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BASEBALL CARDS TO HAVE

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and collecting them is a beloved hobby for people of all ages. With so many baseball cards in existence from the early days of the sport up until the modern era, it can be difficult to determine which specific cards are most desirable to own. While the value of any given card depends on its condition and scarcity, here are some baseball cards that any serious collector would be wise to seek out based on their historical and cultural significance.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – Often called the “Holy Grail” of baseball cards, the ultra-rare Wagner card from the iconic T206 set is arguably the most valuable trading card in existence. Produced between 1909-1911 by the American Tobacco Company, it is estimated fewer than 60 examples exist today in mint condition. What makes the Wagner so coveted is that the legendary shortstop refused permission to be included in the set, making his card one of the most well-known error cards ever. In pristine condition, a T206 Wagner has sold at auction for over $6 million, setting records as the highest price paid for any card.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – As one of the most famous athletes who ever lived, Babe Ruth transcended baseball and became an American pop culture icon in the 1920s and 30s. His 1933 Goudey card, among the first mass-produced cards, captures Ruth in his prime for the New York Yankees. High grade versions remain extremely scarce and valuable, with a near-mint copy selling at auction in 2016 for over $250,000. The Goudey set itself was groundbreaking, featuring photographs on cards for the first time.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As the successor to Ruth and Joe DiMaggio in centerfield for the powerhouse Yankees, Mickey Mantle came to define baseball in the 1950s and 60s. His rookie card from Topps’ pioneering 1952 set, featuring a photo of the switch-hitting slugger swinging from the left side, is one of the most iconic in the hobby. Graded examples in high grade frequently sell for five figures or more due to Mantle’s enduring popularity and the card’s excellent eye appeal. It remains one of the top rookie cards collectors seek.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Before breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974, Hank Aaron was already one of the game’s great sluggers during his playing days with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. His colorful 1957 Topps card, issued during Aaron’s MVP season, captures him in the Braves’ classic solid red uniform. Highly sought after by fans, a PSA Gem Mint 10 copy sold at auction in 2016 for over $200,000, underscoring Aaron’s status both on and off the field.

1959 Topps Sandy Koufax – A true pitching legend of the 1960s, left-hander Sandy Koufax won three Cy Young Awards and one MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers before an arm injury forced his abrupt retirement at just 30 years old after the 1966 season. His 1959 Topps rookie card introduced baseball card collectors to the future Hall of Famer and has only increased in value with time. In pristine condition with a PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 grade, a Koufax rookie has sold for well over $100,000.

1964 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. – Before injuries derailed his career, Ken Griffey Jr. appeared destined to break the all-time home run record, blending power and grace in center field like few before him. Topps captured Jr. as a fresh-faced 19-year-old rookie for the Cincinnati Reds in 1964. High grade versions remain among the most coveted modern rookie cards, with a PSA 10 copy selling for over $25,000. The card perfectly encapsulates the promise and excitement of Griffey’s early years.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – No pitcher embodied sheer dominance on the mound quite like Nolan Ryan, who struck out a record 5,714 batters over 27 seasons. His iconic 1969 Topps rookie card, issued during Ryan’s second season with the New York Mets, is one of the most iconic and valuable of all time. Graded mint copies frequently sell for five figures or higher. It introduced collectors to a fireballer who would go on to rewrite the record books.

1974 Topps Hank Aaron 715 – After over two decades of consistency, Hank Aaron finally surpassed Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record on April 8, 1974 with his 715th career blast. Topps commemorated the historic achievement with a special photo variation card inserted randomly in their 1974 set. High grade versions are exceptionally rare and valuable. One PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 sold in 2016 for over $350,000, reflecting Aaron’s place in baseball immortality.

1997 Bowman Chrome Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. – While not a true “rookie” card, the 1997 Bowman Chrome Refractor of Ken Griffey Jr. in a Seattle Mariners uniform is arguably the most coveted modern card. Part of the start of the insert “refractor” craze, it features a dazzling hologram-like image that captivated collectors. In pristine condition, a BGS/PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. It underscores Griffey’s unmatched popularity and the boom of interest in high-end cards during the 1990s.

2009 Bowman Draft Prospects Mike Trout – Widely considered the best all-around player of his generation, Mike Trout had not yet reached the majors when Topps captured him as an Angels farmhand in 2009 Bowman Draft Prospects. Trout went on to win three MVP awards and redefine expectations for athleticism in center field. High grade versions remain among the most sought rookie cards in the hobby, with a PSA 10 selling for over $400,000 in 2017. It introduced collectors to a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.

While the value of any single card depends on condition, these examples offer a glimpse into some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards that helped shape the rich history of the hobby. Whether focusing on the early tobacco era, golden age of the 1950s-60s, or modern inserts, top cards from each player’s career provide a tangible connection to some of the game’s all-time greats. For any collector, obtaining high quality versions of cards like these would make for an impressive collection.

BASEBALL CARDS EVERY COLLECTOR SHOULD HAVE

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Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years, with the earliest known cards dating back to the late 1860s. Since then, the hobby of collecting baseball cards has grown exponentially with millions of people worldwide amassing collections of cards featuring their favorite players both past and present. With so many cards produced over the decades, it can be difficult to narrow down which specific cards every serious collector should aim to add to their collection. There are certainly some standout cards that are widely considered must-haves for any baseball card aficionado.

One of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company as part of their landmark T206 series, the Wagner card is arguably the most famous trading card in existence. What makes the Wagner so coveted is not just the fact that it features one of the early game’s greatest stars, but also that Wagner demanded his card be pulled from production since he did not want to promote tobacco. As a result, it is estimated fewer than 60 genuine Wagner cards still exist today in collectible condition. In the past decade, examples that have graded PSA NM-MT 8 or above have routinely sold at auction for over $1 million, with a record $6.6 million paid in 2016. No collection is truly complete without owning a high-grade Wagner, even if just a modern reprint.

Another seminal issue for any collector has to be one of the early tobacco cards known as the 1909-11 E90-1 set produced by the Edward Cigarettes company. While not quite as iconic or valuable as the T206 set overall, the E90-1s were among the earliest mass-produced baseball cards and helped popularize the hobby in its early 20th century infancy. Key cards to seek out include stars like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Nap Lajoie. Even well-worn low-grade examples can be quite affordable relative to their historical significance. The E90-1s are a must for any collection focusing on the earliest decades of the pastime.

Shifting focus to the post-World War II golden age of baseball cards, one of the most essential sets is without question the 1952 Topps set. As the first cards produced by Topps, who would go on to dominate the baseball card market for decades, the ’52 Topps set helped revitalize the industry and remains a landmark issue. Top rookie cards in the set include such all-time greats as Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Whitey Ford. High grades of any of these rookie cards would be prize possessions, with a PSA 10 Mantle among the most valuable collectibles in the world at over $5 million. But even low-grade common players hold value as important pieces of card history. No serious collector can say they have a top-tier collection without examples from this groundbreaking set.

Continuing with iconic 1950s issues, the 1957 Topps set is considered another cornerstone release. Produced during the so-called “Golden Age” of the sport when national interest was at a peak, the ’57 Topps set was the first to feature color photography on the cards. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson. Key chase cards include the iconic Mickey Mantle card, with its dramatic action shot cementing its place as one of the most visually appealing and sought-after cards ever. Even in low grades, examples can still fetch thousands due to their historical importance and recognizable Mantle imagery. For those chasing the best of the best, pristine PSA/BGS 10 examples of stars like Mantle and Aaron routinely sell for over $100,000.

The 1960s saw baseball card production boom as new competitors like Fleer and Leaf entered the market. Among the essential sets from this decade, two stand out as truly indispensable for any collector – the 1965 Topps and 1968 Topps sets. The ’65 issue featured the debut of four-color process on cards, enhancing the photography significantly. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Sandy Koufax in his final season before retirement. High-grade examples remain reasonably affordable. Meanwhile, the 1968 Topps set saw the debut of superstar rookie cards like Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Nolan Ryan. A PSA 10 Bench rookie would be the crown jewel of any collection, valued well into the six figures. Even common cards maintain value from this iconic release. Both sets are must-haves to represent the late ’60s boom period.

The 1970s were a transitional period that saw the rise of the annual set and the inclusion of more in-depth player stats on cards. Two releases that should not be missed are the iconic 1973 Topps and 1975 Topps sets. The ’73s introduced the first annual set format focused on active players. Rookies included a young George Brett. Meanwhile, the ’75 issue featured the debut of stars like Fred Lynn and Don Baylor of the 1975 Red Sox. Highlights would be a PSA 10 condition George Brett rookie or Fred Lynn rookie/rookie star card. Both remain reasonably affordable in top grades compared to earlier stars. These sets captured a pivotal time and introduced several all-time great players to the hobby.

The late 1980s saw the peak of the junk wax era with mass production of cards. Two releases from this period have stood the test of time – the 1987 Topps set and the iconic 1989 Upper Deck set. The ’87 Topps issue featured rookie cards for Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux. Even in low grades, these rookie cards hold value. Upper Deck then revolutionized the industry in 1989 with its premium quality, glossy cards, and stricter print runs. Rookies included Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones, with the Griffey the single most valuable card from the set. High-grade Griffey and Chipper rookies would be the pinnacle, but the entire set holds nostalgia from reviving the industry. No collection is truly complete without examples from the 1980s peak.

This covers some of the most essential baseball card releases that truly defined eras and featured legendary players. Of course, there are many other noteworthy sets that could be included as well. At the end of the day, assembling examples from these seminal issues, in whatever grades a collector can afford, will form the solid foundation for an impressive lifelong collection celebrating the history and best individuals of America’s pastime on the diamond.

I HAVE BASEBALL CARDS I WANT TO SELL

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Selling your baseball card collection can be a great way to make some extra cash, but it’s important to do your research first to maximize the return. Baseball cards are collectibles that fluctuate in value based on the player, year, condition and several other factors. Taking the time to properly assess your cards and market them effectively can mean the difference between getting top dollar or just pennies on the dollar.

The first step when prepping cards to sell is to carefully sort through your entire collection. Pull out any cards featuring noteworthy players from past decades like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or recent stars like Mike Trout. Focus on rookie cards, autographed cards, and especially any rare, unique or otherwise valuable inserts. Set these premium cards aside for individual selling.

Once you’ve sorted the premier cards, it’s time to assess conditions. Use a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass to examine each card front and back for any flaws, scratches, stains or imperfections that could downgrade the value. Sort into condition tiers like Near Mint (NM), Very Good (VG), Good (G) or Poor (P). Highly valuable cards may warrant professional grading by reputable services like PSA or BGS to authenticated condition, important for establishing resale value.

When it comes to the bulk common cards, there are a few good options. You can sell directly to local card shops, check sites like Sportscard Forum to find reputable buyers, or utilize online marketplaces to find potential customers. Be sure to research recently sold prices for comparable common lots to get a sense of fair market value before listing.

If selling to a card shop, bring well-organized boxes or binders sorted by sport, year, set and condition. Shops will likely offer wholesale bulk prices per thousand/ten thousand cards but the process is very quick. Consider negotiating a percentage higher if buying higher quantities. Photos online can help assess interest and maximize offers.

Online marketplaces like eBay provide the most potential exposure but also involve fees. Take precise photos showcasing sample cards and condition. Clearly describe what is included and be upfront about any flaws. Provide scans of better conditioned star rookies or parallels as bonuses. Competitively pricing lots is key – find the sweet spot between what bulk sellers typically get and avid collectors may pay. Free shipping unlocks more bidders.

For showcasing star vintage and contemporary rookie premium singles, seek out collector forums, blogs and Facebook groups specific to certain players or eras. Get a sense of recent values through searches of sold eBay listings. Promote special anniversary or milestone player birthdays as potential buying opportunities. Building rapport within communities can lead to repeat/larger buyers. Consider offering combined top-loader/sleeve protection at no extra cost, as protection preserves value.

No matter the sales route, properly documenting your cards is extremely important from a record keeping standpoint. Note specific cards, years, quantities, condition details, purchases prices (if applicable) and sales amounts received. Keep business correspondence and record payments promptly for tax purposes. Following best practices like these can help maximize the return you receive selling your baseball card collection. With some organization and strategic marketing, you have a great opportunity to make spending money or fund new collecting.

RARE BASEBALL CARDS YOU MIGHT HAVE

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Many vintage baseball card collectors hope to one day find a very rare and valuable card tucked away in their collection or in a pile at a card show. Over the decades, certain cards have become highly coveted due to their age, low print runs, starring players, or other unique factors. Here are some of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards you’ll want to check for if going through your collection or boxes of cards.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – Without question, the most famous and sought-after card among collectors is the ultra-rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Only around 60 are known to exist today in various conditions. The card has become the true “holy grail” of the hobby due to its age, the star status of Hall of Famer Honus Wagner, and limited production believed due to Wagner asking the American Tobacco Company to pull the card early in its production run. In pristine condition, a T206 Wagner can sell for well over $2 million, with the highest sale on record reaching over $6 million. Even well-worn copies still command prices into the six figures.

1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig – One of the rarest pre-war singles, the 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig is a true prize should you discover one in your collection. While Gehrig had a fairly common rookie card in the 1929 issue set, the 1933 update card has long been one of the key stars from that classic set. With a print run believed to be under 100 copies still surviving today across all grades, this is truly one of the most significant cards from the early 1930s era. Graded examples in the seven-figure range have easily been achieved in recent years.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As Mickey Mantle’s rookie card from Topps’ first modern baseball set, the 1952 issue is undoubtedly one of the most coveted by collectors. Only a small subset of the larger ‘52 Topps set even included Mantle to begin with, and high-grade survivors are rare indeed. While not quite the rarity of a T206 Wagner, a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 example would still demand well over a six-figure price tag. Even well-worn copies still hold value, as it’s “The Mick’s” first card that started his iconic career.

1969 Topps Reggie Jackson – Mr. October’s rookie card came in Topps’ 1969 set, and like Mantle’s appears only in a subset. Today fewer than 10 copies are known to exist in pristine Gem Mint 10 condition according to the leading grading services. Fielded offers well into the six figures for high graded ‘69 Jackson rookies show the immense demand and rarity of this Hall of Famer’s first issued card. An iconic card that highlights one of the game’s true larger-than-life personalities.

1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson – Jackie Robinson’s first card came not from Topps or Bowman, but ratherLeaf, known as a premium/higher-end brand of the 1940s-50s. The 1948 Leaf Robinson is particularly scarce today, with experts believing fewer than 30 good examples left. Plus, it features Robinson in the unique Brooklyn Dodgers uniforms of that early period. As the first card of baseball’s color barrier breaking legend, it holds incredible cultural and historical significance above and beyond just baseball cards themselves. Seven figures is not uncommon for high graded ‘48 Leaf Robinsons.

1913 M101-8 Mathewson/Wagner – Possibly the single rarest pre-war card issued, the stunning cabinet photo of Christy Mathewson and Honus Wagner is a breathtaking treasure. Only 3 copies are said to exist still in collectors’ hands across all grades. The card comes from the tiny regional issue known as M101-8 tobacco cards, picturing two legends of the 1910s era. While extremely seldom available for sale or trade, reports of high six figure offers for worn copies show the demand. A true apex item on any serous collector’s want list.

1956 Topps Sandy Koufax RC – Koufax’s first Topps card is far scarcer than Topps’ flagship ‘54 and ‘55 sets it was inserted in. True GEM MT 10 specimens are basically unseen, with even lower grade specimens still demanding as much as $150,000 today. The card highlights the huge upside of the young southpaw early in his career before domination in the 1960s. With well under 50 copies believed remaining across all grades, it’s become one of the biggest keys from the 1950s period.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – Along with the ultra-rare Wagner card, this beautifully portrayed Philadelphia slugger is also believed to have seen a very small original print run during the early football card era. Only a tiny handful are known across all grades, making it a true “black diamond” for set builders. While no single card can reach Wagner prices, condition census examples in top-pop reporting services have brought mid six-figure sums showing its immense rarity.

1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky RC – While not a baseball card, the rookie of “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky is quite significant for hockey collectors. Only produced in the Canadian O-Pee-Chee sets but not Topps’ US issues, true high-end specimens are so rare many question if a PSA/BGS 10 even exists. Even lower graded copies at auction seasons regularly crack six figures. An iconic card chronicling the start of one of sports’ all-time greatest careers.

1903 W501 Dick “Peanut” Addy – Who? You may ask. Well, Addy apparently earned his nickname due to his diminutive size as an infielder in the early 1900s. Yet it’s his stunningly rare tobacco card issue that garners attention over a century later! Less than 5 survivors are known across all conditions of this incredibly elusive pre-war piece. Steep six-figure sums have been achieved for graded specimens of this true condition rarity “black diamond” level item.

As you may have guessed after reading the article, rarity reigns supreme when it comes to the most valuable baseball cards. While star power certainly helps increase a card’s demand, limited print runs make true high-grade survivors extremely scarce. If you happen to have any of the cards mentioned still in your collection, even in worn condition, you may possess a considerable valuable asset worth getting professionally graded and preserved. Happy hunting through your old boxes and cards – who knows what buried treasure may await!

WESLEY AND BRIAN HAVE A TOTAL OF 87 BASEBALL CARDS

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Wesley and Brian were best friends who had been collecting baseball cards together since they were 5 years old. Every year on their birthday and for holidays, they would exchange cards with each other or buy new packs to add to their growing collections. Now at 12 years old, the sum total of their baseball card collections combined equaled 87 cards.

One sunny Saturday afternoon, the boys decided they wanted to carefully organize and categorize their cards to better appreciate all the players and stats within their collections. They dug out all the worn shoeboxes and disorganized binders that held their duplicate cards and rare finds from the past 7 years. Dumping the contents out on Wesley’s bedroom floor, they got to work sorting through every card.

“I’ll start by putting all the cards in alphabetical order by player last name,” said Brian. He started carefully picking up each card, reading the name on the front, and placing it in the corresponding spot in the growing row on the floor. Many of the cards were in rough shape from being shoved in boxes for years, with edges worn down and corners dog-eared. A few of the very rare and valuable cards were placed in protective plastic sleeves that Brian’s mom had bought for them.

As Brian alphabetized, Wesley began categorizing the cards by team. He noticed Brian had significantly more cards from West coast teams like the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics while his own collection contained more East coast and Midwest teams. After about an hour of diligent sorting, they had organized over 80% of their collection when they came across an unexpected dilemma.

“Hey, wait a minute,” said Wesley, “I just found two of the same Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards from the same 1989 Leaf set. But we only bought one pack that year, so how is that possible?”

Brian scratched his head. “That is strange. Unless…you don’t think someone accidentally gave us duplicate cards at some point, do you?” They rummaged through their boxes again and found not one, but three other duplicate cards – all of which they clearly remembered opening from packs on different occasions.

“I bet Jimmy Wilson from down the street swapped out our rare cards last time he was over here while we weren’t looking,” deduced Brian. Jimmy was notorious for cheating at sports and games whenever he could get away with it.

Determined to get to the bottom of it, the boys decided to do a full accounting and inventory of their entire collection. They created a comprehensive spreadsheet on Wesley’s mom’s laptop, painstakingly logging each player’s name, year, manufacturer, and condition of every single card. After cross-referencing their records from past years, it became obvious that somewhere between 5-10 of their most valuable cards were unaccounted for.

Armed with their evidence, Wesley and Brian marched right down the street to confront Jimmy. At first he denied everything, but when shown the duplicate cards and missing records, he finally cracked.

“Alright, fine! I may have switched a few of your best cards for some of my doubles last time I was at Wesley’s. But they’re long gone now, I swear! I traded them to Timmy Jones for some of his Pokémon cards,” Jimmy confessed.

The rascals knew Timmy had recently moved out of state and would be impossible to track down. They begrudgingly accepted they had learned a valuable lesson about properly safeguarding their collections and not fully trusting even their closest childhood acquaintances. From that day on, they instituted a strict policy of keeping meticulous binders of every move their cards made and never letting items out of their sights during visits from other kids.

Their collection was now properly organized and inventoried at 87 cards total. While disappointed about the missing “swap cards”, the experience brought the boys even closer as they gained an understanding of responsibility and looking out for each other. They enjoyed many more years carefully adding to and appreciating their baseball card collection together well into high school. The hobby fostered fond memories of their childhood and kept them bonded through all the ups and downs of growing up.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS TO HAVE

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The 2023 baseball season is fast approaching which means new baseball card releases are on the horizon. While no one can predict the future, here are 20 baseball cards from upcoming 2023 sets that collectors should target based on the players’ established talent and future potential. Having these cards in a collection could yield strong returns as these athletes’ careers progress and ascend to new heights.

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps, Panini, etc.) – There may never be another two-way player as talented as Shohei Ohtani who is a true unicorn as a dominant pitcher and power hitter. Entering his age-29 season, Ohtani is still improving and achieving new milestones. His rare skillset makes his cards a must-have for any collection.

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and is a generational talent. Moving to San Diego is a big storyline and playing for a new team could propel Soto to even greater heights. His cards will remain highly sought after.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps, Panini, etc.) – When healthy, Acuña is one of the most electrifying players in baseball with 5-tool talent. He’s still just 25 and returning from an ACL tear. If he can stay on the field, Acuña has superstar potential and his cards could skyrocket in value again with a big season.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 21 years old, Franco has already established himself as a franchise cornerstone after a stellar rookie campaign. He possesses incredible contact skills and hit tools that could make him a perennial all-star and batting champion. Franco’s star will only continue to rise.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a breakout 2021 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Guerrero is still getting better at only 23 years old. Playing for a contender in Toronto, Guerrero could put up huge numbers and cement his status as a true superstar, making his cards a wise investment.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season that was cut short by injury but showed why he’s considered a future star. At only 22 years old, Rodriguez has five-tool talent and could take another step forward in 2023 while playing for a contender. His cards remain quite affordable now.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The number one pick from 2019 had a solid debut campaign and looks like a future cornerstone for KC. Witt plays a premium position at shortstop and should only get better in his second season at age 23. His cards are quite reasonably priced for his upside.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a disappointing rookie year, expectations are high for Torkelson to turn it around in 2023 playing every day for Detroit. The number one pick from 2020 has huge power potential and could bust out with a strong sophomore season at age 23 to boost his cards.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The top prospect finally made his debut in 2022 and showed why he’s such a special talent. As the future cornerstone catcher for the O’s rebuild at age 25, Rutschman is primed for stardom. His cards are very affordable for a player who may someday win MVP awards.

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins (Topps, Panini, etc.) – In his first full MLB season at age 26, Ryan established himself as the ace of the Twins’ staff. With excellent command and stuff, Ryan looks poised for continued success and could become an all-star caliber starter for years. His cards are underpriced for his upside.

Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a solid debut in 2022, more is expected from Gorman in 2023 playing every day at a premium position for St. Louis. The power-hitting lefty has all-star potential at age 23 and plays for a perennial contender, setting him up well long-term.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw tools, Cruz was one of the most exciting rookies in baseball in 2022 after his debut at age 23. He’ll have every opportunity to play regularly and could blossom into an all-star caliber shortstop, making his affordable cards a bargain.

Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Rodriguez suffered an injury in 2022 but is still considered Baltimore’s ace of the future at age 23. With a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Rodriguez has true #1 starter upside that could make him a future Cy Young candidate.

Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Miller made his MLB debut in 2022 at age 23 and showed why he was such a highly touted prospect. Pitching for the Dodgers, Miller has the makings of a future frontline starter and his cards remain quite affordable compared to other top pitching prospects.

Drew Waters, Kansas City Royals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Now with a fresh start in KC, Waters will have every opportunity to play regularly in 2023 at age 23. The former top 100 prospect has five-tool talent and could break out as an all-star caliber player, making his cards a bargain for the potential upside.

C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a solid debut with the Padres, Abrams now moves to Washington where he’ll have the opportunity to play shortstop every day at age 22. His five-tool skillset and premium defensive position give Abrams superstar potential.

Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The former first round pick has ace-level stuff and could debut in 2023 at age 24 after returning from injury. Pitching in Seattle, Hancock has the raw talent to develop into a frontline starter, making his prospect cards a savvy long-term investment.

Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After injuries slowed his progress, Davis will look to break out in 2023 at age 23 playing every day for Chicago. His combination of power and speed gives Davis all-star caliber potential that makes his affordable cards very intriguing.

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 21 years old, Henderson quickly rose through the minors and may debut in 2023 after his stellar 2022 campaign. The future is incredibly bright for this budding superstar who could become a perennial all-star and face of Baltimore’s rebuild.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The former Vanderbilt star and number two overall pick debuted in 2022 and will look to settle into the Rangers’ rotation in 2023. At only 22 years old with high-end stuff, Leiter was considered a future ace and top-of-the-rotation starter who is still realizing his vast potential.

While it’s impossible to predict the future, having cards from any of these up-and-coming young stars in your collection sets you up well to potentially profit as their careers progress and abilities are fully realized. Their established talent, premium positions, team situations, and upside leave plenty of room for growth on and off the field in 2023 and beyond.

SHOULD I HAVE MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Considering Getting Your Baseball Cards Graded? Here Are the Pros and Cons to Consider

If you have a collection of valuable baseball cards sitting in boxes or binders, you may be wondering if it makes sense to have them professionally graded. Baseball card grading is a service provided by expert third-party companies that examine cards and assign them numerical grades based on their condition and quality. This grading process can potentially add significant value to cards deemed in top condition by increasing their desirability to collectors. The process also comes with costs that must be considered. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the key pros and cons of getting your cards graded to help you decide if it’s the right move for your collection.

Potential Upside of Grading Cards
Condition is everything when it comes to the value of vintage baseball cards. Cards that are near-mint or in completely pristine condition are considered very rare and desirable, commanding a significant premium from serious collectors. Having cards professionally graded by a respected company like PSA, BGS, or SGC provides an impartial, permanent record of the card’s condition using their standard 10-point numeric scale. A high grade from one of these companies gives buyers confidence that a card is exactly as the holder claims and has not been tampered with in any way. This third-party grading increases demand by widening the potential audience of interested buyers beyond just those you could prove the condition to directly. According to Beckett Media, cards that grade PSA/BGS/SGC 7 or higher often sell for 2-5X as much as raw, ungraded cards in similar visual condition. For rare, valuable cards where even tiny imperfections can squash value, grading may be necessary to realize maximum returns.

It’s important to have realistic expectations for potential grading outcomes because not every card will come back with that coveted “gem mint” grade of 10. Older cards are more susceptible minor production flaws or issues from poor storage over many decades. Even the slightest flaw like a small crease, off-centered printing, or touched corners can result in a vastly lower grade than you may have expected just from casual visual inspection. You’ll want to carefully examine cards under good magnification before submitting to assess their true chances of achieving top grades. Cards in sub-optimal condition may not gain enough value from a middle-of-the-road service grade to cover costs, so be objective in your analysis.

Authentication Benefit of Grading
In addition to providing an impartial condition assessment, the grading process also serves to authenticate cards. This is especially important for highly valuable vintage cards where fraudulent reproductions may be used to dupe buyers. By encapsulating a card within tamper-proof plastic with a numbered hologram, grading verifies that the card has not been tampered with or replicated. This additional layer of authentication gives buyers confidence they are getting the real thing which seasoned collectors strongly value. Counterfeiting has become rampant enough in the hobby that some high-end collectors will only purchase cards that have achieved certification through one of the major third-party authenticators. If you’re worried about authenticity being called into question down the line, grading protects the integrity and provenance of your all-star cards.

Potential Costs to Consider
While professional grading has clear potential to drive value for the right cards, there are also fees involved that offset some of those gains:

Submission Fees – Base fees for mainstream cards currently range from around $15-$30 per card to have them slabbed depending on promotion/member pricing tiers from the different grading services. Higher end cards have premium rates.

Turnaround Times – Most standard service levels report 3-6 months of wait time at peak submission seasons, and faster express options are multiples higher in cost per card.

Resubmission Costs – If you’re unhappy with the initial grade, regrading the same card comes with another fee which can surpass the value gained for borderline cards.

Shipping/insurance costs – Sending valuable cards must be done securely which adds to expenses.

Storage Costs – Once slabbed, cards lose some flexibility for organization which creates more need for higher-cost graded card storage solutions like portfolios, cabinets, or safes.

So be sure to do the math on realistic expected grade premiums versus costs to determine if grading truly makes financial sense for your particular cards. Especially for more common cardboard, raw condition may carry little risk of authenticity issues and raw resale remains a viable option without slabbing overhead. Costs eat significantly into gains for bulk modern collections too that lack strong single card value drivers as well.

When Grading Makes the Most Sense
Based on the pros and cons, the best candidates for grading are usually high-value vintage cards:

Premium Hall of Famers from the pre-1970s in true gem condition. Grading is almost mandatory to realize full potential price appreciation over time as condition is critically analyzed for these investment-caliber pieces.

Key rookie cards of all-time greats like Mantle, Mays, Aaron etc. that could eclipse $10,000 PSA 10 value down the road if in pristine shape. Maximum authenticity/condition verification is essential here.

Autograph/relic cards when provenance is important to ensure authenticity of signatures/fragments for commanding premiums.

Errors/variants of cards numbering under 100 population reports and priced over $1000 PSA 10 where condition is hyper-scrutinized and small faults matter greatly.

Personal collection highlight cards you plan storing/displaying long-term to preserve condition/integrity and maintain resell premiums when passing along collection.

For most other cards, raw trading/selling suffices unless a card comes back with that highly coveted PSA/BGS/SGC 10 rating where condition outweighs grading costs. Storage/resale flexibility is largely retained as well. Cost-benefit analysis is key factor in the “grade or not” decision process!

Making an Informed Choice
When determining whether to invest in grading your baseball card collection or selling cards raw, it’s important to evaluate the true benefits versus total costs involved on a card-by-card basis objectively. While grading maximizes condition-based value for the cream of the crop rare cards, costs siphon away profits for more common cards.

Research population reports, verify card conditions thoroughly, set realistic grade expectations, and calculate hard grading/shipping numbers to see grading profits clearly. Remember that liquidity and flexibility are retained by leaving cards raw as well. An impartial cost-benefit analysis tailored to your individual needs will yield the wisest path forward in enhancing or preserving your collection’s long-term value.

HAVE BASEBALL CARDS GONE UP IN VALUE

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Have Baseball Cards Gone Up in Value? The Surprising Answer and Long Term Outlook

Baseball cards have long held a special place in American culture and collectibles. From childhood memories of opening wax packs to dreams of finding rare vintage cards, baseball cards ignite nostalgia for many. But where do baseball cards stand financially today? Have generations of being collected actually increased their value long term? The answer may surprise you.

While the overall baseball card market does fluctuate year to year, long term data shows baseball cards have significantly appreciated in value. According to the Beckett Vintage Stock and Price Guide, a standard resource for vintage card prices, the average value of cards from the 1950s to 1980s has risen steadily each decade. Cards that may have sold for pennies just decades ago could now be worth hundreds or even thousands depending on condition and rarity.

Some key examples that illustrate baseball cards increasing in value include:

A typical 1960 Topps base Mickey Mantle rookie card in Good/Very Good condition sold for under $50 in the 1980s but now often trades hands for $1,000-$2,000 depending on centering and corners. One near mint example recently sold at auction for over $4,000.

A 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card in similar condition to the Mantle traded for under $10 in the 1990s but now routinely fetches $100-$250 and higher for pristine copies.

Common 1980s cards like a Donruss Wade Boggs rookie that may have been tossed in shoe boxes are now sought after and can sell for $50+ if maintained in good shape. Mint condition examples surpass $100.

Even 1990s rookie cards for modern stars like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Ken Griffey Jr. that were bundled by the dozen have seen 10x+ value increases since the late 90s/early 2000s as they are now considered vintage.

There are a few key reasons why the long term value trend for baseball cards has been upward despite short term fluctuations:

Limited Supply – Unlike comics, cards were often discarded or damaged with use. Over decades, natural attrition has decreased surviving populations of cards, especially in top grades. This scarce supply has increased demand.

Nostalgia Factor – As kids who collected in the 1950s-90s grew up and had disposable income, they rekindled passions for the cards of their youth and drove the emergence of a thriving nostalgia market. Each new generation does the same.

Emergence of Enthusiast Investors – Sophisticated collectors today analyze populations, grades, and long term outlooks to invest in the blue chip rookie cards of all-time great players that maintain/increase in value over decades.

Grading Services – The rise of professional third party grading like PSA and BGS in the 1990s promoted liquidity and standardized condition analysis, making ungraded cards more investable. Top graded Mint cards pull exponentially higher prices due to rarity.

Digital Platforms – Online auction houses like eBay fundamentally changed the collectibles market by vastly widening the potential buyer pool. Formerly regionalized hobby suddenly became national/global, increasing demand.

So while there are always card and player specs that rise/fall depending on performance and timing, broader portfolios concentrated in star rookies from the 1940s-1980s have historically appreciated 5-10% annually on average according to market data. Prudent long term collectors who buy graded gems low and hold have routinely enjoyed superior returns to stock market indexes.

This trend seems likely to continue as well-heeled generations of collectors chase their nostalgia, while natural scarcity simultaneously decreases available supply over decades. As the childhood collectibles of 1980s-1990s babies start to gain nostalgic appeal of their own, cards from those eras may drive future cycles of rising values as well.

The overwhelming data makes it clear that baseball cards have absolutely increased in financial value long term when viewed as an asset class overall, especially for the most iconic rookies. To paraphrase the classic line – they may be just cards, but these cards aren’t child’s play when it comes to appreciation potential for savvy investors with a long time horizon perspective.

ESTEBAN HAVE BASEBALL CARDS TO HIS SISTER

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Esteban loved baseball. Ever since he was little, he would spend hours watching games on TV with his dad and collecting baseball cards. His favorite player was Miguel Cabrera from the Detroit Tigers. He had dozens of Cabrera cards in his collection from over the years, including some really rare and valuable ones.

Baseball was Esteban’s passion. In the summer, you could often find him at the local baseball fields, playing pickup games with his friends after school until the sun went down. He knew everything there was to know about all the major league teams and players. His bedroom walls were covered with posters of baseball stars, and his shelves were filled with baseball memorabilia of all kinds.

Esteban’s little sister Julia was starting to get interested in baseball too. She loved watching games with Esteban and their dad. While Esteban was more focused on stats and rosters, Julia really connected with the stories of the players – where they came from, their families, challenges they had overcome. She looked up to them as role models.

One day, Esteban and Julia were in Esteban’s room looking through his baseball card collection. Julia was fascinated by the pictures and facts on the back of each card. She asked Esteban question after question about the different players. Esteban happily shared everything he knew, enjoying teaching his little sister about the sport he loved.

As they looked through the cards together, Julia kept returning to Miguel Cabrera. “He seems so nice,” she said. “I like that he works so hard and wants to be a good role model for kids.” Esteban smiled, glad his sister connected with his favorite player too. But then a thought occurred to him – Julia was just getting into baseball, while he had been collecting cards for years. Didn’t she deserve to start her own collection?

That night at dinner, Esteban had an announcement. “Julia has been getting really into baseball lately,” he said. “So I was thinking, maybe it’s time for her to have her own baseball card collection to start. So I wanted to give her all my Miguel Cabrera cards.” Julia gasped in surprise. “Really??” Esteban nodded. “You seem to really like him. And I have a ton – it’s a good way for you to get your collection started.”

Julia leapt up from her seat and threw her arms around Esteban. “Thank you thank you thank you!” she squealed. Their dad smiled, proud of Esteban for sharing something so special with his sister. After dinner, Esteban and Julia went back to his room and he carefully packed all his Cabrera cards into a baseball card sheet protector for Julia to keep them safe.

From that point on, anytime Esteban would get new packs of cards, he would let Julia look through them first to see if there were any players she wanted to add to her collection. And anytime they would go to a game together, he would buy her a new pack so she could hopefully find a special card. Julia treasured those cards and kept them neatly organized in a special binder.

A few years later, Esteban had grown up and gone off to college to study sports management. But baseball still bonded him and Julia. Anytime the Tigers were playing, they would text each other during the game with commentary and score updates. On holidays when Esteban came home, he and Julia would still look through each other’s collections, swapping stories about the players.

One Christmas, Julia surprised Esteban with a gift. She had taken one of the original Miguel Cabrera rookie cards Esteban had given her years ago and had it professionally graded and slabbed to preserve its condition. She presented it back to him with a smile. “You’re the one who got me into this great sport,” she said. “This card holds so many memories for both of us. I think you should have it.” Esteban was touched. Baseball would always be something special they shared.

To this day, Esteban and Julia remain avid fans, passing their love of the game down to the next generation. And they never forget how it all started with Esteban sharing his prized baseball cards and fueling his little sister’s passion too. The bonds of family and America’s pastime will forever be intertwined for them.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO HAVE FROM THE 90s

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The 1990s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. After a period of decline in the late 1980s, the baseball card industry rebounded strongly in the early 90s thanks to the rise of ultra-premium cards featuring star players. Collectors today looking to build an impressive vintage collection would do well to target some of the top rookie and star cards from the 1990s.

One of the most coveted rookie cards from the decade is the 1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s debut Bowman card featured beautiful photography of the emerging superstar swinging a bat. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card remains extremely valuable, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly selling for over $10,000. Another must-have Griffey card is his Upper Deck rookie from 1989, which also fetches big money in top condition despite coming out a few years earlier.

Chipper Jones had one of the best rookie cards of the 1990s as well with his 1993 Bowman card. Jones enjoyed a 19-year career entirely with the Atlanta Braves and won the National League MVP award in 1999. High grade Chipper Jones rookies can sell for $2,000-$3,000 today. Another top Braves rookie is the 1992 Bowman Gold Refractor of Tom Glavine, who went on to become a Hall of Fame pitcher. The rarity and condition of Glavine’s flashy Gold Refractor rookie make it a true treasure.

For star cards from the peak of the 90s baseball card boom, you can’t go wrong with collecting Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds issues from the 1993 Upper Deck and Finest sets. The photography and production quality of these ultra-premium 90s cards set the standard that card companies strive for to this day. A PSA 10 Gem Mint 1993 Finest Bonds card recently sold for over $25,000, a testament to its enduring desirability.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas, and Mike Piazza from the early 90s are also great long-term investments. Maddux’s 1986 Fleer rookie is iconic, while Thomas’ 1990 Bowman and Piazza’s 1992 Bowman are highly sought after by collectors. Piazza’s rookie card prices have risen significantly post-retirement as his Hall of Fame case has been cemented.

For star pitchers of the era, collectors should target the rookie cards of Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, and John Smoltz. Martinez dazzled in his debut 1991 Bowman issue before blossoming into a Cy Young caliber starter. The “Big Unit” Johnson announced his dominance with his 1988 Fleer update rookie featuring his massive left arm in action. And Smoltz, who enjoyed success as both a starter and closer, has a cherished 1986 Topps Traded rookie to his name.

For collectors looking to capture the entire late 90s Yankees dynasty, you can’t go wrong acquiring stellar cards of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte from the mid-90s. Jeter’s 1996 Topps Gold Label Parallel and Finest Refractor rookies are iconic, while Rivera’s stellar 1995 Bowman’s Best Prospects issue foretold his future dominance as closer. Pettitte, a stalwart of those World Series teams, has a solid 1995 Bowman Gold Refractor rookie of his own.

The rookies of Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and other stars of the home run chase of 1998 make for fun additions as well. McGwire’s electric 1987 Topps rookie portrays the raw power that would make him a star, while Sosa’s impressive debut in an 1992 Bowman Cubs uniform preceded his rise to stardom. Cards from the epic 1998 season that saw McGwire and Sosa battle for the single season home run record are highly collectible pieces of baseball history.

When assembling a premiere collection of vintage 90s baseball cards, focusing on the rookies and star issues mentioned would allow you to own seminal pieces featuring many of the biggest names from that era who went on to the Hall of Fame and beyond. From Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds to Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter and Pedro Martinez, targeting their best rookie and star cards is a strategy that will yield impressive long-term returns and appreciation for your collection. The 1990s was when baseball cards truly entered the modern era and these selections will always be highly coveted by collectors.