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WHERE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS IN ST LOUIS

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One of the best local shops to sell baseball cards is Old School Cards and Collectibles located in Florissant, Missouri. They have a huge inventory of cards available to buy and also actively buy collections from customers. Their buyer Tony P. has over 30 years of experience evaluating collections and knowing fair market values. He will make you a cash offer on the spot for your cards so you can leave with money in hand rather than having to ship them elsewhere. They sell a wide variety of cards from the 1800s up to modern issues. They also specialize in high-end graded vintage cards for collectors with expensive collections.

Another good local shop is The Baseball Card Exchange in Cottleville, Missouri just outside of St. Louis. They are a larger operation than Old School Cards with over 5,000 square feet of retail space dedicated entirely to baseball and other sports cards, memorabilia, supplies and more. Their buyers have stringent guidelines on the condition of cards they will purchase but they can handle even gigantic collections. They pay some of the highest rates in the area and use PhotoVision optical scanners to accurately and quickly assess each card’s barcode number, condition, and value. They are open late and most days so they offer flexibility.

If you have a truly high-end, valuable collection with rare vintage cards graded by the leading authentication services like PSA or BGS, then you’ll want to consign your cards to an national auction house like Heritage Auctions. They have offices in Dallas but regularly hold live auctions and Internet auctions featuring significant sports memorabilia and cards collections. You can send your cards to them to be professionally photographed, described and cataloged. When they sell, you will receive a percentage of the final bid price. This allows you to potentially get the absolute highest prices since their auctions reach a global collector base. There are consignment fees to factor in and the timeline is longer until cards are returned or payment is received.

Another option is using an online marketplace to sell your cards yourself directly. eBay is the biggest overall but completed sports card sales on platforms like eBay and Amazon can be hit or miss depending on how you describe and photograph your items. You may get more overall by taking the time to single out your best and most valuable cards to list individually with detailed scans showing the condition, logos, stats on the back, and any other details collectors want to see. Be sure to research “sold” listings of comparable cards to know a realistic price range. Once items sell, you have to carefully pack and ship them yourself which takes additional time and materials. But going this route allows you to set your own prices.

If you simply want the cash upfront and don’t need top dollar,Decluttr is a service that makes the process very simple. They have flat rates by sport (basketball, football, baseball etc.) and will make you an instant offer you can accept or refuse with no obligation. Then you just pack everything up and ship for free. Their rates tend to be a bit on the lower end though without the expertise of a focused sports card store analyzing each item. It’s best for casual collections you want to liquidate without extra effort.

For most folks wanting top dollar and a local transaction in St. Louis, Old School Cards and The Baseball Card Exchange will provide the best experience and payout. Heritage Auctions is great if you have true star items. eBay is best if you can dedicate significant time to maximizing individual card sales yourself. And Decluttr is easiest if speed and convenience outweigh the highest possible returns. I hope these tips help you get the most value for your baseball card collection locally or through trusted national sources. Let me know if you need any other advice!

BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS MO

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Baseball Cards in St. Louis: A Rich History of Collecting

St. Louis has long had a rich history with baseball and baseball cards intertwined. While the sport and collecting cards are enjoyed nationwide, the connections run especially deep in St. Louis where baseball and its related collectibles have been a cherished pastime for over a century. From the decades-long reign of the iconic St. Louis Cardinals franchise to the city’s important role in the early roots of organized baseball card collecting, St. Louis offers collectors a special glimpse into this unique hobby and its growth alongside America’s pastime.

The St. Louis Cardinals themselves have been an inextricable part of the city’s identity since arriving in the late 1800s. Known as the Browns for many years prior, the team helped popularize baseball in Missouri and attracted legions of loyal fans. As baseball cards first emerged in the late 19th century, photographs and memorabilia of St. Louis stars like “Stan the Man” Musial, “Dizzy” Dean, and Bob Gibson gained collectors in the area. Cards picturing these local heroes held extra significance for many young ball fans just getting introduced to the pastime.

By the early 20th century, St. Louis had developed into a true hotbed for the organized trading and collecting of baseball cards. In 1916, the American Caramel Company included baseball cards with their caramel products and sparked a nationwide frenzy amongst children. Local shops in St. Louis became hubs where kids could meet up to trade and compare collections. It was in the 1930s when two St. Louis natives truly helped elevate baseball cards from a child’s pursuit into a serious hobby.

In 1933, Jefferson Burdick founded the American Baseball Card Collectors Association in St. Louis, considered the first official organized group of adult baseball card collectors in America. Burdick published the association’s magazine and helped foster collecting communities across the country. Meanwhile, Dr. Gladys Riley of St. Louis published one of the earliest price guides for vintage cards in 1933, giving collectors a reference for the growing values of rare cards in the market. Both Burdick and Dr. Riley played pivotal roles in establishing the structure and price benchmarks that transformed casual collecting into the sophisticated hobby enjoyed today.

St. Louis was also centrally located as railroad hubs expanded in the early 20th century, enabling the easy trading of cards across states and helping collections grow more diverse. Local shops like Wehmeyer Cigar Store became nationally known destinations where collectors from afar would visit St. Louis solely for epic trading sessions. Even well into the 1950s, the city hosted large annual conventions where hundreds of enthusiasts from around the country would convene.

As new generations of Cards stars emerged throughout the 1900s like Musial, Gibson, Lou Brock, and Ozzie Smith, local collectors eagerly pursued the latest cardboard portrayals of their heroes. The decades also saw new local dimensions added to collecting, such as the rise of larger conventions centered around collecting autographs from Cardinals legends. Today’s major enthusiast conventions such as Cardfest and National Sports Collectors Convention can trace roots to those groundbreaking St. Louis get-togethers.

For modern collectors, St. Louis still holds abundant resources. Several dedicated card shops throughout the region help fuel the hobby, including longtime fixtures like Topps Authority in Maryland Heights and collectorshows attract attendees. Events like Sport Collectors Conventions at America’s Center also bring national dealers together. Meanwhile, the Cardinal Hall of Fame and Museum downtown displays memorabilia including rare vintage cards that depict the storied history that still inspires collectors today.

So whether hunting for prized cards of Stan the Man or Pujols at weekend shows, or simply reminiscing about collecting classics from decades past, St. Louis allows baseball hobbyists a special glimpse into this beloved pastime’s roots. The city’s deep connections to both baseball and its related memorabilia make it ground zero for appreciating how America’s favorite player stat started as children’s play but grew into a cherished tradition for fans everywhere.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball, and their rich history has led to a plethora of collectible baseball cards featuring Cardinals players over the decades. Cards documenting the stars and legends that have worn the Birds on the Bat are highly coveted by collectors both locally in St. Louis as well as nationwide.

Some of the earliest Cardinal cards date back to the late 1800s from tobacco companies like Poland Spring, Bicycle, and Old Judge issues. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that Card baseball cards really took off in popularity with the founding of the modern tobacco era. In 1909, the American Tobacco Company started producing cards as inserts in packs of cigarettes and became one of the first major baseball card manufacturers. Many key Cardinals from this early modern era appeared in these tobacco issues, like Frank Chance, Rogers Hornsby, and Billy Southworth.

In the following decades, cards from companies like T206 (1909-1911), E95 (1915), and Play Ball (1934-1941) encapsulated the stars of the Gashouse Gang, Dizzy Dean, and 1940s championship squads. Stars like Joe Medwick, Marty Marion, Enos Slaughter, Stan Musial, and others were featured prominently in these vintage sets that are now highly valued by collectors. From the 1950s onward, the main manufacturers were Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. Iconic players like Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, and Keith Hernandez all had acclaimed rookie cards and long careers documented in many sets from these conglomerates.

The 1980s saw the baseball card boom really take hold. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith became highly coveted at the time in classics like 1981 Donruss, 1982 Fleer, and 1983 Topps. Arguably the most iconic Cardinals card ever is the 1985 Fleer St. Louis Cardinals team card, which united over a dozen stars of the 1980s dynasty editions like Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith, Tom Herr, and Joaquin Andujar on one card. In the following decades, inserts and parallels became prevalent, allowing for more specialty cards highlighting accomplishments and moments in Cards history.

Some modern examples of highly sought after inserts include the 2006 Topps Heritage Ozzie Smith tribute card commemorating his election to Cooperstown and the 2013 Topps Allen & Ginter Donruss Now Red Schoendienst card recreating the 1967 World Series MVP’s iconic photo. Autograph and memorabilia baseball cards featuring current Cardinals like Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, and Yadier Molina are some of the priciest modern issues involving the franchise as well.

Beyond the individual star players, perhaps no cards capture the essence of Cardinals fandom quite like team sets. From the storied 1985 Fleer squad to decade-spanning oddball releases teaming current and past greats, Cardinals team cards always resonate strongly with the local collector base. Even generic team logo cards remain popular keepsakes for fans to own a small piece of the storied franchise’s history in card form.

As one of MLB’s premier franchises both historically and currently, the deep roots and traditions of Cardinals Nation translate directly to a robust market for cards chronicling the teams and players over generations. With a new generation of stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Jack Flaherty, and Jordan Walker emerging, collectors can look forward to many more classic Cardinals rookie cards, inserts, and parallels being produced well into the future as well. The Redbirds’ illustrious past and bright future ensures their baseball cards will remain a vital part of the collecting landscape for years to come.

From 100-year-old tobacco issues to modern parallels, St. Louis Cardinals cards hold a special place in the collections and memories of both local and national fans. Chronicling Hall of Famers like Musial, Gibson, Brock and Smith along with current greats like Pujols, Wainwright and Molina, Cards cards serve as a visual history of the storied franchise for collectors to admire and cherish.

SAINT LOUIS CARDS BASEBALL

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The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1882, the Cardinals are the oldest team in Major League Baseball and are often referred to as the “Cardinals” or the “Cards”. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central division.

One of baseball’s most storied franchises, the Cardinals have won 11 World Series titles, the first coming in 1926 and the most recent in 2011. They have also won 19 National League pennants, second most behind the San Francisco Giants. Many baseball legends like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith, and Albert Pujols have played for the Cardinals over the years. The Cardinals are also known as one of baseball’s best-run franchises, having experienced only 5 consecutive losing seasons in over 100 years.

The early years in St. Louis (1882–1919)

The Cardinals were founded in 1882 as the St. Louis Brown Stockings, the franchise’s first name. They were one of the older National League teams along with the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies. In the early days, the Cardinals spent most seasons finishing around .500, never achieving great success or failure.

In 1899, the team name was changed to the Perfectos as a newspaper-sponsored name, before finally settling on the current name St. Louis Cardinals a year later in 1900. During their early years, the team featured star players like pitcher Bob Caruthers and first baseman Baggy Bill Killilea. But it wasn’t until the 1910s that the Cardinals began to build a stronger, more competitive franchise.

In 1912, Branch Rickey was hired as the Cardinals’ business manager, and soon transformed the team’s operations. Rickey created a strong farm system to develop young talent. He also was one of the first executives to sign black players like pitcher Walter Johnson to the minor league teams he owned, as segregation in baseball was still common in the early 20th century.

The 1920s — the “Gashouse Gang” and first World Series title

The Cardinals breakout success began in the 1920s. Led by players like Rogers Hornsby, Jim Bottomley, and manager Branch Rickey, the 1924 Cardinals won their first National League pennant. They lost the 1924 World Series to the New York Giants.

Two years later, the infamous 1926 “Gashouse Gang” Cardinals team won the franchise’s first World Series title, defeating the heavily favored Yankees. Managed by Gabby Street, the team featured roughhousers like Frankie Frisch, Pepper Martin, and Jim Bottomley. They played with attitude and plenty of fights and brawls that earned them their memorable nickname.

The 1930s-1940s – Stan Musial and additional titles

In the 1930s, the Cardinals continued contending, winning National League titles in 1930, 1934, and 1942, though only winning the World Series in 1934 over the Detroit Tigers. One of the greatest Cardinals ever, Stan Musial made his debut in 1941 at just 20 years old.

Musial would go on to become one of baseball’s all-time greatest hitters. Over 22 seasons all with St. Louis, Musial batted .331, smashing 475 home runs and 3,630 hits, while winning 7 batting titles. In the 1940s, the Cardinals still featured future Hall of Famers like pitcher Mort Cooper, but didn’t achieve the same level of success they had in the previous two decades.

The 1950s – Additional titles behind Gibson and Flood

In the 1950s, the Cardinals returned to prominence, winning the World Series in 1964 and 1967. Led by future Hall of Famers like pitcher Bob Gibson, and outfielders Stan Musial and Curt Flood, the Cardinals were back winning pennants in 1942, 1944, and 1946.

Gibson in particular emerged as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers ever. His 1968 season winning 22 games with a minuscule 1.12 ERA is considered one of the single greatest pitching seasons of all-time. Flood meanwhile was a 6-time All-Star and crucial part of the Cardinals 1964 and 1967 championship teams.

The 1960s – Continued success and more titles

The 1960s saw the Cardinals continue their run of success that had defined much of their franchise history. Behind stars like pitcher Bob Gibson, outfielders Lou Brock and Curt Flood, and managers Johnny Keane and Red Schoendienst, the Cardinals claimed National League titles in 1964, 1967 and 1968.

They went on to win the World Series in 1964 and 1967. The ’64 championship team in particular is best remembered for Gibson’s complete game victory in Game 7. It marked the franchise’s first title since 1946 and 8th overall. Gibson and Brock in particular cemented their legacies in St. Louis during this era.

Later 20th century successes (1970s-2000s)

While they did not dominate the 1970s and 1980s quite like previous eras, the Cardinals still achieved plenty of success, including NL East titles in 1970, 1973, 1982 and 1985, and World Series wins in 1982 and 2006. Stars like Ted Simmons, Keith Hernandez and Willie McGee powered many of these teams.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the Cardinals continued racking up division titles and playoff appearances behind players like Gregg Jefferies, Ray Lankford, Edgar Renteria, and Larry Walker. They did not capture any World Series championships during this time period after their 1991 and 2006 titles.

Modern Cardinals (2010-present)

The Cardinals have remained one of MLB’s elite franchises well into the 21st century. Led by all-time greats like Albert Pujols and Adam Wainwright, as well as franchise pillars Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals have made the playoffs 12 times from 2000 to 2020.

This included winning the 2011 World Series, defeating the Texas Rangers behind World Series MVP David Freese. Under the leadership of Hall of Famer Tony La Russa and current manager Oli Marmol, the Cardinals maintain high standards of both on-field success and organizational stability. Players like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and jack Flaherty have helped extended the Cardinals run excellence for over 100 years running now.

The St. Louis Cardinals rank among baseball’s model franchises due to their incredible sustained success and player development over a history spanning nearly 140 years. No other National League team can match their 11 World Series championships and their “Bird” logo has become one of baseball’s most identifiable brands. The Cardinals look primed to remain a elite MLB franchise well into the future.

2023 ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 St. Louis Cardinals baseball season is highly anticipated after the team’s playoff appearance in 2022. As spring training begins, fans are looking forward to following all the action on the field and collecting the newest Cardinals baseball cards.

Cardinals fans will have plenty of options to add to their collections in 2023. Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other card companies will be releasing sets featuring current Cardinals stars and prospects throughout the year. Rookies like Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn may garner lots of attention from collectors in their first card issues. Veterans Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Adam Wainwright will remain popular veterans to find.

One of the first major releases will be 2023 Topps Series 1. This flagship set is scheduled to hit shelves in late February or early March. It will feature over 300 cards focusing on the 2023 MLB season. Base cards will show each player in action shots from the previous year. Top rookies and stars can be found with photo variations, autographs, and memorabilia cards inserted randomly in packs and boxes. Series 1 is a great starting point for any Cardinals collection.

In April, Topps Heritage will arrive with a retro design inspired by baseball cards from the late 1960s. The minimalist look features team logos and player poses from that era. Heritage parallels the current season but uses a throwback style. Cardinals collectors will enjoy finding their favorite players recreated in the classic design. Heritage is also known for including popular retired stars in addition to active players.

Later in the spring, Topps Series 2 will release with another batch of base cards and special parallels. By this point in the season, the Cardinals roster may have seen some changes through injuries, trades, or call-ups from the minors. Series 2 helps keep collections current. Insert sets in Series 2 often focus on specific stats, milestones, or award winners from the first couple months of play.

The summer brings more options like Topps Chrome and Stadium Club. Chrome features refractors and other photo variations on the base design. Stadium Club is renowned for its elegant photography and memorabilia pieces. Both sets are popular for high-end hits of top Cardinals like Goldschmidt, Arenado, and Wainwright. Limited parallels make rare pulls very collectible.

In 2023, Panini will launch its Donruss baseball set in addition to continuing its Contenders, Flawless, and Prizm lines. Donruss returns to the baseball card market for the first time in decades with a retro design and focus on current rookies and stars. Contenders mixes base cards with on-card autographs and relics. Flawless and Prizm offer ultra-high-end cards with exquisite photography on luxurious materials. All provide collectors opportunities at iconic Cardinals autographs and memorabilia.

Come August and September, Topps Update and Finest arrive. Update supplements the base sets with new players, stats from the season so far, and playoff chase parallels as teams make their runs. Finest uses vivid photography and foil accents on a small set highlighting the game’s elite. Collectors look for their favorite Redbirds amongst the polished Finest cards.

Throughout the year, specialty sets from Leaf, Panini, Topps, and others will also hit the market. Tribute honors Cardinals legends. Archives revisits iconic designs. Allen & Ginter features fun inserts alongside sports cards. Triple Threads and Sterling provide autographed memorabilia. And Bowman focuses on top prospects in the Cardinals system that could be tomorrow’s stars.

Whether chasing base cards, parallels, autographs, or memorabilia, 2023 promises to deliver outstanding options for building a Cardinals collection. With a talented roster led by perennial All-Stars and a playoff contender, the Redbirds are sure to generate lots of excitement. Their players will be prominently featured across the upcoming season’s new baseball card releases. Fans can’t wait to see how the action unfolds both on the field and in their collections throughout 2023.

BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS CARDINALS

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1882, the “Cardinals” have won 11 World Series championships and 24 National League pennants. Their rich history and tradition has been captured through baseball cards for over 100 years.

Some of the earliest St. Louis baseball cards date back to the late 19th century when cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter and Old Judge began inserting cards into their packs. These early tobacco cards featured some of the stars from the St. Louis Browns and Cardinals teams of that era. The cards were quite small and featured basic black and white artwork. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that larger and more detailed cards began to emerge.

In 1909, the American Tobacco Company launched the most iconic set of the early 20th century – T206. This set featured full color portraits of over 500 players. Many of the stars of the St. Louis Cardinals and Browns teams of that time period were featured in the set, including Hall of Famers like Rogers Hornsby and Billy Southworth. The T206 set helped popularize baseball cards across America in the pre-World War I period.

In the 1920s and 1930s, several major card companies like Goudey, Play Ball, and Diamond Stars produced sets that featured Cardinals greats like Hornsby, Jim Bottomley, and Pepper Martin. The Goudey Gum Company released several high quality and highly collectible sets in the 1930s that showcased stars of that era like Dizzy Dean, Joe Medwick, and Frankie Frisch. These sets helped fuel the growing baseball card collecting craze during the Depression era.

Topps had a monopoly on baseball cards from the 1950s through 1980. Their flagship set each year always included the biggest names on the Cardinals. Stars of the 1950s like Stan Musial, Enos Slaughter, and Red Schoendienst were featured in their rookie cards. The 1960s saw Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Julian Javier represented. The 1970s highlighted Bob Forsch, Ted Simmons, and Garry Templeton in their prime.

In 1981, Donruss broke Topps’ stranglehold by launching the first major competitor set since the 1950s. Their cards brought back multi-player photo cards which had disappeared from Topps sets. Donruss featured Cardinals like Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, and John Tudor throughout the 1980s. Fleer also entered the market in 1981 with their own innovative card designs that highlighted Whitey Herzog’s “Whiteyball” teams of that era.

The late 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of ultra-premium sets. Upper Deck debuted in 1989 with state-of-the-art cardboard and photography. Their cards of Ozzie Smith, Todd Worrell, and Ray Lankford became some of the most coveted in the hobby. In 1991, Finest was launched by Score, featuring refractors and on-card autographs that highlighted stars like Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, and Dizzy Dean.

Into the 2000s and 2010s, the hobby has continued to evolve. Modern stars like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright have graced the cardboard in sets from brands like Leaf, Panini, Topps Chrome, and Bowman. Autograph and memorabilia cards have become highly sought after parallel and short-print variations add to the chase. New technology has also allowed for innovative card designs on apps like Topps Bunt.

Through over 100 years of baseball cards, the storied history of the St. Louis Cardinals franchise has been well-documented on cardboard. Future Hall of Famers like Pujols and Molina will undoubtedly join the ranks of past Cardinals greats that have been immortalized and collected by baseball fans around the world through the enduring tradition of baseball cards. The Cardinals franchise and its stars continue to captivate collectors both young and old.

ST LOUIS CARDS BASEBALL SCHEDULE

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The St. Louis Cardinals have released their 2023 regular season schedule as they look to build on a solid 2022 campaign that saw them return to the postseason. The Cards will play their customary 162-game slate, opening on the road before holding their home opener at Busch Stadium on April 7th.

As usual, the bulk of St. Louis’ schedule will feature games against their National League Central rivals – the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. They’ll play each divisional opponent 18-19 times over the course of the season. Out of division, they’ll face the NL East for six games each and the NL West for four games apiece.

Interleague play will see the Cardinals take on the American League Central, facing the Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox. They’ll play each AL Central foe six times total for a 30-game interleague schedule.

Here’s a quick preview of some notable series and stretches on the 2023 Cardinals schedule:

The season gets underway on March 30th with a four-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s the first time since 2019 that St. Louis will start the year on the road due to scheduling changes caused by the 2020 pandemic-shortened season.

After opening in Pittsburgh, the Cards will play two more road series against NL Central foes, facing the Reds in Cincinnati from April 3rd to April 5th followed by the Brewers in Milwaukee from April 7th to April 9th.

The home opener at Busch Stadium is on Friday, April 7th against the Brewers. It will be the earliest home opener date in franchise history, excluding their very first home opener in 1880.

Interleague play starts early with a three-game home series against the Cleveland Guardians from April 11th-13th. This kicks off a stretch of nine straight games against AL teams.

St. Louis has a challenging road trip in late April/early May, playing three games each in San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles against the Padres, Giants, and Dodgers from April 24th to May 3rd.

One of their marquee home series is against the defending World Series champion Houston Astros from May 19th to May 21st.

The Cardinals wrap up interleague play with a home series against division rival Chicago White Sox from June 16th to June 18th.

Fourth of July week sees St. Louis host the Cincinnati Reds for three games starting on July 3rd, including an afternoon game on the 4th.

A key late season stretch has them hosting the Brewers for three games starting August 11th, then traveling to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati for three games each against the Pirates and Reds.

The final homestand of the regular season is against the Colorado Rockies for three games starting on September 29th.

St. Louis closes out the 2023 schedule with a three-game road series in Chicago against the Cubs from October 2nd to October 4th.

While the schedule always presents its challenges, the Cardinals believe their experience and talent gives them a good chance to succeed no matter who they face. Longtime stars like Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright and Albert Pujols are no longer around, but young talents like Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, and Dylan Carlson continue to lead the way.

New manager Oliver Marmol enters his second year hoping to guide St. Louis back to the postseason for the fourth time in six years. If they can stay healthy and get production from their pitching staff, 100 wins and a division title are realistic goals on this 2023 slate. With their rich history and passionate fan base, Busch Stadium is sure to be electric on gamedays as the Cards embark on another pennant chase.

Fans can can start planning their seasons now with the schedule release and there’s plenty to look forward to. Health, depth and clutch performances will determine St. Louis’ fortunes, but they’re primed for another competitive campaign in 2023. The Cards can’t wait to take the field and bring more winning baseball to the Gateway City next spring.

1 MILLION BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS

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The story of 1 million baseball cards located in St. Louis is one that began with a dream and blossomed into one of the largest private baseball card collections in the world. At the heart of this massive hobby is a lifelong fan named Bill Chastain.

As a child growing up in the 1950s, Bill became enamored with baseball and started collecting whatever baseball cards he could get his hands on. He spent hours looking through his small collection, studying the stats and photos on the back of each card. This initial spark of interest soon grew into a lifelong passion for the sport as well as the business of collecting baseball cards.

After graduating college in the late 1960s, Bill decided to pursue his passion more seriously. He began regularly attending card shows and auctions, searching for deals to grow his collection. In the 1970s and 80s, when the collecting hobby first started to explode, Bill was there making important finds. He amassed boxes upon boxes full of cards from the early 20th century all the way up to the modern era.

It was in the 1990s when Bill’s collection truly started ballooning in size. This was the height of the speculative baseball card boom, where investors were snatching up unopened boxes of cards, hoping to make a profit down the road. Bill took a different approach – instead of sealed product, he focused on building complete sets through diligent hunting at shows, auctions, and through online dealers. His collection grew from only a few boxes into an entire room dedicated to storage.

By the late 90s, Bill’s collection had grown so large it encompassed multiple rooms in his suburban St. Louis home. He had assembled complete and near-complete sets from the 1910s all the way through the 90s. His most prized cards included Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, and several 1910 Tobacco cards in pristine condition. With over 500,000 cards now in his possession, Bill realized he had one of the largest single-owner collections in the world.

In the early 2000s, Bill made the decision to turn his massive private collection into a full-time business. He converted part of his home into a large warehouse and retail space, which he named “Chastain’s Baseball Card Shop.” Here, potential buyers could browse his enormous inventory in person. He also ramped up his online sales presence on eBay and through a fledgling website. Word began to spread nationwide about Bill’s seemingly endless supply of vintage and modern cardboard.

Through the 2000s, Bill’s business boomed as the collecting hobby continued growing rapidly. He was purchasing entire collections on a regular basis to fuel his growing inventory. By the late 2000s, Bill’s card count had exploded to over 1 million individual baseball cards housed in his St. Louis warehouse. It had become one of the largest organized card collections under one roof anywhere. Visitors traveling from across the country specifically to see Bill’s famed warehouse collection.

In recent years, as the hobby has matured and modern card production has slowed down, Bill has transitioned his focus. He now mostly runs his multi-room warehouse as a museum and research library for other lifelong collectors and scholars of the hobby. People can schedule appointments to peruse his meticulously organized collection and research sets from different eras. The collection is truly a love letter to the history and allure of baseball cards from the early 20th century boom all the way to today.

So in summary – what started as a childhood dream for one St. Louis native named Bill Chastain became a reality through decades of dedicated collecting. His amassed collection of over 1 million individual baseball cards stands as a landmark in the hobby. Chastain’s famed warehouse has become a sort of mecca for collectors worldwide, preserving the past, present, and future of our national pastime on cardboard. It remains one of the most impressive private collections in the sports memorabilia field.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a long history dating back to the late 19th century. As a result, there are many valuable baseball cards featuring Cardinals players throughout the years that collectors seek. While rookie cards of all-time greats like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Ozzie Smith always demand top dollar, here are some specific St. Louis Cardinals cards that could be worth a considerable amount of money depending on condition:

1939 Play Ball Stan Musial (#19) – Musial’s rookie card is arguably the most valuable Cardinals card. High grade examples in mint condition have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered, sharp copies in excellent condition bring thousands. Musial went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still revered as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

1961 Post Cereal Fireman Mickey Lolich (#5) – Not technically a Cardinals card, but Lolich’s 1961 rookie card gains value since he was a member of the 1964 World Champion Cardinals. High grade copies have sold for over $10,000. He had a memorable playoff performance for St. Louis that year. Lower grade examples still command four-figure prices.

1965 Topps Bob Gibson (#250) – Gibson’s intimidating 1964 season immortalized on his rookie card from Topps’ flagship ’65 set. Near-mint to mint copies have exceeded $15,000 at auction. Even well-centered excellent condition examples can reach $4,000-$5,000. He went on to have a legendary career and is considered one of the greatest pitchers ever.

1974 Topps Lou Brock (#37) – Brock famously stole over 900 bases in his career, many while with the Cardinals. Near-mint 7s of his 1974 Topps card have sold for around $6,000. Solid 8s or better still bring $2,000-$3,000 due to his playing heroics for St. Louis. He remains one of baseball’s most exciting players in his era.

1975 Topps Ted Simmons (#193) – Simmons was a star catcher for the Cardinals in the 1970s. High grade copies of his rookie card from 1975 Topps have surpassed $5,000. Even sharp VG-EX copies can find buyers around $1,000 due to his talents and longevity in St. Louis. He made five All-Star teams during his time with the club.

1977 Topps Ozzie Smith (#495) – Considered the greatest defensive shortstop ever, examples of Smith’s 1977 Topps rookie card in mint condition have topped $15,000. Near-mint copies regularly exceed $3,000-$5,000. He spent the bulk of his Hall of Fame career with the Cardinals and remains hugely popular with their fanbase.

1981 Fleer St. Louis Cardinals Team (#17) – Highly sought after team issue card featuring the “Whiteyball” Cardinals club that won the 1982 World Series. Mint condition copies have sold for over $7,000. Even well-centered near-mint examples typically sell for $2,000-$3,000 due to the success and nostalgia of that championship squad.

1982 Donruss Darrell Porter (#260) – Porter was a key member of the 1982 champs as the starting catcher. High grade examples of his rare 1982 Donruss rookie card exceeding the $2,000 mark. Collectors still pay more than $500 for VG-EX copies in recognition of his championship contributions. He hit a pivotal home run in Game 3 of the ’82 Series.

1985 Donruss Ozzie Smith (#403) – In addition to his renowned rookie card, collectors also pursue Smith’s highly centering-dependent 1985 Donruss issue. Pristine copies with perfect margins have exceeded $2,000. Well-centered near-mint examples usually sell in the $500-$750 range. A true icon of the franchise.

While greater sums are certainly attainable, most of the Cardinal cards mentioned have reasonable demand and sell reliably for hundreds to low thousands depending on condition for collectors seeking pieces of St. Louis baseball history. Musial, Gibson, Brock, and Smith rookies always lead the way, with key contributors like Porter, Lolich, Simmons, and 1981/82 team cards adding value as well. Willingness to pay always depends on the individual card and its state of preservation.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball, with a storied history dating back to the late 1800s. As a result, collecting vintage Cardinals baseball cards from the early days of the franchise through modern times can make for an interesting journey through baseball history. Whether you’re a die-hard Cardinals fan or just starting a baseball card collection, here is an overview of some of the most notable and valuable St. Louis Cardinals cards that can potentially be found for sale.

One of the earliest and most desirable Cardinals cards would be an 1911 T206 Honus Wagner card, which is widely considered the Holy Grail of baseball cards. While the chances of actually finding a Wagner for sale are extremely slim, it’s still fascinating to think of him beginning his career in St. Louis in the late 1890s. Other very early and rare Cardinals cards include ones from the 1909-1911 E90-1 series, featuring stars like Rogers Hornsby. In mint condition, high-grade examples from these pioneering tobacco era sets can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

Moving into the modern era, the 1952 Topps set contained the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Stan Musial and Red Schoendienst. Musial’s iconic smiling face gazes out from the card, forever etching him into Cardinals lore. High-grade Musial and Schoendienst rookie cards in a PSA/BGS 10 gem mint condition could each sell for $10,000 or more. Another standout rookie from this period is Enos Slaughter, whose speed and hitting abilities helped lead the Cardinals to several World Series titles in the 1940s.

Throughout the 1960s, the Cardinals were led by legendary players and managers like Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, and Red Schoendienst. Gibson’s imposing presence and dominance on the mound make his rookie card from 1959 Topps one of the most desirable of the decade. High-grade copies in a PSA/BGS 10 gem mint state could sell for around $3,000-$5,000. Lou Brock, nicknamed the Base Burglar, terrorized opposing pitchers with his base stealing abilities throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s. His 1964 Topps rookie card remains a highly collectible and valuable St. Louis Cardinals card for fans.

The 1970s saw the emergence of young stars Keith Hernandez, Garry Templeton, and Bernie Carbo. Hernandez won batting titles and Gold Gloves as arguably the best fielding first baseman of all time. His 1975 Topps rookie card can be found for a few hundred dollars in high grade. Garry Templeton was a smooth fielding shortstop with speed and power, making his rookie cards recognizable for collectors of 70s Cardinals. National League MVP George Hendrick smashed home runs and doubles for the Redbirds in the late 1970s, with his rookie card from 1975 Topps as one of his more desirable issues.

The 1980s Cardinals were powered by the “Silver Fox” Ozzie Smith at shortstop along with first baseman Keith Hernandez, outfielder Willie McGee, and pitchers Bruce Sutter and Joaquin Andujar, among others. Future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith dazzled fans with his acrobatic defensive plays and had one of the most iconic stances in baseball. His 1978 Topps rookie card in top condition can sell for over $1,000. Silver-haired first baseman Keith Hernandez was a fan favorite and returned to the team later in the decade after his years with the Mets. Finding high-grade copies of his rookie cards remain an attainable goal for collectors.

Centerfielder Willie McGee emerged as a batting champion and Gold Glove winner for St. Louis in the mid-1980s. His rookie card from 1979 Topps is another recognizable and collectible piece from this era. On the mound, flamethrower Andujar won 20+ games twice and closer Bruce Sutter saved 37 games en route to the Cardinals’ 1982 World Series title. Their rookie cards are mainstays for 80s Cardinals collectors. This deep and talented 1980s roster produced many stars with cards that remain valued in the collecting market.

The 1990s Cardinals roster featured future Hall of Famers like first baseman Mark McGwire, third baseman Scott Rolen, and second baseman Ray Lankford among its young stars. “Big Mac” McGwire launched home runs at a record pace, captivating fans across the country. High-grade copies of his 1989 Bowman or Topps rookie cards can sell for a few hundred dollars. Scott Rolen emerged as one of the elite defensive third basemen and produced prodigious power numbers during his tenure in St. Louis. His 1993 Upper Deck rookie card remains a plus for any Cardinals PC. Ray Lankford provided speed and defense from centerfield while smacking plenty of home runs as a dangerous No. 3 hitter. His 1991 Topps Traded rookie is among his early collectible issues.

Entering the 21st century, the Cardinals continued their winning ways led by players like Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, and Matt Holliday. Future first-ballot Hall of Famer Albert Pujols evolved from a power-hitting rookie into one of the most feared sluggers in the game. High-quality copies of his iconic 2001 Bowman Chrome rookie card are sure to retain value for years to come. Right-hander Adam Wainwright emerged as the Cards’ ace and helped the team to a World Series title in 2006. His rookie card from 2000 Bowman’s Best is a must for collectors. Yadier Molina took over behind the plate and formed a battery with Wainwright that became the greatest of all time. His rookie cards from 2004 Topps are recognizable issues for fans. Outfielder Matt Holliday patrolled left field during the late 2000s success and delivered clutch hits, making his 2000 Bowman Chrome rookie a prized piece for collectors today.

Into the current era, notable players like third baseman Nolan Arenado, catcher Yadier Molina, and pitcher Adam Wainwright continue to etch their names into Cardinals history books. Arenado was acquired via trade from Colorado before the 2021 season and instantly became a fan favorite, powerfully patrolling the hot corner. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects rookie card remains one of the most desired prospects issues from that year. Meanwhile, the decorated careers of Molina and Wainwright are still going strong at over a decade each in St. Louis, providing leadership and production that consistently keeps the team in playoff contention. Their longevity and accomplishments make any early cards that much more memorable for fans and collectors alike.

As one of the most storied franchises in baseball, collecting St. Louis Cardinals cards spanning their rich history offers a true odyssey through the game. From earliest tobacco cards up to modern prospect issues, the talent that has suited up for the Redbirds over the decades ensures their cards remain a staple for collectors. With intelligent shopping and a watchful eye, discerning collectors have opportunities to build an impressive Cardinals collection through reasonably priced vintage and modern options available for sale in the marketplace. Whether pursuing individual star players, complete team sets, or a little bit of everything, Cardinals collecting promises continual enjoyment and appreciation for the greats who wore the bird on the bat.