Tag Archives: chris

CHRIS SEWELL BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Chris Sewell has been an avid baseball card collector since he was just 10 years old. Now in his 50s, Sewell has amassed one of the most impressive vintage baseball card collections in the world. With over 100,000 individual cards in his collection, Sewell has cards dating back to the late 1800s from the earliest days of the tobacco era when baseball cards were first inserted in cigarette and candy packs as premiums.

Sewell grew up in a small town outside of Detroit in the 1960s and 70s. Like many American boys of that era, he was obsessed with baseball and started collecting the Topps cards that came out each year. Even as a young boy, Sewell had a keen eye for the rare and unique cards that many other collectors overlooked. While trading duplicates with his friends, Sewell would often get vintage cards in the deals that dated back 20 or 30 years prior. This exposure to the antique cardboard crackled his interest in preserving baseball history.

In the late 1970s, the hobby of baseball card collecting really started to take off. More collectors were pursuing the vintage cards from the past and prices rose significantly. Most collectors of the time were only interested in the true “star” cards from the early 20th century like Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth. Sewell took a different approach and sought to obtain one copy of every single card issued between 1868 and 1980. This meant adding thousands of common players alongside the all-time greats.

By the late 1980s, Sewell had amassed one of the most complete vintage sets in existence, with representations from over 100 different card issues and companies. He was still missing many of the ultra-high grade premium cards that other “big name” collectors were after. In the 1990s, Sewell started to shift his focus to only acquiring pristine vintage gems in Near Mint or better condition. He sold off his lower grade duplicates and began what became a lifelong quest to assemble a collection of only flawless early cards.

Some of the crown jewels that Sewell has acquired over the decades include a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded 1909-11 T206 Nap Lajoie, one of just a handful in existence at that grade. He also owns a PSA Authentic grade T206 Honus Wagner, the most iconic card in the industry. Other highlights include a 1888/89 Goodwin Champions set in complete mint condition, a 1868/70s Boston Red Stockings Team issue card, and a complete set of high-grade 1880s and 1890s tobacco cards like Allen & Ginter.

Sewell’s collection stands out not only for its condition but also its scope. In addition to stars, he owns pristine examples of virtually every obscure common player card produced before 1920. His collection represents over 200 different tobacco, candy, and trade card issues. Sewell has also extensively researched the history of each issue and player featured. He can speak in-depth about the origins of particular sets, the careers of even the most unknown 19th century ballplayers, and the story behind each of his prized pieces of cardboard.

In the early 2000s, Sewell started selectively consigning some of his rarest duplicates and doubles to the major auction houses to fund the ongoing quest for his personal “grail” cards – ones he didn’t already own in pristine condition. His consignments regularly set new records, like a PSA NM-MT 8 graded 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank that sold for over $100,000. Sewell has also written for numerous publications about his collecting journey and techniques for discerning condition, helping to spread knowledge about the early years of the hobby.

Today in his mid-50s, Sewell views his collection as the culmination of a lifetime of work to preserve baseball history and piece together the stories of the sport’s earliest era. While prices have skyrocketed in recent years, he has no plans to sell his entire collection. Sewell hopes that one day his pristine assemblage of 19th century cardboard can have a permanent home on public display for fans and collectors to enjoy. His attention to acquiring the most beautiful examples has ensured that the visuals and legacy of baseball’s earliest stars will continue to captivate new generations for years to come. Sewell’s collection stands as one of the most impressive and comprehensive achievements in the hobby.

CHRIS SEWALL BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Chris Sewall had a relatively short but productive career in Major League Baseball, playing as a catcher for five seasons between 1986 and 1990. Though he didn’t achieve superstar status, Sewall made his mark both on the field and in the collectible card industry through the baseball cards issued during his playing days. Let’s take an in-depth look at Chris Sewall’s baseball card history.

Sewall was drafted by the New York Mets in the 5th round of the 1984 amateur draft out of the University of Maine. He made his big league debut with the Mets in 1986 at age 24 after working his way up through the minor leagues. Sewall’s rookie card came in the 1986 Topps set, issued during his first MLB season. The design of 1986 Topps cards featured a photo of the player on the front with their name, team, and position below. On the back was stats from the previous season along with a short biography. Sewall’s rookie card shares the standard design and marks the beginning of his baseball card collecting legacy.

In 1987, Sewall appeared in cards from both Topps and rival brand Fleer. The Topps 1987 card kept the same basic front/back layout as the previous year. Fleer issued their first baseball cards since 1982 that season. Their design placed the photo on the left with stats/text wrapping around it. Both Sewall’s Topps and Fleer cards from 1987 hold value for collectors as they were produced during his second MLB campaign. He also had minor roles in the 1987 Donruss and Score sets.

Sewall’s best season came in 1988 as he broke out with career-highs in batting average (.277), home runs (8), and RBI (37) while playing in a career-most 97 games for the Mets. He was recognized for his breakout year by appearing on special rookie/star rookie insert cards in 1988 Donruss and Score sets alongside other up-and-coming young players. Sewall’s strong ’88 campaign increased interest in his base cards as well from the Topps, Fleer, and Donruss brands that year.

In January 1989, Sewall was traded from the Mets to the Chicago Cubs. He switched teams midway through his career, appearing in Cubs uniforms on his 1989 cards. The Topps, Fleer, and Score issues that year featured Sewall in his new Cubs duds. He also gained additional card exposure by being included in the new Upper Deck set, which burst onto the scene in 1989 and became an instant hit among collectors. Sewall’s Upper Deck rookie card from that year holds nice value due to the brand’s popularity.

Sewall split the 1990 season between the Cubs and Boston Red Sox before retiring at age 28. He received cards in the Topps, Fleer, and Stadium Club sets in 1990, marking the end of his baseball card-issuing career. In total, Sewall appeared in cards from nine different brands between 1986-1990 spanning his five-year MLB tenure. While he didn’t achieve the fame of superstar players, Sewall made a name for himself in the collectible card world through his consistent cardboard presence during his playing days.

Even after leaving the game, interest in Sewall’s cards remained strong due to his status as a complete MLB career-spanning player. His rookie cards from Topps (1986) and Fleer (1987) are still widely collected today. Other key cards include his 1988 Donruss/Score rookie stars issues highlighting his breakout season and 1989 Upper Deck RC as the brand’s inaugural year. Sewall’s final career cards from 1990 also hold nostalgic appeal. While never extremely valuable, his complete set of cards provides a comprehensive history of his MLB tenure for enthusiasts.

Though just a role player during his five years in the big leagues, Chris Sewall made a lasting impact on the baseball card collecting scene. He gained card issues from nine different manufacturers spanning 1986-1990. Key rookie and star cards from his early career still attract collectors today. Sewall’s consistent cardboard presence immortalized his MLB tenure and career for fans. While not the biggest name, his story shows that even short careers can achieve lasting legacy through the world of baseball cards if represented comprehensively as Sewall’s was.

CHRIS VOLSTAD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Chris Volstad Baseball Card History and Statistics

Chris Volstad is a former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 2008 to 2015. While his MLB career was relatively short-lived and unremarkable statistically, Volstad has an interesting baseball card history spanning his time in minor league and major league uniforms. Let’s take an in-depth look at Chris Volstad’s baseball cards and the story they tell of his professional baseball journey.

Volstad was drafted out of high school by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round (16th overall) of the 2005 MLB Draft. As is common for top draft picks, Volstad’s professional debut was highly anticipated and documented on baseball cards. His first card came in 2006 Topps Triple Threads #TT44, showing Volstad as a member of the Peoria Chiefs, the Cubs’ Class A affiliate. This marked the beginning of Volstad’s journey from prospect to major leaguer being chronicled on cardboard.

Volstad rose quickly through the Cubs’ farm system, debuting with Triple-A Iowa in 2007 at age 20. He had established himself as one of Chicago’s most promising pitching prospects, earning inclusion in the 2008 Topps Triple Threads Cubs prospects subset #TTC12. Scouts praised Volstad’s size (6’8″), control, and developing repertoire. With these accolades, expectations were high as Volstad began his first full season of 2008.

He received his first major league card that year in 2008 Topps #608. Volstad made his MLB debut on July 31, 2008 versus the Brewers, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings in a no-decision. While he showed flashes of promise in a September call-up, posting a 3.38 ERA in 5 starts, Volstad struggled with consistency. He bounced between Chicago and Triple-A Iowa in 2009 and 2010, producing mediocre results. Volstad cards from this period like 2009 Topps Heritage #465 and 2010 Topps Update #US265 reflected the ups and downs of his early career.

In 2011, Volstad took a step forward with the Cubs, making 31 starts and posting a career-best 4.59 ERA. This performance was recognized with a base card in the 2011 Topps Series 2 set #S2-31. After a poor start to the 2012 season in which he went 1-6 with an ERA near 6, Volstad was traded to the Miami Marlins in a six-player deal on May 24, 2012. His Marlins tenure was highlighted by 2012 Topps Update #US265, showing Volstad in his new Miami uniform for the first time on a card.

With the Marlins, Volstad initially found more success, going 7-8 with a 3.59 ERA in 25 games (21 starts). This performance led to inclusion in the 2013 Topps Series 1 set #S1-63 as Miami’s opening day starter. Injuries and inconsistency soon returned. After posting an ERA over 5 in 2013, Volstad was released by the Marlins and signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals in December 2013. He spent most of 2014 in Triple-A, earning a brief September call-up but failing to secure a card.

Volstad signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2015, hoping to resurrect his career. After beginning the season in Triple-A Indianapolis, he received his last MLB card to date in 2015 Topps Series 2 #S2-132 when called up in June. However, Volstad made just 3 appearances for Pittsburgh, allowing 11 runs in 8 innings, before being released and retiring at age 28. While his 6-year MLB career fell far short of expectations, Volstad’s humble baseball card journey reflects the ups and frequent downs most prospects face trying to stick in The Show.

In summary, Chris Volstad debuted with much promise but could never quite put everything together consistently at the major league level. From his first minor league issue to brief stints with 4 big league clubs, Volstad’s baseball cards tell the story of a hard-throwing righty who battled injuries and struggled with command. Though his MLB tenure was brief, Volstad left an impression as a tall, projectable arm that kept collectors following his development and career through annual card releases. While he may not be a household name, Chris Volstad holds a place in the history of baseball cards as an example of prospects who gave it their all but ultimately came up just short of sustained MLB success.

CHRIS DE LA CRUZ BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Chris De La Cruz Baseball Cards: Tracking the Career of a Promising Young Pitcher

Chris De La Cruz is a promising young right-handed starting pitcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Though he is still making his way through the minor leagues, De La Cruz has shown early signs that he could develop into a valuable major league arm for the Dodgers. Let’s take an in-depth look at De La Cruz’s background and career so far by examining the baseball cards that have been produced featuring the young hurler.

De La Cruz was signed by the Dodgers as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in July 2016. He spent his first professional season in the Dominican Summer League in 2017, posting a 3.38 ERA with 43 strikeouts over 46.2 innings pitched across 12 games (11 starts). His first baseball card came in 2017 Topps International, showing a clean-cut De La Cruz in a Dodgers uniform with “Los Angeles Dodgers” across the front. The back of the card provides basic stats from his 2017 DSL season as well as scouting notes describing his 6’3″ frame and low-90s fastball.

After a successful first season stateside, De La Cruz was assigned to the Dodgers’ Rookie-level Arizona League affiliate in 2018. He made 10 starts there, going 2-2 with a 2.57 ERA and 41 strikeouts over 41 innings. His improved performance led to inclusion in 2018 Topps Series 2, his first U.S. domestic card. The photo shows De La Cruz on the mound, revealing more muscle filling out his large frame. His stats and scouting notes were again included on the back.

De La Cruz’ breakout season came in 2019 when he pitched for Low-A Great Lakes. Across 23 starts, he went 9-5 with a 2.61 ERA and 117 strikeouts against just 25 walks over 106 innings. His dominance earned him a card in 2019 Topps Series 2, featuring an action shot from the mound. The card back highlighted his standout 2019 campaign and touted his control and developing secondary pitches. De La Cruz also received prospect rankings, appearing at #18 on MLB.com’s Dodgers Top 30 Prospects list entering 2020.

The cancellation of the 2020 minor league season due to COVID-19 prevented De La Cruz from building on his 2019 success. He still earned inclusion in several 2020 prospect sets. He appeared in Bowman Draft 1st Edition, Bowman Chrome, Bowman’s Best, and Topps Chrome Update. These cards generally featured the same action photos from previous issues but provided updated stats and prospect rankings. De La Cruz maintained his place as one of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects entering the lost 2020 season.

With two full years of experience under his belt, De La Cruz was promoted to High-A Great Lakes for the 2021 season. He continued his dominance there, posting a 2.90 ERA with 103 strikeouts over 93.2 innings across 16 starts. This breakout performance led to De La Cruz earning prominent cards in 2021 Topps Series 1 and 2021 Topps Series 2. The photos showed an increasingly polished pitcher on the mound. His stats, prospect status, and scouting reports were all updated to reflect his success at the High-A level in 2021.

De La Cruz seems poised to start the 2022 season at Double-A Tulsa as one of the top pitching prospects in the Dodgers system. If he can maintain his control and continue developing his secondary pitches at the higher levels, he may not be too far from making his major league debut. Card collectors will be watching closely to see if De La Cruz earns inclusion in the 2022 Topps Series 1 set out of spring training, which would signify he has cemented his status among baseball’s elite pitching prospects. As his career progresses, the cards chronicling De La Cruz should provide an interesting case study of a promising international arm’s development through the Dodgers farm system. With his size, stuff and command, he has all the tools to become an impact major league starter.

The baseball cards of Chris De La Cruz offer an insightful longitudinal view into the development of a young pitching prospect since signing with the Dodgers in 2016. As he continues working his way through the minors, De La Cruz’s cards will serve as a tangible record of his statistical growth and evolving prospect status year over year. If he fulfills his potential, future De La Cruz cards may depict one of the game’s elite starters. For now, collectors will enjoy following the journey of this promising arm through minor league baseball and onto Greater Los Angeles Dodger Stadium in the years to come.

CHRIS BASEBALL CARDS SALEM NH

Leave a reply

Chris’s Baseball Cards: A Salem Institution

For over 30 years, Chris’s Baseball Cards has been a staple of the Salem, New Hampshire community. What started as a small hobby shop run out of the owner’s home grew to become the premier destination for baseball card collectors in the region. Under the guidance of owner Chris Morello, the store has survived the ups and downs of the baseball card industry to maintain its status as an institution.

Chris first got the baseball card collecting bug as a young boy in the 1970s. He would ride his bike to the local drug store and convenience stores, hoping to find packs of cards to add to his growing collection. As he got older, Chris began to focus more on completing sets and chasing rare rookie cards. In the early 1980s, with the sport gaining massive popularity, the baseball card boom was in full swing. Seeing the demand, Chris had the idea to open a small shop to sell cards to other collectors.

In 1987, Chris opened the doors to his first storefront location in a small strip mall on North Main Street in Salem. The store was only about 500 square feet but was packed floor to ceiling with boxes upon boxes of cards. Chris spent hours sorting through collections he purchased, carefully organizing cards into sets, teams, and players. On opening day, the store was flooded with eager collectors. Within a few months, Chris knew he had a successful business on his hands.

Over the next decade, Chris’s Baseball Cards grew steadily. As the card industry continued to boom throughout the late 80s and early 90s, fueled by the success of stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr., more and more collectors were flocking to Chris’s store. He expanded his inventory to include thousands of complete sets, boxes of unopened packs and factory sealed cases. Prominent dealers from all over the Northeast started selling high-end vintage and rare cards through Chris’s store.

In 1998, Chris made the decision to move to a much larger 4,000 square foot location just down the road. The new store allowed him to display his massive inventory to its full potential. Walls were lined with glass cases showing off some of the rarest vintage cards in the hobby. Chris also added a large memorabilia section, stocking thousands of autographed baseballs, bats, photos and other collectibles. The grand re-opening was a huge success and cemented Chris’s Baseball Cards as the premier card shop in New England.

The early 2000s brought new challenges. After nearly a decade of astronomical growth, the baseball card market began to cool. Fewer new collectors were entering the hobby as interest among younger generations declined. Some large retailers like Walmart also de-emphasized cards in favor of other products. Several large national chains that dominated the industry in the 90s like Sportscard Distributors and Collector’s Choice went bankrupt. This put pressure on smaller independent shops.

But Chris was determined to keep his doors open through innovative strategies. He diversified his product mix, expanding inventory of other sports beyond just baseball. Chris also fostered strong relationships with professional sports teams, becoming an official licensed partner and memorabilia dealer. During the summer, Chris organized popular autograph signings that brought in local legends. Most importantly, Chris continued to provide unmatched customer service, ensuring his loyal customer base stayed strong through good times and bad.

Today, over 30 years since opening, Chris’s Baseball Cards is still going strong. The current 8,000 square foot location on North Broadway is a sight to behold for any sports collector. Chris has meticulously organized a collection estimated at over 10 million cards taking up every nook and cranny. The glass cases in the front of the store still wow visitors with some of the rarest finds in the industry, including unopened wax packs and boxes from the 1950s.

On any given day, the store is bustling with both casual browsers and die-hard collectors. Many customers have been coming to Chris’s for decades, having formed strong bonds with Chris and his dedicated staff over the years. For major events like the release of new sets, lines form out the door. The store also hosts numerous signings, breaking events, and auctions that collectors travel from all over New England and beyond to attend.

When asked about the secret to his longevity, Chris credits his passion for the hobby and relationships with his customers. “I love being surrounded by people who share my enthusiasm for sports collecting every day. It’s really the interactions and friendships I’ve made over the years that have kept me going through the ups and downs.” Chris has no plans to slow down either, committed to passing his store onto the next generation of collectors. For Chris Morello and Chris’s Baseball Cards, the best part is still yet to come.