Tag Archives: 2022

2022 DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Diamond Kings baseball card collection featured some of the most coveted rookie cards and star players in the MLB. With an increased interest in collecting during the pandemic and the rise of new stars like Shohei Ohtani, the market saw heightened demand and valuations for select cards from this set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest money cards that came out of the 2022 Topps Diamond Kings release.

Shohei Ohtani – One of the major storylines of 2022 was Shohei Ohtani building off his historically great 2021 season and cementing himself as a true dual-threat as a pitcher and hitter. Not surprisingly, his rookie card /99 from Diamond Kings sold for over $1,000 slabs and drew immense attention from collectors. The combination of his unique two-way playing ability and potential to win MVP awards for years makes any Ohtani rookie exceptionally valuable long term. Graded examples in PSA 10 have recently traded hands for over $3,000, showing the Japanese superstar has one of the strongest fanbases and potentially highest ceilings of any active player.

Juan Soto – Still just 23 years old at the time, Juan Soto had already established himself as one of the game’s most feared hitters after making a huge impact on the Nationals’ 2019 World Series run. His /99 rookie from Diamond Kings routinely sold for $400-600 Raw and $800-1200 PSA 10 during the baseball season. With a sweet left-handed swing and prodigious power at a young age, Soto looks positioned to shatter records and win multiple batting titles if he can stay healthy. Any of his coveted rookie cards hold incredible potential to appreciate over the long run.

Ronald Acuna Jr. – One of the most thrilling young players to watch with jaw-dropping speed and defense in the Braves outfield, Acuna missed most of 2021 with an ACL injury but was looking to return to MVP form. His flagship Diamond Kings rookie /99 sold for $300-450 raw and $700-1000 graded last year. At just 24 years old when the set released, Acuna has his best years presumably still ahead of him playing for a perennial contender. If he can stay on the field, his cards may prove to be another long-term blue chip hold.

Wander Franco – As one of the highest-touted prospects in years, Wander Franco lived up to the hype by making his big league debut in 2021 at just 20 years old and immediately put his name amongst the game’s brightest young talents. His prizm rookie cards exploded in demand and value as a result. In Diamond Kings, his coveted /99 RC moved for $150-250 raw but owners of PSA 10 examples could find buyers in the $400-600 range leading up to playoffs. With his combination of 5-tool skills and youth, Franco seems poised for superstardom and his cards to keep appreciating.

Jack Leiter – On the pitching side, Jack Leiter potentially had one of the most valuable rookie cards after being taken #2 overall in the 2021 draft by the Rangers. Still seeking his first MLB appearance at the time, the Vanderbilt product’s /99 showed legitimate pull for $100-150 raw as collectors obsessed over his triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider combo. Getting his first full pro season under his belt in 2022 did nothing but increase the hype around Leiter, whose cards moved to the $250+ range PSA 10 post-season as buyers gambled on his huge upside.

Bobby Witt Jr. – As the coveted #2 pick from the 2019 draft, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had one of the most anticipated debuts of 2022 for Kansas City. Still just 21 that season, his /99 Diamond Kings RC found a raw market of $75-125 but PSA 10 holders were achieving $250-350 with his hot MLB start. Witt showed five-tools talent and looked every bit like a future perennial All-Star, making his flagship rookie one of the top long shots to explode in value with a breakout career.

Julio Rodriguez – While not a true rookie after debuting in 2021, Julio Rodriguez had a massive coming out party for Seattle in 2022 that placed him on the map as a budding superstar. His explosive blend of power, speed, and defense excited collectors before he ever played a full season. In Diamond Kings, his coveted /99 sold for $125-200 raw but PSA 10 examples saw serious bids north of $400 online as buyers realized his star potential. Rodriguez looks ready to be a fixture in the lineup for years and centerpiece for Mariners, making his cards stellar foundation pieces.

Euginio Suarez – On the veteran side, third baseman Eugenio Suarez had emerged as a solid power threat for Cincinnati but was dealt to Seattle before 2022. Slotted behind Rodriguez, his popularity grew being part of that young core. Suarez’s /99 held $50-85 raw value but gained notoriety in the hobby. PSA 10s traded in the $150-225 range showing collectors still appreciate proven sluggers in top grade. Suarez looked reinvigorated with his new club and likely locked in another year or two of strong performance.

Byron Buxton – In what became a breakout, injury-free season for the Twins, Byron Buxton played like an MVP with his game-changing speed and defense complementing newfound power. His potential had always excited fans and the hobby. In Diamond Kings, despite being a couple years removed from his true rookie season, Buxton’s coveted /99 found strong $125-200+ demand raw as his elite tools translated to production. Seeing PSA 10s achieve $350-450 bids, it’s clear collectors recognized 2022 as Buxton’s arrival amongst the league’s true elite when healthy.

The 2022 Topps Diamond Kings release featured several first-year stars, rising prospects, and veterans who shined bright during that memorable season. With the combination of performance, hype and scarcity inherent to the parallel /99 insert, many desirable rookie and star player cards from this set established themselves as long-term keepsakes and potential blue-chip investments. For those who recognized the upside and locked in PSA 10 gems of Shohei Ohtani, Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez or others, their Diamond Kings rookies could end up being some of the most lucrative baseball cards from 2022.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL HERITAGE CARDS 186

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The 2022 Topps Baseball Heritage trading card set pays homage to the vintage design of the 1969 Topps baseball cards. As with the original 1969 set, the 2022 Heritage set features bold colors, fun action shots of players, and a classic retro aesthetic. Card #186 in the set features New York Mets relief pitcher Trevor May.

Trevor May is a right-handed relief pitcher who has been in the major leagues since 2015. The 33-year-old was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft out of the University of Kentucky. He made his MLB debut with the Twins in 2015 and spent his first five seasons in Minnesota, compiling a career record of 15-21 with a 3.75 ERA over that span. May struggled with injuries during his Twins tenure, including Tommy John surgery in 2017.

In December of 2020, May signed a two-year, $15.5 million contract with the New York Mets. He has proven to be a valuable member of the Mets bullpen since joining the team. In 2021, his first season in New York, May posted a 5-3 record with a 3.59 ERA in 66 appearances out of the Mets’ bullpen. He struck out 88 batters in 69 innings pitched and was one of the team’s most dependable relief arms.

The 2022 Heritage card captures May mid-delivery, showcasing his over-the-top motion from a three-quarters side angle. He is depicted wearing the classic blue and orange Mets home uniform with “NEW YORK” in bold lettering across his chest. The vibrant blue sky background contrasts nicely with May’s orange and blue uniform. The 1969-inspired design elements like the team wordmark logo and simple black border give the card a true retro baseball card aesthetic.

Some key details featured on the 2022 Topps Heritage Trevor May card #186 include:

The classic Topps logo is prominently displayed in the bottom left corner.

May’s uniform number, “37”, is clearly legible on the back of his jersey.

His last name “MAY” is featured in all capital letters at the top of the card as was common for 1969 Topps cards.

The Mets team logo is subtly watermarked in the background behind May’s name.

No statistics or career information are provided, keeping with the simplistic front design of the original 1969 set.

The card stock has a smooth, high-quality semi-gloss finish that replicates the feel of the vintage 1969 cardboard.

On the reverse, it includes the standard 2022 Topps issue information and copyright details but no additional stats or biography.

While not a star player, Trevor May holds value as a key piece of the 2021-22 Mets bullpen featured prominently on this 2022 Topps Heritage card. As a reliable set-up man and middle reliever, May may not be a big name, but he plays an important role for the Mets. This card captures him in action and pays homage to the classic 1969 Topps design that baseball card collectors continue to appreciate decades later. For fans of vintage-style cards and Mets team sets, the 2022 Topps Heritage Trevor May #186 offers a fun retro snapshot of a current Met in a throwback design.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS IN 2022

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The hobby of collecting baseball cards has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years, with mint condition vintage cards selling for millions of dollars and modern rookie cards appreciating rapidly in value soon after release. As we reach the midpoint of 2022, here are some of the most coveted and valuable baseball cards on the market right now based on recent sales data and analysis of trends in the collecting community.

1953 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 10): Widely considered the most valuable baseball card of all time, high grade examples of Mantle’s iconic 1953 Topps rookie card continue to shatter records. In January 2022, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded copy sold for an astounding $12.6 million, making it not only the most expensive baseball card but trading card of any sport ever sold. Even beaten and played copies in lower grades fetch six figures. The pristine condition and historical significance of the Mantle make it the undisputed king among collectors.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner (PSA Authentic): The elusive Wagner brandishes similar top-of-the-heap legendary status as the Mantle. No more than 60 are known to exist, and all high grade examples reside in elite institutional collections or safes of uber-wealthy individuals. A PSA 1.5 condition copy from the famed 1957 discovery sold in August 2021 for $6.6 million. While virtually unobtainable for most, simply owning any authenticated remnant of this 100+ year old piece of card history is a lifelong dream for collectors.

1952 Topps Jackie Robinson (PSA 9): Debuting the same year as his rookie campaign where he broke MLB’s color barrier, Robinson’s 1952 Topps is highly respected on par with the Mantle for its sociocultural impact. Prices reflect this, with a PSA 9 bringing $492,000 at auction in January 2022. Any high grade copy regardless of set in the $100K-plus range demonstrates Robinson’s continued influence and rarity appeal.

1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx (NM-MT 8): While pre-war tobacco cards no longer challenge the Wagner’s lofty perch, they remain some of the most beautiful and coveted cards ever created. Foxx’s dramatic action pose made his 1933 Goudey one of the most visually striking, and prices have jumped into the six-figure realm recently. A fantastic NM-MT 8.5 specimen hit $161,000 at auction in August 2021.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron (PSA 8): As the all-time home run king until Barry Bonds surpassed him, Hammerin’ Hank Aaron still resonates with collectors today. His charming 1957 rookie has gained massive ground since breaking the $100K barrier in mid-2021. Any PSA 8 is worth a solid five figures, with a few breaching $200K last year. Aaron was a pioneer as one of baseball’s first true African American superstars, and his iconic first Topps pays homage to that legacy.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones (PSA 10): For the modern collector desiring fresh cardboard, Jones’ prized 1998 Bowman Best rookie refractor takes the cake. As one of the final flagship sets featuring refractor parallel variation, its retro designs are greatly admired. A flawless mint example sold for $375K in June 2021, signaling thisAtlanta franchise cornerstone as one of the costliest 90s cards going.

1952 Topps Willie Mays (PSA 8): While not his true rookie issue (that would be 1951 Bowman), the Say Hey Kid’s ebullient Topps debut remains a crucial piece of collecting history. Prices have risen exponentially, with eight-figure sums being bandied about for the lone PSA 10 known. Even mid-range PSA 8s bring $100K+. No vintage collection is complete without a high grade Mays, a testament to his excellence and beloved persona on and off the field.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee (PSA 8): In the tier just below superstars like Wagner and short-printed favorites like Smiling Mickey Vernon, Magee has emerged as one of the most intriguing and valuable standard T206 Commons. His bold batting stance captivated collectors, driving an PSA 8.5 example past half a million dollars in November 2021. High grade Commons satisfy condition whims while maintaining budget consciousness relative to the Wagners of the realm.

1970 Topps Nolan Ryan (PSA 9): As the all-time strikeout and no-hitter king, Nolan Ryan transcended the game with his blazing fastball and tireless endurance. His classic 1970 Topps debut flexing his arm perfectly encapsulates his dominance and influence on the sport. Prices have charged past six figures, with a PSA 9 recently hitting $237K in January 2022. With hundreds of wins across decades, Ryan’s legend is cemented, as is the value of his earliest cardboard.

1949 Bowman Ted Williams (PSA 5): While far from pristine condition, there remains huge collector enthusiasm for viewing any tangible relic from Williams’ legendary career. Recently, a relatively low-grade PSA 5 example from his rookie Bowman set surpassed $1 million at auction in October 2021. Few whose talent matched the splendor of his .344 career batting average, Williams’ cards retain immense desirability regardless of condition due to his hallowed place in baseball’s pantheon.

2007 Bowman Draft 1st Edition Mike Trout (PSA 10): For the burgeoning new guard, Trout has emerged as the dominant modern day force. And his 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie sports arguably the sickest and most widely recognized design detailing his high school stats and “the natural” tagline. Condition sensitive investors have driven a PSA 10 as high as $396K in January 2022, signaling Trout as the heir apparent collectible superstar poised to smash records down the line as his playing career reaches its apex.

There are countless other notable cards that could be included on this list, as interest and prices continue rising across the board. Many promising young stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. are carving their own paths as collections are built representing this new generation. Overall card values will fluctuate in response to performance, new finds, and economic/hobby trends. But this overview provides a snapshot of some of baseball’s finest modern and vintage cardboard at the midway point of 2022.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Baseball card set was released in February 2022 and contained several highly sought after rookie cards and parallels of star players. As one of the flagship baseball card sets each year from Topps, 2022 offered collectors some exciting chase cards and short prints at the high-end of the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors searched for from the 2022 Topps Baseball release.

One of the biggest rookie card chase cards in the entire set was the Adley Rutschman rainbow foil parallel. As the top Baltimore Orioles prospect and considered a future star catcher in MLB, the Rutschman rookie cards were in high demand. The rainbow foil parallel was limited to only /25 copies printed, making it extremely rare. In gem mint condition, PSA 10 graded examples of the Rutschman rainbow foil have sold for over $2,000 due to the combination of the player, scarcity, and prestigious parallel designation.

Another hugely popular rookie to collect was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While his standard base rookie card held value on its own, the most coveted parallel was the Julio Rodriguez gold label parallel, limited to only /70 copies. This parallel featured a gold label designating the limited print run along with Rodriguez’s photo and info. PSA 10 examples of the gold label Julio Rodriguez have reached upwards of $1,000 due to the rarity at only 70 printed. Rodriguez’s prospect status and early MLB success only added to collector demand for his short printed rookie cards.

Bobby Witt Jr., one of the top prospects in all of baseball heading into 2022 as the Kansas City Royals’ star shortstop, also had highly sought after rookie cards in the set. The Bobby Witt Jr. negative refractors were limited to a very tight print run of only /10 copies. These negative refractors featured Witt’s photo and stats on a black refracted card stock, making them quite visually striking in person. Due to the extreme scarcity at a print run of 10, PSA 10 negative refractors have reached the $3,000+ price level for this premium Witt rookie card.

Rookies weren’t the only ones to receive valuable short prints, as star veterans also had desirable parallel cards. For example, the Mike Trout negative refractors were limited to an ultra-low print run of only /5 copies. Widely considered the best player in baseball, Trout’s name alongside such an incredibly limited parallel designation made these some of the true crown jewels from the 2022 Topps release. Pristine PSA 10 graded examples of the Trout negative refractors changed hands for north of $5,000 on the secondary market.

Another highly sought after veteran star card was the Aaron Judge gold label parallel limited to /70 copies like the Julio Rodriguez gold we mentioned earlier. As a perennial AL MVP candidate who hit an AL record 62 home runs in 2022, collector demand for premium Judge cards was through the roof. His gold label parallel perfectly blended star power with a scarce limited printing, with PSA 10 copies reaching $2,000-$3,000 in sales.

While the above cards focused on the biggest rookies and stars, 2022 Topps Baseball had several other valuable short prints scattered throughout the set. For example, the Mookie Betts negative refractors /5 and Fernando Tatis Jr. negative refractors /10 were two additional ultra-short printed cards of star players that attracted major collector attention. And parallels like the Bo Bichette gold label /70 and Wander Franco gold label /70 satisfied fans of those up and coming young talents.

While the 2022 Topps Baseball base set cards offered the standard rookie cards and base versions of players, it was the incredibly scarce parallel inserts like negative refractors and gold labels that really drove collector frenzy and attracted the highest prices. Cards like the Adley Rutschman rainbow foil, Julio Rodriguez gold label, Bobby Witt Jr. negative refractors, and Mike Trout negative refractors established themselves as the true heavy-hitter chase cards and set the pace for the entire modern baseball card market due to their perfect storm of player, scarcity, and prestigious parallel designations. The hunting for these types of ultra-short printed premium cards is what keeps collectors engaged with Topps Baseball year after year.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS RELEASE DATES 2022

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Topps has been the dominant force in the baseball card industry for decades, producing iconic rookie cards and legendary designs that collectors love. As baseball’s official licensed card maker, each year Topps releases new sets throughout the season capturing that year’s active players, top rookies, special parallel inserts, and more. Here is a comprehensive overview of Topps 2022 baseball card release dates, products, and key details collectors want to know.

Topps Opening Day – Release Date: Mid-February 2022
Typically one of the earliest releases each year, Topps Opening Day kicks off the new season with base cards showcasing all 30 MLB teams for the upcoming year. The 2022 version contained 330 total cards including parallels. Key rookie cards included in the base set were Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and C.J. Abrams. Opening Day is popular with set builders and fans eager to get their hands on the first cards of rising young stars.

Topps Series 1 – Release Date: Early March 2022
As the flagship base set of the year, Topps Series 1 is always one of the biggest and most anticipated releases on the baseball card calendar. The 2022 Series 1 base set included 330 cards as well, continuing storylines from the previous season. A huge wave of exciting rookies debuted including SP Spencer Strider, 2B Oneil Cruz, and OF Estevan Florial among many others. Red parallels and paper short prints were chase inserts in this popular set.

Topps Series 2 – Release Date: Mid-May 2022
Halfway through the season, Series 2 arrived with updated stats and team changes from early season trades and callups. The base set totaled 330 cards yet again. Rookies like OF George Kirby and 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand made their Topps debut in this set. Purple and “Gold” parallels were inserted along with sought-after autograph and memorabilia cards of top veterans and prospects. As with Series 1, this mid-year Update set is a essential piece in fully chronicling the 2022 MLB season.

Topps All-Star Voting – April/May 2022
To coincide with the actual All-Star Game voting process, Topps released various special All-Star voting inserts featuring the biggest names in each league. These were inserted primarily in Series 1 and Series 2 hobby boxes during the voting months to help raise awareness. Players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr. were featured in the red-bordered cards.

Topps Chrome – Release Date: Late June 2022
The premium parallel to the base Topps flagship sets, Chrome combines current-year design and photography with a shiny refracted chrome finish. Like the other Topps releases it contained 330 cards in the base set along with some of the best rookies like Spencer Strider. Orange and black parallels added to the appeal of this “rainbow foil” style favorite of collectors. Autographs and memorabilia cards stretched spending up for high-end buyers.

Topps Archives – Release Date: Mid-July 2022
A nostalgia-themed set celebrating Topps history, Archives mixes vintage designs from the 1950s-80s with 2022 player photos. The base set had 130 “flashback” cards in this year’s release including 15 retired player highlights. Foil parallel styles were inserted to resemble cardboard styles of the past. Short prints, autographs and other inserts elevated the appeal of this retro-themed fan favorite product.

Topps Allen & Ginter – Release Date: Late August 2022
A true “oddball” set without team logos, A&G offered fun variations like sketch or lineage cards mixed among the 330 base cards showing active players. Insert sets featured actors, musicians and historical figures alongside athletes in the parallel to “baseball cards”. Foil, auto and memorabilia inserts heightened the collector experience. Among young MLB stars featured were Adley Rutschman and Spencer Strider.

Topps Museum Collection – Release Date: September 2022
Drawing from Topps’ 65 years of making baseball cards, Museum Collection builds mini-sets honoring iconic years, sets, and players from the past. The 2022 release celebrated 1952 Topps, Hank Aaron’s 1974 award winners, and 1987 Topps Traded. It had 120 total cards and used retro-inspired designs. Short prints, parallels and hit inserts created a nostalgic high-end mix appealing to collectors both new and established.

Topps Chrome UPDATE – Release Date: Late September 2022
Following the same timing as the printed Topps Series 2 Update, Topps Chrome UPDATE arrived with additional rookie and trade inserts using Chrome’s popular foil technology. Rookie pitchers like George Kirby, Grayson Rodriguez and Luís Ortiz got updated Chrome renditions in this autumn supplement to the original Topps Chrome release earlier in the summer.

Topps Transcendent – Release Date: October 2022
Considered a true premium “high-end” product, each Transcendent master box contained one autographed card and three memorabilia cards including rare game-used memorabilia. Accompanied by magnificent photo and design selections both modern and retro, this limited-edition October set was truly meant for the most avid collectors seeking ultra-rare vintage-style cards of all-time greats like Mike Trout, Ken Griffey Jr, and Clayton Kershaw.

Topps Year In Review – Late Fall/Winter 2022
Coming after the conclusion of the World Series, Topps Year In Review looks back with updated stats and key photographs from the just-finished season in a standard 330 card base set. Along with standouts from the postseason like Aaron Judge, it wraps up the 2022 Topps baseball card year nicely.

This detailed overview provides a sense of Topps’ extensive baseball card release schedule throughout 2022 and the exciting new products available to collectors each step of the season. With a mix of flagship products, nostalgia sets, and high-end releases, Topps captivated hobbyists from casual to hardcore with its continuous rollout of new releases during the baseball year. Collectors could follow their favorite players’ cards debuts and improvements across the varied Topps sets. This helps ensure Topps will continue its dominance in licensed sports cards for many years to come.

2022 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set marks the 10th anniversary of one of the most popular and valuable modern baseball card releases each year. Panini Prizm has become a staple in the hobby due to its flashy ‘prizm’ design parallels, prospect hits, and superstar rookies cards that consistently gain value over time.

Released in late July/early August each year, the 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set Base cards feature exciting ‘prizm’ refractors in color cracked ice, pink ice, green ice, and orange ice variants that make the cards really pop on card shelves and in collectors’ boxes. The base set checklist includes over 350 total cards and highlights top rookies and stars from both the Major and Minor Leagues. Some stand-out base cards include Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Shane Bieber, Rafael Devers, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuna Jr.

In addition to the ‘prizm’ design in the base set, Panini also includes several exclusive parallel insert sets that are huge draws for collectors. The ‘Orange’ parallel /50 and ‘Green’ /75 parallels are relatively easy pulls but very desirable at lower print runs than the base cards. Higher-end ‘Purple’ /25, ‘Yellow’ /10, and ‘Red’ /5 parallels become extremely valuable based on the player and scarcity. Top rookie parallels can sell for thousands.

Inbox ‘hits’ in retail wax boxes and hobby boxes include ‘Black’ 1/1 parallels that are true one-of-one autograph cards. These ultra-rare parallels naturally create immense buzz in the hobby. Lower print run ‘Auto’ parallels like Blue /99, Purple /25, and Yellow /10 also feature sought-after autographs of top MLB stars and prospects. Box ‘hits’ are the chase and what makes each box opening a thrill.

Beyond the base cards and numerous parallels, Panini each year includes an array of valuable insert sets in 2022 Prizm. ‘Fluorescence’ highlight key players at each position in cool refractors. ‘Spectrum’ contains exciting color match autos and patches of top names. ‘University’ and ‘Rookie Selection’ honor the best draft prospects before they make the Show. And ‘Foundation’ captures stars in a throwback uniform style.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated rookie cards in 2022 Panini Prizm are Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Strider, and Oneil Cruz. All four emerged as exciting call-ups this season and their rookie cards immediately generated buzz. Witt and Rodriguez in particular have posted huge numbers right away and become breakout stars, making their flagship rookie cards extremely valuable investments at the moment and likely to appreciate further over time.

Released in late July/early August each year, hobby enthusiasts and investors tear into cases of 2022 Panini Prizm at lightning speed looking to pull the top rookies and hottest parallels. With dazzling design parallels and key rookie card gems, Prizm brings excitement to the cardboard collecting world each summer and fall. Whether completing rainbow sets of stars or chasing rare autographed parallels in every box, Panini Prizm Baseball delivers the goods yet again for its milestone 10th anniversary release in 2022. This set is sure to be one of the most collected modern issues as time passes and another generation of fans discovers the thrill of Panini Prizm Baseball cards.

NEW BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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2022 is shaping up to be another exciting year for new baseball cards as the hobby continues to experience a renaissance in popularity. Let’s take a look at some of the top new card releases collectors can look forward to in the upcoming year across the major brands.

Topps remains the industry leader and will be launching several new high-profile sets in 2022. The flagship Topps Series 1 release will come out in late winter/early spring as always and feature rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts in 2021 like Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. They’ll also do a Topps Series 2 release later in the season with additional new players.

Topps Update is also typically released in summer/fall and provides updated rosters and any mid-season statistical changes. 2021 Update featured cards of phenoms like Rays rookie Wander Franco that collectors eagerly snapped up. 2022 Update will likely showcase breakout players from this upcoming season.

Another anticipated Topps release each year is Archives, which reproduces cards from Topps’ iconic vintage archives in a modern parallel format. The 2022 edition will feature cards reprinted from the 1970s-1990s. Topps also does limited parallels and autograph variations of key cards that are highly sought after by high-end collectors.

Fan-favorite brand Panini Prizm is also expected to launch new MLB products this year led by their 2022 Prizm baseball release. Over the past few years, Prizm has gained popularity among collectors for their on-card autographs, dynamic photo selection, and coveted refractors that showcase vivid colors. Their releases tend to feature more contemporary photo variations and style compared to traditional brands.

Panini also produces higher-end products under the Chronicles and National Treasures brands. Chronicles 2022 will have intricate patch and memorabilia cards while National Treasures aims to release one of a kind relics and autographs including rare 1/1 parallels. Cards from these ultra-exclusive releases can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Another notable brand, Leaf, will shine a spotlight on current MLB stars with their 2022 Lineage release which has a retro aesthetic. Leaf Metal Universe continues their metallic parallels focusing on prominent players. Additionally, Leaf Trinity football has garnered interest so a Leaf Trinity baseball version is rumored for 2022.

Donruss and Bowman remain strong independent brands as well. Donruss will push their “Bangers and Blasters” concept focusing on power hitters with their 2022 release. Meanwhile, Bowman is the sole brand with rookie cards and prospects before they make the majors through their Draft, Prospects, and Chrome releases which feed the chase for the next big stars.

From a collector’s perspective, 2022 shapes up to be another amazing year to pursue new baseball cards from both the established flagship brands as well as innovative upstarts. With a fresh crop of future Hall of Famers just starting their MLB journey, this season is primed to produce cards that reminisce about the early careers of stars for decades to come. With renewed cultural passion for the hobby, these new 2022 baseball cards are sure to excite collectors young and old for years to come.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2022 Topps Baseball card season is well underway, with collectors eagerly waiting to rip open fresh hobby boxes and add new players to their collections. Topps remains the most iconic brand in the industry and their 2022 offerings have brought both improvements and tweaks compared to recent years.

This year’s Topps flagship release features designs and artwork celebrating the fun and nostalgia of America’s pastime. The base card design evokes a classic vintage feel with team logos adorning the borders and bright team colors used throughout. Each card features a primary image of the player in action along with career statistics on the reverse. Parallels and short prints give collectors chase cards to search for within each box.

Base rookie cards for top prospects like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman are must-own rookie cards for team collectors and investors. Topps produced a large printing of base rookies to meet demand, though short printed parallels and autographed/memorabilia cards of those coveted rookies fetch a premium on the resale market. Veterans and fan favorite players like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Fernando Tatis Jr. continue to be some of the set’s most sought-after cards.

The 2022 Topps release saw major improvements in production quality over recent years. Card stock feels thicker and higher grade compared to recent flagship releases. On-card autographs and relic cards from top stars are perfectly centered with crisp inscription/information with far fewer production flaws or quality control issues reported this year. Topps remains the dominant brand, but competition from other companies has driven them to raise production standards.

Key additions for 2022 include the return of Gallery inserts featuring modern superstar headshots with graphic artistic treatments inspired by a previous decade. Stars of the 70s, 80s, and 90s subsets recreate iconic card designs from Topps of that era. Rookie Flashback cards showcase a player’s rookie season stats overlaid with Headshot style photos of them today.

Topps continues efforts aimed at expanding the collector base and driving interest. A wide variety of inserts provide new cards for both experienced collectors and those just starting out. Rainbow Foil Parallels sparkle for those chasing refractors. All-Star subcset cards highlights great performances from the 2022 Midsummer Classic. Topps Chrome Update and Series 2 releases will introduce more rookie cards and short prints throughout the season as well.

The 2022 Topps Baseball Hobby Box contains 12 packs with 11 cards per pack for a total of around 132 total cards including the coveted base rookies and hits. Additional promotional materials include Team Bag or Player Rack packs that are inserted randomly. On average, a hobby box buyer can expect around 2 autographs or memorabilia cards with roughly a 1 in 3 box hit rate of obtaining an on-card autograph. Higher end Memorabilia cards carrying swatches or patches from superstars like Trout, Ohtani, and Tatis add further excitement and chase to the product.

While Jumbo Boxes contain 24 packs and High Number Boxes focus on players card numbers over #399, the standard Hobby Box remains the most accessible and affordable way for collectors to build their core team and player collections. With a $100-125 box price point, ripping 12 packs and adding 100+ new cards to a collection offers an affordable exciting way to participate in the annual collecting cycle.

Though upfront costs have risen over the years, the resell and resale market for rookies, stars and memorabilia means boxes can retain high percentage of their purchase cost over time. Investors seeking to profit may purchase multiple boxes targeting specific hit cards graded and flipped individually. Most longtime collectors are now in it more for enjoyment of the search rather than investment returns. Topps remains the most recognizable and collecting-friendly brand.

Some criticized changes to this year’s release including shortening the print run and holding back serial numbered parallels and autograph editions for more focused high-end ultra luxe releases later in the season. For beginners or average collectors, the standard Hobby Box offers an accessible entry point and hit odds remain fairly strong. When cracking packs of 2022 Topps baseball, the thrill of pulling a base rookie or hitting an on-card auto of a favorite star retains the nostalgic magic that keeps collectors coming back season after season to build relationships with today’s top talent as the cards chronicling their careers are created.

For under $125, a hobby box cracks, pops and hisses with the excitement 12 packs can provide. While cards and values will fluctuate over time, first obtaining and trading for players as their careers develop remains the core DNA of baseball card collecting. After over 70 years, Topps flagship brand sets remain the foundation from which annual collections are built. With solid production values and opportunities inside 2022 boxes to pull stars of both present and future, it is no wonder the traditional hobby box format still excites collectors of all experience levels awaiting the next great reveal from within their packs of cards.

The 2022 release maintains Topps’ role as the leading brand setting the standard, while breathing new life into the collectability and nostalgia that has made cardboard baseball collecting an American tradition for generations. With an engaging fan and collector focused approach this year, Topps seems intent on retaining that title for many more years of chronicling MLB’s greatest players through the cultural touchstone that are their eponymous trading cards. For both experienced collectors and those just embarking on their collecting journeys, flagship Topps baseball cards remain as exciting and nostalgia-evoking as ever with this latest 2022 effort.

USA STARS AND STRIPES BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Topps is keeping their successful USA Stars and Stripes baseball card series going strong in 2022 with another exciting set featuring America’s pastime alongside iconic patriotic symbolism. Building off the positive reception from previous years, this year’s 120 card release looks to capture the tradition and prestige of both baseball heroes and Old Glory.

Some key things to know about the 2022 Topps USA Stars and Stripes baseball card series:

Features current MLB players dressed in patriotic Stars and Stripes uniforms on the front of each card, paying homage to America. Some of the biggest names in the sport this year include Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and more.

Uses elegant red, white and blue color schemes throughout with stars, stripes and other patriotic design elements incorporated into the borders, backgrounds and logos. Really makes the cards pop visually while also evoking feelings of national pride.

Includes base cards as well as special parallels and short print cards that are more difficult to find. Some of the top parallel options are Silver Pack, Gold Pack, Superfractor and 1/1 Diamond parallels to entice collectors.

Continues Topps’ long tradition of producing America-themed baseball cards going all the way back to their 1960s Red Back issues as well as previous Stars and Stripes releases. This helps the set have a strong sense of history for collectors.

Provides fans an exciting way to showcase their support for both country and national pastime in a unique commemorative card style. Great for any collection focusing on patriotism or special Topps releases.

Carries a moderate price point making it accessible for most hobbyists. Boxes usually retail around $80-100 offering a few guaranteed autographs or memorabilia cards as bonuses too.

In terms of checklist specifics, the 2022 Topps USA Stars and Stripes baseball card set features:

80 main base cards showcasing current MLB superstars in Stars and Stripes uniforms

20 rookie cards of up-and-coming young talents to keep an eye on this season

10 Stars of the Game parallels highlighting big performers from the previous year

5 Diamond Anniversary parallels celebrating significant dates in baseball history

5 Factory Set parallels featuring embellished touches pulled straight from Topps’ portfolio

Buyers can expect to find around 5 autograph cards or memorabilia cards in hobby boxes along with several parallel and short print cards inserted at lower odds. Some anticipated short prints could include:

Gold Foil (1 per box): Ohtani, Judge

Red Foil (1 every other box): Trout, deGrom

Superfractor (1 every 3 boxes): Soto, Acuña Jr.

Diamond parallel (1/1): various players

Given the patriotic imagery and star-studded rosters, this set is sure to thrill collectors in both the sports card realm and those who simply enjoy celebrating American tradition and national pride through baseball. Topps has undoubtedly put together another winning commemorative release for 2022 sure to hold value for years to come. Fans are encouraged to check with their local card shops or order online through top retailers to add some of these beautifully designed USA Stars and Stripes cards to their collections.

2022 DONRUSS BASEBALL PRICE TOP CARDS

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The 2022 Donruss baseball card set was released in late June/early July of this year and contains a variety of rookie cards, parallels and veteran stars of baseball. While not as high-end as some other baseball card releases, Donruss offers affordable cards that collectors and players still enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 2022 Donruss set that are generating the highest prices on the secondary market currently.

Rookie Autographs / Patch Auto Cards: As with most modern baseball sets, the rookie autograph and patch autograph cards see some of the highest valuations and early excitement. Some notable 2022 Donruss rookie autograph cards that are commanding top prices include:

Bobby Witt Jr. Pink Auto /99 – The Kansas City Royals top prospect and future star commands big money cards early in his career. His Pink Auto parallel from Donruss has sold for upwards of $800-900 initially.

Adley Rutschman Blue Auto /250 – As the top prospect and future Baltimore Orioles catcher, Rutschman rookies are highly sought. His Blue Auto has cracked $500-600 range.

Jeremy Peña Green Auto /250 – As the starting shortstop for the 2022 World Series champion Houston Astros, Peña exploded onto the scene and his rookie card demand skyrocketed. His Green Auto sells for $400-500.

Julio Rodríguez Grey Auto /499 – The exciting Seattle Mariners youngster and favorite for AL Rookie of the Year has seen his Grey Auto settle in the $300-350 range so far.

Riley Greene Aqua Auto /250 – The Detroit Tigers star prospect has autos selling between $200-250 for his Aqua parallel.

Base Rookies: While not as flashy as the autographs, some top base rookies are still gaining traction and selling well from the 2022 Donruss set:

Bobby Witt Jr. Green /499 – As the #2 pick in 2019 and Kansas City’s new star, Witt Jr’s Green parallel base sells in the $80-120 area.

Julio Rodríguez Base – Rodríguez exploded onto the scene and his base rookie holds value around $60-80 currently.

Adley Rutschman Base – Seen as the future leader of the O’s, Rutschman’s base rookie sells in the $40-60 range depending on grade/condition.

Jeremy Peña Base – As a World Series hero, Peña’s stock is rising and his base rookie sells in the $30-40 range now.

Top Veteran Stars: While rookie cards drive the excitement, proven MLB stars still hold value in modern Donruss releases as well:

Aaron Judge Sepia /199 – The AL MVP favorite and single season HR record holder, Judge cards command top dollar. His Sepia parallel sells between $80-100.

Shohei Ohtani Green Foil /499 – As a true unicorn, Ohtani has become the face of baseball. His Green Foil parallel sells in the $60-80 range.

Mike Trout Magenta /75 – The consensus best player in baseball, even Trout’s parallels hold value. His ultra-short print Magenta sells for $100-150 currently.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Blue /250 – Coming back from injury, Acuña Jr is a star when healthy. His Blue parallel sells in the $50-70 range.

Mookie Betts Aqua /250 – A perennial MVP candidate, Betts cards hold stable value and his Aqua sells for $40-60.

While rookie cards tend to drive the excitement and highest prices early from 2022 Donruss, proven MLB stars still carry value in their parallels as collectors look to complete rainbow sets or add star power to their collections. With rookie stars like Witt Jr., Rodríguez and others off to hot starts, their cards could continue to appreciate over the long run as well. For affordable, accessible cards from the latest baseball season, 2022 Donruss offers collectors and investors options across all levels.