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BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS REVIEW

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The 2023 edition of Topps’ Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. As the flagship rookie card issuer, Bowman provides fans the first card for many of the game’s future stars each season. The 2023 set did not disappoint in terms of the quality and quantity of rookie cards for fans to collect.

One of the biggest storylines from Bowman 2023 was the loaded rookie class, headlined by catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles and infielder Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. Both players had breakout seasons in 2022 and are expected to be franchise cornerstones for their respective clubs. Rutschman and Witt each received prized autographed rookie cards in the set’s various parallels and inserts. Other highly touted prospects like Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams, and Oneil Cruz also received autographed rookie variations that will be hot on the secondary market.

In terms of design, Bowman 2023 featured a clean and classic look with team logos prominently displayed on a white background. The borders on the standard base cards were thin and allowed the photography to really pop. Topps utilized a variety of sharp action shots that highlighted each player’s skills and athleticism. The photography and crisp team colors combined to create a very appealing and cohesive set aesthetically. For collectors who enjoy flashy parallels and inserts, Bowman 2023 also offered numerous hittable short prints and autographs throughout its various retail and hobby box products.

The set extended well beyond just the first year cards with prospect and minor league inserts also featuring the game’s up-and-coming talent. The “Pro Debut” insert showcased players who had recently made their MLB debuts, while “Bowman Draft” and “Bowman’s Best” highlighted draft picks and top prospects. International prospects also received cards through inserts like “Dominican Summer League.” For modern era and throwback collectors, “Bowman Heritage” and “MLB Debut” inserts provided cards from past years as well.

In addition to the base Bowman set, hobby enthusiasts had several associated high-end products to pursue as well. The Bowman Sterling and Bowman Chrome releases presented the same rookie crop but with parallel and autograph variations inserted in shiny chrome and paper formats. Bowman Draft included draft picks from the previous year’s event. Bowman’s Best highlighted top prospects outside of the base set. And Bowman Mega Boxes provided jumbo-sized cards and hit rates above the standard boxes.

Secondary market demand for 2023 Bowman cards was strong out of the gate, driven by the hype around Rutschman, Witt and other top rookies. Short printed parallels and autographs of the elite prospects commanded high prices. Even base rookie cards of the most coveted players rose above typical Bowman levels. This surge of early interest bodes well long-term for the investment potential of the top 2023 Bowman cards as those players establish themselves in the majors.

The 2023 edition of Bowman baseball fulfilled its mission of providing the hobby with an exciting array of rookie cards, prospects and young talent. The photography and design created an aesthetically pleasing set to collect. With a loaded rookie class headlined by future stars, coupled with numerous high-end parallel and autograph products, Bowman 2023 gave collectors plenty to pursue to satisfy their baseball card appetite. Its early secondary market performance also signaled strong long-term potential for cards from this highly regarded flagship rookie set.

DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS REVIEW

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Donruss is one of the legendary brands in the sports card industry and their 2023 baseball card release is highly anticipated by collectors. Donruss has been producing baseball cards since 1956 and their retro designs and focus on action shots has made them a favorite among many in the hobby. Here is an in-depth look at what collectors can expect from the Donruss 2023 baseball card release.

The design of Donruss cards has always been one of simplicity with bold colors and large photos. The 2023 release continues this tradition with a clean white border surrounding each card. The photos take up most of the real estate and really let the action shine through. Many collectors appreciate how uncluttered the designs are compared to some more modern and photoshopped cards from other brands.

Rookies are always a big draw for any release and Donruss 2023 looks to have one of the best rookie classes in years. Names like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and Jeremy Peña are sure to be hot rookie chase cards. Breakout stars from the 2022 season like Michael Harris II, Oneil Cruz, and Jose Miranda could see rising popularity and value as well. Donruss does an excellent job of including all the top prospects and young players collectors want.

Parallels and inserts are where Donruss gets creative while still maintaining their classic look. The base parallel is called “Diamond Kings” which features a diamond-patterned border around the photo. Other parallels include “Fluorescent”, “Disco”, “Neon”, and “Spectrum” which use different color treatments. Serial-numbered parallels like “Gold” and “Silver” provide rarer chase cards as well. Popular inserts like “Diamond Greats” and “Diamond Icons” highlight some of the all-time legends of the game in artistic portrait photos.

Autograph and memorabilia cards are where collectors can find some of the biggest hits. Donruss uses on-card autographs for maximum authenticity. Rated Rookie autographs of the top prospects are highly sought after. Serial-numbered autographs of current stars and retired legends can be true gems. Unique memorabilia cards like “Diamond Relics” contain swatches of jerseys, bats, or gloves used in actual MLB games. Numbered to typically less than 10 copies each, these are crown jewels for any collection.

In terms of retail availability, Donruss 2023 will be widely distributed through traditional hobby shops, major retailers like Target and Walmart, and online sellers. The main “Hobby” release contains 24 packs per box with 7 cards per pack, including one guaranteed hit or parallel. This provides collectors multiple chances at hits in each box. A “Value” version with 12 packs and 5 cards each offers a more affordable entry point as well. Blaster and hanger packs are always a fun way for casual collectors to rip packs on a budget too.

One of the most exciting aspects for the release is Donruss’s partnership with Panini America which took over production rights in 2021. With Panini’s large production capabilities and distribution channels, Donruss cards are now more widely available than ever before. This means the brand is accessible to both vintage collectors and a new generation. Panini has also committed extra resources to improve quality control after some past issues. Overall the partnership seems to be strengthening the Donruss brand for the future.

The Donruss 2023 baseball card release looks to be another home run for the iconic brand. With classic designs, a star-studded rookie class and prospects to chase, exciting parallels and inserts, and high-end autograph and memorabilia cards – there is something in the product to appeal to all types of collectors. Wide retail distribution combined with Panini’s production support means Donruss cards will be plentiful and attract both casual and invested collectors alike. For anyone who loves the nostalgia and action photography of vintage Donruss, their 2023 release is sure to delight. It is easy to see why Donruss continues to be one of the most popular brands in the sports card industry year after year.

2023 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS REVIEW

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The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set brings back the nostalgia and retro design of classic Topps cards from the 1950s and 1960s. As with previous Heritage releases, the 2023 version is a high-quality throwback set that baseball card collectors both young and old can appreciate.

Topps Heritage has become a highly anticipated release each year for collectors seeking a change of pace from the modern card designs. The 2023 iteration does not disappoint in this regard. Just like the original Topps cards of yesteryear, each base card in the 2023 Heritage set features a solid color background with the team logo prominently displayed at the top. Player names are printed in all capital letters below the photo, and statistics are listed along the right side.

The simple yet classy retro design transports collectors back to the early days of the baseball card hobby. Each card has the classic look and feel of what kids were ripping packs of in the 50s and 60s at the corner store. The thick, high-quality cardboard stock also resembles the durability of the original issues from decades past. Overall, Topps has perfectly replicated the nostalgic aesthetic that makes Heritage such a fan favorite collection.

In terms of product, the 2023 Topps Heritage release includes three main sets – the base Heritage set, Heritage High Number cards, and Heritage Minor League cards. The base set checklist features 337 total cards split between Series 1 and Series 2. Roster updates are included from midseason transactions to keep team lineups as accurate as possible. Notable rookies in the base set include Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and Adley Rutschman.

As with previous years, Topps Heritage High Numbers expands the base checklist with additional player and rookie cards after the main set has been finalized. The 2023 High Numbers checklist contains 74 extra cards. Some of the top prospects added include Julio Rodriguez, C.J. Abrams, and Oneil Cruz. Collectors appreciate High Numbers for providing updates on the season’s top late-bloomers and call-ups.

New for 2023 is the Heritage Minor League set. This marks the first time Topps has produced a dedicated minor league release as part of the Heritage brand. The checklist features prospects, rookie cup parallels, and affiliate team cards from the lower levels. High-end prospects in the Minor League set include Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green. The inclusion of minor leaguers expands Heritage collecting options for those seeking the game’s rising stars.

In addition to the base paper cards, Topps Heritage also includes various parallels and inserts to increase the product’s appeal to different collector tastes. Popular parallels like Gold Foil, Rainbow Foil, and Clear /1 parallel provide rarer, more valuable versions of the base cards. Insert sets like Turn Back The Clock, Franchise Favorites, and League Leaders highlight classic players and moments from Topps’ rich baseball card history.

The 2023 Topps Heritage release provides a top-notch nostalgia-driven collecting experience. The retro design perfectly captures the look and feel of the original 1950s/60s Topps issues. The inclusion of High Numbers and Minor League subsets expands the checklist. With its quality construction and wide array of parallels and inserts, Heritage satisfies collectors seeking both nostalgia and investment-caliber cardboard. Whether a long-time collector or newcomer to the hobby, the 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is a must-have for those who appreciate the history and tradition of the sport. The retro theme, attention to detail, and expanded content options make it yet another standout year for one of the hobby’s most iconic brands.

TOPPS HERITAGE 2023 BASEBALL CARDS REVIEW

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Topps Heritage is one of the most popular retro-styled baseball card brands on the market and 2023 continues that tradition of showcasing throwback designs and retro aesthetics that pay homage to classic cards from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Heritage has been a staple in the hobby for over two decades now and each year they release parallel sets alongside the base collection that are highly sought after by collectors.

The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card base set contains 382 total cards including 330 base cards and parallels. A majority of the cards feature designs inspired by vintage Topps issues from the past with some cards directly replicating iconic images from decades ago. Topps does a great job of capturing the look and feel of older card stock and printing methods to truly make Heritage cards feel like classic reprints. In addition to standard sized players cards, theset also includes oversized manager and rookie cards similar to past vintage designs.

Some key notable rookie cards included in the 2023 Heritage base set are Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson and Julio Rodriguez. These young stars were among the most hyped prospects heading into this season and their retro Heritage rookie cards are big attraction for collectors. The base set also includes trading cards for veteran stars like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto and Mookie Betts among many others.

Beyond the base cards, Topps Heritage parallels and serial-numbered inserts really drive collector interest in the product each year. Among the most coveted are the Rainbow Foil parallels which are limited to only /50 copies worldwide. These have sparkly foil accents added to the fronts that make the cards shimmer and stand out. Topps Chrome parallels are also frequently inserted and feature a modern rectangular color-tinted border which provides a nice contrast to the traditional vintage designs.

Additional sought after parallels included in the 2023 release are Negative Photo Variations, Superfractors (/1), Gold Label (/5) and more. Topps also puts an emphasis on special numbered rookie parallel cards showcasing the biggest young talents. Collectors love hunting these limited serial numbered inserts because they tend to hold significant long term value as the players’ careers progress. Key rookies from the past few years routinely fetch top dollar in near-mint condition parallel forms.

In addition to packs and boxes available through hobby shops and online retailers, Topps Heritage is one of the most popular products on the secondary market as well. Completed eBay auctions offer a glimpse into the demand and price points different level parallels regularly sell for. Near-mint base cards usually go for around $5-10 depending on the player while Rainbow Foil parallels of big stars can reach into the hundreds or more. Low serial numbered rookie inserts are routinely in the multi-hundred dollar range.

For modern collectors looking to build their PC (personal collection) of favorite players, Topps Heritage offers an excellent opportunity to acquire retro-styled vintage replica cards at affordable prices compared to the actual vintage issues from the 1950s-70s which can be cost prohibitive. The combination of familiar classic designs, big name stars and prospects alongside the intriguing parallel chase has kept Heritage among the most fun flagship products in the industry year after year for over two decades running. Whether you’re an experienced vintage card collector or just getting started, Topps Heritage 2023 is a slam dunk addition to any baseball card collection and a joy for fans of retro design aesthetics.

In conclusion, Topps Heritage continues its strong tradition of celebrating baseball card history with its retro recreation designs and parallels that offer appeal across collecting experience levels. The 2023 release provides exciting rookies alongside established MLB stars rendered in vintage inspired styles. With its wide availability in both retail and resale markets, Topps Heritage makes an affordable option for building a collection featuring some of the most iconic player images and set designs from the golden era of baseball cards adjusted for the modern collecting landscape. Its two decade legacy underscores why Heritage remains a hobby favorite and staple release each spring season.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 COMPLETE SET REVIEW

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set was issued during a time when baseball card collecting was at the peak of its popularity in the late 1980s. As one of the flagship brands for baseball cards, Topps continued to produce high quality sets that became highly coveted by collectors both young and old. The 1987 set featured 660 total cards and offered collectors memorable rookie cards, star players, and postseason highlights from the 1986 season.

Some key details about the 1987 Topps set include that it marked the 30th anniversary of Topps’ iconic design with a red border on most cards. Topps also produced several parallel sets that year such as Traded, Update, and Turquoise foil inserts which added to the excitement of collecting. The final complete set checklists 660 cards and can often be found in factory sealed wax packs, boxes, or complete pre-built sets.

For the front of each standard card, Topps continued their tried-and-true vertical design with the player’s picture on top and their name, team, and stats listed below. The back of each card featured the player’s career stats and highlights surrounded by a white border. Notably, Topps began including unique callouts on the back of select star players pointing out career milestones. Color photos were used for nearly every image that year which helped the set visually stand out among collectors.

In terms of rookie cards, the 1987 Topps set is perhaps best remembered today for featuring future Hall of FamersKen Griffey Jr, Gregg Maddux, and Tom Glavine in their rookie seasons. While not quite as treasured as Griffey’s iconic 1989 rookie, collectors still prize the 1987 rookies as some of the earliest cards captured of these all-time great players. Other notable rookies included Kevin Maas, Jeff Gray, and Kirt Manwaring. Nearly all of these rookie cards have held their value well over the years.

The 1987 set is also infamous for infamous printing errors that have added to the intrigue for collectors over the decades. Perhaps the most widely known is the reversed front/back printing error on card #420 (Tim Raines), making it one of the most recognizable mistakes in the hobby. Other notable mistakes include upside down photographs, missing signatures, and typos/misspellings that have since become collector favorites.

In terms of team checklists, Topps continued club-by-club rosters from #1-660 with the Detroit Tigers starting things off and the Toronto Blue Jays ending the set. Stars featured prominently that year included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Jose Canseco amidst many others. Meanwhile, the postseason highlight cards paid tribute to the 1986 World Series and LCS matchups. This included cards spotlighting the eventual champion New York Mets and their World Series MVP Ray Knight.

When the 1987 Topps set was initially released, the cards sold for about $0.25 per pack with a box containing 12 packs running closer to $3. In the following decades, as the players captured in the set rose to fame and baseball card collecting boomed, complete 1987 Topps sets steadily increased in demand and value. Today, a complete unopened 1987 Topps Baseball Card set in mint condition can fetch over $1,000 due to its combination of stars, rookies, and vintage appeal.

Meanwhile, individual high-value cards from the 1987 set often sell for far more. The coveted Ken Griffey Jr. rookie routinely fetches well over $100 even in lower grades. The iconic #420 Tim Raines error card has sold for upwards of $2,000 in pristine condition. Other notable singles include Gregg Maddux ($75+), Tom Glavine ($50+), and postseason highlights of players like Ray Knight ($25+). Of course, well-preserved rookies of stars like Canseco, Clemens, and Henderson continue to appreciat over the long-term as well.

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set holds a special nostalgia for collectors of the 1980s while also preserving memorable rookie cards and seasons of future Hall of Famers. Even with over 660 total cards, the set remains relatively affordable to collect or build compared to some other vintage years. Factors like unique printing mistakes, team checklists, and commemorative postseason highlights give the 1987 issue a distinctive personality that has thrilled collectors for decades. Whether building a complete factory set or chasing individual star cards, the 1987 Topps offering remains a foundational release cherished by vintage baseball card aficionados.

TOPPS 2023 SERIES 2 BASEBALL CARDS REVIEW

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Topps kicked off its 2023 baseball card season with Series 1 in early March. Now in late June, the brand has released Series 2, continuing its effort to capture the moments and players of the current MLB season. Series 2 features many young stars, veterans, and top rookies from the league in poses and uniforms updated to reflect where they are at mid-season.

Like Series 1, Topps 2023 Series 2 baseball cards come in traditional wax packs, blaster boxes, and hobby boxes. Wax packs contain 9 cards including 1 insert or parallel per pack and retail for around $1. Blasters hold 20 packs and sell for $20-25, while hobby boxes have 12 packs and carry an MSRP of $95. Hobby boxes tend to have higher odds of hitting coveted autograph and memorabilia cards in addition to the base rookies and stars that might be pulled from retail.

When reviewing the checklist, it’s clear that Topps continues focusing on releasing cards for the biggest names and breakout players. Cover athletes Shohei Ohtani of the Angels and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves naturally have base cards as leaders of the AL and NL. Rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals, Adley Rutschman of the Orioles, and Julio Rodriguez of the Mariners have multiple cards reflecting their stellar debut campaigns. Veterans like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto are also well represented as perennial All-Stars and award winners.

Some of the more unique base cards in Series 2 pay homage to past and present milestones. There is a card showing Giancarlo Stanton after hitting his 300th home run and another of Albert Pujols facing towards 3,000 career hits. A card picturing Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt represents their new partnership on the Cardinals after recent trades. Rookie standouts like Witt Jr. and Rutschman have “post-hype” base cards displaying their continued production at the MLB level.

Parallels are back in Series 2 and provide cardboard collectors alternate versions of the base cards. The most common are the Gold Foil parallels numbered to 2021 copies, giving fans a shinier take on their favorite players. Other parallels like Retro Black, Rainbow Foil, and Green Border provide lower print runs and alternate art designs that amp up the scarcity and appeal for enthusiasts. Topps even brought back the fan-favorite Walmart “Blaster/Hobby” parallels exclusive to select retail boxes adding more chase variations.

When it comes to inserts, Topps integrates numerous hit-predicting and retro-styled fan favorites. “This Is My Year” highlights players primed for a breakout season statistically. “Archive” pulls from Topps’ decades of designs for a vintage baseball card aesthetic. “Topps Now” honors up-to-the-moment performances right from the field into collectors’ hands. “Photo variation” inserts use live-action shots straight from Topps’ archive of imagery. Returning inserts like “Legends”, “Rainy Day”, and “Black Border” add layer upon layer of cardboard nostalgia.

Autograph and memorabilia cards remain the real chase hits for hobby enthusiasts. Topps continues employing on-card autographed swatches of fabric, leather, or material from game-worn jerseys and caps. Serial-numbered parallels like Foundations, Spectrum, and Rainbow Foil Amp’d provide lower print runs and signatures of stars on premium materials. Topps even includes a small number of 1/1 printing plates and patch autograph monsters as true gems for super-collectors. With teams fully operational again in 2023, Topps has ample fresh game-used gear to fashion creative memorabilia cards from current season action.

While not deviating too far from the established 2023 Series 1 template, Topps Series 2 evolves the checklist and inserts at all levels to engage collectors. Whether seeking affordable packed goods at retail or chasing rare autographed treasures from hobby boxes, the newest series caters to baseball card fans across all levels of interest. Featuring top young stars and veterans amid another exciting MLB season, Topps 2023 Series 2 looks to continue building on the brand’s legacy of documenting America’s pastime through collectible cardboard. Whether completing sets or hunting hits, Series 2 gives hobbyists all the excuse they need to crack more packs this summer in hopes of landing their next prized addition to their baseball card collection.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS 2023 REVIEW

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Bowman is one of the flagship baseball card brands produced annually by Topps. The 2023 edition of Bowman baseball cards offers collectors the chance to get cards of top MLB rookies and prospects from all 30 teams. While Topps Update Series and other sets focus more on current MLB players, Bowman has long been the premier product for following minor league talent and getting cards of players before they reach the majors.

The 2023 Bowman set continues this tradition and gives a first card to many prospects expected to debut in the next year or two. With the rise of prospect mania in baseball over the past decade, Bowman has taken on greater importance as a way for collectors to get cards of players before they become stars. While there is risk in collecting prospects who may never pan out, Bowman allows taking a chance on future Hall of Famers for relatively low prices compared to their established MLB rookies and stars.

For the 2023 release, Topps is once again offering the core Bowman base set along with numerous parallels, inserts, and high-end products. The base Bowman set contains 330 cards with prospects, draft picks, and international signees from all 30 MLB teams. Ranging in number from 1-330, the base cards use a clean white border design with photography on most. The design is simple but effective at highlighting the players. Top rookies like Druw Jones and Termarr Johnson grace the base set along with future stars like Oneil Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr.

In addition to the base set, Topps offers various parallels to chase. This includes the traditional Chrome, Paper, and Mosaic parallels found in most modern Topps releases. New for 2023 is the “Rainbow Foil” parallel available across many Bowman products. Featuring vibrant colors and refractors, these parallel cards of top prospects are sure to be hot on the secondary market. Other parallels like Gold, Orange, and Blue Refractors add to the chase.

For collectors looking to focus on specific teams or players, Bowman offers numerous mini-sets and inserts. This includes Team Sets breaking out base cards and hits by franchise. The popular “First” insert highlights the first Bowman card of many top prospects. Other inserts like “Pro Debut” showcase when players reached the majors. Autograph and memorabilia cards are spread across the various Bowman products as well for those after autographed and game-used relic prospects.

In addition to the core 330-card base set, Bowman’s expanded products satisfy many collector niches. Bowman Draft is for those following the annual MLB Amateur Draft. International products like Bowman Prospects focus on international signees. For higher-end collectors, luxurious releases like Bowman Sterling and Bowman’s Best offer exquisite parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards of the top prospects. Across all these products, collectors can track every step of a prospect’s development path.

For value, Bowman base cards remain quite affordable compared to established stars. Commons can often be had for under $1, while stars and top rookies check in around $5-10. The parallels and inserts escalate the prices but still pale in comparison to what those same players’ rookie cards command once they debut. Of course, there is risk in the prospect market. Many bust or never reach their potential. But for those willing to gamble, Bowman offers a chance at landing future Hall of Famers like Mike Trout or Ronald Acuña Jr. for a fraction of their post-rookie card values.

In terms of the specific class for 2023, Druw Jones headlines the crop as the #2 overall draft pick. The son of Andruw Jones, scouts rave about Druw’s five-tool potential. Fellow first rounders Jackson Holliday and Termarr Johnson also bring hype and should be hot rookies. Internationally, switch-hitting shortstop Robert Puason from the Dominican Republic stands out. Other notables include high school arms Brock Porter and Owen Murphy, catcher Dillon Paulson, and infielders Yolbert Sanchez and Endy Rodriguez. It remains to be seen which pan out, but Bowman collectors can say they owned their rookie cards long before they made the majors.

For collectors, Bowman 2023 offers the chance to follow the next generation of baseball stars from their earliest prospect days. With a strong crop led by Druw Jones and several other blue-chip prospects, this year’s Bowman class has generated plenty of buzz. The affordable base cards allow taking flyers on prospects, while higher-end products satiate those after the best parallels and autographs. As the preeminent prospect product, Bowman endures as a rite of passage for any collector following the minor leagues. With its focus on tomorrow’s MLB stars, the 2023 edition looks to continue fueling the hobby’s prospect obsession for years to come.