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2022 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2022 Bowman Chrome baseball release brought enthusiastically anticipated rookie cards and prospects to the hobby. As one of the premier modern baseball card sets each year, Bowman Chrome delivers some of the shining star rookies and biggest names in the minors. This year’s release continued that tradition with several highly coveted chase cards that created buzz around the hobby.

One of the biggest chase cards in 2022 Bowman Chrome was the prized green parallel of two-way phenom of the Texas Rangers, Joey Gallo. Gallo quickly rose through the minors with his mammoth home run power and electric arm from the mound. While injuries have sometimes slowed his progression, Gallo’s rare two-way talent alone makes any of his cards highly valuable. In the green parallel, which is limited to only /99 copies, Gallo’s card took on an eye-catching hue that amplified his status as one of baseball’s most thrilling young talents. On the secondary market, Gallo’s green parallel has sold for well over $1000, showcasing its prevalence as a true high-end hit from the set.

Another touted parallel was the red shader of future superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Like his father before him, Vlad Jr. took the baseball world by storm with his prodigious power production from a very young age. Through some early struggles adapting to MLB pitching, Guerrero has begun to live up to his immense expectations in recent years. His /249 red parallel shone brightly as both a prized prospect card capturing his early dominance in the minors and family legacy, as well as an investment in one of the game’s rising superstars. Some Guerrero Jr. red parallels have exceeded $500 in value, a true score for enthusiasts seeking out one of the year’s most desirable rookies.

A dark horse breakout star with potential to carry immense longterm value is Bobby Witt Jr., son of former big leaguer Bobby Witt. As the number two overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Kansas City Royals, Witt Jr.’s all-around abilities and famous baseball bloodlines made him an instant star in the industry. His sterling performance in the minors since being drafted only amplified excitement around hisBowman Chrome cards. The black bordered /50 parallel of Witt in particular stood out, with its sharply contrasting coloring accentuating this uber-prospect on the cusp of MLB stardom. Though not quite hitting 4-figure prices yet, the scarcity and talent attached to Witt Jr.’s black border parallel makes it a true trophy card for savvy collectors.

Breakouts don’t always come from blue chip prospects, as 22-year old Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore has demonstrated. Possibly the biggest riser in the minors in 2022, Liberatore made his long-awaited MLB debut with tremendous success, showcasing ace-caliber stuff. As a former first round pick who had only recently begun fulfilling enticing scouting reports with a breakout season, Liberatore’s prized orange refractors from Bowman Chrome took on new importance. Numbered to /50 copies, these orange parallels shine as some of the best investments around a future staff ace still years away from his prime. Some early Liberatore orange refractors have traded above the $400 range, underscoring their status as a true heater pull from the product.

No article on Bowman Chrome chase cards would be complete without mentioning the heavyweight rookies of Cincinnati’s batting order – Speedster player Tommy Pham and masher Aristides Aquino. Pham launched onto the scene with record-breaking speed and a platinum glove patrolling the outfield, while Aquino brought thunderous raw power best demonstrated by his record-tying 3 home run performance in his MLB debut. Their chrome rookie autos, particularly the short printed parallels, carry tremendous nostalgia capturing early flashes of excellence. Pham and Aquino remain viable breakout candidates who could propel these already coveted rookie cards to even greater heights.

Alongside names, Bowman Chrome also tantalizes collectors with its dazzling visual parallels. Among the most eye-catching are the elusive black ice refractors, which feature dazzling iridescent refractors numbering only /10 copies. Pulling one of these ultra-short prints is like winning the lottery, and the excitement is doubled considering they can feature any of the set’s prospect superstars. Royals two-way force Nick Pratto, Mariners’ touted prospect Julio Rodriguez, and Twins’ Triple Crown threat Alex Kirilloff are just some of the huge names that could emerge in black ice form from Bowman Chrome. At numbers that low, they ascend to the highest end of high-end within the parallel collecting world.

For decades, Bowman Chrome has delivered on its promise to showcase the game’s future stars in stunning chrome fashion. The 2022 release maintained that tradition with a bounty of parallel short prints, prized first bowman autographed cards of can’t-miss prospects, and scintillating refractive technology. Collectors will be chasing the set’s premier hits for years to come, both out of authentic fandom for the players and investment potential in cards that could end up depicting future Hall of Famers. The parallels, prospects, and perennial prospecting allure of Bowman Chrome is what makes it a cherished tradition and premier North Star for any modern card collector.

In summary, 2022 Bowman Chrome delivered an array of true chase cards between its short printed prospect parallels, transcendent rookies, and dazzling inserts. Cards like Joey Gallo’s green, Vlad Jr’s red, and Bobby Witt Jr’s black parallel captured elite talents and family legacies. Matthew Liberatore’s breakout season gave his orange refractors new lustre. And the super-short printed black ice inject spectacle to an already scintillating set. For capturing the future in chrome, few modern sets can match what Bowman continues to deliver year after year.

2023 BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball release is one of the most highly anticipated products of the new year for baseball card collectors. While Bowman Chrome offers rookies, prospects, and stars across all levels of minor league and MLB talent, there are certain chase cards that stand out and captivate collectors. These premium hits can be worth substantial money, especially for the hottest young players. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball chase cards collectors will be hunting.

One of the premier chase cards is likely to be the prized autographed chrome rookie card of super prospect Marcelo Mayer. Mayer, ranked as baseball’s top prospect by MLB Pipeline, had a tremendous debut season in the Red Sox system in 2022 and is expected to rocket through the minors. His autographed rookie from Bowman Chrome could fetch thousands of dollars for a pristine gem mint copy. Another hot rookie autograph to watch for is Druw Jones, the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones. Druw was selected second overall by the Diamondbacks in the 2022 draft and his autographed Bowman Chrome rookie will be a must-have for collectors.

In addition to Mayer and Jones, keep an eye out for autographed rookie cards of other top prospects like Termarr Johnson (Padres), Elijah Green (Royals), and Jackson Holliday (Orioles). These young stars are expected to start their pro careers in 2023 and their Bowman Chrome autographed rookie cards will be some of the most sought-after rookie cards in the entire release. Even prospects selected in later rounds of the draft like Brock Porter (Rangers) could have valuable autographed rookies depending on their early pro performance and hype.

For collectors seeking the highest-end chase cards without autographs, the prized rainbow foil parallel rookie cards of top prospects will command big money. These parallel versions showcase the player image in vibrant color on a foil background and number to only 10 copies or less. Examples could include a rainbow foil rookie of Marcelo Mayer, Druw Jones, or another elite prospect. Given the extreme scarcity at a print run of 10 copies or fewer, these parallel rookie cards often sell for thousands.

In addition to rookie cards, Bowman Chrome also features some exciting chase cards for current MLB stars. An especially hot autographed card could be two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, who is coming off two incredible seasons. His autographed chrome card would be a true trophy piece. Other top MLB players that may have valuable autographed cards include Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Wander Franco. For parallels, collectors will be chasing short printed rainbow foil versions of these stars.

Bowman Chrome also offers the chance at big league relic cards featuring game-used memorabilia from current MLB players. Some relic cards that could hold substantial value include a dual or triple swatch card with patches from superstars like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, or Mookie Betts. Autographed relic cards of elite players are also major chase cards. For example, an autographed jersey card of rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez would excite collectors.

While the biggest hits revolve around rookies and stars, Bowman Chrome collectors also enjoy chasing prospects further down the rankings. Breakouts happen every year in baseball, so an autographed or parallel card of a lesser-known prospect could dramatically rise in value if that player develops into a star. Some prospects with potential to have valuable chase cards based on future success include Emerson Hancock (Mariners), Anthony Volpe (Yankees), and Jordan Walker (Cardinals). It’s part of the fun and intrigue of Bowman Chrome to try and identify the next big thing.

The 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball release promises to deliver many exciting and valuable chase cards for collectors. With the abundance of elite rookie talent both in the majors and minors, from super prospects like Mayer to potential breakout players, there are plenty of cards that could rise to the top and become true gems. The thrill is in the hunt for collecting’s biggest hits, whether it’s a prized autographed rookie, scarce parallel, or game-used relic. Bowman Chrome continues to fuel the hobby’s excitement for the next generation of baseball stars.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory. As baseball fans eagerly await the arrival of Series 1 in retail stores and hobby shops, many are already plotting their chase card strategies. Topps has delivered another impressive checklist packed with rookies, stars, and short printed parallels that collectors will be hunting all year long.

Two of the biggest chase cards in 2023 Topps are likely to be the base rookie cards of Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. Both players had phenomenal debut seasons in 2022 and are considered future superstars. Rodriguez won AL Rookie of the Year after batting .284 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI for the Mariners. Witt Jr. showed five-tool talent for the Royals, slashing .256/.308/.481 with 20 homers and 80 RBI primarily as a 21-year-old shortstop. Their Topps rookie cards will be hot commodities and short printed versions could fetch huge sums.

Another rookie generating major buzz is Reds pitcher Hunter Greene. The flamethrower topped out at 103 mph in his first full MLB season and went 4-13 with a 4.66 ERA in 103 innings. Greene possesses elite stuff and high-end prospect pedigree that make his Topps rookies must-owns for Reds collectors and those chasing the next big arm. Spots rookie cards of Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Greene will be at the top of many want lists in Series 1.

Veteran superstars also have enticing chase cards up for grabs. Topps typically reserves its lowest printed parallels for legends of the game and current elite talents. Cards like a 1-of-1 parallel of Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, or Aaron Judge would be crown jewels. Even /5, /10 or /25 parallels of these types of all-time great players demand top dollar. Lower numbered refractors, negatives, and other premium parallels are sure to generate collector frenzy.

Topps also thrives on creating short printed parallels of breakout players from the prior season. Some candidates for these types of chase cards in 2023 include Cardinals rookie pitcher Andre Pallante, Marlins outfielder JJ Bleday, and Guardians infielder Steven Kwan. Each player made strong MLB debuts in 2022 that could carry over hype to their Topps cards. Finding their lowest numbered parallels, especially in 1st Edition form, would be a huge win.

Autograph cards are always a major driver of the high-end hobby market. Topps reserves its most limited 1/1 autographs for the sets’ biggest stars. Signatures of players like Soto, Acuna, Guerrero Jr. and Wander Franco would be true white whales. But collectors also love hunting autographs of top prospects and young stars on the rise like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez. Finding low-numbered parallels or unnumbered refractor autographs of these types of talents could yield a valuable card.

Topps’ various insert sets also provide avenues for chase cards each year. The Flagship set usually features popular inserts like Photo Variations, Negative Photographs, Superfractors, and more. These inserts tend to feature the game’s biggest names, but also spotlight breakout players. Finding a 1/1 Photo Variation of an emerging star like Jonathan India or Joe Ryan would be a huge addition to any collection.

Collectors should also keep an eye out for chase cards from Topps’ special parallel sets like Chrome, Inception, and Finest. These premium products layer in additional short printed parallels and autographs of the sport’s top talents. A 1/1 Inception auto of a player like Wander Franco would be one of the most coveted modern cards in the hobby. Topps Chrome and Finest also feature some of the sharpest on-card autographs and photo variations that collectors love to chase down.

With Series 1 hitting the market soon, the hunt will be on to find 2023’s biggest rookie cards, star parallels, autographs and more. It’s sure to be an exciting year chasing down cards from what looks to be one of Topps’ most anticipated Flagship releases yet. The rookie classes, stars and short prints will keep collectors engaged all year long. For those willing to put in the work, the 2023 Topps series could yield chase cards to remember.

2022 BOWMAN BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2022 Bowman baseball release marked another exciting year for prospect chasing and chase cards. Bowman is considered the flagship product for rookie cards and prospecting in the baseball card world. Each year, Topps includes a set of highly sought after short printed and autographed cards that take on a life of their own in the hobby. These cards become the Holy Grail for collectors looking to land big rookie hits of future stars.

The 2022 Bowman set had several chase cards that generated a buzz leading up to the official release date of May 4th. As with every year, the big three chase parallels included the Black, Gold, and Rainbow Foil paper variations. The Black parallels check in around 1 per case, making them rarer than Golds which are estimated at 3-5 per case. Rainbow Foils fall somewhere in between. Each parallel is printed on thick stock and features vibrant colors that really pop on card. Nailing any of these short prints of a top prospect is a huge thrill for collectors.

Some early favorites on the Black parallel watch list included Dominican shortstop Robert Puason, considered one of the top international prospects from the 2021 J2 class. His $5.1 million signing bonus with the Boston Red Sox made him an instant name to know. Other Black parallel targets were catcher Elijah Green, the number one overall pick from the 2022 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and high school shortstop Termarr Johnson from the Atlanta Braves system. Both Green and Johnson have plus hit tools that could translate to big league success if their development goes according to plan.

In addition to the parallels, Bowman is also known for housing some of the most coveted autographed rookie cards in the industry each year. The 2022 Bowman autograph checklist was headlined by shortstops Jackson Holliday from the Baltimore Orioles system and Druw Jones from the Atlanta Braves system. Holliday and Jones were taken first and second overall in the 2022 MLB Draft and both signed large seven figure bonuses. Their autographed rookie cards immediately jumped to the top of want lists.

Other notable 2022 Bowman autographed rookies included catcher Henry Davis from the Pittsburgh Pirates system, outfielder Elijah Cabell from the New York Mets system, and pitcher Brock Porter from the Texas Rangers system. All three were first round draft picks and considered future cornerstones for their respective organizations. Landing a gold ink auto of any of these big name prospects would be a true crowning achievement for any collector.

As release date approached, social media hype trains formed around certain chase cards. Instagram breakers and YouTube influencers would post “wish lists” of cards they were hunting. This helped drive additional collector interest and speculation. Prices in the pre-release market for raw or graded Black parallels and autographed rookies started to steadily rise on eBay and through group breakers selling spots. By the time live breaks started happening on release day, some chase cards had already climbed well above their normal print run value.

The official release of 2022 Bowman did not disappoint collectors. Early case breaks surfaced several major hits within the first 24 hours. Gold ink autographed cards of Jackson Holliday and Druw Jones started to circulate. A BGS 9.5 Black parallel of Termarr Johnson was pulled and immediately skyrocketed in value since it was the highest graded example. Several Gold parallels were landed of top prospects like Elijah Green and Robert Puason as well.

As more cases were broken down over the coming weeks, additional key chase cards emerged. A Black parallel of catcher Henry Davis was authenticated by Beckett Grading Services as the lone BGS 9.5 graded example. This further cemented it as the crown jewel Davis card from the set. Other major hits included a Gold parallel of pitcher Brock Porter and a Druw Jones Gold Ink auto that graded pristine Mint 9 by PSA. Each card found eager buyers looking to add premier rookie pieces to their collections.

Now several months removed from the initial release of 2022 Bowman, the chase card market has stabilized somewhat. While there is still plenty of room for prospect performances to impact card values up or down, the initial speculative fervor has cooled. Raw Black parallels and top autographed rookies still command strong premiums but have leveled off from the peak release hype prices. For collectors who missed out on chasing the set live, now represents a solid second chance to try and acquire some of these premier rookie cards at a more reasonable price point before the next prospect season begins. The 2022 Bowman chase cards proved once again why the release is such an anticipated yearly event and continues to produce some of the hobby’s most iconic rookie cards.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2022 Topps baseball card release features several highly coveted chase cards that collectors will be eagerly pursuing. Topps has a long tradition of including short print and autograph cards in their flagship baseball sets that take on a life of their own in the collecting community. These scarce insert cards add excitement to the hobby and entice collectors to purchase boxes and packs with the hope of landing a big hit.

Some of the top chase cards from the 2022 Topps base set include the coveted rainbow foil parallels. Topps inserts hyper-short printed rainbow foil parallel cards into their releases that are hand numbered to only 10 copies or less. Landing one of these rare parallel cards in 2022 would be a huge score, as they command enormous resale value due to their extreme scarcity. The designs are also eye-catching with their iridescent foil patterns.

Another sought-after parallel are the gold label parallel cards. Topps inserts gold label parallels, which are hand numbered to only 50 copies, into their standard baseball sets. These shiny gold parallels immediately stand out in a collection. While not quite as scarce as the rainbow foils, the gold labels are still extremely tough pulls that excite collectors when they emerge from a pack. Top rookies and star players on the gold label parallels are especially valuable.

Topps also has a long tradition of including autograph and memorabilia cards as chase inserts in their baseball releases. For the 2022 set, some of the most coveted autographed inserts include:

Topps Chrome Autographs – Topps Chrome is known for its refractors and color parallels, but the autograph parallels take the insert to another level. Top rookies and stars signed on the Chrome stock are beautiful cards that can be worth thousands. The short prints are incredibly rare.

Topps Fire Autographs – Topps Fire inserts utilize a translucent orange parallel card stock that refracts light in a mesmerizing fashion. When paired with an on-card autograph from a big name player, these inserts create a true fireworks display in a collection. Only a handful are produced of each signature.

Topps Holiday Parallel Autographs – For several years now, Topps has inserted autographed parallels of its cards on special holiday designs around Christmas. These Christmas-themed and New Years-themed autographs have become highly anticipated chase cards that collectors hope to uncover on December pack-busting nights.

Topps Transcendent Collection Autographs – The flagship Transcendent Collection insert set features 1/1 autograph cards crafted from rare game-used materials that Topps has preserved in its vast memorabilia archives. Past editions have included patches from jerseys, pieces of bats, and other rare signed memorabilia cards that are truly one-of-a-kind collector’s items.

The 2022 Topps base set also has several exciting short print variations that collectors will be on the hunt for, including the elusive SP variations. Topps inserts SP parallel cards into their standard releases that are printed in far lower quantities than the base cards. Rookie SPs and star player SPs in particular hold premium value. Another variation collectors chase are the gold SP parallels, which take the scarcity of SPs to an even rarer level with their limited 50 card print runs.

Topps Allen & Ginter’s baseball mini-set, which is randomly inserted into Hobby Jumbo Boxes of 2022 Topps, also contains several chase cards. The A&G mini boxes offer collectors a fun bonus product with various parallel and autograph chase cards of their own. Popular inserts include the Hand-Collated Autographs, which feature unique collage-style autograph relic cards cut and signed by the players themselves.

With so many scarce and coveted short prints, autographs, parallels and variations distributed at extremely low print runs, the 2022 Topps baseball release provides a fun and rewarding chase for collectors. While the odds of landing the true 1/1 hits are astronomical, the excitement of the hunt is what keeps collectors eagerly ripping packs and boxes with hopes of getting lucky with an elusive chase card. For the serious collector, it’s a rush not to be missed. Whether collecting for investment purposes or to simply enjoy the artistic cards, the 2022 Topps release delivers an abundance of chase opportunities for the hobby.

2023 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball set is set to release in late 2022/early 2023 and collectors are already excited about the chase cards they may find. Topps Chrome has long been known as one of the premier flagship baseball card products, featuring shiny refractors and top rookies. While the base cards can be found with relative ease, there are always a select few prized cards that collectors search packs feverishly for. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball chase cards collectors will be hunting.

One of the biggest chase cards in any Topps Chrome set is always the prized 1/1 printing plate autograph. For 2023, collectors can hunt for a true one-of-one card featuring a current star player’s autograph on the actual printing plate used to create the Chrome set. Past years have featured plates of superstars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. Landing a 1/1 plate is the ultimate trophy card. While odds of finding one are extremely slim, the hype surrounding these ultra-rare pieces makes them hugely desirable. Prices for 1/1 plates from previous Topps Chrome sets have reached well into the thousands of dollars, so landing one in 2023 would be an incredible hit.

Another major Chrome chase are the prized autograph and memorabilia rookie cards, headlined by the class of 2022’s top prospects. Cards like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green are sure to be at the top of want lists. But one rookie who is generating especially huge buzz is Cardinals’ catcher/outfielder Dillon Paul. The 21-year-old had a monster pro debut in 2022, slashing .340/.405/.640 with 13 home runs between Low-A and High-A. With huge upside and playing for a major market team, Paul’s Chrome autographs are already in high demand on the secondary market. Collectors will be on the hunt for any of his autographed Chrome rookie cards, from base to parallels, as a potential future star player.

A perennial favorite among Chrome collectors are the prized refractor parallels. From the iconic base refractors, all the way up to the ultra-rare 1/1 dual autographs, refractors provide that true “chrome” experience collectors love. Some specific 2023 refractors that will draw major attention include prized parallels like Gold /50, Rainbow Foil /25, Black /10, and the elusive Platinum /5. Even the base Orange and Blue refractor parallels have a special allure in the set. Finding any big name star on a low-numbered refractor parallel would be a true score, with values often exponentially higher than the base card.

Another exciting Chrome chase will be the new Prizm parallels featuring cutting edge refractors with bright colors and 3D-like textures. Topps is debuting these innovative new parallels for the first time in 2023 after acquiring the technology from Panini. Ranging from the /99 Green Prizm all the way down to the ultra-rare Red Prizm /10, Pink Prizm /5 and 1/1 White Prizm, these new cutting edge parallels are sure to generate huge buzz. Finding any major star, especially rookies, on these innovative new parallel designs would be an incredible hit. With their new technology and limited print runs, Prizm parallels have potential to become highly coveted new chase cards.

Of course, no discussion of Topps Chrome chase cards would be complete without mentioning the iconic base refractors of the set’s biggest stars. While they may not have the allure of low-numbered parallels, finding the prized refractor of a player like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto or Ronald Acuña Jr. is always a major thrill. These serve as the iconic “hit” cards that make up the core appeal of Topps Chrome each year. Even base refractors of emerging young talents like Bobby Witt Jr. or Julio Rodriguez will excite collectors. The thrill of the refractor chase is half the fun of each Topps Chrome release.

And for those super collectors with an unlimited budget, the true high-end chase cards of 2023 Topps Chrome will be the prized 1/1 dual autographs. Past years have featured one-of-a-kind pairs like Mike Trout & Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw & Kenley Jansen, and Mookie Betts & Jackie Bradley Jr. Estimated odds of finding one are around 1 in a million packs. But the prestige and value of these 1/1 dual hits know no bounds. Prices have reached tens of thousands, and sometimes over $100K for the most iconic pairings. While out of reach for most collectors, the allure and excitement of the 1/1 dual auto chase adds to the thrill of each new Topps Chrome release.

The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball release promises to deliver another exciting array of chase cards across its prized rookie autos, refractors, parallels and one-of-one hits. Whether a collector’s budget allows for base cards or true high-end trophies, the refractor chase experience is half the fun. With another strong rookie class and starring the game’s biggest names, Topps Chrome looks poised to thrill collectors yet again in 2023. The hunt will be on come release time to find those prized chase cards that become collection cornerstones. Topps Chrome continues to fuel the excitement year after year.

1990 FLEER BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is notable for introducing the concept of “chase cards” to the modern baseball card collecting hobby. Chase cards are rare, premium inserts that are significantly harder to find in packs than the base card set. Fleer released three different types of chase cards in the 1990 set – Gold Cards, Diamond Kings, and Hologram Cards. These inserts created excitement among collectors and added a new layer of collecting and trading to the hobby.

The Gold Cards were by far the rarest inserts in 1990 Fleer. Only 10 Gold Cards existed for each player in the set, making them incredibly scarce. The design of the Gold Cards featured the player’s photo in gold foil with their name and team name also in gold. Some notable Gold Card players included Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Ryne Sandberg. Given their extreme rarity, finding a Gold Card in a pack was a true thrill and chase for collectors. Unsurprisingly, Gold Cards quickly became some of the most coveted and valuable cards in the set.

The Diamond Kings paralleled the design of the Gold Cards but were significantly more prevalent, with 100 Diamond King cards produced for each player rather than just 10. While still quite rare compared to the base cards, Diamond Kings were more obtainable for most collectors. They retained a strong premium status above normal inserts. Popular players like Kirby Puckett, Roger Clemens, and Rickey Henderson had some of the most desirable Diamond Kings. Both Gold Cards and Diamond Kings featured the same photography and design elements as the base cards to maintain consistency.

The third chase card variety in 1990 Fleer were the Hologram Cards. These inserts took the rarity factor to another level with a completely different design than the standard issue cards. Rather than traditional card stock, Hologram Cards were printed on a thin foil material with a three-dimensional holographic effect. When moved in the light, the player’s image appeared to almost jump off the card. Only one Hologram Card was produced for each player, making them the rarest chase cards by far. Players like Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, and Ken Griffey Jr. had some of the most iconic Hologram Cards.

The extreme scarcity and novel design of the 1990 Fleer Hologram Cards captured the imagination of the collecting community. Stories spread of lucky collectors finding one of the elusive Holograms in a pack and the thrill of the discovery. The cards immediately took on a mythical status. Even years after the set was released, Hologram Cards remained highly sought after pieces for advanced collectors looking to add a true premium item to their collections. Today, well-preserved Hologram Cards in mint condition can sell for thousands of dollars – a true testament to their impact and rarity in the set.

When 1990 Fleer was first released, the inclusion of chase cards completely changed the collecting dynamic. Rather than just focusing on obtaining the entire base set, it introduced multiple parallel tiers that could be pursued. Collectors were now chasing Gold Cards, Diamond Kings, and Holograms in addition to completing their base sets. This created a whole new layer of excitement, competition, and surprise to the experience of opening packs. No longer was it just about getting cards – it was about the chance of an incredibly rare and valuable insert.

The chase card concept proved hugely popular and successful for Fleer. It generated increased interest, sales, and collector engagement with the 1990 set. In subsequent years, both Fleer and their competitor Topps adopted and expanded on the chase card model. Variations like refractors, autographs, and serially numbered parallels became standard insert fare across modern baseball card products. The chase card revolutionized box- and pack-breaking by adding an element of surprise, suspense and potential high reward for collectors. It also helped drive up the long-term collectability and value of certain cards, especially the rarest varieties.

While 1990 Fleer may be best remembered today as the set that first introduced the concept of chase cards, its true legacy is sparking a paradigm shift in the baseball card industry. By including scarce premium inserts alongside the base cards, Fleer tapped into the human psychological desire to pursue rare and valuable items. This engaging the collector in an ongoing “chase” greatly enhanced the experience of the hobby. Chase cards remain a hugely popular facet of modern baseball cards to this day, all originating from Fleer’s innovative 1990 design. For fundamentally altering the collecting dynamic and experience, 1990 Fleer and its chase cards solidified a new era in the business and will always have an important place in the history of the hobby.

2023 BOWMAN BASEBALL CHASE CARDS

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The 2023 Bowman baseball release marks another exciting year for collectors chasing some of the top prospects in the game through Bowman’s various chase card inserts. While the base Bowman set remains the backbone for finding tomorrow’s stars, it’s these scarce parallel and autograph variations that really drive collector excitement. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the major chase cards collectors will be hunting for in the upcoming 2023 Bowman release.

Perhaps the most coveted insert in 2023 Bowman is the Chrome Refractors. Printed on shiny chrome cardboard, these parallel refractors can be found across the base set, prospects, and paper rookies at an extremely low print run. Past Chrome Refractor pulls have included names like Acuña Jr., Soto, Albies, and Tatis Jr., cementing them as must-have cards for team and player collectors. With the quality of prospects in this year’s class, any Chrome Refractor could take off in value with a strong few seasons in the majors. The rarity of Chrome Refractors makes them highly sought after on the secondary market.

Another exciting parallel insert is the Rainbow Foil paper rookies. These hyper-colorful rookies feature an eye-catching rainbow foil pattern on the front. Like the Chrome Refractors, the Rainbow Foil rookies are some of the scarcest paper cards in Bowman, making them an enticing chase. Collectors love the flashy design and hope to pull the Rainbow Foil of a future all-star. Past examples like the Wander Franco from 2020 have grown substantially in value as his career has taken off. The 2023 class has elite talents like Druw Jones and Jackson Holliday that could make their Rainbow Foil rookies extremely valuable long term.

When it comes to autographs, the biggest chase is always the prizm autographs. Printed on thick prizm cardstock and featuring a colorful full on-card autograph, these autograph parallels separate the best prospects from the pack. Past Bowman prizm auto pulls of Acuña Jr., Soto, Albies, Tatis Jr., and others are now worth thousands of dollars. With the caliber of this year’s draft class headlined by high school phenoms like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Elijah Green, their prizm autographs will be a true holy grail for collectors. Even second and third tier prospects can pop with a strong few seasons in pro ball, making prizm autos an enticing gamble.

Another highly sought after autograph insert is the Gold Ink autographs. Featuring the prospect’s name emblazoned in shiny gold ink, these parallel autographs really make the signature stand out on the card. Like the prizm autos, the rarity of Gold Ink autographs means they carry significant chase appeal. Collectors hope to pull the Gold Ink of a future all-star and have an iconic looking card in their collection for years to come. Past examples like the Gold Ink Wander Franco from 2020 that now sells for thousands showcases how these inserts can really pay off long term for savvy collectors.

For team collectors, one of the most exciting inserts is always the Franchise Futures autographs. Highlighting each club’s top prospect, these on-card autographs allow fans to root for and collect their favorite organization’s future star. Past Franchise Futures pulls like the Acuña Jr. Braves card from 2017 immediately took off in value as he emerged. This year’s class includes potential Franchise Futures stars like Druw Jones for the Diamondbacks, Termarr Johnson for the Red Sox, and Elijah Green for the Royals. Pulling the Franchise Futures auto of a prospect who pans out is a dream come true for dedicated team collectors.

Of course, for the truly ambitious, one of the biggest chases is always the 1/1 parallel autos and patches. Incredibly rare one-of-one versions of the major autograph inserts, these ultra-premium cards separate the hobby’s biggest whales from the rest. Past examples like the 1/1 Wander Franco Gold Ink auto or Acuña Jr. Patch auto from 2017 are now worth tens of thousands. While the odds of pulling a 1/1 parallel are infinitesimal, it’s what keeps collectors ripping pack after pack of Bowman in hopes of the ultimate hit. Even second and third tier prospects can spike in value with a strong career, making 1/1s a true jackpot for savvy collectors.

While the base Bowman set remains the most fun way to potentially find tomorrow’s MLB stars, it’s these scarce parallel and autograph chase cards that really drive collector excitement for the upcoming 2023 release. With another stellar draft class headlined by names like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Elijah Green, collectors will be hunting high and low for their prized refractors, rainbow foils, prizm autos, and 1/1 parallels. For those who pull the right prospect at the right time, these inserts can gain incredible value as players emerge in the big leagues. The 2023 Bowman release shapes up to be another exciting year in the never-ending hobby chase.