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DOES FRED MEYER SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Yes, Fred Meyer does sell baseball cards at many of their store locations across the western United States. Fred Meyer is a large regional department store and supermarket chain owned by Kroger. While their main focus is on grocery, home goods, clothing, and general merchandise, they do carry a limited selection of trading cards, including baseball cards.

Baseball cards can be found in the toy aisles at most Fred Meyer stores. The selection tends to be smaller than what you might find at a dedicated card shop or sports card store, but they do maintain a revolving stock of new baseball card products. Common brands they carry include Topps, Upper Deck, Panini, Donruss, Leaf, and Bowman. The vintage selection is usually very limited if they have any at all, as Fred Meyer focuses more on moving recently released products.

For the 2021 baseball season, Fred Meyer had stock of the current year’s Topps flagship baseball card products like Series 1, Series 2, Allen & Ginter, Stadium Club, and Topps Chrome. They also carried some of the non-Topps options like Donruss Optic, Leaf Metal Draft, and Panini Prizm. The stores received shipments of these products around their on-sale dates to stay as up-to-date as possible given their general retail focus. Their stock levels do tend to fluctuate based on consumer demand in each local area.

In addition to loose packs and boxes of the main baseball card releases, some Fred Meyer locations will also have baseball cards available in other forms. You may find specialty blasters, tins, or other miniature collections of cards targeted towards younger collectors. Every few months they refresh these seasonal or holiday baseball card assortments as well. Stores that have a larger toy section are more likely to stock these supplementary baseball card products.

The price points on baseball cards sold at Fred Meyer aim to be accessible for casual collectors on any budget. Loose packs are usually found for standard retail values between $3-5 depending on the brand and product line. Boxes offer better overall value but start at around $20-30. Many stores will also put older stock on clearance periodically to make room for new shipments coming in. This can be a good way to find slightly discounted card items if you don’t need the latest releases.

As a general merchandise retailer rather than a sport card specialty shop, the level of customer service support for baseball cards at Fred Meyer is relatively light. Employees in the toy departments may have some familiarity to answer basic questions, but don’t expect in-depth knowledge or grading assistance that you would get at a dedicated card shop. Stock is also replenished less frequently than at smaller hobby shops that are card-focused.

For a quick or convenient baseball card purchase when combining other errands, Fred Meyer offers the advantage of one-stop shopping. Their presence in many grocery-anchored shopping centers makes it easy to peruse new packs alongside essentials like food and supplies. The ability to use Fred Meyer Rewards coupons and fuel points on card purchases provides additional savings potential as well. But serious collectors still rely more on the expertise available at local card shops for their core collecting needs.

While Fred Meyer can’t compete with specialized sports card retailers in terms of selection depth or customer service, their stores do maintain a rotating assortment of mainstream baseball card products for casual fans. Being a mainstream retailer, prices are reasonable and it’s a handy option when other errands are involved. But the overall baseball card offerings are geared more towards impulse purchases alongside other items rather than core collecting. As long as expectations are managed accordingly, Fred Meyer satisfies the occasional baseball card buyer.

FRED MEYER BASEBALL CARDS

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Fred Meyer was a prominent Portland, Oregon-based supermarket chain that issued baseball cards in their stores from 1952 through 1961 as a baseball card promotion. The cards were inserted randomly into cereal boxes, gum packs, and candy bars sold at Fred Meyer stores. While not as prolific or popular as Topps or Bowman baseball cards of the era, the Fred Meyer baseball card sets are still sought after today by collectors due to their scarcity and regional significance.

The first Fred Meyer baseball card set was issued in 1952 and contained 48 player cards featuring stars from the American and National Leagues of that season. Some notable inclusions in the 1952 set were Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Warren Spahn, and Roy Campanella. The cards had black-and-white player photos on the front with basic career stats like batting average and home runs on the reverse. The cards did not feature any team logos or insignia, instead just featuring the player’s name and a “Fred Meyer” banner at the bottom of each card.

From 1953 to 1956, Fred Meyer issued 24-card sets each year containing updated stats and photos from that season’s top players. The 1953 set included rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Al Kaline. An unannounced color test set was apparently issued in a very small quantity in 1955 as some examples have surfaced containing color photos on duller cardstock than the standard black-and-white Fred Meyer cards of the era. The 1956 set is considered the most common of the early yearly issues.

In 1957, Fred Meyer took its baseball card promotion to another level by issuing a substantially larger 96-card set. This expanded offering allowed the company to feature additional star players and rookies alongside lesser known major leaguers. Some of the notable “firsts” in the 1957 Fred Meyer set included the first cards featuring future all-time hits leader Pete Rose as well as Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench as a rookie. Color was still not used on the fronts of the 1957 cards but a colorized team logo did appear on the backs for the first time.

The 96-card format continued through 1959 and cards began featuring colorful team insignia on both the fronts and backs. Several rookie cards of future stars like Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Luis Aparicio, and Early Wynn’s only card appeared in these medium-sized sets from Fred Meyer. Overall production remained limited regionally to the Pacific Northwest so many of these cards are quite scarce to this day.

In 1960, Fred Meyer embraced the expanding baseball card market by issuing its only large 132-card set to date. This helped capture more comprehensive coverage of that season’s players. Notable rookies included future 500 home run club members Mike Schmidt and Reggie Jackson. Select cards also featured player autographs signed via contest mail-ins further adding to the excitement of the Fred Meyer promotion. After a short run of only a year at the expanded size, the 1960 132-card issue marks the end of Fred Meyer’s golden era of baseball cards.

The 1961 Fred Meyer set reverted back to a smaller 68-card run that stuck mostly to star players and notable rookies like Tom Seaver rather than having broader representation. This would ultimately be the last baseball card set sold exclusively through Fred Meyer supermarkets. Throughout the 1940s-1960s, Fred Meyer gained a prominent foothold in the Pacific Northwest grocery industry but was surpassed nationally by larger chains.

While Fred Meyer continued to sell sport cards as a side business through the 1970s and ’80s, they no longer produced original baseball card sets of their own. Those produced between 1952-1961 have developed a strong cult following among regional collectors and sets can now fetch high prices when complete, especially for their early issues and key rookie cards of stars. Though never Topps-level releases, the Fred Meyer cards still hold significance as a unique part of baseball card history that spotlighted stars of the time specifically for fans in the Pacific Northwest supermarket aisles.

FRED LYNN BASEBALL CARDS

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Fred Lynn burst onto the MLB scene with the Boston Red Sox in 1974. Lynn had an incredible rookie season, winning the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year awards while helping lead the Red Sox to the World Series. Lynn’s stellar rookie year made his baseball cards highly coveted items for collectors at the time and in the decades since. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Fred Lynn’s most notable baseball cards from his playing career in the 1970s and 80s.

1974 Topps Fred Lynn Rookie Card #549: Lynn’s rookie card from his record-setting 1974 season is one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the 1970s. The design shows Lynn in a batting stance sporting his classic Red Sox uniform. What makes this card so desirable is Lynn’s rookie status combined with his AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards from 1974. In high grade, PSA 10condition, Lynn’s 1974 Topps rookie has sold for over $50,000 in recent years. Even graded PSA 8 copies can fetch thousands. This was the card that first captured Lynn’s stardom for collectors.

1975 Topps Fred Lynn #245: Following up his rookie success, Lynn’s 1975 Topps card again depicts him in his batting stance for the Red Sox. This was during Lynn’s second full season in Boston where he batted .295 with 21 home runs and 102 runs batted in. In PSA 10 condition, examples have sold for over $10,000 showing Lynn’s enduring popularity even after his rookie year hype. The 1975 Topps design remains a classic for many collectors too.

1976 Topps Fred Lynn #398: Fred Lynn’s performance dipped a bit in 1976 as injuries limited him to 89 games. But he was still an All-Star for the Red Sox this year. His ’76 Topps card captures him rounding third base after a home run. High grade copies in PSA 10 can now sell for around $4,000. This remains an iconic mid-70s issue that many collectors aim to add to their Lynn collection.

1977 Topps Traded Fred Lynn #T97: After the 1976 season, Lynn was traded from the Red Sox to the California Angels. This sparked the release of his first Traded card in the 1977 Topps set. The card depicts Lynn rounding the bases with his new Angels uniform. In PSA 10 condition, examples have sold for over $3,000 showing strong demand for Lynn’s first year with his new club.

1978 Topps Fred Lynn #448: Settling in with the Angels, Lynn enjoyed another fine season in 1977 where he batted .286 with 17 home runs while helping his new team to the playoffs. His ’78 Topps issue captured his first full year on the West Coast wearing an Angels uniform and batting helmet. Higher graded versions in PSA 10 condition reach over $2,000 in price.

1979 Topps Fred Lynn #549: Lynn’s play declined a bit in 1978 with a drop in batting average and home runs. His ’79 Topps card portrays him crouched in the batting cage, still a key part of the Angels outfield. Higher graded PSA 10 copies can sell for around $1,200-1,500 now with collectors valuing Lynn’s late 1970s Angels tenure.

1980 Topps Fred Lynn #487: After nine seasons with Boston and California, Lynn was surprisingly traded back to the Red Sox in 1980. This card from his return to Boston portrays him signing autographs in a classic old school Stadium scene. Higher graded PSA 10 examples reach $1,000 due to Lynn reprising his star role with the Red Sox franchise.

1982 Donruss Fred Lynn #97: Lynn enjoyed a resurgent season with the Red Sox in 1981 batting .289 with 21 home runs and 101 RBI while making the All-Star team. His ’82 Donruss issue depicted him swinging amid this career renaissance Back in Boston. Higher quality PSA 10 copies can sell for around $800-900 on the vintage market now.

1983 Topps Traded Fred Lynn #T69: After the 1982 season, Lynn was surprisingly dealt to the Baltimore Orioles. This sparked a new Traded issue in the 1983 Topps set showing Lynn clad in his new O’s uniform. Even graded PSA 10 examples can sell for $500-700 thanks to Lynn’s continuing hopscotch around MLB in the early 1980s.

1984 Topps Fred Lynn #420: Lynn’s lone season in Baltimore was disappointing with a drop in stats. But his ’84 Topps issue from that year still attracts attention from collectors. It depicted him in an Orioles batting stance. Higher graded PSA 10s reach $400-500 given Lynn’s history and this marking his seventh MLB club.

1986 Topps Fred Lynn #690: Lynn played his final MLB season split between the California Angels and Chicago White Sox in 1985. His final mainstream baseball card appeared in the 1986 Topps set looking back at his playing days. Even graded PSA 10 copies can sell for $300-400, capping off Lynn’s vintage card collecting journey.

In summary, Fred Lynn’s MLB career saw him play for six teams over twelve seasons from 1974 to 1985. But it was his rookie season success with the Red Sox in 1974 that made him a superstar and captured the collecting imagination. His rookie card remains one of the most iconic and valuable from the 1970s era. Throughout the rest of the 1970s and early 80s, Lynn hopped between the Red Sox, Angels, and other teams generating new vintage cards at each stop. Even lesser known issues like his Baltimore Orioles cards retain value as Lynn memorabilia for collectors. He left an indelible mark on the baseball card hobby during the 1970s and 1980s.

FRED MCGRIFF BASEBALL CARDS

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Fred McGriff, nicknamed “Crime Dog”, had a long and distinguished MLB career spanning 19 seasons from 1986-2004. The powerful left-handed slugger amassed 493 home runs and 1927 RBIs while playing for several teams, most notably the Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves. McGriff’s consistent offense and reliability made him a fan favorite throughout his career. Not surprisingly, he has many valuable and sought after baseball cards that are prized by collectors to this day.

One of McGriff’s earliest and most notable rookie cards is his 1986 Topps card (#613). That rookie season he split time between the Yankees and Blue Jays organizations. The 1986 Topps set featured McGriff sporting his Yankees uniform even though he did not appear in a single game for them that year. Despite not debuting in the majors until 1987 with the Blue Jays, the 1986 Topps card is still considered his true rookie card since it was from his first year in Topps’s set. In high graded Gem Mint condition, McGriff’s 1986 Topps rookie fetches upwards of $150 due to its scarcity and significance as documenting his rookie status in cardboard form.

Once McGriff emerged as an impact player for the Blue Jays in 1987-92, his cards from that Toronto era gained prominence. His flagship 1987-1992 Topps cards are evocative of McGriff in his prime and were pulled from packs by thousands of collectors at the time. Of those, the 1987 and ’88 Topps issues stand out because they were McGriff’s first true documenting his MLB career stats and skills. The ’87 sells for around $20-30 graded while the ’88 has regained value in the $40-50 range for top condition copies. His 1989 Topps Traded and 1990 Topps Traded variants that showed McGriff in an opposing team’s uniform also entertain higher prices than base issues.

When McGriff was traded to the Padres in 1992, it shifted the coverage of his success to another fanbase. The ensuing 1992-93 Padres cards remain affordable starting pieces for McGriff collectors, typically $5-10 each. But it was his 1993 season in San Diego, hitting .278 with 36 home runs and 106 RBI, which made that year’s cardboard particularly collectible. Both the 1993 Upper Deck (#375) and Topps (#519) highlights McGriff’s offensive breakout and have steadily increased to $15-25 in top condition over the decades.

McGriff signing with the Braves as a free agent in 1994 sparked the best years of his career and made Atlanta the primary sponsor of his baseball cards for several subsequent series. Collectors cherish McGriff’s decade-defining 1994-95 Fleer Ultra Refractors (#256, #301), showcasing impressive 3D photo technology of the time. PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 versions can bring in $125-150 given their rarity and condition sensitivity. Meanwhile, McGriff’s regular issue 1994 Topps (#443), 1995 Leaf (#285), and 1995 Fleer (#497) cards gained prestige tracking his All-Star and Silver Slugger seasons with the Braves, staying in the $10-20 range.

As McGriff aged but continued raking home runs for Atlanta into the late 1990s, the inserts and parallels telling that second chapter gained their own intrigue. Highlights include the 1995 Ultra Gold Medallion parallel (#256G), 1996 SP Authentic Bat Kings Autographs parallel, 1998 Ultra Gold Medallion Refractors parallel, 1999 Fleer Tradition Gold Medallions parallel, and 2000 Topps Gold Medallion parallel. These short print variations showcase McGriff in splendid color or with on-card autographs. Grading has preserved the best specimens at $50-150 each depending on the exact issue and condition.

Fred McGriff concluded his career with the Devil Rays in 2001-02, rounding out collectors’ team sets from that Tampa Bay period. But it was with the Braves where he cemented his legacy, so cards like his 1998 Topps (#626) and 2000 Topps (#667) finest moments remained best loved for depicting Crime Dog in his dominant Atlanta form. In the years since McGriff retired, appreciation for his cardboard keeps growing as fans and collectors commemorate one of baseball’s most consistent power hitters. With 493 lifetime home runs across 19 durable seasons, Fred McGriff’s cards continue delivering nostalgia and value focused on one of baseball’s great sluggers.

In summary, Fred McGriff racked up impressive baseball statistics over nearly two decades in the major leagues. As a result, his baseball cards spanning the late 1980s through early 2000s track the key chapters of his storied career. From rookie gems to award-winning parallels, McGriff cards elicit nostalgia for fans and offer tangible collectibles documenting one of baseball’s steadiest sluggers. Whether affordably obtainable commons or high-grade treasures, Crime Dog’s cardboard reliably brings back fond memories of his solid contributions to the game.

FRED MCGRIFF TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Fred McGriff had a prolific 19-year baseball career playing for several Major League teams from 1986-2004. As one of the game’s most consistent sluggers of his era, McGriff’s talents were frequently showcased on Topps baseball cards during the height of his career in the late 1980s through the 1990s. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of McGriff’s most notable Topps cards and examine how they reflected his accomplishments on the field at that time.

McGriff’s rookie season was in 1986 with the New York Mets, so his first Topps card came in the 1987 set. Sporting the Mets’ classic blue and orange uniform on the front, McGriff’s bio highlighted his huge power potential after hitting 29 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 1986. Though he only hit .252 in limited playing time as a Met that season, collectors could see McGriff was on the verge of stardom. This served as an important rookie card that has grown in value over the years as McGriff cemented his Hall of Fame calibre career.

In 1989, McGriff emerged as one of baseball’s elite first basemen. That breakthrough season with the Toronto Blue Jays was showcased on his ’89 Topps card, where McGriff was sporting Toronto’s teal uniforms. Highlighted stats included his league-leading 36 home runs and connecting for 11 homers in August alone. McGriff also drove in 101 runs while hitting .270 that year. This established him as a true power threat at the plate and increased demand for his cards.

McGriff had one of his finest seasons in 1990 when he led the American League in home runs (33) and RBI (106). His 1990 Topps card again prominently featured his Toronto uniform and provided career stats through three seasons that underscored McGriff’s consistent bat. Collectors saw McGriff as an offensive force who was a formidable opponent for any pitcher. His marketability through promotional cards from companies like Donruss and Fleer also increased during this peak performance era.

After the 1990 season, McGriff was traded to the San Diego Padres. His 1991 Topps card marked his first appearance in a Padres uniform, which featured their classic colors of navy blue and orange. Career stats on the card highlighted McGriff’s prodigious power with 99 career home runs at that point. Though he only hit 23 homers for San Diego that season, collectors saw McGriff as a veteran slugger who could stabilize an MLB lineup. His cards from 1991 remained hot sellers.

McGriff enjoyed arguably his finest statistical season playing for the Atlanta Braves in 1992. He blasted 36 home runs and drove in 101 runs while hitting .271. His resurgent performance helped lead the Braves to their first National League pennant since 1982. McGriff’s 1992 Topps card perfectly captured the Braves’ gritty style with McGriff flexing his muscles in Atlanta’s script ‘A’ uniform. Career stats on the card reflected his emergence as one of baseball’s most dominant right-handed power threats.

From 1993-1995, McGriff’s Topps cards continued showcasing his dominant play for the pennant-winning Braves. The 1993 card highlighted his 30 home runs and 103 RBI from the prior season. Career stats demonstrated McGriff’s consistency, reliability and durability. The 1994 card showed off McGriff leading the Braves offense with 29 homers and 94 RBI en route to another division title.

McGriff’s 1995 Topps card depicted him in the midst of another productive campaign. He was batting .292 through 80 games with 16 home runs at the time the photo was taken. By season’s end, McGriff had compiled 33 homers and 101 RBI to once again prove his worth as a star slugger driving the Braves’ championship run. His ‘95 Topps card remained one of his most popular as collectors saw McGriff as a synonymous player with Atlanta’s sustained excellence.

After departing Atlanta following the 1995 season, McGriff’s 1996 Topps card marked his debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays expansion franchise. Collectors were anxious to see how McGriff would fare in his new environment, and he provided hope by hitting 29 home runs to go along with 85 RBI and a .268 average. This proved McGriff could still impact an offense no matter the circumstances.

McGriff closed out the 1990s with his final Topps card issued from a full season in 1997 while playing with the Devil Rays. By then age 36, he defied his advanced baseball age by slugging 30 home runs and driving in 93 runs while batting .277. He showed no signs of slowing production-wise, maintaining his status as one of the game’s preeminent sluggers who could be counted on year after year.

To conclude his Hall of Fame worthy career, McGriff had brief playing stints with five more teams from 1999-2004. He did have two more notable Topps cards – one in 1999 sporting a Cubs uniform marking his debut in Chicago, and his “Farewell” issue 2004 Topps Giants card to commemorate his 19th and final MLB season. Collectors could appreciate the full breadth of McGriff’s consistent production over nearly two decades by reviewing his career retrospective on Topps cards from 1987 through 2004. McGriff cemented his place among the game’s all-time great sluggers and his Topps cards served as annual reminders of that status. With 493 career homers, McGriff certainly left his mark and was one of the most popular and dependable stars depicted annually in the Topps baseball sets of the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. His dominance at the plate translated seamlessly to highly coveted cards that remain enjoyable to reminisce over some 25-30 years later.

FRED MCGRIFF BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Fred McGriff had a long and productive Major League Baseball career spanning from 1986 to 2004. During that time, he established himself as one of the most feared sluggers in baseball. Known by his nickname “Crime Dog”, McGriff hit 493 career home runs and had over 1500 RBI. His prolific production at the plate resulted in him appearing on numerous baseball cards over the years, many of which have gained significant value from collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of McGriff’s notable baseball cards and explore what they may be worth today.

One of McGriff’s earliest and most sought after rookie cards is his 1986 Topps card (#454). That was the year he broke into the Majors with the Toronto Blue Jays after being drafted in the 1st round in 1981. The ’86 Topps set is considered a classic and McGriff’s rookie card holds historical significance as documenting his debut season. In mint condition, ungraded examples of McGriff’s ’86 Topps rookie have sold for over $300. Higher graded copies in PSA/BGS 10 can reach $500-1000 depending on the market. The ’86 set also had update cards and McGriff’s is highly valuable in the same condition ranges.

In 1987, McGriff switched teams and was traded to the San Diego Padres. That season is documented in his ’87 Topps card (#410). Still early in his career but no longer a true rookie, the ’87 has a lower pop than ’86 but still has collector demand. Near mint to mint copies sell for $50-150. The ’87 Update issue featuring McGriff is even more scarce and can sell for $200+ in gem condition. McGriff enjoyed his breakout season in 1988 with the Padres, smashing 36 home runs. His ’88 Fleer card (#337) shows him sporting the Padres uniform and menacing bat. Moderately played copies sell for under $10 but a PSA 10 has brought over $500 at auction.

After the 1988 season, McGriff signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. There he would cement his reputation as one of the game’s most feared sluggers and help lead the Braves to great success in the 1990s. McGriff’s 1990 Bowman card (#86) from his first year in Atlanta captures him during this peak era. Graded examples in the PSA/BGS 8-10 range can bring $75-250 dependent on foil/parallel variations. McGriff enthusiastically slid head first on his 1991 Fleer Ultra card (#163), showing off his gritty playing style. Copies in great shape sell for around $15-30. A highlight card is McGriff’s 1992 Studio Gold O-Pee-Chee card which debuted the parallel insert set. Numbered to only 50 copies, a PSA 10 recently sold at auction for over $1000.

McGriff’s career took off even more in the early 1990s as the Braves dynasty began. His 1992 Stadium Club Gold Foil Parallel card (#97) from that championship season is one of the most visually striking cards featuring McGriff during his Atlanta peak. Only available through special pack inserts, a BGS 9.5 recently sold for over $600. McGriff’s 1993 Finest Refractor parallel rookie card (#75R) also captured him at the height of his powers. High graded versions in the BGS 9.5-10 range have reached over $400. McGriff achieved one of his career milestones with the Braves in 1994, reaching his 300th home run. His 1994 Studio Blue refractor parallel (#58/99) commemorates this achievement and higher grades have sold for $200+.

McGriff continued mashing home runs throughout the late 1990s with the Braves and other teams. His popular 1996 Ultra Gold Medallion parallel (#95) shows him entering his age 30 season still in his prime. A BGS 9.5 sold for $150. McGriff blasted his 400th home run in 1998 as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, with the milestone recognized on his 1998 Finest Refractor parallel (#151R). Higher graded PSA/BGS 10 versions have reached $250. McGriff closed out his career with a few more seasons including a return to the Braves in 2000, depicted on his popular 2000 Fleer Tradition autograph card (#105). Even played copies sell for $50-100 due to the signed component.

In summary, Fred McGriff produced many highly collectible baseball cards throughout his distinguished playing career spanning from the 1980s through early 2000s. Cards from his rookie seasons with the Blue Jays and early years with the Padres can be found for affordable prices in top grades. Cards showing McGriff achieving milestones or during his dominant Atlanta Braves years in the early 1990s command higher prices, especially for rare parallels. Overall, McGriff created a memorable on-field legacy that translates to strong collector demand for documentation of his productive career via the baseball card hobby. With over 18,000 certified cards on the market, discerning what key McGriff issues are worth investing in allows collectors an avenue to appreciate one of baseball’s greatest sluggers of the modern era.