Tag Archives: five

DOES FIVE BELOW HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Five Below is a popular discount retail store that is known for offering a wide variety of products that are all priced at $5 or less. While their merchandise features items from many different categories including toys, games, electronics, candy, home décor and more, they do also carry some trading cards and collectibles, including baseball cards.

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collecting pastime for generations. Produced by major card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and others, new baseball card releases come out each year to commemorate the newest MLB seasons and showcase the top players. As baseball fandom continues to grow, so does the demand for these affordable trading cards. This is why many discount and variety stores have started stocking baseball and other sport cards on their shelves.

Five Below recognizes that baseball cards are a fun product that fits within their business model of only offering items priced at $5 or lower. They carry an assortment of reasonably priced cardboard packs, boxes, and other products featuring the latest MLB stars. Shoppers will typically find multiple current-year series represented, like Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, Stadium Club, Topps Heritage, and Topps Gallery. Five Below receives regular shipments to keep their baseball card selection fresh and up-to-date with the current season.

Some of the standard baseball card items carried by Five Below include:

Topps Series 1 Hanger Packs – Contains 16-18 random Series 1 cards in a colorful plastic hanger. Prices around $3-4.

Stadium Club Fat Packs – Includes 10-12 cards along with extras like a static cling sticker sheet. Around $4.

Topps Chrome Hobby Boxes – Box contains 10-12 packs with 4 cards per pack featuring Topps Chrome parallels and refractors. Priced at $5.

Topps Heritage Mini Boxes – Comes with 5 packs of the Heritage design-inspired set. Approx. $5.

Team Bag Packs – Smaller resealable bags holding 10-12 assorted cards of a specific MLB team. About $2-3.

Value Boxes – Bigger boxes combining 50-100 random cards plus extras. Usually $5.

While the selection may not be as extensive as a dedicated card shop or hobby store, Five Below aims to offer a wide cross-section of current releases to attract casual collectors and those just starting out. Shoppers will appreciate the affordable prices and convenient one-stop shopping for other items along with some baseball cards.

As an ever-growing retail chain now boasting over 1,000 store locations across the United States, Five Below strives to offer products suitable for people of all ages. Their merchandising strategy incorporates trading cards, collectibles and other popular items that customer demographics have shown an interest in. By including some baseball cards among their offerings, Five Below fulfills the demand from both MLB fans and people seeking impulse buys or stocking stuffer gifts under $5. Their low price point makes collecting cards highly accessible and encourages discovery of new enjoying hobbies.

Therefore, in summary – yes, Five Below does stock baseball cards among their product mix. While the selection may be limited compared to specialty shops, visitors can expect to find an revolving assortment of reasonably priced current-year packs, boxes and assortments from manufacturers such as Topps, Panini and more. Five Below’s significant store presence and $5 and under business approach help make collecting baseball cards simple and affordable for many budget-conscious customers. Their combination of cards, candy, gadgets and other items provides a unique one-stop shopping experience appropriate for all ages.

DOES FIVE BELOW SELL BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Yes, Five Below does sell baseball cards at their retail stores. Five Below is a chain of discount stores primarily located across the United States that offers a wide variety of products that are all priced at $5 or less. While their product assortment consists largely of toys, games, candy, electronics, and other gift items targeted towards teenagers and young adults, they do carry a selection of sports and hobby merchandise as well, including baseball cards.

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades, especially among young baseball fans. Five Below recognizes that baseball cards appeal to both children and adults who enjoy collecting, trading, and staying engaged with their favorite MLB players and teams. By stocking baseball cards priced accessibly at $5 or less per pack, Five Below is able to tap into this market of casual and avid baseball card collectors. Their stores give customers a convenient local retail option for purchasing new baseball card packs and boxes without having to go to a specialized hobby shop or card store.

Five Below aims to have a rotating selection of the most popular and in-demand baseball card products from the top licensing brands. Common brands of baseball cards found at Five Below include Topps, Bowman, Donruss, Panini, Leaf, and Stadium Club. Customers will typically find both trading card packs as well as complete set boxes available from the current and previous season’s Major League Baseball license. For example, in 2022 customers could purchase 2022 Topps Series 1 packs or 2021 Topps Update box at Five Below stores. During the baseball off-season, they may focus more on offerings from the previous year.

While the selection varies slightly by store location and time of year, customers can generally expect to find a wide range at Five Below including:

Baseball trading card packs containing approximately 8-12 cards priced around $1-3 per pack

Boxes containing 30-50 trading card packs for around $5

Premium box sets containing insert cards, memorabilia cards, autographs for $5

Vintage and retro reprint sets from the 1980s-2000s for $5 per pack

Collectors boxes of 100-250 card complete team or player sets for $5

Five Below aims to carry the most in-demand rookie cards, star players, parallels, and inserts within these products at an accessible price point. Having a place to purchase these current baseball cards helps fuel the collecting hobby for kids and adults on a budget.

Since space is limited within their small-box retail format, Five Below needs to balance stocking baseball cards with other popular toys, games, media, and merchandise. As such, their selection may not be as vast or specialized as a local card shop. For the casual collector looking for the latest packs, boxes, or sets from the major brands at a great value price, Five Below is a reliable retail chains to check regularly. Their product is also consistently well-organized and stored securely behind the checkout counters.

Five Below’s baseball card offerings are also perfect for last-minute gifts for the young baseball fan or player in someone’s life. Need a $5 or under present for a birthday party? A pack or two of cards from their favorite team would make for an inexpensive indulgence. Holidays also see Five Below promote “baseball card gift packs” containing an assortment of packs, stickers, and other small team items ideally priced for stocking stuffers.

While their selection may not satisfy every collecting need, Five Below is a mainstream retailer helping further grow interest in the baseball card hobby by making recent product accessible at everyday low prices. Casual collectors,gift-givers, and kids saving their allowance will continue finding value in checking their local Five Below locations for the latest baseball cards drops. With product regularly changing out, it rewards repeat stop for the chance at discovering something new to add to your collections. Five Below’s model of $5 and under pricing ensures the baseball card category remains an affordable indulgence for fans of all ages.

Yes Five Below stores across the United States do reliably stock baseball cards among their product assortments aimed towards teenagers and young adults. While selections may vary slightly by location, customers can typically find the most popular packs, boxes, and sets from Topps, Bowman, Donruss and more brands priced accessibly for $5 or less. Five Below helps fuel interest in the baseball card hobby through making recent licensing more discoverable and affordable to casual collectors of all budgets.

FIVE STAR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been collected for over a century and are a beloved hobby for people of all ages. While there are millions of cards in circulation, some stand out as truly exceptional and coveted. These are known as “five star” cards – the rarest of the rare that receive the highest possible grades. Securing even one five star card is a huge accomplishment, as they are exceedingly difficult to find in pristine condition.

The standard grading scale for baseball cards tops out at a Gem Mint 10, as rated on a 1-10 scale by the three major authenticators – PSA, BGS, and SGC. Within the realm of PSA 10 cards, the cream further rises to the top. Only the most flawless specimens, with perfect centering, corners, edges and surfaces will be awarded the prestigious black label designation of “Gem Mint Pristine.” These transcendent treasures are considered the pinnacle of the hobby.

One such incomparable rarity is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Produced over a century ago for the American Tobacco Company, it is widely regarded as the most valuable trading card in existence. The story of how this simple promotional piece became an iconic collectible is itself legendary. Only 50-200 examples are believed to have been printed, making each one that survives today hugely significant. In 2021, a T206 Wagner rated PSA NM-MT 8 sold at auction for a record $6.6 million, showing its enduring star power.

Another early issue card that is the stuff of collectors’ dreams is the 1913 Baltimore News Babe Ruth. Issued just before Ruth’s debut in 1914, it captures him as a promising but unknown minor leaguer. Fewer than 10 are known to exist in all grades. In January 2022, a PSA EX 5 example crossed the auction block for an astounding $2.88 million. Like the Wagner, the rarity and historic context elevate the Ruth to the zenith of the hobby.

Modern star cards can also ascend to the five star summit with perfect preservation. The most expensive post-war rookie card is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. Graded PSA GEM MT 10, one sold in 2021 for $5.2 million. The 1952 Bowman Color Mantle, considered the premier vintage Mantle card, reached $4.2 million in a PSA 8.5 grade. Even decades after issue, pristine examples of these iconic rookies break records.

The 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. is another rookie sensation that has stood the test of time. With its innovative design and Griffey’s emerging superstardom, it became a must-have for collectors. A PSA 10 recently went for $720,000, proving this 30-year-old card continues to captivate. Other 1990s stars like the 1992 Leaf Frank Thomas rookie (PSA 10 at $480,000) and 1997 Bowman Chrome Derek Jeter (PSA 10 at $396,000) have achieved five star cachet as well.

While modern issues don’t carry the same history or scarcity as their predecessors, immaculate preservation can still elevate them to rarified air. The 2009 Bowman Draft Patrick Puckett auto PSA 10 made $264,000. The 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie auto BGS 9.5 hit $900,000 in 2022. And the record-breaking 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Superfractor Mike Trout auto – the holy grail of the set – reached $3.93 million as a PSA 10. Condition is truly king for enthralled collectors.

Whether a century old tobacco card or freshly pulled from packs, the allure of five star baseball rarities lies in their flawlessness and the stories behind the players depicted. With so few attaining perfect grades, each one stands alone as a singular work of art treasured by aficionados worldwide. While financial value fluctuates, their cultural significance and staying power ensures these gems will always have prominent display in the highest echelons of the card collecting world.

NINETEEN EIGHTY FIVE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1985 Topps Baseball Card set was a transitional year for the premier baseball card brand. Topps produced several popular and iconic sets in the late 1970s and early 1980s that featured memorable rookie cards and aesthetic designs. Production costs were rising and sports memorabilia was becoming big business. The 1985 set would see Topps make changes aimed at reducing costs while maintaining fan interest in the cards.

The set includes 792 total cards and was printed on a thicker, higher quality paper stock compared to previous years. The cards featured individual player photos on a white background with the team logo and player information formatted similarly to 1984 Topps. Variations included ’84 Topps-style action shot parallel cards and sepia-toned ‘Traded’ cards for players who changed teams. While not terribly creative from a design perspective, the classic Topps visual style remained intact.

Notable rookie cards in the ’85 set included Bret Saberhagen, Mark McGwire, Tony Fernandez, and Albert Belle. None would have the cultural impact of the 1984 Kirby Puckett or 1987 Griffey Jr. cards in terms of aesthetics, rarity, and the players’ future Hall of Fame careers. Still, these players helped shape baseball in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The biggest changes for 1985 Topps regarded photo sourcing and copyright. Faced with rising photography licensing fees, Topps made the unprecedented move of using team-submitted photos instead of hiring their own photographer for every team. While technically legal, some see it as the beginning of Topps’ eroding commitment to creative, high-quality card design standards. It also marked the first time the copyright was attributed directly to the MLBPA instead of Topps.

Topps further trimmed production costs by replacing the “Diamond Kings” premium insert cards of past years with a simpler team logo parallel variation called “Glossy All-Stars.” While well-received by collectors at the time due to their rarity compared to the base cards, they lacked the visual wow-factor of premium inserts from the early 1980s.

The reduced photo budget is also evident in the set’s action shot selection. Many cards featured relatively generic batting or throwing poses compared to the more dynamic action photos of decade’s start. Meanwhile, the lack of a dedicated photographer resulted in inconsistent photo quality across the set—a marked departure from Topps’ previous high standards.

Distribution of 1985 Topps was originally in the familiar green wax packs of 3 cards but later in the pink wax “factory sets” containing 102 randomly assorted cards. These pink wax boxes forever changed the primary method of distribution in the hobby away from loose wax packs. While more consumer friendly, some argue it diminished the fun of the trading card chase.

When released in 1985, the entire issued set retailed from $1.49 for a pack of 3 to $19.95 for a 102-card factory set. In todays inflated sports memorabilia market, a complete set in Near Mint condition can fetch over $1,000 while a BGS/PSA Gem Mint 10 graded rookie card of certain star players can sell for thousands more.

The 1985 Topps Baseball Card set represented a transitional period as costs cut into design quality and standard photo production. It maintained the essential Topps visual formula that made the brand an institution. Landmark rookie cards of McGwire, Saberhagen and others also gave the set long-term collector interest. While not the most creatively executed set of the time, it highlighted Topps’ struggle between maintaining creative standards and financial viability amid an evolving memorabilia industry landscape. While not an iconic design year, 1985 Topps remains an important bridge between the early vintage era and modern baseball card production methods still used today.

TOP TWENTY FIVE FRANK THOMAS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Frank Thomas was one of the most prolific and powerful hitters in Major League Baseball during his 19 year career spent primarily with the Chicago White Sox. Known affectionately as “The Big Hurt”, Thomas smashed 521 career home runs and had a career batting average of .301 over 2,468 games played. His formidable hitting ability and durability at the plate have made his baseball cards some of the most sought after and valuable from the late 1980s through the late 1990s. Here is a breakdown of what are generally considered the top 25 Frank Thomas baseball cards based on their condition, scarcity, and historical significance:

1992 Fleer Ultra #366 – Thomas’ breakout 1991 season where he slugged .559 with 34 home runs and 109 RBI earned him a prestigious spot in the 1992 Fleer Ultra set. While not exceedingly rare, it marked an early opportunity for collectors to obtain a Thomas rookie card after his All-Star campaign. Graded mint examples in the PSA 8-10 range still trade around $30-50.

1994 Donruss #327 – The 1994 Donruss set had a printed run of only 150,000 packs, making inserts and parallels from that year in high demand. Thomas’ primary issue card remains attainable but parallels like the “Diamond Kings” parallel /50 or “Cooperstown Collection” /25 parallels fetch $100-250 graded.

1990 Bowman #497 – As a rookie in 1990, Thomas took baseball by storm with his prodigious power. His rookie Bowman card remains one of the more affordable from that decade at $40-70 graded. Signed versions bring $300-500 though scarcity has increased demand in recent years.

1995 Collector’s Choice Gold Signature #15 – This elegantly designed patch card parallels Thomas’ mammoth 1995 AL MVP season. With an ultra-low printed run estimated under 100copies, a PSA 10 now trades for $2,000-3,000 out of just a handful in existence.

1992 Fleer #366 – Considered the true Thomas rookie card, this issue debuted him on the checklist after his breakout 1991 campaign. Common but iconic, it remains a staple in collections valued near $20-30 graded. Authentic signed copies can fetch over $500.

1996 Studio #69 – Part of the highly regarded 1996 Studio set, this card featured terrific photography of Thomas in action. High grades PSA 9-10 command $100-200 as it was during one of his peak statistical seasons.

1997 Leaf Limited #50 – From the short printed Leaf Limited set c/999, this parallel featured a sepia-toned photo. High grade examples near mint pull in excess of $300 due to its ultra-rarity and commemorating Thomas’ back-to-back MVP awards.

1997 SP Authentic #95 – Featuring a sharp action shot, this popular insert set brandished authentic swatches of game worn memorabilia. Thomas’ patch card remains highly coveted at $400-600 graded near mint.

1992 Pinnacle #326 – Considered one of the sharpest traded from the early ’90s, this vertical issue commemorated Thomas breaking out in 1991. Higher grades above a PSA 8 hold appreciable $150-300 value long term for such an iconic card.

1994 Leaf Limited Gold #50 – Another parallel pulled from the scarce 1994 Leaf set c/50 copies, this super short print gold version honors Thomas’ awesome 1994 season. Just a handful are known to exist. A PSA 10 specimen would likely sell north of $5,000 if offered publicly.

1995 Upper Deck #269 – High quality photography and printing made the 1995 Upper Deck checklist prized by collectors. Thomas’ primary issue in pristine condition brings $150-300 depending on market conditions. Signed versions can reach up to $1,000 for authenticated copies.

1995 Stadium Club #79 – Part of the premium Stadium Club brand, this unique vertical design highlighted Thomas setting a new standard with his 1995 MVP season. Higher PSA 9-10 grades trade between $200-400 due to the set’s excellence.

1988 Donruss Best #4 – One of Thomas’ earliest rookie year issues was from the scarce 1988 Donruss Best set which contained fewer than 75 total cards. An unopened factory set sold for over $7,000 in recent years, showing high demand for anything related to his pre-rookie accomplishments.

1990 Topps Traded #T68 – Issued midway through Thomas’ rookie campaign after dominating the minors in 1989, this traded release previewed his breakout 1991. PSA 10 examples crack four figures due to the card’s timing capturing the onset of his legend.

1993 Finest #315 – Regarded as one of the finest produced sets of the decade, the premium 1993 Finest branding highlighted Thomas as one of baseball’s elite. Higher graded copies PSA 9-10 command $300-500 long term.

1994 Select #63 – Produced as a high-end competitor to Finest and Studio, Select became known for cutting-edge technology like holograms and embossing. Thomas’ issue there reflects the technological revolution and inclusion in such an exclusive brand.

1990 Bowman #497 – Considered the true Thomas rookie card after also being in Donruss’ 1989 set, his appearance here debuted him on the national scene after destroying minor league pitching. Two decades later, PSA 10 mint examples sell for over $800 untrained due to the card’s historic significance.

1992 Leaf Best #109 – An earlier parallel to the 1992 Leaf Limited set, this one contained 100 cards and was much rarer than other mainstream checklists. Higher grades PSA 8-10 sell for $500-1,000 long term making it a premium collectible tied to Thomas’ 1991 breakout year.

1997 SPx Autographs #100 – An incredibly rare pulled patch autograph sticker card distributed at about one per case of SPx. Considering the elusiveness of any autograph from this brand and late 90s superstar, a PSA/DNA authenticated one would likely fetch over $10,000 today if ever offered on the slabs marketplace.

2000 Topps Chrome Refractors #149 /399 – Produced during Thomas’ final season before retirement, these Chrome parallel refractors captured him in pinstripes for the White Sox one last time. Low numbered examples under /100 sell for $2,000-4,000 reflecting his lasting legend and the parallel’s scarcity.

1994 Score #750 Super Cub – Inserted roughly one per case of Score packs, this short printed parallel pictures Thomas’ childhood fandom of the Chicago Cubs before starring for the crosstown White Sox. Only a few dozen are known to exist, with a PSA 10 breaking six figures if offered publicly.

1994 Upper Deck SP #162 – Extremely rare inserted parallel from Upper Deck’s flagship set with an estimated printed run under 100 copies total. Capturing Thomas in all his glory during a peak season, a high grade example could easily surpass $10,000 in today’s hot memorabilia market.

1990 Bowman #497 – Considered his true rookie card after minors appearances only in other sets from the prior season like Donruss. In pristine PSA 10 condition with a sharp centered image, examples have sold for up to $15,000 in recent monster auctions reflecting its extreme importance to the hobby.

1993 Finest Gold Refractor #315 /150 – One of the rarest pulled parallel refractor cards ever produced, estimated at fewer than 50 copies known. As a parallel of one of the most renowned baseball sets combined with depicting the game’s premier slugger, there is no price high enough mentioned for the handful that could become available.

1997 Topps #1 – Featured as the very first card in the premium 1997 Topps checklist, this issue captured Thomas after winning back-to-back MVP awards and Major League home run titles. In pristine condition with perfect centering, a true gem mint PSA 10 specimen might be the single most valuable Thomas card in existence at over $20,000 raw.

In summary, Frank Thomas’ historic 19 year career producing at an MVP level for nearly two full decades has created a deep well of desirable baseball cards from the late 1980s until his retirement after the 2008 season. While common issues can still be had affordably, high grade specimens of his iconic Bowman rookie, early parallels, and ultra-rare insert cards continue rising rapidly as one of the most coveted collections in the hobby. Thomas’ prodigious power and longevity as one of baseball’s true “Iron Men” assures his legendary cards will retain their prominence for generations of collectors to enjoy.

FIVE BELOW BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Five Below is a discount retail store that primarily sells products for $5 or less, known for their wide selection of toys, games, candy, electronics, and more. In recent years, Five Below has expanded their offerings to include sports collectibles like baseball cards, providing budget-friendly options for collectors of all ages and experience levels.

Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, allowing fans to own pieces of their favorite players, teams, and moments from the game’s history. The hobby has often been seen as expensive, with valuable vintage cards or special premium card releases priced out of reach for many. Five Below aims to make baseball cards more accessible and affordable for casual collectors on a tight budget.

Their baseball card selection varies but typically includes a few different newly released premium sets alongside value packs of older cards from the 2000s and 1990s. Some examples of what can be found include 2002 Donruss packs, 1999 Fleer Tradition packs, 2021 Topps Series 2 hanger boxes, and 2021 Topps Big League value packs. Occasionally exclusive Five Below exclusive assortments are produced as well.

While Five Below cards won’t yield rare Griffey rookie cards or $100 autos, they provide an inexpensive entry point and fun surprise factor that many new collectors enjoy. Opening packs is half the fun, even if the odds of landing star hits are lower than pricier wax. With packs usually costing $1-3 each, it allows fans to rip multiple packs and build sets more reasonably.

The variety found also exposes collectors to different card designs, player photos, uniform variations, and team logos spanning several decades of baseball history. Even common cards from past eras can be interesting to look through, helping educate new fans on players from before their time. Organization and storage is half the fun, whether showing off completed sets or arranging cards in traditional binder pages.

Perhaps the best value can come from Five Below’s occasional discounted assortments. Previous examples include a 50-card value pack of 2010 Topps baseball cards for $3, or 150 Topps series 1 and 2 commons from 2018-2020 for $5 total. Deals like this provide an abundance of cards to meaningfully build sets, player collections, or fuel trade fodder for just pocket change.

Of course, the secondary market value of Five Below cards will be quite low compared to mint graded gems. For collection purposes instead of investment, they represent a low-stakes way for budget collectors to participate. Kids especially can enjoy ripping packs and assembling complete rosters without fears of damaging expensive cards. It fosters a love of the card collecting hobby without heavy financial commitment.

While retailers hope impulse buys lead to higher-priced future purchases, Five Below’s selection remains honest about the product quality offered compared to premium memorabilia. For those wanting to try collecting on a tight budget or give the gift of packs to young baseball fans, their baseball cards hit the right inexpensive sweet spot. Multi-packs provide social fun for family outings too, whether trying to build sets cooperatively or competing to gather favorites players.

Overall, Five Below has intelligently cornered a niche within the wider baseball card market. Their frequent assortments keep the browsing experience fresh for collectors, whether dropping in occasionally or perusing new releases each trip. Whether the goal is fun cards for kids or affordable ways for adults to quietly feed their collection habit, Five Below serves it up for five bucks and under. As baseball card collecting continues growing more mainstream and accessible for all, their selection should remain an inexpensive introduction many enjoy.