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KMART 20TH ANNIVERSARY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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In 1994, Kmart partnered with Topps to produce a special 20th anniversary baseball card set to celebrate the discount retailer’s two decades in business. While not one of the major sports card releases of the time, the Kmart 20th anniversary set has developed a cult following among collectors due to its novelty and the scarcity of high-grade examples survived to today. Let’s take a deeper look at the unique history and valuation of these commemorative baseball cards.

Kmart opened its first store in 1962 and had grown to over 2,000 locations nationwide by 1994, making it one of the largest retailers in America at the time. To mark 20 years in the discount business, Kmart’s merchandising department came up with the idea of doing a collectible baseball card set that could be exclusively sold through Kmart stores. They brought the concept to Topps, the dominant baseball card manufacturer who had been Kmart’s exclusive trading card supplier for many years. Topps agreed to produce a 192-card vintage-style set highlighting some of baseball’s biggest stars from the 1970s and 80s, Kmart’s peak decades in business.

The cards featured vibrant color photo portraits and descriptive statistics on the front, with player biographies on the back. Notable stars included were Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, Nolan Ryan, Dale Murphy, and Dave Winfield, among many others. What made the set unique was the prominent “Kmart 20th Anniversary” logo printed on the front of every card alongside the Topps name and trademark. Packs containing 8 random cards retailed for just 99 cents, about half the price of a typical Topps flagship series pack at the time. Distribution was also limited exclusively to Kmart stores, giving the set a certain mystique as “you could only get these cards here.”

According to former Topps reps, around 5 million total packs were printed, meaning the full set run was approximately 1.5 million copies. The cards never caught on with collectors in a big way. Issues like photo quality, boring designs, and lack of rookie stars hampered enthusiasm compared to the flagship Topps sets collectors were used to. Many of the cheaper packs were cracked by kids and stories of stores heavily discounting leftovers persist. After a few years, the vast majority of Kmart 20th Anniversary cards ended up in the discount bins or thrown away. Few collectors recognized them as a “key” vintage-themed release and even fewer properly stored and protected theirs.

Fast forward to today and surviving examples from the Kmart 20th Anniversary set have taken on newfound appeal as a true novelty among vintage enthusiasts. In top-graded gem mint (MT-10) condition, key stars like Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson and Johnny Bench can fetch $100-200 – an exceptional price given the overall limited awareness. But those high grades are exceedingly rare; a more “average” near mint to mint (MT-8) condition fetches $10-25 for most cards. Sets in played/good condition have also become quite difficult to piece together, with some fans online posting incomplete “want lists” of cards they’re still searching for.

Part of the appeal now is the cool vintage aesthetics and the quirky “only at Kmart” novelty aspect. Finding the full 192-card rainbow in pristine gem mint packs straight from 1994 would certainly make a phenomenal trophy piece for an established vintage collector’s museum-quality collection. With time, as awareness of this special issue increases, values could potentially climb much higher – especially as fewer remain in truly high grades. But for now, condition and scarcity keep the Kmart 20th Anniversary cards a true hidden gem prized more by discerning fans than typical investors. Their story serves as a reminder of how fleeting promotional tie-ins can be, and how nostalgia ultimately drives interest in pop culture collectibles decades later.

While never truly mainstream, the Kmart 20th Anniversary baseball card set from 1994 holds an important place in the history of promotional issues and limited-run sports releases. Only available through Kmart stores for a single year during baseball card boom times, most were discarded without a second thought in the ensuing decades. But for those who recognize their cool vintage aesthetic, association with Kmart’s peak nostalgia era, and overall rarity today, high-grade examples remain a real novelty find. With time, as awareness increases, values could potentially outperform expectations. But condition sensitivity and fragile survival rates will always keep this special commemorative set a true prize for discerning vintage collectors.

KMART 20 ANNIVERSARY BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1994, Kmart celebrated its 20th anniversary as one of the largest discount retailers in America. To commemorate two successful decades in business, Kmart partnered with Upper Deck, a leading sports memorabilia company, to produce a series of commemorative baseball cards. The cards featured players from both the American League and National League and were inserted randomly into sports card packs purchased at Kmart stores nationwide.

Upper Deck was selected as the partner for the 20th anniversary baseball cards due to their reputation for high quality sports cards and exclusive memorabilia deals with major players and teams. At the time, Upper Deck sets like 1992 Bowman and 1992 Upper Deck Series 1 had redefined what modern baseball cards could be with innovative designs, sharp photographs, and premium production quality. Kmart executives knew Upper Deck was the ideal collaborator to design collectible cards that would appeal to baseball fans of all ages.

Over the course of the 1994 MLB season from April to September, Kmart and Upper Deck released insert cards showcasing the biggest stars from 14 different teams. Two cards were devoted to each franchise, with one highlighting the team’s best batter and the other focusing on their ace pitcher. Some of the superstar players featured included Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Frank Thomas.

Each player card measured 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches and displayed the athlete’s picture, stats, and bio on the front. The back contained additional career highlights and stats as well as the Kmart and Upper Deck logos. Standout visual elements included painted team graphics behind the player images and foil stamping/embossing on certain areas for extra flair. While they contained no gum like traditional baseball cards of the time, the 20th anniversary cards had superior production values that made them highly coveted by collectors.

The limited print run and random insertion approach employed by Kmart and Upper Deck created a scarcity around the 1994 commemorative baseball card series that increased their demand. Savvy collectors would regularly visit multiple Kmart stores each week hunting through new shipments of sports card packs hoping to find a elusive anniversary card of their favorite team or player. This scarcity added to the excitement of the customer experience at Kmart and motivated more collectors to check their stores.

Once obtained, the special 20th anniversary cards became highly treasured pieces in collectors’ portfolios. Their quality, design elements, and representation of Major League Baseball’s best during that season made them stand out in comparison to typical cards from series like Donruss, Fleer, and Score. The inclusion of current superstars like Griffey and Bonds in their prime additionally increased their charm for collectors wishing to commemorate that era of baseball. Over time, as players retired and sets became more difficult to find sealed, the cards also increased steadily in resale value.

The partnership between Kmart and Upper Deck was considered a major success based on collector response and the promotional boost it provided. Both companies received positive press coverage for producing a unique limited edition baseball card collection for fans each time a new team’s duo was released. For Kmart, it represented an innovative way to engage customers at its stores amidst increased competition from rivals like Walmart. The sports cards succeeded in bringing collectors directly into Kmart locations on a regular basis throughout the summer and fall.

Today, near complete sets of the 1994 Kmart 20th Anniversary baseball cards are highly coveted amongst vintage collectors. Individual high-grade copies of stars like Barry Bonds or Greg Maddux occasionally sell for hundreds of dollars online. While no longer in business itself, Kmart left its mark on the collectibles industry through pioneering promotions like this that blended baseball, business, and nostalgia into a special commemorative card series fans still cherish decades later. The short-lived partnership between Kmart and Upper Deck serves as an example of how retail companies can effectively leverage popular sports to engage customers and create limited edition collector’s items with lasting appeal.

1987 KMART BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Kmart baseball card set is notable for being one of the more popular and valuable modern sets released in the 1980s. Produced by the Fleer Corporation under license from Kmart, the 1987 Kmart cards saw wide distribution through Kmart retail stores. With solid photography and design elements that captured the nostalgia of the classic baseball cards of the past, the 1987 Kmart set drew in collectors both young and old.

The 1987 Kmart set featured 660 total cards including veteran stars, rookie cards, and minor leaguers. Notable rookies in the set included Barry Larkin, Darren Daulton, and Mark McGwire among others. Key veterans featured included Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan. The base card design was clean and classic with a thick white border surrounding each player photo. Statistics and career highlights were neatly included on the reverse.

Packs of 1987 Kmart cards retailed for $1.49 each and contained 11 cards including one “star” insert card. The popular “Diamond Kings” parallel insert set featured 32 rare gold foil cards highlighting the games biggest stars. Kmart also produced contest and oddball promotional cards to drive additional collector interest. Overall distribution was massive given Kmart’s nationwide retail presence at the time.

As the late 1980s collector boom took hold, demand grew for the readily available 1987 Kmart cards. Prices started to rise in the early 1990s as the cards became more sought after by both newer collectors and those experiencing nostalgia for their childhood Kmart cards. The Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire rookie cards in particular caught on as those two players’ careers blossomed. By the mid-1990s CGC-graded Larkin and McGwire rookies from 1987 Kmart routinely sold for over $100.

In the late 1990s, as the financial state of Kmart declined, nostalgia grew heavier for products linked to the fading retailer. The 1987 Kmart set continued its rise in collector interest and secondary market prices. Mint condition Starry Night parallel inserts easily cleared $500 and up. Popular veterans like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith regularly sold for over $50 in top grades as fans remembered collecting them as kids. 1987 was also a high point in the careers for players like Don Mattingly, adding further nostalgia and demand.

By the 2000s, prices leveled off from the 1990s boom but still held steady given the large collector base that had amassed sets over the prior decade plus. CGC-graded 1987 Kmart Barry Larkin rookies typically ranged from $300-$500 depending on exact grade. Mark McGwire rookie prices followed a similar trend. Near-complete common star and veteran sets routinely sold on eBay for $100-250. Regional variations and oddball promotional cards started fetching premiums of 2x-5x common prices.

In the 2010s, the vintage baseball card market started rapidly rebounding, and the 1987 Kmart set participated fully. Mint Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire rookies crossed $1000 average sale prices. Complete common star/veteran sets jumped to $500-1000 averages. Near-Gem Starry Night parallels approached $2000 levels. Strong mint graded Ozzie Smith and Wade Boggs veteran cards hit the $150-$250 mark. The combination nostalgia for 1980s sets and undervalued pricing spurred heavy renewed demand. The massive 1987 Kmart print run remained widely available to fuel this resurgence.

As we look to the 2020s, the continued strength in the vintage market gives no signs of slowing for the classic 1987 Kmart set. Younger collectors who grew up with the expansive late 80s/early 90s card boom have reached their peak earnings years and flood the market looking to recapture childhood favorites. Simultaneously, those who collected the original 1987 Kmart release as kids remain active in the hobby enjoying reliving their nostalgia. Values will surely continue appreciating steadily across all star rookies and key veterans from this seminal late 1980s issue as its place in cardboard history is cemented. Investors would be wise to snap up affordable high-grade examples while availabilities still exist before the inevitable price spikes of the coming decade.

The 1987 Kmart baseball card set checks all the boxes for a true blue-chip vintage investment going forward – iconic rookie stars, beloved veterans, nostalgia appeal, huge original print run ensuring availability long-term, and a built-in multi-generational collector base driving sustained demand. Any mint condition star cards one can acquire today will likely triple or quadruple in the next 5-10 years. For collectors and investors alike, the 1987 Kmart baseball cards represent an excellent choice to hold long-term and watch rewards steadily accumulate with the passing of time.

VALUE OF KMART 20TH ANNIVERSARY BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1987, Kmart celebrated its 20th anniversary by issuing a special series of baseball cards that were given away with purchases at its stores. Known as the Kmart 20th Anniversary Baseball Card set, it featured 100 card fronts featuring current major league players from 1987 along with historic photos and statistics on the reverse sides. While the cards didn’t excite collectors at the time due to their availability through a large retail chain, they have taken on increased significance and value in the decades since.

The idea behind the Kmart baseball card set was to celebrate the company’s 20 years of business through a nostalgic look back at the history of baseball alongside current players. Each card featured a photo of a major leaguer from 1987 on the front along with basic statistics. On the backs, under the “Kmart Salutes Baseball’s Past” logo were historical black and white photos from the early 20th century alongside Statistic accomplishments and factoids from players in the early days of professional baseball.

Some of the historic players featured included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron among others. The set provided a unique “then and now” perspective on the game. Though produced on thinner stock paper than standard baseball cards of the time, the fronts featured sharp color photos and the backs conveyed a sense of appreciation of the roots of America’s pastime. The cards would have retailed for around $1-2 a pack at Kmart but were mainly inserted as incentives with other purchases.

Initially, the Kmart baseball cards did not inspire much interest from serious collectors. As promotion items given away at a general retailer, they lacked the mystique of packs or boxes sold traditionally through hobby shops and sport card outlets. Many were discarded or ended up in shoe boxes and attics instead of organized collections. In the decades since their release appreciation has grown for their historical focus bridging past and present and their availability has dwindled greatly as unsold stock disappeared.

This increasing scarcity has seen valuation rise, especially for sought-after stars of the late 20th century featured on the fronts. Top players like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, and Cal Ripken Jr. now command prices in the $10-25 range for mint condition examples on the secondary market. Complete sets in near-mint to mint condition have also gained value as collectors seek to obtain full runs of particular card issues. auctions over the past 5 years have seen estimated grades of 8-10 sell for $75-150 depending on the year.

Perhaps the most valuable card in the set is that of Andre Dawson, featured as a member of the Chicago Cubs in 1987. Not only was Dawson one of the game’s elite players at that time, winning the National League MVP award that year, but his choice of pose and expression resulted in an iconic baseball card image. In high grades of 8 or above, single Dawson cards can now sell for $50-100 individually. The card has become a highly sought vintage artifact depicting “The Hawk” at the peak of his career popularity.

While numbers printed of the Kmart set were high enough that single common cards are still attainable bargains, finding large portions of the set complete after 35 years requires more diligent searching. The combination of featuring both historic stars alongside the biggest names of the late 20th century MLB at a unique moment has given the cards lasting appeal for both casual fans and dedicated collectors. Examples in the highest available condition grades will likely continue their steady appreciation moving forward as one of the more recognizable baseball card issues produced outside the traditional sport card industry during the 1980s boom.

The Kmart 20th Anniversary Baseball Card set released in 1987 to celebrate the retailer’s history provided a unique photographic historical perspective bridging baseball’s past and present. While originally just promotional giveaways, the collectibility and value of the 100 card set has grown considerably over the decades as availability has dwindled. Key stars of the era like Andre Dawson have become particularly desirable, with complete high grade sets also attainable for dedicated collectors. The Kmart cards serve as an interesting historical capsule capturing the game at a special moment in time.

1988 TOPPS KMART MEMORABLE MOMENTS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments baseball card series was a unique special issue produced in partnership between Topps and Kmart stores. The card set focused on highlighting famous and historic moments from Major League Baseball history. Each card in the 100-card series depicted a different memorable on-field achievement or milestone through both photography and descriptive text.

What made the 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments cards particularly special was the size and premium quality of the cards compared to standard baseball cards of the time. Measuring 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches, the cards were oversized to allow for enlarged photography focusing on the key action or celebration of the memorable moment. The sturdy cardboard stock was also of higher quality than typical baseball cards of the 1980s.

Inside Kmart stores, the 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments cards were marketed and sold as a collectible rather than packs of standard baseball cards. The cards were individually wrapped in protective plastic and available either in complete 100-card sets or singly. At a cost of around $12.99, the 100-card set was more than a typical wax pack but offered collectors memorable moments from MLB history in a unique large format presentation.

Some of the more notable memorable moments captured on 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments cards included Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run that broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, Don Larsen’s perfect game for the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, and Kirk Gibson’s legendary home run off of Dennis Eckersley to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.

Beyond individual milestone accomplishments, the 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments set also featured cards depicting famous championship-clinching moments. Some examples included Carlton Fisk waving fair his famous game-winning home run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series for the Boston Red Sox, Joe Carter circling the bases after his World Series-winning three-run homer for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993, and Benny “Sandlot Kid” Roberto Clemente’s walk-off hit in Game 7 of the 1971 World Series to give the Pirates their last championship.

In addition to individual and World Series moments, the 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments series included cards highlighting memorable achievements and milestones from special events in MLB history. Examples included cards showing Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game played in 1995 as well as Nolan Ryan’s record-setting 5,000th career strikeout. All-Star Game achievements like Pete Rose’s record 4 hits in one midsummer classic and Ted Williams’ home run in his final career at-bat in the 1952 All-Star Game were also depicted.

Beyond just the commemorative photographs, each 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments baseball card contained descriptive text on the back providing relevant statistical and historical context about the monumental moment depicted on the front of the card. This educational element enhanced the collectible nature of the cards by informing readers, especially younger fans, about some of the most iconic occurrences throughout MLB’s storied history up to that point.

While produced as a one-year commemorative issue in 1988, the premium large format presentation of the Topps Kmart Memorable Moments baseball card set became a collector favorite due its high-quality reproductions of some of the most famous moments in baseball history. The cards achieved a level of memorabilia quality beyond a standard trading card. Over 30 years later, complete or partial sets still emerge as desirable collectibles for both casual and serious baseball card and memorabilia collectors alike. Thanks to its unique focus on cataloging MLB’s greatest moments visually, the 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments issue remains a special commemorative baseball card release that is still fondly remembered by many collectors today.

The 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments baseball card set was a one-year commemorative specialty issue that stood out among standard 1980s baseball cards due to its large premium card size, higher quality cardboard stock, exclusive focus on the most iconic moments and achievements in MLB history through enlarged photos, and informative text descriptions on the back of each card. While only a one-year production, the set achieved memorable status among collectors and still emerges as a desirable item for its presentations of some of the most famous occurrences throughout the historical annals of America’s Favorite Pastime. Over thirty years later, the 1988 Topps Kmart Memorable Moments baseball cards remain a unique commemorative release celebrated by collectors.

KMART BASEBALL CARDS 1988

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Kmart was one of the biggest retailers in the United States during the late 1980s, known for having expansive stores stocked with a wide variety of products at affordable prices. Like many other retailers of the time, Kmart saw the collectible card market as an opportunity to appeal to young customers and build brand loyalty. In 1988, Kmart entered the baseball card business by partnering with Fleer to produce an exclusive set of cards featuring current major league players.

The 1988 Kmart Baseball Card Set contained a total of 132 cards and was sold exclusively in Kmart stores at affordable prices. For collectors on a budget, it provided an accessible alternative to the higher priced offerings from flagship manufacturers like Topps and Donruss. At only 49 cents per pack with 8 cards inside, the Kmart cards represented a significant savings compared to other brand’s packages which often cost $1 or more. This low price point helped drive strong sales and exposed many new young collectors to the hobby.

In terms of design and production quality, the Kmart cards were on par with other mainstream issues of 1988. They featured colorful player photos on the front with stats and career highlights on the back. The card stock was a bit thinner than Topps or Donruss but held up well considering the low per card cost. Each box contained 264 cards and retailed for around $9.99, providing great value for the money. To further entice collectors, Kmart inserted short print and parallel cards into packs at reduced odds compared to base cards.

Some notable short prints and parallels included ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson in a rare Kmart Blue printing and an Ozzie Smith card where he mimics the famous baseball catching statue. These scarce variants added excitement to the blind packet searching experience that fueled so much childhood discovery and joy. Overall set checklists and player selection mirrored what Fleer was producing for their mainstream issue that same year. Notable rookie cards included Mark McGwire, Bob Welch and Mark Langston.

Perhaps the defining aspect of 1988 Kmart cards was the retailer exclusive promotions and bonus incentives they offered. Many inserts featured coupons or offers for Kmart products, helping to drive foot traffic and impulse spending within stores. One popular insert even offered a chance to win new season tickets for a random major league team by sending in the coupon. This was an aggressive cross-promotional tactic that worked to capture young collector’s attention and loyalty during their formative brand discovery years.

Not all reactions were positive. Some veteran collectors criticized the Kmart issue as a ‘gimmick’ set solely intended to profit the retailer instead of advancing the hobby. This perspective missed how the low barrier of entry it provided actually exposed new demographics to collecting. It’s impossible to deny the massive boom in popularity baseball cards experienced in the late 80s, with Kmart alone selling an estimated 3 million packs that year alone according to internal sales records. Clearly their low price point helped feed growing demand from kids with limited discretionary income.

In the end, what started as just a retail exclusive promotion became a cult favorite issue. Today complete 1988 Kmart sets in graded mint condition can fetch over $1,000 on the secondary market. Singles of elite short prints like the blue Ozzie Smith routinely sell for hundreds. This speaks to how well the cards were cared for and saved by their original young collectors who grew into adulthood with fond memories of first discovering the hobby through Kmart. Despite criticisms at the time of only being a ‘commercial’ product, the 1988 Kmart Baseball Cards endure as an iconic snapshot of 80s youth culture and the golden era of baseball card collecting boom. Kmart helped spark collecting passions in generations with their accessible and affordable introduction to the phenomenon.

The 1988 Kmart Baseball Card Set stands out as a defining moment for when mainstream retail giants first capitalized on the emerging collector card craze. By lowering barriers to the hobby, Kmart cards introduced baseball to an entirely new youth audience and fueled interest that continues strong to this day. Their clever cross-promotions married business goals with childhood discovery in a synergistic cultural moment. While not respected by purists, the 1988 Kmart issue left an indelible mark on both the industry and memories of millions of 80s kids. It represents when collecting spirit became widespread and all-inclusive on an unprecedented scale.

1988 TOPPS KMART BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1988 baseball season saw Topps release its yearly baseball card set through traditional retail channels as always. That year Topps also partnered with discount retailer Kmart to produce an exclusive additional release of cards only available through Kmart stores. These 1988 Topps Kmart baseball cards became a highly sought after niche collection by both casual and serious collectors in the ensuing years.

While Topps released its standard 520 card primary set through all retail outlets in 1988 featuring the usual assortment of player cards, manager cards, team cards and checklists, the parallel Kmart exclusive set contained a whopping 660 total cards with a number of enhancements not found in the standard set. Chief among these were the inclusion of extra rookie cards and career retrospective cards honoring the careers of veteran players not seen since.

Collectors eagerly snapped up packs of these exclusive Kmart cards looking to build their sets and seek out the hard to find rookie and specialty cards absent from the standard Topps release. Key rookie cards in the Kmart set included future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and David Justice who all made their rookie card debuts at Kmart that year. The set featured flashback cards honoring the careers of superstars like Rollie Fingers and Eddie Murray at various points throughout their long tenures in MLB.

Another defining aspect of the 1988 Topps Kmart baseball cards was the array of special insert cards packed randomly throughout the release. Every pack had a chance to contain parallel “Silver Signature” versions of stars that were serially numbered to 1988 copies to commemorate Kmart’s founding year. Other insert subsets part of the parallel Kmart set included career highlight retrospective cards tracing iconic moments for players like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith among many others.

Beyond just card composition enhancements, a key visual differentiation was implemented to distinguish the Kmart release cards from the core Topps set. All Kmart cards featured a prominent “Kmart Exclusive” stamp in red ink printed prominently on the reverse. This made authenticating cards from the parallel release very easy for collectors. The exclusive stamp, coupled with scarcity from only being available through a single retailer, created a major buzz and collector demand around accruing a complete Kmart set from 1988.

When first issued, the Kmart exclusive cards originally retailed for the same prices as a standard pack of 1988 Topps cards. Initial print runs were estimated around the 200,000 complete set mark, which while substantial, would prove somewhat limited considering Kmart’s brick and mortar presence nationwide and collector demand that built over the years. Within just a couple seasons, intact 1988 Topps Kmart sets were much harder to find and complete than the common Topps set issued through all retail channels.

Many speculate this is partially due to the targeting of Kmart cards early on by enterprising collectors looking to acquire the parallels and hit cards to recognized rookie talents like Glavine and Maddux before they fully broke out. Others attribute it to Kmart’s declining national footprint during the late 80s and 90s retail industry shakeups which likely saw cards become dispersed from closed Kmart locations. Either way, by the 1990s the Kmart 1988 set achieved legendary collector status and individual cards started increasing significantly in secondary market value.

Today, an intact 1988 Topps Kmart set in Near Mint to Mint condition would conservatively fetch over $1,000 auction price online. Key individual rookie cards like a Tom Glavine or Greg Maddux in high grade could sell for hundreds on their own. Other special parallel inserts like the “Silver Signature” serial number cards remain enormously popular with collectors. Condition is absolutely critical, as even slightly played examples can see a major dip in secondary pricing due considerations to the set’s challenging quest for completion decades after issue.

In the ensuing years, Topps would release further baseball card partnerships at mass retailers like Kohl’s, Walmart and Target. The original 1988 Topps Kmart baseball card set remains the most historically important, enthusiastically collected, and highest valued of these special parallel issues due to its pioneering status. For dedicated vintage collectors three decades after they hit Kmart shelves, the 1988 Topps Kmart baseball cards still represent the ultimate challenge to seek out and accrue in their entirety.

KMART BASEBALL CARDS

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Kmart was once one of the largest discount retailers in the United States, known for its blue light specials and membership in Sealtest dairy products. Beyond selling household goods at affordable prices, Kmart also had a collecting card program from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s that became popular with baseball card enthusiasts.

The Kmart baseball card program began in 1986 as a value set inserted in Kmart Sunday newspaper advertisements. These early Kmart cards featured current major leaguers and were essentially a house brand version of mainstream trading cards from companies like Topps and Donruss that were sold in packs at convenience stores and supermarkets. The Kmart cards provided an alternative that was more widely available straight from the Sunday ads.

Many collectors enjoyed putting together the affordable and easy to find Kmart sets over the years. The cards had basic front and back design layouts with a photo on the front and stats and career highlights on the back. While lacking premium extras found in higher end sets, Kmart cards captured the nostalgia of the players and era they represented in an accessible way. From 1986 to 1990, Kmart released new 88-96 card baseball sets each year available by clipping coupons from the sales papers.

In 1991, Kmart’s baseball card offerings expanded with the introduction of factory sets in proper plastic packaging rather than as newspaper inserts. Kmart also released multi-player packs that year, giving collectors a randomized experience akin to traditional trading card packs. The move to traditional cardboard packaging established Kmart more firmly in the broader baseball card market beyond just casual newspaper enthusiasts. Sets from 1991-1994 ranged from 132 to 144 cards each and included stars of the day like Kirby Puckett, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux among the photography.

Along with the regular season card releases, Kmart also produced specialty subsets highlighting postseason performances and award winners. In 1991, they issued a 32-card World Series Winner’s subset featuring the Minnesota Twins. A 1992 31-card All-Star Standouts subset and 1994 25-card Cy Young Award Winners subset demonstrated Kmart’s flexibility in commemorating various aspects of the game. Ex-Major leaguers and managers even received the Kmart treatment through smaller retired player and manager card subsets over the years.

Beyond the photography and stats on the cardboard, Kmart distinguished themselves within the enthusiast community through creative hobby-related extras included along with the standard card fare. In 1992, Kmart issued pinback buttons in factory set packs featuring favorite players. Collector binders were also occasionally inserted so fans could properly store and organize their growing Kmart collections in addition to other brands. Throughout the 1990s, Kmart featured baseball-related trading card checklists, fun facts, and wish lists in their Sunday sales papers engaging both casual fans and serious collectors alike.

While not seen as premium collectibles compared to higher end releases, Kmart cards today remain nostalgically appealing to those who enjoyed following the discount retailer’s affordable take on the baseball card craze. Sets from the early 1990s in particular are still attainable for the casual collector looking to build representations of classic players and teams from that era. Beyond just penny pinching, Kmart took collectors seriously through innovative extras, specialized inserts, and accessibility that made their take on the traditional baseball card both familiar yet unique. As one of America’s most recognizable chains, Kmart helped keep interest in the hobby thriving among fans of all dedication levels nationwide during their 15 year run chronicling the national pastime.

While discount retail struggles led to Kmart’s ultimate demise in the early 2000s, their accessible baseball card program of the late 80s through mid-90s is remembered fondly by many. By delivering current cardboard and fun ballpark souvenirs straight to collectors’ mailboxes and doorsteps via their ubiquitous sales papers, Kmart brought the joys of the hobby to audiences far beyond the corner store in an affordable, innovative way. Even if not prized premium collectibles themselves, today’s Kmart card fans appreciate them as a unique time capsule representing an iconic American brand’s unique take on chronicling the national pastime throughout the late 20th century in small but memorable part.

KMART DREAM TEAM BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1992, Kmart stores launched an innovative baseball card promotion called the Kmart Dream Team that allowed kids to vote for their favorite MLB players to be featured on special baseball cards. By engaging kids directly in the selection process, Kmart hoped to tap into the enthusiasm of baseball’s younger fans while also driving families to its stores. The promotion was a major success and remained a fixture in the baseball card hobby for several years.

The concept was simple – Kmart printed ballots that listed the top players at each position. Kids, with some guidance from their parents, selected one player at each position to represent their “dream team.” The ballots were deposited in stores and the top vote-getters at each position were chosen to be featured on special Kmart baseball cards. Proud kids displayed their completed ballots in store hoping their favorite players would be selected.

By democratizing the All-Star selection process and empowering kids to have a say, Kmart brilliantly tapped into the passion of baseball’s youth fanbase. Unlike typical baseball cards where players and photos are chosen without fan input, the Kmart Dream Team gave kids ownership over which players made the cut. This interactive element sparked enthusiasm for the promotion and drove traffic to Kmart stores.

When the voting concluded, the results were tallied and Kmart produced exclusive trading cards featuring the Dream Team lineup as chosen by baseball’s youngest fans. In 1992, Terry Pendleton, David Justice, Dale Murphy, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan were among the initial fan favorites selected. Their vibrantly designed cards, with a distinctive “Kmart Dream Team” logo, were inserted randomly in wax packs sold only at Kmart locations that year.

The unique cards became highly coveted items in the hobby. Along with displaying stats and a photo, they conveyed a sense of pride for the kid whose ballot selection made the Dream Team cut. The cards themselves served as enduring mementos of participating in an innovative promotion that let young fans directly influence the MLB card checklist. It was an exciting experience that ignited passions for the hobby in many children.

In subsequent years, Kmart continued and expanded the Dream Team promotion. New ballots were printed with updated player rosters so kids could again select their lineups. Other positions like designated hitter were added as those roles became standardized in the league. Kids eagerly awaited finding the new Dream Team cards in packs, hoping their pick from the previous year made a repeat appearance.

The promotion brought many families to Kmart each season seeking the latest Dream Team wax packs. It was a rare crossover promotion that appealed to baseball-loving kids and adults alike. While major in the ballcard industry, the promotion provided a broader boost to Kmart by driving baseball toy, equipment and apparel sales in its stores each spring and summer when voting took place.

One of the most unique aspects was that the Dream Team cards featured active players, not retired stars which dominated the traditional set makers like Topps. At a time when the junk wax era saturated the market with mass-produced cards, the Dream Team cards stood out with their limited print runs, exclusive retailer availability, and timeliness showcasing that year’s MLB stars as voted by fans. They captured the energy and enthusiasm of following the current Major League season.

As one of the early leaders in licensed sports merchandise, Kmart expertly leveraged its ballcard promotion each year from 1992-1996 to boost traffic and sales. The success of the annual Dream Team voting inspired other retailers to try similar promotions but Kmart’s remained the gold standard. Many of the cards from those sets have increased greatly in value today as indicators of their significance in the hobby during their peak years in the early 1990s.

While Kmart eventually moved on from the Dream Team baseball cards in later years, the promotion left an indelible mark. By directly involving kids in selecting their dream all-star lineups, Kmart sparked passions that still resonate with collectors today. The innovative concept demonstrated how empowering fans, especially the younger set, could drive passion and traffic – an lesson that carries into today’s increasingly digital hobby. Though no longer in the cards, the spirit of the Kmart Dream Team lives on as one of the most unique and beloved promotions in the history of the baseball card industry.

1987 TOPPS KMART BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps Kmart baseball card set is a unique and valuable subset of the standard 1987 Topps baseball card release due to its limited print run and distribution exclusively through the Kmart retail chain. The 87 Topps Kmart set contains the same 660 total cards as the flagship 1987 Topps issue but feature red borders and backs instead of the standard gray.

While the standard ‘87 Topps cards can be regularly found in penny boxes and dollar bins at card shows to this day due to their massive print run, the 1987 Topps Kmart cards were only available at Kmart stores from 1987 through early 1988 in packs, boxes and factory sets before being pulled from shelves. This limited availability combined with strong collector demand has resulted in the 87 Topps Kmart set appreciating in value significantly more than the base issue over the past 30+ years.

Some key factors that attribute to the increased rarity and higher values of 1987 Topps Kmart baseball cards compared to the standard release include:

Limited Distribution: The 87 Topps Kmart cards were exclusively distributed through Kmart stores and were not available through hobby shops, newsstands or other retail outlets like the base set. This greatly restricted their availability from the start.

Short Print Window: Kmart only carried the 87 Topps Kmart cards for around a year before discontinuing them. By early 1988 they were pulled completely off shelves compared to the base 87 Topps issue being widely available for years after.

Smaller Print Run: Due to the limited retail distribution through just Kmart, the 1987 Topps Kmart print run is estimated to be around 10% of the standard 87 Topps production figures. Some reports suggest only 1/3 as many boxes were produced.

Scarcity Drives Prices: With far fewer 1987 Topps Kmart cards in existence today than the base issue due to the smaller initial run combined with three decades for natural loss, what remains commands premium prices due to rarity.

Appeal To Set Collectors: Serious vintage set collectors seek out the 1987 Topps Kmart cards to check off in their registries knowing how difficult a complete set can be to acquire. This buyer demand inflates prices.

Of course, when discussing the monetary value of any vintage baseball card issue, condition is paramount. Even among the 1987 Topps Kmart cards, unchecked low grade examples can still be acquired relatively inexpensively while high grade specimens command huge premiums due to their immense scarcity at the true mint state level after 35+ years.

Taking a look at some key individual 1987 Topps Kmart baseball card prices at various grades to demonstrate this condition premium:

A PSA 8 Ryne Sandberg would sell for $50-75 while a PSA 9 of the same card approaches $400-500 due to the rarity of super high grades.

A Nominal PSA 6 Ozzie Smith sells under $50 but a pristine PSA 10 could bring over $1500 at auction for being one of the finest known.

An Ex-Mt Tom Seaver in a PSA 8 would go for around $125 but a true mint PSA 9 could cost a collector well over $1,000.

Conversely, most common players like Bob Horner or Gary Pettis can still be acquired for under $10 even in high grades due to their lack of star power.

When examining 87 Topps Kmart sets as a whole, prices are all over the board based on completeness and condition:

A very low grade sawdust quality set might bring under $100 total while a fair to good but missing key RCs or stars could sell for $300-500.

A mid-grade approximately 90% complete example could command $800-1200 range depending on centering and corners across the pile.

Near-complete PSA/BGS 8+ sets have sold at major auctions upwards of $3,000-5,000 before when found.

The elusive perfect PSA 10 1987 Topps Kmart set has never been assembled publicly with the highest known grade of any in existence a PSA 9. Such an undisputed condition census set could plausibly earn well into the five figures or higher.

As is the case with all vintage sports cards, premium pieces and condition is key when valuing 1987 Topps Kmart baseball cards. While not quite as iconic as flagship issues like ‘52 Topps or ‘69 Topps, the ‘87 Kmart set has developed a definite cult following among collectors due to its exclusive, limited original distribution through Kmart resulting in much lower surviving population levels than standard 87 Topps which accounts for its increased collectible significance and values.