yelich, Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. also saw strong collector interest in their flagship rookie cards and autographs.

One of the biggest stories in 2020 baseball cards was the emergence of Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox. Robert had an electrifying rookie season that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year and demand exploded for his rookie cards. The Robert RC parallel rainbow craze took collectors’ hobby by storm as fans hunted down prizm refractors, mosaics, sepia parallels and more of the coveted rookie in every color possible. Robert RC prices skyrocketed throughout the season, setting record highs for modern baseball cards and demonstrating the power of a true phenom rookie to drive values. Other key rookies that saw significant spikes in value included Ke’Bryan Hayes and Jake Cronenworth.

2020 also brought some unique sets aimed at advancing the collector experience. Topps offered the first-ever authenticated memorabilia relic cards for superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. The Panini Golden Age set showcased iconic vintage aspects through retro styling and creative player selection. Leaf Metal had its inaugural release which featured high-end cards made from precious metals like silver, gold and palladium. Donruss also joined the authenticated memorabilia fray with its hit-focused Optic set. Even amidst the challenges of COVID-19, card companies found innovative ways to engage collectors with one-of-a-kind products.

While the early months of the pandemic saw manufacturing and distribution delays, the hobby slowly adapted. Most card companies shifted to increased online-only sales strategies with less reliance on brick-and-mortar retailers. Many used innovative preorder bundles, breakers clubs and membership programs to keep product flowing. As stadiums sat empty, Topps took its iconic in-stadium subsets online with new Topps Project 2020 digital offerings. Virtual trading via social media also became a popular way for collectors to interact when in-person meets weren’t possible.

Two notable upper-end products that generated huge interest from collectors were 2020 Topps Tier One Baseball and Panini Prizm Baseball. Prizm, the flagship release of the more contemporary Panini brand, is known for its flashy parallels, mem cards and autographs. The massive popularity of 2020 Prizm made it one of the toughest retail products to track down all year. Topps Tier One’s dazzling acetate and hand-cut parallels fuel similar hype each year. Autographed “Book” memorabilia cards, cut signatures, and 1/1 parallel rarities from both sets fetched huge sums at auction.

By season’s end, online sales had picked up significantly for all companies. With the return of baseball in July, Topps was able to complete its Project 2020 run and distribute limited Hobby Boxes containing in-stadium player photos. Many flagship products received additional run extensions as well to meet the unquenched demand from new and lapsed collectors. Popular veteran stars, top rookies and RC parallel rainbows became major auction trends as collectors looked to build PC collections during quarantine. The unprecedented disruption to the industry created some unique challenges in 2020, but ultimately grew the hobby in new and exciting ways.

By 2021, baseball cards were more popular than ever as enthusiastic new collectors joined longtime veterans in appreciating modern cardboard alongside the vintage. The COVID trading boom exposed millions to the fun of rip, trade and rebuild. Though stadiums remained closed for the 2020 season, baseball cards offered an avenue to experience the joy and stats from a distance. And with the game’s eventual return that summer, collector appetite was reignited for seasons to come. Despite its hardships, 2020 marked another bright year that advanced the beloved hobby forward through innovation, camaraderie and a shared passion for the eternal collectables representing America’s favorite pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 2020 CHROME

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Baseball card collecting saw a resurgence in popularity in 2020, in large part due to people spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. One of the most popular modern card sets released in 2020 was Topps Chrome baseball cards. Let’s take a deeper look at these coveted cards that are still highly sought after by collectors.

Topps Chrome has been a staple of the baseball card industry since its introduction in 1999. The set stands out from traditional paper baseball cards due to its use of chrome-infused cardboard stock. This gives the cards a shiny, refracting appearance that pops under light. Collectors appreciate the premium look and feel that chrome cards have compared to standard card stock.

The 2020 Topps Chrome baseball set was no exception when it came to its popular design. The base cards featured player photos on a silver background with team logos and player info. As with past years, parallels and short prints added to the excitement of the product. Topps Chrome is known for including popular parallels like negative, gold, and black refractors that draw significant collector interest. In 2020, the negative refractors featured a dark photo negative look, while gold and black had the standard chrome design but with those accent colors added to the borders.

Perhaps the biggest chase in 2020 Topps Chrome were the coveted 1-of-1 printing plates. These one-of-a-kind cards feature the printing plate image used to create the base cards, without any photo or design elements. Collectors relentlessly search hobby shops and breakers hoping to find one of these ultra-rare 1/1 plates featuring their favorite players. Examples that have surfaced include plates of superstars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. Given their scarcity and popularity with collectors, printing plates from 2020 Topps Chrome routinely sell for thousands of dollars online.

Rookies are always a major focus for collectors looking to potentially land cards of future stars very early in their careers. The 2020 Topps Chrome set featured several rookies who went on to have stellar debut seasons, making their rookie cards very desirable. Players like Kyle Lewis, Ian Anderson, and Cristian Javier exploded onto the scene and immediately became collector favorites. Their Topps Chrome rookie cards have appreciated greatly in value since release. Even lesser-known rookies saw card values rise dramatically if they had breakout years.

An example is Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis. His 2020 Topps Chrome base rookie card was readily available for under $10 upon release. But after Lewis was named American League Rookie of the Year, demand for his rookie skyrocketed. Near mint Lewis rookies now sell for $100-200 each online. Topps Chrome captured Lewis in his debut season before his stardom was apparent. For savvy collectors, finding rookie gems like this in 2020 sets provided great returns.

The pandemic had collectors flocking to the hobby in new droves. This led to an unprecedented demand for newly released 2020 products like Topps Chrome. Boxes and blasters that previously sat on shelves were rapidly cleared out. The surge in interest also drove up the prices of individual cards on the secondary market. Sites like eBay saw bidding wars and record sale prices for top rookies, parallels, and short prints from 2020 Topps Chrome. Even base cards of superstar veterans like Mike Trout and Christian Yelich commanded high prices.

As we move farther away from the initial 2020 release period, the collector fervor for Topps Chrome has remained quite high. The pandemic hobby boom brought in many new lifelong collectors. They now seek out 2020 sets to build complete rainbow collections of their favorite players. This sustained demand means vintage 2020 Topps Chrome boxes still fetch prices well above their original MSRP a year and a half later. Singles also hold strong secondary market value.

Looking ahead, the 2020 Topps Chrome rookie class and standout parallels will likely achieve iconic status among collectors and investors. Their cards were produced at the dawn of a new generation of fans entering the hobby. Sets capturing memorable seasons and players during unprecedented times often become highly valuable in the long run. For those reasons, the 2020 Topps Chrome release will surely be regarded as a seminal set in the future. Serious collectors would be wise to hold examples they acquire for potential great appreciation down the road.

In summary, 2020 Topps Chrome baseball cards proved to be an immensely popular and valuable modern release. Its sharp chrome design, exciting rookie class, and well-timed release during the hobby’s revival have collectors still eagerly seeking out cards from the set today. Examples remain reasonably obtainable, though premium rookies, short prints and 1/1s carry premium secondary market prices. Overall, 2020 Topps Chrome solidified its place as one of the most iconic and investment-worthy annual issues in the modern era of the hobby.

2020 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The 2020 Topps Heritage baseball card set celebrates the nostalgia of the early 1970s with its vintage-inspired design. As one of the most anticipated releases each year for collectors both young and old, the 2020 Heritage set captures the look and feel of the past while still featuring today’s biggest stars.

Topps Heritage has become a modern tradition, transporting fans back to the glory days of the diamond each spring. The 2020 edition contains 382 total cards including base rookie and star player inserts. As with each Heritage set, the designs carefully recreate the aesthetics of the corresponding original year, which for 2020 is 1971 Topps. Vivid color pops against a classic white border around each photograph. Bold black and yellow banners add energy and information alongside stats and team names.

Several additions in 2020 pay homage to the 1971 Topps design in unique ways. Heritage High Numbers extends the base set with 51 additional cards focusing on stars who may not have received their proper due in the mainstream release. Heritage Minor League Photographer’s Choice uses actual photos from the minor leagues of that era. Heritage Postseason Performers highlights some of the biggest playoff heroes over the past few seasons. Heritage Top Prospects debuted in 2020 to shine a light on the game’s future stars just before they reached the majors.

The photography in 2020 Topps Heritage stands out, specifically for its authentic retro style. Images feel distanced in time yet preserve the visceral action of America’s pastime. Whether diving for a ball or winding up for a pitch, the players appear fully immersed within the moment instead of posing for the camera. Facial expressions exhibit raw energy and competitive spirit. Bright sunshine or dark shadows drench uniforms depending on the setting of each shot. The photography alone transports collectors back to a bygone baseball era.

Among the most coveted and valuable 2020 Heritage cards are the base rookies of superstars who had breakout campaigns like Fernando Tatis Jr., Pete Alonso, and Yordan Alvarez. Their rookie cards remain hot commodities. Standout veterans who continue producing at an elite level like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Mike Trout also feature highly sought after flagship cards. Beyond the usual suspects, collector interest abounds for unique parallels, autographed memorabilia cards, and stars of the past integrated throughout the heritage-themed design.

While finding a complete set of 2020 Topps Heritage baseball cards for sale as a whole may prove difficult post-release due to the product’s popularity, individual cards remain obtainable across the secondary market. eBay often provides the most expansive options, where 2020 Heritage base rookies of big names commonly sell in the $10-20 range and stars or short prints can reach several times that amount depending on player and specific parallel. Online trading card forums like Sports Card Forum and Blowout Cards marketplace offer seller-to-seller transactions as well.

Brick and mortar retailers hold stock of loose 2020 Heritage packs, boxes, and specialty products for sale throughout the year. Local card shops provide the experience of ripping packs fresh in search of hits. Hobby boxes maintain an average print run of 150 cards and sell for around $90, offering 12 packs with 18 cards apiece for a total of 216 cards per box. Jumbo packs with 30 cards go for $10-15. High-end specialty releases remain available too like Heritage Autographics autographed rookie memorabilia cards in triple puzzles or 1/1 printing plates.

As with any popular trading card property, be wary of potential scams when buying individually online. Stick to reputable sellers with positive reviews when possible. Also take note that Heritage paper stock feels slightly thicker than modern card stock for an authentic 1971-esque experience. Surfaces show more texture and gradients than the highly produced slickeens of today. Edges may not be as sharply cut either while maintaining exceptional centering from Topps’ veteran quality control. Such nuanced details add to the nostalgic collecting fun of each annual Topps Heritage set.

Whether operating as an affordable hobby, sound investment approach, or path toward nostalgia, 2020 Topps Heritage baseball continues enabling connection to the past. Its retro designs invite exploring memories of childhood summers and appreciating where the game has been. Simultaneously, featuring modern stars keeps the interests of new generations engaged with tradition. Above all, Topps Heritage preserves our rich baseball history one card at a time year after year for collecting connoisseurs of all ages to enjoy.

TOPPS 2020 BASEBALL SERIES 2 BEST CARDS

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The 2020 Topps Baseball Series 2 release packed an exciting collection of standout rookie cards and veteran stars. While Series 1 brought many of the top rookies from 2019 like Pete Alonso and Fernando Tatis Jr., Series 2 continued to shine the spotlight on emerging young talent while also paying homage to living legends of the game. With hundreds of cards across base, foil, autographed and memorabilia variations, it’s impossible to highlight every single memorable inclusion. Here are some of the most notable rookies, parallels and special card hits that collectors sought after from the 2020 Topps Baseball Series 2 release.

Luis Robert (RC-87) – Arguably the top rookie card in the entire series, Luis Robert had a monster 2019 minor league campaign that translated to widespread hype entering the 2020 season. Although injuries limited his MLB playing time, Robert showcased elite five-tool abilities when on the field to solidify his status as a future superstar. His Base RC is a must-have for any collection.

Gavin Lux (RC-97) – After rising through the Dodgers system quickly, Gavin Lux received a September call-up in 2019 and took the league by storm. His blend of patience and power at the plate excited Dodger fans for the future. Lux entered 2020 as one of the most coveted sophomore rookies.

Dylan Carlson (RC-107) – One of the prized prospects in the Cardinals deep farm system, Dylan Carlson got his first extended look in the majors in 2020 and impressed with his all-around skillset. While not a true rookie in 2021, his flashy RC from Series 2 still carries significance.

Sean Murphy (RC-126) – Sean Murphy exploded onto the scene with the A’s in 2019, showcasing phenomenal defense and solid hitting ability behind the plate. Despite offensive struggles in his first full MLB campaign, Murphy remains a cornerstone for Oakland moving forward.

Deivi Garcia (RC-141) – Widely considered the ace of the Yankees pitching prospect pipeline, Deivi Garcia had a breakout 2019 and earned a cup of coffee in the Bronx in 2020. At only 21 years old, Garcia possesses pinpoint control and a deep arsenal to dominate for years.

Nico Hoerner (RC-167) – Although he made his MLB debut in 2019, 2020 was Hoerner’s first full season with the Cubs. The slick-fielding middle infielder boosts above-average contact skills and baseball smarts at the plate to be an everyday player.

Luis Patino (RC-191) – The final prized arm acquired by the Padres in the Blake Snell trade, Luis Patino has electric stuff and projectability on his slender 6’2 frame. Still just 21, he tantalizes with frontline starter upside.

Matt Manning (RC-213) – With Casey Mize now in the majors, Matt Manning took over as the top arm in Detroit’s farm system. At 6’6 with a power sinker and plus secondary offerings, Manning has ace potential if he stays healthy.

The 2020 Topps Series 2 release also delivered a head-turning array of parallels and specialty inserts focusing on star veterans. Some highlights include:

Mike Trout Rainbow Foil Variations – As one of the set’s central focuses, Topps loaded Trout’s base card with prized parallel versions including Orange /299, Red /50 and Blue /5 among others. These parallel finishes became Holy Grail chase cards.

Christian Yelich Pink Parallel /2020 – Topps commemorated Yelich’s 2018 and 2019 MVP campaigns with this scarce pink parallel limited to only 2020 copies, capturing the subtle brilliance of his career seasons.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Green Auto /150 – One of the most exciting young talents in the game, Acuna’s on-card autograph in this parallel positioned it as an instant hit for Braves fans and collectors alike.

Jacob deGrom Green Shimmer /99 – Following back-to-back Cy Young wins, deGrom has cemented himself as the game’s most dominant starter. His shimmer parallel magnified the rarity.

Mookie Betts Rainbow Foil “Hitting Streak” – This insert celebrated Mookie’s height of an 18-game hitting streak during his MVP-caliber 2018 season with the Red Sox before his trade to the Dodgers.

Yadier Molina Gold “Yadi Fan Club” /70 – A fun tribute to the legendary Cardinals catcher and his devoted fan base, this exclusive parallel captured Yadi’s immense importance to St. Louis.

Ken Griffey Jr. “The Kid” Blue Parallel /107 – Honoring one of the sport’s all-time greats and most charismatic superstars, this scarce parallel pulled from Griffey’s iconic number elicited strong collectors.

Willie Mays Rainbow Foil “Say Hey Kid” – A fitting inclusion for the 90th anniversary of Topps baseball cards, this insert paid tribute to one of the pioneers of the company’s legacy in the game – Willie Mays.

In addition to the standout hits highlighted above, Topps Baseball Series 2 offered a strong assortment of themes, parallels and inserts capturing the dynamic stars, franchises and eras that make collecting baseball cards a cherished hobby. Whether targeting key rookies with future potential or commemorating living legends through scarce memorabilia cards, Topps once again delivered an outstanding sophomore series to their 2020 baseball release. Series 2 became a highly anticipated release that leaves many excited for what’s to come in future sets to expand collections of America’s favorite pastime on cardboard.

MOST VALUABLE 2020 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2020 Bowman Chrome baseball card series was highly anticipated by collectors due to an impressive rookie class headlined by prospects like Jarred Kelenic, Spencer Torkelson, and Emerson Hancock. While many of these rookies have yet to make their MLB debuts, the Chrome parallels and refractors of top prospects from the 2020 draft class have already proven to be quite valuable on the secondary market. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2020 Bowman Chrome cards on the resale market today.

Headed into the 2021 season, one of the most sought-after 2020 Bowman Chrome cards is theprizmrefractorautoofMarinersprospectJarred Kelenic. Kelenic enteredprofessional baseballwidely considered one of the top prospects in all of the minor leagues and has continued to dominate at the plate since being drafted 6th overall in 2018. His prizm refractor autos from the 2020 Bowman Chrome set regularly sell for $800-$1,000 raw, with high-grade PSA 10 examples recently moving for around $2,500. Kelenic’s bat-down parallels also demand a similar price tag.

Not far behind Kelenic on the hype train is Tigers first baseman prospect Spencer Torkelson, taken 1st overall out of Arizona State in the 2020 MLB Draft. Torkelson slashed .337/.443/.730 with 8 home runs in just 23 games as a pro in 2020 and is considered a future perennial All-Star. His prizm refractor autos from Bowman Chrome sell in the $650-850 range raw currently, with PSA 10 gem copies upwards of $2,000. Other short-printed Torkelson parallels like the purple ice, purple wave, and orange refractor variations have sold for over $1,000 as well.

Another 2020 draftee generating major buzz is Emerson Hancock, the projected first round talent who fell to the Mariners at #6 due to signability concerns. As with Torkelson, Bowman Chrome provided Hancock’s player collection debut. His prizm refractor autos trade in the $500-700 range raw currently, while numbered parallels like the /99 purple ice refractor pulled a recent sale north of $1,100. Reports out of Peoria during fall instrunctional league were also quite positive about Hancock’s performance.

Staying in the Pac-12 powerhouse Arizona State program, current Red Sox prospect Isaiah Greene’s top cards from Bowman Chrome also demand four-figure prices. Greene’s elite defensive skills and improving bat made him a 2nd round pick by Boston in 2020. His prizm refractor autos sell around $600 raw on average with a recent PSA 10 example bringing $1,700 at auction. Short-printed autos on parallels like the purple ice (/99) or orange refractor could easily top $1,000 as well given Greene’s prospect status.

Another highly sought-after name from the 2020 Bowman Chrome set is Dodgers catching prospect Diego Cartaya. Cartaya was considered a potential top-5 draft choice before LA snagged him at #18 in 2020 with an above-slot $2.5 million bonus. His prizm refractor autos trade for $500-$700 raw currently. Numbered parallels have done even better, with a /99 purple ice refractor auto pulling $1,025 recently. At just 18 years old, Cartaya showed impressive power and plate discipline in his pro debut season and could develop into a franchise catcher, making his top cards great long-term investments.

While many of the hottest prospects in 2020 Bowman Chrome were players just starting their pro careers, the set also featured several major leaguers looking to establish themselves as franchise cornerstones. Brewers star Christian Yelich famously struggled in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season but remains one of baseball’s most dynamic talents. His prizm refractor auto from Bowman Chrome fetches $650-$800 raw on the open market. For a PSA 10 mint version, consigners have seen values approach $2000. Yelich’s bat-down and other low-numbered parallels easily cross $1,000 as speculators bet on a bounce-back 2021 campaign.

Among the many exciting rookies that broke out in 2020 was Marlins righty Sixto Sanchez. Sanchez dominated in his debut season, posting a 3.46 ERA while showing ace-caliber stuff. As such, his prizm refractor autos from Bowman Chrome have held strong value between $500-$650 raw. Numbered parallels like the orange ice (/99) and purple ice (/99) refractor autos have each sold for $1,000 or more in PSA 10 condition thanks to Sanchez’s bright future as Miami’s #1 starter.

Rays wunderkind Wander Franco also had several valuable chrome offerings in the 2020 Bowman product. Considered a possible multi-time batting champ, Franco’s prizm refractor autos trade hands for $450-$600 raw on average. High-end parallels have done exceptionally well too, with a recent PSA 10 gold label auto fetching over $3,000 at auction. Franco is expected to take over as Tampa Bay’s everyday shortstop sooner than later, adding to the long-term potential of his top rookie cards.

While the 2020 MLB season was dramatically impacted by COVID delays and protocols, Bowman Chrome managed to be a major bright spot for collectors with its tremendous rookie class. From top draft picks to breakouts like Sanchez to future icons like Franco and Yelich, the set features many of the emerging talents that will drive the sport and the hobby moving forward. With most of these prospects and young stars still having their best seasons ahead of them on the field, their top Chrome cards should retain and grow in value in the years to follow.

2020 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 2020 Topps baseball card release featured another iconic design and several highly sought after rookie cards. After a widely popular 2019 set that celebrated the history of the brand, Topps went with a more traditional styling for their 2020 offering while still including noteworthy rookie cards and parallel variations to chase. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2020 Topps cards collectors searched for.

Perhaps the highest profile rookie in the entire set was Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux. Lux was one of baseball’s elite prospects and collectors knew his Topps rookie card would be highly valuable. The base Lux RC carried a pre-release hype and any parallel or autographed variations immediately shot up collector lists. Some speculate Lux will become a superstar and his rookie cards could gain Walker Buehler or Cody Bellinger levels of value over time. Finding Lux’s Topps chrome, negative, or refractor parallel rookies was a top priority.

Another exciting Dodgers rookie was Dustin May. The flamethrowing righty burst onto the MLB scene in 2019 and collectors raced to find his Topps rookie. Like Lux, any parallel or autographed May RCs were hot ticket items. Of the parallels, the May Topps chrome refractor /150 was especially tough to track down. Both Dodgers rookies kept the hobby buzzing throughout 2020 release season.

Speaking of tough pulls, finding the prized Mike Yastrzemski Topps chrome autograph rookie from heritage was like winning the hobby lottery. Only /5 produced, Yaz’ flagship Topps RC auto easily became the most valuable card in the base set. San Francisco Giants fans were thrilled to see “Yaz” emerge in 2019 and this ultra-rare card captured his exciting first season in the majors.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays continued his monster rise in 2020 by slugging his way to AL honors. As such, collectors went wild trying to locate his Topps Update Series rookie photograph variation. Pictured from the chest up in a closeup image instead of the typical full body shot, this Vlad Jr. variation carried significant odds and popularity. It instantly became a holy grail addition to Guerrero PC’s the moment it was unveiled. Finding it in a higher end parallel elevated the excitement and challenge.

Another exciting non-rookie was Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. Expected to one day win MVP honors with his highly entertaining playing style, demand for Tatis Topps cards remained through the roof. His featured autograph and negative refractors from 2020 Topps Update were must-have chase cards for Padres PC builders. Like Guerrero Jr., any variations of Tatis were destined to hold value.

Looking internationally, fans followed two prized Cuban prospects very closely in 2020 – Jazz Chisholm and Jasson Dominguez. As they established themselves in the minors, collectors fixated on finding and acquiring their initial Topps RCs. Chisholm’s made waves in Heritage while Dominguez mania took over Topps Update Series. Both featured electrifying tools and tons of hype that translated well to the secondary market. Their base rookie cards proved elusive for many as the season progressed.

Variations always add collectors looking to “hit” the rarities and Topps 2020 offered a few serious rainbow builders. The aforementioned Vladdy photo variation tops those lists. Acuña Jr. and Soto also featured short printed photograph variations to chase across series. Additionally, Topps Update Series introduced an exciting Mike Trout negative refractor parallel /50 that became another high priority card, especially for Angels collectors. Finding any of these short printed hits while ripping packs provided an immense thrill.

Autographs remained a driving force in the 2020 release cycle as well. Top talents like Juan Soto, Acuña Jr., Bo Bichette,and Gleyber Torres signified future superstars on the rise. Their Topps Chrome autos from Factory Set, Heritage High Number, and Update Series were among the “white whales” countless collectors sought. Acquiring even a base auto of these young stars meant having an investment piece to hold long term. Of course, finding a true 1/1 printing plate auto would elevate the excitement to another stratosphere.

When reviewing the 2020 Topps baseball release, the key rookie cards like Lux, May, Chisholm, and Dominguez led many collector quests. National treasures like Tatis Jr., Yaz, Guerrero Jr., and Trout were major targets for PC builders as well. And of course, the thrill of chasing premier short printed parallels and autographs of Soto, Acuña Jr. and more kept the chase alive all year long. Whether ripping packs or scanning the secondary market, these were truly some of the top cards to look for from Topps’ 2020 flagship offering. Hope this gives you a better sense of what drove collector demand throughout the exciting season. Let me know if any other details would be helpful!

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2020

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The 2020 baseball season was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting play for months. The hobby of collecting baseball cards remained strong as collectors looked for new ways to stay engaged with their favorite sport. While the season was shortened significantly, card manufacturers still produced an abundance of new baseball card releases throughout the year featuring the game’s biggest stars and top rookies. With so many great cards to choose from in 2020, narrowing down the best options was a difficult task. Here are some of the standout baseball cards released last year that any collector would love to add to their collection.

Perhaps the most coveted rookie card of 2020 was San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel. Tatis had a breakout season in 2019 that positioned him as one of the brightest young stars in baseball. He continued that momentum in the shortened 2020 campaign by batting .277 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI in 59 games. Tatis’ electrifying play and flair for the dramatic quickly made him a fan favorite. His Chrome Yellow Refractor captured the excitement around his budding superstardom in a visually stunning parallel format. Only 10 of these rare yellow refractors were produced, making it extremely difficult to track down and highly valuable for Padres PC collectors.

Another highly sought-after rookie was Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis. Lewis took home AL Rookie of the Year honors after batting .262 with 11 home runs in just 58 games. His prized rookie card was the Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor parallel, which featured an eye-catching blue color and serial numbering of only 5 copies. Lewis burst onto the scene in 2020 and showed all the tools to be a future star in Seattle. The sapphire refractor captured that momentum perfectly in one of the rarest parallels of the year.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued building on his breakout 2019 campaign by emerging as the most feared hitter in the Blue Jays’ lineup in 2020. One of the best Guerrero cards released last year was his Topps Chrome Gold Refractor parallel, numbered to only 10 copies. Guerrero batted .262 with nine home runs and 33 RBI in 2020 while still being just 21 years old. His talent and pedigree as the son of a Hall of Famer made him one of the most intriguing young stars in baseball. The gold refractor highlighted that superstar potential in a rare and valuable parallel format.

Rookie sensation Ian Anderson made a major impact on the mound for the Atlanta Braves in 2020. Anderson went 3-2 with a 1.95 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 41.2 innings pitched, showing ace-caliber stuff from the right side. His prized rookie card was the Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor, which joined Lewis as one of just five produced. Anderson played a pivotal role in the Braves’ run to the NLCS and looks poised for stardom for years to come in Atlanta. The sapphire refractor captured his early dominance on the game’s biggest stage.

While the 2020 season was short, rookie pitcher Dane Dunning made the most of his time by going 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA for the Chicago White Sox. One of the top Dunning cards was his Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel, limited to a tiny run of only three copies. Dunning showed impressive control and stuff while helping push the White Sox to the playoffs. As with Tatis, the yellow refractor highlighted Dunning’s breakout potential in a rare parallel that will hold great value for years as his career progresses.

Veteran star Mookie Betts had a dominant first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being acquired in an offseason trade. Betts led the NL with a 1.092 OPS while batting .292 with 16 home runs in just 52 games. One of the best Betts cards from 2020 Topps Chrome was his Gold Refractor parallel, limited to only 10 copies worldwide. As one of the game’s premier five-tool talents, Betts shined under the LA spotlight. The gold refractor captured his superstar status on one of the hobby’s most popular modern products.

While rookie cards tend to get most of the hype, legendary veterans can also have hugely valuable modern issues. One such card was a Mike Trout Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel from 2020, with an edition size of a minuscule three copies. Even in a shortened season disrupted by injury, Trout still showed why he’s a perennial MVP candidate by batting .281 with 10 home runs in just 37 games. As perhaps the greatest active player, any Trout parallel carries immense cache and this yellow refractor highlighted his continued greatness in one of the rarest forms.

Those were just some of the many outstanding baseball cards produced in 2020, a year that was unique but still found ways to excite collectors. While the season was shortened significantly due to the pandemic, the hobby remained as strong as ever. Top rookies like Tatis Jr., Lewis and Anderson emerged as future stars, while veterans like Betts, Guerrero and Trout continued their excellence on the field. Parallels like yellow, gold and sapphire refractors captured those storylines in some of the most visually stunning and rare formats available. Even in a turbulent year, the 2020 baseball card class featured several true gems that will hold their value for dedicated collectors for many years to come.

2020 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2020 Topps Heritage Baseball set was highly anticipated by card collectors. It’s a retro-style set that pays homage to Topps baseball card designs of the late 1960s. With a total of 396 cards along with parallels and short prints, there were plenty of noteworthy cards to be found in packs and boxes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best hits from the 2020 Topps Heritage Baseball release.

Perhaps the most iconic card in the set is the Hank Aaron autograph card. Hank Aaron finished his legendary career with 755 home runs, making him baseball’s all-time home run king at the time of his retirement in 1976. Topps was able to secure an authentic Hank Aaron autograph for the 2020 Heritage set, which immediately made this one of the most desirable cards. With Aaron’s autographs becoming increasingly rare in recent years after his passing in 2021, this card captured the nostalgia of 1960s Topps combined with a true piece of sports history in the form of Aaron’s signature. Needless to say, this card demanded a premium price on the secondary market.

Another highly sought after card from the set’s short prints was the 1968 style Mickey Mantle card. Mantle was already well into his Hall of Fame career by 1968 with the Yankees but still blasting home runs at a prolific rate. Mantle remained one of the most popular players of his era even in his later years. The retro 1968 style design combined with Mantle’s iconic image and stats made this a must-have card for collectors chasing the vintage looks and legends of the era. The 1968 Mantle design is especially nostalgic for collectors who remember seeing these cards as kids in the late 1960s.

For National League fans, one of the coolest cards to pull was the Willie Mays autograph. Like Aaron, Mays was entering the twilight of his career in 1968 but was still considered one of the game’s all-time greats with over 600 home runs to his name at that point. Topps wisely chose to include Mays’ autograph alongside Aaron’s, pairing two of the premier sluggers and five-tool talents from the 1950s and 1960s in card form. Both the Mays and Aaron autos allowed collectors a chance at owning rare signed pieces of history from two icons who left an indelible mark on the sport.

In addition to star-studded autographs, collectors loved chasing after the various parallels and variations available throughout the 2020 Heritage Baseball set. One popular parallel was the ’67 Topps Design parallel cards. These followed the retro 1967 Topps card design aesthetics instead of 1968 for key players. Parallels like the ’67 design helped fuel the nostalgia further by offering even more retro looks to track down for favorite teams and players. The ’67 parallels added an extra layer of challenge to the base set while still maintaining the same overall fun, vintage vibe.

Another sought after parallel was the Heritage Blu foil parallel cards. Available as short prints, these had the same front design as the base Heritage cards but featured an eye-catching blue foil treatment on the borders and player names on the back. The bluish hue perfectly complemented the aged white borders in giving the cards a genuinely nostalgic feel. Collectors enjoyed hunting through boxes and packs for the Blu parallels of star players like Aaron, Clemente, Koufax and more. The bluish foil accentuated the vintage styling while providing an elusive bonus for those finding these parallel pops in the Heritage product.

The flagship rookie cards in the 2020 Topps Heritage set also carried collecting interest due to the opportunity to potentially grab future Hall of Famers before their careers took off. Two of the most notable rookies found in the Heritage release were Fernando Tatis Jr. and Pete Alonso. Both players were coming off incredible rookie campaigns in 2019 that saw Tatis finish third in NL Rookie of the Year voting and Alonso claim the award. Their Heritage rookie cards allowed collectors to accrue their first Topps cards featuring the new young stars cheaply before their stardom continued to rise in 2020 and beyond. Years down the road, these Tatis and Alonso rookies contained in the Heritage set could end up paying off nicely for those who locked them away early.

The 2020 Topps Heritage Baseball release was lauded within the hobby for its authentic vintage stylings that paid tribute to 1960s Topps designs. Collectors enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for authentic stars from the era mixed with brand new rookies. Key autos, short prints, and parallels from the 2020 Heritage release have done well to maintain collector demand due to their representation of nostalgia blended with the allure of history. For those who purchased wax from this set, several truly memorable hits could be pulled that will surely stand the test of time for dedicated collectors. The 2020 Topps Heritage release will likely be viewed as one of the premier retro issues in recent years.