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1990 BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

The 1990 baseball card season featured some of the biggest stars and rookie cards of the decade. While the late 80s boom was starting to cool off, 1990 still provided plenty of exciting cards for collectors to hunt. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1990 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for.

Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card (Upper Deck): Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever printed, the 1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr is the undisputed crown jewel of the set. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most sought after by collectors. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered near mint copies still fetch thousands. This is a true holy grail card that is essential for any serious collection.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Fleer): While Griffey’s was the bigger star at the time, Frank Thomas also debuted in 1990 and had a spectacular career of his own. His rookie card comes from Fleer and shows Thomas in the midst of his powerful swing. Like Griffey, Thomas would have a long, productive career playing in the era after steroids. High grade Thomas rookies still sell for four figures and are a key piece of history from the year.

Nolan Ryan Express Postcard (Donruss): Donruss paid tribute to Nolan Ryan’s express train-like fastball with this creative postcard design. It captures an iconic image of the flamethrower winding up. Ryan was nearing the end of his career in 1990 but remained one of the most intimidating hurlers in the game. This innovative card remains a highly collectible piece, especially for Ryan completests.

Rickey Henderson (Fleer): Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer in baseball history, Rickey Henderson was in his prime in 1990. His Fleer card shows him in full sprint around the bases. Henderson was a true game-changing talent and his cards from this era remain some of the most popular for Athletics and general baseball collectors.

Barry Bonds Rookie Variation (Bowman): While Bonds had made his debut in 1986, he was still learning in 1990 and hadn’t fully blossomed into the superstar he would become. His rookie cards, especially the short print variation from Bowman are very desirable for collectors today. Bonds would go on to smash the single season and all-time home run records, making any of his early cards big keys.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Score): By 1990, Ripken had broken the streak record and was the iron man of baseball. His Score issue shows him fielding at shortstop. Ripken was the consummate professional and one of the most respected players of the era. High grade copies of this all-action card are highly sought after.

Roger Clemens (Fleer): Arguably the top pitcher of the late 80s-early 90s, Clemens’ intimidating stare down glare graced the front of his 1990 Fleer issue. “The Rocket” won multiple Cy Youngs and would have a long, decorated career. Clemens cards remain some of the most popular for pitcher collectors.

Wally Joyner Rookie (Donruss): While not in the same galactic stratosphere as Griffey or Thomas, Wally Joyner still had a solid career and his rookie is an important Angels piece from the season. Joyner was a productive first baseman/DH for several seasons. His rookie remains a nice affordable option for Angels or rookie card collectors.

Ozzie Smith (Score): A true wizard with the glove, Ozzie Smith was in his prime in 1990 as the best defensive shortstop who ever lived. His up the middle diving play is captured on his Score issue. “The Wizard” was a fan favorite and his cards are always popular with Cardinals and defensive specialist collectors.

This covers some of the biggest stars and most historically important rookie cards from the 1990 season. Sets like Upper Deck, Fleer, Donruss and Score did a great job chronicling the era. Finding high grade examples of the stars like Griffey, Thomas, Henderson, Ripken and Clemens would make for an amazing vintage core to any collection.

APP TO LOOK UP BASEBALL CARDS

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors and fans alike for over a century. With the rise of technology, the way people research and look up baseball cards has evolved tremendously. Gone are the days of flipping through bulky binders full of stats or relying solely on memory – today, baseball card collectors have access to powerful mobile apps that allow them to easily look up virtually any card from anywhere.

Some of the most popular and useful baseball card lookup apps available include:

Baseball Card Price Guide: This app from TCDB.com gives users access to one of the largest online baseball card price guides. Users can search by player name, team, set, year or card number to pull up estimated average market values. Additional filters allow for searching by card condition from poor to mint. The app also shows recent sold listings to help determine actual sale prices. With over 5 million price points from the hobby’s top authorities, this is a top choice for quick card value lookups.

Beckett Baseball Card Monthly: As the long-time publisher of some of the hobby’s most respected price guides and magazines, Beckett’s app is a must-have. Users can search by name, team or set and filter results by year and grade. Along with estimated values, the app also provides card images, descriptions and pop reports showing how many were printed. A handy “want list” feature allows users to build lists to track cards they need. For serious collectors, Beckett’s reputation and vast database make this the gold standard in card lookup apps.

Collector’s Universe PSA/DNA Registry: For collectors focused more on condition and authentication than price, this app from PSA and Beckett is excellent. Users can search the extensive population report database to see exactly how many examples of each particular card have been professionally graded by PSA or SGC. Highly detailed result screens even include population data broken down by individual grade. Authentication and population information are extremely valuable to set builders and investors, making this a top resource.

Cardboard Connection: As one of the hobby’s most trusted independent websites, Cardboard Connection’s app is loaded with useful tools. Along with price guides that can be searched just like the desktop site, it also includes checklists, team and set filters, a trade/want list builder, and the ability to take photos of cards to ID them. For newer collectors, the educational content and organizational features make this a beginner-friendly option.

Sports Card Investor: While not focused solely on baseball, SCI’s app provides investors and traders with powerful research tools. Along with estimated values, users can track pop reports, analyze sale comps, and build customized watch lists across all major sports. Advanced charting also allows for analyzing short and long term card price trends. For those taking a more analytical approach, SCI’s in-depth market data can’t be beat.

MLB Official App: While light on card-specific data, the free MLB app from the league itself is still worth a look. Users can search players and see career stats, photos and biographies. While lacking prices, pop reports or checklists, it’s convenient for quick lookups directly tied to the on-field game. Casual collectors may appreciate being able to research players in the context of their MLB careers and achievements.

COMC Marketplace: With over 10 million sports, non-sports and entertainment collectibles for sale online, the COMC app is as much a marketplace as a lookup tool. Users can search current listings, check recently sold prices and messages sellers. While not focused solely on baseball cards, COMC gives a real-time view into current active demand and prices across the entire collecting universe.

Whether a casual fan or serious investor, today’s baseball card collectors have more research power in their pockets than ever before thanks to these top mobile apps. With so much card data at their fingertips, they can pursue their hobby on the go and make more informed collecting decisions wherever inspiration may strike. And as technology continues advancing, the ways we look up and learn about our favorite cardboard will surely keep evolving too.

LOOK UP BASEBALL CARDS VALUE FREE

Looking up the value of your baseball card collection is something many collectors want to do. Whether you have a stash of cards sitting in boxes your grandfather left you or you’re a longtime collector looking to assess the current worth of your holdings, there are several free and easy ways to research card values without spending any money.

The first tip is to use online price guide websites. Some of the most commonly used free sites for baseball card values include BaseballCardPedia.com, BaseballCardGallery.com, and COMC.com. These sites allow you to search for a specific player and year or use autofill options to easily pull up estimated prices for different grades of each card from the most trusted online price guides in the hobby. Make sure to double check recent eBay “sold” listings as well to get the most accurate snapshot of current fair market value.

Another excellent free resource is the value discussion forums on websites like BaseballCardForum.net and SportsCardForum.com. Here, you can create topic threads with photos of your cards asking for value estimates from the knowledgeable community members. Be prepared to provide details like the specific player, issuer (Topps, Fleer, etc.), year, and condition to get the most helpful responses. Forum members are usually happy to share their expertise to help fellow collectors.

For older, rare vintage cards from the 1950s and prior, websites like PSAcard.com and Beckett.com allow searches of population report data without a paid membership. Population reports show how many known copies of a certain card have been professionally graded by services like PSA and SGC over the years. The fewer high-graded examples that exist of an older card, the more valuable it tends to be for collectors.

You can also explore free smartphone apps that include baseball card price guide data. The Sports Card Price Guide app allows searching 130,000+ cards from the Top 50 price guides. The Collector app maintains a large searchable card database as well. Just be aware that free app features and data may be more limited than paid subscription versions.

Looking up recent sales on online auction platforms is another free method. eBay “Sold” and “Completed” listings reveal precisely what certain baseball cards in different grades have actually been selling for. Just take recently ended auctions as the most accurate indicator rather than active listings that haven’t closed yet. Make sure to only include auctions that were paid for rather than any that didn’t meet reserve pricing.

Condition is absolutely vital when assessing card values, so carefully examine each one to determine the appropriate grade. Mint cards will be worth significantly more than ones that are worn, bent, or damaged. The Topps site includes a free card condition census to help evaluate factors like centering, edges, and surface issues. PSA also has a detailed card grading guide online. Getting professionally graded especially helps define condition objectively for high-value specimens.

Rare player autographs, serial numbers, or unique variations can skyrocket card values beyond typical print runs as well. Do some free research into the specific production details and scarcity of each of your cards. Commons from the late 1980s onward likely won’t hold substantial monetary worth unless they depict superstar players in pristine shape. But older, scarce examples could be quite valuable depending on the player featured and condition grade.

Take advantage of the numerous free online resources available like price guide websites, forums, population data, eBay sales analysis, grading guides, and smartphone apps. With some research effort, you can get a solid idea of potential card values without spending any money on subscriptions or services. Comparing multiple free sources will give you the most accurate picture possible of where your collection stands in today’s market.

PLAYERS TO LOOK FOR IN BASEBALL CARDS

For baseball card collectors and investors, it’s important to know which current and retired players have the potential to generate serious value in the future. While cards of superstars like Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw will always hold value, the biggest long-term gains come from identifying players early in their careers who show signs they could someday become legends of the game. Scouring recent and vintage baseball cards for hidden gems takes research, but can pay off immensely for those who do their homework.

When looking through new sets, pay close attention to top rookie cards for players demonstrating elite skills who seem likely to sustain long careers at the highest levels of MLB. Cards issued in a player’s true rookie season while still with their initial team offer the most stability as investments. Some names that have appeared on many experts’ lists of rookie cards worth targeting in recent years include Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Wander Franco, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Gleyber Torres. While stardom is never guaranteed, these players entered the league with potential franchise cornerstone talent.

Beyond rookies, focus on positional superstars still in their primes or just hitting them. When investing in current stars, it’s wise to buy cards from season(s) when they’ve put up MVP caliber numbers and remain age 27 or younger. Examples could be cards from seasons when players like Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto have broken out. As long as health allows, ceiling remains high on sustaining elite production into their 30s. Demand will remain for cards chronicling peak seasons from modern day greats.

Another category with big profit potential is All-Star and award winners in mid-20s. As they enter primes, cards from seasons where players like Aaron Judge, Jose Ramirez, Michael Conforto, and Yordan Alvarez made their first All-Star games or won Silver Sluggers have seen some of sharpest recent gains. Upside remains to cement superstar statuses and further increase value as honors and accolades accumulate in later career.

When exploring retired greats, focus on Rookie Cards or early career parallels/short prints of players before widespread recognition of how special their careers would become. Examples include cards of Tom Seaver from the late 1960s, Nolan Ryan in the early 70s, Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs in the early 80s, or Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas from the late 80s. Finding graded examples in high grades from before mainstream hype drives the highest prices.

Similarly, seek out the earliest Topps, Fleer, or Donruss cards capturing milestone seasons from legends. Examples include cards from seasons when players like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Rod Carew, or Mike Piazza broke major records or accomplished career-defining feats. Demand remains intense for artifacts chronicling the most impressive stats from the sport’s living legends in action during prime years.

Lastly, cards of players whose careers fell just shy of superstardom can offer upside. Examples include guys like Bobby Abreu, Andruw Jones, Jason Giambi, and Jim Edmonds who posted huge numbers for years but lacked longevity or postseason success of peers. As nostalgia grows, so does collector interest in their best seasons from the late 1990s/early 2000s. Upside exists for rediscovery boosting their reputations among fans.

While stars will always have draw, uncovering future Hall of Famers before consensus grows on their greatness offers the most lucrative niche in the collectibles market. With diligent research on stats, scouting reports, and under-the-radar accomplishments, opportunities exist to snag top prospects and rising talents primed to make their marks on baseball history. Applying these strategies positions investors and collectors to profit handsomely when cards appreciate along with players’ legacies.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and continue to be a popular collectible item today. While it may seem daunting to get into the vintage baseball card market, focusing on a select few topps cards can be a great starting point for collectors of all experience levels. This article will highlight 10 topps baseball cards from the 1950s through 1980s that offer a mix of star power, historical significance, and high resale value.

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 – Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made, the1954 Topps Mantle rookie card is arguably the crown jewel of the hobby. Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career and become one of the greatest switch hitters in MLB history. Graded PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2 million, making this one of the most expensive collectibles in the world. Even well-worn low grade copies still command huge prices due to Mantle’s popularity and the card’s historic first season status.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Another true icon of the game, Hank Aaron holds the all-time MLB home run record with 755 career bombs. His 1957 Topps rookie is among the keys to that entire set and series due to Aaron’s incredible career accomplishments. Higher quality versions in the PSA 8-10 range often sell in the low six figures. While not as scarce as Mantle’s rookie, Aaron cards remain highly coveted for their star power, historical significance, and solid financial returns over time.

1959 Topps Willie Mays #316 – “The Say Hey Kid” was one of baseball’s first true five-tool superstars in his prime with the New York and San Francisco Giants. The 1959 Topps Mays is viewed by many as the finest looking card from that entire decade. Like Aaron and Mantle before him, Mays went on to put up Hall of Fame career numbers that still dazzle fans today. Pristine PSA 10 examples of this beautiful card in a modern high-grade holder can bring $100,000 or more at auction.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 – The “Hammerin’ Yankee” shattered Babe Ruth’s single season home run record with 61 Roundtrippers in 1961, a truly iconic MLB milestone. Maris’ accomplishment remained the most hallowed home run king title until Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa began their epic chase in 1998. In high grades, the ’61 Topps Maris approaches six-figure territory due to its extreme historical significance during one of baseball’s most captivating individual seasons ever. Low population PSA 10 examples are true trophies for a collection.

1962 Topps Willie Mays #531 – The 1962 Topps set is widely considered the pinnacle of the entire postwar Topps run. With sharply focused color photographs and elegant vertical design elements, these remain fan favorites decades later. Arguably the most coveted card of the lot is the Willie Mays, highlighting the “Magic Man” in a Giants uniform. Aside from looking incredible, it also pays tribute to one of the true pioneers and best players in MLB history during his peak years. A PSA 10 ‘62 Mays (arguably a more elegant card than even his famous ’59) now approaches a quarter million dollars in value.

1964 Topps Mickey Mantle #110 – Six years after his legendary rookie card, the 1964 Mantle highlights “The Commerce Comet” toward the latter stages of his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees. By then, Mantle had already racked up three MVPs and cemented his place among the sport’s immortals. The 1964 design is one of Topps’ sharpest and most cleanly produced of the era. Higher graded versions in the PSA 8-10 range often crack the $10,000 USD threshold. Few 1950s or ‘60s cards capture their subject in better form than Mantle’s ’64 Topps issue.

1966 Topps Sandy Koufax #130 – One of the most dominant pitchers who ever lived, Sandy Koufax is best remembered for his outrageously dominant seasons of the early 1960s. The 1966 Topps card features a dynamite action photo of the lefty firing a heater, depicting him during his final campaign before an arthritic elbow forced an early retirement at age 30. High grades demand solid four-figure prices as one of the more physically appealing cards of its set. It’s no exaggeration to call Koufax the greatest southpaw ever on the mound.

1969 Topps Johnny Bench #35 – As the coverboy for the hugely popular 1969 set design, Johnny Bench is forever ingrained in baseball card iconography. The 21-year-old catcher was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career and two NL MVP awards in 1970 and 1972. Higher graded copies, especially PSA 10s, command five-figure sums regularly due to Bench’s elite status as the best power hitting backstop in MLB annals. His legendary career made this a must-own card for Cincinnati Reds fans and collectors alike.

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan #480 – Pitching for the California Angels, the 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan captures “The Ryan Express” firing one of his trademark heaters during the early stages of his record-setting career. Ryan would go on to rack up 7 no-hitters and shatter MLB strikeout records, cementing him as the greatest pure power pitcher of all-time. Higher graded copies sometimes approach the $10,000 mark. For sheer awe-inspiring flare and unreal achievements, few cards encapsulate a player quite like this one does for Ryan.

1979 Topps George Brett #190 – Near the latter end of the timeframe covered in this article is the 1979 Topps George Brett. “Brett The Hit” is shown in all his Royals glory, foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career defined by lofty batting averages and clutch moments. Brett went on to win the 1980 AL batting title with a remarkable .390 average that anchored the Royals to a World Series crown that fall. Highly graded versions maintain good investment potential decades later due to Brett’s stature and the all-around aesthetic quality of the 1979 Topps set as a whole.

In closing, this handful of 50s through 70s Topps cards represent a mix of legendary players, iconic designs, and massive star power that continue to make them highly sought after collectibles today for both casual fans and serious investors. While condition and higher grades demand top dollar, even lower quality or broken copies still hold value due to the enduring popularity and historical context behind cards like the Mantle, Mays, Aaron rookies as well as later issues starring all-time greats like Brett, Bench and Koufax. With patience and strategy, savvy collectors can build a baseball card collection with real significance by focusing on top vintage specimens that will likely keep appreciating over the long run. The cards highlighted here offer a blueprint for gaining exposure to some of the hobby’s true heavy hitters.

BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK AT

Baseball cards have been a staple of the sport for over a century now, with collectors seeking out rare and valuable cards from the earliest years of the hobby. Whether you’re just starting your collection or looking to add some key pieces, here are some baseball cards that any collector should keep an eye out for.

1909-11 T206 White Border Set – The holy grail of baseball cards, the 1909-11 T206 set featured over 500 players in vivid color portraits with a distinctive white border. They were included as promotional incentives in packs of cigarettes and became one of the first mainstream sports card sets. Complete sets in excellent condition have sold for over $1 million, with key stars like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, and Christy Mathewson commanding top dollar for individual cards. Even well-worn common players can fetch thousands.

1933 Goudey Giants Babe Ruth – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever made, the ’33 Goudey Giants Babe Ruth introduced The Bambino to the growing baseball card market. With its bright colors and action pose of Ruth at bat, it defined the look of early 20th century cards. High grade versions have sold for over $5 million, making it one of the most expensive cards in the world. Even well-loved copies still sell for five figures.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As the first card showing the switch-hitting Mickey Mantle as a New York Yankee, it kicked off a new era of color cards and established Mantle as a superstar. It also signaled Topps’ rise to dominance in the baseball card industry. Pristine mint condition copies have reached $2.88 million at auction.

1959 Topps Ted Williams – The last card issued of the legendary “Teddy Ballgame” before his retirement, it captures him mid-swing for the Red Sox one final time. Highly coveted by collectors, it ranks among the most iconic post-war cards. Near-mint copies can net six figures.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s first Topps card as a member of the New Angeles Angels, it perfectly captures the flamethrower’s intensity on the mound. It also marked the beginning of one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history. In high grades, it can reach over $20,000 due to Ryan’s enduring popularity.

1975 Topps Fred Lynn – Lynn’s rookie card commemorated his AL MVP and Rookie of the Year season with the Red Sox in 1975, when he led the league in runs, hits, doubles, triples and total bases. High quality versions remain quite scarce and valuable, selling for up to $10,000.

1976 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken’s rookie card debuted “The Iron Man” during his breakout season with the Orioles. It took on greater significance as his career progressed and he broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. Near-mint copies can fetch $2,000-$3,000.

1977 Topps Eddie Murray – Murray’s rookie card captured the future Hall of Famer and two-time AL batting champ in his first year with the Orioles. It remains one of the most coveted Orioles cards for collectors. High grades have sold for over $1,000.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. – The first baseball card produced by the innovative Upper Deck company, it featured the electrifying rookie season of “The Kid” with the Mariners. Its superb photography and production quality set a new standard. Pristine copies have reached $10,000.

1994 SP Derek Jeter – Jeter’s rookie card from Select Platinum marked his emergence as the Yankees’ shortstop of the future. Its refractor parallel versions, which have an iridescent shimmer, have sold for over $25,000 in gem mint condition.

2000 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols – Pujols’ first card in the hobby’s coveted Chrome set captured his early dominance with the Cardinals. High grade copies remain quite scarce and valuable due to his legendary career. Near-mint 10s have sold for $3,000-$5,000.

Those represent some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards that any collector should keep a look out for. Whether you’re seeking early T206 stars, rookie cards of all-time greats, or modern parallels, top condition versions of these cards will remain blue-chip investments in the hobby for years to come. The stories and players they commemorate ensure they stay desirable prized possessions for dedicated collectors.

1991 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was the third installment of what was becoming the hottest brand in the trading card industry. Following up on their success in 1989 and 1990, Upper Deck delivered another impressive 362 card base set along with inserts and parallel subsets that captured the attention of collectors both young and old. While there are no ultra-rare serial numbered cards like in ’89 or massive insert sets found in later years, the ’91 Upper Deck set contains many all-time great rookie cards and short printed cards that hold significant value to this day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards collectors should be on the lookout for from the 1991 Upper Deck baseball card series.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1): Widely considered one of, if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s debut Upper Deck issue is the undisputed crown jewel of the ’91 set. Often featured on “Top 10 Rookie Card” lists, this card established Griffey as a superstar from day one and years of dominance only added to its investment grade appeal. PSA 10 examples recently sold for over $100,000, showing no signs of slowing down. Even well-kept raw copies trade hands for thousands.

Larry Walker Rookie Card (#169): The Canadian outfielder didn’t achieve mainstream household name status until later in his career, but ’91 Upper Deck gave Walker the finest rookie card of his collection. Though not nearly as coveted as Junior’s, Walker had a superb career that makes this an valuable card found in far fewer sets than Griffey’s. Lower population numbers increase its desirability for Expos and Rockies PC collectors.

Tom Glavine RC (#183): The Atlanta Braves lefty went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the more iconic pitcher cards from the early ’90s Upper Deck runs. As a 20-game winner and two-time Cy Young Award winner, Glavine deliverd on the promise shown by this card. It remains quite collectible and recognizable by baseball fans of all generations.

Derek Jeter RC (#245): Seen by many as a symbol of the 1990s Yankee Dynasty, Jeter’s issued rookie from ’91 Upper Deck is iconic in its own right. As captain of five World Series championship teams, collecting legend status, and surefire Hall of Famer, this card established Jeter as a superstar from the very beginning. High grade versions command big bucks, usually trailing only Griffey Jr. as the set’s most covetable rookie.

Chipper Jones RC (#312): Another all-time great named who had his first cardboard appearance in ’91 Upper Deck was Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones. As the longtime anchor of the Atlanta Braves lineup, his rookie remains one of the more recognizable and sought after from the set among serious Braves PC collectors looking to track the HOF career from the start.

Short Prints: With no serialized inserts, ’91 Upper Deck had several short printed base cards that create a fun chase. Most notable are (#21) Ken Caminiti, (#130) David Cone, (#242) Bobby Bonilla, and (#319) Jeff Bagwell. In top grades, especially for the Astros’ MVP, these can carry substantial premiums over basic copies due to their scarcity in sets.

Stars of the ’90s: The ’91 Upper Deck checklist captured some of the true icons of the decade to come like (#122) Frank Thomas, (#122) Juan Gonzalez, (#130) David Cone, (#147) John Smoltz, (#199) Jeff Bagwell, and (#245) Derek Jeter as rookies. All developed into some of the most dominant players at their positions for extended periods. Their cards hold significant nostalgia and collector value.

As you can see, 1991 Upper Deck is absolutely loaded with all-time great rookie cards, HOFers, and stars of the era. While it may lack some flashy extras compared to later sets, the rookie class and short prints alone give ’91 UD one of the strongest longterm investment profiles around. For collectors looking to build complete flagship sets from the early 1990s or track specific player collections, savvy buying and holding of stars from this set is almost certain to be rewarded down the road. Even after 30 years, 1991 Upper Deck remains one of the true heavyweight series in the modern era of the trading card boom.

2023 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

The 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases of the new year. As the flagship product in Topps’ annual baseball card lineup, Series 1 is where fans can find rookies, stars, and short prints that become highly valuable in the years to come. With its March 2023 release date approaching, here are some of the key cards collectors will be hunting for.

One of the top priorities for any Series 1 collector will be rookie cards of baseball’s brightest young talents. 2023 may feature the highly anticipated rookie cards of players like Druw Jones, the #2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. As the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw has tremendous upside and his rookie cards could skyrocket in value early. Other top prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Emerson Hancock, and Drew Waters may also have their true rookie cards in this set. Keep an eye out for parallels and autographs of these players, which will hold premium value for years.

Established stars always make for desirable Series 1 cards as well. Look for base rookies or updated cards featuring reigning MVPs like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Paul Goldschmidt. RCs or new designs featuring superstars in the making like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Wander Franco will attract lots of collector interest too. Parallel and autograph versions of these elite talents can fetch four-figure prices for the right parallels.

Short prints are a fun chase every year and 2023 Series 1 will continue that tradition. Look for lower numbered SPs of top players like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Bryce Harper. Autograph SPs are true hits that can be worth thousands. Rarest of all are 1/1 printing plates, which feature the blank card stock without the image. These are the holy grails that can sell for five figures or more for star players.

Veteran talent like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera chasing major career milestones will also have collectors searching packs. Pujols needs just 21 home runs to reach 700 for his career. Cabrera sits at 2,990 hits and may reach 3,000 this season. Milestone parallels and memorabilia cards for these living legends could hold significant long term value.

Rookies and prospects from smaller market clubs may get overlooked but can pay off big later. Look under the radar for players like Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Adley Rutschman (Orioles), and Spencer Strider (Braves). Their base rookies may be affordable now but could multiply in value as they emerge as stars. International prospects like the Twins’ Luis Arraez, Guardians’ Oscar Gonzalez and Reds’ Aristides Aquino also have breakout potential.

Autograph cards remain one of the most exciting chases in Series 1 each year. Top young stars and veterans alike sign for Topps, so any on-card auto from this set holds value. Watch closely for 1/1 printing plates with signatures, which become true holy grails. Multi-sport signers like Bo Bichette and Michael Conforto add intrigue as well.

Don’t overlook base cards of franchise legends, especially if they feature new photos or pose updates not seen in years. Cards for icons like Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., and Chipper Jones will always find buyers, and parallel and serial-numbered versions command top dollar. These are foundation pieces for any collection.

With such a wide range of rookies, stars, and short prints to pursue, the 2023 Topps Series 1 release is primed to create a new wave of valuable cards. For collectors, the chase is half the fun. By focusing on the players and cards outlined here, your odds of finding a future gem to hold onto are much greater. With just a few boxes or blasters, you never know – your next big hit could be waiting in the next pack.

2022 BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS TO LOOK FOR

The 2022 MLB season saw an exciting new crop of rookie talent make their debuts. While it’s still early in their careers, some rookies have already shown signs of stardom that could make their rookie cards very valuable long-term holdings. Here are some of the top 2022 rookie cards collectors should keep an eye on in the coming years.

Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: Strider had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory. The flamethrowing righty made his MLB debut in late May and immediately dominated with his elite fastball velocity averaging over 99 MPH. He went 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings, setting a Braves rookie record. Strider’s autographed and non-autographed rookie cards have already started to climb in value as his potential superstardom becomes evident. The 23-year-old has ace stuff and could be a top-of-the-rotation starter for years, making his cards a wise investment.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had massive hype entering 2022 as one of the highest-rated prospects in baseball. He lived up to it by hitting 20 home runs, stealing 30 bases, and showing elite defense at shortstop as a 21-year-old rookie. Witt was even named an AL All-Star, a rare feat for a rookie. While the Royals may struggle to win much in the coming years, Witt is a franchise cornerstone player who could have huge mainstream popularity. His autographed and on-card rookie cards could appreciate tremendously if he develops into the perennial All-Star and star many scouts forecast.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners: Rodriguez exploded onto the scene by hitting 28 home runs with 25 stolen bases and gold glove caliber defense in center field. At just 21 years old, J-Rod showed five-tool star potential that helped energize a rising young Mariners team. His combination of elite tools, youth, and starring for a trendy club in a big market should make his cards very fan-appeal driven long-term. Rodriguez is the type of player whose success could propel his rookie cards to be sought-after keepsakes for Mariners collectors and fans. Signs point to Rodriguez having a long, impactful career that supports strong returns on his 2022 rookie investments.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: The top pick in the 2019 draft and consensus No. 1 overall prospect entering 2022, Rutschman lived up to the hype as an excellent two-way catcher for the rebuilding Orioles. He hit 13 home runs while showing polished defense and leadership behind the plate at just 25 years old. As the centerpiece of the next contending Orioles team, Rutschman has franchise player potential that could carry premium value to his rookie cards, especially autographed versions. While Baltimore may not compete soon, Rutschman seems destined for stardom at a premium position that history shows produces some of the most valuable modern rookie cards.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6-foot-7 with rocket launcher arm strength from shortstop, Cruz was one of the most physically tools gifts prospects ever when he debuted in 2022 at just 23 years old. He quickly demonstrated why by unleashing throws over 100 MPH from deep in the hole. Cruz also showed signs of batting prowess by clubbing 15 home runs in just 85 games. His immense size and talent combination is the stuff highlight reels and baseball card dreams are made of. If Cruz fulfills his superstar ceiling, his enormous physical gifts will demand premium prices for any of his early Cardinals as a must-have collectible for size and strength aficionados.

Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros: Peña had monster shoes to fill replacing franchise cornerstone Carlos Correa at shortstop, but thrived by winning ALCS and World Series MVP awards to help lead the Astros to a title. The 25-year-old rookie showed an advanced offensive approach by hitting .289 with impressive power for a middle infielder. Now the new face of a perennial contender, Peña’s success and brand with the Astros could lock in strong long-term value appreciation for his 2022 Topps Chrome autograph rookie, which is already in high demand. Continued success securing championships for Houston will make his cards highly coveted keepsakes.

Gabriel Moreno, Toronto Blue Jays: Moreno did not make his MLB debut until late June but quickly showed why he was one of baseball’s top-rated prospects. The 22-year-old catcher flashed excellent hitting skills by batting .293 in 46 games for the powerhouse Blue Jays. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette starring, Toronto is poised to contend annually for the foreseeable future. Being a part of their exciting young core should lift Moreno’s profile and long-term card values as Blue Jays fans will want to collect stars from this era. His autograph rookie cards could settle in as cornerstone pieces of Toronto collections.

Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies: Painter jumped directly from high school to become the 13th overall pick in 2021. His poise and electric stuff wowed scouts, cementing him as one of baseball’s elite pitching prospects before he even began pro ball. The 19-year-old righty lived up to billing by dominating in the minors in 2022, paving the way for a potential call up in 2023. As a new era dawns for the Phillies, Painter has youthful ace potential that could make his first cards big-time trophies for Philadelphia collectors and those seeking franchise player keepsakes.

Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals: Gorman is already reaping rewards from bettting on his raw power as a first round pick three years ago. He clubbed 19 home runs as an MLB rookie at just 22 years old while showing improved defense at a key position of second base. Playing in baseball’s epicenter of St. Louis, Gorman has a prime platform to become a fan favorite as the Cards annually push for titles. His slugging exploits should keep collectors energized for autographed and on-card versions of his 2022 Topps Gold Label rookie card, a popular high-end product sure to spike in value with Gorman’s continued success.

George Kirby, Seattle Mariners: Like his young teammate Julio Rodriguez, Kirby electrified Seattle’s revival in 2022 as part of a formidable rookie rotation. The 25-year-old righty went 8-5 with a 3.39 ERA in 21 starts, showing poise and swing-and-miss stuff. Playing alongside the dynamic Rodriguez, Kirby is poised to continue gaining prominence that should sustain interest in his first Bowman cards from when he was drafted in 2019. His success positions Kirby as a vital part of the Mariners’ future, ensuring his rookie cards stay relevant and valuable options for collections centered around the rising Northwest club.

Bryce Hall, Atlanta Braves: While not as hyped as Strider entering 2022, Hall emerged as another impressive arm from Atlanta’s vaunted system. The 22-year-old lefty shined as both a starter and reliever, going 2-1 with a 1.95 ERA in 21 games. With frontline stuff and polish beyond his years, Hall seems ready to lock in a big league role for years as the Braves annually compete. His intriguing two-way potential combined with games for a dynasty club bodes well for appreciating values in Hall’s emerging 2021 Bowman Chrome autographs and paper rookies collected while he rises to prominence.

In summary, 2022 saw an incredibly talented crop of rookies begin their MLB careers with success and promise for stardom. While careers can change unpredictably, some young players like Strider, Witt, Rodriguez and Rutschman seem assured buys. Others such as Painter and Moreno represent boom-or-bust speculation. It’s wise for collectors to identify and buy affordable rookie cards from impactful 2022 debutants, as many hold potential for strong multipliers as careers progress. Patience and cherry picking the most likely franchise cornerstones remains a prudent strategy for building value down the road.

1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of that year. While not as flashy as some of the competing brands at the time like Upper Deck, Score, and Topps, Donruss managed to include some valuable rookie cards and short prints that have become very desirable for collectors over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key 1990 Donruss baseball cards collectors should be on the lookout for.

Perhaps the biggest star of the ’90 Donruss set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career that included 8 All-Star appearances and an MVP award in 1999. His rookie card from Donruss is one of the more iconic from the early 1990s period. Graded PSA 10 examples of the Chipper Jones rookie have sold for over $10,000, showing just how strong the long term demand has been for this card. Even well-centered, raw copies in excellent shape still fetch hundreds of dollars.

Another massive star rookie from 1990 Donruss is Jim Thome. Like Jones, Thome put together a fantastic career hitting over 600 home runs, making him a lock for Cooperstown. His iconic swinging stance rookie card depicts him as a member of the Minnesota Twins organization. High graded PSA 10 versions can reach $3,000-$5,000 but there is demand across all grades and conditions for this card. Even a well-centered near mint copy would be worth $100-$200 minimum.

Staying with the rookie theme, Darren Daulton’s first card from 1990 Donruss is also highly regarded. As the former Philadelphia Phillies catcher who helped lead them to the 1993 World Series title, “Dutch” built up quite a following among Phillies fans. His rookie remains fairly affordable compared to the previous two, fetching $20-$50 in top-notch condition but there’s no question it’s an important Phillies piece from the early 1990s.

Moving beyond the rookies, veterans like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith featured some of the most visually stunning images from the 1990 Donruss set. Ryan’s card depicts him pitching for the Texas Rangers and includes his stats and accomplishments in a unique style. Guys of Ryan’s fame and prestige always have stable demand. Graded Gem Mint PSA 10 versions can reach $150-$250. For “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith, his defensive prowess is on full display on his 1990 Donruss issue making it a must for any Cardinals or shortstop collector. PSA 10s commonly sell for $75-$150.

Subset and insert cards were a major part of the 1990 Donruss release. The “Shoeless” Joe Jackson membership card is one of the most sought after variations. Limited to only 100 copies, this postcard-style issue pays homage to the legendary Black Sox player. PSA 10 specimens have changed hands for north of $3,000 before. Elsewhere, the Red Hot Rookies subset cards like the previously mentioned Jones, Thome and Daulton rookies remain in high demand.

Low numbered parallel and serial numbered cards were also inserted throughout 1990 Donruss packs. Parallel cards like the gold and silver foil versions often featured different photos compared to the base issues. Numbers cards under 100 pieces like Mark McGwire #47/100 can be worth hundreds. Relic and autograph cards were not in the base set but show up in factory sets and team sets from time to time adding tremendous value.

In summary, 1990 Donruss had an incredible mixture of future Hall of Fame rookie stars, accomplished veterans, and various fun insert cards that have enthralled collectors for decades. While the designs may not seem as flashy by today’s standards, the compelling photography and historical significance of this release make many of the key cards worthwhile long term keepsakes. With patience and a bit of luck unearthing a high graded Chipper Jones or Jim Thome rookie could deliver a lifetime memory for any sports card collector.