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PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini America is one of the leading sports card manufacturers worldwide and are known for their unique products like Donruss Optic, Score Football and of course their premium offering – Panini Absolute Football. Panini first launched their Absolute brand in 2012 with an NFL product and it became an instant hit with collectors thanks to the incredible photography, autographs and memorabilia cards included. They later expanded Absolute into other sports like basketball and soccer.

In 2016, Panini made the decision to bring their popular Absolute brand to the baseball card world with the release of Panini Absolute Baseball. This was a big move as baseball cards at the time were dominated by the big two in Topps and Upper Deck. Panini knew they would need to really wow collectors with Absolute Baseball to gain some marketshare. The end result was arguably one of the best looking and most collectible baseball card releases ever.

Panini Absolute Baseball cards utilized state of the art photography to highlight iconic action shots of today’s top MLB stars. But what really separated them from other baseball releases was the memorabilia and autograph checklist. Panini secured rare game-used memorabilia like jersey swatches, pants pieces, batting gloves, bats and even cleats or spikes worn by star players. The autographs were also above and beyond anything else on the market at the time. Panini was signing players to exclusive memorabilia autograph deals where the player would sign directly on a piece of game-used gear from their collection.

This resulted in one-of-a-kind autograph cards featuring signatures on patches, pant pieces, batting glove signatures and more. Superstars like Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and more had autographs and relic cards that simply could not be found anywhere else. The photography, memorabilia and exclusive signatures made Absolute Baseball an instant must-have for serious collectors. Beyond the base set, Panini also released parallels, short prints, memorabilia patches and 1/1 printing plates ensuring there was collecting opportunities for everyone.

Panini followed up the success of their inaugural 2016 release by continuing the Absolute Baseball brand annually with new photoshoot themes and updated checklists of top players and relics. Some of the most iconic cards from over the years include a 1/1 Mike Trout game-used cleat auto from 2017 that quickly became the most valuable baseball card ever printed. 2018 saw legendary autographed bats from players like Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro and Albert Pujols. 2019 featured unique uniform artifacts like a signed Kershaw jersey front. And recent years have had one-of-a-kind game-used 1B base patches and 3B dirt autographed cards.

Beyond the flagship Absolute Baseball release each year, Panini also produces high-end variants. Absolute Memorabilia features Jersey Number parallels that highlight specific jersey numbers on game-used cloth. Supreme Captures takes the top photography from Absolute and elevates it with silver signatures and 1/1 printing plates. And Absolute Elite introduces rare autographed memorabilia cards featuring premium relics like signed jerseys and specialty wood bats.

Through its first 6 years, Panini Absolute Baseball has cemented itself as the pinnacle product for premium MLB memorabilia cards. The photography, game-used ingredients and exclusivity of the on-card autographs really push the limits of what’s possible in the trading card hobby. While it comes at a high dollar cost, true collectors appreciate Absolute for highlighting the best players, moments and artifacts from America’s pastime. With Panini’s reputation of securing rare relics and autograph deals, there’s no telling what more incredible autographed memorabilia cards they have in store for future Absolute Baseball releases. It’s become a staple that fans look forward to each off-season as the measuring stick for high-end baseball memorabilia cards.

Panini’s entrance into the baseball market with Absolute shook up the long-time duopoly between Topps and Upper Deck. While those brands remain titans of the baseball card industry, Absolute Baseball proved there’s room for innovation and pushing boundaries. By focusing on extremely rare memorabilia, exclusive autographs and beautiful photography, Panini offers a premium collecting experience not found in typical wax box products. Some criticize the costs of Absolute cards, however for those who can afford to collect at that level, few other releases compare in terms of desirability, investment potential and pride of ownership for the coolest MLB relic cards around. Absolute Baseball has truly become the pinnacle line for dedicated memorabilia collectors.

PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL 2022 BEST CARDS

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Panini Absolute Baseball is one of the most coveted and valuable baseball card releases each year. The 2021 version was no exception, featuring some of the biggest young stars and veteran superstars across vivid acetate cards. With the 2022 season now underway, anticipation is high for what panini will deliver in their next Absolute release later this year. Here’s a closer look at some of the cards collectors will be chasing.

Shohei Ohtani remains the biggest star in baseball and one of the faces of the sport globally. His talents as both an ace pitcher and fearsome power hitter make him must-watch every time he steps on the field. An Ohtani autographed card or memorabilia card in Absolute would undoubtedly be one of the top pulls. His scarcity in high-end products means any of his cards command big money. Even a simple base Ohtani Absolute card would excite collectors.

Last year’s rookie class was one of the best seen in decades. Cards of playoffs stars like Trevor Story, Jonathan India, and Randy Arozarena all held great value in 2021 Absolute. This year’s focus will likely be on Seattle’s breakout star Julio Rodriguez. The speedster finished second in rookie of the year voting and is already a fan favorite. An autograph or memorabilia card of the budding superstar would be a true chase card for 2022 Absolute collectors.

Two-way stars are all the rage after Ohtani broke the mold. Commanding big dollars in the trade market, Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene is carving out a role both as a flamethrower on the mound and potential middle of the order bat. His tools have drawn comparisons to Ohtani and vintage Nolan Ryan. With the hype around Greene, any of his cards in the next Absolute release would be highly sought after.

Absolute has long featured the game’s elite sluggers in gorgeous detail. Cards of three-true-outcome machines like Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Juan Soto attract major collectors. An on-card autograph or 1/1 memorabilia patch card of any of these masher’s would be headline cards. Judge is especially enticing after his record-setting 62 home run season. His card values shot through the roof in 2022.

Veteran superstars are no less appealing to collectors with deep pockets either. A signed Mike Trout card for example would command five figures minimum despite nearing a decade in the league now. The same could be said of an autographed card of two-way force Clayton Kershaw, who continues to dominate on the mound well into his 30s. Both players remain among the faces of the league and are proven cards that hold value over time.

Rookies and young stars provide long-term potential upside in their careers ahead. But collectors also flock to cards paying tribute to living legends in their later primes or retired from the game. A Derek Jeter autograph or 1/1 memorabilia card would be a true treasure, as would similar cards for Mariano Rivera, Ken Griffey Jr, or Chipper Jones. Their careers shine bright in baseball history, and collecting their rarer cards connects fans to that nostalgia.

While player cards drive a lot of the hype, Absolute also regularly honors star pitchers with enticing memorabilia cards encompassing meaningful artifacts. Eraser autograph cards pairing a signature swatch with shreds of the actual mound rubber are enormously popular. Imagine versions featuring Clayton Kershaw’s iconic serape or Mariano Rivera’s historic cutter. Patches crafted from historic jerseys also captivate collectors across eras.

Rising stars like Wander Franco continue to excite as well. The 21-year-old slugger is poised for continued dominance in Tampa Bay. Autographed or rare memorabilia cards of the budding superstar would attract serious bids given his immense long-term superstar potential. Much like Acuna and Soto before, Franco has established himself as must-watch TV early and a true blue chip for investors.

Then of course there’s the thrill of the spectral 1/1 parallel cards that are practically works of modern art. These singular unique treasures in the series could feature any player mentioned and drive collectors to pursue the elusive white whale until found. A true Ohtani 1/1 would be the stuff of legend. But lower numbered parallels across the biggest names are serious prizes as well.

In the end, Absolute thrives because it combines the biggest stars, finest card designs, and hits at the highest levels of rarity and player-specific memorabilia. While rookies excite for potential, veterans hold value through proven performance. Pitchers also receive their due alongside sluggers. The cards most sought may vary year to year. But those excelling on the field while capturing collectors hearts consistently rise to the top of the 2022 Absolute want lists. The summer hype is just beginning.

ABSOLUTE BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for over a century, with collectors seeking out rare and valuable cards from years past. The modern baseball card market is also thriving, with new releases every year from the major brands like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and more. One of the most anticipated new card releases each season is Topps’ flagship ‘Series 1’ set, which kicks off the yearly cycle of new baseball cards. The 2021 Topps Series 1 release saw collectors snatching up packs and boxes, hoping to find the sport’s biggest stars and potentially valuable rookie cards.

Some of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2021 Topps Series 1 set included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Lucas Giolito, and Bo Bichette. Guerrero and Tatis in particular had monster seasons in 2021 that greatly increased demand for their rookie cards. Tatis has become one of the faces of MLB, with highlight-reel plays and prodigious power that make him must-watch. Meanwhile, Guerrero took home the AL MVP award in 2021 while cementing his status as a true five-tool superstar. Rookie cards for players who go on to stardom often gain immense value over time.

The 2021 Topps Series 1 release also featured several popular parallels and short prints that collectors scrambled to find. The ‘Rainbow Foil’ parallels featured vivid foil patterns on certain cards and were quite scarce in packs. The ‘Gold Label’ parallels had a regal gold foil look and were limited to one per hobby box on average. Topps also brought back their popular ‘Photo Variations’ subset, which used alternate action photos on certain player cards. These more rare parallels added excitement to the hunt and held appeal for high-end collectors.

While Topps remained the dominant brand in the baseball card world, competitors like Panini and Leaf also released new 2021 sets. Panini’s ‘Donruss’ and ‘Optic’ releases were of note, featuring sharp photography and ‘hits’ like autographs or memorabilia cards. Panini also gained popularity with collectors by securing NBA and NFL licenses, bringing that crossover appeal to their baseball offerings. Meanwhile, Leaf’s ‘Metal’ and ‘Flawless’ sets targeted true high-roller collectors with exquisite card designs and extremely low print runs. These alternative brands gave collectors variety and added competition in the marketplace.

The rise of online breakers and group breaks also fueled interest in 2021 releases. Companies like Blowout Cards, Steel City Collectibles, and Dave & Adam’s Card World hosted ‘breaks’ where boxes or cases of new products were opened on live streams. Groups of collectors would then be randomly assigned teams, with the hits and rare cards being shipped out. This made it possible for collectors of any budget to participate in the excitement of new releases. It also created a social atmosphere around the hobby and helped drive up prices in the secondary market.

In addition to flagship rookies, key veterans saw strong demand in the 2021 season as well. Players like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuna Jr., Juan Soto, and Mookie Betts remained immensely popular with collectors. Trout in particular has become the consensus greatest player of his generation, making his cards highly sought after. Veterans who were traded or had career years also spiked collector interest. For example, the cards of Max Scherzer gained value after being dealt to the Dodgers midseason while cementing his Hall of Fame case.

Perhaps the biggest story in the 2021 baseball card market was the emergence of the high-end vintage market. Iconic cards from the 1950s-1980s saw unprecedented prices at major auctions like PWCC and Goldin. A near-mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle topped $5.2 million, shattering records. Other vintage stars like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Ty Cobb also saw individual cards change hands for millions. This showed that the highest end of the hobby was flourishing as never before. Prices were driven up by a new class of uber-wealthy collectors entering the market.

Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, the future remains bright for the baseball card industry. As the sport itself gains new young fans, those fans will inevitably be drawn to collecting cards of their favorite players. Established stars like Trout, Tatis, Guerrero and Soto should remain highly sought after as their careers progress. And each new rookie class brings fresh excitement as the next potential superstars are unveiled in packs. With innovative new products and growing collector demand worldwide, baseball cards continue evolving as a classic American pastime. As long as the sport is played, fans will enjoy adding to their collections and chasing the cards of today and tomorrow.

2021 PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2021 season of Major League Baseball saw another year where players put up amazing performances and helped capture the attention of sports fans everywhere. For collectors, 2021 also marked another highly anticipated release from trading card manufacturer Panini – Panini Absolute Baseball. As one of the hobby’s premier high-end products, Panini Absolute contains exquisite artwork and autographs from the game’s biggest stars. Not surprisingly, many of the set’s most valuable rookie and star player cards generated huge buzz and huge price tags after their release. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 2021 Panini Absolute cards that have proven to be the most valuable and sought after on the secondary market.

Perhaps the single most valuable card from the entire 2021 Absolute release is the red parallel autograph of Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani. As the reigning American League MVP and a true dual-threat on the mound and in the batter’s box, Ohtani has quickly become one of the faces of MLB. His autographed red Parallel /25 from Absolute commanded massive prices immediately after the product dropped. Within days of its release, verified PSA 10 Gem Mint versions of this rare Ohtani auto were already changing hands for over $10,000. Several months later, as Ohtani’s star power and on-field heroics continued to grow, prices for this iconic rookie card reached heights over $15,000. It’s clear Ohtani’s immense talent and popularity have made this one of the most coveted pitching/hitting combo cards ever released.

Another major star who saw his Absolute rookie card skyrocket in value was Seattle Mariners outfielder and AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodriguez. Like Ohtani, Rodriguez had an electric rookie season that kept collectors on high alert for his autographed cards. His Absolute auto in the base red parallel checked in around the $3,000 mark initially. But demand driven by his impressive stats and highlight reel plays sent values up significantly. Near the end of the 2022 season, top graded examples of J-Rod’s Absolute auto traded hands above $6,000. That price point is almost guaranteed to keep climbing as well if Rodriguez builds on his stellar campaign and develops into the superstar many expect.

Two highly-touted rookies who didn’t get as extended a chance to shine in 2021 but still found valuation success with their Absolute cards were Detroit Tigers pitcher Kerry Carpenter and Boston Red Sox slugger Marcelo Mayer. Both were top 5 overall picks in the 2021 draft and thrilled scouts with their raw tools and promise. Carpenter’s auto in the orange parallel /99 held strong around the $1,000 mark or more. Meanwhile, even red parallels of Mayer’s autographed card commanded $800-1,000 during the season. Their pedigree and skills intrigued collectors enough to make these cards among the most expensive rookie releases despite their limited MLB action last year.

Veteran superstars continue to own significant real estate among Absolute’s priciest cards as well. For example, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts saw strong interest in his autographed base cards, which regularly topped $1,000. The short print orange parallel of his auto hit prices around $3,000 outright. Meanwhile, one of the biggest names in the sport – Mike Trout – invariably generates high prices for his signed cards. Unsurprisingly, his Absolute auto sailed past $2,000 during the season with orange parallels up over $6,000. Even veteran talents like Nolan Arenado, Freddie Freeman and Juan Soto commanded $800-1,500 for their Absolute signed cards due to sustained high production and huge fanbases.

Autograph cards aren’t the only coveted inclusions that drive Absolute values either. The set is known for intricate patch cards featuring game-used memorabilia. Several of these ultra-rare patches became major pieces for collectors. For example, one of just 3 copies of a triple logo patch card that featured patches from the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York Mets sold for a staggering $9,000. Other extremely limited individual patches from stars like Trout and Betts regularly moved at the $2,000-3,000 price points as well. Colorful diamond parallel patches or highly intricate stitching and materials pushed values even higher.

The 2021 season of Panini Absolute Baseball once again delivered some true heavy-hitting rookie cards, patches and autographs that rocketed to the upper echelons of the hobby in short order. Led by young talents like Ohtani and Rodriguez, stars in their prime like Trout and Betts, and ultra-short printed memorabilia, many Absolute cards emerged as lynchpins in collections. With another exciting MLB season on tap in 2022 and rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. joining the fray, Panini Absolute is sure to continue supplying some of the sport’s most valuable modern trading cards for years to come. The releases showcase the best from Panini’s production quality while capturing lightning in a bottle for the game’s brightest young talents.