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WHAT ARE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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One of the most sought-after baseball cards is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Mantle is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his iconic rookie card is the crown jewel of collections. In pristine gem mint condition, examples have sold for well over $1 million. Even well-worn copies in poorer condition can fetch thousands because of the card’s historical significance and scarcity. The ’52 Mantle rookies are highly recommended for serious collectors looking to invest in a true blue chip baseball card.

Another classic rookie card that’s always a sound investment is the 1909 T206 Honus Wagner. Like the Mantle, the Wagner is exceedingly rare with only 50-200 surviving copies in existence. It’s regarded as the mona lisa of the hobby since Wagner was such an early superstar of the game. High grade Wagners in the $1-3 million range aren’t unheard of, so investment dollars are better spent chasing other vintage rookies you can actually afford. Still, owning any Wagner example, regardless of condition, commands top respect among collectors.

For a more modern rookie card, the upper echelon would be the 1991 Stadium Club Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was the best player of his generation and one of the most exciting. His smiling wide-brimmed hat rookie encapsulates the early 90s boom years. High grade Griffey rookies in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab have changed hands for $100,000+. Even well-centered near-mint copies can still hit $10,000. It remains one of the most visually appealing and financially strong new era star rookies.

Another massively popular 1990s star rookie is the 1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. This ultra-short printed parallel variant features a colorful holographic reflective surface that made it highly sought after by collectors even back in the day. High grade examples with a true gem BGS or PSA 10 grade are truly trophy cards worth $30,000+ in today’s market. Even well-centered near-mint 9’s still trade for $5,000+. It’s a true icon of the modern collectibles boom era.

For perhaps the best long term investment potential, focus on rookies of today’s young superstars who are just starting their careers. Top prospects include cards like the 2018 Bowman Chrome Luis Robert, 2019 Topps Chrome Bo Bichette or Topps Chrome Yordan Alvarez rookie cards. Look for the most visually striking and short printed parallels you can find like refractors, sepia/color variations, autographs or numbered parallels under /5 cc or less. If those players fulfill their potential and have HOF careers, cards purchased now for $100-1000 could someday be worth five figures or greater down the line. It’s high risk but also high reward if you pick the right future stars.

Vintage team and league sets from the early 20th century are also excellent pickups if you can find them intact and in good condition. Complete 1910 and 1911 tobacco era T206 sets are prized trophies worth over $250,000 in solid VG condition. Other sought after sets include 1933 Goudey, complete vintage 1950s Topps, 1960 Topps and 1969 Topps complete rainbow foil sets. Owning an intact flagship vintage set is a big achievement for any collector and solid long term investments.

The top baseball cards to target usually involve rare retired star rookies with Hall of Fame careers like Mantle, Griffey Jr., vintage icons like Honus Wagner or complete sets from the early decades of the 20th century. But emerging star cards from today’s game also offer perhaps the best chance at high long term appreciation if you pick the right young players who pan out as future greats. Top modern rookies from brands like Bowman, Topps Chrome and select parallels should be the focus when chasing the next big investment bats and arms. With diligent research of player pedigree and supply/demand dynamics, savvy collectors can build portfolios of cards with strong potentials for growth in value for decades to come.

WHAT IS THE BEST BOX OF BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY RIGHT NOW

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There are many great box options available for collectors looking to buy baseball cards in 2022. If I had to recommend just one, I would say the 2021 Topps Chrome Update Jumbo Box is the overall best box to purchase right now. Here are the key reasons why:

First, Topps Chrome is one of the premier brands and sets in the baseball card industry. The popularity and demand for Topps Chrome cards is incredibly high among both casual collectors and serious investors. The photography and borders on Chrome cards are distinctively shiny and have a high-end appeal. Additionally, Topps Chrome Update marks the second series release of the year’s cards, meaning rookies and stars from the first half of the season are inserted into the set and have the potential to gain value if they have breakout campaigns.

Secondly, the 2021 Topps Chrome Update Jumbo Box offers an exceptional number of packs and cards compared to other box options on the market right now. A jumbo box contains 12 factory-sealed packs with each pack featuring 8 cards for a total of 96 cards per box. This gives collectors an excellent sampling to find popular rookies, stars, and chase parallels without breaking the bank compared to purchasing loose packs or individual high-end hobby boxes. The sheer volume of cards also increases your odds of hitting coveted short-printed parallels and autographs.

Third, the 2021 rookie class headlined by players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and others are some of the most desired rookie classes in recent memory. Their base rookie cards have held tremendous value since their debut seasons and are still prized by collectors. By buying 2021 Topps Chrome Update, you have multiple chances to pull the coveted rookie cards from this historic class all in the same modern product. Given the lasting popularity and monetary value of these stars, their rookie cards should retain and possibly appreciate in worth for years to come.

Furthermore, Topps Chrome features highly coveted refractors, negative refractors, and neon parallels that provide generous bonus hits in comparison to standard Topps base sets. Landing a numbered parallel of a top rookie or star like a Trout refractor /99 is far more exciting than a typical base card. The flashy refractors also tend to hold premium value long-term for serious collectors. This jumbo box gives you abundant opportunities to pull these types of valuable and fun extras.

Additionally, 2021 Topps Chrome Update remains one of the most affordable ways to gain large-scale exposure to the modern baseball card market and satisfy the rip factor. With an MSRP of under $150 for the jumbo box, it represents an outstanding value for the cards received compared to other licensed products with way fewer included packs. And with healthy supplies still available at most major retailers, these jumbo boxes can be readily obtained without having to overpay on the secondary market like some other sought-after variants.

Finally, Topps Chrome Update carries stable long-term prospects as a sound basketball card investment even for boxes purchased to hold. As one of the top mainstream baseball sets each year, it tends to age well and the cards hold steady marketplace demand. Factors like the iconic design, inclusion of star rookies and parallels, and widespread availability make individual cards easy to move later on if desired. And recent examples show the entire 2021 product line maintaining strong aftermarket support with steady or upward price drifts.

The 2021 Topps Chrome Update Jumbo Box emerges as a surefire recommendation because it marries quality photography, historic rookie classes, flashy refractors, large volume of cards, affordability, stability, and accessibility all in one acclaimed flagship product. The combination gives collectors a premier all-around basketball card opening experience with a good chance to score valuable hits to build short or long-term holdings. That’s why in today’s market, the 2021 Topps Chrome Update Jumbo Box stands out as the single best box option for collectors seeking fresh cards to rip or invest in for the foreseeable future.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT 2022

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In 2022, there are several excellent baseball card options for collectors to consider. With massive enthusiasm and monetary value surrounding the baseball card hobby, it’s important for collectors new and experienced to understand what modern and vintage cards hold the most potential.

For modern baseball cards released within the past couple years, one of the top choices remains rookie cards of superstar players who are still early in their careers. In 2021 and 2022, cards of budding superstars like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shane Bieber held strong valuations and remained actively sought after on the secondary market. As long as these players continue producing at an elite level, their rookie cards should maintain strong demand.

Besides rookie cards of current young stars, autograph and memorabilia cards provide collectors a special piece of history and memorabilia to cherish. Autograph cards in particular of premier players selling for thousands coming out of flagship products like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Bowman Draft give collectors a direct connection to their favorite athletes. Full on-card autographs tend to hold more value long-term versus manufactured patches or autographs on sticker autos.

Looking beyond just the latest releases, vintage cards from the late 80s, 90s, and 2000s featuring all-time greats in the primes of their careers are a worthwhile avenue for collectors. Ranging from junk wax era to the start of the modern card industry, this period provides cards loaded with Hall of Famers before, during and after their playing days at attainable price points. In particular, rookies and star cards from the late 80s/early 90s sets like Fleer, Donruss, Upper Deck tend to appreciate nicely due to the nostalgia and talent featured on those cards.

Specifically, vintage rookie cards of players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Pedro Martinez and more that dominated the MLB in the 1990s-2000s decades hold incredible value. As many collectors grew up watching these all-time legends play in their prime, their cards resonate incredibly well and will always be in high demand. Even more so, the chance to obtain a Griffey Jr., Bonds or Jeter rookie in high grade could yield a substantial return on investment should prices continue rising which is very possible.

Beyond individual player cards, complete vintage sets also provide unique opportunities. Sets like 1987 Topps, 1989 Upper Deck, 1992 Bowman, 1994 Collector’s Choice and more sell for thousands in high grade due to their historical significance, design aesthetics and star rookies/players featured within. Obtaining a full, high-grade set would be a true trophy piece for any serious collector’s collection with strong potential to increase further in value long-term.

In terms of team and league sets, high-grade Goudey sets from the 1930s featuring legendary players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle in their early years command prices reaching six figures. While out of reach for most, obtaining individual high-value stars from that era in any grade is worthwhile. More realistically, complete flagship sets from the post-war 1950s like 1954 Topps continue appreciating for their classic designs and all-time greats in action shots.

Authentic game-used memorabilia cards containing real pieces of uniforms, bats, balls and other equipment used directly in MLB from players across all eras provide a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors. While expense, authenticated relic cards maintain desirability due to their one-of-a-kind nature and being genuine pieces of baseball history. Popular players with strong alumni fanbases like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Albert Pujols alongside legends tend to hold value best.

While modern rookies of current stars attract much attention, appreciating cards from the late 20th century provide attainable investments featuring proven future Hall of Famers. Careful research into specific players, sets, and years can uncover profitable long-term holds whilst obtaining unique pieces of the game’s history. With strong collector demand industry-wide, across various categories smart collection choices today may yield rewarding returns for years to come.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SELL OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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First, evaluate the condition and value of your cards. Baseball cards can vary widely in price depending on the player, year issued, and condition of the specific card. Take time to carefully examine each card to determine its relative condition on a scale of Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent or Near Mint. This will help you properly assess the card’s potential value. You can use online price guides to get a ballpark estimate of what common players in different conditions have recently sold for. Be realistic in your pricing.

Once you know your cards’ potential values, decide how you want to sell them. Your main options are through a local card shop, online auction sites, collector conventions/shows, or directly to another collector. Selling to a local card shop is convenient as they will buy cards in bulk, but you likely won’t get top dollar that way. Online auction sites like eBay give you access to a huge base of collectors but require more work listing each card individually. Collector conventions/shows let you meet collectors face to face but require more planning to attend events.

If choosing to sell online, take high quality photos of each card that clearly show the front and back without glare or fingerprints. Shoot photos against a solid dark background for best results. When listing on eBay, include all relevant details like the player, year, brand/set and accurate condition assessment in the title and description. Calculate proper shipping costs and include those in your price. Cards worth $10 or less typically aren’t worth the cost to individually ship. Consider bundling cheaper cards into combined lots to make shipping feasible.

Pay close attention to properly packaging cards for shipping. Never use plain envelopes which can damage edges. Invest in acid-free toploaders or penny sleeves to safely hold each card. Place cards inside a larger envelope or rigid mailer with plenty of cardboard or air pockets around them. Clearly mark packages as containing collectible/non-bendable items to ensure careful handling. Provide your buyer with a tracking number for peace of mind.

Offer a refund/return policy if something goes wrong. Consider accepting payment through PayPal Goods & Services which protects both buyers and sellers. Ask for payment within a few days of purchase and be prepared to relist cards that aren’t paid for promptly to keep your listings active. Store unsold cards carefully in climate-controlled conditions away from direct light which can accelerate deterioration over time.

With some time and effort, you can earn fair prices for your old baseball card collection through the methods above. Do thorough research, take excellent photos, provide details for buyers, and ensure safe packaging to give your cards the best chance of finding new homes with collectors. Proceeds from selling cards can become a nice hobby supplement or help finance additional collecting pursuits down the road. With patience and understanding market values, you can turn your old cards into cash.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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Some of the most sought-after and valuable baseball cards to collect come from the early years of the modern baseball card era from the late 1880s through the early 20th century. These vintage cards are highly collectible because so few survived in undamaged condition over a century later.

One of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards is the 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company as part of their trade/store coupon campaign, the Wagner card has always been one of the most coveted cards among collectors due to Wagner reportedly personally asking the tobacco company to pull the cards shortly after they were distributed. In very poor condition, examples can sell for $100,000, while perfect conditioned examples have been known to fetch millions of dollars at auction. The card has become the standard to which all other cards are compared.

Other early 20th century tobacco/cabinet cards that are highly valuable include the 1909-1911 Nap Lajoie card, the 1915 Cracker Jack card featuring Joe Jackson, and hologram/dimensional cards from sets like the E95 and E114 issues. Non-sports related cards from these early tobacco/gum/confectionery issues can also be quite valuable when featuring athletes, such as a rare Honus Wagner card from an unrelated brand like Iranistan.

Moving into the modern golden age of baseball cards which spanned from the late 1950s into the 1980s, some of the most beloved and prized vintage cards to collect come from the classic 1950s/1960s issues like Topps, Fleer, and Post. Iconic rookies and stars of that generation that are highly sought after include the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, 1957 Topps Hank Aaron, 1969 Topps Johnny Bench, and 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr.. High graded examples of these can sell for five or even six figures.

Condition is always a premium when collecting vintage cards, so high graded examples like GEM MINT (9 or 10 on the 10 point scale) demand the greatest sums. But even well-preserved examples in EX-MT (7-8) grade can carry values into the thousands due to their rarity and historical provenance representing a specific player’s early career. Short print and error cards from this period also garner high amounts of attention and command premium prices.

The late 1980s marked the modern junk wax era where cards were mass produced and thus not scarce. Even cards from this period featuring stars of that generation in pristine condition can hold significant value today. Rookies of all-time greats like the 1987 Topps Ken Griffey Jr, 1988 Donruss/Score Griffey, or 1989 Upper Deck Griffey are popular with collectors even in lower grades.

Modern age cards from the early 1990s through today that command top dollar are generally limited, serially numbered, or autographed “hit” cards inserted at ultra-low densities into mainstream releases. Examples like serially numbered parallels (/150 or lower) or on-card autographs of superstar players like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, or Shohei Ohtani from flagship brands like Bowman, Topps, or Panini can sell for hundreds of dollars even as relatively “new” cards. Some highly limited serial numbered 1/1 “relic” cards that contain a swatch of a player’s autographed jersey or some other unique on-card memorabilia component can realize prices into the thousands.

The most prized and expensive baseball cards to collect generally fall into the following criteria: pre-WWII tobacco/cabinet cards in pristine condition like the T206 Honus Wagner; classic 1950s/1960s/1970s rookie cards and issues like Topps and Fleer in high grades; limited print and error cards; early autographed or serially numbered star player cards; and extra low-numbered serial parallels or hit cards featuring modern superstars. While card condition and rarity are major determining factors in value, collector demand also plays a significant role. Some cards only increase in desirability over time as certain players’ legends grow.

BEST TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the legendary card manufacturer. As the exclusive printer of MLB licenses, Topps is the place to find the sport’s top rookies, stars and exciting memorabilia cards. With the 2022 season now in the books, collectors are wondering which 2023 Topps cards will be the most coveted chase cards. Here are some of the top prospects to keep an eye out for next year.

One of the headliners of the 2023 Topps set will undoubtedly be Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners’ star rookie had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His prospect pedigree and breakout campaign make him one of the faces of the game. An autographed Julio Rodriguez rookie card or memorable rookie parallel could hold immense long term value. Fellow young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will also be hotly anticipated rookies after their impressive first MLB seasons.

On the veteran side, superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout and Aaron Judge will continue to be top pulls. An Ohtani autograph or 1/1 parallel would smash records. A Judge home run chase parallel from his record-setting 62 home run 2022 would be one of the crown jewels of any collection. Trout remains one of the safest long term investments in the hobby. RCs of rising talents like Cardinals’ Nolan Gorman or Marlins’ JJ Bleday from their partial 2022 campaigns could take off.

In terms of parallels and short prints, collectors will be on the hunt for the always-elusive 1/1 variations which feature unique designs. Low numbered parallels like /5, /10 or /25 are also hugely popular chase cards. Topps usually includes a hit or memorabilia card in luxury hobby boxes as well. Authentic signed relic cards of franchise greats like Albert Pujols or Clayton Kershaw remain true collector’s items. Watch closely for autograph parallels too which multiply rarity.

Topps Update Series and Highlights cards released later in the year provide another opportunity to find stars. Past Updates have featured rookie cards of eventual superstars who debuted late like Juan Soto. Retired legends and Hall of Famers are also paid tribute. The 2023 Update Series may give a proper sendoff to living legends like Yadier Molina or Albert Pujols in their final seasons.

On the technology side, Topps continues to innovate with virtual and augmented reality features. Their Topps NFT platform allows collectors to obtain and trade digital cards as well. It will be interesting to see how Topps evolves their digital offerings in 2023. Their physical product remains the most coveted in the industry due to the exclusive MLB rights though.

The 2023 Topps baseball release is primed to feature some true heavyweight rookies and veterans to chase. With the hobby at an all-time high, valuable parallels, autographs and unique memorabilia cards from the flagship set are sure to be highly sought after. Careful searching of retail boxes, collector’s cases and hobby cases may reward patient collectors with true gems to commemorate the 2023 season. Whether collecting for enjoyment or long term investment, Topps 2023 will provide many exciting prospects to keep an eye on in the new year.

BEST BUY TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps baseball cards are among the most iconic collectibles in the sports card industry. For over 70 years, Topps has produced high quality trading cards featuring players, teams, and memorable moments from Major League Baseball. While there are many options available when looking to buy Topps cards, here are some of the best buys based on value, condition, and collectibility.

A great starting point for any collector is current year Topps flagship baseball cards. Released each season, the standard Topps set contains cards of every MLB player and manager. Prices for these are very affordable, usually in the range of $1-5 per pack or $80-150 for a full base set. Not only does this allow you to build your collection with the latest rookie cards and stars, but complete sets hold their value well over time. As reference guides like Beckett continue to be published, demand for graded vintage flagship sets has grown.

For collectors looking to add iconic vintage cards on a budget, the 1970s and early 1980s era Topps cards provide excellent value. Sets from this period like 1972, 1975, 1978, and 1982 are loaded with Hall of Fame players and sell for reasonable prices considering their age. On eBay, you can frequently find complete sets graded in Excellent to Near Mint condition for $300-800. Individual star cards from this era in high grades would cost far more, so collecting full sets is an affordable entry point.

Jumping ahead a few decades, the late 1990s and 2000s Topps sets from the steroid and home run era are primed for appreciation. Rosters from the 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2007 Topps sets reads like a who’s who of some the game’s biggest stars and sluggers. In top condition, complete factory sets graded by PSA or BGS can be acquired for under $1000. As the generations who grew up during this time become serious collectors, demand for these nostalgic sets will likely increase.

Rookie cards are always in high demand and Topps baseball has produced many valuable ones over the decades. Perhaps the best vintage buy right now relates to Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. His impressive career and playing longevity resulted in Topps rookie cards spanning from 1984 all the way to 1992 in various sets. High graded examples of his 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1992 Topps rookie cards can be found in the $100-300 range. With Maddux’s continued rise in legend status and collectibility, those prices appear quite low for a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.

For those seeking truly iconic cards, two of the best vintage Topps buys center around Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr. Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie in PSA 8 condition is considered one of the most affordable genuine vintage gems left in the hobby, often selling between $15,000-30,000. Meanwhile, Griffey’s upper deck rookie from 1989 is a true icon of the modern era. High graded copies can be found for under $1000, a relative bargain for one of the most popular cards ever made. Both are sound long term investments sure to appreciate as their players’ legends grow.

In summary, Topps baseball cards continue to be an affordable entry point for collectors both new and experienced. By focusing on complete sets from the 1970s-2000s or iconic vintage rookie cards, smart buyers can acquire classic Topps content without breaking the bank. As the decades pass, these sets and cards will gain recognition as representing the true history of America’s pastime on the trading card front. For those seeking value and collectibility, Topps baseball remains one of the best buys in the hobby.

1998 TOPPS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1998 Topps baseball card set is remembered as one of the premier issues of the 1990s. While not the most valuable set overall, it featured several hugely important rookie cards and memorable highlights from the 1997 season. The design had a clean, basic look featuring action shots of players on a white background. Several of the cards from the set have become extremely valuable over time. Here are some of the most notable cards collectors seek out from the 1998 Topps release.

The biggest card from the 1998 Topps set is undoubtedly the Alex Rodriguez rookie card. Still just 22 years old in 1998, Rodriguez was already showing signs of becoming one of the all-time greats. In just his second full season with the Seattle Mariners in 1997, A-Rod hit .300 with 36 home runs and 123 RBI, finishing third in AL MVP voting. His rookie card, featuring an action shot of him swinging the bat, was the most sought-after card in the entire set upon release. Over time, it has become one of the holiest grails for collectors seeking a modern-era star’s first Bowman/Topps card. In high grade, the Rodriguez rookie has sold for over $500,000, making it one of the priciest cardboard collectibles ever.

Another hugely valuable rookie from the 1998 Topps set is the Nomar Garciaparra card. After breaking into the majors in 1997, Garciaparra stole the show in 1998 by winning the AL batting title with a .323 average to go along with 30 home runs and 98 RBI for the Red Sox. His slick defensive skills at shortstop also helped cement his stardom. The Nomar rookie depicts him crouched down ready to field a ground ball. Like many stars’ first cards, it has attained exceptional value graded high, with PSA/BGS 10 examples selling for over $10,000. For Red Sox fans and collectors alike, the Garciaparra rookie is a true piece of cardboard history.

Sammy Sosa’s amazing 66-home run season with the Cubs in 1998 is immortalized in the ’98 Topps set as well. After belting 40 dingers in ’97, Sosa shocked the baseball world by smashing a new single-season record with his mammoth total. The muscle-bound outfielder became the face of baseball’s home run boom. Topps captured Sosa in the midst of one of his legendary upper-deck shots, bat flying behind. High-grade versions with the iconic “66” reflection on his jersey have reached over $500. While not quite the all-time rarity of an A-Rod or Nomar rookie, Sosa’s mammoth 1998 season makes this one a holy grail in its own right.

Breaking traditional rookie cards norms, the 1998 Topps set also included a special “Postseason Perfomer” parallel card for Dodgers standout Todd Hollandsworth, who excelled on the biggest stage as a rookie. Hollywood’s contributions to LA’s NL West title run and postseason appearances earned him Early Rookie status, despite having played parts of two previous seasons. In gold parallel form with green foil lettering and a playoff game action shot, the Hollandsworth remains a keenly sought card nearly 25 years later.

Two other young stars making names for themselves included Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. power cards from 1998. Big Mac smashed 58 homers of his own to keep pace with Sosa in their epic home run race. His rendition in a Blues uniform for the hated Cardinals sold many packs. Meanwhile, the Griffey Jr. issue pictures him unleashing his sweet swing during a 1997 game at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. High-grade copies of both future Hall of Famers continue to hold immense mainstream popularity and secondary market value more than two decades later.

Veteran superstars had their moment in the ’98 Topps set as well. Cal Ripken’s 3,000th career hit card became a huge iconic memorabilia piece after the Oriole Iron Man reached the milestone on September 6, 1995. Topps perfectly captured one of the most famous achievements in baseball history with an action photo of “The Streak” celebrating around the bases after getting his ‘hitoric knock. It remains a universally recognizable piece of cardboard history among both casual fans and avid collectors.

Another all-time great’s chase for history also made the 1998 Topps checklist. The Nolan Ryan Express was perhaps in the final stages of his legendary career as a 43-year-old pitcher for the Texas Rangers. But Ryan’s chase for career strikeout king status added intrigue during the 1997 campaign as he closed in on late Dodgers great Don Drysdale for second all-time. Topps commemorated his effort with a card showing the ageless flamethrower dealing one of his illustrious blow-by-blows. The inclusion of these immobile pieces of sports history made the ’98 set a true time capsule.

While star power and memorable moments drove the set’s most collectible cards, 1998 Topps also highlighted several rising young hurlers who would go on to have big careers. Cards featuring a 20-year-old Randy Johnson in a Diamondbacks uniform and a 24-year-old Pedro Martinez donning Expos colors continue to hold appeal as affordable pieces of those future Hall of Famers’ early days. Elsewhere, Cubs flamethrower Kerry Wood’s dominant 20-strikeout game as a rookie also earned special mention in the ’98 checklist. Such inclusions of future talents added to the lasting nostalgia and value of the year’s Topps baseball release.

In summarizing, while high-dollar stars like Rodriguez and Sosa reap the monster money today, the 1998 Topps set remains beloved among collectors for its accurate snapshot of the 1997 MLB season and beyond. Icons like Ripken, Ryan, and even veterans McGwire and Griffey sold racks upon racks, instilling the issue with an impressive mix of established names and bright futures. For finding memorable rookie stubs and tracking major milestones, ’98 Topps earned its place among the premier baseball card releases of the 1990s boom. Time has only deepened the set’s nostalgia and strengthened secondary values, making it a true gold mine for investors and historians of the pastime alike.

BEST 1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the company’s storied history. While it lacked some of the true star power of earlier decades, the ’72 Topps set featured several cards that have become highly sought after by collectors in the decades since. With 714 total cards in the base set, the 1972 Topps offering highlighted a transition period in the sport during a time of societal change in America. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards collectors love from this vintage release.

The most coveted card from the 1972 Topps set is generally considered to be the Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the greatest power pitchers of all-time, Ryan’s rookie is an extremely valuable piece of memorabilia. While he had debuted in 1966, Ryan’s inclusion in the 1972 Topps set marked his first appearance in the flagship Topps issue. Known for his 100 mph heat and record 5,714 career strikeouts, Ryan went on to have a Hall of Fame career. In high grade, mint condition examples of his 1972 Topps rookie card can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

Another highly sought after card from ’72 Topps is Thurman Munson’s rookie. The Yankees catcher had a breakout 1971 season, batting .302 with 15 home runs and 79 RBI en route to being named American League Rookie of the Year. His inclusion in the ’72 set was thus timely. Sadly, Munson suffered an untimely death in a plane crash in 1979 at age 32. This adds to the nostalgia and demand for his rookie card today. High-grade Munson rookies have sold for over $10,000 in recent years.

Aside from rookie cards, the 1972 Topps set featured several other notable future Hall of Famers in their baseball card primes. One of the most iconic is card #1 – Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves. Having broken Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record just two years prior in ’74, Aaron remained one of the game’s biggest stars. His perfectly centered ’72 Topps card is a standout in the set. Other Hall of Fame greats well-represented include Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Tom Seaver.

The 1972 Topps set also marked the final cards for several legends wrapping up their careers. The most notable of these is arguably Willie Mays’ card showing him with the New York Mets. Having spent nearly two decades with the Giants, Mays finished his career in New York in 1973. His Mets card from ’72 Topps serves as a nice bookend to his legendary career. Other final cards include Hank Aaron’s brother Tommie with the Braves and Hoyt Wilhelm’s last card before retirement.

Beyond the star power of rookie cards and Hall of Famers, the 1972 Topps set featured several other unique and interesting parallel inserts that are favorites with collectors today. The most popular of these are the “3-D” cards produced using a lenticular printing process that creates a three-dimensional or holographic effect. Only 78 of these special parallel cards were produced, making each one an ultra-rare chase item today. Other fun parallel subsets include team-colored bordered cards and “fielding” cards highlighting defensive plays.

While it may lack the true star power of the 1960s, the 1972 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible vintage issue prized by hobbyists. Headlined by the legendary rookie cards of Nolan Ryan and Thurman Munson, the set also features baseball icons like Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, and Reggie Jackson in their primes. Parallel inserts like the rare “3-D” cards add to the excitement of the release. For both nostalgia and investment potential, the 1972 Topps cards, especially the standouts profiled here, will likely remain hugely popular with collectors for decades to come.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 2023

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set was another highly anticipated release from the legendary card manufacturer. With a wide variety of parallels, short prints, and rookie cards to chase, the 2023 Topps set offered collectors plenty of exciting cards to add to their collections. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout rookie and veteran cards from the 2023 Topps baseball set.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2023 Topps set was Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown. As a promising rookie who made his MLB debut in 2022, Brown’s base rookie card carried significant value right out of packs. Additionally, Topps inserted short print and parallel versions of Brown’s rookie that became extremely difficult to pull. For Astros fans and collectors chasing the next big rookie star, Brown’s cards were at the top of many want lists.

Another rookie who generated a lot of buzz was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. After winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2022, Rodriguez’s base rookie card from Topps sold for over $100. Parallels and short prints of J-Rod’s rookie skyrocketed in value. The refractors and negatives especially became major chase cards. Rodriguez is poised for stardom, making his rookie cards from 2023 an excellent long-term investment for collectors.

On the veteran side, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts had one of the most coveted base cards in the 2023 Topps set. As one of the game’s premier players, Betts’ marketability and on-field production make him a blue-chip card. The refractors and negative refractors of Betts’ base card were extremely scarce pulls that reached high prices. For Dodger fans and investors, a Betts parallel from 2023 carried substantial cachet.

Another in-demand veteran was New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. After smashing an AL record 62 home runs in 2022 and winning the AL MVP, Judge was the biggest name in baseball. Naturally, collectors scrambled to obtain Judge’s base card from Topps. With his star power and on-base of continued dominance, Judge’s 2023 Topps cards proved to be solid long-term keepsakes, especially for Yankee collectors.

Rookies Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals also enjoyed breakout campaigns in 2022 that translated to strong rookie card sales. Cruz’s immense power and Witt’s all-around skills as the #2 overall pick had collectors excited to chase their base rookies. Short prints and refractors of Cruz and Witt became steep risers on the secondary market. Both players look primed for stardom, underscoring their 2023 Topps cards as blue-chip prospects.

Veteran superstars Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels and Shohei Ohtani of the Angels also had must-have base cards. As two of the game’s most electrifying talents, Trout and Ohtani’s on-card presence increased demand for their 2023 Topps issues. Refractors and negative refractors of Trout and Ohtani sold at top dollar. For Angels collectors and investors, their cards held top-of-the-line cachet as cornerstone pieces.

The 2023 Topps baseball card set had no shortage of elite rookies and veterans to chase. Between standout rookies like Brown, Rodriguez, Cruz and Witt and superstars like Betts, Judge, Trout and Ohtani, the 2023 Topps issues delivered many of the most coveted modern cards. For years to come, the top rookies and parallels from 2023 are sure to retain and gain value in the secondary market. The release captured another year of the game’s brightest young talents and established names, cementing 2023 Topps as a true collector’s set.