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2022 DODGERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Los Angeles Dodgers had another extremely successful season in 2022, winning 111 games to finish with the best record in Major League Baseball. As such, collectors can expect some highly sought after rookie cards and stars cards from the Dodgers’ roster to be included in the 2022 baseball card releases from companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf and others. Let’s take a look at some of the key Dodgers players who should have valuable rookie or showcase cards coming out over the next year.

Freddie Freeman (1B) – Arguably the biggest free agent acquisition of the offseason, Freeman hit .325 with 21 home runs in his first season with the Dodgers after leaving Atlanta. As a former MVP and longtime Braves star, Freeman brought recognition and leadership to the Dodgers lineup. His rookie cards with the Dodgers should be some of the prized releases from 2022 sets.

Trea Turner (SS) – Acquired along with Max Scherzer from the Nationals at the 2021 trade deadline, Turner had another outstanding season in 2022 with 21 home runs and 100 runs scored. He remains one of the game’s most exciting all-around players and his Dodgers cards, especially any flashy parallels or autographs, will be on the radars of collectors.

Mookie Betts (OF) – A perennial MVP candidate who continues putting up huge numbers, Betts hit .269 with 35 home runs and 88 RBI in 2022. As one of the faces of the franchise, Betts rookie cards and any special insert cards showing his elite skills will demand high prices.

Julio Urias (P) – The 26-year old lefty had a breakout season in 2022, going 17-7 with an ERA under 2.50 as the Dodgers’ ace. Urias has All-Star and World Series hardware already but 2022 could mark his true superstar emergence. His rookie cards have always been popular and that will continue as collectors anticipate a huge year.

Tony Gonsolin (P) – Gonsolin went 16-1 with a tiny 1.62 ERA for the Dodgers and should have received more Cy Young consideration. As a relatively unknown pitcher prior to 2022, Gonsolin rookie cards from past years could spike in value now that he’s having his breakout season. New 2022 cards will also be hot.

Brusdar Graterol (P) – The hard-throwing reliever went 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 2022 and is becoming a bullpen cornerstone. As a former top prospect, Graterol’s rookie cards hold value but breakthrough seasons like 2022 tend to make subsequent cards much more desirable.

Miguel Vargas (1B/3B) – Vargas received his first extended MLB playing time in 2022 and hit .304 in 57 games, showing why he was once a top-100 prospect. The rookie cards of prospects who debut and produce are always collectors’ favorites and Vargas could gain steam.

Eddie Rosario (OF) – Acquired midseason due to injuries, Rosario hit .267 in 44 games for LA and his past success makes him a candidate for rebound. Veterans who change teams often get new cards that can spike based on performance.

Andrew Heaney (P) – The injury-prone Heaney had a solid first year with the Dodgers, going 4-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 16 games before an injury in September. When healthy, Heaney shows top-of-the-rotation stuff and Dodgers collectors will be eyeing his cards.

Craig Kimbrel (P) – The veteran closer had some hiccups in 2022 but still posted 23 saves for LA. Kimbrel cards tend to hold value based on his track record and any Dodgers parallels could gain due to the team’s popularity.

In addition to base rookies and stars cards, watch for popular Dodger inserts like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, Topps Fire, Topps Inception and Topps Archives. Autograph and memorabilia cards of the Dodgers stars like Betts, Turner and Freeman should be big ticket collector items. With another deep postseason run likely, 2022 could be remembered as the year several Dodgers players like Urias, Gonsolin and Vargas burst onto the national scene for good – making their rookie cards from this season among the most sought after in the hobby.

LA DODGERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. As the team moved west from Brooklyn in the late 1950s, collectors eagerly followed the team’s stars through baseball cards. Dodgers cards offer a window into the evolution of the franchise and some of the game’s greatest players.

While cards featuring Dodgers players date back to the early 1900s Brooklyn Superbas and Robins teams, the most collecting interest surrounds the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers era from the late 1940s onward. In those post-World War II years, the Dodgers rose to prominence led by players who would become basketball card icons like Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax and later Steve Garvey.

Topps dominated the baseball card market from the mid-1950s through the 1980s and released annual Dodgers cards featuring the team’s players and notable performances. Many consider the 1955 Topps set, the company’s first color issue, as the most iconic. It featured the matured Dodgers roster that would win back-to-back World Series titles in 1955 and 1956. Star rookie pitcher Johnny Podres’ dominant World Series Game 7 performance earned him a legendary place in Dodger lore and ensured his ’55 rookie card remained a hot commodity.

Through the late 1950s and 1960s, annual Dodgers Topps sets tracked the team’s fortunes and stars of the eras like Dodgers GM/manager Walter Alston, outfielders Tommy Davis and Willie Davis, and pitchers Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax who won back-to-back Cy Young awards in 1963-64. In 1966, Koufax’s sudden retirement at age 30 due to an arthritic elbow at the peak of his career only added to his legend memorialized on his vintage cards.

The Dodgers’ groundbreaking move to Los Angeles in 1958 opened billions in new marketing potential for both the team and card companies. 1960s/70s Dodgers cards saw the emergence of multi-talented stars like Maury Wills, who stole an MLB record 104 bases in 1962, and outspoken slugger Duke Snider who played his final season in 1964. Career Dodgers like Sandy Amoros, Jackie Robinson and Don Sutton appeared on several different card designs before finally hanging up their cleats.

In the 1970s, young stars like Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Andy Messersmith, Bill Buckner and Dusty Baker blazed new paths. Meanwhile, veterans like pitcher Tommy John and slugger Willie Davis still delivered highlight reel moments for collectors. John underwent the first UCL replacement surgery in 1974 pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe and made one of the most improbable comebacks in MLB history.

New leaders emerged in the 1980s like ace pitcher and perennial 20-game winner Fernando Valenzuela who captured both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in 1981 during “Fernandomania.” Rookies and veterans included Pedro Guerrero, Mike Marshall, Steve Garvey and Reggie Smith among others helping the Dodgers remain contenders. Garvey especially became a popular ’80s card subject for his All-Star prowess and beefcake physique which occasionally landed him in men’s magazines as well.

The 1990s Dodgers introduced a new generation including power-hitting outfielder Eric Karros who twice led the NL in home runs as well as pitchers Ramon Martinez, Darren Dreifort and Hideo Nomo who brought Japanese phenomenon “Nomo-mania” stateside. Fan favorite Mike Piazza also donned Dodger blue for parts of the decade before his career took off with the Florida Marlins and New York Mets in the late ’90s.

Modern Dodgers standouts have continued to populate baseball card sets into the new millennium. Players including Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and Walker Buehler have carried on the Dodger tradition of excellence on the diamond and in the collecting world through their baseball cards which still bring joy to young and seasoned fans alike. Through its stars and fascinating franchise storylines over more than a century, Dodgers cards remind us why this team’s place in the game’s history is as iconic as any.

MOST VALUABLE DODGERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most iconic franchises in Major League Baseball with a long history dating back to the late 1800s. As one of the oldest teams, there are countless Dodgers collectibles from over a century of the team’s existence. Some stand out far above the rest in terms of rarity and demand – their baseball cards. Here are some of the most valuable Dodgers cards on the market today based on condition, player significance, and scarcity.

Sandy Koufax (1956 Topps #246) – Widely considered the single most valuable Dodgers card, a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade of this iconic Koufax rookie would fetch well over $250,000. Koufax quickly became one of the greatest pitchers ever despite debuting relatively late at age 26 in 1955. His first Topps issue is exceedingly rare in pristine condition due to the fragile early Topps cardboard stock. Even a lower graded example in Excellent-Mint condition could cost a collector upwards of $50,000.

Jackie Robinson (1947 Leaf #79) – As the first African American to break baseball’s color barrier and play in the Major Leagues, Robinson’s debut is hugely important to the sport’s history. The 1947 Leaf set is the only true rookie card for Robinson and remarkably scarce surviving seven decades later. A high-grade example changing hands would command six figures, potentially reaching $250,000 as well for a true Gem Mint specimen in the right auction.

Sandy Koufax (1963 Topps #316) – Koufax’s 1963 season was arguably the single finest by any pitcher ever when he won the Triple Crown by leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. This iconic action photo captures him at the peak of his powers. High-grade versions remain difficult to acquire but can top $50,000 for antrue near-mint copy.

Duke Snider (1953 Topps #107) – As a member of the Dodgers during their peak “Boys of Summer” run, “The Duke” was one of baseball’s first true superstars of the 1950s. His sole Topps issue from his MVP season is recognized as a key Post-WWII vintage card. Gem Mint 10 examples have sold for over $15,000.

Don Drysdale (1956 Topps #282) – The lethal 1-2 pitching combo partner of Sandy Koufax, Drysdale’s rookie card shares the rarity and demand of Koufax’s debut issue from the same set due to the fragile early Topps paper. High-grade versions remain scarce for such an elite player and can fetch $15,000+.

Roy Campanella (1948 Leaf #128) – Like Jackie Robinson, Campanella broke the color barrier in the late 1940s for the Dodgers. His only true rookie card comes from the 1948 Leaf set before Topps began in 1951. Despite some condition issues inherent to the early paper, choice specimens still command north of $10,000.

Gil Hodges (1951 Bowman #55) – A lynchpin of the Dodgers infield for much of the 1950s, Hodges’ sole Bowman issue is a significant early post-war card. He would later manage the “Miracle” 1969 Mets to a World Series title. Pristine copies in Gem Mint condition can bring over $7,500.

Juan Marichal (1960 Topps #154) – Before emerging as a strikeout machine and 260-game winner for the Giants, Marichal spent his rookie season of 1960 with the Dodgers. His lone Dodgers card is extremely rare in high grade and can eclipse $10,000 for a true gem.

Roy Campanella (1953 Topps #74) – Campanella’s iconic photo featuring his catching mask and mitt remain one of the most visually striking early Topps designs. Highly conditioned copies are still challenging to find but can command $5,000+.

Don Sutton (1968 Topps #553) – One of the most decorated and durable pitchers in Dodgers history, Sutton’s early career issue in the ubiquitous 1968 set shows promising. Near-mint to gem specimens hold considerable long term appeal at $2,500+.

While conditions vary, financial returns on vintage Dodgers cards remain strong considering the history, star power, and championships the franchise delivered for decades. As one of baseball’s marquee organizations, its collectibles maintain an avid following. For the true gems featuring the likes of Robinson, Koufax, Snider, and others, values will likely continue an ascent reflecting their importance to the game’s legacy.

1960 LOS ANGELES DODGERS TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1960 Topps baseball card set is most notable for being the first year the cards featured players from the Los Angeles Dodgers after the franchise relocated from Brooklyn following the 1957 season. The Dodgers’ move to LA brought about many changes, including a shift in how players were depicted and marketed on their baseball cards.

The 1960 Topps set contains 520 total cards, including 500 player cards and 20 manager/coach cards. Some of the biggest names on the Dodgers roster at the time included MVPs Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, slugger Duke Snider, third baseman Charlie Neal, and fan favorite Wally Moon. These Dodgers stars received prominent placement in the set, with Koufax and Drysdale each getting their own iconic rookie cards in 1960 as they began to emerge as two of the best pitchers in baseball.

In terms of design, the 1960 Topps cards featured a major change from previous years. Gone were the vertical-style cards of the 1950s, replaced by a horizontal format that highlighted action shots of players over headshots. This allowed for more dynamic photography showing the players in game situations, which made for better marketing of the sport. It was an innovative design choice that would become the standard for baseball cards going forward.

The Dodger cards in particular took advantage of LA’s aesthetics with outdoors photography at locations around Southern California. For example, Koufax’s card featured him mid-windup at the LA Memorial Coliseum, while Moon’s showed him at bat framed by palm trees at Wrigley Field in South Los Angeles. These vibrant background scenes sold viewers on both the players and the sunny locale of Dodgers baseball on the west coast.

On the production side, the 1960 set marked the first year Topps contracted photographers to shoot players rather than using existing action photos. Topps sent photographers like Gene Herskowitz and Art Rust Jr. out to spring training camps and Dodger Stadium to capture fresh images specifically for the card set. This elevated the photography quality compared to prior years when cards often reused stale shots.

In addition to distinctive player photography, the 1960 Topps design also included team logos printed directly on the fronts of each card for the first time. For Dodger cards, this placed the famous interlocking “LA” logo proudly up front as the franchise’s early identity took shape in its new hometown. The team logo addition was a sharp vertical blue bar that framed the left side of each Dodger player photo.

When it came to the Dodger roster featured, the star power was topped by Koufax with his intimidating windup on card #76. He was already developing into an ace but hadn’t quite broken out as the future Hall of Famer he would become. Other top players included Drysdale on #177 with a shot from behind home plate, Snider on #227 launching a home run, and Neal fielding grounders on #287.

Rookies like Willie Davis and Frank Howard also received cards as they got their MLB starts. Fan favorites like Moon on #389, John Roseboro on #412, and Don Zimmer on #463 rounded out the Dodger representation. In total, the Dodgers occupied cards numbered 76-463, encompassing the bulk of the set devoted to a single franchise.

While the iconic 1961 and 1962 Topps sets that followed are usually remembered as the premium vintage Dodgers issues due to including Koufax’s prime years, the 1960 set was still notable for commemorating the franchise’s first season in Los Angeles through innovative horizontal design and flashy location photography. For Dodger fans and baseball card collectors alike, reliving the early LA years remains a treat through viewing these pioneering early cards that helped establish the team’s California brand.

The 1960 Topps baseball card set stands out for commemorating the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles through modernized horizontal design and photography highlighting the team’s new sunny west coast locale. Featuring emerging stars Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale along with Duke Snider and others, the set sold collectors on the excitement of Dodgers baseball on the west coast during the franchise’s early identity-forming years in Southern California.

BASEBALL CARDS 947 DODGERS 1947

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The 1947 season was a significant year for the Brooklyn Dodgers franchise and their fans. After over a decade without a championship, the Dodgers won the 1947 National League pennant behind stellar performances from Jackie Robinson and shortstop Pee Wee Reese. Robinson’s rookie season in 1947 helped break Major League Baseball’s color barrier as he faced intense racism but thrived on the field.

The 1947 Dodgers baseball card set was also groundbreaking as it was the first year that Leaf brand issued cards for every player on each of the 16 MLB teams. Previous years had often featured far fewer than a full roster of cards for each club. The 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers subset contained 33 baseball cards, each numbered from 1 to 33 to represent each player on the team’s 40-man roster.

Some notable Dodgers stars featured included #1 – Jackie Robinson, #5 – Pee Wee Reese, #9 – Dixie Walker, #11 – Eddie Stanky, #15 – Carl Furillo, #21 – Billy Cox, #22 – Joe Hatten, and #26 – Van Lingle Mungo among others. Robinson’s rookie card is widely considered one of the most iconic and culturally significant in the history of the sport. It was among the first to prominently feature an African American player during baseball’s period of segregation.

The 1947 Leaf brand design incorporated a color photo of each Dodgers player in their uniform along with their name, position, batting average from 1946, number of home runs and runs batted in from the prior season. On the reverse side was a paragraph with background information and stats. The cards measured 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches and had a green border and printing on high quality thick paper stock. They remained the standard size for baseball cards throughout the 1950s before gradually increasing in dimensions.

While production numbers for the 1947 Leaf set as a whole ran into the millions, high grade examples of especially the star Dodgers players have become exceedingly rare and valued tremendously over the decades. The Jackie Robinson rookie in near mint to mint condition has traded hands for over $500,000 at auction. Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider rookies have also cracked the $10,000 mark. Other key rookies like Furillo and Cox can fetch thousands in top grades as well due to their significance in Dodgers history.

The 1947 season itself was one of the most impactful and revolutionary the franchise had seen up to that point. In addition to Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier, the Dodgers posted a 96-58 record to capture the National League flag. They went on to lose to the New York Yankees in a seven game World Series, but it marked Brooklyn’s first Fall Classic appearance since 1920. Momentum was building for what would become one of baseball’s most passionate fan bases in the late 1940s and 1950s.

While tobacco companies like Fleer and Topps would come to dominate the baseball card market in later decades, 1947 remained the high water mark for the Leaf brand. They were unable to maintain exclusive licensing deals and production levels to compete long term. Their release of the first true full team set in 1947 that established the iconic size and design template for postwar baseball cards cemented their place in the hobby’s history. The iconic Dodgers players featured have become treasured pieces of collectibles that still ignite nostalgia and fandom over 70 years later.

For serious Dodgers collectors, locating high grade examples from the scarce 1933 Goudey set featuring Babe Herman and Van Lingle Mungo remains the holy grail. But the 1947 Leaf issue serves as both a reminder of the team’s breakthrough season and a marker of the onset of the golden age of baseball cards in the postwar period. Key rookies like Robinson, Reese and Furillo take on even greater significance considering the sociocultural context of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. Their inclusion in the first true complete team set by Leaf was truly ahead of its time and helped usher in baseball card mania among fans young and old. Even three quarters of a century later, the 1947 Dodgers cards retain their power to astonish and inspire a new generation of collectors with their rich history and iconic imagery of one of the most legendary clubs in MLB.

BASEBALL CARDS DODGERS

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The history of baseball cards featuring the Dodgers franchise spans over a century, documenting the many highlights and stars that have played for one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Some of the earliest baseball cards included Dodgers players dating back to the late 1800s when the franchise was known as the Brooklyn Bridegrooms and Brooklyn Grooms. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that baseball cards started becoming widely collected and traded by fans.

One of the earliest and most iconic sets to feature Dodgers players was the 1909-11 T206 tobacco card series. Considered one of the most valuable vintage card sets ever produced, the T206 set included stars like Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie and future Dodgers player Casey Stengel during his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers/Superbas franchise in the early 1910s. Other early Dodgers stars to appear in early 20th century tobacco sets included Zack Wheat, Jake Daubert, and Wilbert Robinson.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the franchise was known as the Brooklyn Dodgers and featured some of the best players in baseball during the Golden Age of baseball cards. Stars like pitcher Dazzy Vance, outfielder Pete Reiser, and Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher all appeared in iconic 1930s sets like Goudey and Play Ball. The post-World War II era saw the rise of stars like Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, and Roy Campanella. These future Hall of Famers all appeared in iconic 1950s sets like Topps and Bowman.

The late 1950s saw the Dodgers relocate to Los Angeles, beginning a new chapter in the franchise’s history now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers. Icons of the 1960s Dodgers like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale began appearing in the first color baseball card issues from Topps during this decade. Koufax’s iconic 1965 rookie card featuring his windup is one of the most coveted cards from this era. Other stars of the 1960s Dodgers to appear in the early Topps issues included Maury Wills, Ron Fairly, and Tommy Davis.

The 1970s saw the Dodgers reach the World Series three times, winning it all in 1981 led by ace pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. Stars of the 1970s Dodgers era like Bill Russell, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, and Steve Garvey all appeared in the early 1970s issues from Topps, the dominant card producer of the era. Fernando Mania exploded in 1981, with Valenzuela’s rookie card from that season among the most iconic Dodgers cards ever produced. Other 1980s Dodgers stars like Pedro Guerrero, Mike Scioscia, and Orel Hershiser also made their card debuts in the 1980s Topps sets during the franchise’s resurgence.

In the 1990s, collectors could find Dodgers stars of the era like Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Brett Butler, and Hideo Nomo in the flagship Topps sets of the decade. Piazza’s rookie card from the 1992 Topps issue is one of the most sought-after Dodgers cards ever. The franchise reached the World Series again in 1988 and 2004 but came up short both times. Into the 2000s and 2010s, collectors could find cards of Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig, and others in the modern issues from Topps, Upper Deck, and other card manufacturers.

Kershaw’s rookie cards from 2008 Topps are highly coveted, as he went on to cement his status as one of the greatest Dodgers pitchers ever. Mookie Betts joined the franchise in a blockbuster 2020 trade and now has several Dodgers cards available from his time with the team so far. The Dodgers have remained one of the most successful franchises in baseball history and their stars have been featured prominently in baseball cards for over 100 years. Collecting vintage and modern Dodgers cards provides a visual history of the legendary players, managers, and teams that have made the Dodgers one of the most storied brands in all of professional sports.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957 DODGERS

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1957 was a pivotal year for the Brooklyn Dodgers franchise. After several years of failing to reach the World Series, the Dodgers brought in Walter Alston to manage and developed a talented young core that would help lead them to multiple championships in the late 50s. Top rookies like Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax emerged onto the scene. Meanwhile, stalwarts like Duke Snider, Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo and Pee Wee Reese were still producing at a high level.

This exciting team was captured for collectors in the 1957 Topps baseball card set. The designs featured colorful team logo designs on a white background. While the photos and production quality had improved since the early 1950s issues, card condition and centering could still be an issue due to mass production techniques of the time. In mint condition though, these are classic cards that represent one of the greatest Dodgers teams.

Let’s take a look at some of the key 1957 Topps Dodgers player cards and examine their current price guide values:

Duke Snider #42: As one of the game’s true five-tool stars, Snider was a fan favorite in Brooklyn. His powerful left-handed swing produced 40+ home runs multiple times. In near mint to mint condition, his ’57 Topps card can fetch $150-250. Higher grades could command over $500.

Gil Hodges #69: The big first baseman was a stalwart run producer for Brooklyn. His smooth, accurate throws from first base were also legendary. In mint condition, his card sells in the $75-150 range. Near mint copies go for $50-100.

Carl Furillo #90: “Skoonj” patrolled right field with grace and consistency for the Dodgers. His throwing arm from the outfield was among the best. In top condition his card sells for $75-150. Near mint brings $50-100.

Don Drysdale #114: One of the game’s most intimidating pitchers got his start as a rookie with Brooklyn in 1957. Even at this early stage, his card demands $100-200 in top grades due to his Hall of Fame career. Near mint sells around $75.

Sandy Koufax #133: Like Drysdale, Koufax broke in as a rookie in ’57 and showed promise with his blazing fastball. His card in top condition fetches $150-300 already due to his legendary status. Near mint copies sell around $100.

Pee Wee Reese #154: The smooth-fielding shortstop and team captain was a fan favorite for his leadership. In mint condition his card sells for $75-150. Near mint brings $50-100.

Roy Campanella #172: Injured in a car accident prior to the ’57 season, “Campy” was still a vital presence for the team. His influence on the African American players who followed him can’t be overstated. Top-graded versions of his card sell for $100-200.

Johnny Podres #185: The young lefty had just begun to blossom as a starter in 1957. He would go on to pitch brilliantly in World Series victories. Even early in his career, his card demands $75-150 in top condition.

Sal Maglie #191: The veteran submariner was a key arm out of the Dodgers bullpen. His deceptive delivery produced big outs. Near mint copies sell around $50-75 depending on sharpness of centering/corners.

In addition to the player cards, there are several noteworthy Dodgers team and manager cards from the 1957 Topps set that hold value:

Brooklyn Dodgers Team #1: As the flagship card of the iconic franchise, this is a key piece for any Dodgers PC. Graded gems can reach $500-1000. Even well-centered near mints sell around $200-400.

Walter Alston Manager #33: Taking over the Dodgers in 1954, Alston helped stabilize the franchise and develop their championship-caliber teams. High-grade versions command $150-300 due to his Hall of Fame career.

Ebbets Field #258: The beloved home of the Dodgers is captured in an aerial photo on this card. It sells in the $75-150 range depending on condition, as it’s a key piece of Dodgers history.

The 1957 Topps set provides a wonderful snapshot of that exciting Dodgers squad. High-grade examples of the stars like Snider, Koufax and Hodges will always be in demand. But even commons like Podres and Maglie hold collector value due to that memorable Brooklyn season. For serious Dodgers collectors, a complete set would be a prized possession. Individual cards provide affordable options to build around favorite players too. Grading enhances values significantly across the board.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most celebrated histories of any franchise in Major League Baseball, dating back to when the team was established in Brooklyn, New York in 1883 as the Brooklyn Atlantics. Not surprisingly, Dodgers baseball cards spanning their time in Brooklyn and Los Angeles capture some truly iconic moments from the sport.

Some of the earliest baseball cards featuring Dodgers players date back to the late 1800s during the T206 era, known as one of the most coveted sets in the history of card collecting. Players like Joe Kelley, Charlie Ebbets, and Nap Rucker are featured on these antique tobacco cards. It wasn’t until the modern era in the 1950s that Dodgers cards really took off in popularity along with the rise of mass-produced cardboard from manufacturers like Topps.

In the early 1950s, Dodgers legends like Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Pee Wee Reese, and Jackie Robinson cracked potent lineups that helped hoist multiple World Series championships in Brooklyn. Their memorable performances were commemorated on now-iconic Topps cards that showcase not just statistics but wonderful black-and-white or color photos of these trailblazing players. Campanella, Robinson, and Newcombe would become the first African American players ever inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and their 1950s cards hold tremendous historical significance.

Of course, no Dodgers cards from this era hold more value than the rare Hank Greenberg rookie card from 1938-1939, one of the most coveted in the hobby due to its incredibly low surviving population. Greenberg only spent one season in Brooklyn before being traded, but his cardboard legacy lives on as one of the finding pieces for any serious Dodgers card collection.

Although it may pain long-time Brooklyn fans, the franchise’s move to Los Angeles for the 1958 season opened up new opportunities for card sets to feature Dodger greats on the west coast like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, and Maury Wills, who led the National League in stolen bases in 1962 with a record-setting 94 swipes. Whether in Brooklyn or LA, 1960s cards of these core Dodgers are cherished by collectors even today.

The 1970s saw the arrival of deep rookie cards for future Dodgers icons like Bill Russell, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, and Steve Garvey that have become linchpins for building solid Collections spanning that decade. Garvey’s mammoth productivity at the plate in the 1974 and 1976 seasons translated to some iconic photographic cards from Topps of the slugging first baseman. At the same time, minor stars like Bobby Valentine, Mickey Hatcher, and Burt Hooton round out sets and remind fans of talented supporting casts from this era in Dodgers history.

A major highlight of 1980s Dodgers cardboard was the rookie explosion for pitchers like Fernando Valenzuela, Jerry Reuss, and Orel Hershiser, who quickly became fan favorites. “Fernandomania” was born in 1981 thanks to the lefty’s electrifying rookie campaign and culturally significant Fleer and Topps RCs that are still highly collectible today. Meanwhile, Hershiser’s dominant 1988 season culminated in a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings and an unforgettable Fleer Update card showing the righty in mid-windup that perfectly captured his commanding form on the mound.

Moving into the 1990s, multi-time All-Stars like Mike Piazza, Eric Karros, Brett Butler, Erik Davis and more appeared regularly in inserts, parallel versions and oddball issues from manufacturers. Piazza’s power surge in the second half of the decade also earned him amazing Topps Traded, Turkey Red and Topps Chrome refractor cards. The decade culminated in a World Series title in 1988 led by powerhouses like Hershiser, Karros, Butler and the rest – an unforgettable championship run immortalized on wood grain World Series cards from Donruss and Upper Deck.

Into the 21st century, Dodgers cards have continued highlighting the talents of Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and the current core with modern parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards in abundance from brands like Topps, Panini and Bowman. Kershaw’s run of ERA titles and playoff dominance in the 2010s alone has spawned collectible RCs, refractors, autographs and memorabilia cards that will stand the test of time. Today’s young stars like Gavin Lux, Dustin May and others look primed to join theDodgers pantheon with strong careers of their own.

Throughout changing eras of baseball cards since the late 1800s, Dodgers players have produced iconic cardboard that captures the rich history of one of MLB’s marquee franchises. From Robinson to Koufax to Seager, Dodger cards offer a chance for collectors of all ages to celebrate the legends who have worn the blue uniform in Brooklyn and LA over generations. The Dodgers franchise archives some of the sport’s most unforgettable personalities and performances – all immortalized in cardboard wonders that continue to delight fans.

BROOKLYN DODGERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Brooklyn Dodgers were one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history during their time playing in Brooklyn, New York from the 1890s until they moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. As one of the earliest professional baseball teams, the Dodgers have an extensive history that is well documented through baseball cards produced over the decades.

Some of the earliest baseball cards featuring Brooklyn Dodgers players date back to the late 1800s during the early days of the franchise and print media. In 1887, the American Tobacco Company began inserting cards into packages of cigarettes featuring baseball players as a promotional item. Several Dodgers players from that era like Dave Foutz and Jack Farrell appeared on these tobacco cards. The cards were quite small and featured simple black and white images with no statistics or biographies.

The modern era of baseball cards truly began in 1909 when the Cincinnati based company American Caramel began inserting larger color cards into caramel and gum packages. That year they produced the famous “T206” series which included stars like Nap Lajoie and Honus Wagner. Several Dodgers of that time period also appeared, such as Wilbert Robinson who managed the team for years. In the 1910s and 1920s, companies like Play Ball and Hassan Printing produced sets that included early Dodgers stars like Zack Wheat, Burleigh Grimes, and Casey Stengel.

In the 1930s, the Goudey Gum Company began producing high quality cards that are still popular with collectors today. Their 1933 set included cards of Dazzy Vance, Leo Durocher, and Roy Campanella when he was just breaking into the majors. In the late 1930s, the National Chicle Company produced sets under the brand name “Diamond Stars” that had cards of pitchers Van Lingle Mungo and Whit Wyatt at the peak of their careers.

The post-World War 2 era saw an explosion in baseball card production, led by the iconic Topps brand that began in 1951. Some of the most valuable and desirable vintage Dodgers cards come from the 1950s when the team featured all-time greats like Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, and Sandy Koufax. The 1952 and 1953 Topps sets are particularly sought after by collectors, showing these players in their prime Brooklyn years. Highlights include the iconic Jackie Robinson rookie card from 1952 Topps, which recently sold for a record price of over $2 million.

Other 1950s brands like Bowman, Red Man, Leaf, and Play Ball also produced sets during this golden era for the Dodgers in Brooklyn. Notable rare variants include the 1952 Bowman color cards of Robinson and Campanella. The franchise’s last season in 1957 before moving to LA was documented well by Topps and other manufacturers, preserving the final Brooklyn-based cards of legends like Gil Hodges and Carl Furillo.

After the move to Los Angeles, Topps continued producing Dodgers cards through the 1950s and 60s as Koufax, Drysdale, Maury Wills, and Tommy Davis led the franchise to success on the west coast. The 1960s also saw the rise of the rival Fleer and Post brands, adding to the choices for collectors. In the 1970s, as stars like Steve Garvey and Ron Cey emerged, Topps faced new competition from rivals like Kellogg’s, Donruss, and the Canadian O-Pee-Chee brand that produced English-French bilingual cards for their home market.

The 1980s saw the Dodgers reach the World Series three times behind pitchers like Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson, who all had popular cards produced during the decade by Topps and Donruss. The 1990s saw stars like Mike Piazza, Eric Karros, and Hideo Nomo featured in the new sets from Upper Deck, Score, and Fleer Ultra that helped boost the modern baseball card boom.

In the 2000s and 2010s, manufacturers like Topps, Bowman, and Panini have continued producing new Dodgers cards, documenting current stars Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and more. Meanwhile, vintage Dodgers cards from the Brooklyn and early Los Angeles eras remain popular with collectors. The historic significance of players like Robinson, Reese, Snider, and Koufax ensure strong demand and increasing value for their classic 1950s cards in particular.

Whether it’s a rare T206 Honus Wagner, a pristine 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson, or a modern Prizm refractor of Mookie Betts, Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers cards represent one of the most storied franchises in baseball history. The visual documentation of over a century of Dodgers players is a big part of what makes collecting their cards so appealing for both casual fans and serious investors alike. As one of the first professional teams, the Dodgers helped drive interest in baseball cards from the beginning, and their historic legacy is preserved through the extensive array of cards produced over the decades.

DODGERS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off another impressive season in 2022 that saw them win 111 games and capture their ninth National League West division title in 10 years. While they fell short of their ultimate goal of winning the World Series, losing in the NLDS to the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers remain one of baseball’s most successful franchises with a talented and star-studded roster. With the 2023 season on the horizon, collectors can look forward to a new crop of Dodgers baseball cards featuring some of the game’s biggest names.

One of the most highly-anticipated Dodgers cards for 2023 will certainly be of outfielder Mookie Betts. The 2018 American League MVP continued his All-Star caliber play in 2022, batting .273 with 32 home runs and 98 runs batted in. An impossible combination of speed, power, and defense, Betts has cemented himself as a true five-tool superstar and the face of the Dodgers franchise since arriving in a trade from Boston prior to the 2020 season. Given his status among the elite players in baseball today, Betts’ rookie cards from Upper Deck, Topps, Panini, and other manufacturers are sure to be some of the most sought-after Dodgers cards on the market next year.

Another generational talent Dodgers fans will be looking for in 2023 sets is shortstop Trea Turner. Acquired in a blockbuster deadline deal with Washington in 2021, Turner has thrived in blue since being reunited with former Nationals teammate Max Scherzer. The lightning-quick 28-year-old hit .298 with 21 homers and 100 RBI for Los Angeles in 2022 and finished third in NL MVP voting, showing no signs of slowing down as he heads into free agency. With question marks surrounding his long-term future in Dodger Blue, Turner’s 2023 cards could take on added significance for collectors if he signs elsewhere in the offseason.

In what may end up being a relatively quiet free agency period for the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is another key name whose future remains uncertain beyond 2022. After missing over two months of the season with injury, the future Hall of Famer returned in time for the postseason and tossed seven stellar innings of one-run ball against the Padres in the NLDS. Now 35, Kershaw will weigh whether to return for a 16th season in Dodger blue or hang up his cleats. His decades of dominance in Los Angeles have made him a legend among fans there and 2023 could feature what collectors hope aren’t his “final cards” if he retires.

While superstars like Betts, Turner, and possibly Kershaw headline the Dodger cards of 2023, fans should also be on the lookout for rising young talent like starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin and All-Star outfielder Chris Taylor. Gonsolin emerged as the Dodgers’ most reliable starter in 2022, going 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA across 25 starts and firmly establishing himself in their rotation for years to come. Meanwhile, Taylor has quietly established himself as one of LA’s steadiest and most versatile players, batting .254 with 12 homers while playing six different positions this past season. With continued strong play, Gonsolin and Taylor rookie cards should gain value among collectors next year.

The Dodgers’ influx of young talent extends beyond just Gonsolin and Taylor as well. Shortstop/third baseman Miguel Vargas turned heads this summer when he was called up from Triple-A and batted .294 in 32 games, showing the ability to be an impact bat for years to come. Meanwhile, outfield prospects James Outman and Andy Pages had breakout seasons in the minors and could debut in LA as early as 2023 if they keep progressing. With their established stars and a talented farm system, the Dodgers cards of 2023 offer appeal for both present and future investments for collectors young and old.

Looking back at their franchise history, the Dodgers have featured some true legends over the decades whose vintage cards remain highly coveted collector’s items as well. Legendary players like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Fernando Valenzuela, Eric Karros, Orel Hershiser, Kirk Gibson, and plenty more dot the franchise’s deeply rich history. For collectors looking to grow an investment collection featuring Dodger icons of the past, 2023 could be a great opportunity to chase RCs or vintage gems from the catalogs of Topps, Fleer, Donruss, and others depicting LA stars of yesteryear. With the nostalgia appeal of the Dodgers’ storied past combined with an exciting present and future under Andrew Friedman’s guidance, their baseball cards will surely be a hot commodity for years to come.

All in all, 2023 shapes up to be another exciting year for Dodgers baseball card collectors with questions surrounding free agents like Turner and Kershaw paired with the continued emergence of young offensive and pitching talent taking shape on the field in Chavez Ravine. As one of the game’s marquee franchises with a championship-caliber roster, the Dodgers always attract appeal among collectors both locally in LA as well as nationally. Whether chasing stars of today or relics from the team’s storied history, Dodger fans and investors alike will have plenty to scrutinize as the 2023 card season gets underway.