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1990 BASEBALL MAJOR LEAGUE ALL STARS PLAYING CARDS

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In 1990, Topps released its annual set of Major League Baseball All-Star cards. The set commemorated the best players from both the American League and National League as selected by fan voting to represent each league in the 59th MLB All-Star Game held that year at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The 1990 season marked a transition period in Major League Baseball as several star players from the 1980s were nearing the end of their careers, while a new generation of talent was beginning to emerge. The set reflected this changing of the guard with cards featuring veteran superstars and young rising stars alike.

Some of the biggest names featured in the set included Nolan Ryan, who at age 43 was still dominating hitters as the ace of the Texas Rangers staff. The “Ryan Express” had posted a 16-10 record with 232 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA on his way to his 7th career All-Star selection. Also included was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco, who led the AL with 39 home runs and 117 RBI en route to his 3rd consecutive All-Star nod.

Other offensive standouts in the set were Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Bell, who followed up his 1987 MVP season by batting .308 with 26 homers and 86 RBI, and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Hal Morris, who hit .326 with 13 homers and 83 RBI in the first half of the season to earn his lone All-Star selection. On the pitching side, Oakland’s Dave Stewart and Toronto’s Jimmy Key both made the roster after combining for a 26-10 record with over 200 strikeouts before the break.

While veterans like Ryan, Canseco, and Stewart anchored the set, it also featured several young rising talents who were beginning to make names for themselves, including Toronto shortstop Tony Fernandez, Cleveland outfielder Albert Belle, and Oakland third baseman Carney Lansford. Fernandez had established himself as one of the premier defensive shortstops in baseball while also batting .305, while Belle slugged 19 homers and drove in 55 runs before the break in just his rookie season. Lansford, meanwhile, was enjoying one of his best offensive seasons, batting .311 with 10 homers and 50 RBI through the All-Star break.

The National League portion of the set highlighted the dominance of the Cincinnati Reds, who sent a league-high five players to start in the Midsummer Classic, including first baseman Morris, second baseman Billy Hatcher, and pitchers Norm Charlton and Rob Dibble to go along with outfielder Eric Davis, who was enjoying a monster season batting .293 with 21 homers and 57 RBI.

The Reds’ NL Central rival Pittsburgh Pirates also had strong representation, led by star outfielder Barry Bonds, who was in the midst of his breakout season, batting .294 with 21 homers and 55 RBI before being selected to his 3rd All-Star Game. Bonds was joined by teammate Bobby Bonilla, who hit .290 with 14 homers and 50 RBI for the Pirates in the first half of the year.

Other notable NL selections included San Diego Padres slugger Jack Clark, who led the NL with 28 homers at the break; New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden, who was 10-5 with a 2.97 ERA in the first half of the season; and Atlanta Braves first baseman Sid Bream, who hit .311 with 10 homers and 43 RBI before his lone All-Star selection.

Rookies featured in the set included the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Todd Worrell, who posted a 1.77 ERA and 11 saves as the Dodgers’ closer before the break; the Montreal Expos’ Dennis Martinez, who won 10 games with a 2.67 ERA in the season’s first half; and the San Francisco Giants’ Matt Williams, who blasted 16 homers and drove in 47 runs in his debut season.

The 1990 Topps MLB All-Star set was a snapshot of both the established stars and rising young talents that shaped the league at the dawn of the new decade. For collectors, it commemorated the great performances that earned over 80 players selection to the Midsummer Classic at Wrigley Field that year. While many of the players featured are now retired, the cards continue to be a nostalgic reminder of baseball’s best in a pivotal year of transition for the sport.

BASEBALL PLAYING CARDS VALUE

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Baseball cards have been a beloved collectible for over a century and values can vary greatly depending on condition, player, year issued and more. Whether you have cards from the early 1900s or modern issues, there is a lot that determines what they may be worth.

One of the earliest baseball card sets was issued in the late 1880s by Goodwin & Company and featured individual cards of star players. Given their extreme age, surviving examples from this set in good condition can fetch tens of thousands of dollars or more at auction. Another very early and valuable set is the 1909-11 T206 tobacco card series, known as the most iconic in the hobby. Top stars like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson can sell for hundreds of thousands in gem mint condition.

The 1950s and 60s saw the golden age of baseball cards as more companies issued colorful sets as inserts in chewing gum, candy and cigarette packs. The 1952 Topps, 1954 Topps and 1957 Topps sets are considered especially iconic of this era. Top rookies and stars in high grade could sell from thousands to tens of thousands. For example, a mint Mickey Mantle rookie from 1952 Topps recently sold for over $2 million, setting a new record.

Condition is key, as even seemingly minor flaws can significantly cut into a card’s value. Topps cards from the 1950s are rated on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being pristine “gem mint.” A card graded a 7 can be worth 50-75% less than the same card at a 9 grade. Proper storage over the decades also impacts condition – cards kept in attics often come back stained, faded or warped. Professionally graded examples will command higher prices.

Rookie cards for all-time great players are consistently some of the most valuable, especially if the player went on to have a Hall of Fame career. A mint Mike Trout rookie from 2009 Topps could be worth thousands, while a Mantle or Ken Griffey Jr. rookie from the late 80s may sell for four figures or more. Even stars of more recent decades like Chipper Jones and Derek Jeter have valuable rookie issues.

Beyond condition and star power, certain years and specific designs within sets can make cards more collectible. The 1969 Topps set is one of the most iconic ever due to its classic design and the careers of players featured that year like Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson. A complete set in high grade could sell for over $10,000. The 1975 Topps set is another highly coveted one due to future Hall of Famers like George Brett and Robin Yount in their early years depicted.

Exclusive parallel issues can also hold premium value. For example, Topps Finest and Bowman Chrome parallels feature refractors and other embellishments that command higher prices than standard base cards. Autograph and memorabilia cards signed and game-used by stars are some of the most valuable modern issues that can sell for thousands depending on the player.

While vintage cards from the early 20th century will remain out of reach price-wise for most collectors, there are still plenty of affordable entry points. Common players and stars from the 1970s and 80s can often be acquired for $1-5 per card even in lower grades. Building complete sets from the 1990s or 2000s is also reasonable. And current annual releases can provide enjoyment without breaking the bank. With some research, any budget can enjoy the thrill of baseball card collecting.

A combination of several factors dictate potential baseball card values, from the set date, specific players featured, condition grades, parallels and more. While mint vintage cards of legends will remain truly rare treasures, each era offers its own affordable collecting opportunities for building collections around favorite players, teams or designs through the long history of the hobby.

PLAYING CARDS GAME BASEBALL

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Baseball is a classic playing cards game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While the rules are simple enough for children to grasp, the strategy involved makes it engaging for adults as well. The game is played using a standard 52-card deck and simulates the basics of the sport for which it is named.

To set up the game, shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal cards face down into “piles” representing bases – first, second and third base, as well as home plate. The number of cards in each pile depends on how challenging you want the game to be. Four cards are a good starting point for first base, three for second, two for third, and one for home plate. Place the remaining cards off to the side to act as the “pitching hand.”

Gameplay follows the format of an inning in baseball. One player is designated the “batter” while another player or players act as the “fielding team.” The batter draws a card from the pitching hand to see if they get a “hit” and advance on the bases. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are automatic outs. Number cards 10 and below are considered hits – the batter can advance the corresponding number of bases. For example, a 3 allows the batter to advance to first base, a 6 lets them reach second, etc. Aces count as an automatic home run, allowing the batter to score a run.

After the batter draws their card, they must declare how many bases they are trying to advance. Then the fielding team checks the piles to see if there are enough cards remaining for the batter to safely reach their target base. If the pile has equal or more cards than required, the batter is safe. But if the pile is empty or has fewer cards left than needed, the batter is out. For example, if the batter drew a 5 and said they were going for third base (requiring two cards left in the pile), but the third base pile only had one card remaining, they would be tagged out.

Play continues with the next batter repeating the process until three outs are recorded, ending the half-inning. Then players rotate positions with the fielding team becoming the new batting team. The game can be played by a set number of innings or until a set run total is reached, at which point the team with the most runs wins.

There are some optional additions that can be made to vary gameplay:

Designated Hitter: One player can act as the “designated hitter” who does not switch positions each inning.

Extra Base Hits: Face cards above 10 (Jack, Queen, King) could allow the batter to advance more than one base rather than being automatic outs.

Pitching Strategy: Fielders can attempt to get batters out by selectively removing cards from certain base piles throughout the inning.

Bunting: Batters can choose to “bunt” by automatically advancing only one base regardless of card drawn, avoiding the chance of making an out.

Stealing: Runners can attempt to advance an extra base when the next batter draws their card by calling “steal!” But can be tagged out if the defending team catches them before the draw.

Base Running Errors: Runners have a small chance of being tagged out while advancing even on safe hits through miscues like getting “picked off” or “caught in a rundown.”

The simplicity of Baseball’s rules makes it a great cross-generational game to introduce children, seniors or casual card players to the sport. It captures the fun strategic elements of batting, base running and fielding without excessive rules. Variations allow it to remain challenging even for experienced card gamers. Whether playing serious or silly, a game of Baseball is an easy way for family and friends to spend an evening connecting over quality time together. Its broad appeal means this classic has staying power as a true people’s pastime.

1991 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL STAR PLAYING CARDS

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In 1991, Donruss released an iconic set of Major League Baseball All-Star playing cards. The 36-card set celebrated the top players in the American League and National League at the halfway point of the 1991 season. The cards featured colorful yet traditionally-styled designs that proved very popular with collectors at the time.

Each card in the 1991 MLB All-Star set featured an action photo of an All-Star player from that season on the front, with stats and career highlights on the back. The 36 players in the set were chosen based on fan voting and player performance from the first half of the 1991 baseball season. Some of the biggest stars of the early 1990s are prominently featured, such as Terry Pendleton, Roberto Aguirre, Dennis Eckersley, and Kenny Lofton.

Some notable player cards in the 1991 MLB All-Star set include Barry Bonds’ card, which featured a close-up action shot of the Pirates outfielder at bat. The back discussed Bonds’ impressive start to the 1991 season and his 5 All-Star selections at that point in his career. Another memorable card was Roberto Alomar’s card, showing the Blue Jays second baseman fielding a ground ball. His card details how he was enjoying a breakout offensive season in 1991 where he led the AL in batting average.

The cards also captured smaller, unheralded All-Stars like Jeff Reardon, Charlie Hayes, and Scott Sanderson. Reardon’s Twins card highlighted his 230 career saves to that point. Hayes’ Pirates card lauded his strong defensive play at third base. And Sanderson’s Expos card praised his surprise 14-4 record and AL-leading 2.23 ERA for Montreal at the midway point. These types of role players made the comprehensive All-Star set more interesting for collectors.

Some key production details of the 1991 MLB All-Star card set included the traditional pink backs commonly used by Donruss at the time. The fronts featured colorful team logo designs with yellow, red, and blue borders framing the black-and-white photos. Set numbers ranged from 1 to 36 and included each player’s primary team logo. The card stock was sturdy and held up well to the friction of being repeatedly shuffled in collectors’ hands.

Distribution of the 1991 MLB All-Star cards was strong, as Donruss had major mass-market retail deals in place with stores like Walmart, Kmart, and Target. This allowed the cards to reach collectors across the country. The large national chains stocked entire racks full of Donruss baseball cards each spring and summer. Savvy collectors could reliably find unopened packs and boxes of the All-Star cards well into the baseball season at major retail outlets.

While not quite as collectible or valuable today as the iconic rookie cards from the same era, the 1991 MLB All-Star cards remain a unique and historically significant release. They captured the midseason stars and state of the game from one of the biggest seasons of the 1990s. Unlike modern All-Star card sets that focus only on that one game’s rosters, this Donruss release spanned both leagues and offered profiles of the top AL and NL players at the season’s halfway point. For baseball card collectors and historians, it continues to serve as a fun time capsule of the summer of 1991.

In the years since their release, the condition of the 1991 MLB All-Star cards has varied greatly based on how many times each was handled and tossed around in circulation. Gem mint specimens with sharp corners and clean surfaces can still fetch $10-15 per card individually on auction sites. But well-loved, played-with examples are more commonly available raw for under $5 each. Either way, the collectible and nostalgic appeal of this classic 36-card All-Star set endures as a historic relic from baseball card publishing’s peak popularity period in the early 1990s.

BASEBALL PLAYING CARDS 286

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Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible item for both casual fans and diehard enthusiasts alike. Dating back to the late 19th century, these cardboard keepsakes allowed fans to learn more about their favorite players while also fueling the hobby of card collecting. Among the most prized vintage cards are those from the famous T206 series issued between 1909-1911 by the American Tobacco Company. Numbered from 1 to 525, these antique tobacco cards featured detailed portraits of baseball legends alongside statistical information. Card #286 from the acclaimed set profiles an outstanding pitcher who made his mark during the dead-ball era – Rube Marquard.

Born in 1886 in Cleveland, Ohio, Richard William “Rube” Marquard began his professional baseball career in 1903 with the Newark Peppers of the Eastern League. After two successful seasons in the minors, the lanky left-hander made his Major League debut with the New York Giants in 1908. Standing tall at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 185 pounds, Marquard possessed an intimidating presence on the mound. He complemented his imposing stature with an overpowering fastball and sharp-breaking curveball that kept hitters consistently off-balance. In his rookie year of 1908, Marquard went 19-11 with a 2.71 ERA to help lead the Giants to a National League pennant. He followed this up by winning 26 games in 1912, setting what was then a modern major league record for wins in a single season.

Marquard’s dominance during his early years with the Giants made him one of the most sought-after pitchers in baseball during the dead-ball era. His statistics and accomplishments placed him among the elite hurlers of that time alongside legends like Christy Mathewson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Walter Johnson. It was this fame and success that led to Marquard being featured on the renowned T206 baseball card set issued in 1909-1911. His card #286 depicts the moustachioed right-hander in a New York Giants uniform, showcasing his name along the bottom. The back of the card lists Marquard’s vital stats including his date of birth, how he throws, and his career win-loss record up to that point.

While Marquard enjoyed great success with the Giants early in his career and attained status as one of the game’s top pitchers, his performance began declining in later seasons. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency, posting a losing record of 12-22 over the next two years. Marquard was even demoted to the minor leagues briefly in 1915. He rebounded with a strong season for the Brooklyn Robins in 1916, going 23-11 with a league-leading 1.58 ERA. This helped lead Brooklyn to their first and only National League pennant. Marquard continued pitching effectively over the next few seasons, winning 15-20 games annually for Brooklyn through 1920.

In 1921 at age 35, Marquard was traded back to the New York Giants where he finished his career over the next two seasons primarily in relief. He retired from baseball after 1923 with a career record of 201-177 and an ERA of 2.96 over 16 seasons spanning from 1908-1923. Marquard’s 201 career wins ranks him 24th on the all-time wins list among left-handed pitchers. His single-season record of 26 wins in 1912 stood for over 50 years until it was broken by Denny McLain in 1968. Marquard was also a member of three pennant-winning Giants teams in 1908, 1911, and 1912. He showed great durability by pitching over 300 innings in four different seasons during his prime years with the Giants and Robins.

After retiring from baseball, Marquard worked as a coach and scout for several teams in the late 1920s and 1930s. He passed away in 1947 at the age of 61 while living in Pennsylvania. Rube Marquard left an indelible mark during his playing days as one of the most dominant pitchers and winningest lefties of the dead-ball era. His accomplishments and fame led to being featured on the iconic T206 baseball card set issued from 1909-1911. Over a century later, Marquard’s card #286 remains one of the most widely collected pieces from that prized series due to its portrayal of this legendary hurler during his glory years with the New York Giants.

BASEBALL GAME USING PLAYING CARDS

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Baseball is traditionally played with a ball and bat on a diamond-shaped field. It is certainly possible to play a version of baseball using only a standard 52-card deck. While the rules are modified from the traditional game, playing baseball with cards can still provide fun recreation and competition for those without access to a baseball field.

The basic concept is to simulate the actions of baseball – batting, fielding, and base running – using cards instead of a ball and gloves. Teams take turns going to “bat” by drawing cards from the deck and trying to get as many “runs” as possible before three outs are recorded. Cards represent different baseball actions and outcomes. Hearts represent hits that allow runners to advance, while clubs result in outs. Spades and diamonds have other effects.

To set up the game, decide on team sizes of 3-6 players each and determine a batting order. One team is designated the “fielding” team who will draw cards to record outs. The other team bats first. Give each batter three cards to draw from to simulate their turn at bat.

The fielding team draws the first card. A heart results in a hit for the batter – they get to advance to first base. A club card is an out, and the batter is retired. Spades represent strikeouts, while diamonds are foul balls or balls that do not advance runners. After each card is drawn, replace it so the deck remains complete.

Once a batter gets a hit, any runners on base from previous batters’ hits can attempt to advance. Runners advance one base for each heart drawn until a club (out) ends the inning. If a runner reaches home, it scores a run for their team. Once three outs are recorded via clubs, the teams switch roles.

Some variations on the basic rules include assigning point values to different cards to add strategy. For example, hearts 2-10 could be worth that many bases, while face cards are worth extra bases or runs. Aces could represent home runs. Jokers could act as wildcards.

Spades can represent different defensive plays like fielder’s choice, caught stealing, or double plays depending on the situation. Runners may have to avoid getting “tagged out” by another spade card to be safe. Diamonds could cause runners to advance or get stranded depending on their suit/number.

Keeping track of balls, strikes and outs faced by each batter adds another layer. Give each batter a set number of cards (4-6) to draw from before they are automatically retired if they do not get a hit. Strategically deciding to swing or take pitches becomes a factor.

The game can be played informally for fun or with official innings, scorekeeping and even positions in the field. Set a run limit like traditional baseball or a time limit to determine a winner. Variations allow for different sized “fields” by adjusting base distances or requiring more hits to score from certain bases.

Playing baseball with cards provides a creative way to enjoy the basic flow and strategy of America’s pastime without needing a full baseball diamond. It translates the actions into cards that can be played nearly anywhere. While the specifics differ from traditional rules, the essence of batting, fielding, and base running remains. Card baseball serves as a portable version that maintains the competition and camaraderie of the original game. Whether playing seriously or casually, it offers recreation for baseball fans of all ages.

Some additional ways to vary card baseball include:

Designating fielding positions that require drawing certain cards to record outs at those bases.

Assigning each player a “fielding rating” that impacts the probability of card draws resulting in outs versus hits or errors.

Using two decks shuffled together to increase the number of cards batters face before retiring, extending “at bats”.

Allowing stolen base attempts on certain card draws that could result in runners being tagged out trying to steal.

Incorporating relief pitchers by having a new fielder take over card drawing after a set number of runs or hits.

Tracking traditional baseball stats like batting average, ERA for fielders, stolen bases throughout the game for a more authentic experience.

Using half or third of a standard deck for shorter kids’ games with less strategy involved in card selection.

Playing baseball with cards takes the fundamental actions, strategy and competition of America’s pastime and translates it into a portable tabletop version. While different from traditional rules on an actual field, it maintains the essence of the game through drawing cards to simulate hits, outs, and base running results. Card baseball provides accessible recreation that can be easily set up and played virtually anywhere.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYING CARDS

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Baseball card collecting has been a popular American pastime since the late 19th century. Some of the earliest baseball cards were included as promotional items in packs of cigarettes and candy in the 1880s. These cards typically featured active major league players and were collected by both children and adults.

In 1886, a company called Goodwin & Company became one of the first to produce dedicated baseball cards as a standalone product. They issued sets of cards that pictured major league players from that season. These became very popular and helped establish baseball cards as a commercial product. In the early 1900s, several tobacco companies like American Tobacco, Allen & Ginter, and Sweet Caporal started including baseball cards in their cigarette packages. This helped further popularize collecting and trading baseball cards.

Sweet Caporal began producing colored lithograph cards called “cabinet” cards in the late 1880s. These larger cards featured more detailed images and player statistics compared to previous baseball cards. Their success led other companies to issue similar higher quality cards that set the standard for the next few decades. The iconic T206 series produced by American Tobacco between 1909-1911 is considered one of the most valuable sets of any sport ever produced due to their rarity and quality.

During the 1920s and 1930s, most baseball cards still came as incentives in cigarette and gum packs. New sets released by companies including Goudey Gum and Red Man Tobacco set new standards for the inclusion of color images, player biographies, and card design elements. Goudey issued several sets between 1933-1939 that were recognized for their innovative techniques and wide distribution. Their 1933 cards were among the first to feature color images as well as player stats and team logos on the front of cards.

Bowman Gum began releasing affordable baseball card sets directly to consumers starting in 1948, making them the first mass-produced cardboard cards specifically packaged and sold as baseball cards. Their simple design format became the model for modern mass-produced cards during the golden age of the 1950s and 1960s. Topps Chewing Gum entered the baseball card market in 1951 and quickly grew to dominate the industry. Their modern design style and vast promotional reach through coin mailers cemented Topps as the leading baseball card company.

In the late 1950s, Topps held the exclusive gum card rights to most major league players. Other companies found creative ways around this monopoly by producing cards featuring retired players or focusing solely on non-licensed content like team logos. Fleer came into the market in 1956, followed by Post Cereal and Kellogg’s in 1962-1963. These competitors helped push Topps to innovate new printing and design technologies. In response, Topps produced the hugely popular rookie card issues for stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Chipper Jones.

The 1980s marked the beginning of the modern era of baseball card collecting as a speculative investment. Stars like Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, and Dwight Gooden drew huge collectors interest and their rookie cards escalated tremendously in value. Changes in licensing agreements and increased mechanization/oversaturation negatively impacted the industry and caused a speculative card bubble burst in the early 1990s. Despite some darker intervening years, baseball cards have experienced a revival with renewed nostalgia for retro designs and a diversification of parallel inserts, autographs, and memorabilia cards.

Today the industry is largely dominated by Topps, Panini, and Leaf with licenses from MLB and the MLBPA. There has been more competition from smaller boutique sets and limited releases as demand has shifted away from mass-produced commodity cards towards high-end premium relics and autographed cards. While the baseball card collecting scene has evolved beyond its earlier roots as a purely affordable pastime for youth, it remains a dynamic multi-million dollar industry driven by collector passion and memories of summer’s past. Vintage cards from the sport’s earliest decades remain highly coveted and occasionally fetch huge prices when valuable specimens change hands. The history of baseball cards reflects both the progression of the national pastime as well as wider trends in American popular culture over more than 130 years.

1888 WG1 BASEBALL PLAYING CARDS PSA GRADED

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The 1888 N172 Old Judge tobacco card set, also known as the “WG1” set, is arguably the most iconic and historically significant baseball card set ever produced. These tiny cardboard advertisements were inserted as incentives in Old Judge tobacco packages during the late 1880s, picturing baseball players from that era. Just two examples remain inNear Mint to Mint condition according to PSA’s rigorous authentication and grading standards, making them incredibly rare and valuable. These graded high-quality specimens offer a fascinating look into our national pastime’s early origins.

This revolutionary set featured 23 different cards picturing famous ballplayers like Buck Ewing, Mike “King” Kelly, and Ned Hanlon. They were printed in black and white with player statistics on the reverse. Though measuring only about 2×3 inches, these minuscule cards had an immense influence by helping spread baseball’s popularity across America. They connected enthusiastic urban youth of the time with their sports idols in a brand new way through consumer culture. Their mass distribution inspired the later creation of full-sized baseball card sets specifically meant for collecting. As baseball grew tremendously as America’s favorite sport in the late 19th century, these cards played a role in cultivating new generations of fans.

Though millions were handed out in tobacco products from the late 1880s-1890s, shockingly few have survived over 130 years later due to their fragile composition and the treatment of items considered minor advertising novelties at the time. Any remaining in pristine condition is nothing short of miraculous. The two 1888 WG1 cards that have achieved PSA’s strict NM-MT 7 and 8 grades are the finest known to exist today from this pioneering set. Their remarkable state of preservation is a testament to the care and conservation practices of the previous custodians who understood their immense rarity and historical value.

Being authenticated and graded by PSA is especially significant for these seminal cards. Founded in 1986, PSA/DNA is universally recognized as the premier third-party grading service, authenticating and assigning quality grades to trading cards, comics, and other collectibles. Their rigorous multi-point inspection and verification process eliminates chances of forgery or doctoring and provides buyers assurance of a card’s condition and provenance. An 1880s baseball card in Near Mint condition defies belief without PSA’s authentication and grading seal of approval. It cements their place as the two finest quality survivors of this pioneering set that birthed the modern sports card collecting hobby.

As true pioneers that predate the T206 set and came only two short years after the National League’s founding, these 1888 WG1 cards painted by baseball legends like Louis Van der Weyde hold immense historical and cultural value. They provide an incredible glimpse into 19th century baseball’s infancy and spread as America’s national pastime. Their rarity is unparalleled—the 7 and 8 graded specimens will likely remain the only authenticated high-grade survivors of this seminal 23-card set in existence. For collectors and historians alike, they represent an iconic connection to our sporting roots that simply cannot be replicated. Though small in size, the legacy and importance of these humble 1888 tobacco advertisements is exceptionally large. They deserve recognition as two of the most prized artifacts in the extensive history of American popular culture and sports memorabilia.

In today’s fast-paced digital world overrun by mass-produced memorabilia, these tiny cardboard relics from the 1880s standing as two of the finest surviving examples graded is nothing short of wondrous. They transcend mere property to become important touchstones of our national identity and shared sporting past. Their journey from inexpensive tobacco novelties to revered historical specimens encapsulates over a century of culture and collecting. As population growth and industrialization vaulted the United States to global prominence in the latter 19th century, so too did our national pastime of baseball spread far and wide through items just like these – reminding us of our shared roots. Their remarkable preservation is a true testament to stewardship by previous caretakers who recognized their singular importance regardless of price. In a field with so few high-quality survivors, these two 1888 WG1 cards will continue to stand virtually alone as authenticated icons of our sporting origins by the authoritative PSA grading service for generations to come.

BASEBALL ACES PLAYING CARDS 1995 SEASON

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The 1995 Major League Baseball season featured many standout pitchers who carried their teams with dominant performances on the mound. These “aces” were the undisputed top starters for their rotations and consistently pitched like true number one starters. While offense across the league was down that year, several hurlers had career-defining seasons that showcased their ace-like abilities.

Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves had perhaps the finest season of any pitcher in 1995. The crafty right-hander went 19-2 with a 1.63 ERA over 33 starts, leading the NL in wins, ERA, winning percentage (.905), WHIP (0.811), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.56). Maddux’s control was impeccable as he issued just 15 walks all year long over 226.1 innings pitched. His 19 wins tied for the second-most in the NL and his microscopic ERA was the lowest by any qualified pitcher since 1968. Maddux was named the NL Cy Young Award winner for the third consecutive season and fourth time overall, cementing his status as the ace of the Braves staff.

Another dominant NL hurler was Pedro Martinez of the Montreal Expos. In his first full season as a starter, Martinez went 17-8 with a 1.90 ERA and 0.932 WHIP over 29 starts. The flame-throwing righty led the league with 313 strikeouts, the second-highest single-season total of all-time at the time. Martinez’s electric stuff overpowered hitters as he allowed just 146 hits in 231 innings of work. At just 23 years old, Martinez emerged as the Expos’ unquestioned ace and one of the most feared pitchers in baseball with his breakout campaign.

Tom Glavine, Maddux’s teammate in Atlanta, also had an ace-caliber season in 1995. The crafty left-hander went 20-6 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.158 WHIP over 33 starts. Glavine’s 20 wins tied for the NL lead and his stellar control allowed just 45 walks in 229.1 innings pitched. Along with Maddux, Glavine gave the dominant Braves a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation. The duo became the first teammates to finish 1-2 in Cy Young Award voting since 1956.

In the American League, Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners took his game to new heights in 1995. Already one of baseball’s most intimidating hurlers due to his towering 6-foot-10 frame, “The Big Unit” struck out a whopping 294 batters over 204.2 innings in 31 starts. Johnson’s 15-9 record was stellar considering the lack of run support he received, as was his 2.48 ERA. His ERA+ of 179 was the best in the AL and the second-highest single-season mark of all-time. Johnson’s overpowering fastball-slider combination made him virtually unhittable at times. At age 31, he emerged as the ace Seattle had longed for.

David Cone turned in another stellar season for the Kansas City Royals in 1995. The veteran righty went 18-5 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.178 WHIP over 32 starts. Cone’s 18 wins tied for the AL lead and he finished third in Cy Young Award voting thanks to his workhorse performances every fifth day. At 33 years old, Cone showed he still had frontline stuff while firmly establishing himself as the Royals’ staff leader. His excellent control allowed just 52 walks in 237.1 innings as Kansas City’s lone All-Star representative.

Jack McDowell enjoyed a bounce-back season as the ace of the Chicago White Sox in 1995. After injuries limited him to 21 starts the previous year, McDowell went 16-10 with a 3.41 ERA over 31 starts in 1995. The right-hander struck out 195 batters in 202.2 innings to regain his form as one of baseball’s most dependable starters. McDowell’s steady presence atop a young White Sox rotation helped lead Chicago to an AL Central title.

In Cleveland, Dennis Martinez enjoyed a career revival as the Indians’ staff leader at age 39. The veteran righty went 18-8 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.173 WHIP over 31 starts, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. Martinez’s guile and control allowed just 48 walks in 222.2 innings as he proved that age was still just a number. Along with young fireballer Orel Hershiser, Martinez gave Cleveland a formidable 1-2 punch at the front of their rotation.

Maddux, Martinez, Glavine, Johnson, Cone, McDowell, and Martinez were the clear aces of their respective staffs in 1995 with their dominant performances. While the steroid era was just beginning, these hurlers stood out with their pitching prowess, consistency, and leadership abilities for their teams. Their ace-like seasons helped carry their clubs to success during an offensive-starved season in Major League Baseball.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 1992 ACES PLAYING CARDS

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1992 Major League Baseball Aces Playing Cards

In 1992, upper deck trading cards released an entire set dedicated to highlighting some of baseball’s top pitchers from that season, known as the “Aces”. The 100 card set focused solely on pitching statistics and accomplishments of baseball’s best hurlers from both the American and National Leagues. With a focus entirely on pitching stats and accomplishments, it stands out as one of the more unique baseball card sets ever produced.

Several of the pitchers featured were coming off incredible 1991 seasons and carried that success over into 1992, cementing their status as aces among their peers. Names like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Scott Erickson, Roger Clemens, Jimmy Key, and Dennis Martinez dominated throughout 1992 and the previous couple seasons. Their incredible stats and sustained success landed them prominent spots in the 1992 Upper Deck Aces set.

The 100 card checklist was split evenly between the American and National Leagues, with 50 cards dedicated to each league. Within each league’s portion of the set, the cards were ordered alphabetically by the pitcher’s last name. This provided collectors with an easy reference guide to look up specific players and find their cards. Starting with the American League, Don Aase was featured on card #1 and the final AL pitcher was Fernando Valenzuela on card #50.

Some of the pitching superstars who headlined the American League portion of the set included Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox on card #3. Coming off back-to-back Cy Young awards in 1990-1991, Clemens was in the midst of one of the greatest pitching stretches in MLB history. His card featured his dominant ’91 season stats of 18-10 record with a 2.62 ERA and 241 strikeouts. Also in the AL was Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos featured on card #13. At age 36 in 1992, Martinez was still pitching great ball and won 16 games for the third straight season with a solid 3.00 ERA.

Jimmy Key of the Toronto Blue Jays earned the #21 slot in the AL portion. Key went 18-6 with a 2.93 ERA in 1992 and helped lead Toronto to the World Series. Scott Erickson, who won 20 games in 1991 for the Minnesota Twins, got card #30 in the AL set. Greg Swindell, who tossed 34 complete games from 1988-1991 for Cleveland, got card #37. One of the biggest stars in baseball at the time, Nolan Ryan, closed out the AL portion with the #50 card. Even at age 40, Ryan continued pitching effectively for the Texas Rangers and racked up 301 strikeouts in 1992.

Switching to the National League portion of the set, the cards were also ordered alphabetically with Bill Darwin of the Chicago Cubs kicking things off at #51. Tom Glavine headlined the NL portion with the #53 card spot. Glavine went 20-11 with a stellar 2.76 ERA for the Atlanta Braves in 1992 en route to winning the NL Cy Young award. He was coming off a 22-11 record and 2.18 ERA Cy Young season in 1991. Greg Maddux, winner of the previous two NL Cy Youngs in the late 80s, took the #55 card position. Maddux dominated once again in 1992, going 20-11 with a stellar 2.18 ERA for the Chicago Cubs.

Dwight Gooden, who burst onto the scene as a teen phenom in the mid 80s, continued his strong pitching for the New York Mets in 1992. Gooden’s card was #61 and highlighted his 16-7 record and 2.83 ERA from that season. Another young flamethrower, David Cone of the New York Mets, got the #69 slot. Cone bounced back from an injury plagued 1991 with an 18-6 record and 2.73 ERA. At age 34, Orel Hershiser remained one of the game’s most consistent veterans. Hershiser went 15-15 with a solid 3.06 ERA for the Cleveland Indians in 1992, good enough for the #73 card spot.

Rounding out some of the other notable NL hurlers in the set, John Smiley of the Pittsburgh Pirates at #80 had gone 16-9 with a 2.18 ERA in 1991 before struggling to a 10-12 record in 1992. Fernando Valenzuela, who threw a no-hitter in 1990 at age 30, got the final NL card at #100 despite struggling to a 7-14 record with the Dodgers in 1992. The set did a great job highlighting both the biggest stars and most consistent veterans throughout the National League during one of the golden eras of pitching in MLB history.

Upon release in 1992, the Upper Deck Aces set brought collectors 100 unique cards solely focused on pitching stats and accomplishments from baseball’s best hurlers. With Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux among those featured, the set spotlighted many pitchers who would go on to cement their legacies as all-time greats. For collectors looking to compile the stats and stories of baseball’s pitching royalty during the early 1990s, the Aces set remains a highly sought after complete checklist from the era. Its singular pitching theme and alphabetical card numbering system provided an easily digestible reference guide for stats that still holds up today.

When the set was issued in 1992, the hobby was exploding in popularity following the success of executives like Joel Shapiro at Upper Deck and Donruss. Interest in trading cards reached new heights throughout the early 90s. The Aces set capitalized on this boom by zeroing in on the most fundamental and revered position in baseball – pitching. By focusing an entire set solely around pitching lines and accomplishments, Upper Deck was able to craft a unique and engaging collector’s product. For both casual fans and stat-minded collectors, the 1992 Aces set endures as a highly favored release that perfectly captures the elite hurlers who dominated the national pastime during one of its golden eras.