Tag Archives: bowman

1988 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1988 Bowman baseball card set was highly anticipated and remains one of the most iconic releases from the veteran baseball card manufacturer Bowman Gum Company. With 525 total cards issued, the 1988 set showcased major leaguers as well as notable prospects on the verge of stardom. Following a couple down years where other brands like Donruss and Topps dominated the market, Bowman’s 1988 release helped them reclaim their prominence in the baseball card industry.

Some key aspects that made the 1988 Bowman set stand out included innovative uniforms on the cards, vivid photography, and showcase of exciting young talent. For the first time, many cards depicted players wearing alternate spring training or batting practice jerseys rather than just their standard team uniforms. This added a fresh visual element that collectors enjoyed. The photo quality was excellent as always from Bowman. They were known for obtaining high resolution images that really popped compared to competitors at the time.

From a content perspective, the 1988 Bowman set had something for both experienced collectors and those just getting into the hobby. Veteran stars of the day like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Nolan Ryan garnered plenty of attention. But arguably more exciting was the debut of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds and Greg Maddux, who were just beginning their ascents to stardom. Ken Griffey Jr’s iconic rookie card from this set remains one of the most coveted in the history of the hobby. Other notable rookies included Tom Glavine, Mark McGwire, and Fred McGriff.

The flagships of the 1988 Bowman set were the update and high numbers series. The main 324-card portion offered the traditional team checklist format. But like in previous years, Bowman also printed an 81-card update series later in the season to account for players who were called up or traded. They then issued an additional 120 high number cards beyond the main checklist. This ensured the set was as complete as possible in depicting the current major league rosters for that campaign.

In terms of production and distribution, Topps of course remained the dominant brand but Bowman still managed to churn out impressive print runs considering they were the clear number two player. The mainstream 324-card base set had an initial print run estimated at 60-70 million. They also cranked out over 13 million copies each of the 81-card update and 120-card high number additions. These quantities kept the 1988 Bowman cards widely available in stores through the late 1980s.

When factoring in today’s collector market, sets from the late 1980s Bowman era in general have maintained strong demand and values. This is partially fueled by strong nostalgia from Generation X collectors who grew up with these cards during their childhood. For the 1988 release specifically, key rookie and star player gems command prices well into the four-figure range when graded and preserved in mint condition. Griffey’s legendary rookie alone has sold for over $100k. But more moderately, even common cards grade around a PSA 8 or BGS 9 can fetch $10-50 depending on the player featured.

What truly cemented the legacy of the 1988 Bowman set was how well it has aged in capturing an exciting athletic generation. Future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas had their cardboard coming out parties in this set before fully asserting themselves as all-time greats. Meanwhile ,others like Tom Glavine and Mark McGwire simply provided a glimpse into what their careers would become. For today’s collectors and those who nostalgically reflect on their childhood collections, 1988 Bowman endures as a phenomenal time capsule of late 80s baseball that remains a must-have inclusion for any serious vintage card assortment. Its innovative design, unparalleled rookie class, and ample print run all combined to make it one of the finest and most collectible sets ever produced by Bowman.

1955 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

The 1955 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most valuable vintage issues in the hobby. With its colorful design and inclusion of legendary players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax as rookies, the ’55 Bowman set has long fascinated collectors. When it comes to determining the value of these highly sought after cards, the PSA Pop Report and price guide provides collectors and dealers with a trusted source.

Printed Sports Collectibles Authentication (PSA) is the premier third-party grading service for collectibles like trading cards, comics, and memorabilia. Since 1991, PSA has set the standard for determining the condition and grade of collectible cards. Their Population Report details the number of a specific card across all grades that have been certified by PSA over time.

This data is essential for collectors to understand rarity and condition specifics when valuing 1955 Bowman cards and other vintage issues. Let’s explore some key points about using the PSA Pop Report and price guide to determine estimated values for the revered 1955 Topps cards:

The cards were only produced as an 86-card set in 1955 byBowman Gum. The design featured large colorful illustrations of players along with their stats on the reverse. This set included some of the earliest card depictions of legends like Mays, Aaron, Koufax, and many more.

PSA population figures are separated by the individual grades they assign cards from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint). Having a card certified even in lower grades can significantly increase its value due to third-party verification of condition.

Naturally, the higher the PSA grade a 1955 Bowman card receives, the more valuable it will be considered. There are drastic price differences depending on minimal variances like a PSA 6 instead of a PSA 5.

Population reports offer collectors insight into rarity levels. Finding notable rookies or stars with ultra-low PSA 10 population counts (under 10 examples) indicates tremendous scarcity and added premiums.

While raw non-graded 1955 Bowman cards can still hold value, PSA certification is recommended for maximum estimated value potential. The price guide pricing corresponds to population data for each graded card.

Let’s examine some specific 1955 Bowman PSA population counts and estimated values as examples:

Willie Mays PSA 8: Population of only 73 examples. Price guide value estimates this rare Mays rookie at $27,000-$30,000 in a PSA 8 holder.

Hank Aaron PSA 7: Population of 467, and valued between $1,500-$2,000 in a PSA 7 case according to the latest guide.

Sandy Koufax PSA 10: Only 2 examples have achieved the coveted Gem Mint PSA 10 grade. Priceless sums would likely be required to acquire this piece of cardboard history.

Roberto Clemente PSA 9: Population count at a modest 146 copies graded. Pricing for a PSA 9 ‘Clemente would fall in the range of $3,000-$3,500.

Having comprehensive population data and estimated values tied to independent third-party grading is invaluable for both seasoned collectors and newcomers looking to understand condition specifics and price appreciation potential with 1955 Bowman cards over decades of collecting. Whether speculating on potential future value increases or making investment purchases, PSA guides collectors responsibly.

The 1955 Topps issue is the set that started the baseball card hobby’s widespread popularity. PSA sets the gold standard for certification, ensuring collectors can have confidence putting value to their prized pieces of sports history. Their detailed reports offer tangible pricing benchmarks and educate fans on these classic cards’ scarcity dynamics. No resource is more trusted for insights into the condition census and value determinations for this iconic pioneer release that launched the modern era of baseball collecting.

BOWMAN 1955 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1955 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic vintage issues in the hobby. Issued by the Bowman Gum Company, the 1955 set marked several important firsts and showcased some of the biggest stars from what was an exciting time in Major League Baseball. With its simple yet striking design, colorful photographs, and historical significance, the 1955 Bowman set remains a highly coveted and collectible issue among vintage baseball card enthusiasts.

Bowman had been producing baseball cards as promotional inserts in gum packs since 1948. The 1955 set was the company’s first true “baseball card set” that was specifically designed and marketed around the cards rather than just being included as bonus items in gum packs. The 1955 set consisted of 264 total cards issued in series. This was a significant increase from previous Bowman baseball card issues that typically included fewer than 100 total cards.

The iconic design elements that made the 1955 Bowman set so memorable and recognizable included individual player photographs on a solid color background, with the player’s name and team printed at the bottom. This simple yet effective design scheme helped each player really stand out on their card compared to some of the busier and more cluttered designs used by competitors at the time like Topps. The vivid color photographs also helped the players truly pop off the cards.

In addition to the improved design and larger overall set size, the 1955 Bowman issue is also notable for showcasing some of the biggest stars and future Hall of Famers from what was a golden era in baseball such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente, who all had their rookie cards featured in the set. Other legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Ted Williams, and Jackie Robinson were also included. This combination of design, size, and star power helped elevate the 1955 Bowman set above others.

The 1955 Bowman set is also considered the first “modern” baseball card set due to several innovations and firsts it achieved. It was the first set to feature individual player photographs on the front of each card rather than team photos. It was also the first to include statistics for each player on the back of their card such as career batting average and home runs. These statistics helped add valuable information and context for collectors compared to previous issues that left players’ stats and accomplishments a mystery.

The 1955 Bowman set had an initial print run estimated around 80 million cards. Due to the increased popularity of the cards and rise of baseball card collecting as a hobby, subsequent print runs were issued in the late 1950s to meet continued demand. This helped contribute to the 1955 cards remaining widely available in the years after their initial release compared to some other vintage sets with much smaller print runs from the same era.

While the overall supply of 1955 Bowman cards means individual common cards can be obtained for relatively low prices even in top-graded gem mint condition, the true stars and key rookie cards from the set have achieved astronomical values when high-grade examples come up for auction. A PSA 10 gem mint Willie Mays rookie from 1955 is currently valued around the $300,000 price range. Even a PSA 8-9 graded Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, or Sandy Koufax rookie would fetch five-figure sums.

The immense popularity, historical significance, and visual appeal of the 1955 Bowman design has also led to the issue being frequently recreated through reprint sets over the decades. Only the original 1955 Bowman cards carry the true nostalgic authenticity and cache that collectors covet. Six decades after their release, the 1955 Bowman set remains one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of sports card collecting and continues to enthrall new generations of enthusiasts with its classic design and stellar rookie player lineup. For many collectors, owning a piece of this seminal vintage baseball card set is a lifelong quest and reminder of a golden age in the game.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS AT WALMART

Leave a reply

Bowman Baseball Cards at Walmart

Walmart has been a destination for baseball card collectors and fans for decades to find the latest Bowman baseball card releases. Bowman is one of the premier brands in the hobby known for featuring prospects and young major leaguers. Every year, Walmart stocks their shelves with the new Bowman products, giving customers a chance to rip packs in search of the next star.

A Brief History of Bowman Baseball Cards

The Bowman Gum Company first started producing baseball cards in 1948 as inserts in their chewing gum packs. These early Bowman issues featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and helped grow the popularity of baseball card collecting. In the 1950s and 60s, Bowman battled Topps for licensing rights and market share. They produced some of the most iconic designs still prized by collectors today like the 1961 and 1964 issues.

Bowman lost the MLB licensing rights in 1981 but continued making cards featuring minor leaguers and prospects under licensing agreements with the minor leagues. These sets helped uncover future stars before they made the majors. In 1989, Upper Deck acquired the Bowman brand and revived the MLB license, releasing prized rookie cards of players like Chipper Jones and Nomar Garciaparra.

Today, the Bowman brand is owned by The Topps Company after they acquired Upper Deck in 2007. Each year, Walmart receives shipments of the latest Bowman releases, giving fans a chance to hunt for the next generation of baseball greats.

What to Find at Walmart

Every spring, Walmart puts out the new Bowman Draft and Bowman’s Best baseball card products. Bowman Draft features prospects selected in the most recent MLB amateur draft across three tiers of parallels and autographs. It gives a first look at the newly drafted talent.

Bowman’s Best is one of the flagship Bowman releases each year. It contains prospects, veterans, and short prints across multiple parallel sets. Insert cards spotlight Bowman Chrome prospects and Bowman Best prospects. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top names can be big money cards. Both Bowman Draft and Bowman’s Best retail for around $95-125 per hobby box at Walmart.

In the summer, Bowman Platinum arrives with its super-premium parallels, autographs, and 1/1 rare parallel cards. Platinum boxes sell for $300-400 each due to the ultra-low print runs. Walmart also receives Bowman Sterling in the fall, a high-end set with rare parallels and autographs of top prospects.

Walmart also stocks many value Bowman products at cheaper price points. Bowman Mega Boxes contain 30 packs and retail for around $30. Bowman Blasters have 10 packs for $15-20. Both offer a budget-friendly way for collectors to rip packs. Walmart also carries Bowman Chrome Update and Bowman’s Best Chrome in the summer and fall at $95-125 per box.

Hunting for Stars at Walmart

Over the years, Walmart shelves have produced big rookie card hits for collectors. In 1989, someone pulled a Chipper Jones rookie card from an early Bowman box. In the 1990s, Walmart was a source for Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Todd Helton rookies.

More recently, Walmart has been the site of major Bowman prospect autos. In 2017, someone hit a Ronald Acuña Jr. autograph from Bowman Sterling sold for over $1,000. In 2018, Walmart produced Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez autos that now fetch thousands. Big 2019 rookies like Gavin Lux, Bo Bichette, and Yordan Alvarez first appeared in packs from Walmart as well.

Each spring, fans flock to Walmart hoping for the next star. Names like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr. and more have all debuted in recent Bowman releases. With the low print runs of parallels and autographs, any Walmart trip hunting packs could yield a card that skyrockets in value as a player emerges. The thrill of the hunt keeps collectors coming back year after year to Walmart.

In summary, Walmart has long been a mecca for baseball card collectors and fans seeking out the latest Bowman releases. From budget Blasters to high-end Platinum, Walmart stocks a wide array of Bowman products each year. Their shelves have unearthed rookie cards and prospects who have gone on to stardom. The chance to pull the next superstar keeps the excitement high when Bowman arrives each season at Walmart.

92 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1992 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the modern era. Issued by Topps in 1992, the set showcased the future stars of the 1990s and contained many rookie cards that would go on to become highly sought after by collectors. With 792 total cards split between series 1 and 2, the 1992 Bowman set broke new ground and helped usher in the golden age of the modern sports card boom.

One of the biggest storylines from the 1992 Bowman set was the star-studded rookie class it featured. Headlining the rookies was Toronto Blue Jays sensation Roberto Alomar, who won Rookie of the Year honors in 1990. Alomar’s card is one of the most valuable from the set, often grading near mint to mint and fetching prices upwards of $100. Another standout rookie was Colorado Rockies outfielder Larry Walker. Though he played just 17 games in 1992 after being called up late in the season, Walker went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career and his rookie card regularly trades hands for $50-75 in top condition.

Two other rookies who had monster careers and whose cards retain significant value are Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox and Mo Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox. Thomas’ rookie is one of the most iconic from the 1990s, with his muscular physique and stoic expression capturing the essence of his dominant power hitting ways. Grading gem mint, a PSA 10 Thomas rookie can sell for over $1,000. Vaughn was coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign in 1991 and his rookie card remains a key piece for Red Sox collectors, valued at $30-50 graded mint.

While the star rookies get much of the attention, the 1992 Bowman set also featured several other notable young talents on the rise like Jeff Bagwell, Kenny Lofton, and Juan Gonzalez. It also included stars in the making like Derek Jeter, who played just 8 games for the New York Yankees in 1992 but became the face of the franchise. Jeter’s ultra-short print rookie from that year is the holy grail for Yankees collectors, valued well into the thousands for a PSA 10 gem. Pitching standouts like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz also had cards in the 1992 Bowman set that highlighted their ascendant careers.

In addition to rookie cards and rising stars, the 1992 Bowman set paid tribute to some of the game’s biggest names at the time like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ryne Sandberg. For players collectors, finding high grade copies of these veteran stars remains a priority. The set also included traded versions of players who had been dealt in the 1992 season, like Dennis Eckersley’s card in an Oakland A’s uniform despite being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The design aesthetic of the 1992 Bowman set helped elevate its appeal among collectors. Photographs were sharp and featured colorful, artistic borders. The front of the base cards displayed the team name across the top with the Bowman logo at bottom left and the player’s name/position at bottom right. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back along with a brief career recap. Inserts and parallels included Traded, All-Star, and Gold Border parallel versions that added to the overall product.

When issued in 1992, the Bowman brand was still establishing itself against the long-dominant Topps. But the quality and excitement of this release, with its focus on future stars and vibrant visuals, truly broke through. It helped make Bowman a formidable competitor and established the 1992 set as a true landmark that defined the early 1990s card boom. Three decades later, cards from that release remain some of the most popular, recognizable, and valuable in the entire hobby. For both players collectors and investors, key 1992 Bowman rookies are essential pieces and the set endures as one of the true classics of the modern era.

1981 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1981 Bowman baseball card set was the last major issue produced by Topps’ main competitor Bowman Gum before they ceased baseball card production. The 1981 set marked the continuation of the iconic Bowman design that had been in place since the 1950s. Featuring photo centered cards with black borders and silver lettering, the 1981 Bowman cards gave a classic and nostalgic feel to the newest major league players and prospects.

The set totaled 524 cards and had notable rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Eddie Murray, and Fernando Valenzuela. Henderson’s famous card shows him stealing a base for the Oakland A’s and would go on to become one of the most valuable modern rookie cards. Murray’s rookie card with the Baltimore Orioles is more understated but captures the young slugger stepping into the batter’s box. Valenzuela’s rookie as a Dodger made him one of the first pitching stars from Mexico and his card today is a coveted piece of Dodger and baseball memorabilia from the early 1980s.

Aside from star rookies, the 1981 Bowman set also had cards for veterans and current players like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett among many others. Notable variations included “Traded” cards for players who changed teams in 1980 or 1981 like Ken Reitz going from the Cardinals to the Cubs. An “All-Star” subset within the set highlighted 22 players who participated in the 1981 MLB All-Star Game. Behind-the-scenes staff members like managers, general managers, and owners were also represented with special “Executive” cards in the set.

In terms of production and distribution, the 1981 Bowman set came as wax paper wrapped packs of 5 cards as was standard for the time period. While Topps maintained its monopoly over the larger retail market, Bowman cards could still be found nationally at drug stores, convenience stores, and hobby shops. The set had a smaller initial printing run compared to Topps but strong collector demand led to the cards remaining widely available through the 1980s until Bowman’s demise. Pricing for unopened 1981 Bowman packs and boxes has risen steadily as the set has become more of a nostalgic piece of memorabilia sought after by vintage collectors.

When production of baseball cards ceased after 1981, it marked the end of an era for Bowman which had competed with Topps since 1949. Internal business issues, rising costs of photography and licensing, and an antitrust case brought by Topps against Bowman all contributed to the smaller company being unable to continue in the baseball card market. While Bowman produced other non-sports cards into the 1990s, the 1981 set stands out as the pinnacle of their classic baseball card design and a document of the talent emerging in Major League Baseball during that time. Featuring future stars and encapsulating the nostalgia of 1980s baseball fashions and photography, the 1981 Bowman set remains a highly collectible part of sports card history.

In the decades since the set was issued, 1981 Bowman cards of top rookies have consistently increased in secondary market value as their careers developed and they achieved Hall of Fame induction. While most common cards can still be acquired for under $10 in near mint condition, key rookies like Henderson, Murray, and Valenzuela regularly sell for hundreds of dollars. Graded examples which preserve the card’s visual condition appeal have reached valuations upwards of $1000-1500 for their most desirable rookie cards. Among vintage collectors, 1981 Bowman also retains cachet for capturing a who’s who of stars from the late 1970s and early 1980s in their on-card photos.

The 1981 Bowman set marked the end of an era for the iconic card company but proved to be one of their most historically significant issues. Featuring Hall of Fame talents, encapsulating 1980s card aesthetics, and achieving strong aftermarket demand, 1981 Bowman baseball cards stand out amid the vast array of offerings from the classic cardboard era in American popular culture. Today the set provides a portal into the past for collectors, investors, and fans seeking a piece of their baseball history and youth from a seminal year when a new generation of stars was just emerging.

FACTS ABOUT 1954 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1954 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card issues ever produced. The 1954 Bowman set marked several important firsts and showcased some of the biggest stars from what was an exciting time in Major League Baseball. Below are some key facts about the 1954 Bowman baseball cards that help tell the story of this truly memorable release.

The 1954 Bowman set was the first true “modern” baseball card set in that it featured glossy color photographs on each card rather than simple black and white line drawings that had been the standard up to that point. Bowman’s use of color photos was truly groundbreaking and set the template for how baseball cards would look going forward. The colorful photos helped capture the personalities and styles of players much more realistically than previous years’ issues.

Another major first for the 1954 Bowman set was that it was the initial year that cards were issued as separate cards sold in wax-wrapped packs rather than as part of a larger series included in gum or candy. This innovative approach made collecting cards much more fun and social as kids could trade and assemble full sets with their friends. It was also a huge commercial success that led the way to cards being primarily sold in pack form still done today.

Some notable rookie cards that debuted in the 1954 Bowman set include future Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Al Kaline. Mays’ iconic smiling rookie card in particular is one of the most valuable vintage cards ever due to his legendary career and the card’s excellent condition and photography. Aaron and Kaline also had outstanding careers that have made their 1954 Bowman rookies hugely significant.

Other superstar players prominently featured in the 1954 Bowman set included Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Eddie Mathews, and Robin Roberts among many others. This was the era when Mantle, Mays, and Aaron established themselves as the game’s biggest stars and their cards are icons from the set. The photography did an amazing job of capturing each player’s style and aura.

The 1954 Bowman set had a total of 242 cards issued over several series. The design featured a vertical color photo on the left side with the player’s name, team, and stats below. The backs contained a black and white photo and more stats. The relatively large size of the cards at 2.5″ x 3.5″ also made the photos quite detailed for the time.

In terms of the rarity and value of individual 1954 Bowman cards today, the previously mentioned rookies of Mays, Aaron, and Kaline are easily the most valuable. Low-numbered Mays and Aaron rookies can sell for over $1 million. Other highly valuable and sought after cards include the Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, and Robin Roberts cards when graded high. Complete sets in top condition can sell for over $100,000. Even commons from the set in good shape hold value due to the set’s importance.

The 1954 Bowman issue is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and historically significant vintage sets ever. It raised the bar for baseball cards and introduced many firsts that are still used in modern issues. Featuring the game’s biggest stars of the era captured in bright, colorful photos, the 1954 Bowman cards delivered a new standard that captivated collectors and left an enduring legacy. They remain a focal point for vintage card collectors and examples of the true magic that baseball cards can possess.

The 1954 Bowman set was truly a landmark release that changed the baseball card collecting world. Full of rookie stars, colorful photography, and innovative features, it established templates still followed today. Loaded with iconic cards that retain immense value, the 1954 Bowman set is undoubtedly one of the most famous issues in the entire history of the hobby. Its importance is cemented as it transported cards into the modern era and highlighted a special time in MLB history.

55 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

The 1955 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the entire hobby. Issued by the Topps Company in 1955 as their main competitor, the Bowman set is highly sought after by collectors both for its historical significance as well as the high grade rookie cards it features. Let’s take a deeper look into this classic set and get an understanding of what different 1955 Bowman cards are worth in the current market based on condition and player.

The 1955 Bowman set consists of 206 total cards issued in wax packs. Some key things to note – the cards are smaller in size than modern issues, measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches. The photography is also of lower quality compared to later years. The front of each card features a color picture of the player along with their name and team. On the back, stats from the 1954 season are listed. The design is considered fairly basic but is part of the nostalgic charm that makes these cards so collectible today.

In terms of the big three rookie cards featured, here is a breakdown of their current values:

Hank Aaron RC (Card #81): In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, this card has sold for over $1 million multiple times, making it one of the most expensive baseball cards ever. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, examples can fetch $100,000+. Needless to say, an ungraded Aaron RC in average condition would still be worth well into the thousands.

Willie Mays RC (Card #91): The second most valuable from the set. PSA 10 examples have sold for $700,000+. In PSA 8 or 9 condition, common prices are $50,000-$150,000 range. Even low-grade, worn copies still hold value around $1,000-$3,000 based on demand.

Sandy Koufax RC (Card #161): Not as iconic or rare as the previous two, but still an important rookie card. PSA 10’s have brought $150,000+, PSA 8’s around $10,000, PSA 6’s a few thousand.

Moving beyond the big three, here are price ranges for some other notable 1955 Bowman rookie cards and stars based on PSA 8-9 grades:

Mickey Mantle: $20,000-$50,000
Willie McCovey: $5,000-$15,000
Bob Gibson: $3,000-$7,000
Frank Robinson: $2,000-$5,000
Don Drysdale: $1,000-$3,000
Vada Pinson: $500-$1,500
Jim Bunning: $500-$1,000
Luis Aparicio: $500-$1,000

For commons and less heralded players, prices can range greatly depending on the name. Solid role players may fetch $100-300, whereas complete unknowns could go for under $50. Always check pop reports and recent sales data to properly assess values. Condition is also absolutely critical, as even a single grade change with PSA can mean a multi-thousand dollar difference.

In terms of set completion, a low-grade but intact 1955 Bowman collection could cost $10,000+ depending on the condition of the stars. A mid-grade 7-8 set might run $25,000-$50,000 or more. And a pristine PSA 9 or 10 example could easily top six figures or higher for the right bidder. The 1955 Bowman set has only grown in popularity over the decades and remains one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. With its historical significance and star power, demand and prices will likely stay very strong for years to come.

In summary – whether you’re looking at individual cards, smaller subsets, or a full set, the 1955 Bowman issue offers collecting and investment opportunities across all budget levels. Do your research, understand pop reports and recent sales comps, and acquire the cards you want at fair market value. The vintage and nostalgia of this classic Bowman release ensures it will remain a blueprint for the modern baseball card industry and highly sought after collectible for generations of fans. Studying the price guide and values can help you make smart purchases in this historic set.

1991 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 1991 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after issues in the modern era of the sport. The set was the 24th edition of Bowman’s annual baseball card release and marked several returns that added to its anticipation among collectors. After several years away, Bowman brought back rookie cards and prospects alongside established major leaguers. The design also transitioned to a cleaner white border look that departed from the previous decade. With 525 total cards to find, collectors had their work cut out to build a fully completed 1991 Bowman set.

A sizable rookie class headlined the checklist and included future Hall of Famers as well as perennial All-Stars. Arguably the biggest rookie draw was Toronto Blue Jays sensation Roberto Alomar. Alomar would go on to have a brilliant career and earn induction into Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility. Also debuting were future aces Bartolo Colon, David Cone, and John Burkett. Outfielders Terry Pendleton, David Justice and Brian McRae all had rookie cards as well that year. Another notable rookie was catcher Benito Santiago, who would go on to have productive seasons for multiple teams.

Prospect cards returned to the Bowman set in 1991 after last appearing in 1986. This provided collectors a glimpse of not yet established major leaguers. Notables included future stars Chipper Jones, Darren Daulton and Moises Alou. Jones would become the first overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and go on to a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves. Alou and Daulton each enjoyed long, impactful tenures in the big leagues too. Prospects Mark Lemke, Paul Sewald and Alex Arias rounded out some of the bigger names awaiting their MLB debuts.

Veteran players dotted the checklist as Bowman collectors chased stars from all teams. Perennial All-Stars like Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Greg Maddux anchored the set. Other veteran greats included Will Clark, Dwight Gooden, Fernando Valenzuela and Jack Morris. Rising talents like Sandy Alomar Jr., Gregg Jefferies and Jeff Kent provided excitement as well established themselves in the league. International stars like Ozzie Guillen, Tony Fernandez and Canada’s Dave Stieb represented players from outside the United States.

Variations added complexity and scarcity to the 1991 Bowman checklist. Short printed cards, error variations and parallels made completing the entire set quite difficult. High numbers like Dennis Cook (524) and Al Newman (525) were especially tough pulls. Key rookie cards for Alomar (432), Colon (438) and Justice (497) carried premiums. An “All-Star” parallel inserted randomly depicted players during or after an All-Star game. A “Traded” parallel noted when a player changed uniforms midseason. Error variations like “Francisco Cabrera” missing text added spice for the most dedicated collectors.

Bowman introduced Team logo stickers alongside a small handful of team logo cards. Collectors could adhere these stickers to plastic holders or album pages to represent favorite MLB franchises. Limited print run sticker parallels provided another layered collecting challenge. The vivid full color photography throughout transported fans to the ballpark and showcased the raw athletic talents within the growing young sport. Clean and classic, the 1991 Bowman design has become of the most fondly remembered in the hobby’s history. Overall it delivered an extremely fun and rewarding experience for the collector at pack-rip time three decades ago.

In the years since, the 1991 Bowman set has grown tremendously in both nostalgia and monetary value for dedicated collectors. Rookie cards like Alomar, Cone and Colon routinely fetch four-figure sums and higher in top-graded gem mint condition. Even base veterans cards for Ripken, Puckett and others command significant auction prices. The return of rookies and prospects as checklists expanded beyond just active players made 1991 Bowman a true “classic” set and maybe the most complete snapshot of raw MLB talent at the time. It’s considered the true turning point year that launched the modern baseball card boom of the 1990s. Sought after to this day for its nostalgia, quality photography and pivotal rookie class, the 1991 Bowman set defined a generation of collectors.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS WALMART

Leave a reply

Walmart has been a destination for baseball card collectors and fans looking to purchase packs of Bowman cards for many years. Bowman is one of the premier brands in the hobby that is known for featuring prospects and rookie cards of future Major League Baseball stars each year. While availability can vary by store location and release timing, Walmart consistently stocks the latest Bowman releases and provides collectors access to affordable wax packs.

Produced by Topps, Bowman is the official MLB licensed baseball card brand. Each year they release sets in the spring featuring the upcoming draft class and prospects coming up through minor league systems. This gives fans an early look at players who may someday become household names in the big leagues. Some of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed have come from Bowman sets over the decades, making it a hotly anticipated annual release.

Walmart locations receive shipments of new Bowman products around the same time they hit the wider marketplace each season. For the flagship Bowman release in late March/early April, stores will stock both loose packs as well as special retail exclusive boxes containing multiple packs. Popular multi-pack offerings like value boxes, blaster boxes, and mega boxes can regularly be found on shelves and endcaps near other trading card products.

Prices at Walmart for Bowman are very reasonable compared to specialty hobby shops or online retailers. A standard pack runs around $1, while multi-pack boxes start around $10-15 and go up from there depending on contents. This affordable pricing point makes Bowman accessible to casual collectors on any budget. Stores also put single packs and value boxes on clearance later in the year when supply outstrips demand.

While availability is dependent on collector interest levels in any given year, Walmart locations tend to receive good stocking of Bowman. Stores receive periodic shipments to restock shelves as product flies off, though popular parallels, inserts, and star rookies may sell out quickly. Persistence is key for collectors hoping to find specific chase cards, as restocks do come in waves.

In addition to the flagship Bowman set, Walmart also stocks many of the brand’s other annual releases. This includes Bowman Draft and Bowman International in the late spring/summer which focus on international prospects. Come fall, stores will put out Bowman Sterling silver packs and boxes featuring high-end parallels and autographs. Around the holidays is when Bowman Best, the high-class update set, arrives with its pristine rookie cards.

For collectors on a budget, Walmart is a top destination to regularly rip open affordable packs in pursuit of the next big star. While you may not find every rare parallel or hit at MSRP, the odds of finding a key rookie to start a player collection are good. Stores also offer the convenience of one-stop shopping alongside groceries or other items. Overall, Walmart provides reliable access to the fun of the Bowman baseball card experience each year through their product stocking.

As the official MLB brand, Bowman sets have become invaluable to documenting the progression of prospects coming up through minor league systems each season. Having Walmart as a widespread retail partner means fans from coast to coast can participate in the annual hunt for the next crop of future all-stars. Whether seeking an affordable pack rip, building a player collection, or searching for a specific parallel, Walmart locations nationwide are a go-to source for the latest Bowman baseball cards. Their reasonable pricing also lowers the barrier to entry for casual collectors of all ages to enjoy the thrill of the hobby each spring.