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1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set was one of the most popular and highly collected issues from the late 80s and early 90s. Featuring designs on the cutting edge of technology at the time with colorful action shots of players on a glossy high quality stock, these cards captured the excitement of the game and its biggest stars. With the rise of the hobby in the late 80s, the 1990 Fleer set was one of the most coveted among collectors and remains a classic to this day for those who enjoyed the sport during that era.

While the 1991 Topps and Donruss sets garner most of the attention from that time period, the 1990 Fleer issue deserves its place among the all-time greatest due to memorable photography, inclusion of legendary talent, and significance within the marketplace. Containing 660 cards in the base set along with various inserts like Traded cards and manager/coach cards, the 1990 Fleer offering had something for everyone and recorded a special moment in the careers of many all-time great players.

Some of the most notable names featured in the 1990 Fleer set included Ken Griffey Jr, Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, Roberto Alomar, Kirby Puckett, and Barry Bonds. Each of their rookie or early career cards have become highly valuable items to collectors today. Other stars of the day like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Tom Glavine, and Joe Carter also had memorable Fleer cards from 1990. The photographic styling truly captured these athletes at the peak of their abilities through crisp action images.

While the base 1990 Fleer cards had great photography and subject matter, the true holy grails for collectors are examples that have achieved high grades from professional grading services like PSA. Cards that come back PSA 10 Gem Mint or even PSA 9’s command huge premiums in today’s market. The 1990 Ken Griffey Jr PSA 10 rookie is one of the most valuable modern sportscards in existence today, often fetching well into the six figure range at auction. Other notable big money cards include the Nolan Ryan PSA 10, Roberto Alomar PSA 10 rookie, and Kirby Puckett PSA 10.

There are few sets outside the most iconic vintage issues that maintain such consistency with high grade examples still emerging decades later. Many factors contribute to this, but the durable stock and quality control of the 1990 Fleer production has allowed Gems to survive. Of course, sheer popularity and demand for stars of that era like Griffey ensure top graded examples remain highly sought. But it’s a testament to the set that ungraded mint copies can also net similar prices to other historic releases.

When it comes to sending cards to PSA for grading, the 1990 Fleer issue is among the most submitted modern sets. This is a result of both the desirable athletes featured and the financial upside of a pristine grade. Even everyday commons or lesser stars can gain value jumping from PSA 8 to 9 or 9.5. And the thrill of a black label PSA 10 knocks some collectors’ lists. Navigating the market is not without risks of overgrading or press variations, but consignments to the leading authorities seems prudent.

The 1990 Fleer baseball card set has endured as a true classic not only for its subject matter but the quality and condition that high grade examples still emerge in after three decades. Featuring legendary talents like Griffey, Ryan, and Alomar, it was a snapshot in time of the sports world at that moment. Exceptional PSA 10 specimens will always be blue-chip investments, but the set as a whole remains a staple of the vintage collecting movement. Those who enjoy the nostalgia of the late 80s/early 90s era in baseball are sure to appreciate this memorable Fleer issue.

1986 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1986 Fleer baseball card set was the third officially licensed release from Fleer following their acquisition of the MLBPA license in 1981. The 1986 checklist marked some notable firsts and last for the Fleer brand. It contained the final cards issued for legends like Nolan Ryan and Carl Yastrzemski who retired after the 1986 season. It was also the set that included the debut Fleer cards of future hall of famers like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux in their rookie seasons.

The 1986 Fleer set totaled 399 cards and had several parallels including an error subset focusing on players with misspelled names. The design featured a photo of the player on a white background in front of a colored banner containing their name and team. Statistics from the previous season were included on the reverse. Notable rookies in the set beyond the future stars mentioned included Will Clark, Sandy Alomar Jr., and David Cone.

Checklist and Notes:

1-25 – Pitchers (John Candelaria #1, Nolan Ryan #25 in his final issued card)

26-50 – Catchers (Gary Carter #27, Alan Trammell #41 played some catcher in 1986)

51-75 – First Basemen (Keith Hernandez #52, Don Mattingly #56)

76-100 – Second Basemen (Ryne Sandberg #78, Lou Whitaker #94)

101-125 – Third Basemen (Mike Schmidt #103, Wade Boggs #105)

126-150 – Shortstops (Cal Ripken Jr. #129, Ozzie Smith #132)

151-175 – Left Fielders (Tim Raines #151, Steve Kemp #172)

176-200 – Center Fielders (Dale Murphy #178, Robin Yount #188)

201-225 – Right Fielders (Larry Parrish #201, Dwight Evans #208)

226-250 – Designated Hitters (Dave Parker #226, Don Baylor #234)

251-275 – Managers/Coaches

276-300 – American League (Rookies/Prospects) – Included Barry Bonds #277 RC, Wally Joyner #278

301-325 – National League (Rookies/Prospects) – Included Mark McGwire #301 RC, Andy Van Slyke #302

326-350 – American League (Veteran Basebalers) – Included Rickey Henderson #327, George Brett #336

351-375 – National League (Veteran Basebalers) – Included Mike Schmidt #351, Jack Clark #367

376-399 – Error/Update/Special Subset – Included misspelled name variations like Strawberry→Strawbree, McGee→McGee

The 1986 Fleer design was both classic in its simplicity but also somewhat plain compared to the flashier Topps and Donruss sets that year. The photos showed the players in a more casual pose versus action shots. Still, the checklist featured many all-time greats and younger stars so demand has remained strong over the decades. Several of the rookie cards like Bonds and McGwire have become extremely valuable in high grades. Other key rookie gems include Sandy Alomar Jr., David Cone, and Will Clark.

For collectors of the era and players who retired after 1986, this was one of the final Fleer sets to feature legends like Nolan Ryan and Carl Yastrzemski. The backwards stats also provide an easy reference point to see numbers from 1984-1985. Condition is always key when collecting vintage Fleer which tended to have thinner/weaker cardboard stock versus rivals. In higher grades, 1986 Fleer remains a staple of collections and an important transitional set that marked both endings and exciting new beginnings for the players featured on the checklist.

While somewhat forgettable design-wise compared to flashier ’80s offerings, the 1986 Fleer baseball card set holds relevance due to iconic rookie cards, legends in their last year, and historical context of being Fleer’s third MLB license. Demand has proven steady for the complete set and especially key rookie gems which in top grades can rival or exceed similarly graded rookie cards from flagship Topps and Donruss sets of the period.

1981 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS OF VALUE

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The 1981 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most important sets in the hobby. While it lacks true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, there are a handful of cards that retain significant collector value 40 years later. The set is most noteworthy for introducing licensedMajor League Baseball players after Topps had enjoyed an exclusive license for over a decade.

Issued as the sole offering from Fleer that year in waxy packs of 10 cards each, the 1981 set includes 330 cards featuring players from both the American and National Leagues. The designs are simple yet elegant, showing each player in full color against a white background. Text is kept to a minimum with just the player’s name, team, and position included. While production techniques at the time did not allow for photo variations, the clean and uncluttered look has stood the test of time.

Several factors contribute to certain 1981 Fleer cards retaining high values. First and foremost is the star power and legendary status of the players featured. Iconic performers with long and accomplished careers will always be in high demand. Another aspect is how early in their careers the players are, with rookie and early career portrayals generating collector excitement. Beyond that, scarcity whether from low original print runs or damage over the decades also plays a major role.

With that context in mind, here are some of the most valuable 1981 Fleer Baseball cards to be on the lookout for:

Nolan Ryan (#306): As one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history with over 5,000 career strikeouts, Ryan’s cards are always prized. His 5th year Fleer is highly sought after in top grades where it can sell for over $2,000.

Robin Yount (#41): The future Hall of Famer’s 5th year card shows him as an up-and-coming star for the Brewers. High grade versions fetch $1,000+.

Fernando Valenzuela (#313): El Toro’s rookie card caught the baseball world by storm in 1981 as the Dodgers’ phenom took the NL by storm. A PSA 10 could sell for $3,000 due to his popularity and the card’s scarcity in pristine condition after 40 years.

Ozzie Smith (#269): Still considered one of the finest defensive shortstops ever, The Wizard’s sophomore Fleer is valued near $1,000 for top quality copies.

Steve Carlton (#99): Already a star but in the midst of his best seasons, Lefty’s card is highly collectible in the $400-500 range.

Dave Kingman (#210): Big Ding Dong’s prodigious home run power made him a fan favorite that still resonates today. High grades can get $300-400.

Rich Gossage (#282): As one of the most intimidating closers in MLB history, Goose’s first Fleer has value at $200-300 depending on condition.

George Brett (#145): Already a consistent star but before his peak years, top examples of Brett’s rookie Fleer will sell for $300-350.

Gary Carter (#143): The Expos’ catcher was rising to stardom and his card endures in value at $150-250 for top condition versions.

Bob Horner (#178): Considered one of the best pure hitting prospects ever, Horner’s rookie card is prized at $150-200 despite his career being cut short by injuries.

While far from the most valuable set ever issued, collectibles from the pioneering 1981 Fleer Baseball release maintain interest due to the talent, history, and design aesthetics involved. For avid collectors, finding higher grade examples of the cards profiled can make for worthwhile long-term investments. After 40 years the set continues gaining admirers for its impressive debut during a transitional period in the industry.

2000 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2000 Fleer baseball card set marks one of the final years that Fleer competed with Topps for the baseball card licensing rights. While not the most iconic or valuable set in history, the 2000 Fleer cards offer collectors a glimpse at the stars of that era at an affordable price point compared to older vintage sets. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key aspects that determine the value of cards from this 2000 Fleer baseball release.

The 2000 Fleer baseball set contains 330 total cards including inserts. Some of the biggest star rookies and prospects that year included Dan Haren, Russ Ortiz, Freddy Garcia, and Francisco Cordero. The base rookie cards of these players in mint condition can usually fetch between $3-10 depending on the player. Hall of Fame talents like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz anchor the star veteran selection in the set. Their base cards are fairly common and only hold value graded in pristine mint condition, where they may reach $10-20.

When it comes to the short printed and scarcer parallel and insert cards, that is where collectors will find cards with meaningful long term value potential from the 2000 Fleer set. Key short prints and parallels include the gold foil parallel cards numbered to only 99 copies. Star player gold parallels like Barry Bonds and Pedro Martinez can bring $30-50 in top grades. The XRC “eXtra Readable Color” parallel inserts featuring additional photos are also quite scarce, with top stars fetching $15-25.

The true blue chip cards in 2000 Fleer that hold serious long term appreciation are the autograph and memorabilia rookie cards. Rare find rookie autographs of Dan Haren and Francisco Cordero can reach $100-250 in top condition. Even rarer is Haren’s autographed memorabilia patch card, which has sold for over $500 for the coveted on-card triple relic swatch auto. Fellow rookie Freddy Garcia also has a scarce autographed patch card that typically brings $150-300. The true crown jewel is often considered to be Russ Ortiz’s autographed jersey card serial numbered to only 25 copies. High grades of this ultra-short print have been known to command prices up to $1,000.

While not considered one of the all-time finest and most valuable card sets, 2000 Fleer does provide dedicated collectors some affordable blast from the past nostalgia as well as valuable chase cards for the diehards willing to roll the dice on condition sensitive rookie autographs and serial numbered cards. Compared to the monopoly Topps has held for decades now, it’s also a nice way to appreciate one of the final sets from Fleer before they lost the MLB license. Overall prices and values are fairly budget friendly compared to vintage, making 2000 Fleer a worthwhile target set for both new and experienced collectors alike. Two decades later it provides a unique snapshot of the sport at the turn of the century.

Condition is king when it comes to determining the true value of any given 2000 Fleer baseball card. While the rookies, stars and parallels may only yield $5-20 in raw form, pristine mint or gem certified versions could multiply that price several times over. The certified autographed rookie patches and memorabilia cards offer the best long term blue chip potential, but they remain exceedingly rare. With patience and diligence, a keen collector may uncover a hidden gem. Overall the 2000 Fleer set provides a fun and affordable portal into the past, while a few keys cards still create buzz and intrigue for investors decades later.

1989 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was the last Fleer set released before Upper Deck launched and disrupted the baseball card industry the following year. After over a decade of producing sets alongside Topps, Fleer’s dominance was coming to an end. The 1989 set remains a fun relic from the “junk wax” era that saw unprecedented production levels.

The set contains 792 total cards including 24 rookie cards and runs the gamut from stars to seldom-heard-of prospects. Some of the top rookies included Gregg Olson, Derek Bell, David West, and Gregg Jefferies. The design features large colorful photos on a white background with team logos at the top. Simple yet effective for its time, it encapsulates the no-frills aesthetic of late 80s/early 90s Fleer sets.

In terms of value for the average card in the set, most commons and even most stars can be acquired for under $1 in near mint condition. There are a handful of standouts that command much higher prices. Let’s take a look at some of the top 1989 Fleer cards and their respective value:

Ken Griffey Jr. RC – Perhaps the most beloved and valuable card from the whole junk wax era. Even as one of the most printed cards ever, Griffey’s rookie commands big bucks due to his iconic status. Near mint copies routinely sell for $100-200. Higher grades can reach well into the thousands.

Frank Thomas RC – While not quite as beloved as Junior, Thomas was also a true superstar and his rookie is very popular. Near mint copies sell in the $30-50 range with Gem Mint bringing over $100.

Gregg Maddux – One of the best pitchers ever who racked up over 300 wins. His base card isn’t too pricey at $5-10 but higher grades can hit $20-30.

Rickey Henderson – Another true legend and one of the most exciting players of all time. Rickey’s base ‘89 Fleer card sells for $10-15 near mint.

Nolan Ryan – Even at the end of his illustrious career, King Nolan’s cards hold value due to his iconic status. His base ‘89 Fleer sells for $5-10 near mint.

Barry Bonds – A rookie appearing very early in his record-setting career. Near mint copies trade hands for $10-15 currently.

Roberto Alomar RC – One of the finest second basemen ever who could also hit. His RC has found a home in the $15-25 range near mint.

Jeff Bagwell RC – Bagwell may be overshadowed by the superstars around him but he was truly elite in his own right. His RC hover around $15-25 in a PSA 8 or Beckett graded near mint.

Dennis Eckersley – One of the best closers ever now sporting an A’s cap after years with the Red Sox & Cubs. ‘Eck’ commands $5-10 in near mint.

Will Clark – The one-time Giant and perennial All-Star slugger’s 1989 base card sells for $5-10.

Beyond the stars, there are dozens of cards in the set that offer value for specialists or team collectors. Autograph cards have also become popular targets for authentication and grading which can exponentially increase prices. While not as valuable as some other flagship sets, 1989 Fleer remains a budget-friendly vintage release with some true star power still holding on to relevance over 30 years later. For fans of the era or team-specific pc’s, it’s a fun relic to rediscover.

While immense production has suppressed overall values compared to modern releases – some true superstars and key rookies from the 1989 Fleer set can still deliver returns for savvy collectors. Condition is critical, with high end NM-MT+ or true gem mint copies commanding the best prices. But overall it remains a nostalgic and budget-friendly set to build or flip, without breaking the bank to acquire the majority of the base roster.

1995 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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1995 Fleer Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1995 Fleer baseball card set is a significant release that baseball card collectors look to for historic rookie cards and star players from the mid-1990s. First issued in 1995, the set contains 528 total cards with photograph fronts and player stats on the backs. Some key things to know about 1995 Fleer include:

Rookie Cards:

Derek Jeter (RC #166) – One of the most valuable modern rookie cards. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $300,000. Even lower grade copies still fetch thousands.

Mike Piazza (RC #410) – An elite slugging catcher who redefined the position. His rookie is highly sought after and PSA 10s sell for 4 figures.

Randy Johnson (RC #331) – “The Big Unit” was already dominating before this rookie year but it captures his early excellence. Mid-grade copies sell for $100+.

Nomar Garciaparra (RC #404) – The future Boston star had all the tools. His rookie remains fairly pricey in high grades at $200-300 range.

Chipper Jones (RC #288) – The future Hall of Famer’s market has grown steadily. Most copies sell for $50-100 depending on condition.

Star Players:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – “The Kid” was a fan favorite superstar already. Higher grade versions fetch $50-100.

Barry Bonds (#38) – The future Home Run King was in his Pittsburgh prime. $25-50 range.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#85) – Mr. Consistency and Iron Man were hallmarks even then. $15-30 typical price.

Greg Maddux (#193) – Already an ace but before Atlanta dominance. $10-20 for most copies.

Pedro Martinez (#265) – Before he reinvented himself, his rookie season. $15-30 depending on grade.

John Smoltz (#326) – Rookie card of the ace/closer. $10-20 for average condition.

Standout Team Sets:

Atlanta Braves (#386-#418) – Captures 1995 World Series champs. Chipper, Maddux valuable.

Cleveland Indians (#419-#452) – Strong set led by Albert Belle (#423) in his prime.

New York Yankees (#453-#485) – Featuring Bernie Williams, Jeter, Rivera in mid-90s dynasty.

Baltimore Orioles (#251-#285) – Complete with future Hall of Famer Ripken and Brady Anderson.

Condition is Key:

Like most older sets, condition determines 95 Fleer prices greatly. Even star rookie cards may only fetch $5-10 in poor shape but jump significantly in high grades. Gem Mint PSA 10 or Beckett Gem Mint 10 copies often sell for 10x raw Near Mint versions. Top grades also qualify for premium auction pricing.

Investment Potential:

While the mid-90s boom has passed, 95 Fleer still holds value as one of the final “traditional” Fleer designs before visual changes. Flagship rookie cards like Jeter and Piazza in top condition will likely continue appreciating over the long run as those players near Cooperstown. Lesser stars and team sets provide affordable collecting and holdsteady resale potential too. Overall it remains one of the most complete and compelling Fleer basketball releases.

The 1995 Fleer baseball card set encapsulates the mid-1990s MLB landscape with affordable stars, valuable rookies, and team sets that excite collectors both casual and invested. Condition is paramount, but there are affordable options across all player tiers that make it a classic in the basketball card lore. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, 1995 Fleer is a mainstay of any vintage collection.

1994 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1994 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic and valuable issues from the early-to-mid 1990s. With iconic rookies like Mariano Rivera and Nomar Garciaparra featured, as well as superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. still in their primes, there is a strong nostalgia factor associated with this set that drives collector demand and values. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the standout cards and valuation trends for the entire 1994 Fleer set.

Released in 1994 as the competition to Topps’ long-dominant monopoly, Fleer featured photo variations and a quality control that boosted its appeal despite being a smaller brand at the time. The set consists of 792 total cards including base cards, parallels, and inserts. Of these, some of the most valuable rookie and star player cards continue to be widely sought after and traded in the hobby.

Chief among these is the Mariano Rivera rookie card, card #579 in the set. As perhaps the greatest closer of all time, Rivera’s rookie is the true jackpot card of the 1994 Fleer issue. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for $4,000+ online. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8-9 condition can reach $1,000. This remains one of the most important Yankees/postseason performer cards ever issued.

Another standout rookie is Nomar Garciaparra’s card #450. The shortstop emerged as the Rookie of the Year and batting title winner in 1997. High-grade PSA 10 copies are valued around $1,000-1,500 while PSA 9s go for $500-800. Despite injuries cutting his career short, Nomar mania was huge in the late 1990s and this card captures his early promise and excellence.

Ken Griffey Jr.’s card #189 is always in high demand as well. Even in 1994 “The Kid” was one of the game’s biggest stars and most talented players. PSA 10 Junior Griffeys can achieve $800-1,000. PSA 9s are valued around $400-600 level. Not as iconic or rare as his Upper Deck rookie, but still a must-have for any Griffey PC.

Other notable star cards that routinely exceed $100 PSA 10 or raw include Frank Thomas #123, Greg Maddux #347, Jeff Bagwell #303, Edgar Martinez #385, Craig Biggio #211, and Fred McGriff #521. Virtually any hall of famer or perennial All-Star from the 1990s featured is going to hold value.

condition plays a big role in 1994 Fleer valuation. Complete PSA 10 sets have sold for $12,000-15,000. Even raw near-complete sets in Excellent-Mint condition range $2,000-5,000 depending on included parallels and chase cards present. PSA 9 examples of key rookies and stars still pull $100-300 individually.

But you don’t need the true gems to find value. Many common stars and solid veterans can still be acquired for $10-20 in PSA 8 or lower graded condition. And raw copies in played but complete shape are often just pennies on these prices. So there’s collecting opportunities regardless of budget.

Overall the 1994 Fleer baseball set remains a vibrant and popular issue nearly 30 years later. With no reprint issues to diminish scarcity, strong artistic design, and capturing a pivotal transition period in the sport, values hold up quite well compared to some other 1990s Fleer/Upper Deck releases. Mariano, Nomar, Griffey, and others ensure its legacy as one of the most iconic modern card sets, with plenty of long-term upside remaining for savvy collectors, investors, and fans of 1990s baseball cards today.

1987 FLEER AWARD WINNERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer Award Winners set featured cards highlighting some of baseball’s top individual award winners from the 1986 season. It was the second such set released by Fleer following the successful 1986 Award Winners issue. Like the previous year’s set, the 1987 version contained cards for winners of the Cy Young Award, MVP Award, and Rookie of the Year Award from both the American and National Leagues.

A total of 12 cards made up the 1987 Fleer Award Winners set. Each featured a colorful design displaying the award logo and text highlighting the player’s award-winning accomplishments from 1986. For the first time, Fleer included separate cards for both the American and National League Cy Young winners instead of just one card for both. This increased the set from 8 cards in 1986 to the full 12 cards in 1987.

The set led off with cards for the 1986 AL and NL Cy Young Award winners – Angels pitcher Mike Witt and Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Witt went 24-11 with a 2.84 ERA for the Angels in 1986 to capture his first Cy Young. Gooden, meanwhile, followed up his Rookie of the Year season in 1984 with an impressive 24-4 record and career-best 1.53 ERA to earn his second Cy Young at just 22 years old.

Next up were the 1986 AL and NL MVP winners – Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice and Mets first baseman Gary Carter. Rice hit .324 with 39 home runs and a league-leading 145 RBIs, leading the Red Sox to the AL East title in his final season. Carter hit .295 with 25 home runs and a career-high 105 RBIs from the leadoff spot to help power the Mets’ rotation-led charge to a World Series championship.

The 1987 set then featured cards for the 1986 AL and NL Rookie of the Year winners – Angels first baseman Wally Joyner and Dodgers outfielder Tim Raines. Joyner batted .252 with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs in his rookie campaign for the Angels. Raines stole 70 bases and scored 108 runs to capture the NL honors at age 29 after finally getting regular playing time in Los Angeles.

Completing the 1987 Fleer Award Winners checklist were cards for the recipients of MLB’s major annual awards – the AL and NL Comeback Players of the Year, the Sporting News Player of the Year, and the Babe Ruth Award winner for postseason performance. The 1986 recipients were Tigers pitcher Walt Terrell (AL), Cubs third baseman Ron Cey (NL), Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens (Player of the Year), and Mets pitcher Ron Darling (Babe Ruth Award).

The 1987 Fleer Award Winners set featured a star-studded collection of the game’s biggest individual award recipients and performances from the previous season. The colorful artwork and informative front text highlighted each player’s achievement. For collectors, it provided a unique annual set beyond the standard rookie and regular issue card releases of the time. While not particularly rare, 1987 Fleer Award Winners cards remain widely popular among both vintage baseball card and individual player collectors. The set has endured as one of the premium annual issues produced during the baseball card boom of the 1980s.

The 1987 Fleer Award Winners set showed the expansion of the concept pioneered in 1986 to feature cards for a full dozen of baseball’s major annual award recipients. Featuring the likes of Mike Witt, Dwight Gooden, Jim Rice and Gary Carter, it commemorated the sport’s top individual performances of the 1986 season in colorful, informative card form. The set became an established annual tradition during the golden age of baseball cards in the late 1980s.

1982 FLEER BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1982 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. The design and photography chosen by Fleer made this a true landmark release that took card collecting to new heights. While it was Fleer’s third baseball card offering, the 1982 set showed the upstart company truly finding its footing and standing out in a market previously dominated by Topps.

With its sharp black borders, vivid colors and action portraits, the 1982 Fleer set delivered a fresh new look that drew in legions of new collectors. Gone were the static poses of years past, replaced instead by dramatic action shots that put the players right in the middle of the game. Photography was also of a higher quality, capturing the players and their uniforms with remarkable clarity and realism. The cards seemed to leap off the rack in your hands, truly transporting you onto the field.

Of course, the biggest innovation was Fleer’s licensing deal that landed them the first third-party MLB rights in decades. This meant they could use active players under contract rather than the nameless “ball players” that usually filled out rival sets. Having stars like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson on cards brought a legitimacy and authenticity that skyrocketed Fleer to new popularity.

The sheer star power in the set is impressive. Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron were still active in 1982 and each received very memorable cards. George Brett and Robin Yount were also in the middle of their Hall of Fame careers. But phenoms like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden also had some of their earliest cards in this set as rookies. Even role players received amazing portraits that made otherwise forgettable names memorable.

Condition is key when evaluating 1982 Fleers, as the thin cardboard stock was prone to chipping, creasing or fading over the years. Low-numbered commons can still be found in high grades, but stars are extremely elusive intact. A PSA 10 Schmidt is worth thousands alone due to rarity. Even well-worn examples still command big prices due to nostalgia and star power. The design has simply aged very well.

Of course, no discussion of 1982 Fleer is complete without mentioning the rookie card of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. While not the most valuable by itself, it occupies a hallowed place in the hobby as one of the iconic “first” cards of a legendary player. Even well-played copies can fetch over $100 due to nostalgia. Ripken went on to have one of the most decorated careers in baseball history and is still revered in Baltimore.

Errors also make appearances that excite collectors. The biggest is a short-printed Nolan Ryan card where his name is spelled incorrectly as “Nolan Ryon.” Only a handful are known to exist and single examples have sold for upwards of $50,000 in gem mint condition. There is also a Cal Ripken card missing the Fleer logo that is similarly rare and valuable.

In the end, the 1982 Fleer set was a true landmark not just for the company but for the entire baseball card industry. Previously stodgy cardboard finds took on new life through visually dazzling photography and licensing of current major leaguers. Fleer pulled far ahead of the competition and became a juggernaut until production issues marred later 80s releases. For collectors, it’s among the most recognizable and collectible vintage sets ever made due to its iconic look and star power. Over 30 years later, the cards are still breathtaking to behold.

1985 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1985 Fleer baseball card set was the third issued by the Fleer Corporation after they entered the baseball card market in 1981. Some key things to know about the 1985 Fleer set include:

The set contains 524 total cards and was split into two series, with Series 1 containing 258 cards numbered 1-258 and Series 2 containing 266 cards numbered 259-525. Like the two previous Fleer sets from 1981 and 1982, the cards featured vertical card designs as opposed to the more traditional horizontal design used by Topps at the time. The cards measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

In terms of design, the cards featured a colored team logo at the top along with the team name. Below this was a color photo of the player along with their rookie cup logo if applicable. At the bottom was the player’s name, position, batting and throwing hand along with their career stats up to that point. The backs featured career stats and a short bio for each player.

One of the notable aspects of the 1985 Fleer set was the inclusion of “Traded” cards, which showed players wearing the uniforms of teams they had been traded to after the regular season but before the start of the 1985 season. 21 such traded cards featured players like Dave Righetti, Shane Rawley, and Bob Bailor wearing their new uniforms. This was something new for Fleer sets at the time.

In addition to MLB players, the set also included 18 rookie cards as well as 13 manager/coach cards including managers Dick Williams, Whitey Herzog, and Gene Mauch among others. The manager/coach cards were the final such subset included in a Fleer baseball set.

Autograph cards were also included for the first time in the 1985 Fleer set, with 5 autographed cards scattered throughout series 1 and 2 featuring the signatures of Steve Carlton, Don Baylor, Tim Raines, Glenn Hubbard, and Kirk Gibson. These were the first and only autographed cards issued by Fleer for baseball.

Among the notable rookie cards included were Kirby Puckett’s first card, which ranks as one of the most valuable rookie cards ever. Others include Dwight Gooden, Jesse Barfield, and Chris Sabo. The Tim Raines card from the 1985 Fleer set also holds historical significance as the first card to picture Raines as a member of the Montreal Expos.

In terms of production, it’s estimated that around 80 million packs were printed containing cards from the 1985 Fleer set. Production and distribution issues led to many areas not receiving shipments of Series 2, making many of those cards much harder to find in gem mint condition than their Series 1 counterparts.

One of the biggest stories around the 1985 Fleer set involved a licensing dispute with the MLB Players Association that saw them pull licensing rights starting with the 1986 season. As a result, the 1985 Fleer set stands out as one of the most significant produced during Fleer’s original run producing baseball cards during the 1980s/early 1990s.

In the years since, the 1985 Fleer set has developed a strong cult following among collectors. Key rookie cards like Puckett and Gooden have grown exponentially in value, with upper graded versions of those cards selling for tens of thousands of dollars. The inclusion of autographed and traded cards also adds to the historical interest in the set. Today it remains highly regarded among collectors as an important bridge from the early Fleer days to the explosion of the baseball card hobby in the late 1980s.