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2022 METS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 season marked a turnaround year for the New York Mets franchise. After several disappointing seasons, the Mets emerged as serious contenders in 2022 behind new owner Steven Cohen’s substantial financial investment in the team. As a result, collector interest in 2022 Mets cards is high. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key Mets cards from sets released in 2022.

Topps released several sets focused on the 2022 Mets, headlined by their flagship Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, and Update Series releases. Francisco Lindor’s base card in Topps Series 1 saw early demand, as Lindor bounced back from a poor 2021 season to hit .270 with over 20 home runs and drive in over 100 runs. Another hot rookie card was catcher Francisco Alvarez’s base card in Topps Series 1. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Alvarez made his MLB debut in September and hit his first career home run, generating buzz around his rookie card.

The true star of Topps’ 2022 Mets releases was Max Scherzer. The three-time Cy Young award winner was dominant after being acquired by the Mets at the 2021 trade deadline, going 11-5 with a 2.54 ERA and pitching to a 0.86 WHIP. As a result, his Base Autograph Parallel card from Topps Series 1 skyrocketed in price, routinely fetching over $100 on the secondary market. His Topps Series 2 Orange Refractor Parallel /150 also commands a premium, around $75-100 due to Scherzer’s dominant season and star power.

While Topps dominated the mass-produced card market, higher-end sets like Panini Flawless, Leaf Trinity, and Bowman’s Best offered exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards of Mets stars. Flawless’ 1/1 Rainbow Foil autographs of Scherzer, Lindor, and Pete Alonso retailed for thousands and would be crown jewels for any collection. Meanwhile, Lindor’s dual-signature cards with manager Buck Showalter in Leaf Trinity saw early interest due to the duo leading the Mets back to the playoffs in 2022.

Rookies like Brett Baty, adley rutschman baseball cards, and Jaylen Palmer also attracted attention from collectors with their debut cards in flagship Topps sets and Bowman releases. Baty hit 3 home runs after being called up in September and could be the Mets’ third baseman of the future. As a result, his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor /499 parallels currently sell in the $50-75 range on the secondary market. Meanwhile, Palmer’s Bowman Autograph cards were hot out of the gate after he was selected 12th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Perhaps the biggest postseason star for the Mets was reliever Edwin Diaz. Signed to a record-setting contract in the offseason, Diaz dominated as the Mets’ closer, notching 32 saves with a 1.31 ERA during the regular season. In the playoffs, he was nearly unhittable, throwing 5 scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts across 4 appearances. As a result, Diaz’s Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor parallel /499 and Topps Fire Green Refractor parallel /99 parallels jumped to over $100 each after the Mets’ playoff run. Collectors are banking on Diaz to continue his dominance for years to come.

Beyond current players, relic and autographed cards of Mets legends also hold value. In particular, cards featuring Tom Seaver continue to garner six-figure prices. Seaver won the Cy Young three times as the face of the Mets franchise and remains their greatest player of all time. As such, his exquisite 1/1 Game Uniform Relic card from Topps Tribute commands upwards of $15,000. Meanwhile, signed photos and game-used bats of hometown hero and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza can fetch $500-1000 depending on condition. Cards that memorialize the Mets’ golden eras in the 1960s and 1980s have enduring appeal.

The 2022 season reinvigorated interest in Mets cards across all levels. Top rookies, established stars, and legends alike saw strong collector demand driven by the team’s resurgent playoff run. With Cohen’s financial commitment, the future remains bright for this franchise, which should continue to boost card values in the years ahead. For Mets collectors, 2022 provided an exciting new crop of cards documenting the team’s rise, led by names like Scherzer, Lindor, Diaz and the rookie class. The 2022 season will be remembered as a turning point that revitalized the team and reignited passion from its dedicated fanbase of card collectors.

1976 METS TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1976 Topps baseball card set is one of the more iconic and sought after issues from the 1970s. It was the fifteenth series of Topps baseball cards released since the company began producing them in 1950s. The set contains photos of 792 total players and managers from the American and National Leagues.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the 1976 Topps set is the inclusion of rookie cards for a number of future Hall of Famers, including Eddie Murray, Jim Rice, Luis Tiant, Dave Parker, Bert Blyleven, and Gary Carter. These rookie cards are highly sought after by collectors today in gem mint condition and can fetch thousands of dollars. Another rookie card in the set that has gained value over the years is that of Don Baylor.

The iconic photo on the 1976 Topps card of New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver exemplifies the classic posed action shot aesthetic that was prominent in 1970s baseball cards. Seaver is shown mid-windup, with his leg cocked high and his arm drawing back. The simple solid color borders and detailed team logo at the top make the design clean and appealing.

1976 was the year that the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds dynasty reached its pinnacle, winning the World Series over the New York Yankees. Superstar players for that Reds squad like Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Ken Griffey Sr., and George Foster had memorable cards in the set that are still popular with collectors today.

1976 was also a year that the New York Yankees franchise was in transition. Many of the stars of their previous championship eras like Murcer, Munson, and Guidry had nice looking cards. But the team was also featuring up and coming young talent like Willie Randolph and Catfish Hunter that would help lead them to titles later in the decade.

One of the unique promotions that Topps did with the 1976 set was to include bonus pack inserts that had opaque backgrounds rather than the usual transparent ones. These had photos of players from the past like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Honus Wagner. While not true rookie cards, they captured the nostalgia and history of the game.

Beyond the highly desired rookie cards and team/player photo highlights, the 1976 Topps set also featured all the usual teams, managers, checklists, and oddball cards collectors expected at the time. This included fan favorites like the inaction photo of Kansas City’s Amos Otis and the posed triple play shot of the Phillies. The final card in the set is always one of Nate Colbert posing with the year and Topps logo.

In the decades since, the 1976 Topps baseball card set has become very popular with vintage collectors. The sheer number of valuable rookie cards and star players combined with the classic 1970s Topps design aesthetics make it consistently desirable on the secondary market. Many of the cards, especially those depicting the dominant Reds and Yankees of that era, are iconic representations of 70s baseball culture. Pristine graded examples of the key cards continue to rise in value as the years pass. For collectors and historians of the hobby alike, the 1976 Topps issue stands out as one of the most interesting and historically significant release from the entire vintage period.

MOST EXPENSIVE METS BASEBALL CARDS

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The New York Mets have a rich baseball history since becoming an official franchise in 1962. Some of the most iconic players in baseball history have worn the bright orange and blue uniforms of the Mets over the decades. With legendary players comes legendary collectible baseball cards featuring these stars. Several vintage Mets cards have sold at auction for astronomical prices, making them some of the most expensive and sought after cards in the world.

Heeding the advice of seasoned collectors, it’s important to note that the values of vintage cards fluctuate constantly based on a variety of factors like the current collectible market, the player featured, and especially the card’s state of preservation. A mint condition vintage card could easily fetch 10x the price of one that is well-worn. The articles focuses on documented auction prices for gem mint and near-mint quality examples to highlight the true ceiling prices some are willing to pay for the best preserved copies of these iconic pieces of sports memorabilia.

The most expensive Mets card ever sold is arguably the legendary 1968 Topps rookie card of hall of fame pitcher Tom Seaver, nicknamed “The Franchise” for his dominant play anchoring the Mets rotation for over a decade. In excellent condition, this card has sold for as much as $58,000 at auction. A true near-mint to mint copy in a PSA/BGS grade of 8 or higher would undoubtedly sell for well over $100,000 today. In the volatile collectibles market, there is no telling how high the price may climb for a flawless example in the coming years. Seaver’s dominance on the field and iconic status as a player forever endeared to Mets fans elevates this card above all others in team history.

Following closely behind is another PSA 9 graded 1968 Topps rookie card, but this time featuring a young Nolan Ryan in his second big league season after getting Called up to the majors with the Mets late in 1967. Ryan would go on to have one of the most decorated pitching careers in MLB history, but his time with the Mets was brief. Still, his rookie Card commands top dollar from collectors seeking an elite piece of his early career. In January 2022, a PSA 9 copy sold for $47,936, showing little signs of slowing despite decades of hands being put on the Card. With Ryan not throwing for the Mets long, this remains a truly rare Card highlighting a pre-superstar season.

Taking the third spot is perhaps a less obvious choice – the 1973 Topps card of Hall of Fame closer and New York native Tug McGraw. Known best for coining the famous “Ya Gotta Believe!” mantra and pitching the Mets to a World Series title in 1969, McGraw enjoyed his best statistical seasons in the 1970s. His sharp mustache and intense on-mound focus made him immediately recognizable. In January 2022, a pristine PSA 9 graded copy of this McGraw card went for $23,040. Amazingly high for a relatively obscure player card, it shows the desire collectors have for meaningful Mets memorabilia, especially of local heroes that helped capture championships.

Three of the most prolific Mets position players also boast cards that could crack the all-time most valuable list given the right examples change hands. Prime specimens of Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan and Tug McGraw rookie cards may be tough to surpass, but David Wright, Darryl Strawberry and Keith Hernandez deserve mention.

Wright spent his entire 15-year MLB career patrolling third base in Queens and became the face of the franchise, holding nearly every significant Mets career offensive record before retiring after the 2018 season. His acclaimed 2000 Bowman Chrome rookie Refractor parallel insert card has crossed the $15,000 mark in gem mint condition. On the other end of the rookie card spectrum, an ultra-rare 1977 Topps Traded Darryl Strawberry card in pristine condition achieved $13,440 – a staggering sum considering it wasn’t even his “true” rookie. Hernandez’s lone season with the Mets in 1984 was arguably his greatest, capturing the batting title, MVP award and helping deliver a World Series championship. In high grade, his 1969 Topps rookie from his early Dodgers days has topped $10,000. While these prices trail the holy trinity, they show the passion for memorabilia of these other generation-defining Mets legends.

Rounding out the most expensive Mets cards are a few examples that garner big money largely due to their improbable rarity and condition rather than any ties to stardom. Foremost is the hallowed 1964 Topps rookie card of Jack Hamilton, who pitched a grand total of 16 innings in the majors – all for the Mets in 1963 before vanishing from the bigs. Just over 100 copies are believed to exist, and a pristine PSA 8 recently changed hands for $12,500. Also notable is the 1951 Bowman color card of Casey Stengel, showing the future Mets manager in his playing days far before assuming the reigns in Queens. The spectacular colors still visible on the aged cardboard contributed to a PSA 8 selling for $11,100. Lastly, a 1972 Topps Traded Fran Healy card reached $9,600 due his extremely brief 14-game Mets career making examples nearly impossible to find in high grade. While these players weren’t stars, their cards live on as some of the most valuable Mets memorabilia because of their mind-blowing rarity.

The cream of the crop Mets cards will always be those depicting the franchise’s illustrious homegrown legends like Seaver, Strawberry, and Wright in their prime rookie seasons. As the cards of lessheralded players continue to disappear over the decades, it’s easy to envision someoutlier examples taking their place among the costliest treasures for serious Mets collectors. With new generations joining the collecting hobby constantly, demand will always exist for cards closely tied to some of the most storied teams and eras in baseball history – making vintage Mets pieces a smart long term investment even at today’s escalated prices.

1969 METS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1969 New York Mets had one of the most memorable seasons in baseball history, winning the World Series just five short years after losing a franchise record 120 games in 1964. Their surprising championship run captured the attention and imaginations of baseball fans everywhere and cemented the Mets place in New York sports lore. Not surprisingly, demand was high for 1969 Mets baseball cards to commemorate the team’s magical season.

Topps was the exclusive manufacturer of baseball cards in 1969 and they produced an entire set dedicated to that year’s Mets squad. The set contained 74 cards, each featuring a different player along with basic stats and a picture from the 1968 or 1969 seasons. Some of the more notable and valuable rookie cards included Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Cleon Jones, and Donn Clendenon. Seaver in particular became a superstar and his rookie card is one of the iconic pieces of 1969 Mets memorabilia.

In addition to player cards, the ’69 Mets set included four manager/coach cards – featuring Gil Hodges, Yogi Berra, Rube Walker, and Joe Pignatano. There was also a team card showing action shots of several Mets stars. With their world championship, these Mets cards became extremely popular and were snapped up by collectors across the country both young and old. Due to the sheer number printed, most remained in circulation for years and have never achieved rare or valuable status like some other vintage sets.

Still, the designs and photography used on these cards are considered classics of the era that perfectly capture the look and feel of the late 1960s. Many feature colorful solid borders in team colors with individual headshots. While basic by today’s standards, stats included batting average, home runs, RBIs, as well as age and previous team. The action shots on some cards also gave a glimpse of key moments from that magical ’69 campaign. For example, the Jerry Grote card showed him catching as Seaver delivered a pitch.

In terms of production quality, the 1969 Topps set maintained the company’s high standards. Using a thick, durable cardboard stock, the cards had a nice feel in the hand and held up well over time for most collectors. On the downside, the lack of gum inside the packs made them less intriguing to kids who enjoyed the chewing aspect. Colors and details printed crisply, however alignment and centering issues did affect a small percentage. Still, pop and condition of 50+ year old cards will always vary to some degree.

Today, while common in circulation, gem mint conditioned examples of key 1969 Mets rookie cards remain highly coveted by vintage collectors. The iconic Tom Seaver card especially maintains strong demand. PSA/BGS graded 9s or 10s can easily sell for $500-1000 or more depending on population numbers. Others like Koosman, Clendenon, and Jones have also grown in value over the decades. Complete sets can often be found affordably, giving fans an opportunity to own a piece of Mets’ history for a reasonable cost. And unopened wax packs still surface occasionally, but fetch thousands due to their extreme scarcity.

In the end, the ’69 Topps New York Mets set serves as a beloved annual reminder of that franchise’s rise from doormat to champion. For collectors and fans alike, it preserves forever the key players, images and stats from a season that captured lightning in a bottle and changed the course of a city’s favorite hometown team. While common in the overall hobby landscape, these cards from a more innocent time remain touchstones to one of the most special underdog stories in the long history of Major League Baseball.

1982 METS TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1982 Topps baseball card set was a milestone release that saw the brand produce its 600th different trading card series since introducing the modern baseball card format in 1938. There were 782 total cards in the 1982 set split between active players, coaches, manager and team checklists. Some of the notable rookie cards that debuted in 1982 included Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Rickey Henderson, Eddie Murray and Jack Morris.

The design schema for the 1982 Topps set paid homage to baseball with a classic rectangular photo frame surrounded by a red border on a white background. Each card displayed the player’s name across the top with their team name and position listed below along with their uniform number. Statistics from the previous season were featured on the back of each card along with a brief biography. Some of the stats included were batting average, home runs, runs batted in, games played and earned run average for pitchers.

The 1982 New York Mets roster featured in the Topps set was coming off a disappointing 1981 season where they finished fourth in the National League East with a record of 67-95. Some of the key players on the ’82 Mets card included slugging first baseman Keith Hernandez, All-Star closer Neil Allen and veteran catcher John Stearns. Rookie phenom Darryl Strawberry also had his rookie card debut in the 1982 Topps set after being drafted first overall by the Mets in the 1980 MLB Draft out of high school in Los Angeles.

While the on-field performance of the 1982 Mets left more to be desired with a 78-84 finish and fourth place in their division again, there were some standout performances on the individual player cards. Keith Hernandez led the team with a .299 batting average which was reflected on the back of his card along with totals of 13 home runs and 84 runs batted in while playing in all 162 games. Neil Allen notched 26 saves to lead the NL while posting a 2.90 ERA in 66 relief appearances. Darryl Strawberry hit 26 homers and drove in 70 runs in his stellar rookie campaign.

One of the more valuable and sought after cards from the 1982 Topps Mets subset is rookie sensation Dwight Gooden’s debut offering. Much like fellow rookie cards for players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers like Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn from the same set, “Doc’s” first card is highly collectible. Gooden did not make his MLB debut until 1984 but the promise and potential he possessed coming out of high school was evident when the Mets made him their first round draft pick in 1982 which led to his inclusion without stats on the back in this set.

Since being released in 1982, the Topps flagship baseball cards have maintained their place as the most coveted and financially important issues in the entire collecting hobby. While production runs were much higher decades ago compared to ultra-modern short prints of chase parallels today, vintage 1970s and 1980s Topps cards still hold tremendous nostalgic and monetary value. complete 1982 Topps Mets team and rookie subsets command premium prices when in pristine preserved condition with grades of mint or better. The classic design, rookie debuts, and ties to a historic MLB franchise have ensured the 1982 Topps baseball cards, including standout individual New York Mets player cards, will remain a staple for collectors and enthusiasts for generations to come.

METS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The 2022 baseball season was an exciting one for the New York Mets and their fans. After finishing with a disappointing 77-85 record in 2021, the Mets made some key offseason additions that helped propel them back into playoff contention. Under new owner Steve Cohen, the team brought in ace pitcher Max Scherzer, outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, and infielders Eduardo Escobar and JD Davis. The retooled roster took the NL East by storm, riding strong pitching and timely hitting to a 101-61 record and the division title.

Their success translated to strong interest from collectors in Mets cards from 2022 releases. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies, stars, and memorable moments featured on baseball cards from this past Mets season:

Francisco Alvarez Rookie Cards – As the top-ranked prospect in the Mets system, Alvarez created buzz even before making his MLB debut in late September. The 20-year-old catcher smashed 30 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A to earn a cup of coffee in the bigs. His rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, and Panini are highly sought after by investors hoping to get in early on a potential future star. Graded mint condition PSA 10 versions of his Topps Now debut card have already sold for over $200.

Pete Alonso Cards – The slugging first baseman continued asserting himself as the most feared power hitter in the Mets lineup. Alonso smashed his second 40-homer season in 2022 while driving in 131 runs. Topps Update highlighted his season with a sharp silver parallel variation, while Panini Contenders featured him on multiple “atomic refractors.” As a cornerstone player, Alonso cards stay widely collected.

Max Scherzer Pitching Performances – In his first year with the Mets, the three-time Cy Young winner lived up to expectations with a 15-4 record and 2.29 ERA. Topps captured some of his finest outings on “Moment of Victory” cards, including a complete game shutout of the Phillies and a critical late-season win over the Braves. Scherzer will surely be a prime Mets target for Topps Update Series focus in 2023 as well.

Jacob deGrom Injury Return – Unfortunately for Mets fans, deGrom was limited to only 11 starts in 2022 due to lingering arm issues. His return to action in late August was a celebrated moment after a year-long absence. Topps saluted it with a “Patch of the Day” parallel showing him back on the mound with “Welcome Back!” stitching. Collectors chased this rarity as a sign of hope for the future of the ace’s career.

Postseason Performers – While the Mets were eliminated by the Padres in the Wild Card round, several stars had standout playoff games captured on cards. In Game 1, Taijuan Walker’s 5.1 scoreless innings got the Spotlight treatment from Topps. Game 2 saw Starling Marte belt a three-run homer highlighted on his Topps Update Series card. And Eduardo Escobar cracked four hits including a homer against Blake Snell.

Brandon Nimmo Contract Extension – A fan favorite for his excellent play and high-energy style, Nimmo signed an eight-year, $162 million deal to remain a Met long-term. Topps produced an “Ink Spots” parallel to commemorate the occasion, with blue and orange lettering denoting his new colors. This serves as an importantmilestone card for collectors tracking Nimmo’s career.

Team Set Memorable Moments – Topps Finest captured Pete Alonso celebrating after a walk-off hit, while Bowman Platinum showed Jeff McNeil sliding home. 2023 Topps Series 1 has Francisco Alvarez delivering the game-winning RBI. These are just a few examples of how flagship sets have spotlighted exciting 2022 Mets themes to remember this playoff-qualifying season.

Some key rookie card parallels from Bowman Draft/Chrome also gained recognition, such as Brett Baty in red refractor and the blue shimmer version of J.T. Ginn. Autograph cards remain highly sought after too across all the brands, with players like Alvarez, Baty, and Mark Vientos among the most in-demand signed rookies in the Mets’ system. It was an action-packed campaign for Queens fans to relive through this year’s collection of baseball cards chronicling the team’s success. With so many young stars emerging and championships the next goal, 2022 Mets cards look poised to retain value for devoted collectors in the years ahead.

NY METS BASEBALL CARDS

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The New York Mets franchise debuted in 1962 as an expansion team in the National League. Like all new MLB clubs, the Mets issued baseball cards starting in their inaugural season to help raise the profile of the new brand and players. Since then, Mets cards have been produced annually by the major card companies like Topps, Fleer, and Upper Deck to commemorate the team’s seasons and capture memorable moments in franchise history.

The earliest Mets cards provided a chance for collectors to own a piece of the new National League franchise. Although the on-field product struggled with 120 losses in 1962, cards of young stars like Donn Clendenon, Rod Kanehl, and Hobie Landrude helped build early excitement. 1963 saw the arrival of phenomenal pitcher Tom Seaver, whose superb rookie campaign made him one of the league’s top card subjects. Seaver would become synonymous with Mets baseball through the rest of the 1960s and appear on countless cards cementing his status as a franchise icon.

The 1969 “Miracle Mets” shocked the baseball world by winning the World Series in just their 8th year. Collectors eagerly snapped up highlight cards from that championship season featuring players like Jerry Koosman, Cleon Jones, Ed Kranepool and World Series MVP Donn Clendenon. These ’69 issues have since become some of the most coveted and valuable Mets cards for fans and investors. Later that decade, other stars shone including ace Jerry Koosman, speedy outfielder Bud Harrelson and slugging first baseman John Milner. Their 1970s cards remain popular with collectors.

As the Mets entered their second decade, the team saw continued success making the 1973 World Series. New stars emerged like slugging outfielder Dave Kingman, whose mammoth home runs made him a fan favorite. Kingman’s early 1970s cards are memorable chase pieces for collectors. The 1980s brought more success including the 1986 World Championship team. Key players like slugger Darryl Strawberry, ace Dwight Gooden and third baseman Howard Johnson had blockbuster card runs during this era cementing them as Mets legends. Strawberry, Gooden and Johnson cards from the mid-1980s are highly valuable today.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, stars like pitcher David Cone, outfielder Lenny Dykstra and slugger Eddie Murray shined in orange and blue. Their Mets cards remain popular with collectors seeking pieces from those talented rosters. Beyond individual stars, highlight cards like 1988 Topps Traded “Once Upon a Time in New York” capture special moments in franchise history. In the 2000s, talents like pitcher Pedro Martinez, outfielder Carlos Beltran and third baseman David Wright took the field at Shea Stadium. Their accolade cards showing outstanding accomplishments provide valuable chase cards for collectors of recent Mets history.

From the beginnings of the franchise in the 1960s through championship eras, off-years and stadium changes, Mets cards have chronicled the storied history of the club. For over 50 years now, collectors both young and old have enjoyed owning and trading cards featuring their favorite Mets players from each era. Whether seeking first-year issues for rookie stars or highlight cards from championship teams, Mets cards offer fans a tangible connection to the storied past and present of this proud National League franchise. In the card collecting world, Mets issues remain some of the most popular and valuable reflecting the rich history of this iconic New York ballclub.

1987 METS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams from that season, including the New York Mets. Coming off their World Series championship in 1986, expectations were high for the Mets in 1987. While they failed to repeat as champions that year, the 1987 Topps set remains a nostalgic reminder of that era for Mets fans and collectors. Several key Mets players from that team have cards that hold value for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 Mets cards and what they are currently worth in the collectibles market.

One of the most valuable 1987 Mets cards is that of star outfielder Darryl Strawberry. As one of the cornerstone players of the 1986 championship team, Strawberry’s popularity and on-field production made his rookie card highly sought after. In near mint to mint condition, Strawberry’s 1987 Topps rookie card regularly sells for between $80-150. Given his status as a true rookie star for the Mets, along with the rarity of finding high-grade copies of his card over 30 years later, Strawberry’s 1987 RC remains one of the most valued individual cards from the set.

Another highly-priced 1987 Mets card belongs to future Hall of Famer Gary Carter. As the veteran catcher and leader of the ’86 squad, Carter was enormously popular in New York. His 1987 Topps card often trades hands for $30-50 in top condition. While not in the same rookie card stratosphere as Strawberry, Carter’s presence in the Mets’ dugout and his prolific 17-year playing career maintain interest in his 1987 issue. Additional star position players like Keith Hernandez, Mookie Wilson and Howard Johnson also have mid-range valuable commons in the $10-25 range.

On the pitching side, oft-injured but talented righty Dwight Gooden leads the way for 1987 Mets hurlers. As the phenom who won both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in 1985, “Doc” Gooden was a fan favorite during this era. Near-mint to mint copies of his ’87 Topps card are valued between $50-75. Gooden’s on-field dominance and hype as one of the game’s true spectacle starters at the time makes his cardboard cutting highly coveted. Fellow ace Ron Darling joins Gooden in the $10-25 common range, with lesser pitchers like Sid Fernandez, Rick Aguilera and David Cone in the $5-15 range depending on condition.

Outside the key stars and regulars, there are a handful of less common but still valuable 1987 Mets rookie cards. Perhaps the most notable is pitcher David West. As the #1 overall pick from the 1986 draft, West had high expectations placed upon him coming into the 1987 season, his true rookie year in pro ball. Unfortunately, injuries hampered West’s career and he never panned out as hoped. His rookie card is quite scarce in high grade and has sold in the $75-150 range. Relief pitcher Randy Niemann, utilityman Alfredo Griffin and shortstop Rafael Santana also have lower-print rookie issues that can be worth $25-50 to dedicated Mets collectors.

When considering team sets as a whole, the 1987 Topps Mets rookie and star roster makes their cards among the most consistently collected from that year’s flagship release. Strong nostalgia remains for the players, styles and fashions of the mid-1980s MLB era. For investors, high-demand common cards of stars like Strawberry, Gooden and Carter offer relatively affordable opportunities to own important pieces from this seminal period in Mets history. And true condition-sensitive keys like the David West rookie provide added allure for advanced collectors pursuing the set. All in all, the 1987 Topps Mets maintain relevance and value more than 30 years since they first entered hobbyists’ hands.

METS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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With the 2023 MLB season right around the corner, excitement is building for fans of the New York Mets as they look to build on a promising 2022 campaign that saw the team return to the playoffs. As Mets fans count down the days until Opening Day, collectors and traders are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of the latest baseball card releases featuring the heroes of Queens.

Topps remains the major licensor for MLB trading cards and they are undoubtedly preparing another outstanding set to feature the Mets stars of the present and past. One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards will undoubtedly be third baseman Brett Baty, who had a breakout season in 2022 climbing the minor league ranks and making his MLB debut. Baty smashed 12 home runs in Triple-A and showed MLB pop in his brief stint, launching 3 homers in just 27 at-bats. His rookie card Auto or relic parallel pulls will be hot commodities.

Another surefire flashy rookie to watch for is Francisco Álvarez, considered the top catching prospect in baseball. Álvarez made his debut in 2022 at just 20 years old and blasted 2 homers in his first MLB game. While he struggled at the plate overall in limited action, scouts still rave about his intimidating raw power and elite ability behind the dish. Álvarez first Bowman Chrome rookie autos will be must-owns for collector sake and investments.

Veteran sluggers Pete Alonso and Starling Marte also seem poised for breakout seasons in 2023 and their cards should hold strong value. Alonso rebounded from an injury plagued 2022 to launch over 40 home runs and earn his second All-Star nod. An Alonso autograph or on-card relic from Topps Update Series or other mid-season releases could gain traction among traders. Meanwhile, Marte settled in after joining the Mets late last season and hit .292 while contributing stellar defense. His five-tool skills and veteran leadership make him a core piece moving forward.

On the pitching side, Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom remain perennial aces when healthy. Scherzer continued his dominance after joining the Mets, notching a sub-3.00 ERA and recording 200 strikeouts. His pristine talent and track record of success translates to strong demand for his autographed rookie cards and relic parallels. Meanwhile, deGrom flashed ace form late in 2022 before arm issues sidelined him in the postseason once more. If fully healthy in 2023, deGrom reclaims his throne as the most unhittable starter in MLB. Finding one of his low-numbered Topps Finest or Chrome autos from years past could make for a prime long-term investment.

Chris Bassitt also pitched like an ace for long stretches in 2022 after being acquired from Oakland. Bassitt tossed 181.1 quality innings and established himself as a reliable mid-rotation starter. Meanwhile, Carlos Carrasco enjoyed a bounce back campaign, showcasing durability with over 165 innings pitched. Both veterans, playing meaningful October baseball and leading the Mets rotation gives their cards renewed relevance. Carrasco’s autographed rookie patches or Bassitt’s Topps NOW cards chronicling milestones could intrigue collectors.

On the prospect side, catcher Francisco Álvarez still reigns supreme for the long-term. Pitcher JT Ginn is making noise in the lower minors after New York selected him out of high school in the supplemental first round of the 2020 draft. With a mid-90s fastball and promising slider-curveball mix, Ginn showed his immense upside in 2022 with a 2.49 ERA across three minor league levels in his debut pro season at age 21. His first Topps Chrome rookie cards from 2023 will be highly-coveted long shots.

Outfield prospects Brett Baty, Alex Ramirez and Cruz could see MLB action in 2023 and enhance their card values if they continue progressing. On the vintage front, Tom Seaver, Gary Carter and Darryl Strawberry remain iconic figures in team history with their highest graded rookie cards prized possessions. And any relic, auto or game-used memorabilia from Johan Santana’s epic 2021 no-hitter season would captivate collectors given his legendary single-season performance.

With a young core and championship aspirations, the future for Mets baseball looks extremely bright. For card collectors, the 2023 season brings about new rookies to watch, prospects to track and the chance for franchise heroes of past and present to further cement their legacies. There is plenty to be excited about both on the field and within the cardboard hobby as fans await the arrival of the upcoming crop of Mets cardboard.Here is an original 15,000+ character article on Mets baseball cards for the 2023 season:

The New York Mets are coming off an impressive 2022 campaign that saw them finish with a stellar 101-61 record and earn the top seed in the National League playoffs. While their season ultimately ended in disappointment with a loss to the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card round, expectations are high for the franchise moving forward as they look to bring a World Series title back to Queens for the first time since 1986.

With a new season approaching, collectors are already eager to get their hands on Mets baseball cards featuring the team’s young core of stars. Panini Prizm, Topps, and other top card companies are preparing to release new sets chronicling the 2023 season that will include coveted rookie cards and autographs of potential breakout players. Here’s a look at some of the key Mets players whose new baseball cards collectors will be hunting:

Francisco Lindor: After a solid bounce-back season in 2022 where he hit .270 with 107 RBI and helped lead the team back to the postseason, Lindor remains the unquestioned face of the Mets franchise. His autographed rookie cards from 2011 continue to rise in value and new Lindor cards in 2023 products will be among the most sought after in each set.

Pete Alonso: Nicknamed “Polar Bear” for his rugged physique and winning attitude, Alonso just wrapped up his fourth MLB season while establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters. The 27-year-old first baseman smacked 40 home runs in 2022 and his rookie cards from 2019 are prized possessions. New Alonso rookies and autographs guarantee serious chase cards.

Max Scherzer: At 38 years old, “Mad Max” has aged like a fine wine and remains one of the most intimidating aces in MLB. In his first year with the Mets in 2022, Scherzer went 11-5 with a 2.29 ERA and averaged more than 11 strikeouts per nine innings. His autographed rookie cards from 2008 bring top dollar and collectors will clamor for any new Scherzer memorabilia cards chronicling this future Hall of Famer.

Edwin Díaz: Since arriving in Queens prior to the 2022 season, Díaz has quickly established himself as arguably the best closer in baseball thanks to his blazing fastball and devastating changeup. The 28-year-old phenom set a Major League record in 2022 with 32 saves over 40 opportunities while cementing his status as a future star. His rookie cards and autographs will be among the breakout stars from upcoming 2023 sets.

Brandon Nimmo: Highly popular with Mets fans for his team-first attitude and sparkplug top-of-the-order production, Nimmo quietly put together an All-Star caliber season batting .274 with 16 homers and 64 RBI in 2022. The 29-year-old outfielder remains criminally underrated outside of Queens. New Nimmo rookies and relic cards will fascinate collectors beyond just Mets diehards.

David Peterson: Despite missing significant time due to injury in 2022, Peterson showcased his potential as part of the team’s rotation of the future when on the mound. The 26-year-old lefty owns a career 5.00 K/BB rate and will be an affordable longshot for stardom if he can stay healthy. His 2019 rookie cards represent one of the more undervalued Mets prospects on the secondary market that could pay big future dividends.

Carlos Carrasco: After a pair of up-and-down seasons with the Mets following his trade from Cleveland, Carrasco put it all together in 2022 by making 33 starts and posting a career-low 3.97 ERA. The veteran righty has reinvented himself as a reliable innings eater and will look to build on last season’s success in 2023. New Carrasco cards should appeal to both collectors seeking value and fans hoping for another big campaign.

Taijuan Walker: When healthy, Walker has lived up to his five-year, $72 million contract by anchoring the back end of the Mets’ rotation and rarely missing a start. He had a resurgent 2022 going 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA before injuries cut short his season down the stretch. If able to stay durable in 2023, new Walker cards could prove worth the gamble for collectors.

Mark Vientos: A power-hitting third base prospect who showed signs of his potential with five home runs in just 30 games with the big league club in September, Vientos enters 2023 rated as one of the top overall prospects in the Mets system. If able to win an everyday job out of spring training, his new Topps and Bowman rookie cards will be surefire long-term keepers.

While there is uncertainty surrounding this coming season given the many possible free agent departures and injuries that could arise, the Mets have established themselves as a perennial contender with an exciting young core and proven veterans. Collectors will be lining up in January and February to rip packs of new 2023 products hoping to land autos and rookie cards chronicling another memorable campaign in Queens. With top-end talent like Lindor, Alonso and Scherzer leading the charge, there is little doubt Mets cards will remain hugely popular commodities in the growing baseball Memorabilia marketplace well into 2023 and beyond.

METS 92 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 Mets baseball card set was produced during an exciting time for the team. Coming off their thrilling World Series championship in 1986, the Mets were still a competitive club during the early 1990s despite not returning to the Fall Classic. Featuring stars like Dwight Gooden, Bobby Bonilla, and starter David Cone, the 1992 Mets ballclub had many fan favorites that were highly collectible on cardboard.

Topps produced the main 432-card flagship set that season, along with numerous supplemental issues covering rookie cards, traded players, and stars from other teams. The design featured colorful team logos behind each player against a white background. Statistics on the back provided career highlights through 1991. Several special parallel sets offered variations like ‘Postseasons’ cards marking World Series contributors or ‘Topps Gold’ limited edition refractors.

The marquee cards from the ’92 Topps set start with franchise icons like pitcher Dwight Gooden and outfielder Darryl Strawberry. Both were early 80s draft picks who led the ’86 championship squad and remained highly popular even as injuries slowed their careers. Gooden’s rookie season in 1984 made him one of the most coveted vintage cards, while Straw’s dominance in the 1986 World Series solidified his legend status.

Another fan favorite was third baseman Bobby Bonilla, a consistent power threat who was enjoying an All-Star caliber season at the plate in 1992. High-energy outfielder Bobby Valentine provided solid defense and timely hitting. Young starters like Bret Saberhagen, David Cone, and Sid Fernandez, who anchored the pitching rotation, also had noteworthy cards. Role players like catcher Mackey Sasser and utilityman Gregg Jefferies added depth.

The 1992 season ended in disappointment as the Mets finished 76-86, fourth place in the NL East division. Injuries hampered performances from aging stars Gooden and Strawberry. Free agent departures such as pitcher Frank Viola weakened the pitching staff. The team was also in transition as former stars like Bonilla and Cone would soon be traded.

Rookies from the farm system provided a glimpse of the future. Outfielder Tony Tarasco hit .284 in his debut campaign and drew early buzz. Pitchers Anthony Young and Bobby Jones showed promise in the bullpen and rotation. Their rookie cards remain relatively affordable compared to the team’s 1980s players. The cards of role players like pitchers Randy Myers and John Franco, who would enjoy longevity in the majors, can also be obtained inexpensively.

Supplemental 1992 Topps sets featured traded players like Cone (Yankees) and Jack Morris (Blue Jays), who each helped their new teams reach the postseason. Bonds became a superstar with the Pirates around this time. His ‘92 traded card remains a key piece for Giants or Pirates PC collections. The base ‘Traded’ set numbers 60 cards and ‘Glossy Send’ parallels exist.

The league-wide ‘Topps All-Star’ and ‘Stadium Club’ inserts highlighted standout individual performances. Mets represented included Gooden, Bonilla, Valentine, Franco, and rookie relieverMel Rojas. ‘Topps Gold’ refractors offered a premium parallel with limited print runs. Mets included were Cone, Bonilla, and Jones. While rarer, these shining cards hold immense appeal to specialized collectors.

The 1992 Topps Mets baseball card set wonderfully captures a memorable team in transition. Stars from their past like Gooden and Bonilla mixed with promising youngsters heralded a new generation. While the season ended short of a playoff run, the cards remind fans of solid performances and future potential. Over 30 years later, these cardboard representations of a fan-favorite franchise remain treasured by collectors everywhere.