Tag Archives: 2022

BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over a century. As we enter 2022, the baseball card industry remains as popular as ever, with new products, players, and trends emerging each season. Here is an in-depth look at the state of baseball cards this year.

The biggest names and rookies continue to drive interest in the hobby. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Juan Soto are highly sought after by collectors. Their rookie cards in particular sell for top dollar. Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome RC recently sold for over $900,000, showing just how valuable these young stars can be.

New rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. also generated buzz in their first MLB seasons in 2022. Witt’s cards were hot commodities right out of the gate. Any star performer or highly touted prospect is one that collectors watch, hoping to acquire their cards before they potentially break out.

Veteran stars still hold value as well. Living legends like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Albert Pujols can command high prices for vintage or rare cards from their early careers. Even aging stars like Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander retain collector interest. Their accomplishments help their legacy, maintaining demand.

In terms of brands, Topps remains the heavyweight as the exclusive MLB license holder. Competitors like Panini Donruss are challenging Topps with innovative products and attractive rookie cards of their own. Both companies released numerous high-end sets in 2022 that pushed the hobby to new heights.

Upper Deck also stayed active with baseball properties like Father’s Day and UFC-themed releases. Newer players like Fanatics entered the market and acquired Topps, bringing uncertainty but potential new opportunities going forward. Competition has elevated product quality and collector attention across the board.

Retail boxes and packs were harder to find on shelves through 2022, due to ongoing pandemic-related supply chain issues. This contributed to rising prices in the secondary market. Savvy collectors turned to group breaks, case breaks, and individual card purchasing to get their baseball fix.

The boom in digital cards like Topps NFTs also exploded. The Topps NFT platform generated big headlines and millions in sales. Whether physical or digital, the variety of collection options engaged both old and new collectors. Innovation will continue shaping the industry in coming years.

Graded cards and autographs saw some of the biggest price spikes. PSA/BGS Slabs became essential to preserve and authenticate valuable vintage and modern cards. Autograph relic cards pulled in huge dollars, especially for star rookies. As more collectors pursue high-end pieces, authentication and preservation add collectible layers.

Looking ahead, the 2023 rookie class headlined by players like Druw Jones and Jackson Holliday will excite the hobby. New products from Topps, Panini, and others will further engage collectors. And the integration of physical and digital collecting platforms may bring new collectors into the traditional card space. With high interest and involvement across demographics, baseball cards show no signs of slowing down.

While supply chain issues and competition impacted certain areas of the baseball card market in 2022, overall collector passion and engagement remained vibrant. Rising young stars, record-breaking vintage cards, innovative products, and evolving collection styles kept the hobby thriving. As long as baseball itself endures, its beloved cardboard companions will continue to be a driving force in the sports collecting world.

BASEBALL CARDS UPDATE 2022

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Baseball Card Industry Continues to Thrive in 2022

The collectible baseball card industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, fueled by renewed interest from both casual and serious collectors. As we enter 2022, the market shows no signs of slowing down. Several key trends have continued to drive interest and excitement around the hobby.

One of the biggest stories over the past couple years has been the rise in popularity of vintage cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Stars from that era like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Sammy Sosa are seeing their rookie cards demand huge prices at auction. In 2021, a near-mint condition 1989 Griffey Upper Deck rookie card sold for over $500,000, shattering records. Prices for vintage have skyrocketed as more collectors look to invest in proven commodities from the past.

At the same time, the modern game is producing new stars that are attracting collectors to present-day products. Players like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have seen their rookie cards become hot commodities. A mint Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor rookie just sold for over $350,000. With talented young stars driving interest in today’s game, their cards remain a strong segment of the market.

The rise of online selling and social media has also fueled unprecedented interest and accessibility when it comes to baseball cards. Websites like eBay allow anybody to buy, sell, and trade cards easily from home. Popular collectors like Logan Paul have used YouTube and Instagram to expose new audiences to the hobby. These platforms have brought in a whole new generation of collectors during the pandemic.

In response to surging demand, card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Bowman have greatly expanded production levels in recent years. Shortages of cardboard, ink and other raw materials due to pandemic-related supply chain issues have led to product allocations and limited print runs. The scarcity has kept excitement high and card values increasing. It has become harder than ever to get some of the most coveted modern rookie cards.

Another notable trend is the increasing crossover of baseball cards into other collecting hobbies like cryptocurrency and NFTs. In 2021, Topps released digital Garbage Pail Kids cards as NFTs and saw huge interest and sales. Bowman also issued Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. autograph NFTs that each sold for over $100,000. More traditional card companies are embracing these new digital collecting platforms.

Looking ahead to 2022, all signs point to another big year of growth for the baseball card market. Vintage stars from the late 80s and 90s will remain a huge driver as prices continue rising. Young stars like Acuña, Soto and Guerrero will see strong ongoing demand for their modern cards as well. Limited print runs and product allocations are likely to persist due to ongoing supply chain problems. And crossover into cryptocurrency and NFTs will further expose new audiences to the allure of baseball memorabilia collecting.

After exploding in popularity in recent years, the baseball card industry shows no signs of slowing down. Both casual fans and serious investors are pouring money into vintage cardboard and chasing the next big stars. Shortages are keeping excitement high. New digital platforms like NFTs are opening up baseball cards to an even wider collector base. As more people get involved in this classic American hobby, 2022 promises to be another huge year of growth, investment and enthusiasm for baseball cards. Whether collecting for fun or profit, this historic pastime remains as strong as ever heading into the new year.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY 2022

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With the 2022 baseball season well underway, many collectors are looking to add to their collections or start investing in baseball cards. While there are countless options available, focusing on the right cards can yield great returns both financially and for enjoyment. This article will explore some of the best baseball cards to consider buying in 2022 based on player performance, rookie status, parallels and more.

Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm RC /99): Arguably the most exciting player in baseball today, Shohei Ohtani had a record-breaking 2021 season as a two-way star pitcher and hitter for the Angels. His rookie cards skyrocketed in value as a result and remain some of the hottest commodities on the modern baseball card market. The 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm rookie card, numbered to just 99 copies, is extremely scarce and holds tremendous long-term upside as Ohtani’s career progresses. Expect his rookie cards, especially rare parallels, to continue gaining value in 2022 and beyond.

Juan Soto (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299): Still just 23 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best young hitters as a cornerstone of the Nationals. His 2018 rookie cards were hot commodities out of the gate and some, like the ultra-short printed Bowman Chrome Auto, have exploded in value since. With a bright future ahead of him and rarity on his side, Soto’s rookie autos remain a can’t-miss acquisition, even at today’s lofty prices.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /299): Similar to Soto, Ronald Acuña burst onto the scene as an electrifying rookie and his cards followed suit. While recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, Acuña is still just 24 and will likely have many elite seasons ahead. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto RC parallels remain some of the most coveted modern rookie cards and their value shows no signs of slowing down.

Wander Franco (2021 Topps Chrome RC /99): Widely considered the top prospect in baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games as a 21-year-old rookie for the Rays in 2021. His cards skyrocketed and will likely continue gaining in value as he establishes himself as a perennial All-Star. The ultra-short printed Topps Chrome Refractor RC is nearly impossible to find and holds tremendous upside.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /99): While his production dipped a bit in 2022, Vlad Jr. is still just 23 and has all the tools to be a superstar for years to come as the Blue Jays’ franchise cornerstone. His rookie cards, especially the scarce Bowman Chrome Auto RC, remain solid long-term investments given his pedigree and youth. Don’t be surprised to see his cards surge again if he has a big 2023 season.

Mike Trout (2009 Bowman Chrome Draft RC /99): Widely considered the best all-around player of his generation, Mike Trout is still in his prime at age 30 for the Angels. His 2009 rookie cards were hotly sought after even before he reached the majors and remain some of the most valuable modern baseball cards. The ultra-rare Bowman Chrome RC parallel is one of the true holy grails for collectors but carries immense long-term value as Trout marches towards the Hall of Fame.

Jacob deGrom (2010 Bowman Chrome RC): When healthy, Jacob deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in baseball today. His 2010 rookie cards flew under the radar for years but have surged along with his dominance on the mound. The standard Bowman Chrome RC remains obtainable for most collectors and holds great long-term value as deGrom continues racking up Cy Young awards and chasing 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts.

Aaron Judge (2016 Topps Chrome RC): As the face of the Yankees franchise, Aaron Judge broke out as a true superstar in 2017 and has established himself as one of the game’s best power hitters. His rookie cards were hot commodities right away and remain so today. The flagship Topps Chrome RC is iconic and recognizable to any collector or fan. As Judge enters his prime, these cards hold great long-term value.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (2019 Topps Chrome RC /99): One of the most exciting players in baseball, Fernando Tatis Jr. burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old sensation for the Padres in 2019. Injuries slowed him in 2022 but he’s still just 23 with likely many All-Star seasons ahead. His rookie cards, like the scarce Topps Chrome Refractor RC, exploded in value and remain blue-chip holdings that can gain significantly more as Tatis’ career progresses.

Yordan Alvarez (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /99): A true slugging force for the Astros, Yordan Alvarez broke out as one of baseball’s best hitters in 2019 as a 22-year-old rookie. His prospect cards surged that year and have held strong value since. The ultra-rare Bowman Chrome Auto RC parallel is one of the most coveted modern prospect cards and holds immense upside as Alvarez continues mashing in Houston’s lineup for years to come.

Riley Greene (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC /99): Considered baseball’s top prospect heading into 2022, Riley Greene had a strong debut for the Tigers and looks ready to anchor their outfield for years. His 2021 rookie cards surged last season and will likely continue gaining value in 2023 and beyond as he establishes himself as a star. The scarce Bowman Chrome Auto RC is a true long-term blue-chip holding.

Bobby Witt Jr. (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC /99): After a strong debut for the Royals in 2022, Bobby Witt Jr. looks like a future perennial All-Star and the future face of the franchise. His 2021 rookie cards exploded in value last season and the ultra-rare Bowman Chrome Auto RC parallel holds immense long-term upside as Witt develops into a superstar.

When looking to invest in the best baseball cards to buy in 2022, focusing on star players and top prospects like Ohtani, Soto, Acuña, Franco, Vlad Jr., Trout, deGrom, Judge, Tatis Jr., Alvarez, Greene and Witt Jr. provides the highest upside. Specifically, their rarest rookie card parallels like Topps/Bowman Chrome Refractors and Autos numbered to 99 copies or less are the true blue-chip holdings that can yield huge long-term returns.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 1

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2022 marked the 67th year of Topps’ marquee baseball card release. After decades of refining their formula and maintaining their position as the leading sports card company, Topps’ 2022 Series 1 release was again eagerly anticipated by collectors.

The base set totaled 369 cards and featured each player’s team logo along with short player stats on the rear. Ranging from rookies and established stars to depth players, constructing the complete base set is a time-honored tradition for many collectors, young and old. Veteran players like Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, and Yadier Molina graced cards as living legends, while rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Spencer Torkelson debuted on the baseball card scene.

Parallels and insert sets added variety for collectors. Topps employed several parallel designs within Series 1 that attracted attention. These included Rainbow Foil parallels (1:36 packs), Gold Foil parallels (1:72 packs), and Sepia parallels (1:144 packs). Topps also introduced Sparkle parallels featuring a superimposed holographic shine on the image (1:288 packs).

Among the popular insert sets were Topps Now cards. These traded cards commemorated key moments from the 2022 season in near real-time such as no-hitters, cycle performances, or home run milestones. Topps Now added relevance and gave fans an avenue to collect timely moments. The Base Ball Heroes and Topps 205th inserts also paid homage to legend players and milestone anniversaries.

Additional inserts rounded out the offering like Topps Heritage Minors League Leaders, Topps Traditions highlighting team logos through the decades, and Topps Superstars spotlighting the game’s elite talent. Non-sport inserts like Topps SKetch Cards invited amateur artists to use players as creative inspiration. A collaborative effort between Topps and MLB, Series 1 incorporated FanFavorites inserts chosen through fan votes.

Design and production value remained meticulously high standards. Crisp player photography wrapped around visually striking borders. Gold foil lettering heightened brand prestige on boxes, packs, and individual cards. Attention to detail extended to quality card stock and minimization of print defects. The “rookie card” of rookie phenoms excited collectors looking to potentially land a star of the future.

Retail releases hit Target, Walmart, Walgreens along with the typical hobby shop destinations. But increased scalping of sought-after cards at retail locations frustrated customers. The perceived lack of supply to meet demand fueled criticism of Topps’ allocations to the mass market. Meanwhile the rise of direct-to-consumer breaks offered a different way to enjoy the product.

Secondary market prices reflected the popularity of Series 1, especially for rookie cards. Big name rookies like Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and former Angels star Mike Trout had fetched immense sums in recent vintage auctions. Collectors hoped 2022 rookies might one day join those ranks, while investors eyed rookies as potential assets. Prices seemingly inflated across all levels drew both praise and skepticism online.

Despite macroeconomic challenges, Series 1 signaled the excitement level for the national pastime remained high. The nostalgia and affordability of the traditional baseball card endured as a connection between fans new and old to their favorite teams and players. As Opening Day neared, Topps Series 1 encapsulated the renewal of hopes and promise of another baseball season unfolding card by card. After 67 years, Topps maintained their grip atop the sport while proving that in a digital world, the simple baseball card still held immense collecting power and joy for many.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2022 WALMART

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Topps has been producing baseball cards for decades and remains the leader in the baseball card industry. Every year, they release new sets featuring the latest MLB stars from the previous season. 2022 was no different, as Topps debuted several new baseball card products available at Walmart stores and online.

Topps 2021 Series 2 Baseball Cards

One of the first 2022 baseball card releases available at Walmart was Topps 2021 Series 2. As the name implies, this was the second series of cards from Topps’ 2021 season long flagship set. Series 2 carries on the traditional design of the base cards but features a new crop of players and rookies that were omitted from Series 1 in the spring. Walmart received shipments of Series 2 blaster and hanger packs beginning in late May/early June 2022.

The release gave collectors a second chance at rookie cards of breakout players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jonathan India, and Randy Arozarena. It also offered base cards of established stars signing new contracts like Freddie Freeman with the Dodgers and Carlos Correa with the Twins. The odds of pulling an autograph or memorabilia card from a Series 2 pack were on par with Series 1, making these affordable packs a fun rip for fans. With a $20 MSRP per blaster, Series 2 was accessible for casual collectors stopping by their local Walmart.

Topps 2022 Series 1 Baseball Cards

Of course, the highly anticipated flagship release from Topps in 2022 was Series 1. Featuring the traditional design and focusing on capturing the previous season’s top rookies and performances, Series 1 is considered the foundational set in any collector’s collection each year. Walmart received exclusives on certain Series 1 products in the early months of 2022.

From January through March, hobby boxes, jumbo packs, and blaster/hanger multi-packs of 2022 Series 1 were stocked almost immediately upon the set’s official release date and remained on shelves as one of Walmart’s top basketball card SKUs. Key rookie cards of 2021 standouts like Jonathan India, Randy Arozarena, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. as well as base cards of big stars like Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr. drew customers seeking to rip packs. Walmart’s MSRP of around $19.98 for blasters made 2022 Series 1 accessible for many new collectors.

Topps Big League Baseball Cards

In mid-2022, Topps and Walmart partnered to launch an exclusive Big League baseball card set only available at retail. Big League took Topps’ standard base card design and photo quality but tweaked the borders and colorscheme with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme celebrating America’s pastime. Like some past “Walmart exclusive” releases, the Big League set featured variations like green and purple parallels in addition to the red bordered base design.

Cases containing 24 packs with 12 cards apiece landed on Walmart pegs from June through August. Priced just under $10 a pack, Big League offered budget collectors and kids a low financial commitment to rip packs. While the set lacked big rookie stars, pulling autographed and memorabilia cards of MLB veterans was still enticing. Overall, Big League helped Walmart sustain in-store baseball card sales over the summer months between larger Topps flagship releases.

Topps Allen & Ginter’s Baseball Cards

A unique non-sport release available at Walmart in summer 2022 was Topps Allen & Ginter’s Baseball variant. Taking beloved elements of the standard Allen & Ginter’s checklist like baseball legends, serial numbered parallels and vintage trade cards, this spin-off incorporated baseball photography and relic and autograph chase cards. Cases hit Walmart shelves from July through September featuring 24 packs with 15-20 cards per box at a $9.98 MSRP.

Collectors enjoyed the throwback visuals mixed with modern baseball stars. Relic cards featuring swatches and autographs of historic figures like Babe Ruth paired nicely with patches and signatures from active MLB all-stars. Allen & Ginter’s showed Topps’ creativity keeping the hobby fresh between traditional releases. While it may not suit purist baseball collectors, the Allen & Ginter’s variation satisfied fans’ itch for a fun rip at affordable prices readily available at their local Walmart.

Topps Archives Snapshots Baseball Cards

Releasing in late summer/early fall 2022, Topps Archives Snapshots provided Walmart shoppers another unique nostalgia-themed product exclusive to retail. Taking visual cues from 1970s-era Topps design aesthetics, Snapshots cards shrunk modern baseball photography down to postage stamp-sized snapshots embedded within a flip frame mockup. The retro-inspired design increased demand for Snapshots among collectors with a fondness for vintage styling.

Snapshots arrived at Walmart in 24-pack boxes at $9.98 per box from August through October. Additional bonuses like extra snapshot cards celebrating MLB hall of famers and autographs added intrigue to each pack. With a focus on established veterans and stars versus rookies, Snapshots appealed more to hobbyists seeking specific players versus being a true “rippable” release. Still, the vintage packaging drew customers to the candy aisle at Walmart seeing Topps’ tribute to the early days of the hobby.

Overall, 2022 saw Topps maintain their strong partnership bringing new and exclusive baseball card releases to Walmart. From flagship products to various specialty sets with one-of-a-kind designs, Topps kept shelves stocked with intriguing options at affordable price points. With Walmart’s massive retailer presence nationwide, these releases helped introduce new collectors to the baseball card hobby and gave veterans multiple opportunities to add to their collections each quarter of the year. Topps and Walmart’s synergy continues fueling popularity and interest in the traditional sports card market. Fans can expect this successful partnership to deliver more new releases landing exclusively at Walmart stores in baseball card season 2023 and beyond.

2022 YANKEES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 New York Yankees had high expectations coming off a 92-70 record in 2021 that saw them make the AL Wild Card game. While they fell short of a World Series appearance, there were many standout individual performances that have collectors excited about the 2022 Yankees baseball card crop. Rookies and veterans alike had memorable seasons in the Bronx that will be immortalized in cardboard.

Top Yankees rookie cards to watch include OF Estevan Florial. After several years in the minors, Florial got his first extended MLB playing time in 2022 and impressed with his athleticism and defense. While he only hit .216 in 54 games, Florial’s five home runs, 12 RBI, and seven stolen bases tantalized scouts. As one of the organization’s top prospects for years, Florial’s rookie cards could appreciate in value if he breaks out in 2023.

Another exciting Yankees rookie is 3B/OF Oswaldo Cabrera. Cabrera got the call in August and slashed .231/.286/.385 with 5 HR in 56 games while playing solid defense at third base and in the outfield corners. The 23-year-old switch hitter showed impressive versatility and pop in his bat that makes his rookie cards a worthwhile investment, especially for the always-popular Yankees.

On the pitching side, righty Clarke Schmidt made his MLB debut in 2022 after battling injuries. In 13 appearances (5 starts), Schmidt posted a 3.33 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while showing three solid pitches. The 27-year-old former 1st round pick remains a high-upside arm and his rookie cards are a buy for those bullish on his future.

Beyond the rookies, veterans Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton had monster seasons at the plate that make their 2022 cards highly sought after. Judge smacked an AL-record 62 home runs in winning the Triple Crown while slashing .311/.425/.686. His mammoth shots and MVP caliber play have made Judge the face of the franchise. Stanton also stayed healthy, bashing 35 HR with an .875 OPS. Both superstars are primed for huge seasons again in 2023.

On the pitching side, Nestor Cortes Jr. emerged as the staff ace in 2022. In a career-best 163.1 innings across 28 appearances (27 starts), Cortes posted a league-leading 2.44 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. The crafty lefty uses an array of pitches to keep hitters off balance and became a Cy Young candidate. At just 27, Cortes has cemented himself as a core part of the Yankees rotation for years to come. His rising star status makes his 2022 cards a smart long-term hold.

Relievers Clay Holmes and Lou Trivino also had stellar seasons in pinstripes worth highlighting. Holmes joined the Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline and solidified the back-end of the bullpen in 2022 with a 1.46 ERA and 20 saves. Meanwhile, the durable Trivino threw 76.1 innings with a 2.61 ERA after coming over from Oakland. Both veteran righties bring reliability to the Yankees ‘pen that should keep their cards relevant.

While the Yankees fell short of the World Series, they had many individual accomplishments that make their 2022 cards compelling. Rookies like Florial, Cabrera and Schmidt offer breakout potential. Stars like Judge, Stanton and Cortes continue cementing their legacies in pinstripes. Underrated contributors like Holmes and Trivino provide steady production. With a talented young core and financial might, the Yankees remain perennial contenders. Their 2022 cardboard captures a season to remember in the Bronx. For collectors, Yankees cards from this year present opportunities for both enjoyment and potential future appreciation.

TOPPS 2022 COMPLETE SET BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps has been the leading producer of baseball cards for decades, with their yearly releases considered the standard cardboard collector’s item for any fan or investor. Their 2022 complete set release continues this tradition, featuring an extensive collection of all current Major League players.

The Topps 2022 complete baseball card set includes a total of 382 cards covering all 30 MLB teams. This includes updated rosters from the previous year with any new players added through free agency, trades, call-ups, or rookie debuts. Each card features a full color photo of the player on the front, with pertinent stats and career achievements listed on the back. As with every year, Topps aims to produce cards for every active player to help collectors easily obtain a fully inclusive set.

In addition to current players, the 2022 Topps set also includes retired stars and notable contributors with special “Tribute” cards. This year saw tribute cards made for Johnny Bench, Roberto Clemente, and Curt Flood to honor their impact and legacy in the game. Popular managers and broadcasters were also commemorated, such as Dusty Baker, Joe Torre, and Bob Uecker. These nostalgic additions help provide context and celebrate baseball history within the modern release.

For collectors seeking rarer chase cards, Topps inserts several parallels and short prints into their yearly production. In 2022, these included “Gold Label” parallels featuring a foil treatment on only one card per pack. At an even more limited print run were the “Emerald” parallel cards, showcasing superbly detailed emerald green hues on the player photos. Topps also included autograph and memorabilia cards randomly inserted at extremely low odds. Landing one of these coveted “hits” is truly a thrill for any enthusiast opening packs.

While focusing on current MLB stars, Topps still leaves room to highlight up and coming prospects with their annual “Topps Prospects” subset. For 2022, this included some of the most exciting young talents like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Riley Greene. By shining early attention onto burgeoning careers, Topps helps fuel anticipation and interest around the next generation of baseball greats. Along similar lines are the “Stars of Tomorrow” inserts, previewing a select handful of top-rated prospects deemed most likely future all-stars.

Of course, no complete set would be complete without including the year’s premier rookie cards. Topps classifies any player appearing on a major league roster for the first time as a rookie, and grants them an official “Topps Rookie Card” designation. Some of the top rookies featured included catcher Adley Rutschman, shortstop Oneil Cruz, and outfielder Esteury Ruiz. Landing one of these initial cards for an emerging star is always a major score, as they often appreciate greatly in value if that player goes on to lasting success.

Part of Topps staying atop the baseball card market involves continuous innovation and embracing new technologies. Their 2022 offering showcased another step in this direction with the inclusion of limited motion animation cards. Using a special QR code on the back, collectors could access a short video clip of the player when scanned. This added a interactive modern touch fitting for both casual fans and serious enthusiasts alike.

Of course, the importance of buying sealed wax boxes and packs cannot be understated when collecting any Topps release. The nostalgic thrill of rummaging through fresh plastic packaging and ripping glossy wrappers in search of stars remains just as strong as ever for devoted collectors of all ages. Topps ensures this visceral appeal stays intact year after year through their premium product presentation and careful attention to detail down to the foil stamped logos and color schemes.

Whether someone is looking to complete their set, obtain a unique hit card, or simply recapture the joy of the card collecting hobby – Topps 2022 baseball delivers. With finely tuned rosters, tributes to legends, emerging talents, and innovative technologies, it maintains the gold standard as a comprehensive canvas of America’s pastime each and every year. Serious collectors, casual fans, and investors all find value in owning cards that capture a moment frozen in time from another season of baseball history.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO GET IN 2022

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The baseball card market continues to boom, with prices reaching record highs over the past couple years. As we enter 2022, there are certain baseball cards that appear poised to appreciate significantly or have breakout seasons that could skyrocket their value. For collectors looking to make smart investments or find cards of potential future stars, here are some of the best baseball cards to target in the new year.

Juan Soto Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – At just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars and best hitters. He continues to improve and put up monster numbers for the Nationals. Soto’s rookie cards from 2018 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome remain two of the most coveted on the market. With another MVP caliber season, these cards could explode even higher in price. Graded gem mint 10 copies of the Topps Chrome currently sell for over $1,000, showing strong potential for future appreciation.

Wander Franco Rookie Cards (2020 Bowman Chrome RC, 2021 Topps Chrome RC) – Franco took the baseball world by storm in 2021 as one of the most hyped prospects ever. At just 20 years old, he looks like a perennial all-star in the making for the Rays. Franco’s ultra-short print rookie from 2020 Bowman Chrome remains extremely scarce in high grades. But his more widely available 2021 Topps Chrome rookie also shows promise, currently hovering around $100-$200 for a PSA 10. Franco could be a true superstar, making his rookie cards solid long term investments.

Rafael Devers Rookie Cards (2017 Bowman Chrome RC, 2017 Topps Chrome RC) – Still just 25, Devers has emerged as one of baseball’s best all-around hitters for the Red Sox. He’s coming off back-to-back 200+ hit seasons and is in line for a huge contract extension. Devers’ rookie cards have already 4x-5x’ed in the last year alone. If he can stay healthy and put up another MVP caliber campaign in 2022, his rookies might break the $1,000 mark for top graded copies. At his age and talent level, Devers has Hall of Fame potential.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – After a breakout 2021 season that saw him claim the AL batting title, Guerrero is now a bonafide superstar for the Blue Jays. The sky seems to be the limit for the 23-year-old slugger. His rookie cards already sell for $500+ in PSA 10 condition, but another MVP caliber campaign could catapult them even higher. Guerrero looks poised for many more all-star and award winning seasons, cementing these cards as long term blue chip investments.

Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – It’s hard to put into words just how unique and talented Ohtani is as a two-way player. After a historic 2021 season where he was the best pitcher and hitter in the AL, collectors have taken notice of his rookie cards. PSA 10 copies of the Topps Chrome now sell for over $1,000. If Ohtani can stay healthy and repeat as the best of the best in 2022, demand will only grow stronger for these one-of-a-kind cards. He’s already proven to be a generational talent – investments in his rookies could pay off big time.

Trevor Story Rookie Cards (2016 Topps Chrome RC, 2016 Bowman Chrome RC) – Story is now a free agent coming off his best season yet, where he clubbed 24 home runs for the Rockies. At just 29 years old, he’ll land a huge contract and could be primed for the best years of his career in 2022 with a new team. His rookies have steadily climbed in the $300-$500 range for top condition. If Story signs with a big market contender and puts up another all-star caliber campaign, his rookie cards could surge past the $1,000 mark like so many others.

Luis Robert Rookie Cards (2020 Topps Chrome RC, 2020 Bowman Chrome RC) – Injuries slowed Robert’s ascent in 2021, but the 24-year-old White Sox star remains one of the most electrifying young outfielders in baseball when healthy. His rookie cards already sell for $300+ in PSA 10 despite the missed time last season. If Robert can stay on the field and recapture his 2020 AL ROTY form, these cards are set up for a breakout year. With his five-tool talent and potential for 30/30 seasons, Robert’s rookies look like a bargain at current prices.

Michael Kopech Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – After missing two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery and opting out of 2020, Kopech returned strong in 2021 to establish himself as the White Sox ace. At just 26 years old and with elite stuff, he looks poised for stardom as a frontline starter for years to come. His rookies have risen steadily in the past year to $150-$200 range for top grades. With continued success and development, Kopech could emerge as the next big name pitcher – making his rookie cards a solid speculative add.

Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards (2021 Topps Chrome RC, 2021 Bowman Chrome RC) – The #2 overall pick from 2019 lived up to the hype by debuting with the Royals in 2021 at just 21 years old. Witt showed off plus power, speed and defense while flashing all-star potential. He’s already among the favorites for AL ROY in 2022. Witt’s rookie cards have taken off, with the Topps Chrome PSA 10 pushing $400. As one of the new faces of baseball, expect Witt’s star to continue rising – along with strong future gains for these ultra popular cards.

Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards (2021 Bowman Chrome RC, 2021 Topps Chrome RC) – Rodriguez made a splash in his September debut with the Mariners and looks ready to claim an everyday role in 2022 at just 21 years old. With five-tool talent and hype as one of the game’s best prospects, J-Rod’s cards have followed suit – the Bowman Chrome PSA 10 recently cracked $500. He’s poised to be Seattle’s next superstar. Another strong showing could catapult Rodriguez to stardom, taking these in-demand rookies along for the ride.

Focusing on the rookie cards of emerging young stars like Soto, Franco, Devers, Guerrero Jr., Ohtani, Story, Robert, Kopech, Witt Jr. and Rodriguez looks to be a winning strategy for the 2022 baseball card market. With another step forward on the field, any of these talents could produce huge returns on their earliest cardboard. For savvy collectors, these cards offer an opportunity for both short and long term gains.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL SHORT PRINT CARDS

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The 2022 Topps baseball card release featured a wide variety of short print cards inserted throughout Series 1, Series 2, and Update Series packs. Like in previous years, Topps included scarce parallel and variation cards to drive collector interest and chase cards. While the base cards and most inserts were readily available in packs, Topps strategically included tough-to-find short prints to entice collectors to purchase more product in hopes of finding these rare gems.

Some of the most coveted 2022 Topps short prints included the rainbow foil parallels, gold label parallels, sepia parallels, negative refractors, and negative refractors with sepia underlays. The rainbow foil cards featured a brilliant iridescent foil treatment on the player image area that popped under light. Only one rainbow foil was inserted per hobby box on average, making these parallels extremely scarce. The gold label parallels featured gold foil borders and labels instead of the standard design. Like the rainbow foils, only a single gold label was included per hobby box.

Sepia parallels also featured among the toughest pulls in 2022 Topps. Printed on a sepia-toned card stock, these parallels mimicked the appearance of vintage tobacco cards. Statistics suggest only 3-5 sepia parallels were inserted per case of Topps Series 1 and Series 2 hobby boxes. The negative refractors may have been the most scarce parallel in the entire release – estimates placed the odds of pulling one around 1 in 500 hobby packs. To make matters tougher, some negative refractors also had an additional sepia underlay, multiplying their rarity.

In addition to parallel short prints, Topps also included several scarce base card variations. One of the most notable was the Luis Robert photo variation, which featured an alternate image of the White Sox outfielder in an action pose instead of the standard smiling portrait. Other photo variations popped up for players like Rafael Devers and Shane Bieber. Topps Series 2 also featured tough-to-find “Stars of MLB” variations, which replaced the standard design with text-heavy cards highlighting each player’s accomplishments.

Topps Update Series took short prints to another level with several highly sought-after parallel insert sets. The Archives Autographs parallel featured autographed versions of the standard Archives insert cards signed by legends like Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and Hank Aaron. Statistics suggest these parallel autographed inserts were rarer than 1 in 500 hobby packs. Another chase set was the Retired Numbers parallels, which paid tribute to retired uniform numbers on a textured card stock. Like the Archives Autographs, Retired Numbers parallels also clocked in around the 1 in 500 mark.

The 2022 Topps release showcased the brand’s continued commitment to including scarce chase cards that drive collector interest long after the initial release. While the base rookies, stars, and inserts were certainly fun to collect, it was the hunt for the tough rainbow foils, gold labels, sepia parallels, photo variations, and parallel inserts that kept the secondary market buzzing all season long. Savvy collectors who cracked multiple cases and hobby boxes had the best odds of checking some major short print boxes off their want lists. For those who missed out initially, the short prints commanded big premiums on the resale market all year as demand far outpaced the limited supply. Topps’ strategic short print planning ensured 2022 would be another memorable year for baseball card collecting.

TOP DONRUSS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

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Donruss has been producing baseball cards for decades, with their 2022 set continuing their tradition of highlighting the biggest stars in the game. While rookie cards of emerging talents always hold potential value, seasoned veterans remain fan favorites that drive interest in the hobby. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most coveted Donruss cards from their latest release.

Shohei Ohtani continues to captivate collectors as one of baseball’s modern marvels. The 2021 AL MVP is the sole focus of Donruss’ Ohtani Prizm card, showing him in his intimidating windup. His autos and parallels consistently sell out, with coveted 1/1 versions fetching thousands. Ohtani is poised to be one of the defining stars of this generation, meaning his rookie cards should retain and grow in value for years to come.

Mike Trout is arguably the greatest active player, and his Prizm card is certainly one of the 2022 set’s most iconic. Captured in his fluid batting stance, Trout has been a donruss staple for over a decade. Numbered parallels like Gold /10 and Black 1/1 are endlessly sought after for Trout PC collectors. Even base Trout rookies from his early Donruss years command big money today, a testament to his sustained greatness and likelihood of a plaque in Cooperstown.

Fernando Tatis Jr.,another young superstar, has committed his long-term future to the Padres. His Prizm shows off his flair for the dramatic, and his autographed rookie cards remain a hot ticket item. Injuries slowed his 2022 season but haven’t dampened believers in his potential to be a true “five-tool stud” for years to come. Low-numbered hits like Gold Prizm /10 and Platnium /5 could appreciate substantially if Tatis fulfills his destiny.

Two-way Japanese sensation Seiya Suzuki had an impressive MLB debut with the Cubs in 2022 after coming over from NPB. His flawless swing makes him a natural for the Donruss design aesthetic. Suzuki has proven he can hit at the highest level and his American rookie cards could appreciate like past NPB stars like Ohtani who made successful transitions. Numbered Prizms and autos are flying off shelves as collectors anticipate a bright future.

Rookies Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II burst onto the scene for the 102-win Braves. Strider’s Electric Prizm highlights his elite late-inning stuff, while Harris’ jaw-dropping catches in center field are living highlights. As established contributors on a perennial contender, first-year cards of these young Braves have room to appreciate if they cement their roles. On-card autos and parallels under 10 copies could become long-term keepsakes.

Of course, legendary veterans like Yadi Molina, Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera also receive Prizm treatment as all-time greats in the sunset of their careers. While their best days may be behind them, collectors will always want to commemorate their awe-inspiring careers in hobby icons like Donruss. Lower numbered parallels and patches could gain value as these players enter retirement and Cooperstown.

In conclusion, Topps may own the MLBPA license, but Donruss satisfies collector appetites with quality photography, designs and star subject matter. Powerhouse rookies, rising talents and living legends all receive the Prizm treatment. With such a wide range of coveted cards at different price points, Donruss 2022 promises opportunities for player collectors, investors and historians of the game alike. Sustained sales and secondary market demand should buoy the long-term prospects of this exciting release.