Tag Archives: 2021

TOP ROOKIE CARDS BASEBALL 2021

Leave a reply

The 2021 baseball season was one of breakouts and unexpected rookies making a huge impact in their debut seasons. While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the season and impacted rosters, it opened the door for several rookie players to get their shot in the big leagues earlier than expected. These newcomers seized the opportunity and quickly established themselves as future stars, making their rookie cards some of the most sought after collectibles on the market for the 2021 season and beyond. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from 2021 that MLB collectors need to keep an eye on.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays: Arguably the biggest rookie sensation of 2021 was Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco. Expected to be a future cornerstone, Franco got called up in June and immediately started raking. He batted .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games, showcasing elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline well beyond his 20 years. Franco’s prized rookie cards include his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest RC, Bowman Chrome RC, and Topps Chrome Update RC. With his five-tool talent and rumored 12-year, $185 million extension in the works, Franco’s rookie cards are projected to steadily gain value as he asserts himself as a true superstar.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers: As the number one overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, all eyes were on Torkelson from the start in Detroit. While he struggled at the plate in his 2021 debut, batting just .197 in 53 games, his immense raw power was on full display with 5 homers. As the expected future middle-of-the-order thump for the Tigers rebuild, Torkelson’s prized rookie cards like his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome Draft RC remain strong long-term investments. With Torkelson’s pedigree and work ethic, his production is expected to catch up to his tools in no time.

Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers: Across town from Torkelson, fellow Tigers top prospect Riley Greene made his big league debut in June and showed why he’s such an electrifying talent. In just 47 games, Greene hit .250 with 3 home runs while flashing plus speed and defense in center field. High-end variations of Greene’s rookie cards like his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome prospects card are some of the hottest MLB rookie cardboard on the market right now. Like Torkelson, Greene could be a cornerstone for the Motor City kitties rebuild for years to come.

Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds: While not a true rookie after debuting in 2020, Stephenson became the Reds’ starting catcher in 2021 and immediately made a positive impact with his defense, game-calling, and developing bat. In 127 games, Stephenson hit .285 with 11 home runs and 45 RBI, establishing himself as one of the best young catchers in baseball. As a result, his 2021Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome Draft RC have all seen their values surge. Stephenson looks like a mainstay as the Cincinnati backstop for the long haul.

Jared Walsh, Los Angeles Angels: If not for an eight-game stint in 2020, Walsh would have been a true rookie sensation in 2021 after taking the league by storm with his 29 home runs and 88 RBI in just 139 games. While not considered a blue-chip prospect, Walsh has proven to be an excellent find by the Angels, stepping up as their first baseman of the present and future. His 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome Draft Parallel RC remain affordable gems for savvy collectors given his lofty production this past season and left-handed power bat profile.

While veterans like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rightfully stole the AL MVP headlines in 2021, these top rookies established themselves as future cornerstones for their respective franchises with their impressive debut campaigns. With Franco, Torkelson, Greene, Stephenson, and Walsh already displaying impact talent so early in their careers, their 2021 rookie cards are sure to retain and grow in value as they assert themselves among the game’s next generation of superstars. For MLB card collectors, these represent some of the smartest long-term investments that could yield huge returns down the road.

2021 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 edition of Panini Prizm Baseball was highly anticipated by collectors and provided several chase cards that hold substantial value. Panini Prizm has become one of the premier modern sports card brands known for its flashy refractors and parallels that create a memorable on-card experience. The 2021 release centered around the debut of many top prospects and rookies entering Major League Baseball that season.

One of the biggest rookie stars from the set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a phenomenal debut campaign in 2021 that saw him hit .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games. His prized rookie cards from Prizm exploded in demand, headlined by the purple prizm /199 parallel and red white and blue prizm /76 parallel. Graded PSA 10 examples of these rare Wander Franco cards have sold for upwards of $10,000, showing he has rookie card value on par with recent sensations like Fernando Tatis Jr. Other coveted Wander Franco cards include the silver prizm and gold prizm, with the latter holding a /70 print run.

Another huge name that captivated collectors was Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert. Gilbert made his MLB debut in 2021 and had a stellar season going 13-6 with a 3.20 ERA. His rookie cards, especially the prizm refractors, skyrocketed after his success. The Logan Gilbert silver prizm /499 and red white and blue prizm /76 parallel routinely fetch over $100 in PSA 10 condition. The ultra-short printed gold prizm /70 parallel is even rarer, with high grades moving for $300-$500 due to Gilbert’s ace-level potential.

Beyond individual rookie stars, complete rainbows of refractors and parallels offered intriguing chase opportunities. Panini Prizm 2021 featured the standard orange, green, yellow, and blue refractors for each player. Extended parallels like purple /199, red white and blue /76, and gold /70 added depth and prestige to collecting full refractored sets. Premium levels like black 1/1, atomic, and Galactic provided the ultimate short print chase cards as well. Building a full rainbow set of a major prospect like Bobby Witt Jr. or Jarren Duran tested collector patience but resulted in a visually stunning and valuable collection.

Veteran superstars still hold value in Prizm as many collectors admire the aesthetic of seeing stars on prestigious refractors as well. Shohei Ohtani remains one of the biggest fan favorites, and his prizm cards showcase the two-way talents that define his game. Parallels like Ohtani’s /76 red white and blue prizm routinely sell in the $50-100 range for top grades. Mike Trout, as the game’s best all-around player, also demands strong sales on prizm refractors in the $30-75 range. Graded examples of Trout’s rare 1/1 black prizms have even topped $1,000.

Ultimately, Panini Prizm Baseball 2021 provided a fun and rewarding product centering around building complete prospect and rookie sets. Stars like Wander Franco, Logan Gilbert, and more announced their arrival in spectacular fashion through these eye-catching prizm optics that create a true on-card experience. Veterans Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout served as proven superstars to chase as well. With many of these rookies continuing to blossom in 2022 and beyond, their 2021 Panini Prizm rookie cards should retain prominence as prized investments in any modern sports collection.

TOP 2021 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 baseball season saw a resurgence of interest in the hobby and sport after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Bowman produced some intriguing rookie cards and parallels that have already begun appreciating in value. With several highly-touted prospects making their MLB debuts in 2021 and star players like Shohei Ohtani continuing to dazzle, here are some of the top baseball cards to watch from the past year:

Shohei Ohtani Baseball Card – 2021 Topps Chrome Refractors (#87, #288): Ohtani had a phenomenal season in 2021 that saw him excel both as a pitcher and hitter, making history as the first player since Babe Ruth to qualify as a batter and pitcher. His 2021 ToppsChrome Refractor rookie parallel cards (#87 orange /250, #288 purple /50) exploded in value after his amazing season. Expect these rare Ohtani rookie variants to continue appreciating as one of the defining cards from the 2021 set.

Wander Franco Rated Rookie Auto – 2021 Topps Chrome (#331): Franco burst onto the scene for the Rays in 2021 at just 20 years old and immediately established himself as a superstar. The #331 parallel from Topps Chrome featured Franco’s coveted autograph in the coveted Chrome product. As Franco’s star continues to rise, so will the value of this defining rookie card. Both PSA 10 and BGS 10 versions have already eclipsed $1000.

Spencer Torkelson Rated Rookie Auto – 2021 Topps Chrome Update (#US1): Torkelson was the top pick in the 2020 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers and had a solid rookie season in 2021. As the prized #US1 parallel in Topps Chrome Update, this short print auto features Torkelson’s signature on arguably the most desirable cardboard from 2021. PSA 10 and BGS 10 copies are already in the $500-700 range with room to appreciate long term.

Julio Rodriguez Rated Rookie Auto – 2021 Topps Chrome Update (#US50): Rodriguez was one of the highest-regarded prospects in baseball and made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2021 at just 21 years old. The #US50 parallel from Topps Chrome Update, limited to just /50 copies, and featuring Rodriguez’s autograph is sure to become a must-have for Mariners PC collectors. Even raw copies have cracked $200 already despite Rodriguez’s limited MLB exposure thus far. Look for this card to break $1000 PSA 10 within a few years.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Gold Refractor Auto – 2021 Topps Series 2 (#S2-VG): After a breakout 2021 season that saw him named AL MVP runner-up, Guerrero established himself as a true superstar in the making. The flagship Topps issue short printed Gold Refractor Auto parallel /50 is sure to become a long term blue chip. PSA 10 versions have already passed $1000 and figures to climb much higher as Guerrero’s career progresses.

Luis Robert Rainbow Foil Auto – 2021 Topps Series 2 (#S2-LR): Robert broke out himself in 2021 with a .338 average and proved to be a five-tool star for the White Sox. Topps Series 2 short printed the prized Rainbow Foil Auto parallel to just /25 copies. With Robert emerging as one of baseball’s brightest young stars, his flagship rookie auto parallel is sure to appreciate strongly for Sox collectors.

Jasson Dominguez Auto – 2021 Topps Inception: Considered one of if not the top international prospect signing in years, Dominguez has yet to make his professional debut but is already one of the most hyped prospects in baseball. His limited 2021 Topps Inception autograph parallels like the Black /25 have already cleared $1000 PSA 10 and are sure to exponentially appreciate if Dominguez lives up to the hype in the coming years.

Justin Foscue Auto – 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects Green Refractor /99: Foscue had a breakout season in 2021 as one of the Tampa Bay Rays top prospects. His short printed Bowman Chrome Prospects Green Refractor Auto parallel captures Foscue on the cusp of his first full season. With the Rays strong player development track record, Foscue’s on-card rookie could emerge as a long term gem for Rays PC collectors.

Brennan Davis Auto – 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects Purple Refractor /150: Davis made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2021 at just 21 years old after rising up their farm system. The prized Bowman Chrome Prospects Purple Refractor captured Davis on the cusp of his bright future. For Cubs collectors, this is a card that could appreciate meaningfully long term as Davis establishes himself in Chicago.

Cade Cavalli Auto – 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects Blue Refractor /150: Cavalli emerged as one of baseball’s top pitching prospects in 2021 with a dominant season split between High-A and Double-A. As a first round pick of the Nationals, Cavalli’s rookie crop Blue Refractor captured him on the doorstep of the majors. With frontline stuff, Cavalli could yield a true long term gem for Nats PC collectors.

Rookie Patch Card Variations: 2021 Topps Dynasty featured several star rookies with rare patch parallel cards including Wander Franco (#29), Adley Rutschman (#8), and Bobby Witt Jr. (#5). Parallel variations like Franco’s Blue /10, Rutschman’s Green /99, and Witt’s Gold /10 short prints hold long term potential and have already begun seeing strong prices in higher grades. For collectors chasing prestigious patch rookies with hefty serialized discounts, cards like these fit the bill.

2021 Baseball Card Market Outlook: With so many highly-touted rookies making their debuts and established stars like Ohtani taking the league by storm, 2021 reinvigorated collector interest after the pandemic lull. Top rookie cards like those highlighted have already seen explosive growth which is sure to continue as these promising talents establish themselves. Established star parallels like the Ohtani Chrome Refractors are poised to become true blue chip long term holdings. The 2021 cardboard crop holds great promise and potential to yield many future investment grade cards and generate strong returns for patient collectors.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO INVEST IN 2021

Leave a reply

With the baseball card industry booming once again, many collectors and investors are looking to the future and wondering which baseball cards represent the best investments heading into 2021. While past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results, analyzing historical trends and assessing the current landscape of the hobby can provide valuable insight. In this in-depth article, we will examine several baseball cards that have strong potential to appreciate significantly in the coming years based on the player, the card, and overall market conditions.

Perhaps the safest investment option for 2021 remains rookie cards of current superstar players who are still early in their careers. One of the most obvious choices would be Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger. Still just 25 years old, Bellinger has already accomplished a great deal in his young career including an NL MVP award in 2019. His rookie cards from 2017 Topps have held their value extremely well and have plenty of room to grow as Bellinger enters his prime. As long as he stays healthy and productive, his rookie cards seem poised to become extremely valuable long-term holdings.

Another young star to consider is Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Like Bellinger, Acuña is just 23 but has already established himself as one of the best players in baseball. His explosive playing style and five-tool talent profile point to a very bright future. Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto parallel cards in particular hold great long-term appeal due to the rarity of autographed prospect cards for impact major leaguers. As Acuña continues racking up All-Star appearances and hardware for the next decade, these early cards profile as wise investments.

In addition to established young stars, keeping an eye on the newest crop of rookies can provide opportunities. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. looks like a true superstar in the making and his 2019 Topps Series 1 and Topps Chrome rookie cards seem poised to appreciate substantially if he fulfills his enormous potential. Gleyber Torres of the New York Yankees is another young player who has made a fast impact on the field and whose 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie cards hold long-term promise. With rookies, it is important to assess future upside and avoid unproven players who may flame out, but cards of rookies like Tatis and Torres seem like high-probability bets.

While focusing on present and future stars makes sense, investors would be remiss not to consider cards from the sport’s rich history as well. Perhaps the safest vintage investment for 2021 centers around iconic cards from the post-war era prior to the junk wax boom of the late 1980s. Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays routinely see strong appreciation over time as new collectors enter the market seeking pieces of baseball history. Graded examples of their early Topps, Bowman, and Play Ball cards from the 1950s and 1960s profile as blue-chip holdings that are unlikely to depreciate in value.

Within the vintage sector, two particular cards stand out as especially attractive targets for future gains – the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and the coveted 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. The Mantle is one of the most, if not the most, valuable sports cards in existence today due in large part to its rarity and its subject being “The Commerce Comet” himself. Even high-grade examples still have room for increases given Mantle’s eternal popularity. The T206 Wagner, widely considered the first modern baseball card, has also held or increased in value every year. With such historic pedigrees and limited remaining supplies, these two cards seem poised to continue appreciating at a good clip.

In addition to elite individual cards, complete vintage sets represent compelling portfolio selections. The flagship 1988 Topps set has grown exponentially in demand and prices in recent years as collectors seek to own “the set of their childhood.” With strong appreciation expected to continue as millennials age into their peak earning years, high-grade 1988 Topps sets look like sound long-term picks. Other postwar classics like 1952, 1957, and 1959 Topps as well as 1969 Topps also seem well positioned given their iconic designs, star players, and staying power in the marketplace. As more complete vintage sets find their way into institutional holdings, support for these blue-chip sets seems assured.

While focusing on proven investments is wise, part of successful speculation involves identifying emerging trends and players before they take off. One area showing potential is the burgeoning popularity of Japanese baseball cards among Western collectors. Stars like Shohei Ohtani have helped fuel this rising crossover interest. His 2018 BBM Rookie cards seem poised to appreciate substantially if he continues his two-way success in MLB. Other Japanese issues like the rare 1998 BBM Hiroshima Carp set also seem primed to benefit from the strengthening connection between the Japanese and American hobby. Keeping an eye on developing overseas markets could provide opportunities.

With the sports card industry experiencing a sustained renaissance, now is an prudent time for long-term investing. Focusing on rookies of emerging young stars, iconic vintage Hall of Famers, and complete vintage sets from the sport’s golden eras seems to provide a solid foundation. Supplementing blue-chip holdings with speculative selections like rare Japanese cards involving dynamic players could also prove rewarding. Assessing cards based on a player or set’s historical significance, scarcity, and future prospects offers a thoughtful approach to identifying baseball cards with strong odds of appreciating substantially in 2021 and beyond. With patience and diligence, savvy collectors stand to realize handsome returns by focusing on these types of strategic investments.

ALLEN AND GINTER BASEBALL CARDS 2021

Leave a reply

The 2021 Allen & Ginter baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from Topps that did not disappoint collectors. A&G is one of the most unique and interesting sets in the hobby each year due to its mix of baseball stars alongside historical figures, artists, scientists and more.

The 2021 set continued this tradition and was a massive 346 card release. It featured current MLB players as well as over 100 non-sports subjects. Some of the biggest baseball stars included in the set were Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts and more. It was the eclectic mix of other cards that really make each A&G set a fun rip for collectors.

This year’s subjects included tributes to artist Vincent Van Gogh, scientist Marie Curie, author Jane Austen and many other iconic historical figures. There were also cards dedicated to pop culture topics like Star Wars, classic television shows and movies. Even famous foods got cards, such as pizza, donuts and peanuts.

Topps did an excellent job as always with the design and production quality of the Allen & Ginter cards. The cardboard stock felt premium and the vintage aesthetic throughout was appealing. Many of the baseball cards utilized action shots while the non-sports cards tended to feature portraits or iconic imagery related to their subject. Colorful borders and backgrounds helped each card stand out in its own way.

Another unique aspect of A&G sets is the inclusion of “mini” cards within the base checklist. These are oversized cards that take up two or four standard card slots in a pack or box. The 2021 mini cards featured subjects like scientist Stephen Hawking, artist Vincent Van Gogh, and Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Pulling a mini added to the excitement of the rip and their rarity commanded a premium on the secondary market.

Allen & Ginter is also known for including oddball parallel and insert sets within the base checklist. This helps add to the overall variety in each product release. Some of the more popular parallel sets in the 2021 edition included:

Gold Foil: Limited to only 10 copies each, these parallel cards captured some of the biggest names like Tatis Jr. and Soto.
Silver Foil: A step down from the ultra-rare Gold Foils at /50 copies each.
Green Foil: A popular parallel at /99 copies each with a nice emerald hue.

In addition, Topps packed the set with several fun insert sets like “Frameworks” featuring cards in a constructed wooden frame design and “Pop Art” reimagining subjects in a retro pop art style. “Futures” highlighted some of baseball’s rising prospects too. All of these added insert cards to collect across the entire checklist.

When it came to product release, Allen & Ginter was available in Series 1 hobby boxes, jumbo boxes, blasters and hangers. The jumbo box format offered the best overall value, containing 30 packs with guaranteed parallels and inserts. Hobby boxes at 10 packs each were still a fun rip but carried more risk of getting “stuck” packs of just base cards.

The 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball card set was another home run release that collectors enjoyed. It succeeded in its mission of combining America’s pastime with a wide array of other engaging subjects from history to pop culture. The premium design and various parallels/inserts added collecting depth. Whether going for baseball stars or non-sports cards, Allen & Ginter offered something for everyone in 2021. Its unique combination of sports, history and fun continues to make it a highly anticipated release each summer.

BASEBALL CARDS 2021 COMPLETE SET

Leave a reply

Baseball card collecting is a beloved hobby for many, and completing a full set of cards from the latest season is a goal for avid collectors. The 2021 baseball season brought new cards, players, and achievements to chronicle. Here is an in-depth look at the major complete sets collectors could pursue from the 2021 season.

Topps released several flagship baseball card products in 2021 that collectors chased complete sets of. The standard Topps base set contained 396 cards covering all 30 MLB teams. Ranging from base rookie cards to star veterans, this set provided a comprehensive overview of the 2021 season. Topps also produced parallels and short prints that added to the challenge of completion. The most coveted included a 1-of-1 Mike Trout card.

In addition to the base set, Topps Series 1 and Series 2 each contained 300-card rosters released in spring and summer. These sets broke the season into halves and featured players’ updated stats and performances. Topps Chrome took the design and feel of the base cards and added a shiny refracted finish. Its 300-card checklist included prized rookie refractors.

Topps Allen & Ginter contained the widest range of players, with over 350 cards spanning MLB, NBA, NFL, and other sports/entertainment. Its retro design and varied content kept collectors engaged. Topps Heritage focused on recreating iconic designs from the 1960s-80s with today’s players. Its 312 cards mixed retro style with modern rosters.

Bowman is considered the premier brand for prospect coverage and rookie cards. Bowman Draft had 300 cards spotlighting that year’s draft picks. Bowman Chrome highlighted prospects with its shiny rookie selection. Bowman Platinum stood out with its high-end 1/1 parallels. Collectors chased these sets for a head start on the next generation of stars.

Panini released competing sets to Topps with similar checklists and parallels. Donruss Optic offered a refractor counterpart to Topps Chrome. Prizm contained “hits” like jersey cards and 1/1 rookies alongside its 300-card set. Contenders focused on star veterans with on-card autographs.

Collectors could also pursue specialty sets. Stadium Club emphasized elegant photography. Leaf produced Metal, valued for its metallic parallels. Archives replicated designs from the early 20th century. Triple Threads and Supreme featured rare memorabilia cards. Luxury brands like Spectra offered premium low-numbered parallels.

Completing a full 2021 set presents challenges. Cards must be obtained through packs, boxes, or the secondary market. Short prints, variations, and serial-numbered parallels expand checklists. Top rookies and stars command high individual prices. Dedicated collectors trade, collaborate online, and attend shows/auctions in the hunt.

While financially and time consuming, finishing a major release provides personal satisfaction and preserves a snapshot of that baseball year for future generations. The historic 2021 season featured Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s breakout, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. winning the AL batting title. Collectors can look back through a complete 2021 set and relive all the memorable players and performances of that unique campaign between the lines.

This overview covered the main flagship and high-end sets released in 2021 by Topps, Bowman, and Panini that dedicated collectors chased to finish. With checklists ranging from 300-400 cards and layers of parallels and variations, completing a 2021 release requires perseverance. For those who attain this goal, the satisfaction of preserving the 2021 season through cards lives on.

ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS 2021

Leave a reply

Rookie baseball cards from the 2021 season saw many highly touted prospects make their major league debuts. Between expanded rosters due to COVID-19 and several stars experiencing injuries, many teams opted to bring up their top prospects for playing time. This gave collectors the opportunity to obtain rookie cards for players who are expected to be franchise cornerstones.

Wander Franco headlines the class as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. The shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays dazzled in his brief debut late in the 2021 season, slashing .288/.347/.463 with 7 home runs in 70 games. Franco is considered a potential superstar and his rookie cards reflect that hype. The most common retail rookie cards can be found for around $30-50, with autographed and memorabilia cards selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. As Franco continues producing at an elite level in upcoming seasons, it’s likely his rookie cards will appreciate dramatically in value.

Another highly coveted rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. The toolsy 21-year-old slashed .288/.394/.514 with 8 home runs in 53 games in his debut campaign. Considered a budding five-tool star, Rodriguez has limitless upside. Like Franco, common retail cards can be found for $30-50 but the highest valued parallels and autographed versions fetch big money already. His duel rookie card with fellow phenom Jarred Kelenic from Topps Chrome is one of the most sought after from 2021.

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is generating considerable hype as well. As the number one pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is seen as the future anchor of the Orioles franchise. He made his debut in May 2022 after shining in the minors. While he only played 35 games in 2022 and struggled at the plate initially, collectors are banking on his all-around talents to flourish in future seasons. His Bowman Chrome rookie cards trade for $20-40 currently but could gain value quickly as he establishes himself.

The 2021 class saw other notable rookies include Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson, Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene and Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert. All delivered in their debuts to varying extents and their rookie cards occupy a wide price range from $5-100 depending on parallels, autographs and production levels.

Some less heralded rookies also found cards that gained value from surprising debuts. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz posted a 2.89 ERA in 32 innings prior to Tommy John surgery. His cards have climbed to $20-50 range. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson showed promise before injury problems, with common rookie cards around $10-20. Cleveland Guardians slugger Steven Kwan was a revelation while winning ROY consideration. His cards have followed suit to the $15-30 range.

When looking at the rookie cards from 2021, it’s important to examine production in extensive samples before speculating on long term value. Franco, Rodriguez and Rutschman all have early track records of excellence in the minors prior to debuts and project to be stars. Witt Jr., Leiter, Manoah and Torkelson also showed five-tool potential or frontline abilties despite smaller 2022 samples. Those players’ cards profile as the safest long term investments, though upside remains for breakouts like Kwan, Baz and Pearson if health permits. The 2021 rookie class infused many new candidates at thethreshold of superstardom to make for an exciting vintage to collect.

The 2021 MLB rookie class showcased a bounty of blue chip prospects who are poised to be franchise cornerstones for years to come. Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman highlight a crop of talents who look primed for stardom. While players like Shane Baz and Steven Kwan came from lesser known origins, strong debuts have brought increased attention. For collectors, 2021 rookies present opportunities to acquire cards from what could develop into one of the great classes in baseball history at affordable prices before they potentially skyrocket in value with future accomplishments.

ALLEN AND GINTER 2021 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball card set is one of the most unique and collectible releases of the year. While Topps’ flagship sets focus solely on baseball players, Allen & Ginter incorporates non-sports subjects and oddities to create a truly eclectic checklist. The 2021 version contains 312 total cards including portraits of famous people from history and pop culture as well as illustrations of plants, animals, landmarks and more.

Allen & Ginter was originally founded in the late 1800s as a tobacco company that produced cigarette cards as a marketing tool. These early non-sports cards featured topics like actors, authors, scientists and inventions. Topps acquired the Allen & Ginter brand and reintroduced it as an annual baseball card set starting in 2015. Each year focuses on the same fun, offbeat concept with subjects crossing all genres.

Some key things to know about Allen & Ginter 2021:

The base set contains 150 baseball cards showing current MLB players. Rookies and stars are included along with many less prominent names.

In addition to the base cards, there are 100 special insert cards with various parallel topics. These include portraits, landmarks, animals, inventions and more.

Serial numbered parallels include Green /199, Purple /50, Orange /25 and Red /5. Printing plates and 1/1 cards are also available.

Super short prints and SP variations are scattered throughout the base set at a rate of around 1 per box. These are serial numbered to much lower quantities.

Autograph and memorabilia cards can be pulled of both players and non-sports subjects. Autos range from on-card to sticker autos.

Mini cards and sticker variants offer additional collecting opportunities beyond the base checklist.

The set design utilizes a clean white border around each card along with a vintage tobacco theme color scheme of reds, greens and browns.

Checklists are never revealed in advance, keeping the surprise of who or what each subject will be until the cards are released.

Some notable subjects from the 2021 A&G set include portraits of Bob Ross, Mr. Rogers, Steve Irwin and LeVar Burton along with illustrations of plants like cannabis, mushrooms and hops. Landmarks depicted range from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Eiffel Tower. Animals featured involve pandas, sloths, axolotls and more exotic species. Inventions showcased span from vinyl records to laptop computers.

On the baseball side, rookie cards of top prospects like Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic and Logan Gilbert make their A&G debuts. Established young stars like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. also receive base cards while legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr. make appearances. Parallels and short prints of these players command high prices due to the set’s popularity.

The unique, eclectic nature of Allen & Ginter’s non-baseball subjects is a big part of its appeal to collectors. Finding rare hits of famous figures, places or things outside of the sports realm makes each box a thrill to open. The surprise element of not knowing exactly who or what will be featured adds intrigue and discovery to the experience. While players are present, it isn’t solely focused on them like most other sets.

As the collecting hobby has boomed in recent years, Allen & Ginter has grown into one of the most sought-after modern releases on the annual calendar. Its mix of oddball topics and scarce parallel cards entices both casual and serious collectors. While supplies are limited each year, the 2021 version was the largest production run to date at over 10 million total cards printed. Even so, desired short prints and autographs remain difficult to obtain.

Whether pursuing specific subjects, players or parallels, Allen & Ginter offers a fun collecting concept unlike any other sports card set. Its lighthearted approach combining diverse portraits and illustrations creates a truly unique product that remains popular with the community. For those looking to add some quirkiness and surprise to their collections, the 2021 edition provides an eclectic bounty of cards to discover.

2021 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

Leave a reply

The 2021 Topps Baseball Card collection was one of the most anticipated and successful releases in recent memory. Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, Topps found innovative ways to engage collectors both old and new. Their complete set contained several fan-favorite insert sets alongside iconic base cards showcasing the biggest names in the sport.

Released in April 2021, the main set consisted of 396 cards covering all 30 MLB teams. Ranging from #1 to #396, the base cards featured each player’s name, team, position, and vital stats from the 2020 season. Some of the most coveted rookies included Bobby Witt Jr., Jarred Kelenic, and Wander Franco. Superstar veterans like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger anchored team sets. Parallels and short prints added to the excitement of each pack or box.

The massive response showed that interest in the hobby remained strong despite COVID-19 postponing the previous season. Multiple print runs kept up with skyrocketing demand that cleaned out stock on release day. Meanwhile, the league’s return to play and postseason only amplified enthusiasm surrounding the new releases. Capturing the sport’s revival after months away, 2021 Topps became a must-have product for collectors old and new.

Eight highly anticipated insert sets added layers of chase cards to the hobby. The ‘Topps Now’ moments captured key highlights from the shortened 2020 campaign. Featuring timely submissions from the league’s official photographer, these 60 cards brought fans closer to the on-field action they missed. ‘Topps Gallery’ paid tribute to baseball icons with richly detailed artwork. ‘Topps Heritage’ paid homage to classic designs with a retro twist on today’s brightest stars.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was ‘Photo Variations,’ inserting exciting never-before-seen action shots straight from team photographers into packs. ’75th Anniversary Jackie Robinson’ paralleled honoured the civil rights pioneer’s debut across different designs. ‘Topps Mini’ shrunk base cards down to smaller-sized inserts perfect for autograph hunting. Finally, ‘Rookie Cup’ and ‘All-Star Game’ inserts showcased rising talents and midsummer classics respectively.

Beyond the sets themselves, Topps rolled out innovative digital and memorabilia initiatives that fueled passion both online and off. Through partnerships with Fanatics and MLB, collectible virtual cards could be obtained via pack simulations or by scanning physical cards into the Topps BUNT app. Winning auctions on the Topps website landed one-of-a-kind game-used memorabilia from today’s brightest stars, while autograph box-loaders offered exclusive signed cards.

When it came to special parallels and variations, Topps loaded 2021 with enticing chase cards. Rainbow foil, black and gold, sepia tone, and negative treatments brought surprise sparkle to pull rates. Legendary ‘Gold Mint’ parallels numbered to just 10 copies each became holy grails. Autograph and memorabilia inserts pulled straight from players added immense value throughout every tier from hobby boxes to blasters and hangers on store shelves.

By summer, the 2021 Topps Baseball card set cemented its legacy as one of the most complete and coveted in recent history. Engaging collectors with innovative inserts, parallels, and an evolving digital presence showed that the hobby could not only survive but thrive during uncertain times. Massive openings, break channels, and a red-hot market demonstrated demand remained as strong as ever for the iconic cardboard that memorializes America’s pastime. Whether collecting for history or investment, 2021 Topps allowed fans of all stripes to share in baseball’s vibrant revival.

In the years to come, the 2021 Topps set will surely take its place alongside past classics as a defining release from a pivotal season. Between the unpredictable pandemic environment and sport’s comeback, it captured a truly unique moment. Through a commitment to tradition, progression, and serving collectors, Topps Baseball once again showed why they remain the standard in the industry after decades at the helm. The 2021 collection symbolized the strength, passion, and future of the hobby amid changing surroundings – and why the promise of finding that next exciting card discovery will never fade.

2021 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 Donruss Baseball set saw another return to the classic 1986 Topps design that collectors love. After experimenting with different styled inserts and parallels in recent years, the 2021 set took a more simplistic approach emphasizing the core cards and designs that made Donruss such a fan favorite brand. The base set contains 324 cards with all current MLB players and prospects included. Each card features a large headshot photo on the front with team logo and player info above and stats listed on the back. The design has a very retro feel that takes collectors back to the late 80s/early 90s era of cardboard.

In addition to the base cards, Donruss included several insert sets to add to the excitement of each pack or box. The Retired Material Memorabilia cards featured jersey or bat swatch relics of past MLB legends like Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan and more. These were widely popular with collectors looking for nostalgia pieces tied to some of the game’s greatest players. Another popular insert was Black Gold which highlighted star African American players in black bordered parallels with gold foil lettering and numbering. Debut Diamonds featured the first Donruss cards of top rookie prospects like Jarred Kelenic and Spencer Torkelson.

In terms of parallels within the base set, Donruss offered several popular variations for collectors to chase after including Gold Foil, Green Foil, Red Foil, Blue Wave, Atomic Refractors and more. The Gold Foil parallel was numbered to 2021 copies to commemorate the year. Several Top Prospect parallels were also available highlighting rookies on each team. As with most modern Donruss releases, key rookie cards like Kelenic, Torkelson, Wander Franco and others were hot commodities due to their significance for today’s game and potential future value.

Donruss also released Blaster Boxes, Hobby Boxes, Jumbo Packs, Fat Packs and Hanger Packs for different budget levels. A Blaster contained 8 packs with 4 cards each while Hobby Boxes contained 12 packs with multiple insert chances. Jumbo Packs held 20 cards with guaranteed hits or parallels. Popular retail exclusives included Walmart Value Packs and Target HardCard Slam Packs which provided additional value for collectors looking for more bang for their buck. In total, the various packaging options made Donruss accessible for all types of fans from casual to serious investors.

On the secondary market, key 2021 Donruss rookie parallels and short prints started fetching premium prices shortly after release. Standouts included red ink or atomic refractors of kelenic and Torkelson. The retail exclusives also proved desirable due to scarcity and unique designs/parallels only found within. As for longer term potential, the top prospects like Franco and Torkelson carried excitement that their base rookies could one day rival the values of stars from the brand’s past like Frank Thomas or Ken Griffey Jr. Time will tell if any emerge as true steals, but the vintage styling and rookie class gave the 2021 Donruss set a great foundation.

Overall, Donruss played to their strengths with the 2021 release by emphasizing the classic look collectors prefer while still providing a fun and affordable collecting experience. With a timely focus on today’s most exciting young talents, it has all the ingredients to become a set remembered fondly in the future. While a bit lighter on inserts compared to past years, the nostalgic designs and strong rookie class will likely ensure the 2021 Donruss Baseball set remains a vibrant part of the modern collecting landscape for years to come. Its combination of retro styling, hits and key rookies make it a solid foundation for any baseball card collection.