Tag Archives: 2023

2023 HERITAGE BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the new year. As with every Heritage set, it pays tribute to vintage Topps designs from the past while also providing collectors with some of the top rookies and stars from the current MLB season. With its retro aesthetic and focus on key players, Heritage always manages to be a highly sought-after set.

This year’s edition is no exception, headlined by major names like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. adorning the fronts of packs. But beyond the big stars that drive initial hype, there are also several prospects and breakout talents that could end up being long-term valuable cards in the set. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies, prospects, and parallels to be on the hunt for as you rip packs or purchase singles of the 2023 Topps Heritage release.

Bobby Witt Jr. – The Royals star rookie had a phenomenal debut season that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Any of his base Heritage cards will be hot, but parallel and auto versions could really take off in value with a few more strong seasons.

Julio Rodriguez – Like Witt, J-Rod had an incredible first MLB campaign that earned him the AL Rookie of the Year award. His Heritage rookies, including parallels and autographs, are sure to be in high demand.

Oneil Cruz – Not all that far behind Rodriguez and Witt in the rookie power rankings, Cruz made a splash for the Pirates in 2023. At 6’7″ with incredible raw tools, his cards hold breakout potential.

Adley Rutschman – After a few years of top prospect hype, Rutschman finally debuted for the Orioles in 2023 and did not disappoint. As the new face of Baltimore baseball, his Heritage cards will be popular.

Spencer Strider – Strider exploded onto the scene for the Braves in 2022 and looks like a budding ace. His rookie cards, especially autographs, could pay off nicely in the long run.

Nolan Gorman – The Cardinals infielder took a step forward in his sophomore season and will be an exciting young power threat for years. Heritage rookies could gain value.

One card that is already gaining buzz before the set even releases is the Heritage SP variation of superstar Shohei Ohtani, due to his incredible two-way play. Parallel and auto versions of this card in particular will be at the top of want lists.

Rookies aren’t the only story though – stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, and Aaron Judge will drive initial interest as the faces of the sport and franchise players. But keep an eye out for lesser-known veterans as well who could see a career resurgence in 2023. A breakout season from players like Bo Bichette or Shane Bieber could give their Heritage cards a nice boost.

When it comes to parallels, as with most modern sets the color variations will play a big role in the long-term appeal and potential value increases of certain cards. Top parallel versions to target in 2023 Heritage include:

Gold /50 (among the lowest printed)
Red /25
Blue /5 (extremely scarce)
1/1 Printing Plates (unique)

Autograph cards will also be a major collector focus, with rookie autos holding the most long-term potential upside. Watch out for low-numbered parallels of the top young stars like Witt Jr., Rodriguez, Cruz, and Rutschman. Veteran autos can gain value too with hot seasons – keep an eye out for parallels of Ohtani, Trout, Soto, etc.

While the base set will drive initial retail interest, keep an eye on Heritage’s prestigious high-number parallels towards the end of the checklist. Numbers like #150, #250, and especially the ultra-short-printed #500 parallels featuring the biggest names are always collector favorites. These tend to gain value quickly due to their extreme scarcity.

With its classic designs, focus on current stars and top prospects, and scarcity of highly-numbered parallels and autographs, the 2023 Topps Heritage baseball set is primed to be a major release of the new year. For investors, collectors, and fans alike, keeping an eye out for the top rookies, prospects, parallels and stars within its pages offers plenty of long-term potential. It’s sure to be one of the most picked through and discussed modern issues over the coming months.

BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS PREVIEW

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for collectors and fans. As the first major set to feature prospects and rookie cards of players that will debut in the upcoming season, Bowman gives a first look at the future stars of MLB.

This year’s Bowman set promises to be one of the deepest in recent memory in terms of star prospects. Headlining the rookie class is likely to be Cardinals catcher and 2019 first overall pick Andrew Jones. Jones made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed why he is considered a future superstar, hitting .280 with 13 home runs in 108 games. His prized rookie card is sure to be one of the chase cards in 2023 Bowman.

Another elite catching prospect that could debut in 2023 is Padres farmhand Luis Campusano. Once considered the top catching prospect in the minors, injuries slowed his progress but he hit .296 between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022. Campusano has plus power from both sides of the plate and should be near the top of San Diego’s prospect rankings. His Bowman rookie could be one to watch.

On the pitching side, Braves top prospect Michael Harris II made a strong MLB debut after being a standout in this year’s Bowman set. Fellow Braves hurler Spencer Strider also had a breakout rookie campaign that was previewed in 2022 Bowman. Strider’s prospect card jumped in value as he emerged as a future ace.

Some other top pitching prospects that may receive their first Bowman cards in 2023 include Druw Jones of the Braves, the #2 overall pick in 2022 and son of Andruw Jones. Jones has elite tools and could move quickly. Tigers lefty Jace Jung, the younger brother of Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, had a strong full season debut and may get his first card. Reds righty Hunter Greene had a solid rookie year and his prospect card could gain steam. White Sox prospect Garrett Crochet is another flamethrower to watch after missing 2022 due to injury recovery.

On the position player side, high school shortstop Termarr Johnson was taken 29th overall by the Red Sox and has star potential. Dodgers catcher Diego Cartaya is one of the best offensive catchers in the minors. Mariners outfielder Edwin Arroyo and Rangers third baseman Justin Foscue had breakout seasons and their prospect values increased. Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson continued hitting at every level and may receive a Bowman rookie.

In terms of international prospects, keep an eye out for the first cards of Cuban infielder Lazaro Montes, signed by the Cubs for $3 million, and Dominican shortstop Robert Puason, signed by the Athletics for $5.1 million. Both have elite tools and could rise up prospect lists quickly.

When it comes to parallels and inserts, Bowman is known for its popular Chrome, Black, and Gold parallels along with hit prospects like Inception, Inception Velocity, and Sterling. Serial Numbered parallels like Green /50 and Orange /25 add to the chase. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top prospects like Jones, Campusano and the Jung brothers will be in high demand.

Bowman also features prospects from Japan with the Wander Franco Superfractor parallel being the biggest hit in recent years. Cards of current MLB stars in their prospect years like Shohei Ohtani add to the nostalgia of the set.

Release date for the 2023 Bowman baseball set is expected to be in late April or early May. Hobby boxes will contain 12 packs with 7 cards per pack. Jumbo boxes with 24 packs will also be available. As one of the first looks each year at the future of MLB, Bowman is a must-have for collectors looking to get cards of stars before they break out. With another elite rookie class on the horizon, 2023 Bowman is primed to be a highly popular and valuable set.

MLB TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 MLB season will mark the 70th anniversary of Topps baseball cards. Topps has been the premier producer of MLB trading cards since the early 1950s and remains the official card of Major League Baseball. Each year, Topps releases new sets highlighting that season’s active players, rookie cards, autographs, and more. Here’s an in-depth look at what fans can expect from Topps baseball cards for the 2023 MLB campaign.

The flagship Topps base set is always the most anticipated release each year. For 2023, Topps will produce an estimated 600-700 card base set featuring all 30 MLB teams. Each team will get about 20 cards on average, with the most popular clubs likely getting a few extra. Standout rookies and prospects are usually featured more prominently in the base set as well. Veterans and role players fill out the rest. Design-wise, Topps shifts things up periodically but generally sticks to a classic look paying tribute to their early era designs. 2023 is expected to have a cleaner, simpler aesthetic.

In addition to the base set, Topps produces numerous insert sets highlighting various players, subsets, and themes. Some popular annual insert sets include Topps Chrome, which features refractor parallel photo variations. Allen & Ginter brings unique non-sport designs mixed in. Topps Heritage goes retro with a throwback design element. Topps Finest uses high-end photography. Topps Transcendent focuses on superstar talents. And Topps Update issues mid-season additions and rookie debuts each fall. Expect all these tried-and-true inserts again for the 2023 season plus some new experimental ideas as Topps celebrates 70 years.

Autograph cards are a major collector niche and Topps satisfies with offerings every year. Flagship products like Topps Tribute and Topps Chrome Autographs use on-card autographs of current MLB stars. Topps Gallery of Heroes highlights legendary retired players’ autographs. And Topps Sapphire has been delivering high-end, exclusive autographed gems encased in precious gemstones. For 2023, look for Topps to feature a special autograph checklist celebrating the company’s rich baseball history and significant athletes from over the decades.

Rookie cards remain one of the biggest drivers of the hobby. Topps 2023 will introduce rookie cards for any first or second year players that make their MLB debut during the upcoming season. Hot prospects like Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr, and some other exciting newcomers will likely draw big interest from collectors chasing their rookie cards. Topps Chrome and Topps Finest are usually where the star rookies get their flashy photo variation cards alongside the standard base set issues. Keep an eye out for short printed parallels and serial numbered versions of the elite prospects too.

As the NFT and digital collectibles space continues to intertwine with physical trading cards, Topps has been leading innovation there as well. Their Topps NFT platform introduced last year featured exclusive release access and digital versions of some cards. Expect Topps NFT to showcase the 2023 season in the digital form next. As 3D printing and augmented reality evolve, Topps has also been experimenting with new experiences blending physical and virtual baseball cards in unique ways. Topps famously signed a deal making them the exclusive MLB NFT partner long term so their digital offerings will only grow.

With 70 years of history behind them as the leading brand in the industry, Topps is sure to go all out for their 2023 MLB season releases. Between the flagship base set presenting all 30 teams, the multiple exciting insert sets, top rookie cards to chase, autographed treasures, and pioneering new efforts in the digital space—Topps 2023 will once again set the standard. Whether collecting for the love of the game, to build full team sets, pursue star rookies, or eventually flip for profit down the line, Topps 2023 promises something for every baseball card fan and collector out there. Marking seven decades as the premier baseball card provider is an incredible milestone, and they will pull out all the creative stops to make 2023 a banner year to remember.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS ROOKIES

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The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner, which means a new crop of talented rookies will be making their MLB debuts. These prospects have been highly touted in the minor leagues and are poised to potentially become stars at the highest level of professional baseball. Their rookie cards will be some of the most sought after on the trading card market in the coming years. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards to watch for from the 2023 baseball season.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: As the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and consensus #1 prospect in all of baseball, Rutschman’s rookie cards are already highly valuable. He made his MLB debut in 2022 but is still eligible for rookie status in 2023. Rutschman had a strong finish to last season and will be the Orioles’ everyday catcher and leader of the team’s rebuild. His cards are primed to become the most valuable of any player from the 2023 rookie class.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals: The #2 overall pick from 2019 had a fantastic rookie campaign in 2022, hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases while playing stellar defense at shortstop. Witt Jr. quickly established himself as a franchise cornerstone and budding superstar. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Chrome, Topps Series 1/2, and Bowman Chrome are already selling for hundreds of dollars and will likely continue appreciating in value.

Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Detroit Tigers: After struggling initially in his MLB debut in 2022, Torkelson started to find his groove at the plate down the stretch. The #1 overall pick from 2020 has huge raw power potential and will be looking to build on his late-season success. If he breaks out in 2023, his rookie cards from Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Series 1/2 could skyrocket in demand.

Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: J-Rod had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He’s already a bonafide star at age 21 and will be among the favorites for AL MVP in 2023. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies are some of the most valuable modern cards on the resale market, selling for thousands.

Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: Cruz made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately wowed scouts with his immense power and speed for a 6’7″ shortstop. He has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1/2 and Bowman Chrome should be strong long-term holds, especially if he puts it all together in 2023.

Brennen Davis, OF, Chicago Cubs: Injuries have slowed Davis’ ascension, but he remains one of the highest ceiling prospects in baseball when healthy. The lefty slugger has 70-grade power potential and could be a franchise cornerstone if he stays on the field. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1/2 and Bowman Chrome could pay off big if he breaks out next season.

Gunnar Henderson, 3B, Baltimore Orioles: Henderson rocketed through the minors in 2022 and was arguably the best overall minor league player. He made his MLB debut late in the season and will compete for ROY in 2023 playing either third base or shortstop. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies are affordable now but could explode if he becomes a star.

Jordan Walker, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals: Walker turned heads by slugging 36 home runs between High-A and Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. He has elite raw power and could move quickly through the Cardinals system. If Walker debuts in 2023, his rookie cards from 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome would be solid speculative buys.

Eury Perez, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, Perez had a breakout season in 2022 by hitting .308 with 13 homers in Low-A at age 19. He has five-tool upside and could rocket up prospect lists. His 2022 Bowman Chrome rookie card would be an intriguing long-term sleeper pick.

Emmanuel Rodriguez, SS, Philadelphia Phillies: Rodriguez was one of the breakout international prospects from the 2022 J2 signing class. He received one of the largest bonuses ever for a shortstop from the Dominican Republic. His 2022 Bowman Paper rookie card could gain traction if he starts well in the low minors in 2023.

Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Colorado Rockies: Still just 20, Tovar hit .325 between High-A and Double-A in 2022 while showing off an advanced approach at the plate. He could debut in Colorado’s infield as early as 2023. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies are solid targets for Rockies fans and prospect hounds.

Druw Jones, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: As the #2 overall pick in 2022, Jones signed for well over slot value due to his five-tool potential. He has impressive bloodlines as the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. His 2022 Bowman Chrome rookie card would be a strong long-term prospecting play.

Elijah Green, OF, Milwaukee Brewers: Green went #17 overall to the Brewers in 2022 and received a $4 million signing bonus, one of the largest for a high school bat. He has huge raw power that could translate quickly. His 2022 Bowman Chrome RC is an intriguing lottery ticket.

Brooks Lee, 3B, San Diego Padres: The 2021 1st rounder had a strong pro debut in 2022 by hitting .326 with 13 homers between Low-A and High-A. Lee has advanced hitting skills and could debut in 2023. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards are solid mid-round prospects.

Jackson Chourio, OF, Milwaukee Brewers: Chourio received the largest signing bonus ever for an international position player when he inked with the Brewers for $4.6 million in 2021. He showed five-tool promise in his pro debut stateside in 2022. His 2022 Bowman Paper RC could pay off.

Termarr Johnson, 2B, Atlanta Braves: Johnson received one of the largest bonuses ever for a second baseman when he signed with the Braves for $5 million in 2021. He has elite speed and hit tools that could play up as he develops. His 2022 Bowman Paper rookie is a long-term upside play.

The 2023 rookie class is headlined by superstars like Rutschman, Witt Jr., and Rodriguez who have already debuted, but there are also numerous high-ceiling prospects like Torkelson, Cruz, Henderson, and Jones who could emerge as future stars. Their rookie cards provide an opportunity to acquire future Hall of Fame talent at affordable prices before they break out on baseball’s biggest stage. The rookies profiled here offer intriguing risk/reward speculation for both collectors and investors heading into the 2023 season.

2023 GUARDIANS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 baseball season will mark a new era for one of baseball’s oldest franchises as the Cleveland Indians officially become the Cleveland Guardians. This name change will be reflected on the team’s baseball cards for the first time in 2023.

Upper Deck, Topps, and Panini are the main companies that produce MLB licensed baseball cards each year. They will all be releasing sets in 2023 that feature the Guardians for the first time on cards instead of the Indians. Collectors will be eager to see how the name change is incorporated into the designs on the front of the cards as well as any updates to the uniforms or logos shown on the back.

Some key Guardians rookies to watch for in the 2023 sets include outfielders George Valera and Will Brennan. Valera had a breakout season in Double-A in 2022 by slashing .283/.367/.493 with 18 home runs and was added to the 40-man roster. Brennan hit .297 with 13 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A and could make his MLB debut next season. Catcher Bo Naylor also looks primed for his first MLB action in 2023 after hitting .246 with 13 home runs in Triple-A in 2022.

Veteran Guardians stars like Jose Ramirez, Shane Bieber, and Amed Rosario will remain some of the most sought-after and valuable cards. Ramirez is a perennial MVP candidate who hit .280 with 29 home runs and 27 stolen bases in 2022. His autograph and memorabilia cards will be hot commodities. Bieber won the 2020 AL Cy Young Award and remained one of baseball’s best pitchers in 2022 by going 13-8 with a 2.88 ERA. Rosario hit .283 with 10 home runs and 27 stolen bases and continues to improve each year.

Upper Deck is expected to release three main Guardians card products in 2023 – Series 1, Series 2, and Allen & Ginter. Series 1 will likely be the first chance for collectors to see the Guardians name on cards when it releases in late February or early March. This set traditionally features over 400 base cards as well as parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards. Series 2 then follows in late May or June with another large base set along with additional hit cards.

Allen & Ginter is Upper Deck’s premier retro-style set that releases in July. This set is known for its unique card designs and varied selection of players from all sports mixed in with historical figures, artists, scientists, and more. Guardians fans will want to check this set for special uniform or logo variations showcasing the team’s new identity. Upper Deck also releases high-end products like Ultimate Collection, which features rare 1/1 autograph and memorabilia cards of top MLB stars.

Topps is the longest-running and most iconic baseball card company. They are expected to release flagship products like Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, and Topps Update featuring the Guardians throughout 2023. Topps Chrome in particular is highly anticipated each year for its photo variation parallels and refractors. Topps Tribute may also pay homage to the Cleveland franchise’s history with Indians-era throwback cards mixed in.

Panini has emerged as the third major MLB card licensee in recent years. Their 2023 Donruss Baseball release will mark the Guardians debut. Panini is known for innovative parallels and on-card autographs. Their Diamond Kings brand focuses on capturing the essence of each player and team. Guardians collectors can expect new DK designs showcasing Cleveland’s brand update. Panini also produces high-end products like Immaculate Collection with rare 1/1 patches and autographs.

While the Guardians name is new, the franchise has a rich history dating back to 1901. Collectors of all ages will enjoy seeing how the 2023 cards capture this transition period between eras. Rookie cards of future Cleveland stars and autographed cards from franchise icons like Ramirez will take on greater historical significance. The Guardians first year on cardboard is sure to be a memorable milestone that collectors won’t want to miss chronicling.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL SKETCH CARDS

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Topps has been releasing baseball sketch cards alongside their traditional sticker card releases for over a decade now, giving collectors a unique artistic take on their favorite players. For the 2023 season, Topps is continuing this tradition with another exciting lineup of sketch cards showcasing the talents of top baseball artists. Let’s take a closer look at what collectors can expect to find in the upcoming 2023 Topps Baseball Sketch Card set.

One of the biggest draws of Topps Sketch Cards is the variety of artistic styles represented. For 2023, Topps has commissioned over 50 artists to contribute original sketches to the set. Artists range from established veterans who have created Topps Sketch Cards for years, to up-and-coming talent looking to make a name for themselves. Collectors can expect to see the hyper-realistic pencil sketches of artists like Mike McCartney alongside the bold graphic designs of Rick Cullotta. Watercolor paintings, ink illustrations, and mixed media pieces will also be featured. This eclectic mix is part of what makes each Topps Sketch Card release so intriguing to explore.

Naturally, the subject matter focuses on current MLB superstars and top prospects. Household names like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Mookie Betts will receive multiple depictions from different artists. However, Topps also makes room for more under-the-radar players deserving of recognition. Breakout stars from the previous season or coveted rookies are commonly highlighted. With over 300 total cards planned, there will be plenty of depictions of both the biggest names and those still making their mark. Fans of any team should be able to find players they want to collect.

In addition to individual player cards, Topps also commissions artists to create themed cards each year. Past examples include iconic stadiums, milestone achievements, and anniversary cards honoring historic moments. For 2023, collectors can expect anniversary cards commemorating the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. Tribute cards paying respect to legends who passed away recently may also feature prominently. Themed cards help tell the broader story of baseball’s history within the context of the sketch card set.

Authentic artist signatures are another major component that adds value. Each regular sketch card in the set will include an original signature from the illustrator in the bottom corner. Numbered parallels like gold signatures and 1/1 artist proofs take this authenticity factor even further. PSA/DNA authentication ensures the signatures are completely genuine. Being able to directly connect to the creative source behind each unique work of art is a big part of the appeal for many collectors.

In addition to hobby boxes and packs, Topps also offers a variety of specialty products. High-end releases like the Sketch Card Master Box and Legendary Cuts Box focus on premium parallels and memorabilia cards. Serial-numbered portfolios beautifully showcase some of the set’s finest sketches in protective magnetic sleeves. And for those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind work, Topps Auctions features original sketch art cards created live at conventions and signed directly by the artists. Whether seeking the mainstream release or exclusive high-ends, Topps Sketch Cards have something for every level of collector.

When the 2023 Topps Baseball Sketch Cards are released in February 2023, it will mark the 13th installment in this beloved artistic series. As with every year, the set is sure to excite collectors with another new crop of incredible player illustrations. Between the variety of styles, depictions of the game’s current stars and future greats, commemorative historical cards, and authentic artist signatures, the 2023 Topps Baseball Sketch Cards promise to continue raising the bar on creative, collectible baseball card art. Experienced collectors and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in next year’s exciting release from Topps.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The hobby of baseball card collecting saw explosive growth in 2023 with the rise of online trading platforms and card auctions. While rookies like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. drove interest in the modern game, vintage cards from legends of the past continued to set new records at sale. With millions now invested in the industry, the stakes were high to uncover the top valuable baseball cards that crossed the auction block in the past year.

Leading the way was a rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card that achieved a staggering $7.25 million price tag at Goldin Auctions in June 2023. Long considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards for its elusiveness and subject, the grade VG-EX example shattered the previous record by over $2 million. Fewer than 60 examples of the iconic Wagner are known to exist in any condition. Its appearance was a watershed moment that underscored the card’s status as the most coveted and expensive in the collecting world.

Not far behind in terms of rarity and price was another early 20th century treasure unearthed from a family attic near Baltimore. Graded PSA NM-MT 8, the legendary 1913 E90-1 Bronze Captain Lou Gehrig rookie card changed hands for $5.2 million at an SCP Auctions event in October. Only five PSA 8 or better quality Gehrig rookies are documented, making it nearly as difficult to obtain in high grade as the fabled Wagner. Its massive sale amount reinforced Gehrig as the second most valuable individual card in the vintage era.

While the Wagner and Gehrig remain securely at the peak of the hobby’s pinnacle in terms of priority and investment, several other pre-war gems cracked million-dollar barriers in 2023 as well. Leading that charge was a PSA 8 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth, one of the last coveted vintage Ruth’s available in superior condition. It closed at $3.9 million through Goldin. Close behind, a PSA 4 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth docked at $3.3 million at the same auction house in December, highlighting strong enduring interest in cards depicting “The Sultan of Swat.”

Shifting to the post-war era, the hottest modern rookie on the auction market was that of Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Mike Piazza from 1992 Leaf. With Piazza cementing himself as one of the greatest hitting catchers in MLB history and his base continuing to thin through the years, a single PSA 10 example hit a staggering $4.6 million at Goldin. That astronomical sum set the PSA 10 record for any card produced after the 1950s. It’s a true indicator of how blue chip rookie star cards from the late 80s and 90s vintage are achieving old-time pedigree and worth.

Beyond individual cards, one of the most talked about vintage collections to cross the block in 2023 was the famed “Black Diamond Brooklyn Dodgers” set. Comprised of 11 PSA 8-9 graded 1955 Topps cards of iconic Brooklyn players like Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella and Duke Snider, it shattered presales estimates at Heritage Auctions in August with a winning bid of $2.88 million. The massive price, over $260,000 per card, showed blockbuster demand exists for top-tier trophies representing beloved teams from the sport’sGolden Era.

In summarizing 2023, while economic uncertainty reigned nationally, the leading vintage baseball cards maintained their safe haven investment qualities. With estimates that only a few hundred high-grade examples survive of certain all-time valuable keys like the Wagner and 1933 Goudey Ruth, increased demand is expected to keep pushing their respective records even higher. For emerging products, cards from the late 80s to 90s remain primed for newcollector interest as those players’ careers are fully retrospectively appreciated. All in all, with the top cards drawing bids in the multi-million range, few sports collectibles provide this level of proven history and return on investment. The future remains tremendously bright for this cornerstone sector of memorabilia.

USA STARS AND STRIPES BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 USA Stars and Stripes baseball card set is sure to be one of the most patriotic releases of the year. Produced by Leaf Trading Cards, this yearly series celebrates American baseball players while also honoring the United States armed forces. The cards feature camouflage designs and military themes throughout.

Each year, Leaf takes a unique approach to showcase the Stars and Stripes concept. For 2023, the primary card design utilizes a digital army camo pattern in red, white, and blue colors across the front. Player photos appear within a white star border on a dark blue backdrop. Across the top is the Stars and Stripes logo and series name rendered in an aged metallic style to resemble dog tags or military tags.

On the reverse, the camo pattern continues beneath statistical and biographical information for each player. Career highlights are summarized and career stats provided. An American flag graphic with stars covering the serial numbers pays homage to the armed forces. Patriotic quotes and military facts relating to each player help tell their personal stories.

As with prior issues, the 2023 Stars and Stripes set will consist of 60 base cards covering active Major League players. Rosters are finalized each year following the conclusion of the World Series to include stats from the recently completed season. Veterans, rookie debuts, and call-ups are all possibilities for the player selection each year.

Some notable inclusions expected for the 2023 Stars and Stripes set include:

Two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels who captivates fans with his rare two-way playing ability. His card is sure to be a hot seller.

Home run king Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees after smashing an AL record 62 long balls in 2022 during his MVP campaign.

Veteran leader and role model Albert Pujols chasing history in his final season as he nears 700 career home runs with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dynamic young superstars like Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres representing the next generation.

Stars on the rise like rookie sensation Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners who impressed in his debut season.

Patriotic veterans like Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals and Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals continuing strong careers well into their late 30s.

In addition to the base set, Leaf also produces inserts highlighting different military branches or units. Past years have featured Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard inserts among others. Authentic uniforms and equipment are often depicted. Parallel inserts also tie into specific divisions like infantry, artillery, pilots, and more.

Rookies, parallels, memorabilia cards, and autographs of both MLB players and military heroes round out insert sets each year. Numbered parallels on camo or other military-themed stock add to the desirability for collectors. Multi-player artifacts from canceled games or military equipment lend authenticity to the true patriotic theme.

Distributing profits to military charities is an important aspect of the Stars and Stripes mission each year. The set helps spark discussions about supporting the troops while bringing new collector interest to the hobby. Condition-sensitive vintage investors often appreciate the artistic designs too for potential long term holding.

Though officially licensed from MLB, Leaf takes creative liberties with the patriotic designs each year. The 2023 release should continue building on the successful annual concept and theme with engaging new player selection, parallels, inserts and support for veterans causes. Fans eagerly await each autumn to see how Leaf captures old glory on the gridiron once more in cardboard form to begin the hobby season.

BASEBALL WILD CARDS 2023

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The 2023 Major League Baseball season will feature an expanded Wild Card round for the seventh consecutive year. Since 2012, MLB has utilized a one-game Wild Card playoff to determine the final teams advancing to the Division Series from each league. In 2022, MLB expanded the Wild Card format again to include three games per league between the top two Wild Card teams, while keeping the one-game playoff for the third Wild Card team.

This expanded format adds intrigue and excitement for more teams fighting for playoff spots down the stretch. It also provides additional revenue for MLB and television partners who can broadcast an extra game. The current format is scheduled to remain in place for the 2023 season and beyond, so fans can expect another high-stakes Wild Card weekend next October.

2023 Wild Card Format
In each league, the top three Wild Card teams will be seeded based on their regular season records. The team with the best record of the three Wild Card clubs will be seeded #1, second best #2, and third best #3. The #1 and #2 seeds will then face off in a best-of-three series, with the #1 seed hosting the first two games. If a third game is necessary, it will be played at the lower seeded #2 team’s ballpark.

Meanwhile, the one-game Wild Card playoff will feature the #3 seed hosting the #6 seed from their respective league. The winners of the best-of-three and one-game playoffs will then advance to the Division Series round. Home-field advantage throughout the LDS and subsequent rounds is still determined by regular season record.

2023 American League Wild Card Predictions
In the stacked American League, the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Angels are virtual locks for the top three Wild Card spots barring major injuries. This would make for a tantalizing best-of-three series between the Yankees and Astros, two perennial powerhouses.

Both teams are built for October with stacked rotations fronted by Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander. The lineups are also formidable, headlined by Aaron Judge, Jose Altuve, and Mike Trout. This series could realistically go the full three games and feature plenty of late-inning heroics. Ultimately, the Astros’ experience and depth gives them a slight edge to advance.

In the one-game playoff, the Seattle Mariners are projected for the #3 seed. With stars like Julio Rodriguez and Cy Young contender Luis Castillo, Seattle has the talent to knock off the #6 seed Toronto Blue Jays. While Toronto will be dangerous behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alek Manoah, the Mariners’ balanced roster and home field advantage should propel them into the ALDS.

2023 National League Wild Card Predictions
Out West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are primed for another NL West crown. The NL Wild Card race looks wide open beyond them. The Atlanta Braves are a safe bet to return to the postseason as a top three seed after winning it all in 2021.

From there, the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals all have a legitimate shot at the remaining spots. The Brewers’ pitching staff led by Corbin Burnes gives them an edge to take the #2 seed over San Diego. That would set up a fun NL best-of-three between the Braves and Brewers.

Despite losing Freddie Freeman, Atlanta’s lineup is still formidable with Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson, and Matt Olson. Their experience in close games prevails and they outlast the Brew Crew in two tight contests. Over in the one-game playoff, the Cardinals get the nod as the #3 seed thanks to strong starting pitching. They dispatch the Padres to complete the NL Wild Card bracket.

2023 should bring another October of thrilling do-or-die baseball under the expanded Wild Card format. With so many talented contenders, accurately predicting the final six seeds and winners is difficult. Expect the best-of-three series to be instant classics that live up to the magnitude of the games. The single elimination matchups will also undoubtedly produce upsets and memorable walk-off victories. Another exciting Wild Card weekend is on the horizon.

DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the upcoming year. Donruss is a legendary brand in the sports card industry that is known for its classic design aesthetics and focus on photography. The hobby box is the high-end product release where collectors can find some of the rarest and most valuable cards.

A bit of history – Donruss has been producing baseball cards since 1981 and was one of the original modern brands along with Topps. They held an exclusive license from 1981-1992 before losing it to Upper Deck. However, Donruss remained a prominent independent brand producing sets each year. In recent years, Panini America acquired the Donruss license and has reinvigorated the brand.

The 2023 Donruss set marks a return to the classic design roots that made the brand so popular. Each card features a high-quality action photo of the player with a simple white border. Statistical information is included on the bottom along with the team logo. The front of the card maintains a clean look focused on capturing the athlete. On the back, more stats and a short biography tell the story of the player.

For the hobby box release, collectors can expect to find 108 total cards including 99 base cards and 9 sticker or parallel inserts. The base set features all active major and minor league players. Rookies and prospects to watch are also included which makes Donruss a go-to for finding the next big stars. Veterans, current all-stars, and future Hall of Famers round out the checklist.

In addition to the base cards, hobby boxes are the only way to find some of the most coveted short-printed and memorabilia inserts. Examples include Autograph Cards, Memorabilia Cards, and Superfractor Parallels. Autographs can be on-card or sticker autos and feature current and retired players. Memorabilia cards contain game-used materials like bats, jersey swatches, or other authentic pieces.

Perhaps the biggest chase in 2023 Donruss is the 1/1 Superfractor parallel. These hyper-rare versions showcase the player photo on a colorful fractured background. Past years have featured Superfractors of Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and other elite talents. Pulling a Superfractor straight from a hobby box would be a massive hit worth thousands of dollars or more depending on the player.

Hobby boxes on average retail for around $100-150 depending on local shops and online retailers. At that price point, collectors are essentially buying 9 packs with 11 cards per pack. With the chance to land major short-prints, autographs, and one-of-one parallels, the value proposition of ripping a fresh Donruss box is enticing for both investors and fans of the brand.

Of course, there is inherent risk in any trading card investment. Most boxes will contain mainly base cards without huge hits. The odds of pulling a monster card are always quite low. For those willing to take a chance, Donruss hobby boxes offer a fun and relatively affordable way to potentially score big in the hunt for the rarest inserts.

Secondary market demand for 2023 Donruss is also a factor to consider. If the set design is well-received and breakout rookies emerge, individual cards could appreciate greatly over time. Iconic vintage Donruss cards from the 80s and 90s routinely sell for thousands due to the brand’s storied history. Continuing that legacy is a goal of the modern Panini era releases.

The 2023 Donruss baseball card hobby box provides a vintage-style experience with today’s top players at a reasonable cost. For the chance at short-prints, autographs, memorabilia cards, and one-of-one parallels, it is an enticing gamble. True collectors appreciate the brand’s photography-focused aesthetic and design consistency year over year as well. With high secondary market potential and the allure of a massive hit, Donruss boxes make for an exciting rip during the upcoming release season.