Tag Archives: collector’s

FAIRFIELD BASEBALL CARDS COLLECTOR’s EDGE BOX

Leave a reply

Fairfield Baseball Cards Collector’s Edge Box – An In-Depth Look at What Makes This Product Special

The Fairfield Baseball Cards Collector’s Edge Box is a unique and exciting product that offers collectors a chance to add valuable cards to their collection in a fun and somewhat unpredictable way. Fairfield is known for producing affordable yet high-quality sports card products that provide value for collectors of all experience levels. Their Collector’s Edge Box lives up to this reputation by giving hobbyists an opportunity to discover gems from the past while enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this box such an enticing option for those who love the hobby of baseball card collecting.

What’s in the Box? Each Fairfield Collector’s Edge Box contains 50 total baseball cards from the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s. The exact year and player distribution can vary slightly from box to box, but collectors can generally expect to find players from the peak eras of the junk wax boom through the modern game. Ranging in condition from worn to near mint, the cards provide a cross-section of baseball history from the last few decades. While there is always an element of surprise, boxes tend to include stars, prospects, and role players alike. Finding a rookie card of a Hall of Famer is a definite possibility.

Potential for Key Cards: Because the boxes pull from such a large window of production years, there is always a chance of discovering truly valuable vintage and modern gems. Past boxes have yielded rare rookie cards like Griffey Jr., Pujols, and Kershaw. Autographs and memorabilia cards also make occasional appearances. Even base cards from the early 90s can hold significant value in top grades. The mix of eras increases the odds of finding that one card that makes the entire $25 box price worthwhile. Condition varies, but centering and corners are usually collectible at a minimum.

Fun of the Hunt: Part of the appeal is the thrill of the unknown. Each new card peeled from its wrapping brings anticipation – will it be a future star or a common filler? Sorting through and assessing the pulls is half the enjoyment. Finding that one hit that makes your jaw drop more than makes up for the bulk cards. It’s a fun experience that can be shared with family or friends. The element of surprise keeps collectors engaged from the first to the final card.

Good Value Proposition: At $25 per box, the price point is very reasonable considering the potential rewards. Even if none of the 50 cards grade especially high, most will still hold nominal value. And the chance, however slim, of discovering a true gem far outweighs the cost of taking a chance. For the budget-minded collector just starting a PC or looking to add to their collection, it’s a low-risk way to potentially score big. The value is there whether looking to fill boxes or chase key cards.

Reputable Company: Fairfield has been in the sports card business for over 30 years and has a strong reputation for quality products and customer service. They are known for creating affordable options that still deliver the fun and excitement of the hobby. With Collector’s Edge Boxes, they’ve crafted a product that allows anyone to feel that thrill of the hunt without breaking the bank. Their brand name backing adds to the appeal.

Community Experience: Part of the fun is sharing your box results with others online. On social media sites, collectors post their box breaks to compare hits and discuss favorite cards. This fosters a sense of community around the product. It’s exciting to see what gems others uncover and dream that your next box might contain a card that generates buzz. The social element increases enjoyment of the entire Collector’s Edge experience.

In summary, Fairfield Baseball Cards Collector’s Edge Box provides a unique and exciting way for collectors of all levels to add to their collections and chase the thrill of the surprise hit. Pulling cards from various eras increases the odds of finding that one valuable or memorable piece of baseball history. And at just $25 per box, the price point makes it an affordable gamble. With Fairfield’s reputation behind it, the Collector’s Edge Box delivers fun, value and that spark of surprise that keeps collectors engaged in the hobby. It’s a product that lives up to its name by giving people a true edge in building their collections.

1998 COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1998 Collector’s Choice baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the late 90s. Coming off the record-breaking home run chase of 1998 between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, interest in baseball cards was at an all-time high. Collector’s Choice, which had established itself as a premium brand, looked to capitalize on the excitement around the sport.

The 1998 Collector’s Choice set would feature cards of all 30 MLB teams, as well as update cards to chronicle the accomplishments of stars from the previous season. Like previous Collector’s Choice releases, the 1998 version would use high quality card stock and feature vibrant photographs. This set took Collector’s Choice cards to a new level, featuring several new cutting edge designs that had never been seen before in the hobby.

Some of the innovations included in the 1998 Collector’s Choice set were the use of embossed lettering on many of the base cards, drawing attention to the players’ names. Several “Hit Factor” parallel cards were also included, which had box scores and stats encased in a metallic silver or gold foil design on the front of the card. These parallel cards immediately stood out in penny sleeves or in a person’s collection.

For the most accomplished players, Collector’s Choice produced a new “Elite Series” subset. Featuring career stats and achievements in an elegant design framed in a dark border, these Elite Series cards featured some of the biggest stars of the late 90s like McGwire, Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn. The photo on each Elite Series card was also raised and embossed, giving the impression of a higher end relic.

Collector’s Choice found other creative ways to showcase the stars of the 1998 season in innovative parallel subsets. A “Record Breakers” subset highlighted McGwire, Sosa, and others who were chasing or setting single season records. A “Home Run Kings” parallel subset focused just on the titans of the home run, with 3D embossed golden home runs framing McGwire and Sosa on their cards. A “League Leaders” subset called out statistical categories each player led the league in for 1998.

For rookie cards, Collector’s Choice featured a premium “Rookie Fabrics” parallel subset. These rookie cards had swaths of fabric embedded right into the cardboard, featuring textures like diamond plate or pinstripes. Rookies like Eric Gagne, Ted Lilly, and Jorge Sosa had their first MLB cards framed in these innovative fabrics. The fabrics added an amazing tactile element that was truly ahead of its time.

Collector’s Choice also paid homage to the past with parallel subsets celebrating milestone seasons from previous years. A ’97 All-Stars subset highlighted great performances from 1997. An “All-Century Greats” subset featured Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, and Sandy Koufax. Through creative parallel subsets, Collector’s Choice was able to weave both the stars of 1998 and baseball history into one magnificent release.

Outside of the base sets and innovative parallels, Collector’s Choice outdid themselves with their autograph and memorabilia card inserts as well. In 1998, collectors were just starting to warm up to the potential of cards featuring real game used artifacts and signatures. Collector’s Choice saw the demand and responded by making autographed cards and game worn memorabilia cards significantly more prevalent than any other previous release.

Fans could find autographed cards of everyone from Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa to lesser known rookie sensations like Ben Grieve. And instead of just simple on-card autographs, Collector’s Choice took things a step further by offering autographed baseball bat and autographed baseball inserts as well. For game worn memorabilia, 1998 Collector’s Choice cards featured pieces of jerseys, caps, and even cleats from some of the era’s biggest stars. The prevalence of these inserts tremendously increased their appeal to collectors.

When 1998 Collector’s Choice was released, it caused an immediate stir in the hobby. Never before had a mainstream trading card set pushed so many design and content boundaries simultaneously. Critics declared it the most ambitious and creative baseball card release to date. Because of the massive popularity of McGwire, Sosa, and the home run chase that year, demand was through the roof as well. Even today, 1998 Collector’s Choice cards remain a highly sought after classic among vintage collectors, thanks to their innovations, premium feel, and ability to capture lightning in a bottle for one of the sport’s most memorable seasons. The 1998 Collector’s Choice set truly set the standard for what a modern baseball card release could and should be.

1997 UPPER DECK COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from the popular trading card manufacturer. Upper Deck had revolutionized the baseball card industry when they first entered the market in 1989 and Collector’s Choice was one of their premier annual sets every year. The 1997 edition contained 264 total cards and featured current major league players, prospects, and retired baseball legends. While not quite as valuable as some previous Collector’s Choice sets from the early 1990s rookie card boom, the 1997 cards still hold significance for collectors decades later.

One of the most prominent rookies featured in the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set was pitcher Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs. Wood had an electrifying rookie season in 1998 where he struck out 20 Houston Astros in a single game and finished third in rookie of the year voting. His rookie card from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is among the most sought after from that year. In near mint to mint condition, Wood’s rookie fetches around $30-50 raw but can sell for upwards of $100 graded gem mint by PSA or BGS. Any card that captures a player’s first major league appearance holds added nostalgia and demand.

Another notable rookie from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is current Los Angeles Dodgers manager and former catcher Dave Roberts. Unlike Wood, Roberts did not have flashy stats as a player but he developed into a valuable role player and pinch runner known for his speed and base stealing abilities. As a rookie manager guiding the Dodgers to a 2020 World Series title, interest and prices in Roberts’ rookie card from 1997 have spiked. Raw copies in good condition can be found for under $10 but a PSA 10 gem mint could sell for $75-100 given his new popularity from managing. Nostalgia for players combined with future successes often boosts values of rookie cards years later.

One of the highlighted veteran players showcased is Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners. Griffey was consistently one of the best players in baseball throughout the 1990s and remained a fan favorite for his smooth left-handed swing. His cards from Upper Deck sets regularly command a premium to this day. The 1997 Collector’s Choice Griffey is no exception, with a mint raw copy valued at $15-20 and a PSA 10 grade fetching $50-75. Any iconic slugger from the late 20th century maintains strong collector interest long after retiring from play.

Aside from star players, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set is also notable for featuring retired legends in their later career or post-retirement phases. One example is Los Angeles Dodgers and Brooklyn Dodgers pitching great Don Drysdale on card #126. Drysdale was a few years removed from his playing days but remained a revered figure for Dodgers fans and baseball collectors. In well-centered, near mint condition a Drysdale from 1997 can sell for $5-7 raw whereas a professionally graded PSA 8 copy may draw $15-20 at auction from dedicated collectors. Cards that memorialize all-time greats maintain value appreciation over the decades.

Overall team collection and chase aspects also add to the popularity and replay value of the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball set. Cards like #1 featuring a team checklist or the #260 “UDA Finale” parallel sketch cards become Holy Grails for collectors seeking to complete their album. While relatively common in circulation two decades later, raw near mint examples of these higher numbered “hits” could sell for $3-5 with significant rarer parallel versions like “Golden” parallels fetching upwards of $25-50 graded gem mint. The 1997 Collector’s Choice set rewards those who piece together a full team or parallel run.

condition is always a key factor when assessing the monetary worth of any older trading card. For the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice basketball set, well-kept examples in near mint to mint condition still trade hands regularly between $1-3 each for common players through online marketplaces like eBay. More valuable rookie cards or stars from the set in comparable condition may command $5-10 individual prices. Cards that have been professionally graded bring a significant premium. A PSA or BGS 10 championship-caliber “gem mint” grade can multiply the value ten times or more depending on the individual card and level of preservation. This is why condition sensitive collectors are willing to pay grading certification fees to authenticate the condition of their prized cardboard.

While not quite as valuable as early 1990s iterations during the hobby’s peak, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set remains a nostalgic release sought after by collectors two decades later. Headlining rookie cards of Kerry Wood and Dave Roberts coupled with retired legend and active star appearances give the set lasting pop culture appeal. With care taken to preserve cards in pristine near mint to mint condition, common issues can still beflipped for $1-3 each while key cards may realize $10-100+ based on player,parallels, and professional grading certification. For accumulator sets from the 1990s boom era, the 1997 Collector’s Choice baseballs cards represent a comparatively affordable collecting challenge.

MOST VALUABLE 1995 UPPER DECK COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1995 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set holds a special place in the world of sports collecting. Released at the height of the trading card boom in the mid-1990s, the Collector’s Choice cards featured premium quality cardboard, photography, and designs that made them stand out among the sea of new baseball card releases each year. While most sets from that era have lost significant value over time, many of the rarest and most sought-after 1995 Collector’s Choice cards have retained and even increased in worth due to their low print runs and the superstar players featured on the fronts.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the 1995 Collector’s Choice set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Often considered one of the greatest players of his generation, Griffey was already well on his way to legendary status by 1995 withseveral All-Star and Gold Glove awards to his name in just his first few MLB seasons with the Seattle Mariners. His Upper Deck rookie card, featuring superb action photography of “The Kid” in his signature follow-through batting stance, has long been viewed as one of the crown jewels of the collector’s card hobby. What makes the Griffey Collector’s Choice rookie even more rare is that it was only inserted in hobby boxes at an extremely low rate of 1:96 packs. As a result, graded mint condition examples often fetch tens of thousands of dollars when they surface for auction.

Another record-holding 1995 Collector’s Choice card is the Derek Jeter rookie. As the longtime captain and shortstop for the dynastic Yankee teams of the late 90s-2000s, Jeter cemented himself as not just a star but a true icon of America’s pastime. His stellar rookie season helped kick off an eventual Hall of Fame career. Much like Griffey, Jeter’s Collector’s Choice rookie was scarce, appearing around 1:120 packs. High grade Gem Mint Jeter rookies have broken the $100,000 price barrier in recent years, evidence of his enduring popularity and the rarity of this specific cardboard issue.

Superstar pitchers also made their Collector’s Choice rookie debuts in 1995. Randy Johnson, nicknamed “The Big Unit” for his imposing 6’10 frame and 100 mph fastball, was already in his 7th MLB season but had yet to emerge as the dominant force he would become. As a result, his 1995 Collector’s Choice rookie remains one of his key early vintage cardboard issues. Likewise, Pedro Martinez debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 and showed flashes of the brilliance that would lead to three Cy Young Awards. Both the Johnson and Martinez rookies were also quite scarce pulls from Collector’s Choice packs. Top-graded versions often sell for over $10,000 when they surface.

In addition to future Hall of Fame players, the 1995 Collector’s Choice set featured cards of current and past baseball greats. For example, an near-mint condition Ken Griffey Sr. “Father & Son” insert card which features a photo of both Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. side by side sold for $15,619 at auction in September 2021. The card has additional rarity and popularity due to the family connection between the two all-star outfielders.Similarly, iconic stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux had spectacular “Best Of” parallel inserts in Collector’s Choice highlighting some of their top career accomplishments at that point. These parallel inserts, found around 1:4 packs, have attained considerable value in the secondary market.

While stars drive the high-end prices, the 1995 Collector’s Choice base set also features many other key rookie cards and early-career issues that remain affordable for most collectors. For example, Jim Edmonds, Troy Percival, and Bobby Higginson all made their debuts and went on to enjoy productive MLB tenures. Prospects like Ben Grieve, Paul Konerko, and Aaron Boone had cards that have grown in nostalgic value. Workhorse veterans like Mark McGwire, Bret Saberhagen, and Dennis Eckersley lent their star power to the release as well. This breadth of MLB talent over 650+ cards made 1995 Collector’s Choice highly coveted during the trading card boom.

Whether chasing superstars or completing the set, the 1995 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball cards still fascinate collectors today with brilliant photography, premium production, and a who’s who of baseball greats. While the Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter rookies remain truly unobtainable for all but the deepest of pockets, others cards from the set surprisingly hold steady and have even increased in price due to the recognition of players like Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez in Cooperstown. For collectors and investors alike, the retrospective lure of 1990s sports cards and stable value of the Collector’s Choice releases continue to make this one of the most iconic baseball sets ever produced.

1991 COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Collector’s Choice baseball card set celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021 and remains one of the most coveted issues from the junk wax era for collectors. With 756 total cards covering all major and minor league players as well as manager and coach cards, the 1991 Collector’s Choice set stands out for its memorable photography, die-cut shapes, and a wide array of parallel and insert subsets that captured the interest of collectors at the time and have maintained value decades later.

Some of the most notable aspects of the 1991 Collector’s Choice set that have endured its popularity over the years include the innovative card designs that went beyond the traditional card shape. Collector’s Choice featured many cards with die-cut shapes such as rookie stars cards in the shape of stars, all-star cards in the shape of baseballs, and league leader cards in the shape of trophies. These unique shapes were a novelty at the time that attracted collectors and they have maintained their appeal to this day for collectors seeking cards that stand out from the standard rectangle.

The photography featured on the 1991 Collector’s Choice cards is also widely praised by enthusiasts. Featuring crisp, colorful action shots primarily from the previous 1990 season, the set captures many iconic players from the era such as Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roberto Alomar in their athletic primes. Collectors appreciate the way the photography transports them back to that period of the late 80s/early 90s and how it has aged better than static posed portraits seen in many other issues. Combined with the die-cut shapes, the memorable photos help many of the cards retain strong collector demand.

In addition to the base card set, Collector’s Choice in 1991 was among the early adopters of insert sets within issues that became a hallmark of the junk wax era. Notable subsets included Glossy Sendbacks, Stars of the Game, League Leaders, Celebrity Foldouts, and Team Cards. The Glossy Sendbacks captured the biggest stars of the day in a glossy foil parallel numbering to 50 copies or less that are extremely rare to find in high grade today. The Celebrity Foldouts featured likenesses of sports and entertainment stars of the time such as Mark McGwire, Wayne Gretzky, and Roseanne Barr.

Perhaps most significantly, Collector’s Choice in 1991 introduced what would become the most iconic insert set of the era – Stadium Club. The original 61 card black-and-white photograph Stadium Club set within the 1991 Collector’s Choice is one of the most sought after subsets from the junk wax era. Featuring award-winning action photography and a slick, premium presentation, it established The Stadium Club brand that would continue as a popular separate annual set for many years. Rookie cards of players like Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Todd Helton are extremely valuable finds from the 1991 Stadium Club set today.

While produced during the peak of the early 90s junk wax bubble, the 1991 Collector’s Choice managed to stay relatively scarce compared to many other issues. The sheer volume of parallel and insert sets combined with uniformly strong photography helped inflation-proof many of the cards to a degree. Condition-sensitive inserts like Glossy Sendbacks rarely appear on the secondary market today in high grade. Though produced in the millions like most 1991 sets, finding a complete high grade set of the 660 base cards and various subsets poses a challenge for collectors.

For younger collectors just getting started in the late 2010s and beyond, the 1991 Collector’s Choice has proven an attainable vintage set that can still deliver affordable star rookies and parallel cards while capturing the visual drama and player selection from a pivotal time in the sport. Vintage players like Barry Larkin, Will Clark, and Dennis Eckersley remain fan favorites alongside young stars like Griffey, Bonds, and Ripken capturing their early primes. The unique card designs and photography have sustained the set as one of the most visually interesting from the overproduced era.

Whether sought for investments, team collections, or enjoyment of the photography and gameplay moments preserved, the 1991 Collector’s Choice baseball card set stays popular among vintage collectors decades later. Its innovative designs and parallel subsets made it stand out when new while maintaining affordable access points for collectors just entering the hobby. For capturing a specific season and roster of talent on engaging cardboard, 1991 Collector’s Choice endures as one of the landmark sets representing the peak of the early 90s trading card boom.