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WHO IS BUYING BASEBALL CARDS

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There has been a resurgence in the popularity of baseball card collecting over the past couple decades. While the peak popularity of baseball cards was in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the “junk wax” era, cards have seen renewed interest from both casual and serious collectors in recent times.

One of the main groups driving baseball card sales currently is older millennials and Gen-Xers who collected cards in their youth during the boom period. Nostalgia has been a big factor in this age group revisiting their childhood hobby and passing their interest in cards down to their own children. Many longtime collectors held onto their old collections and have started upgrading cards or filling holes in sets from their childhood. This generation now has more disposable income compared to when they were kids to spend on accumulating premium vintage and modern cards of their favorite players and teams.

Another participant group are younger millennials and Gen-Z individuals just getting into the hobby. Many in this generation saw parents or relatives collect cards decades ago and want to start their own collections. They also have easy access to many card buying/selling platforms online versus having to purchase solely from local card shops in the past. Some get into the hobby for investment purposes as well after seeing notable card valuations rise significantly over the past 10-20 years.

Kids and teenagers who follow and play baseball themselves also drive hobby growth. Many minor league and college baseball stadiums still have group outings centered around getting free packs of cards for kids. Products from top companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf also actively market new card designs and initiatives targeted at young collectors. Newer tech like phone apps related to collecting help keep interest strong with digital natives.

On the investment and speculation side, many career collectors and former collectors who amassed significant vintage troves over decades have re-emerged seeing sizable financial returns possible buying and flipping premium cards. Websites aggregating the latest record-breaking card auction prices captured mainstream interest too. Pension funds and family offices have quietly become large buyers through intermediaries, often storing high-dollar acquisitions in temperature/humidity-controlled storage facilities for future resale.

Sports card and memorabilia shops found new life with this renewed interest, as have large card/memorabilia conventions that see tens of thousands of attendees each year. Online auction platforms like Goldin Auctions, PWCC Marketplace, and eBay now handle millions of dollars in card transactions annually. Major League Baseball franchises have also taken notice, with some teams establishing official memorabilia/authentication programs to endorse high-dollar modern rare parallel and autograph card deals.

Though the pandemic slowed some in-person aspects of the hobby, it likely also drove more people to start collecting or revisit their past collections to combat boredom during quarantines. Moving forward, as long as the major professional and college sports leagues continue growing their fanbases internationally, and cultural nostalgia for collectibles from the late 20th century persists, there will likely remain substantial buyer interest across generational and collecting segments in the baseball card market. Younger kids getting exposed and older generations reconnecting will help ensure the long-term viability and investment potential of the great American pastime on cardboard remains strong.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH BUYING

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The question of whether baseball cards are worth buying is a complex one that really depends on several factors. Baseball cards can be a fun hobby and investment, but there are also risks involved, so it’s important to go into it understanding the baseball card market.

In recent years, the popularity and value of vintage baseball cards from the 1950s-1980s has surged tremendously. Iconic cards like a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card or a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card can sell for millions of dollars if in pristine condition. Even more common vintage cards can sell for hundreds or thousands in top grades. This renewed interest has been driven by both collectors and investors who see the cards as an alternative investment to stocks, bonds, gold, etc. The supply of these old vintage cards is extremely limited, so finding high-grade examples is challenging and will require significant money.

For modern cards (1989-present), the investment potential is much riskier and dependent on individual players. Unless you pull a one-of-a-kind super-refractor auto-patch rookie card of a future Hall of Famer, most cards will have little intrinsic value beyond what someone is willing to pay as a fan. Ripping packs is more akin to gambling than investing. Even star players can get injured, have outlier seasons, or simply fall off, tanking the value of their cards in the process. The market is also flooded with modern parallels, photo variations, autographs, etc. which continually reduce the scarcity and demand for any single card.

That said, some modern stars have seen their rookie cards greatly appreciate. For example, a 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Mike Trout autographed refractor rookie card recently sold for over $900,000, capturing his breakthrough talent early. However, Trout is a true generational player – finding similar investments will be nearly impossible. Investors must have immense baseball/player foresight and risk tolerance to speculate successfully on modern cards as an investment vehicle.

On the other hand, there is an argument that modern common base cards are essentially worthless as an investment, outside of true relics/autos of superstar rookies. Mass produced by the billions each year, they are not scarce commodities and find almost no secondary demand. Even lotting and holding cards for decades may yield minimal returns. Many people lose money by not properly accounting for storage costs, taxes on gains, and the substantial premiums required to profit from low-value cards.

As with any collectible, condition is paramount. A well-cared for higher-grade card can be worth 10x+ a lower-grade equivalent. Proper storage in sleeves, toploaders and a climate-controlled environment is essential to maximize long-term value. One must factor in substantial costs for experts to accurately assess and verify grades as well. Even carefully stored cards can sometimes decline grades with age.

Whether for personal collection, enjoyment or investment, a disciplined approach is required to make buying cards worthwhile. Focusing on the all-time greatest players from history, ultra-rare modern parallels, and higher-end licensed sets and memorabilia tends to yield the best results. Being highly selective about what you collect based on long-term demand prospects can hedge risks. It’s also prudent to diversify across eras, sports and other collectibles too. Treating it solely as a fun hobby arguably removes pressures of “beating the market.”

Buying and holding high-quality vintage baseball cards from proven commodities as a long-term investment is one of the safer plays. But modern cards carry immense risks and are more akin to gambling. A prudent buyer goes in understanding these nuances, sets clear goals and budgets, and properly preserves their holdings. With diligent strategy, cards can indeed prove a worthwhile part of a diversified portfolio or collecting pastime. But they require passion, patience and homework to yield profits commensurate with their popularity.

IS IT WORTH BUYING BASEBALL CARDS

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The decision around whether buying baseball cards is worth it depends on several factors. Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for over a century, but like any hobby, there are risks and rewards involved that are important to understand before making an investment.

While baseball cards can potentially appreciate in value over time, especially for rare and coveted cards, their value fluctuates based on numerous market forces outside any individual collector’s control. The baseball card market rises and falls with the popularity of the sport as well as interest from collectors, investors, and speculators. During boom times, values can spike considerably, but in bust periods, many cards will lose value or become difficult to sell. It’s impossible to predict with certainty how the market will perform long-term for any given player or set of cards.

Factors that influence a baseball card’s value include the player’s performance stats and career achievements, championships won, popularity among fans, era they played in, number of cards printed, condition of the specific card, and of course, basic supply and demand. Rookie cards of all-time great future Hall of Famers tend to carry the highest valuations, assuming the cards have been well preserved. But even superstars sometimes have rookie cards that aren’t especially rare or desirable. And many highly-touted young players end up having lackluster careers that diminish the long-term value of their early cards.

It’s also important to remember the sheer number of players throughout baseball history whose cards hold little or no monetary worth. For each Babe Ruth, there are hundreds or thousands ofjourneymen players whose cards only have value to the most die-hard collectors of obscure players. Bad condition or heavily played cards of even star players may have little resale potential. And demand from collectors comes and goes – trends indicating certain decades, sets or players are hot can rapidly change. Predicting valuations decades into the future is an inexact science without any guarantees.

While the primary attraction of card collecting for many is typically enjoyment of the hobby rather than investment goals, risk-averse investors may want to think seriously about baseball cards’ volatility and lack of guarantees. Any money put toward assembling a collection could potentially be better served in more stable long-term investments whose returns pose fewer uncertainties. Baseball card values are especially vulnerable to prolonged down periods in the wider collectibles market that drag down the entire industry for years at a time.

For those still interested in pursuing baseball cards, several factors can help minimize risks: Focusing on premium vintage cards of true all-time great players from the early 20th century (pre-1970s), grading high-value cards professionally to verify condition quality, diversifying a collection across several star players rather than concentrating on one, consistently staying informed about industry trends and prices, and having realistic sale expectations if looking to eventually profit are some prudent strategies.

Patience is also important – while short-term winds of speculation can artificially drive up values of certain modern players prematurely, the true test of an investment is how it performs decades later. Proper storage to protect condition is equally vital for cards hoped to retain long-term value. Obtaining cards for personal enjoyment of the players and nostalgia over strict profits is a wise collector’s mindset that brings collecting rewards with far less risk of emotional or financial losses.

Baseball cards can offer fun and intrigue for hobbyists and provide some collectors with returns exceeding inflation over generations if top vintage items are acquired and cared for optimally. Their performance as investments is highly variable without guarantees due to factors largely outside individual control. Only serious, informed collectors positioned to hold cards long-term should view them as stores of value. For most, baseball cards are best enjoyed casually as an affordable pastime where any financial gains are pleasant bonuses instead of expectations or necessities. A balanced, prudent approach that considers risks and rewards is advisable for any collector using disposable funds.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH BUYING

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When looking to invest in baseball cards, there are a few key factors to consider that can help determine which cards have the strongest potential to increase in value over time. While it’s impossible to predict the baseball card market with absolute certainty, focusing on certain players, years, conditions, and other criteria can guide you towards choices that have historically maintained or gained value better than others.

One of the most important things to examine is the specific player or players featured on the card. Unsurprisingly, cards showing legends of the game tend to hold their value best and appreciate the most in the long run. Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan, and others from past eras almost always remain in high demand. For modern players, living legends like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Mariano Rivera, and others regarded as all-time greats at their positions are generally considered safe bets. Rookie cards for star players also tend to perform well over the decades as their careers progress.

Another crucial factor is the year the card was issued. Vintage cards from the early 20th century pre-World War 2 years like 1909-1911 T206, 1912-1914 Cracker Jack, 1915 Robertson Panama-Pacific, etc. are among the most coveted and valuable in the entire collecting hobby due to their great historical significance and extremely low surviving populations. These cards come at a tremendous price premium that requires a major investment. For most collectors, focusing on the post-war 1950s and 1960s is usually a more financially accessible starting point to acquire cards that still hold strong collector demand. Within these decades, the iconic 1952 Topps, 1957 Topps, 1962 Topps, and 1968 Topps series are perennial favorites that traditionally hold their value.

Moving into the modern era, the late 1980s is considered by many experts to be the Golden Age of baseball cards due to increased production and availability of high-quality, memorable cardboard that formed the childhood collections of Generation X. As those collectors reach adulthood and reminisce and the players age into retirement, their era of cards such as 1987 Topps, 1989 Upper Deck, and 1991 Topps Traded have taken on stronger nostalgic appeal. Rated rookie cards from this period have also performed very well as those players’ careers developed, such as Ken Griffey Jr.’s Upper Deck rookie.

Of course, condition is king when it comes to determining a card’s future value. Only mint condition or near-mint copies of even the most desirable vintage and modern cards will sustain high demand and prices long-term. Anything worn, faded, bent, creased or damaged significantly dents long-term collector interest and worth. It’s ideal to acquire cards that were carefully stored and handled from the start, ideally in protective plastic holders. Getting the opinions of experienced graders is wise before laying out significant money for older cardboard. Condition is so vital that lower-grade versions of great cards may actually lose investment potential over decades as supplies slowly diminish.

Equally important as condition is the specific brand and set. Among the most extensively collected brands are Topps (by far the largest), Bowman, Fleer, and Upper Deck due to their long histories, iconic designs, and use of the most prominent photos. Their flagship regular season releases in particular – the famous “Finest” or most complete team sets – are usually the sturdiest choices for holding value. Promotional or oddball sets not as core to the traditional collecting experience have more uncertainty long-term. Authenticated rare insert parallel cards can be strong performances, but always research market comparables and be cautious of fads.

With all of these factors considered – the player, the year, the condition, the brand/set – some standouts that often lead as blue-chip investments include:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9-10 only)
1957 Topps Hank Aaron
1961 Topps Roger Maris
1968 Topps Roberto Clemente
1970 Topps Nolan Ryan (rookie)
1974 Topps Hank Aaron (action)
1975 Topps Fred Lynn (rookie)
1980 Topps George Brett
1984 Topps Ryne Sandberg
1987 Topps Ken Griffey Jr.
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. (rookie, PSA 10)
1991 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. (rookie)
1992 Upper Deck Barry Bonds
1994 Pinnacle Refractors Ken Griffey Jr.
1998 Bowman Chrome Refractors Chipper Jones

Diversifying among several great players from different eras is wisest to mitigate risk long-term. Also consider emerging young star rookies to balance blue chips with potentially big future gains. Always get conservative second opinions on condition to avoid overpaying. Understand short-term spikes often fade. Patience and holding for decades usually wins over flippers. Above all, collect what you enjoy – that passion builds the soundest emotional and financial investment over the lifetime of your collection. Following these guidelines continuously steers collectors toward baseball cards with the surest foundation for appreciation and demand endurance through the ever-changing card market. While baseball itself evolves rapidly, its magnificent history preserved in cards continues enthralling new generations of fans and collectors for over a century.

IS BUYING BASEBALL CARDS A GOOD INVESTMENT

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The question of whether baseball cards make for a good investment is a complex one that depends on several factors. On the one hand, baseball cards can potentially appreciate in value significantly over time, especially for rare and coveted cards featuring legendary players. There is also quite a bit of risk involved as returns are not guaranteed and the baseball card market can be highly volatile. Ultimately, whether baseball cards are a worthwhile investment comes down to one’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, and strategy for acquiring, managing, and eventually selling cards.

When considering baseball cards as an investment, it’s important to understand the factors that drive card values up or down over time. The main driver of increased value is scarcity and demand. As with any collectible, the rarer a card is, the more valuable it becomes due to basic supply and demand economics. Cards that were produced in very limited quantities have the greatest potential to appreciate substantially in value if they feature players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Demand is also driven by the player featured and how legendary their career turned out to be. Cards of all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays and others dating back to the early 20th century are among the most sought after and valuable today.

Scarcity and demand are unpredictable, making future card values hard to project with certainty. While cards of iconic stars nearly always hold value, the trajectory of any given player’s career is impossible to forecast. Cards featuring one-time star players who didn’t sustain great careers long-term may end up being worth very little. The size and composition of the collector market also fluctuates over time, affecting demand-side dynamics. Condition is critical – a card that was poorly stored or suffered damage over decades is worth a fraction of a mint condition example even if the featured player had an illustrious career.

Another factor impacting returns is the sheer volume of cards produced over the decades. While sets from the early 20th century like T206 are quite scarce overall due to limited production technology at the time, the 1970s saw an explosion in mass-produced cards as the hobby boomed. Sets from this era like Topps and Donruss are abundant, so vintage cards from this period often need to be exceedingly rare to be worth more than their original retail price today. The glut of production has led to much lower returns compared to pre-war era cardboard.

On the cost side, baseball cards require ongoing storage and preservation expenses to maintain collectible quality over time. Poor conditions can cause mold, creasing or other damage that significantly diminishes value. Insurance may also be prudent for truly valuable vintage collections. Transactions like buying, selling or getting cards professionally graded also involve fees that reduce profitability.

An additional consideration is liquidity – while the biggest, most sought-after names and rarest finds can sometimes sell relatively quickly, turning a volume of mid-range cards into cash may take considerable time and effort due to a smaller pool of active buyers and sellers. It’s also a hobby with costs for research, registration on commerce platforms, and potentially consignment/brokering fees that impact final returns.

With these factors in mind, certain strategies can help maximize the investment potential of baseball cards when executed properly:

Focus on the most iconic and respected players from the earliest eras, pre-war through the 1960s/early 70s. modern era cards tend to be less stable long term investments.

Target the rarest premium card variations, especially for all-time greats. Higher grades command substantial premiums.

Buy raw then choose carefully when selecting a grading service and tier. This can exponentially increase value with a positive grade.

Hold for decades rather than trading or flipping, as true appreciation takes considerable time.

Diversify across multiple Hall of Famers rather than concentrating in one player whose career could fail to meet expectations.

Store carefully in hard plastic holders and sturdy boxes in climate-controlled conditions.

Consider working with a reputable full-service dealer who has access to seven-figure market liquidity events rather than trying to sell individual cards yourself.

While baseball cards have created millionaires , they are a long-term investment requiring patience and expertise rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. For those willing to do thorough research, buy strategically, and hold assets for lifetimes instead of years, the top cards from over a century of the game have proven capable of outperforming traditional markets. But there are no guarantees, and many other factors like enjoyment of the hobby itself should also factor into the decision of whether to start an extensive baseball card collection. A moderate allocation with the primary goal of appreciation over decades rather than short swings could make sense for some investors. But it remains an inherently speculative venture requiring passion as much as a business approach.

Baseball cards have potential as investments, but there are considerable risks to be aware of related to individual players, short-term market volatility, preservation costs, and liquidity issues. With a strategic focus on scarcity, premium variations of all-time greats from the earliest eras, meticulous storage, and a long-term outlook, dedicated collectors have seen impressive returns. Cards should not be viewed simply as get-rich assets without the additional motivations of enjoying the history and lore of the game inherent in amassing collections. For the right investor, baseball cards can be an engaging and potentially profitable hobby. But it remains a speculative undertaking where patience and expertise are crucial factors in determining ultimate success or failure.

ARE DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH BUYING

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Donruss baseball cards have been produced annually since 1981 and the brand is widely considered one of the top five major baseball card manufacturers alongside Topps, Upper Deck, Leaf, and Panini. When determining if Donruss cards are worth buying as an investment or collecting opportunity, there are several factors to consider related to the company, product quality, design trends over the years, player selection, print runs, and secondary market performance of certain years, sets, and star players.

In terms of the company itself, Donruss has experienced some ups and downs over the decades. The brand was originally formed in 1954 but didn’t launch baseball cards until 1981. In the late 1980s, they failed to secure a license and did not release sets for a couple years. Despite this hiccup, Donruss regained the MLB license and produced well-designed sets consistently through the 1990s popularity boom for the hobby. In recent years, ownership has changed hands a few times with parenting company Pacific moving operations to Tennessee. However, Donruss has maintained their MLB license and place as a staple brand.

Product quality from Donruss has generally been considered above average compared to some competitors. This applies to both the cardstock/cardstock and photos/designs used on the fronts and backs of the cards. The photography has typically been sharp and high resolution while cardstock has held up well to the tests of time. One consistent knock on some earlier Donruss issues is that the centering of some players on the fronts of the cards has been more off-center than preferred. Quality control has improved in more modern issues.

In terms of set designs over the decades, Donruss has featured some iconic looks. Early ’80s issues sported colorful borders and team logo designs that were unique for their time. The late ’80s/early ’90s featured more artistic illustrations and cutting edge photography. Later ’90s sets like Diamond Kings introduced innovative parallel and insert sets that helped define the modern card landscape. In the 2000s, more minimalist designs emerged but parallels and inserts remained popular. Today, modern Donruss products have clean designs highlighting photography but still include insert sets at appropriate print run levels.

When it comes to player selection, Donruss has generally included the majority of noteworthy major and minor leaguers each year at appropriate levels based on performance and prospect status. They have typically included variations like autographs, memorabilia cards, and parallels highlighting star players which provides options for collectors interested in certain levels of player. Furthermore, Donruss has achieved deals over the years to exclusively feature some of the game’s brightest young stars or aging legends, which added appeal when those players broke out or in their twilight.

On the subject of print runs, Donruss issues have seen varying production levels over the decades based on baseball card market demand and size at the time. Early ’80s issues through the late ’80s boom featured moderate runs in the multi-million card range which led to supply meeting but not overwhelming demand in the secondary market. Later ’90s flagship sets printed tens of millions as the speculation boom took off. Since the crash, Donruss products have printed in the 1-5 million range, making most base issues obtainable for collectors but parallels and stars more challenging. Overall run sizing seems appropriate based on today’s hobby.

When analyzing secondary market performance, certain years, subsets, and star player cards from Donruss have shown strong appreciation that indicates they can be worthwhile long term investments. Flagship ’80s and early ’90s issues have steadily increased in value in recent decades. Groundbreaking inserts from the ’90s like Diamond Kings premium cards hold substantial value. RCs and star rookie cards of qualified Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Gary Sheffield demand premium prices. Autographs, memorabilia cards and 1/1 parallels of today’s biggest names like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto command five-figure prices. Key Donruss cards from most eras have kept pace with or outperformed inflation, suggesting future upside remains.

In summary, Donruss has proven to be one of the enduring major baseball card brands due to generally good quality products over many years, iconic designs, inclusion of stars each season, and reasonable print run sizing. While speculative boom years saw lofty short term gains, long term quality Donruss cards from certain sets and star players have steadily increased in value, held value, or outperformed inflation estimates. The brand maintains relevance through innovation and licensing compliance. Overall, Donruss baseball cards can provide reasonable collecting, appreciating investment opportunities, and enjoyment because of the brand’s lasting place in the industry, especially if acquiring smartly selected cards from premium years, products, and players.

ARE PANINI BASEBALL CARDS WORTH BUYING

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Panini is a prominent sports card manufacturer that has been producing baseball cards since the late 1980s. Their cards offer collectors an alternative to the industry-leading Topps brand. When considering whether Panini baseball cards are worth purchasing, there are several factors collectors should weigh:

Licensing and player inclusion: One of the main advantages Topps has had historically is exclusive licensing deals with MLB, MLBPA, and individual players. This allows them to use team logos and player likenesses on their cards. Panini does not have the same licensing. While they can use player names, they cannot include team logos or uniforms. Instead, they will use headshots or action photos of players. This is a turnoff for some collectors who prefer the aesthetics of cards that include all branding elements. However, Panini has worked to secure deals with star players to include their autographs and memorabilia cards in sets. So some key players will be represented.

Product mix and set designs: Panini puts out a wide variety of baseball card products each year in different formats like packs, boxes, and albums. This provides many options at various price points for collectors. Their set designs tend to be colorful and graphic-heavy compared to Topps’ cleaner looks. Collectors will have different preferences on aesthetic styles. Panini also puts out niche product lines like High Tek and Inception that feature cutting-edge card designs some collectors really enjoy despite the licensing limitations.

Secondary market: Because Topps has the MLB exclusives, their flagship products from the past decades tend to carry stronger resale value long-term when prices are compared. Iconic Topps rookie cards from the 90s are worth far more than comparable Panini cards. Modern parallels and autographs from limited Panini sets can rival Topps in certain categories on the secondary market if the player ascends. Collectors focused more on immediate resale potential might favor Topps overall though.

Chase cards and autograph odds: Panini sets tend to feature more short-printed parallel and serially numbered insert cards than Topps as ways to add chase appeal. Their autograph and memorabilia card odds are also much lower overall compared to Topps. This makes big hits harder to pull but more exciting. Some collectors prefer the adrenaline rush of rarer chase cards even if odds are very low. It depends on individual collector’s motives and risk tolerance.

Cost comparison: On average, single packs, boxes and products from Panini will be priced lower than comparable Topps offerings. This makes their sets more affordable for collectors on a budget. While resale potential may not match Topps in the long-run, Panini cards can provide hobby enjoyment at a more accessible price level initially. Collectors that want to experiment with different brands at lower risk may have their entry point with Panini.

Whether Panini baseball cards are worth purchasing depends a lot on individual collectors’ personal preferences. The licensing limitations are a definite downgrade from Topps. However, Panini’s unique selling propositions like innovative designs, lower overall cost, and rarer chase cards provide hobby benefits that some collectors value. For budget collectors, variety seekers open to licensing issues, or people intrigued by Panini’s gambling card odds, their baseball sets could offer hobby satisfaction worth exploring. But Topps will likely remain the safer long-term investment choice for resale focused collectors. Overall, Panini provides a credible alternative brand in the baseball card marketplace.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH BUYING IN 2022

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, it’s important to focus on cards featuring players that are currently having success in Major League Baseball or cards of retired players that still hold cultural significance. Rookie cards usually provide the most upside potential if the player goes on to stardom.

Some key rookie cards worth considering in 2022 include Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Julio Rodriguez. Soto, Acuña and Guerrero have already established themselves as superstars at young ages in recent seasons. Tatis is also a budding superstar when healthy but has injury concerns. Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign for the Mariners in 2022 at just 21 years old and could be a future star as well. Their rookie cards from 2018 (Soto, Acuña, Tatis), 2019 (Guerrero) and 2021 (Rodriguez) seasons offer good upside if any of them become baseball legends.

In terms of current stars, Mike Trout cards are always a solid investment as he is considered the best player of his generation. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor rookie card in particular is highly coveted and worth buying if the price is right given his sustained excellence. Recent AL MVPs Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge also have cards worth buying for the long haul as they are two of the biggest names driving interest in the game today. Other established stars to consider are Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez and Yordan Alvarez.

For franchise player cards, you can’t go wrong buying cards of Yankees legends like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle or modern stars like Derek Jeter so long as their conditions rates appropriately. For the Red Sox, cards featuring Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz hold value. Cardinals greats like Stan Musial and Bob Gibson are also evergreen options.

When it comes to retired legendary players, cards of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds hold substantial cachet due to their mammoth statistical accomplishments and cultural impacts. Jackie Robinson’s 1951 Bowman and 1952 Topps cards are iconic given his trailblazing contribution to breaking baseball’s color barrier. Rookie cards for Roberto Clemente, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Sandy Koufax and Johnny Bench have staying power.

Vintage cards in high grades are always desirable investments for collectors, especially if they feature the above legends. Some top vintage basketball cards in demand include the 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle, 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, 1969 Topps Johnny Bench rookie, 1956 Topps Ted Williams, 1952 Topps Willie Mays and 1962 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie. But be prepared to spend five or even six figures for pristine examples.

Bowman Chrome prospects are also cards to watch long-term as many do pan out, such as Acuña, Guerrero, Soto, Tatis. Top prospects like the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, the Guardians’ George Valera and the Mariners’ Edwin Arroyo offer future upside in their 2022 rookie cards. Autograph and memorabilia cards can hold value as well depending on the player if signed early in their career pre-stardom.

It’s important do research to understand market trends and dynamics when investing in baseball cards long-term. Buy cards from reputable sellers, check for authenticity and grade conditions carefully using websites like PSA and BGS. Also diversity your portfolio across different players, types of cards, vintages and price points. Patience is key as investments may take years to appreciate significantly. By focusing on star players, franchise legends and top prospects backed by research, baseball cards continue to provide a fun and potentially lucrative hobby.

IS ANYONE BUYING BASEBALL CARDS ANYMORE

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While the pandemic dealt a blow to many industries, the baseball card hobby experienced a resurgence in interest and trading card sales increased dramatically from 2019 to 2021. According to industry insiders and market reports, the increased interest was driven by new collectors getting into the hobby, as well as former collectors rediscovering their interest during quarantines and downtime at home.

The rising prices seen in vintage cards from the 1950s up to the late 1980s helped spark new interest, as headline-grabbing auction prices in the tens of millions of dollars were regularly making news. This created greater awareness and excitement around the high-end vintage card market. At the same time, modern card products released since the early 2010s have consistently appreciated in value for star players like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. Being able to imagine an investment holding or increasing in value fueled additional collectors pursuing modern cards of rising stars.

Card shops and hobby stores that sell new and vintage cards were swamped with demand they hadn’t seen in decades. Online trading card platforms like eBay, Beckett Marketplace, and PWCC also saw huge increases in new registrations and monthly active buyers and sellers. The spike in new collectors stretched the availability of some popular modern card products released in 2020, creating sellouts and aftermarket price spikes. Upper Deck’s The Cup football cards launched in early 2021 and sold out instantly online, with boxes fetching thousands on the secondary market within days.

While the pandemic played a role in the enthusiasm, the underlying factors appear sustainable beyond any short-term impacts. A younger generation of collectors in their 20s and 30s has embraced card collecting and investing. Many of these new collectors were first exposed to the hobby through opening packs as kids in the late 80s to 90s boom, and are now reconnecting as adults with greater discretionary income. Platforms like TikTok have further exposed younger audiences to the high-end card market.

At the same time, teams, leagues and card manufacturers have done more to combine cards with new digital and tech products. Partnerships between Topps and digital platforms like MLB’s Blockchain platform have created new areas of interest bridging the physical and digital card worlds. The NFL entered the market with its exclusive license to Panini in 2020. And collectors now have opportunities to get cards autographed and verified on the blockchain.

While the economic outlook remains uncertain, long-term trends appear favorable for the continued strength of the baseball card and overall trading card market. The growth of internet marketplaces sustains interest and competition for rare cards. An established vintage market that has been growing for decades provides a proven long-term investment asset class. And new collectors finding the hobby provide an injection that replaces collectors who move on. Although retail prices for new cards, boxes and cases have increased noticeably in the last year, the increased demand and competitive marketplace has ensured supply availability and collectible options remain plentiful across all budget levels.

Of course, there are always risks for any speculative market. A deeper recession could cut into discretionary spending on cards. Long-term, any significant decline in the popularity of baseball itself might negatively impact the sports memorabilia space over decades. But with strong international growth in baseball now, the aging out of old collectors seems mostly offset by new and returning collectors engaging with the current era of players. This dynamic suggests the 100-year old tradition of collecting baseball cards has a solid foundation and remains an active part of the broader collectibles market. While volatile like any collectibles market, the sustained interest at all levels indicates baseball cards will continue drawing collectors and traders for the foreseeable future.

ADDICTED TO BUYING BASEBALL CARDS

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Being Addicted to Buying Baseball Cards

For many people who collect baseball cards, there comes a point where the hobby transitions from a fun pastime into a full-blown addiction. When collecting starts to negatively impact one’s personal or professional life, that is usually a sign that an addiction to buying cards has developed. Like any addiction, it can be difficult to recognize in yourself, but seeing how it affects your behavior and relationships over time is telling. In this article, we will explore what addiction to buying baseball cards looks like, potential causes, and ways for people to address it if they feel they have a problem.

Some of the typical signs someone may be addicted to buying baseball cards include constantly thinking about their next purchase or trade, spending more money than planned or can afford each month, making cards the top priority over other responsibilities, and feeling anxious or irritable if they are unable to buy cards for a period. Their self-worth may become tied to the value or size of their collection. Relationships could suffer if the person would rather buy cards than spend time with family or friends. Lying or hiding purchases from a spouse may also occur.

The addictive behaviors stem from the dopamine release one feels from the hunt, acquisition, and anticipation of potentially finding a valuable card. This activates the brain’s reward system in similar ways as gambling. For some collectors, it provides a sense of control during the uncertainty of opening packs. A need for completionism by chasing rare parallels or numbered versions of players can fuel endless spending. Childhood nostalgia or using cards to self-soothe from stress or trauma may also play a role in developing an unhealthy dependence on the hobby. Genetics are thought to influence addictive tendencies, so those with a family history may be more susceptible.

Negative consequences often start small, like spending a little more than planned or feeling irritable if a new release is sold out. But over time, as more is spent to chase that dopamine rush without finding it, life begins to spiral out of control. Bills go unpaid, savings dwindle away, and relationships deteriorate due to choosing cards over other responsibilities. Extreme cases involve theft, bankruptcy, or loss of employment due to inability to stop buying. Health can also be impacted by the stress an addiction causes.

The first step to addressing an addiction to buying baseball cards is acknowledging there is a problem. Denial is very common, so an honest evaluation with a counselor’s help may be needed. They can provide an objective viewpoint. The next step is creating a plan, whether independently or with a support group, to set limits on spending and curb compulsive behaviors. This may involve selling parts of one’s collection to pay down debt. Counseling can help uncover root causes and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous use a 12-step approach that some collectors have found beneficial as well.

Reducing stress, developing alternative hobbies, and practicing mindfulness or meditation can help satisfy that dopamine need in healthier ways. Staying busy with other activities makes it easier to resist card-related triggers too. Setting a strict monthly budget and avoiding shows, breaks, and group breaks may be necessary for severe cases. Counseling can also address any codependency issues that enabled addictive behaviors. With time and effort, it is possible to have a fun collecting hobby again without it controlling your life. But like other addictions, relapse is always a risk that requires ongoing self-awareness and maintenance.

An addiction to buying baseball cards develops when the behavior starts negatively impacting important areas of one’s life such as relationships, finances, health, work or school. The dopamine rush of the hunt and acquisition can activate the brain’s reward system in compulsive ways for vulnerable individuals. Seeking help from a counselor and support groups is important to address any root causes, gain coping skills, and make lifestyle changes needed to curb addictive tendencies over the long term. With effort, collectors can regain a balanced relationship with their hobby without it spiraling out of control again.