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CRAIGSLIST HOUSTON BASEBALL CARDS

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Craigslist Houston has long been a popular marketplace for buying, selling, and trading baseball cards of all varieties. Whether you’re looking for vintage cards from the 1950s and 60s, modern rookie cards, complete sets, or bulk lots of commons and uncommons, Craigslist is a great place to find baseball cards locally in the Houston area.

Some history – Craigslist first launched in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995 as an email distribution list, and has since expanded across hundreds of cities worldwide. The Houston Craigslist site launched in 1996, just a year after the original site. Since then, it has become a staple online classifieds site for the Houston metro region. Baseball card collectors and dealers quickly realized Craigslist’s potential for connecting locally with other collectors looking to make trades or cash deals.

What to buy – There is a huge variety of baseball cards available on Craigslist Houston on any given day. Some of the most commonly listed cards and collections include:

Vintage rookie cards from the 1950s-1970s of stars like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and more. These high-value vintage cards in good condition can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Complete vintage sets from the late 1960s and early 1970s like 1969 Topps, 1971 Topps, etc. Entire unopened wax packs and boxes also surface occasionally.

Modern rookie cards from the late 1980s to present of current stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr., and more. Hot rookie cards in mint condition can sell quickly.

Team sets and complete rainbow sets showing all variations of a particular player or year.

Autograph and memorabilia cards, usually obtained through in-person meetings or shows to verify authenticity.

Commons and uncommons from various years, sold by the thousands in bulk lots. Great for collectors just starting out or to fill gaps in personal collections.

Vintage tobacco cards from the early 1900s featuring T206s, E90s, and more. High-end condition rarities can sell for tens of thousands.

Complete vintage and modern sets still in factory-sealed wax boxes or cases.

Team and player lots organized by a specific franchise, player, or year.

Non-sports cards like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh also show up occasionally.

What to sell – If you have a personal collection you’re looking to liquidate, downsize, or find new homes for, Craigslist is a convenient way to reach local buyers. Some tips for listing cards for sale:

Provide clear, well-lit photos showing the front and back of premium cards. For bulk lots, group photos work well.

Describe condition accurately using standard card grading scales (Good, Very Good, Excellent, Mint). Omissions or inaccuracies can sour deals.

List complete details like player, year, brand (Topps, Bowman, etc.) for singles. Provide counts/quantities for bulk lots.

Set fair, competitive asking prices based on recent eBay sales of comparable items. Don’t overprice.

Meet during daylight hours at a public location for cash transactions. Police stations often accommodate as safe exchange spots.

Communicate promptly and be transparent, building trust with potential buyers. Honesty is key.

Consider trades as an alternative to cash if you collect other sports/hobbies yourself.

Tips for buying – When shopping for cards on Craigslist, take some precautions:

Ask for multiple photos from different angles if condition is in question. Demand to see the actual card(s) before paying anything.

Do a quick online search to check prices have been reasonably estimated. Don’t overpay.

Trust your gut – if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scams do occur, albeit rarely for local transactions.

Meet in safe, public spaces like bank lobbies during daylight. Don’t visit private homes until you’re very comfortable with the seller.

Check cards carefully upon receipt. For large transactions, consider using a third party authenticator for peace of mind.

Pay only in secure forms like PayPal Goods & Services or cash in person. Avoid checks, cash apps, wire transfers which are hard to reverse.

Build a rapport by being polite, punctual and transparent in communications. Honest sellers will want return buyers.

Consider building a reputation through repeated safe deals over time before engaging in very large transactions.

So in summary – whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Craigslist Houston is a great local marketplace to buy, sell or trade baseball cards. Just take standard precautions, communicate effectively, and happy hunting! With a bit of patience, you’re sure to find treasures or make new discoveries in the Houston-area card community.

2022 HOUSTON ASTROS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Houston Astros are coming off another successful 2022 MLB season that saw them finish with a 106-56 record and advance to the World Series before falling to the Philadelphia Phillies. While they ultimately fell short of their goal of winning another championship, the Astros remain one of the most talented and consistent franchises in baseball. Their roster is filled with budding superstars and veteran leaders who are likely to see significant interest from collectors in the upcoming 2022 baseball card season.

Some of the top Astros players who figure to be highly sought after in the new crop of 2022 cards include slugging first baseman Yordan Alvarez, ace right-hander Justin Verlander, and dominant closer Ryan Pressly. Alvarez followed up his breakout 2021 campaign by hitting .306 with 37 home runs and 97 RBI this past season. He has quickly established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game at just 25 years old and could end up being a future MVP candidate. Alvarez rookies and prospects cards from past years have seen huge price increases as his talent and production level have continued to rise. His 2022 cards stand to hold significant long term value if he keeps up his torrid pace at the plate.

Verlander further solidified his Hall of Fame resume in 2022 by going 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA and 185 strikeouts across 28 starts in his return from Tommy John surgery. The 39-year-old righty remains at the top of his game and helped lead Houston’s rotation to dominance all season long. He also still possesses star power and name recognition from nearly two decades in the big leagues. Verlander became the ninth pitcher in MLB history to win at least three Cy Young Awards this year and there’s a good chance his 2022 cards will end up being some of the most popular and valuable among Astros and all-time great pitchers when he eventually retires.

Pressly was practically untouchable out of Houston’s bullpen, converting all 33 of his save opportunities in 2022 and finishing with a sterling 2.98 ERA and79 strikeouts across 67.1 innings pitched. The 34-year-old continues to thrive as one of the top late-inning relievers in baseball and his 2022 cards should see interest from collectors looking to stock up on the Astros’ stellar closer. Like Verlander, Pressly’s cards carry longterm potential as a premier player at his position late into his career.

Other notable 2022 Astros players who could emerge as breakout stars or franchise cornerstones include third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielders Kyle Tucker and Chas McCormick, starting pitchers Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier, rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena, and veteran DH/OF Trey Mancini post-trade from Baltimore. The Astros largely returned their core from 2022 and have one of the deepest and most experienced rosters in the league entering 2023. They also remain a perennial playoff contender with elite young talent and veteran leadership throughout the lineup and pitching staff.

Astros prospects like outfielder Jose Siri, infielder David Hensley, and pitchers Hunter Brown and Luis Garcia will be popular targets as well for collectors seeking the team’s future stars. Siri got his first extended MLB action in 2022 and flashed five-tool potential with his blend of power, speed, and defense. The 26-year-old Dominican could jump into an everyday role next season and further establish himself as a rising star. Hensley, Brown and Garcia all made their big league debuts this year too after shining in Houston’s respected farm system. The four players give Astros collectors solid options to seek out prospect cards as potential future cornerstones.

Of course, the team’s superstars like Alvarez, Verlander, Bregman, and Tucker will remain the clear centerpieces and driving forces behind demand for 2022 Astros cards across the hobby. Their on-field production and pedigree as legitimate franchise pillars makes them blue-chip investments, especially in decorated rookie cards, prizm refractors, and other parallels that hold long term value. There’s also sure to be significant interest in star rookies like Jeremy Pena, who was named the 2022 World Series MVP after helping deliver Houston its first championship in franchise history just months after taking over as the everyday shortstop. The 25-year-old already looks like a foundational piece for the Astros and his early cards could end up being some of the most desirable of any first-year player.

Given Houston’s sustained winning ways, stockpile of young talent, and continued presence at the forefront of the pennant race each October, 2022 Astros cards shape up as a smart collecting focus in the coming year. Their stars, prospects and team parallels should see steady demand from both Astros diehards and the broader baseball card community. With this battle-tested roster primed to remain contenders for years to come, there is strong potential for Houston cards to age very well if these players keep delivering on expectations at the highest levels. The Astros are as good a franchise bet as any to produce future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and defining cards for the generation.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE HOUSTON

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors for decades. Whether you’re looking to build your own collection or sell cards you already own, Houston is a great city to find baseball cards for sale. With a rich history of baseball and many passionate fans, the Houston area has no shortage of shops, shows, and online sellers where you can buy and sell baseball cards.

One of the most well-known stores in Houston for baseball cards is Play It Again Sports. With multiple locations around the city, Play It Again Sports buys, sells, and trades all sorts of sports memorabilia including baseball cards. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find cards of your favorite players or teams from throughout history. In addition to individual cards, Play It Again Sports also sells factory-sealed packs, boxes, and complete sets to feed your card collecting habit. They work hard to price their cards fairly based on condition and demand.

For those looking to sell their baseball card collections, Play It Again Sports is also a great option. They will appraise your cards and make you a fair cash offer. Just be sure to have your cards organized and in protective sleeves or toploaders, as condition is crucial to determining value. Play It Again Sports prides itself on being a baseball card buyer you can trust in Houston.

Another local favorite is the Great American Baseball Card Show, held monthly in the Houston area. This show brings together dozens of professional card dealers under one roof, allowing you to browse thousands upon thousands of cards in one convenient location. Admission is usually around $3-5, and you’ll find tables filled with cards from the earliest days of the hobby right up to the present day. Prices vary widely depending on the dealer, card, and condition, but there are sure to be deals if you take the time to search. Shows are a fun way to spend a day immersed in baseball history.

If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt for vintage cards, the monthly Houston Card Show is also worth checking out. While it features all sports, there is usually a strong focus on vintage baseball cards especially from the 1950s-1970s era. Admission is usually around $5 and you’ll find a mix of casual collectors and serious dealers. It’s the perfect place to look for affordable vintage Houston-area cards or stars from the early days of the game. Just be prepared for more variable condition than at the larger, more professional shows.

For online baseball card sales in Houston, eBay remains king. Enter search terms like “Houston Astros cards”, “Nolan Ryan rookie”, or “1970s baseball cards” to find listings from sellers around the country and world. Take the time to read seller reviews and ask detailed questions about condition issues. On eBay, you have the opportunity to buy and sell rare and valuable vintage cards alongside more common issues. Just factor in shipping costs for cards not local to Houston.

Two highly rated Houston-based eBay sellers specializing in vintage baseball cards are vintagecardscollector and vintagecardshaven. Both have strong feedback and thousands of positive reviews. They regularly list individual Houston-related cards as well as lots of teams and players. For condition issues common to vintage cards like creases, stains or rounded corners, their detailed photos allow informed buying decisions.

Facebook Marketplace is another popular local platform in Houston for buying and selling baseball cards. Search terms like “baseball cards Houston” will surface postings from individuals selling personal collections, often at low fixed prices. Condition may be harder to verify without photos, so proper identification of issues is key if meeting in-person. Marketplace favors local transactions to avoid shipping hassles. Meet during daytime hours and in public for safety.

For appraisals or consignment selling of valuable vintage Houston baseball cards, two of the most trusted experts in the city are Houston Card Company and Sports Card Exchange. Both have decades of experience evaluating and authenticating rare and high-dollar cards. While a small consignment fee is typical, their industry connections and expertise make them ideal for properly selling a truly valuable find. They can also provide insurance certification for cards worth thousands or more.

No matter your budget or collection size, Houston offers many great options for buying and selling baseball cards locally. With a little research, you’re sure to find the right fit whether growing your PC, completing a vintage set, or cashing in on cards taking up space in your attic. The city’s rich baseball heritage and collector community provide endless opportunities for connecting with the hobby you love.

BASEBALL CARDS IN HOUSTON

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The history of baseball cards in Houston is a long and rich one dating back to the late 19th century. Some of the earliest baseball cards featuring future Hall of Famers were collected by young boys in Houston long before the city even had a Major League team.

The first baseball cards began appearing in the late 1880s produced by tobacco companies as incentives to buy their products. These early tobacco cards featured individual players and were a novel collectible enjoyed by many youth. By the early 1900s, complete sets of tobacco cards would be released each year featuring players from both the National and American Leagues.

As the popularity of baseball grew throughout the first few decades of the 20th century, so too did the collecting of baseball cards in Houston. Multi-generational families would eagerly await the release of the new sets each season and trade valuable cards with friends and classmates. Entire neighborhoods would get together to sort through their collections, discussing the stats and exploits of their favorite players.

During this time, Houston was still considered a mid-sized city without a Major League franchise. The closest team was the St. Louis Cardinals over 500 miles to the north. However, Houstonians developed strong allegiances to various big league clubs like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs through following their stars on baseball cards.

In the 1950s, the hobby of baseball card collecting exploded in popularity across America thanks to the advent of bubblegum cards. Companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer began including a stick of gum with each pack which kids loved. Suddenly every child in Houston had baseball cards and was eager to collect full sets each year in the hopes of trading for ones they needed.

It was also in the 1950s that Houston was granted its first Major League team, the Colt .45s who would later become the Astros. Suddenly, Houstonians had a hometown team to pull for and collect cards of. Future Astros stars like Joe Morgan, Jimmy Wynn, and J.R. Richard all had their rookie cards issued during this time which are now highly valuable to collectors in Houston.

The 1960s saw the rise of the modern baseball card industry. Companies increased production and added innovative designs and stats on the backs of cards. Sets grew larger each year to include over 700 cards. The competition between Topps, Fleer, and others led to experimental issues and oddball sets that are now highly sought after by collectors. It was also a golden age for Houston Astros stars with legends like Nolan Ryan, Larry Dierker, and Jim Umbricht having their best seasons.

In the 1970s, collecting baseball cards became an international phenomenon. Whether it was the allure of the flashy designs on the 1970s Topps and Fleer issues or the dominance of the Cincinnati Big Red Machine and Bronx Bombers, kids in Houston were completely immersed in the hobby. The Astros also moved into the brand-new Astrodome and began stocking their roster with future Hall of Famers like Joe Morgan and Don Sutton who were highly collectible.

The 1980s saw the rise of premium and high-end baseball cards as collectors pursued rare and valuable vintage issues along with stars of the day like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and Rickey Henderson. In Houston, the Astros surprised the baseball world by winning the National League West title in 1980 and 1981 led by stars like Nolan Ryan and Joe Niekro. Their cards from that era remain popular with collectors today.

The late 1980s also heralded in a dark period known as the “Junk Wax Era” as overproduction by card companies led to sharply declining values. But even still, collecting in Houston continued strong with the emergence of stars like Glenn Davis and Craig Biggio keeping interest high through the 1990s.

Entering the 21st century, the baseball card industry had changed dramatically. Mega-companies like Upper Deck and Leaf entered the scene and collectors sought autographs, memorabilia cards, and serially-numbered parallels of stars new and old. Astros players like Jeff Bagwell, Roger Clemens, and Lance Berkman were highly collected during this time. The internet also allowed for easier collecting and trading worldwide.

Today, baseball card collecting remains an integral part of the sports culture in Houston. Both vintage and modern issues can be found at card shops, memorabilia stores, antique malls, and card shows around the city. Many of the most dedicated collectors pursue complete sets and stars from the team’s rich 55-year history including legends like J.R. Richard, Larry Dierker, Mike Scott, and Jeff Bagwell. With a new generation of young Astros stars emerging, the tradition of collecting Houston baseball cards looks poised to continue for decades to come.

HOUSTON ASTROS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The Houston Astros had another successful season in 2022, winning the American League West division for the fourth time in five years. The team’s returning stars and emerging young talents made for an exciting year that baseball card collectors took note of. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top Astros players from 2022 and the baseball cards featuring them that collectors sought after.

Justin Verlander remained one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2022 at age 39. In his return to Houston, Verlander won the AL Cy Young award by posting a league-leading 1.75 ERA over 28 starts. His dominance was evidenced by leading the AL in wins (18), WHIP (0.829), opponents’ batting average (.186) and innings pitched (175). Not surprisingly, Verlander autographed and memorabilia cards from 2022 carried high values. His Topps Chrome Blue Refractor auto /99 pulled a strong premium, as did 1/1 printing plates and memorabilia cards featuring game-used items from his stellar season.

Yordan Alvarez had a breakout season in 2022 by setting an Astros single-season record with 37 home runs. He was a mere four homers shy of the overall major league lead. Alvarez ended up third in the league in slugging percentage (.603) and OPS (.995), establishing himself as one of MLB’s premier power hitters at just 25 years old. Alvarez rookie cards from previous years spiked in value, and his 2022 Topps cards including base, parallels and autographs were highly sought after. Numbered refractors featuring his smiling face after big home runs were hot ticket items.

Jeremy Pena had huge shoes to fill as the rookie who took over as the Astros’ starting shortstop after Carlos Correa departed in free agency. Pena rose to the challenge by winning AL Rookie of the Year honors thanks to his consistent production and stellar defense. The 25-year-old posted a .253 average with 22 home runs and 63 RBI. Pena’s impressive debut season translated to strong card values, especially for his Topps Chrome autographs and numbered parallels from ’22 Topps Series 2. As he cements his place on the Astros, Pena’s long term potential makes him an exciting young player to follow.

Jose Altuve has been the face of the Astros franchise for over a decade now and continues chugging along as one of baseball’s most dynamic players at second base. At 32, Altuve hit .300 for the seventh time in his career in 2022 with 28 homers and 57 RBI in his usual leadoff role. His success was evidenced by several accolades including his fifth Silver Slugger award and seventh All-Star nod. Altuve’s cards always hold value due to his stellar career and popularity in Houston, with autographed cards and numbered rookie parallels seeing high collector demand.

Framber Valdez had a breakout season as the Astros’ ace, going 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA over 204.2 innings while making his second All-Star team. Despite missing time on the injured list, the 28-year-old lefty proved his mettle and entered the Cy Young conversation. Valdez rookie cards from previous years spiked in value. His 2022 Topps Chrome Autograph Refractors became hot items, as did memorabilia cards featuring game-used items. As one of the leaders of Houston’s young pitching staff, Valdez’s long-term star potential bodes well for collectors.

Young pitchers like Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown and Luis Garcia showed promise and flashed dominant potential in 2022 as rotation and bullpen options alongside Verlander and Valdez. Javier struck out 194 batters in 147.1 innings over 28 games (19 starts), proving his ability as both a starter and closer. Brown made Houston take notice in his MLB debut by allowing just one earned run in his first 30 innings across four starts. Garcia overcame a rough start to record 147 strikeouts in 153.1 innings in his second full season. The upside of these hurlers made their 2022 Topps Chrome rookie cards and parallels popular risks to take on.

Veteran third baseman Alex Bregman returned from injury to hit 12 home runs in 90 games and provide his usual stellar defense on a playoff team. His past star power kept collectors interested in chasing 2022 parallels and autographs despite the limited playing time. Catcher Martin Maldonado brought his elite pitch framing skills behind the plate and mashed a career-high 14 homers at age 36. Speedy outfielder Chas McCormick emerged as a valuable fourth outfielder, starting 80 games while batting .245 with 13 long balls. Their contributions added to the Astros’ success and collector interest in their 2022 cardboard.

The Houston Astros’ talented roster and playoff run made their 2022 baseball cards a hot commodity. Stars like Verlander and Alvarez led the way while emerging youngsters like Pena, Valdez, Javier and Brown gained increased collector followings. The team’s continued winning ways and stable of popular veterans ensured Houston remained one of the most intriguing franchises on the card market. With another successful campaign appearing likely for 2023, Astros cards should remain a mainstay in collections for years to come.

HOUSTON COLT 45S BASEBALL CARDS

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The Houston Colt 45s were an expansion franchise that began play in the 1962 season as members of the National League. As one of baseball’s newest teams and still trying to establish an identity in a new city, the Colt 45s offered fans an exciting look at the early years through the production of team baseball cards.

The Topps company held the exclusive license to produce major league cards during this time period. In 1962, Topps included the Colt 45s in their flagship baseball card release, just as they had featured the other NL teams that season. This initial subset of 32 cards featuring Colt 45s players and managers helped introduce collectors and fans to the new Houston roster. Some of the notable rookies included in the ’62 Topps set were Don Nottebart, Jimmy Wynn, and Dick Farrell who would go on to have solid careers.

In 1963, Topps upped their Colt 45s card count to 37 as the roster evolved. Managers Ray Sewell and Harry Craft each received their own card in the set as well. Rookies making their Topps debut included Joe Morgan, who went on to a Hall of Fame career. The 1963 design featured borderless photos on a white background, with team name and player stats on the reverse. These early Colt 45s cards captured the franchise and its players at the very start of team history.

1964 was a transitional year for the franchise as they changed their name to the Astros to better represent the city and space industry of Houston. Topps marked the name change by putting “Houston Astros” under the team logo on that year’s 32 card Astros subset. The colorful cartoon-style design with orange and yellow borders highlighted the dynamic change. Manager Sewell was once again included alongside Astros regulars and new callups such as Rusty Staub.

Starting in 1965, Topps gave the Astros their own complete team set within the larger flagship release. This custom subset featured 51 cards and allowed for better representation of the full Astros roster and minor leaguers. Rookie pitcher Don Wilson received one of the cards after being called up late in ’64. Future stars such as Joe Morgan and Jimmy Wynn gained more prominent placement in the set as well. The Astros also benefited from individual player photographs replacing the composite team image used on many early cards.

1966 saw Topps increase the Astros subset count again, this time to a robust 60 cards. In addition to more roster spots, the design featured individual action shots of each player along with a powder blue and orange color scheme paying tribute to the team colors. Notable rookies like Larry Dierker received their first card during a memorable Astros season. This was truly an Astro-centric set that allowed fans to follow all aspects of the team in ample detail.

Several milestones were reached in 1967. Topps printed 71 cards for the Astros, their highest total to date. The design also switched to a vertical format for the first time. Rookie pitcher Don Wilson had a breakout season and received more prominent position within the set. Jim Wynn earned an “All-Star” designation on his card following his selection to the midsummer classic. The ’67 issue represented the Astros as one of baseball’s strongest franchises on the rise.

By the late 1960s, Astros cards were still included in Topps’ main release but had transitioned into alphabetical grouping by last name rather than a stand alone team set. The host of prospect cards issued in the early days served baseball card collectors well by preserving the histories of players, managers, and the franchise from their beginnings in Houston as the Colt 45s through their evolution into the Astros. Many consider the vintage 1960s Topps issues to be the most fun and nostalgic reminders of the team’s formative period after relocating from Milwaukee. While team performance fluctuated, cards captivated local fans’ attention and spread Astros popularity through young collectors nationwide. Today, complete sets and key rookie cards from the team’s early Topps years remain highlights for vintage Houston baseball enthusiasts and memorabilia investors alike. The cardboard stories of the once new Colt 45s serve as a reminder of pro baseball’s steady growth in America’s Space City.

The Houston Colt 45s/Astros team issues released by Topps from 1962-1967 provided an irreplaceable chronicle of the franchise and its key personnel during rich developmental years. Starting as baseball’s newest entrant, the team gained representation and stature through Topps’ collaborative efforts to sufficiently cover the Astros in annual releases. Rookie cards, unique designs, and quantitative improvements to the team subsets preserved the past for nostalgic reflection. As a result, vintage Colt 45s and early Astros cards remain fan favorites and hold significance in documenting baseball’s arrival and establishment in Houston.