Tag Archives: 2023

2023 TOPPS OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Opening Day baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from Topps. As the first mainstream baseball card set of the season, Opening Day offers fans their first chance to collect new cards featuring the latest stats, teams, and photos from Spring Training. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from the 2023 Topps Opening Day baseball cards.

Release Date: The 2023 Topps Opening Day cards will be released on March 8th, 2023, which is just a couple days before the official start of the MLB regular season on March 30th. This timing allows for players’ stats and team affiliations from Spring Training to be included on their rookie cards and base cards.

Design: As with previous years, the 2023 Topps Opening Day design will feature a clean and classic look with mainly white borders around each card. Player photos will take up most of the front of the card with team logos prominently displayed. The back of the cards will include stats, career highlights and bios. Color-coded team banners at the top make it easy to identify each player’s affiliation. The design is retro-inspired but still modern enough to appeal to both veteran collectors and those just starting their hobby.

Base Card Checklist: The base card checklist for Opening Day typically includes all players on 40-man rosters heading into the season, so collectors can expect around 700-750 base cards between all 30 MLB teams. Rookies, prospects and any offseason acquisitions that didn’t receive base cards in the previous year’s Topps products are always highlights to find. Parallels and short prints further boost the checklist size.

Rookies & Prospects: Part of the excitement around Opening Day each year is seeing which rookies and top prospects made their MLB teams out of Spring Training and are included in the set. Names like Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more from recent draft classes are sure to garner collector interest. Their rookie cards in this set will be valued highly in the years to come.

Inserts & Parallels: In addition to the large base card checklist, Topps pads the set with various inserts focusing on special player accomplishments, team history and more. Popular inserts in recent years included Top Prospects, League Leaders, Special Teams and Flashback Legends. Parallels usually include the standard Gold, Silver and Rainbow Foil variants to chase. Numbered parallels like Red (#/25) add to the prestige.

Autographs & Memorabilia: For those looking to mix in hits with their Opening Day collection, hobby boxes, blasters and fat packs contain several autograph and memorabilia card chances per box on average. Top rookie signatures are always in high demand. Relics include uniform and gear swatches. Serialized parallels like 1/1 plates take the chase to another level.

Retail & Hobby Products: Opening Day is available in a wide range of product types at hobby shops and mass retailers. Hobby boxes offer the best odds at hits and parallels. Blaster and fat packs provide lower risk for retail openings. Value packs, value boxes and rack packs stack the base cards deep for bulk collecting. And of course, loose packs, boxes and fat packs can be found at big box stores, drug stores and convenience markets.

Secondary Market: Within just a few months of the set releasing, the prices of top rookie cards, autographs and short prints will start to rise on the secondary market as the MLB season progresses. Investors and long-term collectors will snap up cards of players who get off to a hot start or make their big league debut. Five to ten years down the line, early flagship rookie cards of superstar players from this set will be worth significantly more than their initial print runs.

The 2023 Topps Opening Day baseball card set is one every collector looks forward to each year. As a historical snapshot of each new MLB season’s landscape before the first pitch, Opening Day captures the excitement and uncertainty that spring brings. For both building core team collections and chasing the next generation of stars, this affordable flagship set is a staple release in the hobby. Whether collecting for fun or investment, Topps Opening Day delivers annually on its promise of being the first cards of the year.

2023 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball release is one of the most highly anticipated products of the new year for baseball card collectors. While Bowman Chrome offers rookies, prospects, and stars across all levels of minor league and MLB talent, there are certain chase cards that stand out and captivate collectors. These premium hits can be worth substantial money, especially for the hottest young players. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball chase cards collectors will be hunting.

One of the premier chase cards is likely to be the prized autographed chrome rookie card of super prospect Marcelo Mayer. Mayer, ranked as baseball’s top prospect by MLB Pipeline, had a tremendous debut season in the Red Sox system in 2022 and is expected to rocket through the minors. His autographed rookie from Bowman Chrome could fetch thousands of dollars for a pristine gem mint copy. Another hot rookie autograph to watch for is Druw Jones, the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones. Druw was selected second overall by the Diamondbacks in the 2022 draft and his autographed Bowman Chrome rookie will be a must-have for collectors.

In addition to Mayer and Jones, keep an eye out for autographed rookie cards of other top prospects like Termarr Johnson (Padres), Elijah Green (Royals), and Jackson Holliday (Orioles). These young stars are expected to start their pro careers in 2023 and their Bowman Chrome autographed rookie cards will be some of the most sought-after rookie cards in the entire release. Even prospects selected in later rounds of the draft like Brock Porter (Rangers) could have valuable autographed rookies depending on their early pro performance and hype.

For collectors seeking the highest-end chase cards without autographs, the prized rainbow foil parallel rookie cards of top prospects will command big money. These parallel versions showcase the player image in vibrant color on a foil background and number to only 10 copies or less. Examples could include a rainbow foil rookie of Marcelo Mayer, Druw Jones, or another elite prospect. Given the extreme scarcity at a print run of 10 copies or fewer, these parallel rookie cards often sell for thousands.

In addition to rookie cards, Bowman Chrome also features some exciting chase cards for current MLB stars. An especially hot autographed card could be two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, who is coming off two incredible seasons. His autographed chrome card would be a true trophy piece. Other top MLB players that may have valuable autographed cards include Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Wander Franco. For parallels, collectors will be chasing short printed rainbow foil versions of these stars.

Bowman Chrome also offers the chance at big league relic cards featuring game-used memorabilia from current MLB players. Some relic cards that could hold substantial value include a dual or triple swatch card with patches from superstars like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, or Mookie Betts. Autographed relic cards of elite players are also major chase cards. For example, an autographed jersey card of rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez would excite collectors.

While the biggest hits revolve around rookies and stars, Bowman Chrome collectors also enjoy chasing prospects further down the rankings. Breakouts happen every year in baseball, so an autographed or parallel card of a lesser-known prospect could dramatically rise in value if that player develops into a star. Some prospects with potential to have valuable chase cards based on future success include Emerson Hancock (Mariners), Anthony Volpe (Yankees), and Jordan Walker (Cardinals). It’s part of the fun and intrigue of Bowman Chrome to try and identify the next big thing.

The 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball release promises to deliver many exciting and valuable chase cards for collectors. With the abundance of elite rookie talent both in the majors and minors, from super prospects like Mayer to potential breakout players, there are plenty of cards that could rise to the top and become true gems. The thrill is in the hunt for collecting’s biggest hits, whether it’s a prized autographed rookie, scarce parallel, or game-used relic. Bowman Chrome continues to fuel the hobby’s excitement for the next generation of baseball stars.

TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The hobby of collecting vintage baseball cards has seen tremendous growth and interest in recent years. Fueled by the collecting frenzy of the late 1980s and early 1990s, as well as increased nostalgia and wealth among Gen Xers and older Millennials, mint condition vintage baseball cards from the 1960s have skyrocketed in value. With the rise of online auction sites like eBay making it easier to assess real-time market values, the rarest and most coveted vintage baseball cards now command prices in the hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars.

Here’s a look at the current top 10 most expensive baseball cards of 2023 based on recent confirmed auction sales prices:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – $2.1 Million
The classic Honus Wagner card has long been the crown jewel of the baseball card collecting world. The legendary shortstop of the Pittsburgh Pirates appeared on one of the most iconic early baseball cards from the 1909-11 American Tobacco Company’s famous T206 series – though it’s believed Wagner asked for his card to be pulled from production since he disliked his likeness being used to promote tobacco. The extreme rarity of this card – with perhaps only 50-200 known to exist in varying conditions – keeps its price stratospherically high. In August 2022, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for $2.1 million, maintaining its place among the most valuable cards ever sold.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – $2.88 Million
In December 2021, aMint 9 Mickey Mantle rookie card from Topps’ landmark 1952 set became the most valuable post-war baseball card ever sold when it went for $2.88 million at auction. Mantle is one of the most popular players in baseball history and his rookie card is the true “holy grail” for collectors from the 1950s onward. The card set a new benchmark for post-WWII sports cards. It came from the same collector who owned the record-setting T206 Wagner.

1933 Goudey #153 Babe Ruth – $2.8 Million
From the early decades of the 20th century before the modern era of Topps, Babe Ruth dominated baseball as arguably its first superstar. His iconic slugging image resonated hugely with fans and collectors. In October 2016, a PSA EX 5 example of Ruth’s scarce 1933 Goudey gum card sold for $2.8 million, then a record price for a Ruth card. It showed “The Bambino” in-game without a bat in his hands for perhaps the first time on cardboard.

1909-11 T206 Frank Chance – $2.88 Million
Though not a true “superstar” like Ruth or Mantle, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees legend Frank Chance starred in the deadball era before World War I. His scarce T206 tobacco card skyrocketed in value when a PSA NM-MT 8 copy became just the second pre-war card to break $3 million at auction in October 2013, selling for $2.88 million. It highlighted the strong prices that can be achieved by cards showing accomplished players from baseball’s early decades.

1909-11 T206 Napoleon Lajoie – $3.12 Million
Deemed the “second most valuable” T206 after Wagner, the tobacco card of Naps (as he was known) second baseman Napoleon Lajoie broke new ground in August 2021 when a PSA AU 50 example sold for $3.12 million. Lajoie was a true star of the deadball era and his elegant image remains one of the most aesthetically appealing in the entire T206 set over a century later. It reinforced the top prices that can be paid for the highest graded specimens from that pioneering cardboard series.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – $3.24 Million
Another of the true legends from the game’s earliest prominent era, New York Giants hurler Christy Mathewson achieved career immortality on the mound before his untimely death in 1925 at age 45. In January 2022, the great pitcher’s scarce T206 card set a new record for any Mathewson issued when a PSA NM-MT 8 copy earned a final bid of $3.24 million at auction. It highlighted the strong ongoing demand for the cleanest examples depicting superseded players.

1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson – $3.36 Million
Alongside Mathewson, Washington Senators flamethrower Walter Johnson might have been the most talented pitcher ever to play before the 1960s. “The Big Train” steamrolled batters for over 20 years and still holds the all-time record for career strikeouts. The extreme rarity and condition of his magnificent smiling T206 image resulted in a PSA NM-MT 8 example raking in $3.36 million in August 2018, then the highest price ever achieved for a Johnson issued card.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – $3.72 Million
Not a true “star” of the caliber of Wagner or Johnson, Philadelphia A’s Southpaw Eddie Plank nevertheless had a long and productive career spanning the deadball era into the 1920s. But it was the unbelievable state of preservation of his 1909-11 T206 card that caused it to obliterate expectations when a PSA NM-MT 8 copy sold in October 2021 for a staggering $3.72 million. It set fresh records as both the most lucrative Plank card and the third-priciest T206 sportscard in history.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – $3.93 Million
Sherry Magee was a talented if oft-injured outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1910s who once narrowly lost a batting title to Honus Wagner. His iconic T206 tobacco card took collectors’ breath away in August 2022 when a single-known PSA NM-MT 8 specimen went to auction. The phenomenal condition and scarcity propelled it to a new ceiling for the set by selling for $3.93 million, more than any previous Magee issue.

1909-11 T206 J. BE. Wagner – $6.6 Million
Topping the list is quite simply the most famous and iconic baseball card of all – the ultra-rare 1909-11 American Tobacco Honus Wagner. long considered the “Mona Lisa” of trading cards due to Wagner’s apparent attempts to suppress his likeness on cigarettes. In October 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 copy that may be the finest graded example shocked the hobby by achieving the highest auction price in trading card history when it hammered for $6.6 million. It cemented the Wagner’s status as the undisputed king of collectibles.

The jaw-dropping prices realized for pristine examples from the earliest decades of the 1900s like the fabled T206 tobacco issue show there is still strong, even escalating demand for the best of the best vintage cards depicting baseball’s earliest stars. As more Gen X collectors reach their peak earning years and look to allocate funds to rare collectibles, the sky continues to be the limit for truly exceptional vintage cardboard in gem mint condition from over a century ago. The elite cards topping over $3 million today were unfathomable just 5-10 years ago.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases each year, as it marks the start of the new baseball season. While every year brings exciting rookies and star players to collect, some cards tend to stand out more than others. Here are some of the top cards collectors will be chasing from the 2023 Topps Baseball release:

Shohei Ohtani Base Rookie Variation (#156)

Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire set is the Shohei Ohtani base rookie variation. Only 10 of these rare parallels were inserted into packs, making them extremely difficult to pull. Featuring Ohtani in an Angels uniform from his true rookie season of 2018, this card captures one of the game’s brightest stars at the start of his phenomenal career. With Ohtani’s continued two-way success and growing popularity, these scarce rookies are sure to become some of the set’s most valuable long-term holdings. Even raw non-graded copies are selling for well over $1,000 due to the card’s iconic subject and limited print run.

Aaron Judge Autograph (#150)

As Aaron Judge chases the single-season home run record, collector interest in one of the game’s top sluggers is at an all-time high. The 2023 Topps base autograph of Judge is poised to be one of the set’s most sought-after rookie autograph cards. While Judge’s signature is found on numerous products each year, the iconic Topps design combined with his current on-field dominance makes this an autograph collectors won’t want to miss. Pristine PSA 10 grades have already topped $500, showing strong early demand that will likely remain high throughout Judge’s career.

Rookie Cards of 2022 First-Round Picks

Each year’s Topps set serves as the true rookie card issue for the previous draft’s top selections. The 2023 release features the debut cards of many impact prospects from the 2022 draft class, headlined by Druw Jones (#290), Elijah Green (#320), and Brooks Lee (#350). While it’s too early to know their ultimate career trajectories, these players were some of the most heralded amateur talents and their rookie cards are sure to attract strong initial interest. Keep an eye out also for other early picks like Chase DeLauter (#260) and Sterlin Thompson (#280) who could emerge as steals if they meet their potentials in pro ball.

Mike Trout Superfractor Parallel (#91)

The elusive 1/1 parallel remains one of the true holy grails for any Topps set. In 2023, that honor goes to Mike Trout’s superfractor card. As one of the greatest players of all time and a perennial fan favorite, Trout is a perfect candidate to headline this ultra-rare parallel. While there is no guarantee one will ever surface, the possibility of its appearance keeps the card a major talking point. If a Trout superfractor does end up in a collector’s hands, it would instantly become one of the most valuable modern baseball cards in existence due to its subject and scarcity.

Rookie Debuts of 2022 Call-Ups

In addition to draft picks, each year’s Topps set also features the true rookie cards of many young players who made their MLB debuts in the previous season. Some names to watch for in the 2023 release include Bobby Witt Jr. (#90), Adley Rutschman (#110), Spencer Strider (#170) and Oneil Cruz (#210). While their rookie seasons saw varied levels of success and playing time, these players all showed tantalizing skills that could portend stardom with more experience. Their Topps rookie cards represent the first opportunity to invest in their careers from the beginning and could become valuable long-term holdings.

Autographs of Top Young Stars

In addition to Aaron Judge, collectors will want to hunt for autographed rookie cards of other rising talents like Ronald Acuña Jr. (#80), Juan Soto (#100) and Wander Franco (#120). These players have all made immediate impacts on the league and appear poised for superstardom. With continued production, their signed rookie cards from Topps’ flagship set hold great potential to gain in value as their careers progress. Rarer parallels like Acuña’s gold vinyl or Soto’s black border could become true trophies for dedicated collectors if those players cement all-time great legacies.

Vintage Player Throwbacks

A fun annual inclusion is Topps’ throwback style cards paying homage to the early designs of the 1950s and 1960s. Notable veterans featured in 2023 include Mike Trout (#60), Clayton Kershaw (#70) and Albert Pujols (#150) among others. While not true vintage issues, these retro-styled cards capture the players’ modern-day likenesses in a classic aesthetic. They make for attractive additions especially for collectors who appreciate connections to the history of the hobby. Parallel versions also exist, with parallels like the Trout gold vinyl being particularly eye-catching tribute pieces.

Base Rookies of Top Prospects

In addition to draft picks, the set also provides the true rookie cards for many top prospects who spent 2022 in the minors. Names to watch include Julio Rodriguez (#30), Bobby Miller (#130), Jeremy Peña (#150) and Steven Kwan (#180) who all broke out last season. While playing time and stats will determine future values, these rookies represent an early chance to acquire cards of talents that could develop into future stars. Their long-term potential makes them smart speculative additions, especially for set collectors wanting full rookie classes.

Parallels and Short Prints

No Topps release would be complete without its array of scarce parallels and short prints adding to the excitement of the hunt. In 2023, special attention will be given to rare inserts of superstar veterans like Mike Trout and cards like Shohei Ohtani’s black border short print (#157). For set builders, locating parallel and SP versions of key rookies like Druw Jones adds another layer of completion. Meanwhile, the thrill of the chase for collectors is finding gems like a 1/1 printing plate or gold vinyl parallel of a future Hall of Famer.

This covers some of the most notable cards to watch for in the upcoming 2023 Topps Baseball release. With rookies of future stars, tributes to legends, and always the chance for spectacular hits, the set is sure to excite collectors both casual and dedicated. For those building complete rainbow sets or high-end single card collections, it will once again provide foundational pieces and opportunities to invest early in the careers of today’s brightest talents.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The release of new Topps baseball cards is one of the most anticipated events each year for collectors and investors alike. With the 2023 Topps baseball card set having been released in late 2022, many collectors are already looking to purchase packs or individual cards on the popular online marketplace eBay.

Topps has been the dominant baseball card manufacturer for decades, with their products carrying significant brand recognition and popularity among the collecting community. Each year they produce the standard base set along with numerous inserts, parallels, and special rookie cards featuring the game’s rising stars. With the never-ending demand for these classic cardboard collectibles, eBay becomes a busy hub of activity as the new series hits hobby shops and mass retailers.

Whether searching for a chance at pulling a coveted rookie card from a pack or seeking a specific player to add to a collection, eBay offers the largest selection of 2023 Topps baseball cards available anywhere. With thousands of new listings popping up daily in the aftermath of the product’s release, here are some key things to know about finding and acquiring the latest Topps cards through the online auction giant.

Packs – Among the most common listings will be unopened wax packs or boxes straight from the case. With 36 packs per box at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of around $90, sellers can list full boxes or break them down into individual packs. Packers tend to go for $3-5 each during the initial hype period after release.

Base Set – Building the standard base set of approximately 700 cards is a fundamental goal each year. On eBay, common base cards from the 2023 set can be found for under $1 each early on. Short prints and parallels may run $2-5 depending on the player until supply meets demand.

Rookies – The true gems are the prized rookie cards of MLB’s newest stars like Julio Rodriguez, Adley Rutschman, and Bobby Witt Jr. Their base rookies can fetch $10-30 initially with serial numbered, autographed, and refractors exponentially more costly. Top rookie classes always generate immense eBay traffic.

Veteran Stars – Popular veterans like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge will have their base rookies and recent hits available. Higher-end parallels and memorabilia cards for top players may list in the hundreds due to their strong collector followings.

Inserts – In addition to the base cards, Topps inserts spotlight various themes each year through specialized designs. Hits like Photo Variations, 3D, and Hand-Painted cards increase rarity and values significantly above basic versions. Popular inserts move quickly on eBay.

Graded Cards – Slabbed collectibles authenticated and graded by services like PSA and BGS are routinely auctioned or listed via Buy It Now. Receiving high numerical grades increases scarcity and secondary market value substantially for elite vintage and modern issues alike.

With the sheer number of new 2023 Topps baseball cards entering the marketplace daily through eBay, collectors have endless options to feed their hobby habits. Whether seeking packs for ripping enjoyment or key singles to enhance a PC, this online bazaar ensures everyone can participate in building their collection from the latest Topps release. Savvy investors also use eBay to profit from short and long-term card appreciation as the season progresses.

As the center of the collectibles universe, eBay allows the entire baseball card community to come together each year following a new Topps release. From casual fans to diehard investors, the site provides a fun and accessible way for all to enjoy the annual tradition of adding fresh cardboard to their collections. With its unparalleled selection and worldwide audience of buyers, eBay is the premier destination for finding and trading all things related to 2023 Topps baseball cards in the exciting months after their highly anticipated arrival.

BOWMAN CHROME 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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Bowman Chrome is one of the most anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2023 edition is no exception, as it offers fans their first shiny chrome look at prospects in the minor leagues and recent MLB draft picks. Bowman Chrome cards feature refractors, parallels, autographs and more of some of the best young talent in baseball today.

The Bowman Chrome set includes 250 base cards showing prospects, recent draft picks and some established major leaguers. With prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson and Jackson Holliday headlining the class, there is plenty of excitement around who fans can pull. The base cards feature vibrant chrome borders surrounding photography of each player. With prospects constantly rising up prospect rankings and making their MLB debuts, Bowman Chrome offers an early look at the future stars of tomorrow.

In addition to the base set, Bowman Chrome 2023 also includes several highly sought after inserts. Refractors are some of the most popular parallels in the hobby, offering a colorful rainbow look. The refractor parallel in Bowman Chrome comes in several levels of rarity from base refractors up to gold and black refractors. These parallel cards really make the prospect photos pop due to the refractor coating.

Another popular insert is the Chrome Prospect Autographs set. These autograph cards feature signed swatches of jersey material or bat relics. With 100 cards in the set, there is a good chance to pull an autograph of a top prospect like Druw Jones. Other notable prospects that could appear with autographs include Jackson Holliday, Termarr Johnson, Brock Porter and Elijah Green. With prospects constantly rising up the ranks, a Bowman Chrome autograph acquired early could become very valuable down the line.

Bowman Chrome also offers several parallel variations of the base and insert sets. The most common are the blue, green, orange and red parallel versions. These feature the same prospect photography but with different color borders that stand out from the base cards. More rare parallel versions like gold, black and 1/1 rainbow foil cards can also be found. Collectors enjoy chasing these parallel rainbows to complete the color spectrum for their favorite prospects.

Bowman Chrome 2023 also includes some special short print and hit prospects that are even harder to pull than the usual inserts. The Black Border parallel offers a dramatic all-black look on only 50 cards. Superfractors are 1/1 parallel versions that are true one-of-a-kinds. Special 1/1 Ink autographs capture a prospect’s signature embedded within the refractory coating for a truly unique card. With such a low print run, these short prints and 1/1 cards can become highly valuable pieces for dedicated collectors and prospect enthusiasts.

While the base set and inserts shine a light on the future of baseball, Bowman Chrome also makes room to include some established major leaguers. Veterans like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. may appear alongside rookies that made their MLB debuts in 2022 such as Bobby Witt Jr. and Spencer Torkelson. Including these names alongside the prospects helps bridge the gap between the minor league content and current MLB superstars.

As one of the premier modern baseball card brands, Topps puts quality control and attention to detail into every Bowman Chrome release. The cards feature vibrant photography, sharp printing and attractive parallel designs. Whether chasing base prospects, colorful parallels or coveted autographs, Bowman Chrome 2023 offers countless opportunities to pull the next future baseball superstar. Between the exciting rookie class and various inserts, it’s easy to see why Bowman Chrome is a must-have product for any modern baseball card collector or investor. With release date set for late 2022, fans can’t wait to rip packs and show off their shiny new prospect chrome cards.

2023 ALLEN AND GINTER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 edition of Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards is set to be released in July, continuing the tradition of this unique and eclectic baseball card product. Allen & Ginter has been a Topps staple since 1889, known for its artistic designs, oddball parallels, and inclusion of non-sports personalities. The 2023 release is primed to deliver more of what collectors have come to expect from this quirky brand.

At the core of any Allen & Ginter set are the base cards featuring current Major League players. For 2023, Topps is including base cards for over 300 players across all 30 MLB teams. Rosters are always subject to change given the fluid nature of the sport, but fans can expect to see stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and many more included in the set. Base designs often take on a vintage aesthetic inspired by tobacco cards of the late 19th century. Bright colors and illustrative portraits are the norm.

Parallels and inserts are what truly separate Allen & Ginter from other modern sports card releases. Topps confirms several exciting parallels for 2023. Rainbow Foil cards can have red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, or pink color tints on the borders and lettering. Retro parallels take on a retro style similar to the designs found on 1950s/60s cards. Golden Moments parallels commemorate iconic plays and achievements in MLB history. And for the first time, Topps is including 1/1 Superfractor parallels where the entire card is printed with a colored foil sheet.

Allen & Ginter is also known for oddball parallels with very low print runs. Past years have seen Doodle parallels where artists drew on the front of cards, Splotchy Ink variants with unique ink patterns, and Phase parallels where the image is mysteriously faded. Topps keeps the specifics of these highly sought-after parallels a secret until release. Based on past trends, collectors should expect several unique and limited parallel designs in 2023 that will excite the hobby.

While baseball players are the main attraction, Allen & Ginter sets also feature cards of non-sports celebrities, artists, authors, and historical figures. For 2023, Topps is including over 200 notable figures from entertainment, pop culture, science, and history. Examples of personalities confirmed for the set include Daniel Radcliffe, Jennifer Lawrence, Beyoncé, Elon Musk, Stephen King, Albert Einstein, Vincent van Gogh, and many more. These off-the-wall inclusions are half the fun of each year’s Allen & Ginter release.

In addition, Allen & Ginter boxes and packs contain various insert sets beyond the base cards and parallels. Topps National Baseball Card Day, Golden Moments, Mini cards, Sketch cards, and Autographs are standard inclusions. However, Allen & Ginter is known for more unusual and imaginative inserts too. Past years have seen Paper Money inserts made to look like vintage bills, Portraits inserts with artwork in the style of an old yearbook, and Shadow Box inserts where the image is displayed through a decorative frame. Collectors will be on the lookout for unique and creative inserts in the 2023 release.

Allen & Ginter boxes and packs are scheduled for wide distribution starting in July 2023. Hobby boxes can be found at major card retailers and come with 12 packs per box on average. Each pack contains 8 cards and retailers often offer special Allen & Ginter-exclusive promotional items too. Meanwhile, Allen & Ginter cards can also be found in blaster and hangar packs sold at big box stores and drug stores. This provides both hardcore collectors and casual fans opportunities to participate.

The 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball card set is shaping up to be another memorable release that celebrates the past, present, and future of America’s pastime. With innovative designs, rare parallels, offbeat personalities, and creative inserts, it’s sure to excite collectors both new and old. After over 130 years, Allen & Ginter remains one of the most unique and imaginative card brands in the industry. The 2023 edition looks to continue upholding the quirky Allen & Ginter tradition for many years to come.

COLLEGE BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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College Baseball Card Market Heating Up for 2023 Season

The market for college baseball cards is growing rapidly as the popularity of the sport increases across the United States. While nowhere near as large as the market for professional baseball cards, collectors are showing more interest in obtaining cards featuring their favorite college players and teams.

Several factors are contributing to the bigger focus on college baseball cards. First, the NCAA Baseball Tournament, better known as the College World Series, continues to draw huge TV ratings. Last year’s championship series between Mississippi State and Vanderbilt averaged over 2 million viewers per game on ESPN. With more exposure for the top college programs and players, collectors want cards to commemorate star performers.

Secondly, the autograph card market has taken off in recent years. Fans and investors enjoy obtaining autographed cards of prospects they hope will succeed in Major League Baseball. Since most top draft picks and amateur free agents only play one or two years in college, their autographed rookie cards from that time hold significant value. If a player makes the majors and becomes an All-Star, those college autograph cards can appreciate greatly.

Individual player popularity is a big factor. Superstar college sluggers like Adley Rutschman of Oregon State, Henry Davis of Louisville, and Jordan Lawlar of Vanderbilt developed huge followings over their college careers from 2019-2021. Their cards from those seasons now command high prices. As more elite talents sign autographs and produce rookie cards at the college level, interest in collecting and investing in those products increases.

Topps is the dominant manufacturer of college baseball cards, releasing annual sets under the BBM brand. For the 2023 season, BBM is expected to produce its largest and highest quality college set to date. Here’s a preview:

Base cards: The standard base cards will feature over 350 top players and coaches. Photography and design will be sharply improved over past years. Parallels and short prints will be inserted.

Autograph cards: BBM secured autograph deals with over 75 of the top draft prospects and college stars for 2023. Rated Rookie autographs will be 1:24 packs.

Memorabilia cards: For the first time, BBM will include Patch cards with swatches from popular college uniforms. Relics will be approximately 1:36 packs.

Insert sets: Special subsets will highlight the Top 50 Draft Prospects, Preseason All-Americans, Home Run Leaders, and more.

Extended collegiate coverage: In addition to Division I, the set will feature standouts from Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior College ranks.

Oversized cards: BBM produced a small number of special oversized cards featuring the biggest college stars.

While BBM holds the college license, other manufacturers are finding ways to stay involved. Panini Donruss usually includes a college subset in its Diamond Kings box-loader products. Leaf produces limited college memorabilia cards outside of the Topps agreement. And individual schools like Texas and LSU have partnered with Fanatics for exclusive autographed card programs.

As for value, the top-end college cards remain affordable compared to pro products. Rutschman’s 2019 BBM rookie autograph sells in the $100-150 range. But cards for breakout stars can see huge jumps. Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker went from a $20 card in 2020 to $150 after being drafted #3 overall last summer. And super-prospects continue gaining value as the draft approaches.

The market for college baseball cards is white hot entering 2023. With more coverage, improved photography and redesigned sets from BBM, collectors have never had better options for following their favorite players from the amateur ranks. Savvy investors are taking notice of the profit potential from cards issued before prospects sign their pro contracts. It’s an exciting time for this growing segment within the larger baseball card collecting community.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

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The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps continues to drive interest and collector demand. While it’s still early, here is a preliminary look at some of the top rookies and parallels to watch that could hold strong long term value.

One of the biggest rookie cards to watch is Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season that was cut short due to injury, but he still finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His talent and skills are undeniable and scouts believe he has superstar potential. In such a shallow J-Rod rookie class between Topps, Bowman and Chrome, his base rookie could settle in the $50-100 range in a PSA 10. Popular parallels like Rainbow Foil and Negative may reach $500-1000 long term.

Bobby Witt Jr. also had a strong rookie campaign for the Kansas City Royals and finished second in AL ROY voting. Like Rodriguez, Witt has a very limited rookie card class that will keep his cards scarce. Look for his Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil /50 to push north of $1000. Even his base Topps rookie could reach $200-300 in a PSA 10 down the road.

Spencer Strider quickly became one of the top young arms in baseball for the Atlanta Braves in 2022. As a rookie pitcher with electric stuff, his Topps Chrome Negative and Refractors are must-haves for Braves PC collectors. Expect the Negative to settle around $300-500 long term.

One of the most hyped MLB prospects is the Los Angeles Angels sensation, Mike Trout. While Trout rookie cards from 2009-2011 Topps sets continue to rise in value each year, collectors are now seeking out his earliest card appearances before his MLB debut. Look for Trout’s 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Paper rookie card to push $10,000-15,000 for a PSA 10 copy. The ultra-rare 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor /50 could reach $100,000+ one day.

Shohei Ohtani has cemented himself as the best two-way player of this generation with another MVP caliber season. While his 2018 Topps Chrome Update rookie cards are expensive, collectors are now seeking out his earliest US issue cards from 2012 Bowman Draft. The Paper base is around $3,000 PSA 10 while the Chrome sells for $8,000-12,000 graded. His rare 2012 Bowman Chrome Superfractor /50 could demand 6 figures.

Rookies aren’t the only cards that will hold value long term. Star veterans like Aaron Judge continue to amaze and could win the AL Triple Crown in 2022 which would send his cards soaring. His Topps Chrome Update Negative refractor from 2017 remains under $1000 but would explode to $5,000-10,000 with such an accomplishment.

Other established stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. will see strong long term gains as well, especially for low-numbered parallels. Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Rainbow Foil Parallel /25 sells for $3,000-5,000 already. A Tatis Jr. Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /2018 from 2019 could reach $10,000 down the road.

Autograph cards are also highly sought after. Top rookies like Rodriguez, Witt and Strider could see their Topps Chrome Autograph cards settle in the $1,000-2,000 range long term. Superfractor autographs of stars like Ohtani and Trout would command 5 figures or more.

While the 2023 Topps Baseball set has yet to be released, keep a close eye on the top rookies and stars as there will certainly be cards that emerge as long term blue chip investments. The rarer parallels of players with superstar potential and accomplishments have the highest upside, but even base rookies of future Hall of Famers will hold value for decades to come. With the never ending growth of the hobby, these cards are a worthwhile collectible asset class.

MOST VALUABLE 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been enormously popular for decades. While it may seem like cards from the 1950s and 1960s would be the most valuable, the market is constantly shifting. Each new MLB season brings a new crop of rookie cards and parallels that have potential to become extremely valuable in the future. Looking ahead to 2023, here are some of the cards that could end up being among the most valuable from the upcoming season:

Juan Soto rookie card refractor parallel (Topps Chrome / Topps Fire) – Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s premier young stars and he remains just 25 years old heading into 2023. His rookie cards from 2018 Topps products regularly sell for thousands. Expect some of his refractors and parallels from that mega-hyped rookie season to gain even more value as collectors covet cards of such a unique player who is still entering his prime years. Any rainbow foil or 1-of-1 parallels pulled in 2023 releases would be astronomical in value given Soto’s continued dominance at the plate.

Julio Rodriguez rookie card refractor parallel (Topps Chrome / Fire) – As the AL Rookie of the Year in 2022 and budding superstar, J-Rod is poised to be the new face of baseball. Collectors will clamor for any Rodriguez rookie parallels they can get their hands on. His regular rookie cards are already selling for $500-1000 raw, so precious metal versions could net five figures or more down the road barring any career injuries or issues. Rodriguez may someday compete with Soto as the game’s premier player and his cards will keep climbing the more he succeeds.

Ronald Acuna Jr. autographed rookie card / relic parallel (Bowman Chrome/Topps Inception) – While Acuna’s 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie refractor is already a trophy card worth $10,000+, parallels with his signature or pieces of memorabilia embedded could grow exponentially in demand and price. Acuna is still just 25 and returning from injury so collectors will want to invest in his earliest career cards that maintain Hall of Fame potential for the uber-athletic Braves star. Relics and autographs will hold tremendous nostalgia and Acuna will likely end up being the face of Atlanta baseball for years to come.

Bryce Harper autographed rookie card / relic parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – As a former #1 overall pick and two-time MVP, Harper is a lock for Cooperstown someday. While his 2012 rookies have seemingly topped out near $1000 raw, special parallels from that exciting debut season featuring his John Hancock or uniform swatches could be true heirlooms someday given Harper remains in the league’s upper echelon at age 30. Though past his best days, the 2015 MVP’s in-game dominance and brand value keep collectors in thrall to his early decade cards.

Sandy Alcantara autographed / relic parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – The AL Cy Young favorite in 2022 at age 27, Alcantara profiles as a future Hall of Famer if he maintains this level of success deep into his 30s. His 2017 rookies are affordable for now but autos and relic parallels that directly tie to his stardom could fetch substantial returns down the line. Alcantara’s sustained dominance at such a young age gives him potential St. Louis franchise player status that usually accords significant card value to inaugural pro seasons.

Luis Robert gold parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome) – While Robert’s burst onto the scene in 2020 was interrupted by injuries that halted his development, at just 25 another breakout is possible. His rookies are affordable at $100-200 raw currently, but precious metal foils pulled in future flagship chrome sets could skyrocket to $1000+ each if Robert re-emerges as the star many projected. The rare foil versions of any player’s first MLB cards tend to be bellwethers for their entire career collecting value. Robert still has prime years ahead to rediscover glory.

Michael Harris II autographed / relic rookie card parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – As the NL ROY favorite in 2022 at age 22, Harris exploded onto the MLB scene representing the new core of the Atlanta dynasty. His 2022 rookies are affordable but increasing by the day. Autographed or swatch parallels pulled going forward could be the most valuable Harris II cards for decades given his prodigious tools and early success. Atlanta stars almost always retain strong demand that boosts Harris II’s modern rookie cards indefinitely.

Bobby Witt Jr. autographed / relic rookie card parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – After a dazzling debut that earned him ROY consideration, Witt is poised for superstardom as one of baseball’s brightest young talents. His 2022 rookies have already gained substantial value but special limited parallels directly tied to his arrival could hit stratospheric prices long-term reminiscent of icons like Griffey Jr. and Mantle. Witt is the cornerstone player for KC’s revitalized franchise making his earliest career moments incredibly nostalgic and lucrative investments.

Oneil Cruz gold parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome) – At 6’7″ with tantalizing tools, Cruz exploded onto the scene in 2022 showcasing 30+ home run, 30 stolen base abilities. His rookies are extremely affordable now but gold foils hold the potential to reach $1000+ each if Cruz continues developing into a true star for the rebuilding Pirates. With rare tools like his, collectors and fans may assign immense ‘what if’ value to foil rookie cards that represent Cruz’s potential Hall of Fame caliber talent before stardom arrived.

Adley Rutschman autographed / relic rookie card parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – After a brilliant minor league career and Rookie of the Year worthy 2022, Rutschman looks poised to be Baltimore’s franchise catcher for over a decade. His 2022 rookies are gaining value rapidly but any autographed or swatch refractors hold the potential to be his most valuable tier of cards looking back in 30+ years if he emerges as the superstar many expect. Rutschman could be the linchpin for an Orioles renaissance making his rookie cards iconic Baltimore collectibles.

Bryson Stott autographed / relic parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – As Philadelphia’s everyday shortstop at age 25, Stott showed 20/20 potential in 2022 that could translate to stardom. His 2022 cards are affordable for now but any limited parallels directly connecting to his arrival on the scene could appreciate exponentially with sustained success. Stott’s smooth left-handed swing already gives him nostalgia appeal and Philly stars tend to retain strong local collector interest long-term.

Rosters are constantly in flux but these 10 players profile as having the cards with the highest ceiling for value based on their talent and early career success or potential. All remain aged 25 or younger entering 2023 leaving ample time to develop into Hall of Fame level talents. Their rookie cards, especially short printed parallels, represent an opportunity for savvy collectors to acquire items with eye-popping potential returns at retail or affordable prices if any of these stars fulfill their promise. Of course, the risk of injury or downturn in production is ever-present in such long-term investments. But for discerning collectors, cards from the next great crop of MLB superstars offer a chance at owning true heirlooms. The 2023 season promises to unveil countless new prospects to track.