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HOW TO PRE ORDER TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of sports trading cards, including baseball cards. Each year, Topps releases highly anticipated new baseball card products featuring the latest players and teams. While some new card products can be found on store shelves year-round, many popular releases are only available through pre-orders.

The pre-order process for Topps baseball cards usually begins a few months before the planned product release date. Topps will announce details of upcoming releases through their website at Topps.com, social media channels, and via direct emails to customers who have signed up for their mailing list. These initial announcements provide a overview of what sets will be released as well as estimated availability timeframes.

For pre-orders specifically, Topps partners with licensed hobby distributors and retailers. Some of the largest and most trusted names for pre-ordering new Topps baseball card releases include Dave and Adam’s Card World, Steel City Collectibles, Blowout Cards, and Cardinal Collectables. These companies will put the pre-order forms live on their websites as soon as Topps gives the go ahead. Pre-order forms allow customers to reserve their spot in line for the new release before it’s available for purchase by the general public.

When pre-ordering through a distributor site, customers should first create a profile and account if they haven’t done so already for that site. This ensures smooth checkout and order tracking. The pre-order form itself collects basic contact and shipping information from the customer. It will also provide pricing details for the different product levels being offered such as blasters, hangers, boxes, and higher end cases. Payment is typically due upfront at the time of the pre-order placement through a secure checkout. Common payment methods include credit cards, PayPal, and occasionally check.

After completing payment, the customer receives a confirmation email containing their order details and estimated arrival date. From here it’s a waiting game as production and shipping occurs. Most sites provide order status updates as things progress. It’s not uncommon for release dates to be pushed back, so some preorder customers may see arrival estimates adjust slightly later on. When the product finally does ship, customers are notified by their distributor and tracking is provided.

The primary advantages to pre-ordering include guaranteed product allocation and often discounted or bundled pricing compared to general retail release. Demand routinely outpaces supply for popular new Topps baseball card sets, so preorder customers are able to lock in their share before potential shortages hit. Exclusive bonuses like mini-posters, coins, or autograph vouchers are also sometimes given to pre-order customers. Of course, the tradeoff is payment has to be made well in advance and release dates can float later than initially projected.

Pre-ordering from trusted and reviewed distributors is recommended for serious Topps baseball card collectors looking to ensure they get their hands on the latest and greatest products before they possibly sell out. Careful research into current release details, reputable partners, and understanding the pre-order process helps set customers up for a smooth experience when securing their allotment of new and exciting cards ahead of the crowds. With some planning, it’s easy to capitalize on the convenience and benefits that pre-ordering Topps baseball cards provides dedicated hobbyists and investors.

WHERE TO ORDER BASEBALL CARDS

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There are many great options for ordering baseball cards online or through retail stores. Some of the most popular and reliable sources for obtaining baseball cards include:

Online Retailers:

SportsCards.com: One of the largest and most trusted online retailers for baseball cards. They have an immense inventory of new and vintage cards available and ship quickly. Prices tend to be reasonable.
Amazon: While not a dedicated card retailer, Amazon has an enormous selection of new and used baseball cards available from independent sellers. Just be sure to check reviews of individual sellers. Shipping is usually fast with Prime.
eBay: eBay allows you to find virtually any baseball card you want, both new and vintage. Just be aware of fakes and be careful of shipping/handling costs from individual sellers. Reviews are helpful for vetting sellers.
BlowoutCards.com: Specializes in new sports cards with a huge selection right after new releases. Filter searches easily by sport, set, player, price and more. Shipping speeds vary by order total spent.

Retail Stores:

Local Card/Comic Shops: Many hobby shops specialize in cards and carry new releases as well as singles from past years. Prices can vary but it’s convenient for looking through inventory in-person. Call ahead to check stock of specific players/sets.
Hobby Lobby/Michael’s: These craft stores usually have a small selection of new baseball cards and supplies but prices tend to be higher than online retailers. Good option if ordering online isn’t possible.
Target/Walmart: Mass retailers usually have a toy/hobby section with some new baseball card products from the past year, but selection won’t match specialty shops. Convenient for basic new packs/boxes.
Local Sporting Goods Stores: Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods may have a cards section with new products close to release dates, but likely won’t have vintage singles.

Online Communities/Auctions:

Trading Card Database: Members can buy, sell and trade individual baseball cards. Listings cover new to vintage years. Communication is through messaging boards for coordination. Prices vary widely by scarcity of cards.
Luxury Card Auctions: For high-end, rare vintage cards in graded/slabbed conditions. Sites like PWCC, Goldin Auctions and Robert Edward Auctions handle consignments from collectors. Have to watch closely for end times of active auctions of desired players. Can find truly one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Shipping/insurance charges tend to be higher. Authenticity guaranteed by established third-party grading services like PSA and BGS.

It’s also a good idea to check the return/refund policies of any online retailer before ordering cards, in case there are any issues with the order fulfillment or card condition upon receipt. Most reputable sources will allow returns within a reasonable window at buyer’s expense. Online retailers tend to offer the broadest selection and most competitive pricing for both new release products and individual vintage cards. But local hobby shops and community marketplaces provide alternatives worth exploring as well. With some research, a collector can feel confident ordering baseball cards from a variety of sources.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS 2023 PRE ORDER

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Bowman Baseball is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2023 edition is no exception, as collectors and investors are already making plans to pre-order boxes and packs of the upcoming rookie class. While the full checklist won’t be known until closer to the official release date, here’s a detailed look at what to expect from Bowman 2023 pre-orders.

Bowman is the flagship baseball card product from Topps that features prospects, rookie cards, and young MLB talent. It’s released annually in late winter/early spring to kick off the new baseball season. The 2023 edition is expected to hit stores in late March or early April. Topps usually announces pre-order availability for Bowman boxes and packs a couple months prior, so collectors should keep an eye out starting in January 2023.

There are several Bowman product levels to consider for pre-order. At the top is Bowman Draft, which contains cards of players selected in the most recent MLB amateur draft. It’s usually the priciest Bowman release at around $150-200 per box. Draft boxes yield 12 packs with 10 cards each, including autographed and memorabilia rookie cards of top draft picks. This set is geared towards long-term holding of prospects who may develop into stars.

The standard Bowman retail release is the next tier down. A box of 2023 Bowman will likely run $85-100 to pre-order and contain 12 packs with 5 cards apiece. In addition to prospects, these boxes feature the coveted “paper” rookie cards of current MLB rookies. Hits can include autographed and numbered parallels. Bowman retail boxes are a good balance of affordability and potential returns through rookie cards.

For those seeking a budget-friendly way to participate in the Bowman release, the best option is pre-ordering loose packs. A pack of 5 cards will cost around $4-5 to pre-order. While pack odds of hitting a valuable rookie are lower than with a box, it’s an affordable means of acquiring cards from the set without a major upfront commitment. Packs also become available on release day at local hobby shops and mass retailers.

In terms of specific rookies to target, the 2023 Bowman class is headlined by high school prospects like Max Clark, Dante Berti, and Jackson Ferris – all expected to be early picks in the 2023 MLB Draft. On the MLB side, rookies like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman could have flagship rookie cards after impressive debut seasons in 2022. International prospects like Romy Gonzalez and Ynmanol Marinez are also names to watch.

When it comes to parallels and short prints, collectors should seek out especially low numbered versions of top prospects. Topps usually includes parallels like Gold /50, Rainbow Foil /25 and Black 1/1. Autographed cards remain the true chase, especially “on-card” autos where the signature is directly on the front of the card rather than a separate sticker autograph. Memorabilia cards with swatches of jersey or bat material are also highly coveted.

As for pre-order logistics, Topps usually lists Bowman pre-sales on their website and via major online card retailers. Quantities tend to sell out fast for popular products like Bowman Draft boxes. Payment is typically required upfront at the time of order. Most pre-orders are expected to ship within 1-2 weeks of the official release date. Topps is usually good about providing tracking numbers and release updates as that date approaches.

In terms of the investment potential, Bowman rookie cards have proven extremely lucrative for patient collectors in recent years. Stars like Soto, Acuña, Tatis and others all had their rookie cards featured in Bowman before breaking out. While prospects carry risk, even a few major hits can make a Bowman pre-order very profitable long-term. Secondary market prices for top rookies steadily increase as their careers progress.

All in all, the 2023 Bowman release shapes up to be another can’t-miss event for baseball card collectors and investors. With an exciting new crop of MLB rookies and amateur prospects on the horizon, pre-ordering boxes and packs early ensures the best odds of acquiring these coveted rookie cards before they take off in value. Those who do their research on prospects and target especially scarce parallels stand to profit handsomely if a few players emerge as future superstars down the road. The 2023 Bowman pre-sale period is sure to be highly competitive – so collectors will want to sign up for notifications and pounce as soon as pre-orders open up.

BASEBALL LINEUP CARDS BATTING ORDER

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Baseball lineup cards are an essential part of the game that help managers strategically order their batters for each half inning. Dating back to the earliest days of professional baseball in the late 1800s, lineup cards have evolved over the decades but still serve the same important purpose of communicating a team’s batting order to the opposing team, umpires, and fans.

When constructing a batting order, managers consider numerous factors about each player such as their handedness, speed, power, ability to get on base, and performance against the starting pitcher. The order is designed to maximize run production by sequencing hitters who can advance baserunners and drive them in. Some general principles that managers follow include batting left-handed hitters and switch hitters higher in the order to take advantage of platooning advantages. Speedy players with good bat control are also commonly listed at the top to get on base for the middle of the order sluggers.

A typical batting order from top to bottom may include a leadoff hitter, two hitters in the number 2 and 3 spots to move runners and drive them in, followed by the heart of the order with power hitters in the cleanup and fifth spots. The sixth through ninth spots round out the order with a mix of contact hitters, platoon advantages, and defensive replacements. Every manager tweaks their lineup to the specific strengths and weaknesses of their roster as well as the opposing starting pitcher.

Prior to the game, managers must submit a written lineup card listing the batting order and defensive positions for each half inning to the home plate umpire. Traditionally, lineup cards were simple handwritten cards but now are often typed sheets of paper. They include numbers identifying each player’s spot in the batting order as well as defensive positions. Any lineup changes made during the game require notifying the umpire and updating the card.

Batting orders are not permanently set and managers can make adjustments from game to game based on matchups, slumps, injuries, and day-to-day decisions. Platooning left-handed and right-handed hitters against same-sided pitchers is a common tactic. Hot hitters may be moved up in the order while cold hitters slide down. Bench players can also get starts based on their performance. Frequent lineup shuffling can disrupt a team’s rhythm and chemistry. Most managers try to establish consistent regular position players and a core batting order when possible.

Injuries and days off inevitably require filling in different players into the lineup. When making substitutions, savvy managers consider not just the individual player but how the new batting order flows from top to bottom. They aim to retain a balanced mix of skills like getting on base, advancing runners, and driving them in. Late-inning defensive replacements also impact the batting order, typically sliding better hitters earlier to maximize their plate appearances.

The designated hitter rule in the American League further complicated constructing batting orders, as managers had to account for a permanent hitter without a defensive position. This allowed the implementation of specialized hitters but removed some strategic dimensions of pitching changes and double switches. Debate continues on the merits of the DH between fans who prefer the strategy of NL-style baseball with the pitcher hitting versus those who enjoy watching dedicated hitters in the AL game.

With computerization and advanced analytics, modern lineup construction involves far more inputs than just the eye test of past performance. Metrics on statistics like on-base percentage, slugging percentage, platoon splits, and success rates against specific pitchers all factor into modeling the theoretically optimal batting order. Intangibles like clubhouse chemistry and a player’s mental approach sometimes lead managers to deviate from purely analytical lineups. Either way, constructing an effective batting order remains a key in-game decision for managers aimed at maximizing run scoring opportunities.

From simply listing the batting order to following platooning strategies and making in-game substitutions, lineup cards remain a fixture of baseball that exemplify the chess match between managers. While the actual cards themselves may seem trivial, the sequencing of hitters they represent can significantly impact a team’s performance at the plate. With nine slots to fill, optimal construction of a batting order continues to challenge managers seeking even small edges to help their club win ballgames.

2023 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS PRE ORDER

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The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year from Topps. As a retro-styled set that pays homage to Topps designs of the past, Heritage has developed a huge following among collectors both young and old. While the official on-sale date isn’t until March 2023, Topps has made pre-orders available now through select hobby shops and online retailers.

Topps Heritage has become a staple of the baseball card landscape since the set’s debut in 1999. Each year, Topps takes designs from past decades and recreates them with current players. The 2023 set draws inspiration from 1972 and 1982 Topps designs. Like the original issues, the cards will have a classic white border and feature action photography from the 2022 MLB season. An exciting element for collectors is that Topps changes up the design sources each season to keep the set feeling fresh.

For the 2023 release, Topps is continuing with the popular mini-box format that has been used since 2019. Each pre-ordered box contains 10 packs with 3 cards per pack for a total of 30 cards. The mini-box is meant to mimic the original wax pack boxes from the 1970s/80s. Inside collectors can expect to find a mix of base cards along with various inserts and parallels. The checklist will feature all 30 MLB teams with current stars and rookies. Autograph and memorabilia cards can also be pulled at various rarities.

Topps has not yet revealed the exact odds for hits in the 2023 Heritage set, but past years provide a good indication. Typically collectors can expect around 1 autograph or relic card for every 4-6 mini boxes. Lower numbered parallels and serially numbered inserts are inserted at far less frequent rates. The base rookie and star cards remain the backbone of each set with veterans, prospects, and depth players filling out rosters. Topps also usually includes a small number of “throwback” cards featuring players no longer active from the decade being paid tribute to.

For those who pre-order Heritage boxes from authorized sellers, Topps provides several bonuses. Each pre-sale box comes with 3 bonus pink foil parallel cards not available otherwise. Pre-orders are entered into monthly drawings for exclusive autographed memorabilia cards only attainable this way. Topps also sometimes includes additional free packs or items to sweeten the deal. The bonuses help make pre-ordering enticing for collectors not wanting to chance missing out.

As with any high-profile release, the 2023 Topps Heritage pre-sale sold out quickly once it was announced in fall 2022. Many shops sold through their initial allocations within hours or days. For those still hoping to secure boxes, a few retailers may still have limited remaining stock or take waitlists. Secondary market prices have already started increasing from the initial $89.99 MSRP as the official release date approaches. Active buyers will need to monitor seller inventories and be ready to purchase immediately if more pre-orders become available.

While the pre-sale is ending, the excitement is just ramping up as collectors look ahead to rip their boxes starting in March. Online breakers are already scheduling live case breaks and random team assignments for the release day. YouTube break channels will no doubt be opening box after box for viewing entertainment as well. Across social media, fans will share their hits and best pulls. The retro designs and chase for stars will make 2023 Topps Heritage an event during its initial rollout. Then the secondary market trading and team-building will keep the enthusiasm going all year long.

For those unable to secure pre-orders but still wanting to participate, the official release date street date will be the next chance once boxes arrive at local hobby shops. Initial allocations may sell out quickly as well. Patience may be required and some paying above MSRP inevitable. Otherwise the secondary market is an option, but demand will keep prices elevated initially. Regardless of how they’re obtained, the 2023 Topps Heritage baseball cards are sure to deliver nostalgic fun and excitement for collectors of all ages come this March. It’s easy to see why this retro throwback set is such an anticipated release each year.

The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card pre-order period has provided collectors an early opportunity to guarantee boxes of this classic retro-styled set. With designs taking inspiration from the 1970s and 1980s, each year’s Heritage release evokes memories of childhood wax packs and maintains its position as a cornerstone of the modern collecting landscape. While pre-sales have now ended, the countdown is on for the official March release date when this year’s crop of rookies, stars and throwbacks can finally be revealed.