Tag Archives: atlanta

BASEBALL CARDS ATLANTA BRAVES

The Atlanta Braves have a long and storied history that is well documented through their baseball cards over the decades. The franchise originated in Boston in the late 1800s as the Boston Beaneaters and later the Boston Braves. Some of the earliest Braves cards date back to the turn of the 20th century from that era.

One of the earliest Braves stars to appear on cards was pitcher Vic Willis. He pitched for the Braves from 1902-1909 and had a career record of 194-127 with a 2.63 ERA. Some of the oldest Braves cards featuring Willis date from the 1909-1911 era in various tobacco brands like T206 and Sweet Caporal. Seeing the photography and design styles of the early 1900s on cards of Braves legends is a real treat for baseball card collectors with an interest in the franchise’s history in Boston.

When the team moved to Milwaukee in 1953 after years of struggles in Boston, their cards started featuring players from the Milwaukee Braves era. Stars of that time included Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn and more. Topps was the dominant baseball card producer in the 1950s and their cards from that Milwaukee time period are still popular with collectors today. Highlights include Hank Aaron’s iconic rookie card from 1954 Topps and Warren Spahn’s impressive career stats listed on many of his 50s Topps issue cards.

The Milwaukee Braves had great success, winning the World Series in 1957. Their cards remained popular through the late 50s before the controversial move to Atlanta was announced for 1966. The franchise relocating to the south shook up baseball at the time. Their Milwaukee-era cards remain some of the most sought after in the hobby for fans of that team and time period.

When the Braves switched to Atlanta for the 1966 season, their cards started showcasing the new crop of young Atlanta Braves stars. Hank Aaron remained from the Milwaukee days and continued his assault on the home run record. Other stars of the 1960s Atlanta era included pitcher Phil Niekro, outfielder Rico Carty and third baseman Clete Boyer. The late 1960s produced some of the earliest Atlanta Braves cards in the Topps and Fleer sets that baseball card collectors love to find today.

In the 1970s, the Braves contended regularly and developed more star players that appeared on oddball and mainstream baseball cards. Pitcher Andy Messersmith had one of the most iconic moustaches in the game and was well represented on 1970s cards. Outfielder Dave May was a consistent hitter for the Braves in the early 70s. Star pitcher Phil Niekro continued racking up wins throughout the decade while also gaining more card appearances.

The franchise took a step back in the late 70s but cards still highlighted players like outfielder Jeff Burroughs and second baseman Davey Johnson. Topps and Donruss remained the leaders in baseball card production through the 1970s and their Braves cards gave fans updates on the team each year.

In the 1980s, led by young slugger Bob Horner and veteran pitchers Dale Murphy and Pascual Perez, the Braves began to improve. Dale Murphy in particular broke out as a star in the early 80s, winning back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1982-1983. His card appearances exploded during this peak of his career. Topps, Donruss, Fleer and others loaded Murphy into baseball card sets on an annual basis. The Braves as a whole gained more attention and a rejuvenated fanbase during Murphy’s stellar play.

The peak of the Braves dynasty occurred in the 1990s behind stars like pitchers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and manager Bobby Cox. This famous rotation led Atlanta to a record 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005. Their dominance created huge demand for Braves cards during the 90s boom. Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz became three of the most featured players in baseball cards throughout the decade. Rookies like Chipper Jones also gained huge popularity on cards as the next generation of Braves.

In the 2000s, Chipper Jones ascended as the new face of the franchise and carried them to a World Series title in 1995. His rookie cards from the early 90s are some of the most iconic Braves cards ever made. Jones remained a staple in baseball card sets each year through his retirement after the 2012 season. Other stars of the 2000s like Andruw Jones, Javy Lopez, Rafael Furcal and others gained legions of fans with each new baseball card release as the Braves dynasty wound down.

Today, the Atlanta Braves remain one of baseball’s most popular franchises. Young stars like Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley have taken the reins in recent years. Their rookie cards are hot commodities as new generations of collectors look to the future of the team. Meanwhile, throwback cards of past Braves greats continue appreciating in value as the history and nostalgia grows. From the earliest 20th century issues to modern releases, Atlanta Braves cards capture the rich history and fandom and will continue to be prized by collectors for decades to come.

ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS 2020

The 2020 Atlanta Braves baseball season was unique for many reasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortened 60-game season saw the Braves finish with a record of 35-25 and qualify for the expanded postseason as the NL East division champions. While fans were unable to attend games at Truist Park for much of the season, collectors still had the baseball card hobby to enjoy. 2020 marked the release of several new Braves card products featuring the team’s rising stars and veteran leaders.

Top Rookie Cards

One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards for Braves collectors in 2020 was that of outfielder Cristian Pache. Considered the organization’s top prospect coming into the season, Pache made his MLB debut and impressed with his elite defense in center field. Pache’s rookie cards, which included inserts and parallels from Topps, Bowman, and Panini, gained value as he established himself as Atlanta’s long-term solution in center. Another exciting rookie was pitcher Ian Anderson, who made five starts down the stretch and showed why he was considered a top pitching prospect. Anderson’s rookie cards, which featured him in both a Braves and Gwinnett Stripers uniform, also increased in demand.

Veteran Star Cards

While the rookies generated buzz, the veteran stars of the 2020 Braves still held value for collectors. Freddie Freeman continued his reign as the face of the franchise and one of MLB’s most consistent hitters. Freeman’s base rookie cards from 2009-2010 remained some of the most sought-after in the Atlanta collection. Fellow infielder Ozzie Albies also stayed popular with collectors after signing a long-term contract extension prior to 2020. Albies’ rising star power was reflected in the popularity of his rookie cards from 2017 and 2018 Topps products. On the mound, ace Max Fried led the rotation and saw his rookie cards from 2017 gain in demand following a breakout 2020 season. Reliever Mark Melancon also saw increased interest after taking over as the Braves’ closer and delivering postseason heroics.

Top Insert Cards

While the base rookie and star cards drove much of the interest, several insert cards from 2020 Braves releases also caught the attention of collectors. Topps Chrome featured popular “Refractors” of rookies Pache and Anderson that held premium value. The “Photo Variations” insert set from Topps Update highlighted key moments from the 2020 season and individual player photography. Bowman Sterling contained sought-after parallels and autographs of top prospects like Shea Langeliers. Panini Contenders offered “Black Parallels” and memorabilia cards that incorporated game-used material. Topps Finest included “Rainbow Foil” parallels and “Negative Refractors” of Freeman, Albies, and others that attracted high prices. Upper Deck also released several inserts like “Artifacts” and “Truly Rare” that incorporated unique autographs and memorabilia.

Top Autograph Cards

As with most teams, autograph cards remained the most coveted Braves collector items in 2020 releases. Top rookie autographs of Pache, Anderson, and Langeliers commanded big prices. Freeman and Albies autographs consistently ranked among the most expensive Atlanta signatures available. Rare 1/1 autographs from products like Topps Chrome, Bowman Sterling, and Panini Immaculate held tremendous value. Memorabilia autograph cards incorporating game-used bat, jersey or ball material from star players also gained significant collector interest. Parallel autographs, especially low-numbered versions, saw premium resale prices. Autograph cards of veteran relievers like Mark Melancon and Will Smith also increased in demand after their postseason heroics helped the Braves win the NL East.

Looking Ahead

With a young core of stars and top prospects still rising through the system, the future remains very bright for both the Atlanta Braves on the field and their baseball card collectors. Rookies like Pache, Anderson, and Langeliers are poised for bigger roles in 2021 that should further elevate the value of their rookie cards. Meanwhile, cards of established veterans like Freeman, Albies, Fried and others will stay popular as long as they continue producing at an elite level for the Braves. Insert cards, parallels, and autographs from 2021 releases will attract avid collectors. As long as the team sustains its winning ways, Atlanta Braves cards should remain a hot commodity for years to come.

ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Atlanta Braves Baseball Cards Worth Investing In

As one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves have a long and storied history that dates back to the late 1800s. This rich history is well documented through baseball cards produced over several decades. While some Braves cards are quite common and hold little monetary value, there are also many rare and valuable cards that Braves collectors seek. Here are some Atlanta Braves baseball cards that could be worth investing in due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance.

Hank Aaron Rookie Cards (1952, 1954)

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic and valuable Braves cards are the rookie cards of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. Aaron debuted with the then-Milwaukee Braves in 1954 but also has a very rare 1952 Bowman card from his time in the Minor Leagues. High grade examples of Aaron’s 1952 Bowman card in PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 condition have sold for over $1 million in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 8 copies can fetch five figures. Aaron’s 1954 Topps rookie is also highly sought after, with PSA 10s bringing in the $100,000+ range. Any Hank Aaron rookie in top condition is a sound long-term investment.

Warren Spahn Cards (1948, 1949, 1952, 1953)

Pitching great Warren Spahn enjoyed a decorated 21-year career mostly spent with the Braves franchise. His earliest cards include 1948 Leaf, 1949 Bowman, and 1952 and 1953 Topps issues. The 1948 Leaf is extremely rare, with only a handful believed to exist. Even low-grade examples sell for well into five figures. The 1949 Bowman is also quite scarce in high grades. Spahn’s 1952 and 1953 Topps rookie cards are more obtainable but can still gain value in top condition. Any Spahn card presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Braves history from one of their all-time greatest players.

Eddie Mathews Rookie Cards (1952, 1953)

A cornerstone of the Braves for many years, third baseman Eddie Mathews smashed 512 career home runs. His rookie cards include the 1952 Bowman and 1953 Topps issues. Like Aaron, these are key cards for any Braves collection. High grade 1952 Bowmans have reached the $100,000 price point. Even mid-grade copies retain value in the thousands due to the card’s scarcity. The ’53 Topps is much more available but can gain value in pristine PSA 10 with sub-$1,000 price tags currently. Either rookie would be a prized addition.

1959 Nellie Fox

Second baseman Nellie Fox was a 5-time All-Star and 1959 AL MVP during his playing days mostly with the White Sox. He also had a late career stint with the Braves in 1963-64. Fox’s only Braves card is the 1959 Topps issue from his time with the PCL Seattle Rainiers. It shows him in a Rainiers uniform but is considered part of his true rookie card series. High grades are extremely rare, with a PSA 8 recently selling for over $6,000. Even well-centered copies in the PSA 5-7 range can bring $1,000+.

1960s & 1970s Stars

The 1960s-70s Braves rosters included future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Joe Torre, and Phil Niekro. Their vintage cards remain collectible, especially in high grades. Examples include the 1961 Aaron and Mathews, 1962 Niekro rookie, 1968 Torre, and 1974 Aaron among many others. Common issues can often be acquired raw for under $20 but gain value with professional grading. Rarer short prints or oddball issues also offer breakout potential. Overall, 1960s-70s Braves provide affordable options for building value.

Chipper Jones Rookies (1991-1993)

A modern Braves legend, third baseman Chipper Jones spent his entire 19-year career with the franchise. His rookie cards include 1991 Fleer, 1992 Bowman, and 1993 Upper Deck. High grades of the ’91 Fleer have reached the $1,000+ range in recent sales. The ’92 Bowman holds more value as a true RC, with PSA 10s bringing five figures. Even mid-grade copies retain value. Jones’ ’93 UD RC has gained popularity as a more affordable option, with PSA 10s still under $1,000. All are recommended long-term holds for any Braves PC.

Rookies of Acuna, Albies, Riley & More

In more recent years, young Braves stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and others have emerged. Their rookie cards remain some of the best modern Braves investments. Examples include Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto RC, Albies’ 2017 Bowman Chrome Auto, and Riley’s 2018 Topps Chrome RC. Even common parallels hold value and have upside as these players’ careers progress. With the Braves’ consistent talent development, their top prospects also offer breakout potential from each new season.

While not every Braves card will gain value, there are clearly many worthwhile long-term investments within the franchise’s rich history. Focusing on stars of the past and present in high grades increases the odds of turning a profit down the road. For dedicated Braves collectors, building sets and finding rare oddballs can also uncover hidden gems. With top athletes, winning franchises, and decades of production, Atlanta Braves cards offer a solid foundation for any sports collecting portfolio.

BASEBALL CARDS IN ATLANTA

The history of baseball cards in Atlanta dates back to the late 19th century when the first baseball cards featuring major league players began to be widely produced and collected. While the city of Atlanta did not have a major league franchise until the Braves arrived in 1966, baseball cards have long been a part of the sports culture in the region.

Some of the earliest baseball cards produced featured players from the minor league Atlanta Crackers who played from 1904 to 1963. The Crackers were one of the most popular minor league teams in the country during the first half of the 20th century. Cards featuring Crackers players appeared in sets produced by companies like American Caramel in the early 1900s. Collecting and trading these vintage Crackers cards was a popular pastime for young baseball fans in Atlanta throughout the first few decades of the 20th century.

In the 1930s and 1940s, as major national baseball card companies like Goudey, Play Ball, and Topps began mass producing sets that featured both National and American League players, the hobby of baseball card collecting really took off across the United States, including in Atlanta. Kids could find packs of cards at local drug stores, candy shops, and hobby stores. They would eagerly collect and trade cards of the biggest stars of the era like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio. Atlanta’s sports stores did a booming business in these vintage baseball cards through the 1940s and 1950s.

When the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, it sparked new interest in baseball and collecting cards of the hometown Braves players. In the 1960s, Topps dominated the baseball card market and Atlanta kids were avidly collecting cards from the annual Topps sets hoping to get rookie cards of future Braves stars like Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, and Dusty Baker. The 1960s also saw the rise of regional sports card shows where collectors could meet, trade, and buy cards. Some of the earliest Atlanta-area card shows date back to this era.

In the 1970s and 1980s, as the Braves flourished on the field winning an unprecedented 14 straight division titles, baseball card collecting reached new heights in Atlanta. Kids were flocking to card shops, drug stores, and sporting goods stores snapping up packs of Topps, Fleer, and Donruss cards looking to complete their Braves team sets. Expos, shows, and shops did a booming business in Braves rookie cards and stars of the era like Aaron, Niekro, Bob Horner, Dale Murphy, and Tom Glavine. The rise of the hobby press also exposed Atlanta collectors to the burgeoning business of collecting, grading, and investing in vintage cards.

In the 1990s, as the sports memorabilia market exploded, Atlanta became home to numerous large card and memorabilia shops and multi-dealer shows. Kids who grew up collecting in the 1970s and 1980s were now adults with disposable income to spend on their hobby. The boom years of the 1990s saw values skyrocket on vintage cards like Hank Aaron rookie cards from the 1950s and rookie cards of Braves stars from the 1960s and 1970s. Atlanta also became home to national and regional memorabilia conventions that drew thousands of collectors from around the country. Sports stores in malls also cashed in on the boom by opening expansive “sports collectibles” sections.

As we moved into the 21st century, Atlanta continued to be a hotbed for baseball card collecting and the sports collectibles market in general. The internet also transformed the hobby, allowing collectors locally and worldwide to easily buy, sell, and trade online. While the sports memorabilia market has cooled off its 1990s peak, baseball card collecting remains a popular pastime among Atlanta residents young and old. Cards of current Braves stars like Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies can be found in stores, at shows, and online as collectors look to build the sets and rosters of the present-day Braves.

Atlanta’s long baseball history dating back over 100 years and the presence of the beloved Braves franchise has helped make card collecting a cherished southern tradition for generations. From the earliest Crackers cards to today’s Braves rookies, baseball cards have been a staple of youth sports culture and remain an integral part of Atlanta’s sports memorabilia scene. The city’s collectors have seen card values and the industry boom and fluctuate over the decades but their passion has never wavered.

2023 ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

The 2023 Atlanta Braves are coming off another impressive season that saw them win their fifth NL East division title in a row. While they fell short of repeating as World Series champions, the Braves remain one of baseball’s most consistent franchises. As fans look forward to the upcoming 2023 season, they’ll also be on the hunt for the newest baseball cards featuring their favorite Braves players.

The 2023 Topps baseball card series will once again be the flagship product chronicling the upcoming MLB season. Topps has extensive experience producing high quality cards of Braves legends and current stars alike. Some of the most coveted Braves included in the 2023 Topps set will certainly be MVP candidate Austin Riley, All-Star closer Kenley Jansen, and veteran first baseman Matt Olson. Riley is coming off a career year and will be a hot commodity for collectors. Meanwhile, the addition of Jansen strengthened an already solid Atlanta bullpen. Olson proved to be a great replacement for Freddie Freeman in his first year with the Braves in 2022.

Panini also releases an MLB licensed baseball card product each year that serves as a Topps competitor. The 2023 Donruss baseball set will feature a large selection of current Braves to chase. Rookies Michael Harris II and Vaughn Grissom could garner lots of interest after impressive debut seasons in Atlanta. Grissom in particular made a huge splash by hitting a dramatic walk-off home run in the NLDS against the Phillies. Donruss inserts often highlight memorable playoff moments, so that Grissom blast may end up on a special card.

In addition to the main Topps and Donruss sets, collectors can expect to find Braves stars and prospects in numerous hobby boxes and retail packs throughout the upcoming year. The Allen & Ginter’s brand produces cards with unique retro designs that usually include a healthy dose of Braves. Heritage Minors focuses specifically on minor leaguers and recent MLB draftees – so Atlanta’s deep farm system will be well-represented there. Topps Chrome and Finest insert parallel cards in short print runs are always hotly pursued.

Veteran hurlers like Max Fried, Kyle Wright, and Ian Anderson will anchor the Braves starting rotation in 2023. All three starters had impressive campaigns in 2022 and will look to build on that success. Their on-field contributions make them prime autograph and memorabilia card chase targets. Fried in particular has All-Star caliber stuff and will be a popular autographed card for Braves PC builders given his status as the ace of the staff.

Rookies like Harris II, Grissom, and Spencer Strider made huge impacts down the stretch for Atlanta in 2022. Their rookie cards from this past season will remain widely collected. But collectors will also be eager to chase the trio’s sophomore year cards showing them as full-time MLB contributors. Strider’s dominance as a rookie reliever makes him an intriguing future closer option for the Braves. His cards could explode in value with a strong 2023.

Veteran sluggers Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, and Adam Duvall provide thump in the middle of the Braves order. While Ozuna may be facing league discipline, all three clean-up type bats can rack up home runs playing half their games in hitter-friendly Truist Park. Their autographs and memorabilia cards will be popular with Braves PC builders. Dansby Swanson remains a fan favorite at shortstop as he continues chasing his first career All-Star nod. His leadership of the clubhouse and steady production make him a cornerstone of the Atlanta franchise for years to come.

The Braves have cultivated one of baseball’s deepest farm systems in recent years thanks to strong player development and international signings. Top prospects like catcher Shea Langeliers, outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy, and pitchers Bryce Elder and Jared Shuster could make their MLB debuts in 2023 and immediately become hot rookie cards to chase. Others like catcher Hendrik Clementina and infielder Braden Shewmake may not be far behind. Collectors love to get in early on the ground floor of future stars.

With a solid major league core and one of the game’s premier minor league pipelines, the Atlanta Braves are poised to remain contenders for the foreseeable future. As the 2023 season approaches, collectors can expect another outstanding year of Braves baseball cards chronicling both the established stars and up-and-coming prospects of this iconic franchise. The excitement on the field is matched by hobbyists eagerly pursuing their favorite Braves in cardboard form.

ATLANTA BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Atlanta has a rich history with baseball and as a result, there is no shortage of valuable baseball cards from Atlanta teams and players available for collectors. Whether you are looking to build your own collection or find rare cards to potentially resell, the Atlanta area continues to be a hot market for baseball cards of all vintages.

The Atlanta Braves franchise dates back to 1876 in Boston as the Red Stockings before eventually moving to Atlanta in 1966. This long history means there are baseball cards spanning over a century featuring Braves players. Some of the most valuable pre-1960 Braves cards that can potentially be found for sale in and around Atlanta include:

1954 Topps Warren Spahn PSA 8 – Spahn is considered one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever and his 1954 Topps card in high grade could fetch $10,000+

1951 Bowman Bobby Thomson PSA 5 – Thomson’s legendary “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” home run gets this generally tough to find vintage card into 4 figure territory even in lower grades.

1948 Leaf Ted Williams PSA 5 – While with the Boston Braves, finding high grade Williams rookie or early career Braves cards are keys to any collection.

1933 Goudey Lew Burdette PSA 5 – One of the few vintage Braves cards featuring a Hall of Famer, Burdette won 3 World Series with the Milwaukee Braves in the 1950s.

1909-11 T206 Old Mill Ty Cobb PSA 5 – One of the rarest T206 baseball cards featuring the Georgia-born Cobb in his early Detroit Tigers playing days. Near mint examples can sell for over $100,000.

Stepping into the 1960s and beyond, the move to Atlanta opened the doors for countless stars to be featured on modern era cards including Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones and others. Here are some valuable post-1960 Atlanta Braves cards that collectors look to acquire:

1974 Topps Hank Aaron PSA 10 – Arguably the most desirable Braves card outside the super vintage era, a perfect Aaron card could bring $25,000+ at auction.

1988 Fleer Update Greg Maddux PSA 10 – Maddux’s first Cardinals/Braves card which marks his transition from Chicago to Atlanta. Keys on his Hall of Fame career.

1992 Bowman’s Best Chipper Jones PSA 10 – One of Jones’ earliest mainstream rookie cards captures his early career before ascending to Braves icon status.

2003 Topps Tom Glavine PSA 10 – Glavine’s last Braves card before moving to the Mets captures the 300-game winner and 2-time Cy Young Award winner.

2009 Topps Update Jason Heyward PSA 10 – Heyward’s rookie debut for the Braves highlights the five-tool potential that made him a rising star early in his career.

While the Atlanta Braves have the longest and richest baseball history locally, the city has also seen other teams come and go including the minor league Atlanta Crackers from the early 1900s. Their vintage cards can also attract collectors. The Atlanta Flames played in the city from 1972-1980 before relocating to Calgary. Rosters included future Hall of Famers like Guy Lafleur and Lanny McDonald. Their 1970s-era hockey cards featuring Atlanta uniforms are of interest to collectors in the Southeast region.

For those looking to sell cards from these various Atlanta-related teams and players, there are several local shops that are great consignment options. Some of the top shops for assessing value and selling high-end Atlanta cards include:

Champions Sports Cards (Roswell, GA) – One of the largest and most established shops in metro Atlanta perfect for getting professional grading/authentication and market valuation help. They sell thousands of cards annually online and through their store.

Baseball Card Exchange (Marietta, GA) – A consignment favorite for over 25 years, their experienced staff knows the Atlanta-area card market very well to maximize sales prices. They sell both common and high-dollar cards.

AJ’s Sportscards (Smyrna, GA) – While smaller than the above two, AJ’s is well-connected to serious Atlanta-based collectors looking to add to their Braves/Crackers/Flames collections.

Lelands (Online Auctions) – For truly rare Atlanta cards valued over $1,000, a consignment to an established national auction house like Lelands provides worldwide exposure to serious bidders.

With over a century of baseball history and the longtime presence of iconic franchises and players, the Atlanta area continues to be a hotbed for collecting and trading cards from its local teams. For collectors and sellers alike, knowledge of what cards hold value and where to assess/sell cards is key to engaging in the Atlanta sports card market.

ATLANTA BRAVES WORLD SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

The Atlanta Braves are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, the team has won 3 World Series championships as the Braves in Boston and 4 more since relocating to Atlanta in 1966. Their World Series victories have been commemorated through the production of special baseball cards featuring players and moments from their championship seasons.

1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series

The Braves won their first World Series title as a franchise in 1957 as the Milwaukee Braves, defeating the New York Yankees 4-3. That season saw the rise of future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who hit .322 with 13 home runs and 69 RBI during the regular season at just 23 years old. Topps produced a special 57-card World Series subset as an add-on to their main 1957 baseball card set. Some of the key Braves cards included Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Red Schoendienst, and Lew Burdette, who was named World Series MVP. Burdette’s card showed him pitching in Game 7 against the Yankees. The 1957 World Series cards have become highly collectible pieces of baseball history, commemorating the Braves’ first title.

1958 Milwaukee Braves World Series

In 1958, the Braves repeated as World Series champions, again besting the Yankees 4-3. Lew Burdette was once more a hero, winning Games 5 and 7 on the mound. Topps issued another 57-card World Series subset for the 1958 season. Hank Aaron’s card depicted him hitting a home run. Burdette received a second World Series MVP card. Other Braves stars featured included Joe Adcock, Del Crandall, and pitcher Warren Spahn, who won 21 games during the regular season. The back of each card provided stats and recaps of that player’s World Series performance. These classic 1958 Braves cards remain a highly sought-after part of the vintage baseball card market.

1995 Atlanta Braves World Series

After over 30 years without a championship, the Braves broke through again in 1995 to win their first World Series title in Atlanta. Led by future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, the “Braves Trio” dominated on the mound all season long. In the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, the Braves prevailed 1-0 in Game 6 on a 10th inning walk-off home run by catcher Sid Bream. For the 1995 season, Upper Deck produced baseball cards with World Series parallels featuring key Braves players and moments from their championship run. Cards picturing Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, David Justice, and others stood out in the subset, which captured the excitement of the Braves’ long-awaited title in Atlanta.

1996 Atlanta Braves World Series

Building on their 1995 success, the Braves repeated as World Series champions the following year in 1996 by defeating the New York Yankees 4-2. Greg Maddux took home World Series MVP honors after two dominant starts against the Yankees. Topps captured the Braves’ back-to-back titles with a special 32-card World Series subset as part of their main 1996 baseball card release. Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Chipper Jones received showcase cards highlighting their postseason performances. Other memorable Braves cards included one of Mark Wohlers closing out Game 6 and another picturing David Justice’s home run in the clinching Game 6 victory. These 1996 Topps World Series cards immortalized the Braves’ second straight championship during one of the greatest eras in franchise history.

1995, 1996 Upper Deck SP World Series Autographs

In addition to their base World Series card parallels, Upper Deck produced rare autographed memorabilia cards for the Braves’ 1995 and 1996 championship teams. These SP Autograph cards featured patches of jersey material or signed baseballs alongside the signature of star Braves players like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, and others. Only produced in extremely limited quantities, these dual-autographed World Series memorabilia cards have become some of the most valuable and sought-after in the entire sport. They represent the pinnacle of authenticated game-used memorabilia cards commemorating the Braves’ 1990s dynasty years. Prices for high-grade examples in recent auctions have exceeded $10,000, a true testament to their iconic status.

Conclusion

Over the decades, the Atlanta Braves’ World Series championship seasons have been immortalized through the production of special baseball card sets and subsets by the major card companies like Topps, Fleer and Upper Deck. From the vintage 1957 and 1958 Milwaukee Braves cards to the modern-era 1995 and 1996 Atlanta Braves issues, these World Series cards capture the excitement and legacy of the franchise’s title teams for collectors. They serve as a cherished piece of memorabilia for Braves fans, commemorating the postseason heroics of players like Hank Aaron, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and more during their championship seasons. As one of baseball’s most storied franchises, the Braves’ World Series history will forever be celebrated through these iconic baseball cards.

GOT BASEBALL CARDS ATLANTA

Atlanta has a rich history with baseball and baseball cards. Some of the biggest names in the sport have played for the Atlanta Braves franchise including Hank Aaron, Greg Maddux, Chipper Jones, and more. With this history comes a thriving market for Braves cards and memorabilia in Atlanta.

When most people think of great players in Braves history, hall of famer Hank Aaron likely comes to mind first. As the one time home run king who shattered Babe Ruth’s record while playing for the Braves in Atlanta, Aaron is beloved by baseball fans in the city. His rookie baseball cards from 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves are some of the most sought after from that era. Graded examples of this iconic Aaron rookie in gem mint condition have sold for well over $100,000 showing the allure such an important Braves card holds in the Atlanta area.

Greg Maddux is another Braves legend who played the majority of his Hall of Fame career in an Atlanta uniform. Highly sought after by collectors are his rookie cards from 1986 with the Chicago Cubs as well as his early Atlanta Braves cards from 1993-2003. Maddux won the Cy Young award a record 4 times while pitching for the Braves dominating hitters with pinpoint control and movement. His rookie cards in top condition can reach over $10,000 with PSA 10 examples being true gems for any Atlanta based collection.

Chipper Jones spent his entire 19 year career manning the hot corner for the Braves. The local kid who became a baseball icon in the A-T-L, Chipper’s rookie cards from 1993 are a staple in many Atlanta collections. Especially his ultra rare 1993 Upper Deck rookie card parallel, “Chonograph,” printed on silver refractors. Only 10 of these are known to exist making any grade of this parallel the crown jewel for any serious Braves card collection in the city. Even a low-grade example would be worth a small fortune to a collector based in Atlanta.

In the early 90s the Atlanta Braves revolutionized the game winning an unprecedented 14 straight division titles powered by homegrown talent like Maddux, Glavine, and Justice. Their success translated to increased interest in collecting cards of these Braves stars which still drives demand today. Tom Glavine matched Maddux’s dominance on the mound for Atlanta, winning 305 games and 2 Cy Youngs over 22 seasons in the majors. His fleer rookie card from 1987 is of strong interest to collectors, especially 1990s era Braves fans based in Atlanta.

Bobby Cox managed the Braves for over two decades and was the architect of their great run in the 90s, winning a World Series in 1995. Interest in collecting cards featuring this legendary Braves manager remains high. His 1987 and 1988 Donruss manager cards hold nostalgia for Atlanta fans who enjoyed Cox patrolling the dugout for so long.

Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium served as the Braves home from 1966 through 1996 before they moved to Turner Field. As such, cards featuring shots of the players at Fulton County Stadium hold additional appeal to those collecting in Atlanta. 1987 Donruss Tiffany and 1991 Fleer Update are examples of designs that transported collectors back to that classic ballpark every time they looked at the card.

Even though the Braves have now called Truist Park home since 2017, the history and tradition of the franchise will always be tied to Fulton County Stadium for long time Atlanta fans. Cards honoring that classic ballpark or shots of Hank Aaron, Maddux, Cox and the homegrown stars of the 90s remain hugely popular with collectors living in or near the city even after all these years.

In addition to individual player cards, complete set runs from the 1980s and 90s Braves glory years including 1987 Topps, 1989 Upper Deck, 1991 Studio are works of art that many Atlanta collectors seek to put together. The team sets capture lightning in a bottle by featuring snapshots of that special era when the Braves reigned over the NL year after year.

As the market for high-end vintage baseball cards has exploded in recent years, valuable Braves cards have found many happy homes with those collecting close to home in Atlanta. regional hotbed for collecting the stars, sets and memorabilia tied to the city’s beloved MLB franchise. With the awesome history the Braves bring, demand for cards related to the team’s legacy virtually ensures Atlanta will remain a hotspot for those chasing Hank Aaron rookie cards, Greg Maddux gems or anything honoring the splendid run of the 90s Braves for many years to come.

Whether collecting cards from the Milwaukee or Atlanta eras, young or old, the Braves franchise captivates collectors across generations in and around the city. Atlanta’s love for its baseball team translates to a robust marketplace for buying, selling and trading Braves cards year-round. With a new generation now being introduced to these same stars and sets from their childhoods, baseball cards will likely remain a strong connection between the city and its storied MLB franchise for many years to come.

ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

The Atlanta Braves have a long and storied history that is well documented through the team’s collection of baseball cards over the decades. Originally starting as the Boston Braves in the early 20th century, the franchise has been featured on cards from many different eras that capture the evolution of the team and sport over more than 100 years.

One of the earliest Braves cards known is from the 1909-11 series produced by the American Tobacco Company. These tobacco era cards featured simple black and white images of players with basic statistics printed on the back. Future Hall of Famers like Rabbit Maranville and Casey Stengel received some of their first card appearances as members of those early Boston Braves teams. Through World War I and the 1920s, the Braves continued to be included in sets from companies like T206 and Joymakers which helped grow the popularity of baseball cards during the sport’s Golden Age.

In the 1930s, the Goudey Gum Company began producing colorful new card designs that included Braves stars like Lefty O’Doul, Dick Bartell, and Bill Walker. The 1933 Goudey set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby. In the 1940s, the Braves were well represented in the Play Ball and Leaf brands as Boston continued as a competitive National League franchise. Hall of Famer Warren Spahn had some of his early rookie cards as a Brave during this period.

The franchise made headlines in 1953 with its controversial move to Milwaukee. This transition was commemorated through cards issued after relocating by Bowman, Topps, and other manufacturers of the 1950s. Future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn led the new Milwaukee Braves teams that won the World Series in 1957 and 1958. These late 50s Braves stars are highly collectible today, especially their rookie cards.

In 1966, the Braves shocked baseball again by relocating to Atlanta, becoming the first major league team in the Deep South. Topps, Fleer, and other 1960s/70s card companies documented the franchise’s change to Georgia. Future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, and Joe Torre had additional Atlanta rookie or early career cards produced. Aaron’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record in the 1970s made him one of the most popular players in the sport – and his Atlanta Braves cards from this era remain some of the hobby’s most iconic.

The 1980s saw the maturation of the Atlanta Braves organization as a consistent contender. Stars like Dale Murphy, Bob Horner, and Pitcher of the Year reliever Bruce Sutter had their stardom commemorated in ProCards, Donruss, and Topps issues of that decade. Murphy’s back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1982-1983 made him one of the biggest baseball card attractions of that era. The late 80s also featured rookie cards for future stars like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones as they broke into the majors.

In the 1990s, the Braves dynasty years began with consecutive division titles starting in 1991. Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux, and Jones led the “Braves Core Four” teams that won 14 straight division crowns. Their cards from Score, Upper Deck, and Topps Finest captured the excitement of those dominant Atlanta clubs. Rare parallel and autographed cards from this era featuring the Braves superstars can sell for thousands. The franchise’s lone World Series wins in 1995 and 1996 were commemorated on commemorative card issues as well.

Entering the modern era, the Braves continued to be featured prominently in sets by Topps, Bowman, and others into the 2000s and 2010s. Standouts like Andruw Jones, Javy Lopez, and Jason Heyward had their Atlanta careers highlighted on numerous rookie and star cards. The franchise’s new ballpark, SunTrust Park, opened in 2017 and has been featured as well. To this day, Atlanta Braves cards remain popular with collectors both for the team’s history and stars of the present like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies. Over their storied existence spanning three cities, the Braves franchise has produced countless memorable cards that document the team’s ups and downs for fans and collectors.

In summary, Atlanta Braves baseball cards provide a unique window into the evolution of the franchise and sport over decades. From their early Boston roots to championships in Milwaukee and Atlanta, the team’s top players, seasons, and ballparks have all been commemorated through the collecting hobby. Rare early tobacco issues, iconic Goudey and T206 pieces, and modern parallels featuring the Braves continue to be highly sought. The organization’s rich history on cardboard ensures the Atlanta Braves will remain a vital part of the baseball card collecting landscape for years to come.

ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS 2021

The 2021 season was an exciting one for the Atlanta Braves franchise. After a disappointing finish in 2020 where they failed to make the postseason, the Braves came back with a vengeance in 2021 behind a strong core of young position players and veteran pitching. Their success on the field translated to increased interest from collectors in Atlanta Braves baseball cards from 2021.

Some of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 2021 season belonged to outfielders Cristian Pache and Drew Waters. Pache had a breakout season as the team’s starting center fielder, showing off elite defense and improving at the plate. His rookie cards, including prized parallels and autographs, gained value as he cemented himself as a key piece of the Braves future. Waters continued developing in the minors but also made his MLB debut and hit his first home run in 2021, driving interest in his rookie cards as collectors anticipated his arrival in Atlanta.

Veteran slugger Freddie Freeman continued his stellar play in 2021 and had another great season at the plate. As arguably the face of the franchise, Freeman remained one of the most popular Braves for collectors. His 2021 Topps base card held steady value but parallel and autograph versions gained value as he cemented his legacy in Atlanta. Freeman ultimately won the 2020 NL MVP award, giving a major boost to the value of any cards featuring him from that season.

The Braves pitching staff was led by young stars Max Fried and Ian Anderson in 2021. As budding aces, their rookie cards gained value throughout the season as both Fried and Anderson delivered in big games. Fried’s breakout continued as he emerged as the team’s ace, while Anderson showed poise beyond his years in high-leverage postseason starts. Autographs and parallels of these two hurlers became hot commodities for Braves collectors.

Veteran starters Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly also had strong seasons in Atlanta and saw increased collector interest in their 2021 cards. Both provided stability to the rotation and big innings-eating performances. Morton in particular delivered in big postseason moments to help the Braves win the World Series. RCs and autographed cards of these pitchers captured their solid campaigns.

Relievers like closer Will Smith, set-up man Tyler Matzek, and multi-inning fireman Luke Jackson all had stellar seasons out of the bullpen for the Braves. Their 2021 cards gained value as they repeatedly delivered in high-leverage situations throughout the regular season and postseason. Matzek in particular became a cult hero for Atlanta fans, and his autographed cards skyrocketed after his dominant performances to help the Braves win it all.

Shortstop Dansby Swanson bounced back from an uneven 2020 with an All-Star caliber season, emerging as a leader of the offense. His 2021 cards held steady value but gained an increase in collector interest. Autographs and parallels became more desirable for Braves PC builders celebrating Swanson’s breakout year. Third baseman Austin Riley also broke out in his first full big-league season, mashing over 30 home runs and driving in over 80 runs to cement himself as a future star. His rookie cards gained value accordingly.

The Braves had one of the deepest benches in baseball in 2021, and role players like Joc Pederson, Guillermo Heredia, Ehire Adrianza and others contributed throughout the season and postseason. While not the biggest stars, collectors still sought out affordable cards of these supporting cast members who were vital cogs in the Braves’ championship machine. Parallels and autographs of these depth players captured their championship pedigree.

Of course, the biggest cards from the 2021 Atlanta Braves were those featuring the entire championship team. Topps Finest included a “Champions” parallel capturing the momentous occasion. Bowman Chrome had “Atlanta Braves World Series Champions” parallels that were highly sought after. And Topps included “World Series Champions” logo variations of the entire team that shot up in value after the Braves defeated the Houston Astros to win their first title since 1995. These team cards commemorating the championship will always be prized possessions in Braves collections.

In capturing their first World Series title in over 25 years, the 2021 Atlanta Braves cemented their place in franchise lore and excited collectors chasing cards from that magical season. Rookies, veterans, starters, relievers and bit players all had cards that increased in desirability for Braves PC builders celebrating that championship campaign. With a strong young core and veteran leadership, the future remains bright, and 2022 cards could continue capturing the success of this exciting Braves team for years to come.