Tag Archives: 2022

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS SHOULD I BUY IN 2022

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Whether you’re a long-time baseball card collector looking to find the next big stars, or a new collector just getting into the hobby, 2022 presents some excellent buying opportunities across both modern and vintage issues. With player performance and the overall baseball card market both very unpredictable right now, doing some research and targeting specific subsets can help maximize your chances of finding cards that hold or increase in value over time.

On the modern side, some of the top rookie cards to target in 2022 include Bobby Witt Jr. cards from Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome. Witt had a phenomenal rookie season with the Royals in 2022 and has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star. His cards have already begun appreciating in value and that trend should continue as he establishes himself in the majors. Another young star to watch is Julio Rodriguez of the Mariners. J-Rod took baseball by storm in the second half of 2022 and his Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie refractors from 2021 could pay off handsomely long-term as his career progresses.

Staying in the 2021 rookie class, cards of Shane Baz, Jarred Kelenic, and Bryson Stott are worth adding to your collection if the price is right. All three had disappointing rookie years but still have plenty of upside if they can put it together in 2023 and beyond. The 2016 Topps Update series introduced rookie cards of superstars like Carlos Correa, Corey Seager and Kyle Tucker that can still be found relatively cheaply and offer strong long-term potential.

In terms of veteran studs who continue producing at an elite level, you can’t go wrong owning cards from current and previous series of Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. While their base rookies are out of most collectors’ price ranges now, their recent inserts, parallels and autographs offer affordable exposure to sure-fire Hall of Famers in the prime of their careers.

Another strong area to focus on is prospects coming off breakout minor league seasons who could make an immediate MLB impact in 2023. One player who fits this bill is Gunnar Henderson, who had a monster .312/.450/.553 slash line between Double and Triple-A in 2022 before a September call up with the Orioles. His 2019 Bowman Chrome and 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome rookie refractor cards still sell relatively inexpensively and could multiply in value if he becomes a star as expected. Other high-ceiling prospects in this range like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Miller and Jackson Holliday offer nice upside for your collection.

Shifting to vintage, the post-war era from the 1950s through the late 1980s hosts several Hall of Famers whose early career RC’s, star rookies and commons have yet to fully appreciate. Players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Frank Robinson and Reggie Jackson were dominating on the field during formative times for the hobby and their classic Topps, Fleer and Donruss issues can still provide great returns. Even raw commons from the 1970s of George Brett, Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan offer opportunities for cost-effective investing in sure thing inductees.

The late 1980s also produced a star-studded rookie class headlined by Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds and Tom Glavine that has aged exceptionally well. Low-numbered Griffey and Bonds rookies remain truly iconic, but there are also bargains to be had in their common 1988 Donruss, Fleer and Score issues which are just hitting their stride value-wise. Younger collectors may also want to target stars of the 1990s like Chipper Jones, Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez for long-term potential.

By focusing on current elites continuing to produce, young stars still establishing themselves, top prospects on the cusp of stardom, and undervalued legends of baseball’s earliest decades, your 2022 baseball card purchases can build a collection with something for every interest with eye towards future appreciation. Doing thorough research on each player’s career arc and production, and studying recent sales data to understand fair pricing will help you identify the best modern and vintage buy opportunities to maximize returns from this ever-evolving hobby. With a strategic approach, your baseball card portfolio can grow significantly in value over the years.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 2022 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The Topps Heritage brand is renowned for producing cards that pay homage to iconic designs from the past. The 2022 Topps Heritage set is no exception, featuring retro designs from the late 1960s. As with any year, some cards from the set have proven to be much more valuable than others due to factors like the player featured, serial numbers, and other variables that affect collector demand. Here are some of the most valuable 2022 Topps Heritage baseball cards:

Sandy Koufax #250 – Often regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, any Koufax card is highly sought after. His Heritage design mimics his 1967 Topps card and there were only 75 copies of this parallel printed, making it extremely rare. Near-mint copies have sold for over $1,000.

Mickey Mantle #259 – Like Koufax, Mantle’s legendary status drives collector interest in any vintage-styled card featuring him. The design copies his 1967 appearance. With a print run of only 50 copies, mint condition versions of this rare parallel have sold for well over $2,000.

Roberto Clemente #278 – Clemente was beloved for his skill on the field and humanitarian work off it. The retro design draws from his 1967 Topps issue. Low serial number parallels of under 10 copies command four-figure sums. Mint quality examples have surpassed $3,000 in value.

Juan Marichal #329 – Along with fellow vintage stars Koufax and Drysdale, Marichal was one of the dominant pitchers of the 1960s. His styling replicates the 1967 Topps original. Authenticated, near-mint parallels numbered to just 25 copies have sold for over $5,000.

Willie Stargell #365 – ‘Pops’ led the Pittsburgh Pirates to World Series titles in 1971 and 1979. His retro design mirrors the 1967 Topps card. Serial number parallels of 5 copies or less have reached $6,000-$7,000 in auctions for top-graded copies.

Hank Aaron #374 – ‘Hammerin’ Hank’ broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record and was one of baseball’s first true superstars of the television era. Low-numbered rainbow foil parallels mimicking the design of his 1967 Topps issue have changed hands for $8,000- $10,000.

Nolan Ryan #387 – As one of the all-time great pitchers, Ryan consistently has some of the most sought-after cards from Heritage sets. His 1967-styled design was printed in edition sizes of only 1 or 2 copies for ultra-rare parallel versions graded gem mint. Two such specimens recently sold at public auction for over $15,000 each.

This concludes a detailed overview of some of the most valuable 2022 Topps Heritage baseball cards based on player pedigree, scarcity, and collectible factors like serial numbers and parallel variants. As with any vintage-themed card line, Topps Heritage offers the chance for key short-print and low-number items to achieve substantial value as they become more scarce over time. For avid collectors, it presents the opportunity to acquire historical recreations of some of the most iconic baseball cards of all-time.

WHAT 2022 BASEBALL CARDS SHOULD I BUY

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There are many exciting 2022 baseball card releases to consider adding to your collection. Top rookies, star veterans, and inserts with valuable autographs and memorabilia can all make worthwhile long-term investments or add thrill to your hobby. Let’s look at some of the best options to target across different price points.

At the high-end, one of the hottest rookie classes in decades makes several 2022 releases a must. Topps Baseball features prospects like Jeremy Peña, Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., CJ Abrams and Riley Greene on base rookie cards. Pulling a coveted autographed or memorabilia card of a future star could yield big returns down the road. Opt for Hobby Boxes, Jumbos, or High-Number cases for your best shot at one. Topps Chrome Update and Bowman Draft Jumbo have been selling out quickly due to the hype around this year’s prospects too.

Moving to a mid-range budget, Series 1 and 2 retail and hobby boxes offer a much lower per-pack price to try and build sets including base rookies of the top prospects. Donruss Baseball also has notable rookies to target in blasters, hangers and hobby boxes at an affordable price-point. For autograph or memorabilia cards, Donruss Optic and Sterling are hit or miss but can provide value. Heritage Minors box breaks spread the cost and make chasing rookie talent from the draft more fun and affordable too.

Stayingvalue-minded, collectors’ favorites like Topps Base, Update and Chrome along with Fan Favorites retail put together nicely at a bargain. Baseball card collectors appreciate the classic designs and modern rookies year after year that maintain resell value. For international stars, check out Topps Big League which puts talents like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. front and center affordably. Bowman Sterling Jumbos offer unique styling and hit rates on today’s and tomorrow’s breakouts without costing a fortune either.

Collectors seeking specific star veterans should investigate newly released products. Topps Chrome and Gold Label are top choices for chasing autographs or memorabilia of legends like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge. Archives Snapshots curates retro uniform photos and autographs of fan favorites across eras very affordably in blasters too. Allen & Ginter and Finest flaunt flashy parallels and inserts spotlighting today’s elite that drive secondary market demand higher.

Novice collectors can find enjoyment starting with value hanger and blaster boxes too. Target dollar store fare like Allen & Ginter or Topps Series 2 which offer fun base cards and often special parallels or short prints inside without huge risk. Shop opportunistically after series releases for hobby boxes going on sale as interest winds down short-term too. Consider your budget but don’t sleep on this year’s generational rookie class or chasing your favorite stars across different 2022 releases – there are plenty of cardboard treasures still waiting to be unearthed!

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING 2022

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The value of baseball cards fluctuates greatly based on the current popularity of the sport, economic conditions, and other factors. In 2022, baseball cards do still hold value for collectors but their worth depends a lot on specific characteristics of the individual cards.

While the baseball card market underwent a major boom period in the late 1980s and 1990s that saw skyrocketing prices, the market has cooled off significantly since then. Values took a big hit after the overproduction of cards in the 1990s glutted the market. In more recent years collectors have renewed their interest which has helped stabilize prices. The market remains more niche than it was at the peak but devoted collectors ensure there is still demand for the right cards.

Several key things determine whether a baseball card from any era holds financial worth today:

Player/Year – The most valuable cards feature star players, especially those from earlier eras before mass production. Cards featuring legendary players from the 1950s-1970s tend to generate the most collector interest and highest prices. Rarer rookie cards or cards featuring iconic players during their primes are especially sought after. More recent cards need to feature current superstars in the sport.

Condition – A card’s state of preservation, called its grade on a scale from Poor to Near Mint to Gem Mint, is extremely important to value. Heavily played cards in Poor condition may be worth just a few dollars while a card receiving the highest possible grade of Gem Mint 10 could increase the value exponentially. Even small flaws can downgrade a card’s worth.

Printing/Rarity – Cards that were issued in smaller print runs or featured scarce printing errors are rarer and thus more appealing to collectors looking to add hard-to-find pieces. Color variations, autographs, special serial numbers, and unique production quirks can also positively impact value. Modern inserts and parallels produced in ultra-limited quantities are highly sought after.

Licensing/Branding – Officially licensed MLB cards hold more appeal than unlicensed competitors. Premium branded sets like Topps, Bowman, and Upper Deck typically carry higher values than lesser known brands. Retail versus hobby releases may impact rarity too.

In 2022, baseball cards of legendary stars who played prior to the 1970s tend to hold their value best and continue appreciating over time based on their rarity, aging collecting fanbase, and nostalgia factor. Iconic cards like a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, 1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx, 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie, or 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie in pristine condition could sell at auction today for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Even more recent vintage cards of star players from the 1970s-90s have retained respectable collector value if maintained in top condition, like a 1974 Topps Hank Aaron, 1975 Topps Reggie Jackson, or 1988 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. These command prices in the low thousands currently and may slowly appreciate long term.

Modern cards face more volatility based on today’s performances and shorter-term trends. Highly coveted rookie cards of current superstars like a 2021 Topps Shohei Ohtani, 2018 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr., or 2016 Topps Update Juan Soto could sell in the $100+ range currently. Parallel and autograph versions exponentially increase from there.

Lower-tier stars may only garner $5-20 for modern base rookies depending on the player and product, with values declining fast for struggling players. Insert cards and shortprints tend to carry more stability since they are rarer collector’s items independent of on-field stats.

Whether a more common vintage card holds financial value in 2022 depends a lot on the specifics. A run-of-the-mill 1970s or 1980s card of a non-star player in average condition might only fetch $1-5 currently. But cards that feature promoted sets, special photography, rare manufacturing errors and other peculiarities that capture collector interest could sell surprisingly high despite the otherwise vanilla player featured. Context is everything in the baseball card market.

Grading and encapsulation in professional third-party holders like PSA or BGS adds tremendous perceived value to vintage cards by verifying condition. It shifts them from casual collector items to heightened status symbols sought after by serious investors. A raw mint card may sell for $50 while the same card receiving a perfect PSA 10 grade could command over $500 due to the scarcity at the top-tier level. This premium will likely endure long-term as the population reports of high-grade vintage cards dwindle over time.

In addition to vintage and modern sports cards, vintage team and league sets that showcase entire years, leagues or teams in high grades hold significant collector value as seasonal time capsules. The finer the condition of a complete 1950s/60s/70s team/league set in a risk-free holder, the more valuable it becomes as a coveted historical display piece. Top graded versions are true rarities that can sell at auction for thousands or even tens of thousands based on condition, historical significance and number of key rookie cards/stars included from that season.

While the overall baseball card market remains more niche compared to the peak speculative days, condition-sensitive vintage and modern cards of star players from most any era can still retain meaningful financial worth for collectors in 2022 if pedigreed and properly preserved long-term. For investments, iconic vintage cards and professionally graded vintage/modern star rookies tend to perform best. But specialty subsets, error cards and quirky vintage material in high condition often surprise to the upside as well with dedicated collectors. Patience and condition sensitivity are crucial for recouping the most collector value.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY IN 2022

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, 2022 offers collectors a wide range of interesting options to consider. With the popularity of the hobby continuing to surge, now is an excellent time to pursue cards from both the modern and vintage eras. Regardless of whether you’re a new or experienced collector, doing your research and properly assessing the card market will help you make smart purchases.

For modern cards, rookie cards remain a staple of any collection. In 2022, some of the most coveted rookies to pursue include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams and Riley Greene. All of these talented young players made their MLB debuts in 2021-2022 and have upside to become future stars. cards could gain considerable value as their careers progress. In particular, Rodriguez and Witt have stood out early and seem poised for stardom, making their rookie cards favorites.

Another area of the modern market gaining steam involves star performances in big games and playoffs. Cards that memorialize clutch hits, great defensive plays or impressive stats in high-leverage postseason moments take on greater significance. Examples here could include Austin Riley’s 2021 NLCS cards after propelling Atlanta to a title or Schwarber’s monster World Series with the Phillies. Context always matters in the hobby, so unique game-used or autograph parallels from meaningful performances hold cachet.

For investors looking for bargains on established players, now may be a good time to buy Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Masahiro Tanaka. As MLB becomes more international, these players’ cards could see renewed interest down the road. The same applies to rising Latin American talents like Juan Soto. His star has dimmed a bit after a down 2022 season, creating a buying opportunity before he inevitably bounces back to All-Star form.

When delving into the vintage realm, the best baseball cards to buy in 2022 revolve around iconic decades of the past. The 1952 Topps set remains a pillar of the hobby thanks to stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Whitey Ford. High-grade versions of their rookie cards in particular command top dollar. From the late ’50s and early ’60s, the highlight is chasing the elusive 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle in pristine condition.

The 1970s offer accessibility combined with powerhouse players. Investing in a Bicentennial set with quality Mike Schmidt, George Brett or Nolan Ryan rookies fits the bill. Condition sensitive 1981 Traded and 1981 Fleer Franco rookies also hold strong appeal. For the junk wax era, flagship 1987 Topps sets with Ken Griffey Jr.’s fabulous rookie in hand continue gaining long-term recognition. In the premium segment, rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 or 9 examples could become major score.

For collectors aiming to fill out complete vintage sets, 2022 may provide opportune timing. With the past two years slowing in-person conventions, the supply of elusive commons and short prints available on the secondary market has grown. Targeting affordable ’56 Topps, ’68 Topps or ’73 Topps wax packs online could yield unopened treasure troves. Sealed boxes from the 1980s like 1981 Donruss, 1982 Topps or 1984 Fleer also show slow and steady increases over time for patient holders.

Of course, condition is king when evaluating vintage cardboard. Working exclusively with a reputable sports dealer or auction house ensures proper grading authentication. PSA/BGS slabs offer crucial third-party verification in an era of widespread forgery attempts. Authenticating autographs also remains imperative. False signatures plague the marketplace, so thorough provenance research protects collectors.

In closing, 2022 shapes up as another exciting year for the dynamic baseball card industry. With such a wide spectrum of compelling modern and vintage investments to choose from, doing diligent comparisons across platforms will uncover the best values available. For new collectors, start small and focus on key rookies within budget. As experience grows, expand horizons towards premium vintage gems. Ultimately, selecting cards tied to beloved players and moments creates the most enjoyment for all enthusiasts in this booming yet nuanced hobby.

WHAT TOPPS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable rookies in the 2022 Topps baseball set is No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis. His base rookie card is selling for around $50-75 in near mint condition. Short printed and autographed versions of his rookie card can fetch much higher prices. His Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie has sold for over $500, while autographed cards are bringing in several hundred dollars. Davis is expected to be the Pirates’ starting catcher for years to come, so his rookie cards hold plenty of long-term upside.

Another top rookie to watch is Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera. His base rookie sells for $30-40 but more short printed parallels could gain value if he becomes a starter in St. Louis. Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe is also highly sought after given his status as the #3 overall pick. His paper base rookie sells for around $25 while refractors and autographs fetch $100+. With their early draft positions and time to develop, Davis, Herrera and Jobe appear poised for strong rookie card markets heading into the 2023 season.

Veteran stars signing big contracts tend to see card prices rise as well. For example, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had his $360 million contract renewed, driving up the prices of his 2022 Topps flagship base card to around $30-40 compared to only $5-10 earlier in the season. High-grade versions of his flagship card from this year could become quite valuable long-term. Similarly, Cardinals superstar Paul Goldschmidt inked a $130 million extension, giving collectors optimism around holding his 2022 Topps cards.

Rookies and stars aren’t the only ones worth investing in though. Short prints tend to gain value sharply over time due to their low print runs. For example, Topps Chrome Yellow parallels from 2022 have serial numbers under only 5 copies. Early comps show the Yellow parallels selling for $150-300 already. Other short prints like Gold ink, Pink ice and Aqua splashes command $50-100 readily. Rainbow foil inverted variations have sold for over $1,000 given their rarity. Autographs from base set cards in 2022 also carry premiums of 2-5x the non-auto parallels.

Topps Update Series and Topps Chrome are often seen as the flagship products to hold each year for the best rookie class photography, paper/plastic quality and design changes. Yet the original 2022 Topps base set also features rookie phenoms like Bobby Witt Jr, CJ Abrams, Spencer Strider and more – so complete high-grade sets also command strong long-term demand. Ultimately, the 2022 Topps issue houses many cards that appear primed to retain and outpace inflation over the coming decades, making several specs well worth the investment today. With player performance and career milestones steadily revealing the true elite, Topps 2022 looks franchised to produce many valuable collectibles.

HOW MANY TOPPS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS ARE THERE

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Topps is the dominant baseball card company and has been producing baseball cards since the early 1950s. For the 2022 season, Topps released several major baseball card products as well as many smaller insert sets totaling thousands of baseball cards. Here is a breakdown of the primary 2022 Topps baseball card releases and total number of cards for each:

Topps Series 1 – This is Topps’ flagship baseball card product released early in the season. The 2022 Topps Series 1 release included 396 base cards covering all 30 Major League teams as well as manager, rookie, and stars of the game parallel insert sets. In total, the 2022 Topps Series 1 release included over 700 cards.

Topps Series 2 – Continuing their standard baseball card releases throughout the season, Topps released Series 2 in June 2022. This second series included another 396 base cards as well as numerous inserts like Spangled Sensations (60 cards), Flashback Friday (30 cards), and Father’s Day cards (30 cards). The total card count for Topps Series 2 was over 800 cards.

Allen & Ginter – Topps also produces the high-end Allen & Ginter baseball card release each year which mixes baseball cards with other topics. The 2022 Allen & Ginter set included 138 baseball cards among its larger checklist of over 800 total cards covering various professions, sports, hobbies and more.

Topps Allen & Ginter X – As an offshoot of the standard Allen & Ginter set, Topps produced Allen & Ginter X which had a stronger baseball focus. This 2022 release included 198 total baseball cards.

Topps Chrome – Considered the premium flagship baseball card release, Topps Chrome was released in July/August 2022. The base set included 396 cards while numerous parallel inserts like Orange Refractors and Prismatic parallels added to the tally. Topps Chrome 2022 is estimated to have included over 1,000 total cards.

Topps Update Series – Released each fall, Topps Update Series is the third in their annual flagship set trilogy. The 2022 Topps Update Series included 396 base cards plus premium parallels and inserts, estimated at over 700 cards total.

Topps Heritage – Celebrating the vintage aesthetic of 1950s/60s baseball cards, Topps Heritage released in Spring/Summer 2022 with a 1956 design. The base set included 396 cards with additional parallel sets inflating the total card count to over 800.

Allen & Ginter Mini – As a smaller format offshoot of A&G, the 2022 Mini release contained approximately 150 total cards at a more affordable price point.

Topps Social Media Short Prints – Throughout 2022, Topps produced various hyper-short print runs of special insert cards for online contests/giveaways with print runs often under 10 cards each. While these social media exclusives greatly added collector demand and interest, the actual physical card counts were negligible versus the major releases.

When combing the primary releases, the total published Topps baseball card output for 2022 is estimated to be well over 8,000 individual scarred designs produced. This does not account for the possibility of additional unannounced short print chase cards or late season specialty products sometimes produced. Factors like autograph/relic parallel card variations as well as international player refractors available via the Hobby marketplace expand the effective collectible card count far higher. This massive output demonstrates why Topps remains the industry leader after 70+ years of producing baseball cards for fans and collectors. With deep sets, numerous insert sets and parallels, Topps dominated the 2022 baseball card season with their highest scope product portfolio yet.

WHAT 2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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When it comes to the 2022 Topps baseball cards that are worth money, there are several standout rookie cards and autograph cards to pay attention to. Topps baseball cards are always some of the top selling modern cards on the secondary market. With rookie phenoms like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. making their MLB debuts in 2022, their rookie cards are bound to increase in value significantly over time. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the 2022 Topps cards that have the potential to be worth good money down the road.

One of the top cards from the 2022 Topps Series 1 release is the Julio Rodriguez rookie card. Julio Rodriguez had a sensational rookie campaign for the Seattle Mariners and looks to be a future superstar. His base rookie card in Series 1 quickly rose above $100 and could easily climb into the $200-300 range or higher within a few years once he establishes himself as an elite player. Any autographed or memorabilia cards of Rodriguez’s rookie year would be worth even more substantial money long term. The Bobby Witt Jr. rookie card from Series 1 is also another card to hold onto, as he showed superstar potential in his first season with the Kansas City Royals. Expect his base rookie to increase to $100+ over the coming years as well.

Moving beyond those flagship rookie cards, let’s look at some other top 2022 Topps cards with significant long term upside. Autograph cards of young stars like Rodriguez, Witt, Adley Rutschman, and Jeremy Peña are cards that will only increase in value as those players succeed. The ’52 Topps style ‘Franchise Four’ parallel cards featuring Acuña Jr., Soto, Tatis Jr. and Vlad Jr. on the same card in /69 parallels are also quite desirable for high-end collectors. Autographed ‘rainbow foil’ parallel cards of stars in low serial numbers, especially /5 or lower, could fetch thousands down the road. Top prospect autographs like Elijah Green and Druw Jones also have potential for future gains depending on how their careers play out.

When it comes to vintage-style cards, the ‘Topps Gold Label’ parallel cards that emulate classic 1950s and 1960s designs have become highly sought after. Gold Label variants of stars in low print runs like /69 or less will hold significant collector demand. The ‘Sally League’ cards paying homage to the 1929 inaugural design featuring current MLB players could also gain collector interest as they become scarce over time. For team collectors, Complete Team Sets, Stadium Club Team Cards, and rare team-centric parallel cards are items to hold long term. And any rareFactory Set chase cards like Gold Background Variations have a history of increasing in resale price.

Of course, the flagships like Topps Chrome, Heritage, Opening Day and Topps Archives also feature many cards that can gain value. The hottest rookies and stars in low numbered parallels, 1/1 printing plates, or rare error cards from flagship sets are always tops on buyer want lists. Autograph cards from special parallels and high-end products like Topps Tribute are positioned very well for future appreciation as well. And of course, investment grade Mint Condition 10 Gem Gem Mint graded cards are likely see the highest rates of return compared to raw ungraded equivalents.

While it’s impossible to predict the next true superstars and exact cards that will explode in years to come, focusing on the highest quality versions of rookie cards for players like Rodriguez, Witt and others who show franchise talent is a wise strategy. Autograph cards of any future Hall of Famers are always a safer bet than base cards to hold long term. And collecting the most sought after parallel cards, short prints, and one-of-ones from Topps’ annual baseball releases is ideal for achieving the highest potential financial returns down the road. With patience and diligence cherry picking investments from the 2022 Topps releases, savvy collectors can hope to build a portfolio of cards ready to gain substantial value in the secondary market of the future.

HOW TO COLLECT BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Collecting baseball cards is a fun and engaging hobby that has been popular for decades. Whether you’re just starting out or have been collecting for years, here are some tips for how to successfully collect baseball cards in 2022.

To start, you’ll want to determine what types of cards you want to collect. Do you want to focus on current players, retired stars, rookie cards, special insert cards, entire teams or leagues? Narrowing down your interests will help guide you as you start building your collection. Things like players, teams, seasons and card sets are all factors to consider when deciding what to collect.

Once you’ve decided on a focus, you’ll need to source cards to add to your collection. There are several main avenues for finding cards in today’s market. Retail stores like Target, Walmart and local hobby shops may have some newer packs and boxes available on shelves. The primary sports card manufacturers like Topps, Panini and Upper Deck predominantly sell direct to consumer through exclusive online dealers now. Popular sites to check include eBay, Amazon Marketplace, Steel City Collectibles, DaCardWorld and COMC. Auction houses like Goldin Auctions and PWCC also routinely sell valuable vintage and modern single cards.

Browsing online marketplaces and dealer sites regularly is key, as new listings and supplies become available daily. Be sure to research recent sold prices on eBay to gauge fair value when considering purchases. Consider joining online trading/buying/selling groups on Facebook as well, as fellow collectors often list duplicates from their personal collections for sale. Attending local card shows and conventions can also yield finds, with vendors selling everything from low-end commons to high-end autos and relics.

In regards to building a baseball card collection budget, start modestly at first until you get a feel for average current card values. Set a monthly spending limit that makes the hobby enjoyable without breaking the bank. Focus on attaining affordable singles to fill pertinent needs, versus investing large sums chasing hits from breaks/breaks. Over time, your collection and knowledge will grow organically. Discretion is advised, especially with highly-coveted rookie cards of burgeoning stars.

When building a long-term collection, organization is paramount. Invest in multiple storage boxes, binders and toploaders to properly house your collection based on its size and direction. Organize cards alphabetically by player name within year/set for easy accessibility. Higher end valuables should be stored in acid-free holders at minimum. Maintain an inventory log either physically or digitally to track cards obtained and their estimated values for insurance purposes down the road. Proper storage protects long-term collecting investments.

Joining collector communities is another great way to stay informed, seek advice, network and potentially trade duplicates with others. Facebook groups, subreddits, collector forums and club memberships all provide insightful resources. Attending live industry shows and conventions allows connections with other passionate collectors and potentially discovering one-of-a-kind Grail cards. Develop relationships and follow industry experts/bloggers for the latest news, releases, insights and discussions too.

Always thoroughly inspect cards received, especially vintage, for potential issues that could impact grade/value like centering, corners, edges or surface flaws. Consider having valuable vintage submissions graded by a reputable third party authentication service like PSA, BGS or SGC. Graded slabs adds verification and universally understood condition assessment that aids resale potential down the road if a collector’s interests or needs change.

In total, collecting baseball cards takes passion, patience and proper guidance to build a fun and potentially lucrative long-term hobby. Prioritizing focus, budget, organization and education are keys to success no matter the year. With dedication, a growing collection can bring lifetime enjoyment while preserving nostalgia and investing in the future all at once.

WHAT IS THE BEST 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to the best baseball cards released in 2022, there are several top options to consider. With the return to normalcy after the pandemic-impacted 2020 and 2021 seasons, card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf were able to truly flex their creative muscles again this year. Whether you’re looking for the hottest rookies, all-time great veterans, parallel and short-print chase cards, or exciting hits from premium products, 2022 had something for every type of collector.

Let’s start with the obvious – rookie cards. Topps Baseball released several sought-after rookies in their 2022 flagship set, with pitchers Spencer Strider and Emerson Hancock among the most coveted. Both are now established major leaguers who made big impacts on their respective teams. Other notable rookies included in Topps included Braves’ star Michael Harris II and Mariners pitcher George Kirby. As for Panini Prizm, catcher Adley Rutschman of the Orioles was the clear cover boy and standout rookie after years of hype. Prizm also featured Seattle outfielder Julio Rodriguez, who went on to win AL Rookie of the Year. Leaf Metal Draft had highly-touted prospects like Druw Jones and Termarr Johnson in their classy refractors.

When it comes to veteran stars, Topps Dynasty captured many of the game’s modern all-time greats like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Shohei Ohtani in stylish on-card autographs. Many consider Topps Dynasty to be the best insert set from 2022. GQ and Leaf Metal also featured exquisite veteran autograph and memorabilia cards for legends like Ichiro Suzuki, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter. For parallel and short-prints, Topps Transcendent was one of the toughest and most unpredictable releases of the year with 1/1 parallels of current and legend stars. Bowman Chrome Draft Sapphire parallels below /10 were highly sought after for prospects.

Moving to premium products, Topps Finest Flux refractors brought true neon beauty to the design in multi-colored parallels. Bowman Sterling featured stunning refractors and patches of top prospects in super-low numbered parallels. GQ Signatures Tier One Autographs housed true 1/1 autographed beauties with on-card signed relics for stars like Juan Soto. Elite Extra Edition from Leaf had high-end hits like rare Ohtani triple jersey patches.

For fast break modern stars, Fanatics signed an exclusive deal with MLB, NBA, NFL and UEFA to make official physical and digital trading cards for the 2023 season and beyond. Their inaugural slate will focus on star athletes from these leagues. Collectors are excited to see how Fanatics updates the sports card experience with dynamic inserts, new digital features in the physical cards and more.

In summary, 2022 had an incredible variety of products from the top brands with something for every budget and interest. Ranging from affordable flagship parallels to ultra-exclusive one-of-one memorabilia cards, this year marked a true return to form for the hobby after the pandemic brought unprecedented growth and creativity from manufacturers. With exclusive new deals and the integration of technology, 2023 is shaping up to continue building excitement among the ever-growing community of baseball card collectors worldwide. No matter the year, this timeless collecting tradition remains one of the most engaging and nostalgia-fueled hobbies in sports.