Tag Archives: 2023

OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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Opening Day is an exciting time for baseball fans as the long wait for meaningful games comes to an end. But Opening Day also holds significance for collectors of sports memorabilia, especially those focused on baseball cards. The official Opening Day of the 2023 Major League Baseball season marks the release of the first ‘ flagship’card sets from the two dominant brands, Topps and Panini.

Topps has long been the dominant force in baseball cards. Going back to the dawn of modern cardboard collecting in the 1950s, Topps held the exclusive MLB license that allowed them to photograph current players and use team logos and uniforms on their cards. Some of the most iconic baseball cards ever produced came out of Topps’ license, from the legendary Mickey Mantle rookie to Mark McGwire’s record-breaking home run chase cards.

For 2023, Topps will release two flagship baseball card products timed for Opening Day – Topps Series 1 and Topps Heritage. Topps Series 1 is the modern flagship set, with current player photos, team logos/uniforms and designs tuned for today’s collector market. Hobby box sizes are standard at 12 packs with 5 cards each. Retail blaster/hanger boxes contain fewer packs but offer wider distribution to general fans. Prices remain consistent year-over-year, with hobby boxes around $100 and retail products between $10-20.

Topps Heritage returns to reimagine the ‘classic’ baseball card design in the style of the 1950s/60s era. Heritage cards feature no-photo player designs with simplified colors and logos. Heritage parallels and short prints add to the product’s hobby appeal, without the overwhelming influx of parallels/relics of modern sets. Box sizes and prices are similar to Series 1. Both products will release on Opening Day and remain the main baseball card products available nationwide through the start of the season.

While Topps maintains its exclusive MLB license, Panini has become a force in the baseball card market by signing individual player licenses. Beginning in 2008, Panini launched its Donruss brand to much fanfare. For 2023 Opening Day, Panini will release both Donruss Baseball and Contenders Baseball. Donruss features current photography with a retro, ‘traditional stats’ design. Hobby boxes contain 12 packs with 4 cards each for around $100. Retail products offer sealed fat packs of 10 cards for $10-15.

Contenders takes a more ‘collector-focused’ premium approach. Its photography and intense parallels/hits aim for the high-end segment. Contenders boxes hold either 4 or 6 packs containing mostly memorabilia/auto cards. Hobby box costs range between $150-250 depending on the parallel odds. Both Donruss and Contenders will be widely available beginning on 2023 Opening Day, competing directly with Topps’ flagship releases for collectors’ attention and dollars early in the new baseball season.

While Topps remains king of the general baseball card industry, Panini has established themselves as a force by obtaining individual player rights instead of official MLB licenses. Their products provide options for collectors beyond just Topps, and force Topps to be more aggressive in the inserts/parallels within their own sets to maintain hobby competitiveness.

Fanatics recently announced plans to take over MLB’s exclusive trading card license in 2026, which could shake things up even more in the next few years as they look to grow their own brand in sports cards. But for now, the 2023 Opening Day season beginning this March 30th kickstarts the first major releases from the traditional ‘big two’ companies of Topps and Panini baseball cards that collectors eagerly await each spring. Between Topps Series 1, Heritage, Donruss and Contenders, there should be plenty of new cardboard to chase as the real games get underway. Opening Day continues to mark the start of a new baseball season both on the field and within the hobby.

DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS VARIATIONS

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year due to the fun variations that collectors can chase. While the base cards follow a standard design across the entire checklist of players, it is the variations that make each Donruss set unique and exciting. Here is an in-depth look at some of the main variations collectors can find in 2023 Donruss packs and boxes.

Parallels: As with most modern sets, parallels are a major part of the variation chase in 2023 Donruss. The standard parallels include Gold /50, Silver /75, Green /99, and Red /199. New this year is an Orange parallel limited to /250. All parallels feature the same photo as the base card but with a colored banner across the top. The rarer the parallel, the more valuable it becomes to collectors. Rainbow parallels sets, where someone collects one of each parallel for a player, are very popular with high-end collectors.

Printing Plates: Numbered to only ten copies each, printing plates are the rarest cards in Donruss and command high prices. They feature the same design as the base card but with a layer of ink removed, revealing the printing plate underneath. The coveted 1/1 plate is essentially one-of-a-kind for each player featured. Plates are true short prints that take dedication to track down in the secondary market.

Canvas Cards: A fan favorite variation, canvas cards use a unique textured stock to resemble a painted canvas artwork. They feature the same photo as the base card in a rectangular shape surrounded by a canvas border. Numbered to only /99, canvas cards add visual appeal and value to collections.

Fluorescent Parallels: New fluorescent parallels debut in 2023 Donruss, featuring the same design as standard parallels but with an eye-catching neon pink or green color. The pink parallel is /75 while the green is /99. These “flop” parallels really stand out in collections under blacklight.

Superfractors: As the ultimate short print variation, Superfractors are 1/1 cards featuring the player’s photo extending off the card borders onto a transparent “window” behind. They are true one-of-a-kind pieces that can sell for thousands due to their unparalleled rarity and aesthetics. Hitting a Superfractor is the ultimate chase in Donruss.

Diamond Anniversary Patches: To celebrate 75 years of Donruss baseball cards, special Diamond Anniversary patches feature swatches of fabric from significant years throughout the brand’s history. Numbered to only 75 copies, these dual-relic patch cards commemorate Donruss milestones within the set.

Autographs: On-card and memorabilia autographs of today’s stars can be pulled from Donruss packs. The coveted 1/1 Diamond Anniversary autograph cards feature dual swatches and signatures for the ultimate modern relic. Lower numbered autographs still hold great value, as any signed card drastically increases a player’s collecting potential long term.

Photo Variations: Some players have alternate photo variations within the base set numbering. These can be distinguished by a different photo angle, facial expression, or uniform used in the shot. Finding both photos makes for an interesting mini-variation collection for those players.

Rainbow Foil Inserts: Special “hit” parallels use rainbow foil coloring on players’ faces, uniforms or backgrounds for a flashy look. Numbered to /75 or lower, these add visual pop to collections. On-card autos also come in rainbow foil for dual rarity.

Clearly Authentic Patch Cards: Multi-relic patch cards from game-worn jerseys, with windows revealing authentic patches. Numbered to /25 or less, these are highly sought game-used relic variations.

Black Border Short Prints: Base cards featuring selected players receive an all-black border treatment, changing the entire look and feel of the standard design. Numbered to /50 or less, these are some of the scarcest standard variations.

As you can see, Donruss never disappoints when it comes to the depth and variety of chase cards available each year. With such a wide range of parallels, inserts, autographs, and relics across different numberings, there is truly something for every type and level of collector. The thrill of the hunt is part of what makes Donruss one of the hobby’s most popular modern brands.

MOST EXPENSIVE BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Bowman set was highly anticipated by collectors due to another stellar rookie class headlined by prospects like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shohei Ohtani appeared in previous Bowman issues. While it’s still early, some major league stars and top prospects have already seen their rookie cards from the 2023 Bowman set command big money on the secondary market. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive 2023 Bowman cards so far:

Julio Rodríguez, Mariners – The reigning AL Rookie of the Year had another massive season in 2023 and quickly became one of the brightest young stars in baseball. Not surprisingly, his chrome and paper rookie cards have been some of the highest priced cards from the 2023 Bowman set. Julio Rodríguez autograph and memorabilia cards have sold for over $1000 raw, with top PSA 10 examples going for $2500 or more. His base chrome rookie fetched up to $500 in top grades upon release.

Oneil Cruz, Pirates – The 6’7″ shortstop dazzled scouts with his rare blend of size and athleticism, and he started to tap into that huge upside in his rookie campaign with the Pirates in 2023. Cruz’s autographs and memorabilia cards were tough pulls from Bowman and have sold for $500+ even in raw form due to the hype around his future potential. Top PSA 10 versions of his base chrome card sold for $400-500 each.

Riley Greene, Tigers – After debuting in late 2022, Greene broke out as a full-time starter for the Tigers in 2023 and looks like a budding star catcher. As one of the top prospects in the 2020 Bowman Draft set, Greene fever has collectors excited about his 2023 Bowman rookies as well. His autographs have reached $400-500 raw on eBay while a PSA 10 chrome sold for nearly $300 right after release.

Jasson Dominguez, Yankees – Still waiting to make his pro debut due to injuries, Dominguez remains one of the most hyped international prospects ever. That creates huge demand for any of his new rookie cards. Rare 1/1 parallels of his 2023 Bowman autograph have sold for over $2000 raw on secondary markets. Even base autographs reached $400 despite not having stats to back up the hype yet.

Bobby Witt Jr., Royals – After a strong rookie campaign that saw him finish 2nd in ROY voting, Witt Jr. is one of the new young stars in the game. Any Witt Jr. cards, including his 2023 Bowman rookies, generate big buzz. Autographs have sold for $800+, while top PSA 10 chromes have reached $500 already from this set.

Druw Jones, Braves – As the highest-drafted player in 2023 who was also the son of MLB star Andruw Jones, Druw generated huge interest before even debuting professionally. Rare autographed parallels from Bowman have sold for $600-700 raw while base autographs reached $250-300. With his bloodlines and upside, Jones rookies hold great long term potential.

Mickey Moniak, Phillies – After years of hype, Moniak started to realize some of his potential in his first full MLB season with the Phillies in 2023 and was even an All-Star. That renewed belief in his future has created strong early demand for his 2023 Bowman rookies, with autographed cards selling for $350+ and top chromes at $200.

Eury Pérez, Giants – Signed for big money as an international free agent, Perez created buzz with his long-term upside even though he’s yet to debut stateside. Low-numbered parallels of his Bowman autographs reached $450 raw, showing collectors are willing to speculate on his talents seen in video scouting reports.

Of course, this is still a very early read on card values from the 2023 Bowman set, as the true long-term keys will be how these rookies develop over the coming years. But this rookie class seems to hold quite a few future stars based on the demand already seen for their fresh cardboard. It will be exciting to see whose rookies from this set end up as all-time valuable gems in the years ahead.

DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The Donruss 2023 baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year from Panini America. While not as large in size as some other mainstream brands, Donruss baseball cards have a very loyal following due to their classic design aesthetics and focus on the on-field action.

The 2023 Donruss baseball set is scheduled for release in January 2023 and will feature base cards for every player on a Major League roster at the time of production. Like previous years, the set size will be around 600 cards when factoring in all variations. Here is an in-depth look at what collectors can expect to find in the 2023 Donruss baseball cards checklist.

Base Cards
As with any standard release, the backbone of the set is the base cards. For 2023, each player will receive a unique base card design in their team’s colors. The photos feature the players in action shots from the 2022 season. Ranging in number from #1 to the high 500s, these are the most plentiful inserts in the set and make up the bulk of packs.

Parallels
In addition to the base cards, Donruss always includes several parallel variations that are inserted randomly throughout packs and boxes. For 2023, expect the following parallels:

Green Foil – Printed on green foil stock, these are one of the most common parallels at around 1:10 packs.

Red Foil – Harder to pull than green at around 1:24 packs, the red parallels stand out visually.

Blue Foil – The lowest printed parallel at 1:36 packs, these have a nice color contrast on blue foil.

Gold Foil – Extremely rare gold parallels can be found at an estimated 1:150 packs or higher.

Black – Limited edition black parallels number to only 10 copies each.

Rookies
No release is complete without standout rookie cards. Donruss highlights top prospects with special rookie cards and inserts. Some of the top rookies featured include:

Adley Rutschman – Orioles C/1B – The #1 overall pick from 2019 and consensus #1 prospect receives his highly-anticipated rookie card.

Julio Rodriguez – Mariners OF – Arguably the top rookie performer of 2022, Rodriguez has an exciting career ahead of him.

Bobby Witt Jr. – Royals SS – After a strong debut season, Witt Jr. looks like a future star and his cards will be hot.

Spencer Strider – Braves SP – The breakout starting pitcher had a dominant rookie campaign in 2022.

Oneil Cruz – Pirates SS – With elite power and speed for a middle infielder, Cruz is a must-watch prospect.

Insert Cards
Donruss always includes a variety of insert sets beyond the base cards. Some of the inserts planned for the 2023 release include:

Diamond Kings – Honoring the best players, these have photographic portraits on a diamond-cut background.

League Leaders – Highlighting stats champions from 2022 in categories like HR, RBI, Wins.

MVP Contenders – Featuring players poised to compete for awards in the upcoming 2023 season.

Road to the Show – Multi-year tracking cards for top prospects as they progress up the minor leagues.

Rookie Autographs – Lower-numbered rookie signature cards of the game’s rising stars.

All-Time Greats – Throwback cards honoring legends of the past like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron.

Stadium Sites – Vivid aerial photos of iconic MLB ballparks.

Black Gold – Rare parallel inserts featuring a black and gold color scheme.

Green Foil Variations – Alternate photo versions of top players on green foil stock.

As with all products, the exact checklist details will not be finalized until closer to the official release date. This gives collectors a good overview of what to expect from the highly anticipated 2023 Donruss baseball card set when it arrives early in the new year. With its classic designs, focus on rookies and stars, and limited parallels, it is sure to be another big hit among both casual and serious hobbyists alike.

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps has been the dominant force in the baseball card industry for decades, and their 2023 baseball card lineup continues their tradition of offering collectors a wide variety of sets at various price points. From their flagship Topps Series 1 and Series 2 releases to specialized inserts and parallels, Topps has cards that can excite collectors of all experience levels and budgets.

Some of the most anticipated releases of the 2023 season will be the two flagship Topps Series sets. Topps Series 1 is usually the first major release of the year, coming out in late winter/early spring to coincide with the start of spring training and exhibition games. The 2023 Topps Series 1 cards feature designs highlighting iconic MLB players in action shots on the field. Rosters in Series 1 will reflect the opening day rosters of each MLB team prior to early season trades and call-ups.

Topps Series 2 is then released in late spring/early summer after the trade deadline. This set will update rosters to include players who were acquired via trade or promoted from the minor leagues. The card designs of Series 2 often coordinate visually with Series 1 but with different photographic themes. The 2023 Topps Series 2 cards showcase MLB stars with portraits in their team’s batting helmets, a classic baseball card motif. Both flagship sets contain base cards for every player as well as insert sets highlighting top rookies,All-Stars, and award winners from the prior season.

In addition to the standard base rookies, prospects, and stars, Topps inserts add highly sought-after parallels and short printed chase cards to Series 1 and 2. Topps Chrome is one of the premier insert sets, featuring glossy refractors of the same photos printed on a foil-like card stock. Topps Chrome cards contain various parallels like black, gold, and refractor versions at different print runs. The Topps Chrome inserts transform ordinary rookie cards into spectacular rookie refractors that can attain significant collector value over time.

Another valuable Topps insert set returning in 2023 is Topps Gallery of Heroes. This set celebrates iconic MLB players from history with unique sketch-style card renditions by sports artists. Only extremely short printed, Gallery of Heroes cards depict retired legends like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson. These one-of-a-kind tribute cards command high prices in the secondary market. Topps Tribute is a similar low-print insert honoring all-time greats but with classic style photography inserts rather than illustrations.

In addition to licensed MLB products from The Topps Company, third-party manufacturers also release special subsets each season. Panini produces the acclaimed Impeccable and National Treasures sets. Impeccable contains exquisitely crafted cards with patch autographs, crafted signatures, and engraving techniques. National Treasures often features rare game-worn memorabilia cards encased in elaborate presentation boxes. These ultra-high-end cards push the boundaries of collecting with six and seven-figure price tags.

While flagship sets and inserts dominate the baseball card landscape, Topps also caters to specific collector interests. Topps Archives pays tribute to vintage card designs with replicas of 1950s, 60s, and 70s sets featuring today’s players. Topps Allen & Ginter explores non-sports themes with includes famous actors, artists, inventors mixed in with baseball stars. Topps Sterling is a luxury product combining fine silver accents with autographs and memorabilia at a premium price point. And limited hobby-only releases like Gold Label provide rare parallels embellished with golden signatures or patches.

Regardless of which Topps 2023 baseball cards collectors pursue, the sheer breadth of sets ensures something for everyone. From thrifty hobby boxes of Series 1 and 2 to high-end graded rookies and patches costing thousands, it’s an exciting time to be a baseball card fan. Topps’ dominance in the industry is partly due to their ability to innovate while also celebrating traditions dating back over 70 years. Their upcoming 2023 releases look to continue entertaining collectors both seasoned veterans and those just starting their collection journeys.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

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The release of 2023 Topps baseball Series 2 cards marks the halfway point of the annual baseball card season. Series 2 traditionally includes rookies and prospects who did not make the Series 1 set in addition to continuing storylines from the first series. With the 2022 MLB season in the books and the playoffs underway, Series 2 gives card collectors a new batch of players to chase and stay engaged throughout the offseason.

Some of the top rookies and prospects featured in 2023 Topps Series 2 include catcher Gabriel Moreno of the Toronto Blue Jays, outfielder Esteury Ruiz of the San Diego Padres, and pitcher Grayson Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles. Moreno had a breakout season in Triple-A and is expected to take over as Toronto’s starting catcher in 2023. Ruiz made his MLB debut in 2022 and will compete for regular playing time. Rodriguez is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and could debut in the Baltimore rotation next season.

Veteran stars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts remain highly sought after cards as they continue their chase of career milestones and accolades. Judge is coming off a historic 62-home run season with the New York Yankees and will be on every collector’s want list as he enters free agency. Ohtani had another two-way MVP caliber year and is must-have for any Angels PC. Betts helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to the NL West title and remains one of the faces of the league.

Rookies who made their MLB debuts in 2022 and were not included in Series 1, such as Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Adrian Hernandez of the Washington Nationals, will get their Topps rookie cards in Series 2. Cruz had a breakout season showcasing his elite power and speed while Hernandez was called up late and will look to lock down a rotation spot in 2023. Others like catcher/outfielder Logan O’Hoppe of the Philadelphia Phillies and pitcher Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians will get their first Topps cards after impressive cup of coffee debuts last season.

The playoff races and results from 2022 will also be highlighted in Series 2 cards. Teams that made the postseason like the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies will see cards featuring their key contributors. Players who led their teams to playoff berths and had stellar individual years, such as Jose Altuve, Austin Riley, and Zack Wheeler respectively, will be hot commodities. Rookies and prospects who got their first taste of playoff baseball like Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider of Atlanta will gain more notoriety.

On the flip side, teams that fell short of the playoffs like the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners will have cards focusing on what went wrong in 2022 and optimism for 2023. Stars like Jacob deGrom, Pete Alonso and Julio Rodriguez who battled injuries will want to rebound. Managers like Buck Showalter and Scott Servais who took their teams to winning records but playoff exits will look to get over that hump. Relievers like Adam Ottavino and Andres Munoz who blew key games down the stretch will hope to bounce back.

The 2023 Topps Series 2 release will also give updates on big offseason storylines and trades. The Cardinals acquiring Paul Goldschmidt and signing Aaron Ashby long term. The Red Sox hiring skipper Skip Schumaker. The Cubs shipping out Willson Contreras. Injured Aces like Mike Clevinger and Chris Sale returning to health. International stars like Ozzie Albies re-signing with Atlanta and Wander Franco inking a huge extension with Tampa Bay will be highlighted.

The 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball card set provides a fun way for collectors to stay engaged throughout the offseason by providing the next chapter in storylines from 2022 and looking ahead to the 2023 season. With rookies, prospects, playoff performers and big offseason developments, there will be plenty of new cards to chase, trade and add to collections. The midway point release keeps the hobby buzzing until Spring Training rolls around.

PADRES BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 baseball season will see the San Diego Padres looking to build on their recent success and contention for the World Series. As one of the most exciting teams in baseball with a strong core of young stars, Padres cards are always popular with collectors. Here is an in-depth guide to some of the top Padres players to watch for in the upcoming season and their baseball card prospects.

Fernando Tatis Jr.: Even while sidelined for most of 2022 due to injury and suspension, Tatis remains one of the most electrifying players in the game and a superstar on baseball cards. When healthy, he is a true five-tool talent who can do it all on the field. His rare combination of power, speed, and flair make him box-office gold. As long as he can stay on the field in 2023, Tatis rookie cards and prospects look primed to skyrocket in value. Even recent issues have not diminished his star power with collectors.

Manny Machado: As the highest-paid Padre and team leader, Machado continues to churn out All-Star caliber seasons in San Diego. A consistent .300 hitter with great power, Machado cards hold steady value. While not the flashiest player, his longevity and on-field production ensure his cards remain relevant. Upper Deck, Topps, and Bowman products frequently feature Machado, and refractor or autographed parallels always gain attention from collectors. Machado remains a foundational player for the Padres franchise.

Juan Soto: After being acquired from the Nationals in one of the biggest trades ever, Soto electrified Padres fans down the stretch in 2022. Still just 24, Soto has already established himself as one of baseball’s best hitters and his cards exploded in demand upon joining San Diego. Topps, Bowman, and Panini all flooded the market with Soto Padres rookie cards to capitalize. Continued excellence in 2023 could propel Soto’s Padres cards to the heights of other young superstars like Acuna and Tatis.

Joe Musgrove: As the ‘ace’ of the staff and 2021 no-hitter hero, Musgrove established himself as a fan-favorite in San Diego. His sharp slider and competitive fire make him a workhorse on the mound. Musgrove rookies remain affordable compared to other recent stars, but steadily gain value as he continues producing quality seasons in the rotation. Authenticated game-worn memorabilia pieces from his no-hitter command top dollar as tangible representations of franchise history.

Blake Snell: Once a Cy Young winner with the Rays, Snell’s stuff can dominate when on point. Inconsistency led to struggles in 2021 which dampened collector interest. If Snell can round back into ace form, his rookie refractor parallels could regain lost luster. As a lefty with electric stuff, Snell possesses breakout potential that could revitalize value in his existing cards and those produced for 2023. A return to Cy Young contention would do wonders.

Cronenworth, Kim, and Grisham: Young core position players like Jake Cronenworth, Kim Ha-seong, and Trent Grisham provide steady offense and defense. While not superstar names, these players comprise a talented supporting cast that helps anchor the Padres lineup. Their rookie cards remain affordable but hold collector value long-term as key cogs for the organization. Refractors, autographs, and numbered parallels command the most attention on the secondary market. As Padres regulars, these players’ cards are worth monitoring.

Rookies to Watch: Top Padres prospects like Shortstop C.J. Abrams and Outfielder Robert Hassell III made their MLB debuts down the stretch in 2022 and will look to establish themselves next season. Abrams possesses elite athleticism and speed while Hassell profiles as a well-rounded player. Their early rookie cards including Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrom, and Topps Paper are primed to gain traction if these young talents perform as expected.

The 2023 MLB season promises another exciting campaign for Padres baseball and their coveted cardboard counterparts. With a mix of established stars and rising young talent, there are many compelling storylines surrounding Padres players that make their baseball cards a stable investment area for collectors. As the franchise eyes its first World Series triumph, Padres cardboard seems poised for increased demand and appreciation among the hobby.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 1 2023

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Topps released their first series of baseball cards for the 2023 season in late January/early February, continuing their tradition as the longest-running issuer of standard baseball cards. The Series 1 set featured a variety of rookies, stars, and baseball legends in the traditional card design Topps fans have come to expect.

Some key things to note about Topps 2023 Series 1 include the base set containing 330 cards with each team being represented by 33 cards (except for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees each receiving 34 cards due to their recent postseason success and larger player rosters). As with previous years, Topps spread out star players and rookie cards throughout the entire base set to keep collectors opening packs in search of their favorite teams and players. Several parallels and inserts were also inserted throughout packs at various rarities to provide hits beyond the base cards.

Rookies featured prominently in Series 1 as always, with debut cards including Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers, and Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners among the most sought-after. Future stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays and Wander Franco of the Rays also received insert cards highlighting their young careers thus far. Veterans and legends honored included Albert Pujols on the verge of 700 home runs with the Cardinals, Bryce Harper in his prime with the Phillies, and Ichiro Suzuki commemorating his Hall of Fame career.

In addition to the base 330-card set, Topps included several parallels and inserts at various rarities. The most common parallel was “Photo Variation” cards showing an alternate image of the same player with the word “Variation” below. More scarce parallels included Refractors (1 in 10 packs), Rainbow Foil (1 in 36 packs), and Gray Border Prizms (1 in 288 packs). Insert sets included “Drawing Diamonds” artist sketches (1 in 24 packs), “Moments and Milestones” career highlights (1 in 36 packs), and “Topps Now” event cards (1 in 288 packs). Autograph and memorabilia cards in the form of on-card autos, relics, and dual relic/autos were inserted as short prints throughout packs as well.

Overseas distribution rights were sold to Panini for Series 1 alongside the exclusive North American license held by Topps. This marked the first time Topps MLB cards were sold internationally since losing rights after the 2021 season, with Panini producing parallels labeled for European and Asian markets. However, North American collectors could still find Panini parallels mixed in with domestic Topps packs. Overall production numbers of Series 1 were higher than prior years given the expanded demand from overseas collectors now being served.

Early returns from box breaks and pack sales of 2023 Topps Series 1 reflected strong interest from the collector base. Rookies like Witt, Torkelson, and Rodriguez sawearly presales of PSA 10 gems going for hundreds of dollars merely days after release. Popular veterans like Harper and Guerrero also routinely pulled a premium. While the 330-card base set is readily attainable for most collectors, chasing parallels and short prints proved challenging. Ebay shortly saw price gouging of unopened hobby boxes as supply ran tight during the initial release window.

In conclusion, Topps Series 1 for the 2023 season continued the brand’s six-decade run as the standard MLB issues while also expanding reach internationally through a partnership with Panini. Rookie stars and veterans filled the base 330-card checklist alongside sought-after inserts at various odds. Strong early secondary market action reflected robust hobby demand which may see Series 1 go down as one of the strongest selling first issues in recent memory for longtime Topps collectors and investors alike once the full release cycle concludes later in 2023.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY IN 2023

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The baseball card hobby is booming once again, with interest and prices surging over the past couple years. With the start of a new year approaching, many collectors will be scouring the market to find the top baseball cards to add to their collections in 2023. While rookie cards of current stars like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will certainly hold value, focusing solely on the newest issues can be risky. The following vintage and modern cards offer a blend of history, star power, and investment potential that collectors serious about building a portfolio should consider in the new year.

1909-11 T206 White Border Mickey Welch (PSA 1): The iconic T206 set from the early 20th century is the crown jewel of vintage issues. Within the massive 524-card checklist, the White Border subset is among the most coveted. Featuring retired players from the late 19th/early 20th century, the Mickey Welch card is one of the more affordable yet historically significant options in PSA 1 condition. Welch was a star pitcher in the 1870s and 1880s who helped the New York Giants win the 1888 World Series. With just a few dozen graded examples known, this is a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of early baseball history for under $10,000.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): Arguably the single most iconic baseball card ever made, the rookie of “The Mick” is the undisputed king of post-war issues. While pristine PSA 10 examples now sell for well over $2 million, more accessible PSA 8s can still be had for under $100,000. At that price point, it’s a fairly low-risk collectible investment for exposure to one of the all-time fan favorite players. As one of the most popular athletes of the 20th century, Mantle’s enduring legacy ensures the card will remain a benchmark for the entire hobby.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron (PSA 8): Like Mantle for the Yankees, Hank Aaron was the face of the Atlanta Braves franchise for decades and holds many of baseball’s most hallowed career records. His iconic 1957 rookie card is one of the most historically significant from the post-WWII era. PSA 8s can be found in the $30-50k range, making it an affordable alternative to the Mantle for exposure to another first-ballot Hall of Famer. As one of the true home run kings of the game, Aaron’s legend is still growing more than a quarter century after his playing days ended.

1986 Fleer Barry Bonds (PSA 10): The 1986 rookie season was the coming out party for Barry Bonds, who went on to become arguably the greatest pure hitter in baseball history. High-grade PSA 10 examples of his Fleer rookie have cracked $100,000 as Bonds’ all-time home run record seems safe for the foreseeable future. Even in a PSA 9, this card can be acquired for under $10,000, a relative bargain considering Bonds is a lock for the Hall of Fame whenever he becomes eligible again. His prodigious talent and career accomplishments ensure this will remain one of the most coveted modern rookies.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Chipper Jones (PSA 10): Chipper Jones spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves and was the cornerstone of their 1990s dynasty. While his regular Bowman rookie sells for five figures in a PSA 10, the ultra-rare refractors from Bowman’s Best number under 10 in the highest grade. Just owning a true “black label” example establishes you among the very elite Chipper Jones collectors. Last selling prices hovered around $50,000, a figure that seems destined to grow as Jones’ plaque gets hung in Cooperstown. For serious vintage Braves PC builders, this is as good as it gets from the late 90s/early 2000s era.

2003 Bowman Draft Pujols Patch Auto /99 (PSA/DNA 9): Albert Pujols was the surefire can’t-miss prospect who lived up to every ounce of hype over a 21-year MLB career. While his regular rookies are out of reach financially for most, low-numbered patch autographs remain relatively affordable at the moment. This special parallel offers a genuine piece of Pujols’ uniform from his draft year. Numbered to just 99 copies, PSA 9 examples have sold in the $8-10k range. That provides exposure to one of the best right-handed hitters in baseball history for a very reasonable cost compared to 1/1 cards. As Pujols’ first Hall of Fame class approaches, these rookie patches stand to gain even more appreciation.

2007 Bowman Draft Prospects Mike Trout Auto /99 (PSA 10): Widely considered the best all-around player of his generation, Mike Trout has put together a resume that should land him in the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. While flagship rookies are well into the five figures, his draft prospect autographs remain surprisingly affordable given his superstar status. Numbered to 99 copies, PSA 10 examples have sold between $4-6k. That’s an absolute steal for a card featuring one of the faces of MLB and the current standard for excellence on the diamond. Trout is still early in what should be a Cooperstown career, so these rookie autos have massive upside over the next decade.

2009 Topps Update Bryce Harper Auto Orange Refractor /249 (PSA 10): Bryce Harper exploded onto the scene as a teenager with jaw-dropping tools and charisma. While injuries may have slowed his path, he’s still putting up All-Star numbers in his prime. Low-numbered refractors like this orange parallel remain very reasonably priced all things considered. Numbered to just 249 copies, PSA 10 examples have sold in the $3-4k range recently. That provides exposure to one of the biggest names in the game for an affordable cost. As Harper pushes toward 300 career home runs, these rookie gems have room for growth matching his continued production.

2015 Topps Update Kris Bryant Auto Blue Refractor /150 (PSA 10): Kris Bryant announced his arrival as the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century. While his regular rookies have gained value, low-numbered refractors remain a relative bargain. The blue parallel numbers to just 150 copies, with PSA 10s trading in the $2-3k range. Bryant has established himself as a perennial All-Star and is still in his prime. For the affordable price, these provide a chance to get in early on a potential future Hall of Famer before values explode.

Focusing on star players from across eras with Hall of Fame pedigrees and investing in their lowest-printed parallels offers collectors an opportunity to acquire blue-chip investments for reasonable costs. While modern stars carry risk, proven legends and their vintage gems have stood the test of time. A blend of both in a portfolio sets the stage for long-term appreciation matching the enduring legacies of baseball’s all-time greats.

2023 TOPPS SERIES 2 BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball card set is one of the most anticipated mid-season releases of the year. Following up the flagship Series 1 issue from earlier in the season, Series 2 offers fans the chance to collect new photos and updated stats from the current MLB campaign. Series 2 is also known for including rookie cards of players who made their debuts after Series 1 was finalized.

This year’s Series 2 release maintains the traditional 382-card base set size. As with previous years, the checklist is comprised mainly of current MLB players but also features retired greats, managers, and team logo cards. Some of the top veteran stars featured in the base set include Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Gerrit Cole. Top rookie cards to look for are Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Strider, and Oneil Cruz.

Beyond the base cards, Topps Series 2 also includes several popular insert sets. One of the most sought-after is the “Stars of the Topps Era” subset, which pays tribute to iconic players from different eras in Topps card history. The 10-card insert set for 2023 features Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Topps), Cal Ripken Jr. (1991 Topps), Barry Bonds (1992 Topps Update), Derek Jeter (1996 Topps), Alex Rodriguez (1997 Topps), Albert Pujols (2001 Topps), Mike Trout (2012 Topps Update), Christian Yelich (2018 Topps), Ronald Acuña Jr. (2019 Topps Update), and Juan Soto (2021 Topps Update).

Another popular insert is the “Topps Now” cards, which capture memorable MLB moments from the current season. These photo-variant inserts are inserted randomly in Series 2 hobby boxes at a rate of one per pack on average. Topps Now cards from 2023 so far have highlighted big plays, milestones, no-hitters, and award winners. Completing the Topps Now set each year provides a unique chronicle of the season as it unfolds.

Autograph and memorabilia cards are also a big part of the excitement surrounding Series 2. The base autograph checklist features a mix of rising young stars and veteran greats. Rookie autographs of players like Strider, Cruz, and Witt are in high demand. Serialized parallels like gold, silver, and black border the standard autographed cards. Memorabilia cards include “Diamond Duos” dual relics and traditional single-relic patches. Numbered parallels and low-serial autographs provide the chase aspect for memorabilia collectors.

In addition to the standard release, Topps also issues some special Series 2 products. The “Walmart” exclusive edition contains bonus blue-bordered base cards and retail-exclusive inserts. “Update” packs inserted in Series 2 hobby boxes feature photo and roster updates for players who moved teams after the base set was finalized. And “High Tek” packs offer a modern twist with 3D lenticular cards highlighting today’s stars.

Secondary market demand for Series 2 is high, especially for rookie cards of emerging young talents. While base cards from the standard set are readily available, parallels, short prints, autographs and memorabilia hold significant collector value. Rookie autographs of players like Witt, Strider and Rutschman routinely fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars. Top rookie parallels like Witt’s gold border or Strider’s negative refractors can sell for even more depending on the serial number.

With its mix of established stars, rookie debuts, and fun inserts chronicling the MLB season, Topps Series 2 is a vital mid-year release for both active set builders and savvy investors. The 2023 edition looks to continue the tradition of providing an exciting new chapter for collectors to enjoy as baseball’s summer heats up. Whether completing the base roster or chasing down short printed parallels and autographed rookies, Series 2 offers something for all types of modern card collectors and fans. Its August release is always a highly anticipated event and 2023 figures to be no exception.