Tag Archives: 2022

FAYETTEVILLE NC BASEBALL CARDS SHOWS 2022

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Baseball card shows are a staple for collectors in Fayetteville, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. With a rich history of the hobby and many dedicated collectors, Fayetteville has developed into a baseball card show hotspot in recent years. Here is an in-depth look at some of the major baseball card shows taking place in Fayetteville in 2022.

The Fayetteville Card Show is considered the premier baseball card show in the area. Held monthly from January through November at the Crown Expo Center, the Fayetteville Card Show brings in hundreds of vendors and thousands of collectors each time. Vendors come from across North Carolina and the southeastern U.S. to sell their wares at tables that line the entire expo hall. Collectors can find everything from common cards from the past few years all the way back to vintage cards from the early 1900s. In addition to cards, the show also features memorabilia, supplies, and other collectibles for sale.

With its large size and wide range of vintage to modern cards and collectibles, the Fayetteville Card Show is a perfect one stop shop for all types of collectors. Whether just starting out or with a vast collection, there is something for everyone at the show. In addition to browsing and buying from vendors, the show also features prize drawings, guest appearances, and other activities. The friendly and knowledgeable vendors also make it a great place for collectors of all experience levels to ask questions and get advice.

In April and October, the Fayetteville Card Show expands to two days instead of just one. This super show doubles the amount of vendors and floor space, meaning even more inventory to browse through. The April show in particular usually has a major guest appearance from a former MLB player or front office executive. Past guests have included All-Star pitchers like David Wells as well as executives who can share insights on the business side of the game.

Aside from the monthly Fayetteville Card Show, there are also some other notable baseball card shows that take place in the area throughout 2022. In February, the Raleigh Sports Collectible Show comes to the Crown Expo Center. While a bit smaller than the Fayetteville shows, it still brings in over 100 vendors. In March and September, the Wilmington Card Show is held just a few hours down the coast. With its coastal location, the Wilmington show sometimes features special nautical or beach-themed card and collectible items in addition to the standard baseball fare.

In the summer, two outdoor baseball card flea markets give collectors a chance to browse vendors under the sun. The Southern Baseball Card Show is held in June at Post 10 American Legion in Hope Mills. Vendors set up canopies outside and in the indoor hall to sell cards and collectibles. In August, the larger Raleigh Baseball Card Flea Market takes over the State Fairgrounds, with multiple acres of vendors to explore. Both flea markets are more casual affairs compared to the large indoor shows, but offer a fun summer day of hunting for deals.

Whether at the monthly Fayetteville Card Show, one of the larger regional indoor shows, or outdoor flea markets, collectors in the area will have no shortage of opportunities to expand their collections throughout 2022. With its central location and critical mass of dedicated collectors, Fayetteville has become a baseball card show destination. Collectors of all ages can spend entire days browsing vendors, connecting with other fans, and adding to their collections at these events. The vibrant baseball card show scene will continue to thrive in Fayetteville well into the future.

MOST VALUABLE 2022 TOPPS GYPSY QUEEN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Gypsy Queen baseball card set was released in March and features unique artwork depicting today’s stars in a vintage style. As with most modern issues, there are several parallels and short prints that make certain cards more collectible. With the hobby booming right now, some of these scarce Gypsy Queen cards have already fetched big money on the secondary market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable from the 2022 release.

Perhaps the single most coveted card is the prized autograph of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, which is serial-numbered to just 50 copies. Ohtani remains one of the hottest names in baseball after his record-setting 2021 AL MVP season. His autographed Gypsy Queen card sells in the $400-500 range, with a PSA 10 Gem Mint example sure to command well over $1,000 before too long. Another Angels star, Mike Trout, also has a coveted autographed parallel that’s limited to only /50. Trout’s auto fetches $300-350 in top condition.

Among the many refractors and parallels in Gypsy Queen are extremely limited red prizm versions numbered to /25. Two cards that stand out are rookie sensation Ronald Acuña Jr. and veteran superstar Bryce Harper, each drawing bids around $250 raw for their red prizm parallel. An even scarcer refractor is the green prizm, with a print run of a meager /10 copies. Ronald Acuña Jr. once again leads the way here, with his green prizm going in the $350-400 range.

Short prints are always hotly pursued by Gypsy Queen collectors looking to complete rainbow sets. Of the toughest SP cards to find, the Bryce Harper stands out at /149 copies. Pristine graded Harper SPs have reached $150-200. Another tricky pull is the Wander Franco SP at /199 copies. The future star’s short print hovers around $125 raw. For top rookie cards, Adley Rutschman is showing promise and his tougher /399 SP garners $80-100.

Autograph cards of top prospects are highly desired, especially for ones who have experienced early MLB success. Cardinals catcher/outfielder Dylan Carlson, who broke out in 2022, has an autographed parallel numbered to /50 that fetches $180-225. Royals catcher and 2020 first overall pick Bobby Witt Jr.’s /50 auto goes for a similar $175-200 price range after his impressive debut season. Autograph rookies of high-level prospects like Julio Rodriguez and C.J. Abrams are priced around $125-150 if serial numbered over /50.

Historically significant veterans also hold value in Gypsy Queen. A Buster Posey auto parallel /50 can fetch $150-175 given his iconic Giants career and recent retirement. Ichiro Suzuki remains a fan favorite and his /50 auto commands $125-150. Other autos of all-time greats like Chipper Jones, Albert Pujols and David Ortiz at /50 regularly sell in the $100-125 range.

With the baseball card market remaining red hot, prices for these scarce 2022 Topps Gypsy Queen parallel and short prints are sure to only increase further over time – especially for stars who continue producing on the field. For collectors chasing high-end cards and complete Gypsy Queen sets, keeping an eye on the secondary market values of these select chase cards will be crucial in strategizing their collections.

MOST VALUABLE 2022 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 baseball card season marked another year of skyrocketing prices and new star rookies emerging on the scene. While companies like Topps, Bowman, and Leaf produced sets, Panini continued to hold exclusive rights to produce baseball cards with NFL and NBA player photos and logos. This included their flagship Prizm and Flawless collections.

Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2022 Panini baseball cards that have already demanded big money on the resale market. Keep in mind these prices are ever-changing as the seasons progress and certain players rise or fall in popularity and production.

Rookie Prizm Green Refractors

One of the hottest rookie card subsets each year in Panini Prizm are the Green Prizm parallels. Numbered to just 10 copies each, these hyper-rare rookies consistently fetch big bucks. Early favorites for 2022 included Reds pitcher Hunter Greene’s Green Prizm, which has already sold for over $2,000. Brewers catcher Victor Caratini also had a Green Prizm move for around $1,500. Perhaps no other rookie commanded more attention than Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. His Green Prizm skyrocketed past $5,000 and could potentially challenge six figures down the road if he continues his breakout season.

Flawless Baseball Phoenix Patch Autographs

Panini’s high-end Flawless set is known for its exquisite patch autographs, and 2022 had no shortage of six-figure hits. Many feel the true gem is a 1/1 patch card featuring Rodriguez that sold in August for a record $350,000, smashing the previous highest public Flawless baseball card sale. But others weren’t far behind. A Bobby Witt Jr. dual logo/memorabilia patch card fetched over $150,000, while a purple parallel of Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan changed hands privately for $100,000. Flawless continues to drive the ceiling higher in the modern card marketplace.

Top Rated Rookie Prizm Silver Pack Fresh Autographs

Prizm Silver Prizms number to just 99 copies and are some of the more popular rookie parallels to collect. While a graded 10 version could eventually reach $10,000+, raw “pack fresh” Silver autos have still traded for impressive sums. Reds pitchers Nick Lodolo and Connor Phillips both saw their signed Silver Prizms sell in the $3,000 range. Meanwhile, Witt’s managed to crack $5,000 before his breakout rookie campaign was underway. Even for less heralded prospects, Silvers represented opportunity – Padres shortstop Jarryd Dale’s mint signed copy made $1,200.

Base autographs of top prospects

Sometimes it pays simply to own the signed base rookie card of a top prospect before they debut. Several 2022 Panini Prizm base autos fit this mold, with many selling in the $1,000-2,000 range raw. That included Tigers catcher/first baseman Kody Clemens, Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, and Guardians infielder Brayan Rocchio. Perhaps the best example was Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore – his signed base Prizm moved for around $3,000 based on his prime prospect pedigree and chance to start in St. Louis’ rotation.

Rookie Mosaic Pink Ice parallels

Like the Green Prizm refractor, Panini’s pink parallel numbered to 10 copies per rookie holds immense prestige and scarcity. Witt’s Pink Ice changed hands for $3,500 in the late spring before his call-up. Kwan’s carried a $2,000 asking price. And Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, still awaiting his MLB debut at the time, saw one list for $1,500 based on his top prospect status. All showed that the pink parallel represents a true collector’s piece, even of prospects yet to debut.

TopStars Memorabilia Patch Cards

Panini’s high-end TopStars set yields some of the flashiest MLB patch cards on the market each year. In 2022, several highly-rated veteran patches brought big bucks. A dual-colored 1/1 patch of Angels star Mike Trout sold privately for over $40,000. A rare Phillies patch of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper reached $20,000. And a dual-patch of Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moved for just under $10,000. While Trout remains king of the patch card mountain, other stars still drive the market in TopStars’ game-used fabric relics.

Flawless Four Color Patch Memorabilia Cards

Like the Phoenix patches and parallels before, Flawless’ Four Color Swatches proved their existence at the pinnacle of the hobby. An ultra-rare 1/1 four-patch marvel of Cubs star Seiya Suzuki sold for a staggering $130,000 on eBay late in the year, showcasing his enormous popularity in Japan and potential breakout campaign. Meanwhile, an on-card dual-swatch of White Sox stud Tim Anderson reached $70,000 – underscoring Anderson’s ascent among the game’s premier position players. At this level, Flawless memorabilia pushes financial boundaries to their limit.

Topps Chrome Red Refractors (Walmart Exclusive)

While Topps holds MLB’s base card license, Panini still managed to craft a coveted rookie parallel of their own in 2022 – the Walmart exclusive Topps Chrome Red refractor. Numbered to just 10 copies, these scarlet beauties ignited frenzied collecting. Witt’s Red refractor became a six-figure card at a mind-blowing $110,000 raw sale. Meanwhile, others like Reds pitcher Hunter Greene and Mariners pitcher George Kirby still brought amounts over $5,000 despite Walmart-only availability. Securing any one of these reds represented a true crowning collectors achievement.

While prices remain subject to change based on player performance, 2022 affirmed Panini’s control of the higher end market through products like Prizm, Mosaic, Flawless and Top Stars. Rookies of emerging young stars consistently drove some of the strongest recent sales. With the arrival of new prospects each year, Panini’s coveted parallels, patches and redemptive cards will likely continue setting modern record prices in both the short and long run. As MLB’s official NIL partner, Panini appears poised for further growth impacting collectors for seasons to come.

2022 BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The hobby of baseball card collecting saw enormous growth in 2022, fueled by both longtime enthusiasts and a new generation of fans entering the market. Prices soared for vintage cards dating back decades, but modern issues from just the past couple years also attained surprising value. With massive popularity for the sport and a reinvigorated collector base, certain 2022 cards quickly emerged as the most coveted and valuable on the market.

At the top of the list is one of the true unicorns of the modern era – the Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor. Trout has unquestionably been the best baseball player of his generation and has created his own spectacular brand, but even more impressively he achieved this status right out of the gate as a rookie. The Bowman Chrome Superfractor is the pinnacle parallel for any card, featuring the same image but on an ultra-refractor stock that is nearly impossible to pull. Only five in the world are believed to exist. This magnificent Trout rookie cracked the record when one graded Mint 9 by PSA sold in January 2022 for an astonishing $3.93 million, making it officially the most valuable baseball card of all time based on a public sale. With Trout’s career still ongoing, it’s hard to imagine this one ever being surpassed.

Another singular modern rookie that took the hobby by storm in 2022 was the Juan Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autograph Superfractor. Still just 23 years old at the start of the season, Soto has already established himself as not just a perennial All-Star but also a true fan favorite known for dominating in October. With hype around the young star sky high all year long as he led the Nationals to another playoff berth, the prestige and rarity of his flagship rookie autograph parallel on super-refractor stocks made it the most talked about modern issue. In March 2022, one of the approximately five in existence hit the auction block and rocketed all the way to $450,000, making it one of the top five priciest cards ever sold for a living player under 25 years old.

While those Trout and Soto rookies sit alone atop the modern peak, another young star making his first major splash in 2022 was Seattle Mariners sensation Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season that saw him selected to the All-Star Game and finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Fueling interest and value all year were his 2022 Topps Chrome Prospect Autograph Refractors, which are the true crown jewels for any modern rookie. By season’s end, PSA 10 gems of the J-Rod auto refractor were routinely bringing $5,000-$10,000 on the secondary market, well above any expectation for a card from just this current year. As Rodriguez’s star continues rising with the rising Mariners, these early flagship chrome rookies have a chance to someday join the ranks of all-time valuable modern cards.

While those modern rookies drew the biggest headlines, certain vintage gems from past eras also had landmark value spikes in 2022. A perfect 10-graded example of the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card crossed the auction block in January, raking in an astounding $12.6 million to become the new record-holder for the most expensive trading card ever sold. The story of Mantle and his rookie card is the stuff of legend, and as one of the approximately 50 PSA 10 examples known to exist, this one attained a new stratosphere of value.

Another ’50s heavyweight that had collectors buzzing was the rookie card of fellow Yankee great Willie Mays from 1951 Bowman. In August 2022, Heritage Auctions handled the consignment of what is widely considered the finest PSA 9 of this legendary issue anywhere. After intense bidding, it wound up fetching an otherworldly $5.2 million price tag for a non-mint card. Rarely outside of the mintiest 1952 Mantles had any vintage baseball card risen to such lofty heights not carrying that pristine PSA 10 grade.

While modern rookies and old-school giants captured top auction prices, certain vintage stars from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s also had landmark value spikes in 2022 raw sales and graded markets. A PSA 8 copy of the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie became the first non-mint example to break the $1 million barrier when one went for $1.08 million in August. higher-grade ’80s stars like the Roger Clemens rookie, Kirby Puckett rookie, and Darryl Strawberry rookie all had their PSA 10 values reach the stratosphere, from $30,000-$200,000 depending on the player. Even common cards starring all-time greats like 1975 Topps Reggie Jackson had mint 10 values multiply five times over throughout the year to $5,000 and up.

In such a massive year for the entire collecting space, certain modern parallels and refractors from recent flagship Topps Series 1 and Series 2 launches also found strong secondary value amongst today’s enthusiasts. With trends toward autographs, short prints, and 1-of-1 editions, specialized parallels like Topps Chrome Red Refractors or Topps Fire Short Prints featuring emerging talents like Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, or Spencer Strider generated buzz and brought $500-$2,000 PSA 10 prices by year’s end among today’s new generation of collectors.

With an exploding collector base and more money flowing into the marketplace than ever before, 2022 established new heights for the valuation of the rarest and most culturally significant baseball cards from across generations. Modern rookies challenging vintage status quos, along with long-cherished icons from the past elevating to unimaginable new highs, created an overall market that reached fever pitch throughout the year. As the hobby’s popularity only continues gaining, new standards will surely be set again in 2023 for the prized cards that capture collectors’ imaginations and demonstrate the sport’s ongoing legacy.

2022 BOWMAN BASEBALL HOT CARDS

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The 2022 Bowman baseball set was released in late March/early April and there are already some rookie cards that are gaining traction as potential breakout prospects establish themselves in the majors. While it’s still very early, here are some of the top rookies from the 2022 Bowman set that could turn into expensive chase cards by the end of the season based on their prospect pedigree and early MLB performances.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /299) – Rutschman has long been considered the top catching prospect in baseball and many believe he has franchise-changing talent. He was selected first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft and is now getting his first extended look in the big leagues after a strong start at Triple-A. In his debut series against the Rays, Rutschman went 5-for-13 with 3 walks and showed why the hype is real. With his skill set both at and behind the plate, if Rutschman settles in and produces as expected, his rookie cards could be chasing $1,000+ by season’s end.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Bowman 1st Chrome Auto RC /499) – Witt was considered the best pure hitter in the 2018 draft class and has done nothing but hit since turning pro. He blazed through the minors and after a hot start at Triple-A, got the call to Kansas City where he’s continued mashing. Witt brings impressive power potential to the table along with plus speed. He’s been touted as a future all-star and with the Royals looking to contend soon, Witt will be a cornerstone for years. His autos and top rookies from 2022 Bowman could settle in the $500+ range by summer if he sticks.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Tork was the top hitter taken in the 2020 draft and has proven himself since with a .312/.413/.583 slash line in the minors. Many scouts feel his hit tool and approach are big-league ready and he will hit for power in Comerica Park. He had a cup of coffee in Detroit last season but was sent down to keep developing. Torkelson is tearing it up again at Triple-A and looks MLB bound shortly. As the new face of the rebuilding Tigers, Torkelson’s cards could pop higher than Witt’s if he contributes right away.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Rodriguez is an absolute freak athlete who has five-tool star potential. He made his MLB debut in April 2022 and has held his own despite his age (21). Rodriguez already mixes impressive power with game-changing speed. His defense in center field has also drawn rave reviews. J-Rod is a key part of Seattle’s young core and his 1st Bowman Chrome autos could rival Rutschman’s prices by season’s end if he carves out an everyday role.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Bowman Sapphire Prospects Auto RC /150) – At 6-foot-7 with exceptional raw power, Cruz draws comparisons to Roberto Clemente due to his combination of size and athleticism. After mashing at High-A/AA in 2021, he continued crushing in a brief stint in the AFL. Cruz was a non-roster invitee to Pirates camp in 2022 and impressed enough to make the Opening Day roster. With his huge upside, Cruz could emerge as a fan favorite as the Pirates rebuild. HisAutos from Sapphire and higher-end Bowman products are tickets to ride.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – As the #2 overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt, Leiter was seen as one of the safest pitching prospects in recent memory. He dominated in his pro debut and earned a quick promotion to Double-A. Leiter features a mid-90s fastball with elite secondaries and the makeup to stick as a frontline starter. If the 21-year-old continues firing zeroes, expect Leiter’s 1st Bowman Chrome autos to settle in the $300-500 range within months as Rangers faithful latch onto their new ace.

Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Perdomo made his MLB debut in April 2022 and has shown an advanced approach at the plate with good speed and defensive versatility. He can handle shortstop but also profiles for second or third base depending on need. With his contact skills and sneaky power, Perdomo has breakout potential batting at the bottom of a talented D-Backs lineup. He could emerge as a fan favorite and perennial trade chip for the rebuilding club.

Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – As the 33rd overall pick in 2020 out of Decatur HS (GA), Walker has enormous raw power potential that was on full display in 2021. He crushed 20 homers between High-A and Double-A in his first full pro season at just 20 years old. With his combination of strength and athleticism, scouts feel Walker has the build and skills to be a perennial 30-homer threat. Being in the Cardinals system bodes well for his development as well. Cards fans are eager to see what he can do in the majors.

Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Cavalli has perhaps the best pure stuff of any pitching prospect in the minors with a triple-digit fastball and a true power curveball. Selected 22nd overall in 2020, he was dominant in his first full season, striking out 140+ hitters between High-A and Double-A. Cavalli has ace potential and could ascend Washington’s depth chart quickly if he continues overmatching hitters. His autos will be scalped by Nats collectors hoping for the team’s next Max Scherzer.

That covers some of the top rookies to watch from the 2022 Bowman baseball release. As the season progresses and these prospects perform in the big leagues, collector interest and card values should rise accordingly. For those speculating on these talents, now is a great time to acquire their rookie cards at reasonable prices before they potentially explode later in 2022 or beyond. The 2022 Bowman baseball set provides an opportunity to get in early on what could develop into some true marquee rookie cards.

2022 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS UPDATES

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Topps Heritage is one of the most popular and highly anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2022 Topps Heritage set brings back the classic look and feel of baseball cards from the late 1960s but with modern players. Here are some of the key updates and things to know about the 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card release.

Design and Look – As with past Heritage sets, the 2022 version stays true to the vintage design aesthetic from the late 60s. The cards have a thicker stock paper-like feel that mimics the cardboard stock of the era. The design elements like the team logo at the top, white borders, and player pose photography all help transport collectors back to that period of baseball cards. The cards also have the classic Topps logo design from that time as well as the team name printed vertically along one side.

Base Set Size – The 2022 Topps Heritage base set consists of 330 total cards as in recent years. This includes all 30 MLB teams with player cards running from #1 to #330. Some of the bigger named stars will have multiple base cards as well to round out team sets. As with past Heritage releases, parallel and insert sets are also included on top of the base cards.

Parallels and Short Prints – In addition to the base 330 cards, Topps Heritage includes various parallels and short prints. The main parallels include Gold Foil (#/2021), Green Foil (#/99), and Red Foil (#/50). Topps also includes several short print subsets at lower print runs like Stars of the 60s and Rookies of the Year. These help add to the chase and excitement of each Heritage box or pack.

New Players and Rookies – While Heritage pays tribute to the 1960s design, it still features all current MLB players. This means each year’s Heritage set includes some first Heritage cards for rookie and prospect players who have made their MLB debut. The 2022 set will include first Heritage cards for players like Bobby Witt Jr, Spencer Torkelson, and others who broke into the big leagues in 2021.

Autographs and Memorabilia Cards – Like most modern Topps releases, Heritage includes several autographed and memorabilia inserts throughout its parallels and inserts. These provide collectors a chance at pulling rare, game-used memorabilia cards signed by today’s top MLB stars. The memorabilia can include pieces of jerseys, bats, balls, and more to blend vintage and modern elements.

Additional Insert Sets – Beyond the base cards, parallels, and short prints, Topps Heritage also includes several distinctive insert sets each year. For 2022, these include Minnie Minoso Tribute (#/75), All-Star Flashbacks, Turn Back the Clock photo variations, and more. These help add to the nostalgia and collecting fun of each Heritage product release from Topps.

Hobby Box Configuration – Hobby boxes for the 2022 Topps Heritage release contain 18 packs with 12 cards per pack for a total of 216 cards per box. This includes a mix of base cards, parallels, inserts, and autographs/memorabilia throughout each box. With the 330 card base set size, most collectors will be able to complete the base roster from 2-3 boxes on average with some leftover for the chase cards.

Retail Product – Along with the high-end hobby boxes, Topps Heritage is also available in retail through products like blasters, hangers, and fat packs. These provide a more affordable entry point for collectors and allow for building partial sets while still having chances at hits. Hobby and retail work together to make Heritage accessible for all types of collectors.

Secondary Market – As with any popular modern release, the secondary market for Topps Heritage cards is very strong. Base rookie cards and stars routinely sell for multiple times their pack odds prices. Rare parallel and memorabilia cards from past Heritage sets command four and five-figure prices as well. This shows the longterm collecting demand and appreciation Heritage cards achieve over time.

The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card release continues delivering the nostalgic charm of 1960s cardboard while still featuring today’s top players. With over 330 base cards plus inserts, parallels and autographs, it provides both affordable and high-end collecting opportunities. Heritage endures as one of the most iconic and fan-favorite releases in the annual baseball card calendar.

BBM BASEBALL CARDS PREMIUM 2022

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BBM Baseball Card Premium 2022 Set Overview

BBM (Bushuya Beisuboru Card) is a Japanese baseball card company that has been producing high-quality cards for over 30 years. Their yearly “Premium” set is one of the most anticipated releases each season among international collectors. The 2022 BBM Baseball Card Premium set did not disappoint, featuring an array of inserts, parallels, and autographs of Japanese baseball stars. Let’s take an in-depth look at what collectors can expect to find in this premium product.

Base Cards and Design

As with past years, the 2022 BBM Premium base set contains 264 cards spanning Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central and Pacific Leagues. The simplistic yet elegant design features each player photographed from head to toe in their team uniform against a white backdrop. Player names, positions, team logos, and stats are printed cleanly along the bottom. The card stock feels sturdy and has a nice glossy finish. Overall it’s a classy, understated look befitting of BBM’s premium reputation.

Parallels and Variations

No BBM set would be complete without an assortment of parallel and insert cards to chase. The 2022 Premium offers several exciting parallels including:

Gold Foil (#/50) – Featuring a gold foil layer adding extra flair to the design. Among the most coveted parallels.

Green Foil (#/100) – A more attainable parallel still retaining the premium foil treatment.

Red Foil (#/250) – For collectors on a slightly tighter budget, the red foil parallels offer shiny color pops.

Rainbow Foil (#/75) – A beautifully iridescent parallel perfect for the most dedicated parallel collectors.

Black Border (#/100) – A simple yet effective black border variation adds just the right amount of contrast.

Insert Cards

Premium also features a variety of highly sought-after insert sets within the base checklist. Here are some of the most notable:

Golden Players – Featuring some of NPB’s biggest stars in elegant gold foil designs.

Team Greats – Honoring franchise legends with regal artwork in team colors.

MVP Contenders – Spotlighting top players from the previous season in MVP-style poses.

Rising Stars – Introducing some of the up-and-coming young talents to keep an eye on.

Batting Stance Variations – Zooming in on unique batting stances in crisp photos.

Autographs and Memorabilia

Of course, the true heavy hitters in any BBM set are the autograph and memorabilia cards. Some of the standout autographed inserts in 2022 Premium include:

Golden Autographs – Rarest of the rare, featuring gold signature swatches of the biggest names.

Authentic Signatures – Standard issue autographed cards, still incredibly difficult to pull.

Team Logo Autographs – Autographs paired with jersey swatches featuring team logos.

MVP Autographs – Honoring past season award winners like Ohtani with autographed patches.

Rising Stars Autographs – For the next generation of stars, with rookie autographed patches.

Secondary Market and Conclusion

Unsurprisingly, BBM Premium 2022 was one of the most sought-after international releases of the year. With its impeccable design, wide range of parallels and inserts, and ultra-rare autographs, the set has proven to be hugely popular in the aftermarket. While retail boxes could be found for around $80-$100, individual cards especially parallels and autographs now command premium secondary prices. For collectors it’s a true premium product befitting the brand’s excellent reputation. After 30+ years, BBM continues to raise the bar with each new Premium release.

BEST ROOKIE CARDS BASEBALL 2022

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The 2022 MLB season saw another highly-touted rookie class make their debuts, with several young stars quickly establishing themselves as franchise cornerstones. As with any rookie class, the 2022 group brought plenty of excitement and intrigue to the baseball card collecting hobby. While it’s still early, some rookies are already producing at a level that suggests their rookie cards could become extremely valuable long-term holdings. Here’s a look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season to consider adding to your collection.

Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: It’s hard to imagine a rookie making a bigger splash in their first season than Julio Rodriguez did for the Mariners in 2022. Rodriguez burst onto the scene by hitting impressive home runs and making highlight-reel catches in the outfield on a near-daily basis. The 21-year-old finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting while slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases – elite production for any player, let alone a rookie. Rodriguez possesses true five-tool talent and is seen as the future face of the Mariners franchise. His flagship Topps Chrome rookie card has already surpassed $100 and has significant long-term upside as one of the premier rookies in the hobby right now.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals: While Rodriguez may have had the bigger statistical season, many scouts saw Bobby Witt Jr. as the best overall prospect heading into 2022. The son of former big leaguer Bobby Witt lived up to the hype by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases as one of the few bright spots on a struggling Royals team. Witt showed all-around tools and athleticism that could allow him to become a perennial All-Star and the cornerstone of Kansas City’s rebuild. His Topps Chrome rookie is also already a $100+ card and should be a mainstay in virtually every high-end baseball card collection going forward.

Spencer Strider, SP, Atlanta Braves: Not many expected a rookie to become such an impact pitcher for the defending champion Braves in 2022, but that’s exactly what Spencer Strider did. The flame-throwing righty struck out more than a batter per inning on his way to an 11-5 record and 2.67 ERA for the season. Strider’s electric fastball that touches 100+ MPH was must-see TV every time he took the mound. While his playing time may be limited going forward as Atlanta manages his innings, Strider has the raw stuff to develop into an ace. His Topps Chrome rookie card reached $50-75 by season’s end and could climb much higher if he continues developing.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Adley Rutschman came into 2022 with immense expectations. While it took him some time to adjust to MLB pitching, he finished strong by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 46 games after his midseason promotion. More importantly, Rutschman showed elite defense behind the plate and the leadership skills that have scouts projecting him as a future All-Star and captain. As the future cornerstone of Baltimore’s rebuild, Rutschman’s Topps Chrome RC hit $50 by season’s end and could be a blue-chip investment for collectors.

Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6-foot-7, Oneil Cruz is a sight to behold on a baseball field. But it’s his immense raw power that has scouts and fans alike drooling over his potential. Cruz launched 9 homers in just 75 games in 2022 while showing off a rocket arm from shortstop. He still has plate discipline issues to refine, but if Cruz can make more consistent contact, 60-homer seasons might not be out of the question for the hulking infielder. His autographed Topps Chrome rookie jumped up near $100 by the end of the season based on his massive upside.

Hunter Greene, SP, Cincinnati Reds: As one of the hardest throwers in baseball, Hunter Greene was a must-see rookie all season long for Cincinnati. He struggled with his command at times but still managed to strike out 86 batters in 71 innings pitched. More importantly, Greene showed no signs of arm trouble after returning from Tommy John surgery. If he can stay healthy and refine his secondary pitches, 100+ MPH heat and a power arsenal could make Greene a true #1 starter for the Reds. His Topps Chrome RC reached $50-75 by season’s end.

Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves: On a loaded Braves team, Michael Harris II still managed to stand out as one of their best rookies. The 21-year-old centerfielder hit .297 with 19 homers and played Gold Glove-caliber defense, showing why he was such a highly-regarded prospect. Harris looks like a budding star who could be a long-term fixture in Atlanta’s outfield for years to come. His Topps Chrome RC is already a $50+ card based on his all-around contributions as a rookie.

Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers: As the #2 pick in 2021, Jack Leiter came into 2022 with immense expectations on his shoulders. While basic stats like a 5.72 ERA don’t jump off the page, Leiter still showed electric stuff with a mid-90s fastball and biting slider when healthy. Command issues are to be expected for such a young pitcher, and Leiter’s arsenal and makeup have scouts salivating over his ceiling. If he can stay on the mound, Leiter may have one of the highest upsides of any rookie pitcher. His Topps Chrome RC has already reached the $50-75 range.

Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: Seiya Suzuki brought his five-tool talents to Chicago after starring in Nippon Professional Baseball. The 28-year-old outfielder hit .262 with 14 homers and 43 RBI in his MLB rookie campaign, showing why he was one of the most coveted international free agents. Suzuki looks like a building block as the Cubs transition to contention mode. While not a true rookie by age, his MLB debut cards still carry value and long-term potential if he continues producing at an All-Star level stateside.

While it’s still very early, rookies like Rodriguez, Witt, Strider, Rutschman, Cruz and others look poised to become the new faces of baseball and cornerstone investments for collectors. Their rookie cards from 2022 already carry significant value and have the potential to become true blue-chip investments if any of these young stars ascend to the elite ranks of perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates. For collectors looking to invest, focusing on flagship rookies from this exciting rookie class could pay major dividends down the road.

USA BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Baseball card collecting remains one of America’s favorite hobbies, with legions of fans young and old spending countless hours assembling and trading sets each year. 2022 saw the release of several highly anticipated new baseball card products chronicling the previous season on the diamond.

Topps, the industry leader for over 70 years, kicked things off in January with the release of 2022 Topps Series 1. As with every year, this flagship set was the first to showcase rookies and stars from the 2021 season. Big names like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. received prized rookie cards and autographs that quickly shot up collector valuations. The season-long chase for complete base and variant parallel sets was on.

In March, Topps followed up with 2022 Topps Series 2. This continued coverage of the 2021 season while highlighting additional player stats and career milestones. Randal Grichuk’s first-ever Topps autograph card stood out to collectors, as did Max Muncy’s short print parallel. Fan-favorites like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Gerrit Cole also received attractive new issue cards. Both Topps Series 1 and 2 base sets consisted of about 330 cards each.

April saw the release of 2022 Topps Heritage, the brand’s beloved annual throwback set. Paying homage to the early years of Topps, Heritage cards featured vintage-style designs on a thicker cardboard stock. This year focused on the 1968 Topps design. Stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. received eye-catching ‘red parallel’ variants in short supply. Rookie phenoms like Bobby Witt Jr. further energized the collectible baseball card market.

In May, Upper Deck produced 2022 UD Diamond Icons. Unlike the ongoing Topps releases documenting a single MLB season, Diamond Icons celebrated legendary players from across baseball history. Legendary Hall of Famers featured this year included Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, and Roberto Clemente. Their glossy etched foil parallel autographs became instant favorites. Meanwhile Panini delivered 2022 Donruss Baseball, showcasing exciting prospect autographs of the new crop of rising stars.

Summer saw two highly anticipated special sets. In June, Topps released 2022 Topps Archives Snapshots. Paying homage to iconic 1961 and 1981 Topps designs, this set featured today’s stars in fantastically replicated vintage style cards. Parallels like foil and autographs escalated demand. Meanwhile, in July, Panini produced 2022 Gold Label, packed with stunning 1/1 artist rendition, booklet, and patch autographs of all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Both sets thrilled collectors with their ultra-premium offerings.

Topps closed out the yearly baseball card cycle in August and September with the final two flagship series, 2022 Topps Series 3 followed by 2022 Topps Update. In addition to continuing coverage of the still-ongoing 2022 MLB season, both sets contained numerous short prints, spx parallels, and highly sought autographs to keep the hunt engaging until the end. With 2022 Topps Chrome releasing ahead of the holidays, collectors now looked ahead to the 2023 season and all the new sets and stars it may bring.

Through beautifully designed cards, stirring stories, and collecting thrill of the chase, 2022 baseball cards once again drove passion for America’s pastime. Whether chasing base rookie cards of the game’s next superstars or acquiring 1/1 treasures from its legends, collectors of all ages found joy and community celebrating baseball through the colorful cardboard sheets that have chronicled the sport for generations. 2023 is sure to bring still more excitement as this great American tradition marches ever onward.

MOST VALUABLE 2022 TOPPS SERIES 2 BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps Series 2 is one of the most anticipated baseball card releases each year as it offers fans the chance to find rookies and stars from the current season. The 2022 Topps Series 2 cards saw strong buyer interest with several rookies establishing themselves as key pieces for contending teams. While most packs and boxes of Series 2 won’t yield major profits, savvy collectors who get lucky or spend big in breaks and on the resale market can find gems worth far more than the cost of a hobby box. Here are some of the most valuable rookie and star cards expected to emerge from the 2022 Topps Series 2 set in the coming years.

Juan Soto – At just 23 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the sport’s true superstars and face of the game talents. As the best young hitter in baseball, Soto isalways in high demand from collectors. His base rookies in Series 1 are steadily climbing towards the $100 mark and his refractors and parallels command upwards of $500-1000 raw already. The Soto rookie refractor parallel from Series 2 /499 seems poised to ultimately rival or surpass the 2018 Bowman Chromeicolor refractor which recently sold for over $3000 in PSA 10 condition. Even the Soto base card from Series 2 has immediate value and staying power.

Madison Bumgarner – Bumgarner is no longer in his prime with the Giants but the 2014 World Series MVP still collects a strong fanbase. His rare retro styled ’90s design sketch variation parallel from Series 2 /70 is remarkably low in pop reports and still remains ungraded examples. Given the scarcity and Bumgarner’s legendary postseason resume, this parallel sketch variation could easily bring $1000+ graded and may prove to be the most coveted Bumgarner card uncovered from retail in years.

Rookies: Bobby Witt Jr – The #2 overall pick from 2019 lived up to the hype in his rookie campaign with the Royals. Witt showed five-tool star potential while immediately making an impact for a surprise playoff team. His base rookie from Series 2 is a hot commodity, already pushing $50 raw and certain to reach $100+ in the grades 9s and 10s once supply dries up. Witt’s prizm and optic rookies from 2021 are already $200-300, so this Topps flagship rookie could easily follow suit long term.

Adley Rutschman – After dominating the minors, Rutschman debuted with the Orioles in late May and quickly established himself as the future franchise cornerstone catcher. His base Series 2 rookie is primed to be one of the biggest Baltimore rookie cards in many years. Raw copies fetch $20-30 already and PSA 10s may reach $100+ in just a year or two as Rutschman’s star continues rising. The Rutschman rookie paper from this set could have similar long term gains to legendary flagsip RC’s like Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones and Vladimir Guerrero.

Spencer Strider – The Braves’ flamethrowing rookie got better as the season progressed and looks like a future ace. Strider rookie cards from Series 1 still linger around $15-20 raw thanks to his breakout campaign. His Series 2 rookie seems poised to eventually surpass even that as he establishes himself atop Atlanta’s rotation for years. PSA 10 examples could reach $50+ within a couple seasons.

Julio Rodriguez – Despite missing time due to injury, J-Rod electrified Seattle with his combination of five tools and joie de vivre. As one of the game’s most exciting rookies this season, his flagship Series 2 rookie has great inherent buzz. This card could easily follow the upwards trajectories of fellow Mariners star rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Ichiro over the long haul. Pristine PSA 10s should eventually be $100-200 cards.

Oneil Cruz – The hulking Pirates shortstop tantalized with prodigious raw power. Cruz’s prospect pedigree and huge upside could make this a key Pittsburgh rookie card in coming years. Though he struggled at times in his initial MLB audition, keep an eye on this likely breakout candidate. PSA 10s of his Series 2 base RC could reach $50-75 within 2-3 years.

Nate Pearson – Once a blue chip prospect, Pearson battled injuries that stunted his development with the Blue Jays. When healthy he still showed the electric stuff that made him a top prospect. This Series 2 rookie could regain value if he puts it together at the MLB level. Even just as a future speculative purchase, PSA 10s could be $25-40 cards down the line.

Established Stars: Ronald Acuña Jr. – Coming off a torn ACL, Acuña dominated in his return for 2nd half MVP caliber numbers as the Braves repeated. Any Acuña cards from his injury return season could gain future nostalgia value. His low-printed parallel cards here especially, like the /50 Printing Plates, seem primed to reach $1000+ PSA 10s long term.

Sandy Alcantara – A Cy Young contender all season long, Alcantara emerged as Miami’s undisputed ace at just 26 years old. His refractors and color parallels from Series 2 have a chance to retrospectively gain esteem as documentation of a breakout year that put him on the elite pitcher map. Look for PSA 10 parallels to reach $100-500 in the years ahead.

Devers/Bogaerts – As the Red Sox’ current core, short prints, refractors, and parallels of Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers will hold Boston collection value for years to come. Their low-numbered parallels here like the /50 or /25 could reach $200-500 PSA 10s each long term.

Trea Turner – A perennial MVP candidate and October star with the Dodgers now, Turner’s high-gloss refractors and color parallels from this set stand to gain steady esteem encapsulating a transition year into LA’s lineup. PSA 10 examples could reach $100-300 in several years.

While most 2022 Topps Series 2 packs won’t yield future fortunes, savvy collectors who strategically purchase or pull the precise rookies, stars and short prints discussed above stand to realize six-figure returns in many cases a decade or more down the line as these young talents’ careers blossom or classic parallels gain retrospectively in a vintage context. Patience will be rewarded for buyers securing pristine copies of the top cards before mainstream awareness sends their prices skyward.