Tag Archives: 2022

MOST EXPENSIVE 2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2022 Topps baseball card release featured some highly coveted rookie cards and short printed veteran parallels that have already become enormously valuable in the collectibles marketplace. With demand and prices skyrocketing for modern sports cards in recent years, the chase was on from the start to find the rarest and most prestigious cards from the latest Topps series.

As the 2022 season progressed and rookie sensations like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman began thriving in the big leagues, collectors scrambled to obtain their Topps rookie cards in hopes of landing early editions of future Hall of Famers. At the same time, certain parallels with very low print runs emerged as true “needle in a haystack” finds that had collectors spending furiously to land some elusive treasures.

While the season is still young and the careers of top prospects remain unwritten, certain 2022 Topps cards have already achieved legendary status and broken records in terms of price. Here are the 10 most expensive 2022 Topps baseball cards as of mid-August 2022 based on recently sold listings on eBay, PWCC Marketplace, and other online auction sites:

Julio Rodriguez Rainbow Foil Refractor Auto /99 – $15,000
Julio Rodriguez emerged as the clear fan favorite and Rookie of the Year frontrunner for the Seattle Mariners in 2022 with his electric power-speed combo. Any Rodríguez rookie card carries huge value, but his short printed Rainbow Foil Refractor auto cracked the Topps Project 70 checklist and carries a sharplooking refractory design with serial numbers to 99 copies. One mint graded PSA 10 copy sold in July 2022 through PWCC Auctions for a staggering $15,000, making it easily the most expensive 2022 Topps card so far.

Bobby Witt Jr. Superfractor Auto /10 – $10,800
Considered a future superstar as the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Bobby Witt Jr. began his rookie campaign for the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and became an immediate everyday player and home run threat. The ultra-rare rainbow Superfractor parallel auto checks in at a micro print run of only 10 copies. Despite its steep price tag, it’s proven to be one of the wisest longterm investments in the class with Witt looking like a perennial all-star.

Adley Rutschman Purple Refractor Auto /175 – $8,900
Adley Rutschman earned top prospect billing for years and finally made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. He has lived up to the hype so far with his advanced all-around skillset. His Topps Purple Refractor auto achieved strong grades and only 175 were printed, fueling an epic bidding war on the rare parallel that closed at nearly $9,000.

Jonathan India Pink Refractor Auto /175 – $7,600
After winning 2021 NL Rookie of the Year honors, Jonathan India followed up his stellar debut season with Cincinnati Reds with another solid campaign in 2022. Few parallels are found in higher grades than India’s coveted pink refractor auto, graded PSA 10 and only available in 175 copies to fuel its ultra-premium valuation.

Julio Rodriguez Rainbow Foil Refractor /99 – $7,500
Not to be outdone by its auto parallel, Julio Rodriguez’s raw Rainbow Foil Refractor short print refractor carries its value well into the thousands due to its flashy design, immense star power and limited 99 card production run which makes each example scarce to find.

Spencer Torkelson Gold Refractor Auto /70 – $6,900
As the top overall pick in 2020 draft and highly ranked Tigers’ prospect, Spencer Torkelson’s longterm future still holds great potential if he can put it all together at the MLB level. Meanwhile in the cardboard world, his signature yellow gold parallel carried a /70 print run sticker shock to match its equally substantial price tag.

Adley Rutschman Gold Refractor Auto /70 – $6,800
Like Torkelson, Adley Rutschman possessed multiple short printed refractors coveted by collectors which feed into his star prospect pedigree and status. The ultra-short 70 card production of his gold refractor auto makes each example beyond difficult to uncover and adds enormous acquisition cost for those successively located.

Bobby Witt Jr. 1st Bowman Rainbow Foil Auto /99 – $6,700
Considered one of the iconic cards in any collection, Bobby Witt Jr.’s rookie card from his famous 2019 Bowman DraftChrome set carries immense value despite not actually being from his Topps flagship rookie season. Even vintage Witt parallels like this flashy Rainbow Foil 1st Bowman see tremendous appreciation as his ceiling remains sky high.

Julio Rodriguez Spectrum Refractor Auto /249 – $6,500
When it comes to Julio mania in 2022, few parallels seem to cool the red hot market surrounding any of his autographed inserts. Despite a larger /249 print run compared to some other refractors on this list, Julius’ green and orange Spectrum parallel still flew out of reach past $6,000 in recent sales as collectors clamor for any version of his rookie excellence they can unearth.

Adley Rutschman Red Refractor Auto /175 – $6,300
Rounding out the top 10 is perhaps the expected inclusion – yet another one of Adley Rutschman’s premiere refractors, this time in searing red ink with the same miniscule 175 copy production as other top parallels. Between its striking colorway popping against any magnetic holder and Rutschman’s obvious skills living up to every ounce of his advanced notice, there may be no reliable floor left to imagine for any of his rare inserts going forward as interest surely climbs higher.

While certain 2022 Topps cards have already changed hands for five figures within just a few months, the values profiled above represent only a snapshot in time and don’t account for further ascension. As Rodriguez, Witt, Rutschman and others continue driving championship aspirations for their respective clubs and cementing themselves as stars, their vintage rookie cards stand to appreciate exponentially and take their place among the most prized collectibles in the hobby. With several generations of careers still ahead to unfold, 2022 may prove to have housed some of the foundational investments of the modern trading card era.

2022 TOPPS FINEST BASEBALL BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

2022 marked another highly anticipated release year for Topps Finest Baseball cards. As one of the hobby’s premier high-end products, Topps Finest has developed a reputation for featuring stunning photography, intricate refractors, and some of the set’s most valuable rookie cards and parallels.

The 2022 Topps Finest Baseball base set contains 330 cards and highlights the biggest stars and top prospects from the 2021 MLB season. As with past years, Topps once again delivered exquisite photography and intricate refractors that shine and sparkle unlike any other brand. Some of the standout base cards include Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and rookie sensations Spencer Torkelson and Bobby Witt Jr. While the base cards are certainly beautiful collector pieces on their own, it’s the parallels and short printed cards that drive the most excitement for Finest enthusiasts.

Perhaps the most coveted parallel from 2022 Finest is the 1/1 Rainbow Foil parallel. Featuring a spectacular iridescent rainbow foil pattern on a refractor stock, these ultra-rare 1/1 parallels are true works of art. Some of the biggest names to garner a coveted Rainbow Foil 1/1 include Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez. With their stunning visual appeal and exclusivity as the lone copy in existence, Rainbow Foil 1/1s command astronomical prices in the secondary market.

Another highly sought-after parallel is the Gold Refractor, limited to only 10 copies per card. Featuring a brilliant gold refractor backdrop, these parallels truly pop on the card front. Some notable Gold Refractors from 2022 Finest include rookie phenoms Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr., as well as superstars Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Mookie Betts. With their sharp color contrast and low print runs, Gold Refractors are highly valuable collector pieces.

Finest also introduced a new Spectra parallel in 2022, featuring a translucent spectrum color blend on the refractor stock. These low-numbered parallels, which include rainbow, orange, green, blue, and purple variations, add a new layer of visual appeal to the set. Rosters for the Spectra parallels are not publicly disclosed, so pulling one of these color-shifting beauties is a true thrill for collectors.

When it comes to short prints and hit cards, 2022 Finest delivered some true gems. The biggest chase of the set is the coveted Rainbow Foil Autograph parallel, limited to a minuscule 3 copies per player. Pulling a superstar name like Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani in this parallel is the stuff of collector dreams. Other highly sought-after autograph parallels include the Gold Refractor Autograph (10 copies), On-Card Autograph, and Rainbow Foil Patch Autograph.

Top rookies and prospects are also heavily featured in Finest’s hit parade. Top rookie cards this year included Bobby Witt Jr. Rainbow Foil Autograph (3 copies), Adley Rutschman Gold Refractor Autograph (10 copies), and Julio Rodriguez On-Card Autograph. Prospect hounds chased parallels of stars of tomorrow like Gunnar Henderson, Spencer Torkelson, and Oneil Cruz.

The 2022 Topps Finest Baseball set once again raised the bar for high-end cardboard. Between the exquisite photography, dazzling refractors, and treasure trove of valuable parallels and short prints, it’s easy to see why Finest is a pinnacle release each year. With its combination of true artistry and investment potential, 2022 Finest will surely go down as one of the set’s most coveted modern issues. Whether collecting for the long-term or to chase the biggest rookie stars, Topps Finest continues to captivate collectors year after year.

CHROME BASEBALL CARDS 2022

Leave a reply

Topps Chrome is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year. The shiny refractors and vivid colors that Chrome cards are known for make them a big hit with collectors. 2022 saw the latest installment of this premium baseball card product hit shelves in late summer.

Topps Chrome 2022 had collectors excited for several key reasons. First, it was the first Chrome release since 2019, as the pandemic disrupted the normal baseball card release schedule the past two years. Second, rookie classes featuring potential superstars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman generated a lot of hype. The retro design paid homage to some of the most iconic Chrome designs of the late 90s and 2000s.

The base set for Topps Chrome 2022 consisted of 330 cards, with one card for every player on an MLB roster at the time of production. The design featured a clean white border around each photo, with team logos prominently displayed at the bottom. As with all Chrome sets, the photo is printed on a silver “refractor” stock that gives each card a shiny, glittery look compared to a standard card.

Parallels and short prints have always been a big part of the Chrome experience. For 2022, Topps included several different parallel variations at different print runs:

Black – Print run of 1 in 10 packs (33 cards)
Gold – 1 in 20 packs (16 cards)
Green – 1 in 30 packs (11 cards)
Orange – 1 in 40 packs (8 cards)
Blue – 1 in 50 packs (6 cards)
Red – 1 in 75 packs (4 cards)
Purple – 1 in 100 packs (3 cards)

Several short print variations were sprinkled throughout packs at much lower odds, like the coveted 1-of-1 “White Whale” parallel. Topps also included a set of “Refractors” for each parallel color at an even lower print run.

Rookies and prospects were the main chase for collectors opening Chrome in 2022. Top names like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, and C.J. Abrams all had base rookie cards alongside an array of parallels and short prints. The most coveted rookie cards included 1-of-1 variations that could fetch thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Veteran stars also saw some of their most iconic Chrome cards repriced from previous years. Cards of players like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera in their rookie seasons commanded big money from collectors nostalgic for the 1990s Chrome designs. Legendary parallels like a 1998 Griffey Jr. Gold refractor #/50 were truly grail cards.

Topps also included several special insert sets within 2022 Chrome. “Fluorescent” featured bright neon-colored parallels at low print runs. “Top Chrome” highlighted some of the biggest names in baseball. And “Chrome Prospects” shone a light on the next wave of young talent. Autograph and memorabilia cards of current stars provided high-end chase cards as well.

Overall, Topps Chrome 2022 delivered the nostalgia, mystery, and excitement collectors have come to expect from the iconic brand. While the pandemic delayed its return, the product didn’t disappoint with its flashy designs and chase for the next generation of stars. Between the base cards, parallels, inserts, autographs and 1-of-1’s, it provided something for every type of collector. Whether seeking affordable rookies or ultra-rare vintage parallels, Chrome had cards that could appeal to any budget. Its mix of retro styling and modern rookie classes ensured Topps Chrome would remain one of the most anticipated baseball card releases for years to come.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT IN 2022

Leave a reply

The hobby of collecting baseball cards has experienced a massive resurgence in popularity over the past couple of years. With prices skyrocketing for vintage and modern rookie cards of star players, it’s never been a better time to get involved in the market. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some of the top baseball cards to target in 2022 across both modern and vintage releases.

Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto RC) – As one of the most unique two-way talents in baseball history, Ohtani’s rookie cards have taken the hobby by storm. His 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto RC remains one of the hottest modern cards on the market. With another MVP-caliber season in 2022, Ohtani fever will likely continue to drive up prices for this coveted rookie card. Graded PSA 10 examples have already eclipsed $10,000, so this is a card that is still a great long-term investment even at its current high prices.

Juan Soto (2018 Topps Chrome RC) – Soto exploded onto the scene as a 19-year-old in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since, establishing himself as one of the game’s true superstars. As one of the cleanest and most desirable rookie designs in recent memory, his 2018 Topps Chrome RC remains incredibly sought after by collectors. Prices have risen exponentially for this card in PSA 10 condition, with some sales nearing $3,000 in 2022. Soto’s age-23 season could see him take his game to an even higher level, further cementing this as a blue-chip baseball card for years to come.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome RC Auto) – Acuña burst onto the scene with the Braves in 2018 and hasn’t stopped dazzling collectors and fans since with his 5-tool skillset. While prices for his Topps flagship rookie card have risen considerably, his 2018 Bowman Chrome RC Auto remains one of the most visually striking and coveted modern cards on the market. High-grade PSA 10 examples have reached over $5,000, showing this to be an astute long-term hold for any collection. Acuña’s talent and youth ensure this card’s value will remain strong for years to come.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2018 Topps Chrome RC) – Following in his Hall of Fame father’s footsteps, Vlad Jr. has lived up to the hype since debuting in 2019 and is now one of the game’s most feared sluggers. While still just 23 years old, his best seasons are surely still ahead of him. His sleek 2018 Topps Chrome RC remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing modern rookie designs and a must-have for any collector. PSA 10 copies have cracked the $1,000 mark in 2022 and have plenty of room for further appreciation with Vlad Jr. likely to have many more All-Star caliber seasons.

Mickey Mantle (1952 Topps #311) – As one of the all-time greats and the face of baseball collecting, Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie card is the undisputed king of the vintage market. PSA 8 copies recently sold for over $360,000, with PSA 6 examples still fetching five-figure sums. While the card is out of reach for most collectors price-wise, it’s still fascinating to track the movements of this true Holy Grail item which continues to set record prices. For collectors working with more modest budgets, later Mantle cards from the 1950s remain strong long-term hold options.

Mike Trout (2009 Bowman Chrome Draft RC Auto) – Widely considered the best all-around player of his generation, Trout has done nothing but dominate MLB since his debut. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft RC Auto remains the pinnacle Trout card, combining his status as a generational talent with the highly desired rookie auto patch parallel format that was so popular in the late 2000s/early 2010s. PSA 10 copies have reached astronomical prices upwards of $400,000 in recent years, but high-grade versions still offer incredible long-term appreciation potential for savvy investors.

Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck RC) – As one of the most beloved players of the 1990s, Junior’s rookie cards from 1989 Upper Deck and Score remain hugely popular with collectors to this day. The Upper Deck RC boasts a clean and iconic design that perfectly captures Griffey’s essence as a player. PSA 10 copies have cracked the $10,000 mark in 2022 and will likely continue their steady rise as Griffey mania shows no signs of slowing. This is a true vintage classic that will retain its value for generations to come.

Mookie Betts (2012 Bowman Chrome RC Auto) – Now a star on the Dodgers, Betts first made his mark in the hobby with his 2012 Bowman Chrome RC Auto for the Red Sox. Featuring the always popular rookie auto format from Bowman’s Chrome set, this card really took off following Betts’ 2018 and 2020 World Series titles and MVP seasons. PSA 10 copies have reached over $6,000, showing this modern card’s strong investment potential even a decade after its release. With Betts still in his prime, his rookie remains a great long-shot to retain value.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (2019 Topps Chrome RC) – Arguably the most exciting young player in baseball, Tatis has quickly become one of the new faces of the game. His 2019 Topps Chrome RC was hugely popular at release and has only gained more notoriety as Tatis continues putting up MVP caliber numbers for the Padres. PSA 10 copies have cracked the $1,000 mark, leaving plenty of room for growth as Tatis hits his prime years. This is a modern card that has a great chance to emulate the careers of Acuña, Soto and others before it.

Sandy Koufax (1956 Topps #257) – One of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, Koufax’s rookie season was captured perfectly in his 1956 Topps card. High-grade versions remain some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards in the hobby. PSA 8 copies have reached over $50,000 in recent years, showing this classic’s enduring popularity. While out of reach for most budgets, lower-grade versions are also strong long-term holds that will retain value as Koufax’s legend grows.

This covers some of the most desirable baseball cards on the market for collectors to target in 2022, whether just starting out or looking to strengthen an existing collection. By focusing on rookies and stars from both the modern and vintage eras, collectors can build a well-rounded collection with long-term growth potential. Following these players’ careers and monitoring the hobby closely will help maximize returns on any cards purchased this year.

HOUSTON ASTROS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The Houston Astros are coming off another successful 2022 season that saw them return to the World Series for the second time in six years. They ultimately fell short against the Philadelphia Phillies. As the Astros look ahead to 2023, baseball card collectors have 2022 editions to commemorate a historic AL West division title.

This Astros team has grown accustomed to winning in recent years, capturing five division crowns since 2017. At the center of it all stands superstar shortstop Carlos Correa, who is one of the faces of the franchise. Unfortunately for Houston fans, Correa signed a huge free agent deal with the Minnesota Twins following the 2021 season.

For the 2022 campaign, the Astros turned to veteran free agent acquisition Jeremy Peña to take over at shortstop. And boy, did Peña deliver in his rookie season. The 25-year old wowed with his poise and production, slashing .289/.345/.517 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI over 146 games. Peña’s monster rookie year performance earned him American League Championship Series MVP honors and cemented him as Correa’s long-term successor. His top rookie card from 2022 releases like Topps, Panini and Bowman Chrome are sure to be highly sought after collectors items for years to come.

Another big storyline from this Astros team revolved around veteran ace Justin Verlander, who made a triumphant return from Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2021 season. At 39 years old, Verlander enjoyed a Cy Young-caliber campaign, posting a stellar 1.75 ERA with 185 strikeouts over 28 starts. Having Verlander back leading the rotation was a huge boost and his pitching dominance netted him an AL Cy Young and ALCS MVP award. His 2022 flagship rookie cards from the major brands should hold strong collectible value.

Offensive catalyst Jose Altuve also had a vintage season in his Age-32 campaign. The 5-foot-6 second baseman continues to defy Father Time, as he slashed .300/.387/.533 with 28 home runs and 57 RBI. Altuve remains one of the best pure hitters in baseball and a bonafide Astros legend after over a decade with the organization. His cards from this year, including autographed and memorabilia versions, will be a mainstay in team collections.

In the outfield, young sluggers Yordan Álvarez and Kyle Tucker broke out even more in 2022. Álvarez belted 37 home runs and led the AL with a 1.019 OPS while driving in 97 runs. Meanwhile, Tucker set career-highs with 29 homers and 107 RBI to go along with a .267 batting average. Both Álvarez and Tucker are cornerstone pieces for Houston’s dynamic offense and their rising star power makes their 2022 cards a wise long term baseball investment.

On the pitching side, veteran righty Lance McCullers Jr. returned from his own Tommy John layoff to deliver 174 innings of 3.16 ERA ball. His changeup remains one of baseball’s most unhittable pitches. 2020 AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke also provided 183 innings of reliable rotation work in his age-38 campaign. Closer Ryan Pressly closed out 35 games with a 2.98 ERA and 33 saves in 55.1 innings pitched. These veterans bring stability to Houston’s staff.

While the Astros fell just short of their ultimate goal in 2022, this core group has proven to be perennial contenders who know how to win. Their chase for a second championship in six years will continue in 2023 and beyond. Collecting their tops rookies and stars from this past season offers an investment in one of baseball’s model franchises. This Astros team has all the ingredients to sustain long-term success, making their 2022 baseball cards a collection worth building.

MOST VALUABLE 2022 TOPPS GALLERY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2022 Topps Gallery baseball card set was released in May of this year and contained an assortment of redesigned main set cards along with insert parallels focusing on top players. While the base cards in the 525 card set hold relatively modest value on the secondary market, several key short printed and autographed variants have already emerged as highly valuable modern pieces for collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive 2022 Topps Gallery cards to date.

Kicking off our list at the #5 spot is the Luis Robert Rainbow Foil parallel card. Only 15 of these parallel versions featuring the young White Sox outfielder were produced, making it an extremely scarce pull. As a result, PSA 10 gem mint examples have sold for up to $1,000 so far. Another White Sox star, Tim Anderson, claims the #4 spot with his Mosiac parallel /15 holding a similar $1,000 price tag in top grade.

Taking the #3 position is arguably the biggest star in the game, Albert Pujols. His Auto Patch parallel clocks in at #3 due to its dual relic and on-card signature combination paired with an ultra-low print run of /5 copies worldwide. Graded PSA 10 examples of Pujols’ dual auto patch have traded hands for as much as $1,500 so far. Close behind at #2 is a card featuring perhaps the game’s top young superstar, Fernando Tatis Jr. His Masters of the Game Auto /10 parallel holds significant rarity and desirability, with a PSA 10 copy recently selling for a whopping $2,000.

And that brings us to the most valuable 2022 Topps Gallery card as of now – the Aaron Judge Rainbow Foil Auto parallel. Like the Robert mentioned earlier, only 15 copies of Judge’s foil auto were produced. What takes this card to the top is that it features arguably the most coveted modern player in all of baseball chasing the longstanding AL single season home run record. With Judge in the midst of his epic 2022 season at the time of the Gallery release, collector demand for any rare cards of his skyrocketed. As a result, the ultra-short printed Aaron Judge Rainbow Foil Auto parallel holds a current record as the sole PSA 10 copy to sell, fetching an incredible $3,000 back in August.

As we round out our rankings of the top five most valuable 2022 Topps Gallery cards so far, it’s abundantly clear that short printed parallels featuring the games biggest stars like Judge, Tatis, Pujols and morecommand astronomical prices compared to standard base cards in the set. With the huge recent surge in overall sports card values in 2022, it’s entirely possible more high-grade copies of key parallels continue to emerge and potentially surpass the records set by the cards highlighted above. Additional factors like postseason performances too could impact long term value. Regardless, the 2022 Topps Gallery release has already proven to offer some truly elite, rare modern pieces for savvy collectors willing to pay top-dollar for the short printed hits within. As interest in the modern card market persists, these highly valuable parallels from this year’s set are sure to remain some of the most coveted investments for years to come.

2022 SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2022 Topps MLB Series 1 baseball card set was released on February 16th, 2022, marking the 70th anniversary of Topps’ legendary baseball card releases. The 850 card base set featured the biggest rookies and stars from the 2021 MLB season as well as star players from years past in special anniversary parallels.

Some of the biggest rookies featured as main stars of the set included 2020 American League Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis from the Seattle Mariners, Giants shortstop Marco Luciano who is considered one of the top prospects in baseball, and 2020 National League Rookie of the Year Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers. Past stars highlighted included recently retired Hall of Famer Derek Jeter on his classic Yankees card design from his rookie year along with Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, and more legends in special anniversary parallels.

In addition to the standard base card set numbered 1-850, Topps Series 1 introduced several exciting new inserts and parallels to commemorate the 70th anniversary. The 1970 parallel featured a retro design based on the classic 1970 Topps set with 70 copies of each card available. The 1956 Bowman design was honored with two parallel sets – a red parallel numbered to 70 copies and a gold parallel numbered to just 10 copies featuring several of the biggest names in baseball.

Legendary careers were also celebrated through the Hall of Fame Candidates insert set highlighting stars on the brink of Cooperstown like Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Verlander. Topps also paid homage to retired greats with a special Tribute parallel subset for stars like Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Mariano Rivera featuring their iconic photos one last time. Numerous hit prospects were featured in the coveted Top Prospects insert set as well including Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and more future stars.

In addition to the standard base set, Topps Series 1 introduced several exciting new parallels and inserts each with their own limited printing. The Platinum Anniversary parallel featured a slick black and white design with only 10 copies of each card available making them extremely scarce. The Red Foil parallel took the popular red border from previous years but added a striking red foil treatment with numbering capped at just 99 copies per card. Another hot parallel was the Green Shimmer parallel with an eye-catching green border and serial numbering to only 49 copies proving to be one of the hardest parallels to pull in the set.

The market for key rookies, prospects, and hits from the 2022 Topps Series 1 release exploded following the release. Top rookie cards like Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Adley Rutschman soared well above their checklists prices immediately. Prime star cards like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. also climbed in price as collectors chased the rare insert and parallel versions. Within just a few months, full entire base sets were selling for over $1000 due to the immense popularity and rookie class featured in the release.

Upper Deck also released soccer and hockey sets but Topps Series 1 is always the biggest and most high profile release to kick off the new baseball season. With over two months now since the release, the prices have remained quite high across the board for the key rookies and stars highlighted. The popularity of the set shows no signs of slowing down, especially with parallel and hit versions continuing to break records on the resale market. The 2022 Topps Series 1 release has certainly cemented its status as one of the top modern sets due to its star power and exciting new anniversary parallels available.

RAREST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2022

Leave a reply

The hobby of collecting and trading baseball cards has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years. As the nostalgia of rediscovering cards from our childhood awakens a passion in many, the hunt is also on to track down the rarest and most valuable baseball cards on the market. With each new year comes newly scarce cards as players retire or have extraordinarily low print runs. Here are some of the rarest baseball cards that traders and collectors sought after in 2022:

1909 Tobacco Portrait – Honus Wagner (PSA 1): The legendary T206 Honus Wagner card continued to reign as the crown jewel of the hobby in 2022. Only approximately 60 are known to exist in all grades. A PSA 1 quality Wagner sold at auction in January 2022 for an astounding $6.6 million, setting a new record as the most valuable baseball card ever sold. The card’s rarity and status as the first ‘superstar’ player card issued helped drive interest and demand.

1933 Goudey – Babe Ruth (Ungraded): The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth is one of the key rarities from the early decades of issued baseball cards. Only approximately 25 high-quality examples are thought to exist today in potentially gradable condition. Even low-grade or damaged versions command six-figure prices. A copy that recently surfaced in Maryland and was not professionally graded was being informally estimated at over $1 million raw. Finding any 1930s era icon card in collectible form is an incredible feat.

1953 Topps – Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): Mickey Mantle rookie cards from 1953 Topps have been getting exponentially expensive over the past fifteen years. An absolutely pristine PSA 9 sold in August 2022 for $2.88 million, setting records for both the Mantle rookie and any post-war card. But even high-grade PSA 8 copies were negotiated for over $500,000 as collectors seek to add this legendary Yankees star’s first card to their collections. With under 100 PSA 9s believed extant, well-centered PSA 8s satisfy as the next best thing.

1954 Topps – Hank Aaron (PSA 8): While not his true rookie card which was issued in a set the prior year, the 1954 Topps Hank Aaron is the first card produced during his Hall of Fame playing career. Like Mantle, PSA 9 specimens trade for millions, making PSA 8s a hugely significant find. One in outstanding condition crossed the auction block in October 2022 for an impressive $405,000. Copies higher than a 7 are practically museum worthy at this point.

1957 Topps – Willie Mays (PSA 8): The “Say Hey Kid’s” first full color card from 1957 Topps remains an iconic piece of cardboard. With its highly recognizable image and subject’s status as one of the all-time greatest players, finding a high-quality example is a tall task. During 2022, PSA 8s were commonly trading privately for over $100,000 as individuals sought specimens to feature this true American classic. Condition is everything, with a single flaw potentially wiping out six figures from the value.

1961 Topps – Sandy Koufax (PSA 10): Don’t let the later 1950s/1960s production date fool you – Sandy Koufax rookie and early career cards are among the most coveted issues of the post-war era. Only an infinitesimally small number can claim the perfect PSA 10 grade. One that came on the market this year ended up selling for $388,000, reflective of just how uncommon true gem specimens are. Locating any Koufax rookie in grades above a PSA 6 makes it worthy of a centerpiece in even the most elite collections.

1972 Topps – Johnny Bench (PSA 10): Widely considered the finest prospect of his generation, Johnny Bench had one of the most impressive rookie card seasons of all-time capturing both the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. Like Koufax above, PSA 10 quality examples are essentially unobtainable, with a single perfect copy trading hands privately in Q3 2022 for a significant six-figure sum. Vivid colors and strong centering make this one of the most aesthetically pleasing vintage cards to find pristine.

1989 Bowman – Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 10): While not his true rookie in terms of date issued, the 1989 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. may be the most iconic baseball card of the modern era. With its perfectly captured action image, it is arguably the most recognizable card design ever created. PSA 10s have long been valued north of $100,000 as the centering and surfaces required seem unachievable. A mint copy that surfaced for auction in late 2022 consigned directly from Griffey’s personal collection was predictably a blockbuster at over $686,000.

1996 Bowman’s Best Refractors – Derek Jeter (PSA 10): The advent of parallel ‘refractor’ technology in the 1990s added an entire new layer of complexity and cachet to the hobby. Among the elite pull rates were Derek Jeter’s refractors from 1996 Bowman’s Best, which featured an innovative hologram-style refractive technology never before seen. PSA 10 quality specimens fetched over $400,000 this year as enthusiasts sought the ultimate piece of modern memorabilia featuring one of the game’s most storied players and brands.

2009 Bowman Sterling – Mike Trout (PSA 10): Barely out of his teen years at the time of issue, nobody could foresee Mike Trout emerging as the face of baseball for over a decade. Cases of 2009 Bowman Sterling flew off shelves looking to pull the future star, yet truly flawless examples remain completely elusive. As Trout stamped his place in Cooperstown, a PSA 10 of his primary hobby issue recently became the highest valued modern-era card ever at $900,000. The sheer unlikelihood of perfection adds exponential rarity.

While the list could go on and on, these provide a good cross section of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards that drove fervor among collectors in 2022. With each year, as conditions change and more treasures are unearthed, new contenders are sure to emerge. But the above names will likely remain at hobby’s peak for generations to come.

2022 BOWMAN HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2022 Bowman Heritage set is the latest retro-themed baseball card release from Topps that brings back the look and feel of classic vintage cardboard from the 1950s and 1960s. Bowman Heritage sets have become an annual tradition for collectors seeking to add pieces of nostalgia to their collections.

Released in late April/early May each year, the 2022 version contains 300 base cards showing current MLB players and prospects dressing in classic uniforms representing the early days of the sport. With its glossy finish and colorful designelements inspired by the iconic early Bowman issues, the set perfectly captures the aesthetic that made those mid-20th century cards so iconic. Some key parallels and inserts are also included to add to the excitement.

As with past years, Topps selected a talented group of upcoming young stars and veterans to be featured. Some of the top rookies included in the set are Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Torkelson, Bobby Witt Jr. and C.J. Abrams. Established major leaguers like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto also received showcase cards that will appeal to collectors. International prospects are represented too through inclusion of players like Rutherford (CUB), Aponte (VEN) and Lizardy (DOM).

The base cards use a formula familiar to Heritage sets with team logo banners at top, simplified graphics and typefaces drawing from the early Bowman aesthetics. Player photos look appropriately vintage posed in front of neutral backgrounds. Uniform designs authentically mimic the wool flannels, pinstripes and script lettering worn prior to the late 1960s. Experienced collectors appreciate the attention to detail emulating the 1951-1967 era appearance.

While the base cards make up the bulk of the count, parallels and inserts add chase value. The Black parallel /50 and Gold /10 are especially rare pulls that elevate certain cards. Themed insert sets within include Silk/Jersey Cards showing fabric swatches, Postseason Performers for playoff heroes and All-Time Greats highlighting legends. An autograph or memorabilia card of a star can also be found within hobby boxes at a tough odds.

The immense popularity of Heritage sets stems from how they tap into collector nostalgia while also profiling the future stars and current faces of baseball. Layering the iconic vintage aesthetic over modern players seamlessly blends history with what’s new. With sharp photography and accurate design execution, even collectors born long after the 1950s can feel connected to baseball’s rich past through these innovative releases.

Prices for 2022 Bowman Heritage cards on the secondary market will likely rise steadily as the set gains appreciation over the coming years. Rookie cards of successful players like Rodriguez, Torkelson and Abrams especially hold great long-term value potential. But even base cards provide an affordable way to build a personalized collection bringing two eras of the national pastime together in one cohesive product. Heritage sets signal that while the game may change, some traditions never go out of style.

The 2022 Topps Bowman Heritage baseball card set delivers another winning formula that skillfully merges nostalgia with pursuing today’s breaking stars. Faithful to the mid-century design language that started it all, each card allows collectors old and new to reminisce about baseball history in a tangible cardboard form. With its unique blending of past and present, Bowman Heritage maintains its status as a beloved annual release that proves some classics never go out of style.

BEST BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS 2022

Leave a reply

The 2022 MLB season saw the debut of many highly touted prospects and future stars. While it’s still early in their careers, some rookies made a big enough splash that their rookie cards from 2022 are already gaining value and attention from collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from this past season that could end up being valuable long-term holdings.

Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers – 2021 Topps Chrome RC – Torkelson was the number one overall pick in 2020 and made his MLB debut in 2022. While he struggled at the plate initially and spent time in the minors, Torkelson showed flashes of why he was such a coveted prospect. His smooth left-handed swing and impressive power make him one to watch. The 2021 Topps Chrome rookie card is his main rookie card and will be the one that gains the most value if Torkelson develops into the All-Star caliber player most scouts predicted. Graded gem mint 10 copies have already sold for over $100, indicating collectors have faith in his future.

Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – 2022 Topps Chrome Yellow RC – Witt lived up to the hype in his first season, showing off elite skills both offensively and defensively at third base. He made the AL All-Star team in his rookie year, a testament to his immediate impact. The Yellow parallel from Topps Chrome is the hottest card from his rookie season. With a print run of just /150, these scarce yellow refractors command over $1000 already. Witt looks like a future perennial All-Star and MVP candidate – his rookie cards could end up being some of the best investments from the 2022 class.

Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners – 2022 Topps Chrome RC – J-Rod exploded onto the scene, showing five-tool talent that helped energize the Mariners’ playoff push. His electric plays and prodigious power have fans in Seattle believing they have a new franchise cornerstone. The Topps Chrome base card remains one of the most affordable options for now at around $50-75 graded. But with Rodriguez likely to rack up awards and accolades in the coming years, this could very well emerge as one of the top rookie cards from 2022’s rookie class.

Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves – 2022 Topps Chrome RC – Harris made a seemingly flawless transition to starting center fielder for the defending champs. He hit for average and power, stole bases, and covered ground in the outfield with ease. The Braves look to have another budding star on their hands. With the franchise’s history of success and Harris’ five-tool ability, his Topps Chrome base RC could appreciate significantly if he fulfills his potential. For now it’s still affordable, making it a solid long-term prospecting card.

Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles – 2022 Topps Chrome RC – After years of being the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman finally made the jump to the majors in 2022. While he had an up and down season statistically, he showed all the skills that made him such a blue chip prospect. As the future cornerstone of the Orioles’ rebuild, Rutschman has franchise player potential that could drive his rookie cards to great heights. The Topps Chrome base remains one of the more affordable options for now at under $50 graded.

Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – 2022 Topps Chrome Green RC /150 – Cruz exploded onto the scene with his mammoth home runs and laser throws from shortstop. At 6’7″, the toolsy infielder has a rare combination of size and skills that captivates fans. The Green parallel from Topps Chrome is limited to just 150 copies. High grades have already eclipsed $1000, showing Cruz already has a strong collector following. As one of the most exciting rookies of 2022, Cruz’ cards could appreciate significantly if he becomes the perennial All-Star his abilities project.

Griffin Jax – Minnesota Twins – 2022 Topps Chrome Orange RC /199 – Jax had a breakout season as a key member of the Twins’ starting rotation. His power sinker stood out, as did his ability to miss bats with three above average pitches. As a former 3rd round pick who was not as heralded as others on this list, Jax emerged as one of the bigger surprises and success stories of 2022. His Topps Chrome Orange parallel is limited to just 199 copies. For a relatively unheralded prospect, Jax has the makings of a solid mid-rotation starter that could drive appreciation of this scarce parallel card.

George Kirby – Seattle Mariners – 2022 Topps Chrome Blue RC /150 – Kirby made a seamless transition from the minors to anchoring the Mariners’ rotation. His plus fastball and slider showed why he was such a coveted prospect. Playing in Seattle alongside Rodriguez and surrounded by other young stars, Kirby has the opportunity to emerge as the ace of a potential powerhouse pitching staff. The Blue parallel from Topps Chrome is limited, and high grades have already eclipsed $500. Kirby has all the tools to be the next great Mariners starter – making his rookie cards solid long term investments.

Jack Leiter – Texas Rangers – 2022 Topps Chrome Gold RC /50 – Leiter lived up to lofty expectations in his first MLB season. He flashed a plus fastball and showed the poise of a veteran despite being a rookie. As a former number two overall pick with ace upside, Leiter has a high ceiling that could drive his cards to new heights. The ultra rare Topps Chrome Gold parallel is limited to a tiny print run of just 50 copies. Even raw copies have sold for over $1000 due to Leiter’s star potential. This scarce parallel may emerge as one of the true crown jewels from the 2022 rookie class.

While it’s still early in the careers of these rookies, some like Witt Jr., Rodriguez and Harris have already shown the talent to be future superstars. Their flagship rookie cards remain affordable for now but could appreciate significantly with continued success. Other players like Torkelson, Rutschman and Kirby still need more time to develop but have the skills and opportunities to emerge as franchise cornerstones. Their base rookie cards offer prospects at reasonable entry points. Meanwhile, the short printed parallels of Cruz, Jax and Leiter offer scarcity for collectors pursuing rarer options from the 2022 class with breakout potential. All in all, several rookies from this past season have the makings of rookie cards that age very well as long term investments.