Tag Archives: 2022

2022 TOPPS FIRE BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps Fire is one of the most exciting insert sets released each year by Topps as part of their flagship baseball card collection. The 2022 Topps Fire cards continue this tradition by showcasing some of the biggest names in the game with dazzling graphics and special parallels.

Topps Fire inserts have become a highly anticipated part of the annual baseball card season. The inserts spotlight standout players and feature stunning foil effects, textures, and designs that make the cards really pop. Topps first introduced Fire cards in 2015 and they have grown in popularity each year since among both collectors and fans.

The 2022 Topps Fire base set includes 99 cards spanning all 30 MLB teams. Some of the top stars featured include Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Gerrit Cole. Rosters for the Fire set are finalized early in the season so it highlights who the game’s elite performers were from the previous year.

In addition to standard base cards, Topps also produces several parallel and autographed variations of Fire cards that are highly sought after. Among the parallels available for 2022 Topps Fire are:

Gold Foil (#/2022)
Silver Foil (#/99)
Rainbow Foil (#/25)
Green Foil (#/5)
Blue Foil (1/1)

These parallels feature different color foil treatments on the fronts and serial numbering on the backs to denote rarity. The 1/1 Blue Foils are the crown jewels that can fetch thousands of dollars depending on the player. Topps also inserts autographs and memorabilia cards of the game’s biggest names.

One of the most exciting new additions to the 2022 Topps Fire set are the Superfractor parallels. These 1/1 cards take the already intense foil effects up a notch with a translucent layer added. Some of the early Superfractor pulls so far this year include Wander Franco, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto. These are sure to become some of the most valuable modern baseball cards ever produced.

The designs on Topps Fire cards are what really make them stand out. Complex foil patterns and textures adorn dramatic action shots of players. Reds, oranges and yellows dominate the color palette, living up to the “Fire” name. Embossing, lettering and even tiny embedded holographic pieces add extra depth and dimension. The results are cards that simply pop unlike anything else on the market.

Secondary markets for Topps Fire cards are extremely active. Individual base cards can sell for $50-$100 depending on the player, with the biggest names fetching over $200 each. The parallels and memorabilia cards command prices into the thousands. Within just a few years, some early Topps Fire cards from players like Kris Bryant, Cody Bellinger and Juan Soto have appreciated well over $1,000 based on their performance and future potential Hall of Fame cases.

As one of the premier modern baseball card sets, Topps Fire is a must-have for any collector looking to get in early on cards from today’s brightest stars before they potentially explode in value long term. The intense designs and limited parallels also make them a favorite among those who enjoy high-end cards as works of art. With another strong rookie class and exciting veterans featured, 2022 Topps Fire looks to further cement its status as one of the most coveted annual insert sets in the hobby.

TOPPS 2022 CHRISTMAS BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps is famous for releasing special themed baseball card sets each holiday season, and their 2022 Christmas cards certainly did not disappoint fans. The 80-card base set featured original artwork designs evoking the Christmas theme on each player card. In addition, Topps inserted several short print and autographed parallel cards to make the set more chase-worthy for collectors.

Some of the most notable aspects of the design included snowflakes, Christmas trees, holiday colors of red and green, winter scenes in the background, and players posed holding presents or decorations. Topps’ artists did a fantastic job capturing the spirit of the season through their creative card designs. For example, superstar Shohei Ohtani’s card showed him carefully placing an angel on top of a Christmas tree. Star rookie Julio Rodriguez was depicted stringing lights around his home.

Parallels and insert cards in the set included Gold /50, Silver /25, Rainbow Foil /10, Clear /5, and 1/1 Red Crack Ice autos. The short prints such as Green Snowflakes /99 and Orange Ornaments /75 introduced more scarcity. Topps also packed spectacular 1/1 Printing Plates and Memorabilia Cards featuring pieces of a player’s jersey. Without a doubt, these highly limited parallel versions added immense excitement for collectors chasing hits.

Two of the most coveted cards in the set had to be the autographs of superstars Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. Trout’s autograph clearly remains the crown jewel for any Angles PC, while Pujols’ proximity to retirement made his Christmas auto that much more desirable. Both cards instantly became valuable gems for any collector’s collection upon release.

From a character design perspective, many praised Topps’ artists for integrating each player’s personality into their cards. For example, Fan Favorite Anthony Rizzo was depicted cheerfully chomping on a candy cane. The Bash Brothers Luke Voit and Giancarlo Stanton posed playfully smashing gingerbread men with their bats. Rising star Ronald Acuña Jr. had a joyous, smiley vibe fitting his charismatic style of play.

Another unique insert set was the 12 Days of Baseball Christmas, featuring a puzzle piece image across multiple cards that came together to form a festive winter baseball scene when collected in order. This creative set-within-a-set gave collectors an advent calendar-like experience. The puzzle aspect was a welcomed change of pace compared to most cookie-cutter inserts.

In terms of demographics, the 2022 Christmas release seemed aimed squarely at adult collectors rather than kids. Though certainly not depicting overly mature content, the set’s shorter print runs, serial-numbered parallels, and autograph checklist pointed to an audience interested in chasing scarcity rather than just enjoying artwork. This was a logical targeting choice by Topps, as their core collector base has aged along with the hobby itself in recent decades.

Reviews of the 2022 Topps Christmas baseball cards were tremendously positive on social media. While expensive to complete for most, collectors appreciated Topps’ commitment to capturing the holiday spirit through creative designs and appealing parallel products. There was also nostalgia in the set’s limited release echoing classic 1950s & 60s Kraft Foods and Bazooka bubble gum sets of Christmas past. Though secondary market prices cooled as the calendar flipped to 2023, the vivid seasonal designs have undoubtedly sparked new traditions and memories for years to come. Looking ahead, anticipation is high for what Topps may have in store to spread Christmas cheer among baseball card collectors again this upcoming holiday season.

TOPPS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2022 Topps baseball card set was released in February 2022 and contained several highly sought after rookie cards that have started to gain significant value only a few months after release. The 2022 Topps set continues Topps long tradition of producing the flagship baseball card product each year but also saw some notable changes to its design that have polarized collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2022 Topps set that are already showing strong value growth.

One of the most anticipated rookie cards in the 2022 Topps set was Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, who was the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft. Rutschman had a strong rookie season in 2022 that further fueled collector enthusiasm for his rookie cards. The standard Topps Rutschman rookie currently sells for around $30-40 raw but top graded gems in PSA 10 can fetch over $300 due to his breakout rookie season and star potential. Parallel and autographed Rutschman rookies have seen even stronger appreciation, with refractor, blue paper /99, and autographed versions regularly bringing over $100 already. As Rutschman continues his development, these rookie cards are expected to keep climbing in value as he establishes himself as one of baseball’s top young talents.

Another sought after rookie in the 2022 Topps set was Detroit Tigers flamethrower Spencer Torkelson, who was taken 1st overall in the 2020 MLB draft. Like Rutschman, Torkelson showed promise in his rookie season that has further excited collectors. His standard Topps rookie trades hands for $15-25 but higher end PSA 10 examples have sold for over $150. Rare parallels like the /299 red refractor and autographed rookie cards have jumped up to $300-400 range already based on early returns on Torkelson. With huge power potential as a first baseman/DH, Torkelson seems poised for stardom which bodes well for these valuable rookie cards to keep appreciating over the long run.

Seattle Mariners hard throwing rookie George Kirby also debuted an exciting rookie card in the 2022 Topps set. Kirby made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed electric stuff in his first season, with a standard rookie selling in the $10-15 raw range currently. Top graded PSA 10 examples have cracked $100 already though due to his standout stats and huge upside as a future ace. Short printed parallels like the green /399 and red /299 refractors have also gained value quickly, settling in the $50-75 price range right now. As Kirby continues to develop his command and cement his role atop the Mariners rotation, these rookie cards can be expected to ride his success upwards.

Another relative newcomer whose 2022 Topps rookie has found strong early demand is Boston Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story. Story signed a big free agent deal with Boston in 2022 but initially struggled to adapt, before finding his stride in the second half in his new environment. His standard Topps Story rookie trades between $15-25 right now. Higher end PSA 10 examples though have cracked $100 fairly easily due to his proven track record prior to 2022 and expectations he can bounce back to All-Star caliber play going forward. Short print refractors and parallels could emerge as true gems if Story does return to superstar form over the next few seasons in Boston.

In addition to breakthrough rookie talent, the 2022 Topps set also featured several highly sought after veterans with milestone accomplishments reached. For example, San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. eclipsed the 100 home run milestone in 2022 at just 24 years old, leading to his /100 home run parallel from Topps gaining steam. These rare Tatis /HR cards have jumped up to $300-$500 already due to his huge star power and potential to keep piling up milestones as one of the game’s brightest young stars. Additionally, Albert Pujols cracked 700 career home runs in 2022 with the Cardinals, elevating his similarly rare /700 HR parallel in Topps to $1000+ valued status already. Cards featuring pivotal milestones reached are often prized by collectors and these two parallel standouts from 2022 Topps exemplify how stats can boost card values.

Another area seeing strong early returns for the 2022 Topps set revolves around popular parallels and inserts. For example, the super short print Topps Chrome refractors featuring top stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. or Juan Soto have cracked $200+ in PSA 10 condition based on their rarity level being 1 per case. The even more elusive Topps Chrome Autograph Refractors have jumped up to the $500-$800 range for stars as demand sets in. On the insert side, cards like Topps ’86 design parallels or Ledger insert cards have started above $50 for stars due to their novelty designs and low print runs. Parallel and insert cards can emerge as long term value plays within an entire set release as collectors seek out variety.

While the big names and star rookies tend to dominate initial value traction, savvy collectors also look to unearthed values further down Topps 2022 set lists. For example, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene had a standout 2022 and his standard rookie has started to increase beyond initial $5 value to the $15-20 range now after his impressive debut. Additionally, Atlanta Braves breakout star Michael Harris II saw his standard rookie increase 5x from initial values as he emerged with elite defense and hitting in center. Finding affordable emerging talents before they break out can lead to outsized returns.

While still relatively new, the 2022 Topps baseball card set release is already showing several rookies, stars, and parallels gaining meaningful value within just a few short months. Savvy collectors recognize monumental player achievements, breakouts, and short print parallel rarities will retain premiums in the long run. The next generation of baseball legends are beginning to introduce their definitive rookie cards within the 2022 Topps release that will certainly gain increased importance as their careers progress. This flagship set looks poised to produce several gems for future enjoyment, nostalgia, and investment potential.

ANGELS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The 2022 season marked another year of high expectations but disappointing results for the Los Angeles Angels. While the franchise boasts superstar players like Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, consistent playoff success has eluded them. Still, collectors remained excited about the Angels release for the 2022 season.

Topps, the longest running baseball card manufacturer, released a standard 312 card base set as their flagship Angels product. As with every team, the base cards featured all players on the 40-man roster at the start of spring training. Some of the more notable rookie and prospect cards included catcher Logan O’Hoppe, first baseman Matt Thaiss, and pitchers Janson Junk and Reid Detmers. The designs were clean with solid photography, though lacked some of the flashier aesthetics seen in other Topps sets that year.

Parallel and short print cards added chase factors for collectors. The popular “Rainbow Foil” parallels inserted color-tinted foil patterns on certain cards. Numbers were low, making these parallels quite scarce. Short prints featured select players with reduced print runs to increase rarity. Trout, as always, headlined the short prints as one of the most sought after cards in any Angels release.

Topps Chrome took the standard design and added their trademark “chrome” refractor technology to player photos. The refractors had intricate color-shifting effects that popped under light. The Chrome set included the base roster along with several parallel variations like Gold, Black, and Orange refractor versions of stars. The Chrome products are often collector favorites due to the enhanced photography compared to the standard issue.

Panini took a different approach with their Angels offerings in 2022. Their main release was the “Prizm” set, featuring creative designs with colorful graphics and player photos featuring prismatic color-shifting effects. The base set totaled only 198 cards but included all notable players. Short prints and parallels like “Rainbow Foil” and “Green Prizm” pumped up the chase. However, Panini products tend to be more expensive secondary market due to lower initial print runs.

Bowman is the brand that caters most directly to prospect collectors. Their 2022 Angels release focused heavily on minor leaguers and recent draftees. Top prospects like catcher Logan O’Hoppe and outfielder D’Shawn Knowles headlined the set. Parallels like “Chrome”, “Rainbow Foil”, and “Blue Paper” added to the product mix. While Bowman sets lack current MLB stars, they provide a fun way to collect future Angels before they reach the show.

Several insert sets rounded out the Angels card offerings. Topps Archives paid tribute to classic Angels designs of the past. Topps Heritage featured retro-style photos in a nod to the earliest card years. Topps Holiday Snow provided a wintery photo twist. And Topps Update and Topps Transcendent updated rosters and included short prints through the season.

While the Angels struggled on the field again in 2022, collectors remained engaged with the franchise through baseball cards. With stars like Trout and Ohtani still in the fold alongside an exciting farm system, interest in Angels cards should stay high going forward. Even in down seasons, the cards preserve the optimism of spring each year and allow fans to collect their favorite players outside of wins and losses. As long as the Angels field competitive teams, their baseball cards will continue to be a popular collecting category.

2022 TOPPS FIRE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Topps Fire is one of the premium baseball card inserts released each year by Topps as part of their flagship baseball card set. The 2022 Topps Fire insert set features some of the biggest stars and top rookies from the 2021 MLB season. While not as coveted as some other premium inserts like Topps Chrome, Topps Fire cards still hold value due to their limited print runs and flashy foil treatments. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Topps Fire set and analyze the potential value of some of the key cards over time.

The 2022 Topps Fire set contains a total of 50 base cards that feature current MLB players. The checklist includes stars like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Each base card has a red border and features a dynamic action photo of the player with fiery foil textures and colors throughout the design. The images truly pop due to the foil treatments, giving the cards a very premium and flashy look in-hand.

In addition to the 50 base cards, the 2022 Topps Fire set also includes several parallels and short print variations that add to the chase and collector interest. There are Gold Foil parallels (/50), Rainbow Foil parallels (/25), and Superfractor parallels (/5) that provide different levels of rarity. The set also contains several short printed parallels like Green (/15), Orange (/10), and Blue (/5) that are harder to pull than the base versions. Top rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez also received short printed rookie cards at lower print runs.

As a premium insert set with limited print runs, the values of 2022 Topps Fire cards are expected to rise steadily over time as the players perform and their careers progress. Here’s a look at some key cards from the set and their potential long term values:

Shohei Ohtani Base Card – As one of the biggest stars in baseball, Ohtani’s base card is a centerpiece of the set. In the short term, it holds a value of $30-40 raw but could reach $100-150 graded Gem Mint 10 within 5 years if he keeps up his dominance.

Juan Soto Base Card – Another mega star at just 23 years old, Soto is a lock for big things. His base card sells for $25-35 now but has potential to reach $75-100 in a few years.

Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card – The #2 pick from 2019 had a stellar debut and is one of the most exciting rookies. His short print blue parallel could be worth $150-200 now and over $500 graded in 5 years.

Julio Rodriguez Rookie Card – The emerging Mariners star had a great rookie campaign and his orange parallel holds a $125-150 current value with potential for a $300-500 long term price.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Superfractor – One of just 5 copies in existence, this is the true holy grail. Estimated at $3,000-5,000 now but could fetch over $10,000 down the road.

As long as the players featured continue having success, 2022 Topps Fire cards should hold and gain value long term as the set becomes more scarce on the secondary market over time. The premium parallels and short prints of stars and top rookies will be the keys to higher end valuations. While not as widely collected as Topps Chrome, Topps Fire remains one of the most flashy and coveted modern baseball card inserts available each year.

BASEBALL CARDS THAT ARE WORTH MONEY 2022

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over a century. While most cards in collections have nominal value, there are certain rare and coveted baseball cards that can be worth significant money. Whether it’s a vintage card of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle rookie, or modern star rookie card, the right baseball card held in the right condition could fetch thousands or even hundreds of thousands at auction.

In 2022, the baseball card market remains strong. Interest in collecting and investing in the highest end cards has surged in recent years. Prices for iconic cards like the T206 Honus Wagner and 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie have reached astronomical levels. There are still plenty of affordable cards from years past and the modern era that can gain value over time as well. Here is a look at some baseball cards that are worth money in 2022 across different eras of the hobby.

Vintage Cards (Pre-1980)

The earliest and most sought-after baseball cards come from the tobacco era before modern packs were introduced in the 1950s. Cards inserted in cigarette packs from the 1880s-1910s are the pinnacle finds for collectors.

T206 Honus Wagner (1909): The most coveted and valuable card in the world, only 50-200 are known to exist. High grade examples have sold for over $6 million. Even low grade copies still fetch six figures.

T205 White Border set (1909-1911): Complete sets with high grade examples of stars like Mathewson and Lajoie can be worth $100,000+. Individual key cards sell for thousands.

E90/E92/E94 tobacco cards (1909-1911): Sets featuring early stars like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson and Cy Young can be worth $50,000+ complete in top condition.

1915 Cracker Jack cards: Stars like Joe Jackson, Eddie Collins and Smoky Joe Wood featured. A high grade Babe Ruth is worth $150,000. Full sets sell for $30,000+.

1933 Goudey cards: Mickey Cochrane and Jimmie Foxx rookies can reach $15,000 each. A Babe Ruth is worth over $100,000 in top shape.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie: In pristine “gem mint” condition, it’s worth over $2 million. Even lower graded copies still sell for six figures.

1956 Topps Ted Williams: Considered one of the rarest modern cards. An unopened run of 1956 Topps wax packs sold for $240,000.

Post-WWII and 1950s

The post-war era saw the rise of the modern baseball card format we know today with gum and candy included. These mid-century issues had smaller print runs and featured many future Hall of Famers as rookies.

1952 Topps rookie stars: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Whitey Ford among the most valuable at $50,000+ in top condition.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron rookie: A pristine example could reach $100,000. Most sell for $10,000-30,000.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie: $25,000+ for a gem mint copy.

1956 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie: $15,000+ for a near-mint card.

1957 Topps Willie McCovey rookie: $10,000+ for a pristine rookie.

1959 Topps Bob Gibson rookie: Considered one of the scarcest. $30,000+ for a perfect card.

1960 Topps Roberto Clemente: His only card while still with the Pirates. $5,000+ in top shape.

1961 Topps Roger Maris: From his 61 home run season. $3,000+ for a pristine card.

1960s-1970s Stars

Cards from the high-scoring 1960s and pitcher-dominated 1970s feature many stars still beloved today. Key rookie and star cards hold value.

1964 Topps/1965 Topps Sandy Koufax: $1,000+ each for near-mint examples.

1965 Topps/1966 Topps Roberto Clemente: $1,000+ each for pristine copies.

1968 Topps/1969 Topps Johnny Bench rookie: $3,000+ for a gem mint Bench rookie.

1970 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie: $1,500+ for a perfect rookie card.

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie: $2,000+ for a pristine rookie year card.

1972 Topps/1973 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie: $1,500+ for a near-mint Schmidt rookie.

1974 Topps/1975 Topps George Brett rookie: $1,000+ for a perfect rookie card.

1975 Topps/1976 Topps Fred Lynn rookie: $1,000+ for a pristine Lynn rookie.

1977 Topps Ozzie Smith rookie: $1,000+ for a near-mint rookie card.

1980s-1990s Stars

The junk wax era produced cards in staggering numbers but rookie stars still hold value years later. Graded gem mint 10 examples command the highest prices.

1984 Topps/1985 Topps Roger Clemens rookie: $1,000+ for a perfect rookie.

1987 Topps/1988 Topps Mark McGwire rookie: $1,000+ for a pristine rookie.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie: $1,500+ for a near-mint rookie.

1990 Topps/1991 Topps Frank Thomas rookie: $1,000+ for a perfect rookie card.

1992 Bowman Manny Ramirez rookie: $500+ for a gem mint rookie.

1993 SP Derek Jeter rookie: $1,000+ for a pristine rookie card.

1994 SP Chipper Jones rookie: $1,000+ for a near-mint rookie.

1995 SP Derek Jeter gold rookie: $2,000+ for a perfect gold parallel.

1996 Ultra Chipper Jones rookie: $1,000+ for a gem mint rookie.

2000s-Present Stars

Modern stars still early in their careers hold the most value potential long term. Graded rookie cards are key for appreciation.

2000 Bowman Chipper Jones jersey card: $1,500+ for a perfect swatch card.

2001 Bowman Albert Pujols rookie: $1,000+ for a gem mint rookie.

2003 Topps Miguel Cabrera rookie: $500+ for a near-mint rookie.

2004 Bowman Ryan Howard rookie: $500+ for a perfect rookie.

2007 Bowman Draft Kris Bryant auto: $1,000+ for a perfect auto rookie.

2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie: $1,500+ for a gem mint rookie.

2010 Topps Update Bryce Harper rookie: $1,000+ for a pristine rookie.

2012 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie auto: $3,000+ for a perfect auto card.

2013 Topps Update Juan Soto rookie auto: $1,500+ for a flawless rookie auto.

As you can see, there are plenty of baseball cards across different eras that can hold significant value in 2022, especially when high graded. While the most expensive cards are out of reach for most collectors, many affordable stars from the past 30-40 years can still be found with patience. With care and proper storage over time, today’s investments could become tomorrow’s treasures.

RARE BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Rare Baseball Cards 2022: Prized Collectibles on the Rise

The hobby of collecting vintage and modern baseball cards has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, fueled by the nostalgia of fans both young and old. As the collecting community continues to grow, certain rare and prized cards have attained astonishing new heights in their monetary value at auction. Whether they feature legendary players from baseball’s early days or modern stars, the rarest of the rare cards on the hobby’s target list fetch bids in the multi-millions.

Some of the priciest and most sought-after baseball cards hail from the earliest years of the sport in the late 19th century. The T206 Honus Wagner, widely considered the holy grail of cards, set a new record when a PSA Gem Mint 9 example sold for $6.6 million in August 2021. Issued between 1909 and 1911 as part of the iconic T206 set, the Wagner is one of the rarest cards ever produced with fewer than 60 verified copies known to exist. Its value is driven by the small print run and the fact that Honus Wagner, an early superstar, demanded his card be pulled from production.

Another incredibly rare pre-war gem is the 1909-11 T206 Ford Frick Mickey Clarke card, featuring a shortstop who played for one season in 1909. In excellent condition with strong centering, just a single PSA 8 graded copy is known publicly. It was purchased for $2.88 million by collector David Kohler in June 2022. From the same era, a PSA 5 graded example of the ultra-rare 1933 Goudey #177 Lou Gehrig Batter card achieved $1.347 million at auction in January 2022. Only a small handful are recorded across all grading services.

When it comes to post-war issues, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is easily one of the most coveted in the hobby. As the most visually appealing design of Mantle’s rookie card from that pioneering set, the PSA MT 8 copy that sold for $5.2 million in January 2021 set a new benchmark. An ultra-high grade PSA NM-MT 8.5 example then broke records by fetching $12.6 million in an August 2022 auction. Collectors are also chasing down pristine copies of the 1975 Topps Frank Robinson, which features the baseball legend dressed as the Expos mascot on the reverse. Just a single PSA 10 gem mint copy is publicly recorded.

Modern rookie cards can also gain immense value when the featured players go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The 1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors #57 Chipper Jones and 1999 Bowman Chrome #269 Derek Jeter rookies are prime examples. High grade copies routinely change hands for six figures, with a PSA 10 Jones claiming $236,500 at a January 2022 Goldin Auctions sale. The true blue chip of contemporary cards remains the 1957 Topps Jordan card, still the most expensive basketball or football card ever sold after achieving $10.1 million in a private sale in 2021.

For collectors pursuing the white whales of their wish lists, there are still untold treasures hidden away in attics, basements and storage lockers awaiting rediscovery. It’s the thrill of unearthing a long-lost gem in worn condition that fuels the hunt. With intense global media coverage of record-setting auction results for iconic pieces in pristine grades, demand and prices seem poised to grow exponentially for those rarest of the rare finds. Whether a pre-1900 tobacco era card or a late 20th century rookie issue, the financial elite and passionate enthusiasts are continuously pushing value ceilings higher and sparking mainstream interest along the way. As nostalgia remains a strong driving cultural force, the collectibles market shows no signs of slowing.

MOST EXPENSIVE 2022 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Prizm baseball trading card set was highly anticipated by collectors and saw cards rise to incredible prices shortly after release due to sky-high demand. Panini Prizm has become one of the premier modern sports card brands known for its flashy color “prizm” parallels and history of early hits of star rookies that go on to superstardom. Below we analyze the top 10 most expensive 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball cards as of January 2023 based on recent eBay sales and guide price data from Beckett, PSA, and BGS pop reports.

Coming in at the #10 most expensive spot is the Prizm Sapphire parallel of Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper numbered to just 10 copies. Harper is a former MVP and one of the biggest stars in the game continuing to dominate at the plate for the Phillies playoff runs. His Prizm Sapphire pulled an average sale price of just under $2,000 in mint condition. Low numbered parallels of established stars like Harper hold strong collectible value.

At #9 is one of the top rookie cards from the set, the Seattle Mariners sensational rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez. His standard Prizm base rookie fetched an average sale of $2,100. Rodriguez had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named an All-Star, win Rookie of the Year, and power the Mariners return to the playoffs. He has all the makings of a future MVP and his cards jumped tremendously after his stellar rookie campaign.

The #8 most expensive card might surprise some, but it’s another Mariners rookie in pitcher George Kirby. While not as hyped as some names, Kirby had a very solid first season and showed ace-like stuff on the mound. His mint Prizm rookie averaged around $2,200 after the season. As a future frontline starter, Kirby has the potential for much higher valuations down the line if he fulfills his potential.

At #7 is one of the true phenoms of the sport in Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Harris burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old and looked MLB ready from day one. His defense was Gold Glove caliber from the jump while showing plus power from the left side of the plate. Harris’ Prizm base rookie settled at an average of $2,350. With superstar ability, his prospects for increased value over time are immense barring any setbacks.

Moving into the top 6, we come to another Mariners Dominant force in Eugenio Suarez. Traded from Cincinnati midway through 2022, Suarez was a catalyst for Seattle’s playoff run with great defense at third base and 31 home runs at the plate. His Prizm Prizmatic parallel numbered to 99 copies averaged $2,400. For the low graded examples, some have exceeded $3,000. Suarez is under team control through 2025 and could remain a top Mariners asset.

At #5 is Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, considered the top prospect in all of baseball before finally getting his call to the majors in 2022. While he didn’t blow the doors off in his debut, Rutschman showed excellent plate discipline and abilities behind the dish. His standard Prizm rookie averaged $2,500 and PSA 10 examples breached $5,000 due to his immense potential and recognition as the future face of the Orioles franchise.

Breaking into the top four most expensive cards is Tampa Bay Rays phenomenal young shortstop Wander Franco. Already an All-Star at just 21-years-old, Franco is considered a true five-tool talents and cornerstone for Tampa’s future success. His base Prizm rookie sold for a $2,600 average. The sky is the limit for the still developing Franco who could eventually challenge for MVP awards given his all-around abilities.

Taking the #3 spot is one of the premier rookies and most hyped prospects in recent memory, the Los Angeles Dodgers phenom catcher/outfielder Mookie Betts’ little brother Mike Betts. Possessing similar talents and skills to his superstar sibling, Betts electrified in his MLB debut hitting .344 over 56 games for the Dodgers down the stretch. His brilliant play helped power LA to another division title. Betts’ standard Prizm rookie landed at an average of $2,700 due any potential for him to become a franchise pillar in Dodgertown for years to come.

At the #2 most valuable 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball card is none other than Houston Astros star shortstop Jeremy Pena. In just his first full season, Pena put together a remarkable 2022 winning AL Rookie of the Year and ALCS MVP honors while helping lead Houston back to the World Series. Along the way, he proved himself a future perennial All-Star with his slick defense and elevated October bat. Pena’s base Prizm rookie averaged an incredible $2,800 and could keep appreciating with more standout campaigns.

And finally, taking the top spot as the single most expensive card from the entire 2022 Prizm Baseball release is without question the rookie phenom that took MLB by storm – Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby. With his overpowering stuff and electric rookie season, Rodriguez stamped himself as a true superstar in the making from day one. His superb defense in center and elite tools showed he had what it takes to be a franchise cornerstone. Perhaps most impressively, Rodriguez smashed the rookie record for most total bases in a single season. All of this led to Rodriguez’s standard Prizm base rookie averaging a staggering $3,200 in PSA 10 condition, with some elite examples trading hands above the $5,000 range. At just 21-years-old, Rodriguez has GOAT potential and could eventually rival names like Mike Trout in value if he stays healthy and continues ascending to new heights.

The 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set showcased a number of rookies like Rodriguez, Betts, Pena, and Harris who all immediately made their mark on the league. Established talents like Harper and Suarez also held strong secondary market value. Prizm continues to be the sporting card release each year that discovers the next generation of stars and probably will remain the hottest modern baseball card brand. Now that the 2023 season is coming, will new talents arise to surpass this year’s rookie greats? Only time will tell, but demand for Prizm remains red hot across the industry.

PADRES BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The 2022 season marked a turning point for the San Diego Padres franchise. Led by superstars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Yu Darvish, the Padres emerged as contenders in the powerful National League West division. Their impressive and exciting roster drove huge demand for Padres cards from the 2022 season.

Topps, the leading sports card manufacturer, captured the Padres’ excitement and promise with its 2022 flagship baseball card release. Tatis Jr., still just 23 years old, graced the cover of Topps Series 1 in his crisp white home uniform. With his infectious smile and elite skills, Tatis had already established himself as one of baseball’s biggest stars – and his rookie cards from 2019 through 2021 were highly coveted. Tatis’ card value increased even more following his breakout 2021 season that saw him hit 42 home runs. Tatis’ cards in 2022 sets reflected his status as a true superstar and face of the Padres franchise.

Machado, still in his prime at 29, also saw strong demand for his 2022 Topps cards after another All-Star caliber season in 2021. His smooth left-handed swing and Gold Glove defense at third base made him a cornerstone of the Padres. Yu Darvish, at 35, remained a workhorse at the front of the Padres rotation in 2022. As one of baseball’s top pitchers, Darvish’s cards – including rare parallels and autographs – sold well on the secondary market.

Rookies like C.J. Abrams also generated buzz among Padres collectors. The speedy shortstop was one of baseball’s top prospects and made his MLB debut in 2022 after Tatis’ season-ending injury. Abrams’ rookie cards, including autographs and refractors, held strong value among investors hoping he’d develop into a core piece of the Padres for years to come.

Outside of the individual star players, collectors sought out 2022 Padres team sets at higher rates than years past. The Topps Museum Collection team cards featured beautiful artistic renditions of Machado, Tatis, Darvish, and others in posing in their brown and yellow uniforms. These rare parallel cards numbered to just 10 copies each saw intense bidding wars online.

The Padres’ deep playoff run only amplified collector interest in 2022 cards. After finishing with an exceptional 89-73 record, the Padres hosted a National League Wild Card series and travelled to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers in the NL Division Series. This marked their deepest postseason run since 1998. The debut of City Connect jerseys featuring vivid shades of lime green and also piqued collectors’ interest in finding rare parallels of these uniquely styled uniforms.

Bowman Chrome prospects like Robert Hassell III also gained traction as could-be-stars of the future. As the Padres aimed to bring their first World Series title to San Diego, collectors jumped at the chance to obtain rookie cards of players who may help fulfill that goal in years ahead. Upper Deck’s Finest set, with its intricate autograph and memorabilia cards, also gave collectors high-end options for modern Padres stars.

In summation, the 2022 season sparked a renewed collector fervor for Padres cards as the franchise turned a corner. Led by homegrown talents like Tatis, Machado, and emerging prospects, the Padres established themselves among MLB’s elite with an exciting brand of baseball. This momentum carried directly to the sports card hobby, with Padres cards in high demand across all levels from rookies to stars. As the team looks to repeat their success in 2023 and beyond, the collecting landscape around this revitalized franchise will surely continue to grow.

2022 CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Chronicles baseball card collection is poised to be another fan favorite from Topps after the huge success of Chronicles in 2021. With the addition of even more parallels and inserts in 2022, Topps Chronicles looks to set the standard for modern baseball card sets that combine nostalgia with new technology.

Topps Chronicles has grown into one of the most anticipated card releases each year due to the massive checklist of stars, parallels, relics, and autos included in each box. In 2022, Topps increased the base card checklist to a whopping 732 cards spanning both current players and retired legends. This massive checklist makes Chronicles one of the most complete sets for building team and player collections. With rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez included alongside all-time greats like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, there really is something for collectors of all eras in 2022 Chronicles.

In addition to the gigantic base card checklist, Chronicles also features one of the most extensive parallel lineups in the hobby today. Topps includes parallels spanning multiple color variations including the ever-popular pink and green refractors as well as silver pack parallels numberered to 25 or less copies. New for 2022, Topps introduced Silver Prizm Refractors and Silver Foil parallels that add even more levels of appeal and scarcity to the parallel chase. With 17 different parallel designs between the base cards and inserts, Topps Chronicles parallels provide something for every collector’s budget and taste.

While the base card and parallel selections provide excellent choices for set building, it’s the roster of inserts and hit cards that really drive the excitement for breaks and boxes of 2022 Chronicles. Topps loaded the checklist with coveted insert sets including In Action, Legendary Credentials, Timeless Teams, and more. These attractive photo and art insert sets provide chances at some of the top rookies and stars in the game today framed in unique on-card designs.

It’s the memoir cards, relics, autos, and numbered parallels inside 2022 Chronicles that cause the most fervor. With three different types of memoir cards featuring on-card writing from legendary players, collectors have a shot at obtaining true pieces of baseball history. Meanwhile, the staggering amount of memorabilia and autograph cards mean there is a decent odds of adding monster relics and autos to any collector’s PC. From dual and triple relic cards to 1/1 plate autos, 2022 Chronicles is loaded with hits.

Technologically, 2022 Chronicles also takes things to another level. For the first time, Topps included Atomic Refractors across the base checklist. These innovative new refractors contain reactive technology that causes the image to light up and shift when exposed to UV light. Additionally, Topps added Crypto Stamp variants that are redeemable for collectible NFTs, showing their commitment to embracing new trends.

With all of these top-notch components combined – an enormous checklist, vast parallels lineup, memorable inserts, monster relics and hits along with cutting edge technology – it’s easy to see why Topps Chronicles has become a collector favorite set. The 2022 edition looks poised to continue pushing the envelope for what a modern baseball card release can achieve. Loaded with stars, history, scarcity, and innovation, 2022 Topps Chronicles will surely create many new memories for the hobby in the year ahead.