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CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Cal Ripken Jr. is one of the most iconic players in baseball history thanks to his iconic streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games from 1982 to 1998. Ripken’s incredible iron man streak has made his baseball cards extremely valuable collectors items. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Ripken’s notable rookie and rookie star cards and how their values have increased significantly over time.

One of Ripken’s most valuable rookie cards is his 1979 Topps card #91. In near mint condition, this card recently sold for over $8,000. Even in well-worn condition it can fetch $1,000-$2,000. What makes this card so desirable is that it captures Ripken at the beginning of his Hall of Fame career with the Baltimore Orioles as an 18-year old rookie. Only about 10-15 mint condition copies are believed to still exist today in the hands of private collectors. The card’s rarity and historical significance as Ripken’s true rookie make it one of the most coveted Orioles cards.

Another prized Ripken rookie is his 1981 Fleer card #340. Considered his official rookie card since it was issued after his MLB debut, this Ripken card has seen prices skyrocket in recent years. Near mint copies have sold for $4,000-$6,000 depending on the bidding war, while a well-centered gem mint 10 graded card reached $15,000. Even worn copies in Player condition still fetch $500-800. What’s remarkable is just a decade ago this card could be acquired in mint shape for under $100. Ripken’s legendary career and the Fleer brand have made this one of the best selling modern rookie cards on the market.

Ripken’s 1982 Topps Traded #124 card is also hugely popular with collectors thanks to its rarity and iconic image of a young Ripken swinging the bat. This was one of the last Traded sets Topps issued before discontinuing the product line. In gem mint graded condition, this Ripken card has sold for upwards of $3,000. Even well-worn raw copies can sell for $400-600 based on the condition. What makes it so scarce is that Topps Traded sets had much lower print runs and this was Ripken’s first season making it a key card in following his early career progression.

Another highly coveted Ripken rookie star card is his 1983 Topps #709 issue. This was Ripken’s true breakout season where he played in over 100 games for the first time and put himself on the map as a future star. Graded mint 9 copies have sold for over $1,000 in recent years, while raw near mint copies can still fetch $300-500. Even worn raw copies sell in the $50-100 range. What’s impressive is the steady increase this card has seen as Ripken mania grows with younger collectors. It captures him in the prime of his career before his legendary streak began.

Possibly Ripken’s most iconic card is his 1984 Fleer Update #U-78 issue, known famously for featuring Ripken switching positions from third base to shortstop. This change had huge historical significance as Ripken took over at short for the Orioles for 15+ seasons and redefined the position. Graded mint 9 copies have sold for $3,000, while a flawless mint 10 recently set the record for any Ripken card by selling for $18,000. Even worn raw copies in good shape can sell for $400-600. The card’s rarity, historical context, and iconic imagery have made it the crown jewel of any Ripken PC collection.

In summary, Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball cards have proven to be sound long term investments thanks to his all-time great career and iconic playing streak. Even in well-worn condition, his key rookie and star cards from the early 1980s have increased 5-10 times in value compared to a decade ago. And mint graded gems have seen astronomical rises in price tags. As Ripken mania and nostalgia grows with younger collectors, so too will demand and prices for these pivotal pieces chronicling the career of baseball’s ‘Iron Man.’ His cards serve as tangible collectibles celebrating one of the true goodwill ambassadors of America’s pastime.

BILLY RIPKEN BASEBALL CARDS

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Billy Ripken is probably best known among baseball fans and collectors for one particular baseball card from the 1989 Fleer set – his infamous “Fuck Face” card. However, Ripken had a decent MLB career as a middle infielder spanning from 1983 to 2002, playing most of his career for the Baltimore Orioles. Let’s take a deeper look at Billy Ripken, the “Fuck Face” card controversy, and his baseball career.

William Joseph Ripken was born in 1964 in Aberdeen, Maryland. He grew up a Baltimore Orioles fan and dreamed of one day playing for his hometown team. Ripken began his professional baseball career in 1983 in the Orioles minor league system. He made his MLB debut with Baltimore in 1987 at age 23. While never quite reaching the superstar status of his brother Cal Ripken Jr., Billy Ripken established himself as a reliable defensive infielder and light hitter over 16 MLB seasons.

Ripken primarily played second base and shortstop for the Orioles from 1987 to 1992. He was known for his slick fielding but was never much of an offensive threat, batting around .250 with modest power numbers each year. In 1993, Ripken signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners but was traded midseason to the New York Yankees. He spent the 1994 season with the Yankees and had arguably his best offensive year, hitting .284 in 103 games.

It was during his time with the Yankees organization in 1994 that the infamous “Fuck Face” baseball card was produced and distributed. In the 1989 Fleer baseball card set, Ripken’s photo shows him holding a bat with something written on the knob. Upon closer examination, the letters “FUCK FACE” are clearly visible. It’s believed Ripken wrote this as a joke for his brother Cal to see, not realizing the photo would end up on a mass-produced trading card. Once fans and the media caught wind of the profanity, the card became a huge scandal and collector’s item. Fleer recalled and destroyed as many of the Ripken cards as they could. Some still remain in circulation today among collectors as one of the most notorious error cards ever produced.

After his year with the Yankees, Ripken spent 1995-96 back with the Orioles followed by stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and St. Louis Cardinals from 1997-2000. In 2001, he made one final return to Baltimore for his final MLB season. In 16 big league campaigns, Ripken compiled a .244 batting average with 85 home runs and 487 RBIs over 1,599 games. He was a career .973 fielder mostly playing second base but also plenty of shortstop. While never a superstar like his Hall of Fame brother, Billy Ripken had a long, respectable career as a reliable infielder for several teams.

Since retiring from baseball in 2002, Ripken has stayed active in the game by coaching youth teams and working as a guest instructor at spring training camps. He also does some public speaking engagements sharing his experiences of playing baseball at the highest level. The “Fuck Face” baseball card remains one of the most infamous error cards in the history of the hobby and can still fetch big money when one surfaces for auction. It’s a hilarious oddity that is still talked about today among collectors and fans due to its accidental profane inscription.

While overshadowed by Cal’s legendary career, Billy Ripken proved to be a valuable role player and defensive specialist during his 16 seasons in the majors. He may be best remembered because of one silly mistake on a baseball card rather than his actual playing career. But Ripken provided reliable middle infield defense and occasional offense for many teams throughout the 1980s and 90s. The “Fuck Face” card lives on as one of the most notorious sports collectibles ever due to its unintended profanity. It serves as an amusing footnote to an otherwise respectable career from Billy Ripken in Major League Baseball.

CAL RIPKEN JUNIOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Cal Ripken Jr. had one of the most illustrious baseball careers of all time, playing in the major leagues from 1981 to 2001 exclusively with the Baltimore Orioles. As a shortstop and third baseman, Ripken was a 19-time All-Star, 2-time American League MVP, and holds the record for most consecutive games played with 2,632. It’s no surprise then that Ripken has some of the most popular and valuable baseball cards in the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Cal Ripken Jr.’s most noteworthy baseball cards throughout his career.

One of Ripken’s earliest cards is his 1981 Topps rookie card, which was issued during his first season in the majors. While not one of his most valuable by today’s standards, the 1981 Topps Ripken rookie holds significance as the first card issued of what would become a Hall of Fame career. It also captured Ripken at the beginning of his transition from shortstop to third base. In well-centered, near mint condition, the ’81 Ripken rookie sells for around $15-20.

In 1983, Ripken’s breakout season began where he batted .318 and finished third in AL MVP voting. This performance led to one of his most iconic early cards, the 1983 Fleer Update #U17. The dramatic action photo showed Ripken leaping high to snare a line drive. This sought-after card regularly fetches $50-75 in top condition. Another standout from ’83 was Ripken’s ’83 Donruss card, which featured one of the best action shots of his career to date. Mint examples can sell for $30-40.

Ripken took his game to new heights in 1991 when he broke Lou Gehrig’s iconic record of playing in 2,130 consecutive games. This milestone was immortalized on his ’91 Upper Deck #1 Baseball’s Iron Man card. Widely considered one of the most significant baseball cards ever issued, it captured the essence of Ripken’s dedication and toughness. PSA 10 gem mint copies have sold at auction for over $6,000. Other ’91 Ripken cards that commanded high prices included his ’91 Topps Traded #14T ($100-150 PSA 10) and ’91 Bowman #1 ($75-100 PSA 10).

The record-breaking season carried over to 1992, where Ripken swatted 34 home runs and drove in 114 runs to capture his first AL MVP award. This performance was documented on Ripken’s ’92 Topps Traded Baseball Card #5T, which showed him mid-swing. Graded PSA 10 examples trade hands for $150-200 given the card’s rarity and significance in capturing Ripken’s MVP season. Other ’92 standouts included his ’92 Studio #13 ($50-75 PSA 10) and ’92 Donruss Elite #56 ($30-50 PSA 10).

Ripken continued producing at an All-Star level throughout the 1990s, leading to many valuable inserts and parallels in the mid-’90s boom period. His ’95 Pinnacle Swing Kings parallel #SK-CR fetched $75-100 PSA 10 due to its 1:24 pack odds. The ’96 Finest Refractor parallel #43R commanded over $200 in top grade since it had ultra-short print runs. Perhaps Ripken’s most iconic ’90s card was his ’96 Ultra #96, which showed him in an intense batting stance. PSA 10 copies trade for $125-175.

As Ripken neared the end of his playing career, cards from 1997-2001 held significance for capturing the final years of a surefire Hall of Famer. His ’97 Finest Refractor #72R ($100-150 PSA 10) and ’99 Upper Deck MVP Memorabilia Jersey Card #JM-CR (over $300 PSA/DNA 10) represented the penultimate seasons. Ripken then bowed out in style with his ’01 Topps #630 retirement card, which pulled no punches in declaring “The Iron Man Retires.” PSA 10 versions remain in high demand at $75-100.

In the years since his retirement, Ripken has been honored on plenty of incredible vintage reprint and retrospective cards. His 2001 Topps American Pride Reprint parallel #AP50R-CR commands $150-200 PSA 10 as a 1:24 parallel. The 2012 Topps Tribute #TT7 pays homage to his ’91 MVP season and ’83 Donruss rookie with one image – valued at $100 PSA 10. And Ripken’s 2016 Topps Archives ’83 mini replica parallel #MR-CR fetches $125 PSA 10 for recreating that iconic Fleer Update rookie in card form.

In summing up, Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary career and iconic accomplishments have made his baseball cards some of the most popular and valuable in the hobby. From his early ’80s rookies to record-setting ’91 issues to ’90s parallels and his retirement tribute cards, Ripken cards hold significance in capturing each stage of a true baseball immortal. His on-field greatness translated directly to strong card values, and demand remains high for well-preserved Ripken cardboard in the modern market. Few player collections can match the history and appeal of Cal Ripken Jr.’s extensive baseball card collection.

CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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Cal Ripken Jr. had an illustrious baseball career spanning from 1981 to 2001. As a shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, Ripken established himself as one of the greatest players of all time. He holds the record for most consecutive games played with 2,632, a streak that spanned from 1982 to 1998. Unsurprisingly, Ripken has been featured on many baseball cards over the years, chronicling his Hall of Fame career. Let’s take an in-depth look at Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball cards checklist:

1981 Topps #456 – Ripken’s rookie card, this is one of the most sought after cards from the 1981 set. In excellent condition this card can fetch thousands of dollars. Ripken is wearing an Orioles road jersey on the front. The back provides stats from his 1980 minor league season and notes he was Baltimore’s 3rd round draft pick. This was Ripken’s first appearance on a baseball card.

1982 Donruss #87 – Ripken is in an Orioles home jersey on the front. The back has stats from his 1981 rookie season when he hit .264 with 3 home runs in 59 games. This was Ripken’s first season as Baltimore’s everyday shortstop.

1983 Topps #180 – Ripken hits in a batting stance on the front of this card. The back highlights his 1982 season where he hit a career-high 27 home runs and drove in 93 runs. This established Ripken as an emerging star for the Orioles.

1984 Donruss #113 – Ripken fields a ground ball on the front wearing an Orioles road jersey. The back notes his consistency and leadership as Baltimore’s starting shortstop at just 23 years old.

1985 Topps #480 – On the front, Ripken fields a ground ball and prepares to throw. The back recaps his 1984 season where he hit .304 with 22 home runs and 102 RBI, showing his potential as a superstar.

1986 Fleer Update #U-36 – This was Ripken’s first update card issued midway through the 1986 season. He bats left-handed on the front. The back highlights that he was hitting .309 at the time of the update issue.

1987 Topps #632 – Ripken hits from the left side on the front. The back notes his Gold Glove and All-Star selections in 1986 when he hit a career-high 27 home runs again. This established Ripken among the elite offensive shortstops in the game.

1988 Donruss #383 – Ripken fields a ground ball and prepares to throw on the front wearing an Orioles home jersey. The back highlights that he was the 1987 AL MVP and led Baltimore to the postseason for the first time since 1983.

1989 Upper Deck #79 – Considered one of the best baseball card designs ever, Ripken hits from the left side on the iconic Upper Deck front. The back has stats from his 1988 MVP season. This is one of Ripken’s most visually striking cards.

1990 Topps #672 – On the front, Ripken fields a ground ball and prepares to throw. The back notes he was the backbone of Baltimore’s lineup and highlights his Gold Glove winning season in 1989.

1991 Stadium Club #81 – Ripken hits left-handed on this beautiful Stadium Club artwork card. The back provides stats from his 1990 season where he hit .310 with 33 home runs and 114 RBI.

1992 Studio #S6 – This is one of Ripken’s rarer early 90s inserts featuring unique artwork. He fields a ground ball on the front. The back has a headshot and stats from his 1991 season where he hit a career-high 34 home runs.

1993 Finest Refractor #FR-CR – Considered the pinnacle Ripken rookie card, this refracting parallel marks the start of his incredible Iron Man streak. He fields a ground ball on the shiny front. The back has a reflective stats box from 1992.

1994 Upper Deck #1 – As the cover card of the flagship Upper Deck set, this captures Ripken right as his consecutive games streak was taking off. He bats left-handed on the iconic front.

1995 Fleer Ultra #33 – On this beautiful parallel card, Ripken fields a ground ball on the front. The back highlights that his streak was up to 303 games played consecutively at the time.

1996 Finest Gold Medallion #GM-CR – A 1-of-1 parallel, this dazzling card marks Ripken achieving 400 consecutive games played in 1995. He bats left-handed on the coveted gold front.

1997 Topps Gold Label #GL-CR – Another highly valuable parallel, Ripken hits from the left side on the shiny gold front as his streak neared 500 games. The back has a 3D embossed stats box.

1998 Topps #1 – Ripken graces the cover of the flagship set while breaking Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 straight games played on September 6, 1995. This captures a truly iconic baseball moment.

1999 Fleer Tradition Silver Signature #SS-CR – A rare autographed parallel, Ripken signs in silver on the front. The back has a hand-numbered serial plate marking his incredible career accomplishment.

2000 Upper Deck #560 – In his final season, Ripken bats left-handed on this retro-styled card before retiring after 21 seasons, all with the Orioles, in 2001.

2001 Topps Heritage #41 – Ripken’s final baseball card captures him tipping his cap on his retirement season. The back provides a career retrospective on the Hall of Famer.

From his rookie card in 1981 through his retirement in 2001, Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball cards provide a who’s who journey of one of the greatest shortstops and players in MLB history. The iconic moments, records, accomplishments and visuals across decades of cards cement Ripken as one of the most collectible and recognizable names in the hobby. His legendary consecutive games streak makes his cards especially desirable for any baseball card collection.

EBAY CAL RIPKEN SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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Cal Ripken Jr. is undoubtedly one of the greatest shortstops and players in Major League Baseball history. Known for his incredible consecutive games played streak of 2,632 games, Ripken captivated baseball fans for over two decades with the Baltimore Orioles. Not surprisingly, Ripken’s baseball cards from his playing career are some of the most popular on the secondary market.

Ripken’s rookie card comes from the 1981 Fleer set. While not considered one of the true “holy grail” rookie cards due to lower print runs of that era, it remains a key piece for any Ripken or Orioles collector. PSA 10 graded examples in near-mint to mint condition have sold for over $1,000 on eBay recently. More common lower graded copies from PSA 8-9 can be found for $100-300.

One of Ripken’s most iconic and sought-after card issues is the 1991 Score #770 Cal Ripken MVP baseball card. This was Ripken’s first card showing him as a shortstop after winning the American League MVP award in 1991. It depicts Ripken in his classic Orioles uniform with the word “MVP” across the bottom. What makes this card so special is the photo and the fact it highlights Ripken achieving one of his career milestones by winning MVP. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $4,000 on eBay. In PSA 9 condition, prices range between $1,000-2,000. Even raw near-mint copies in excellent condition can fetch $500-800.

Another highly valuable Ripken card is from the 1987 Topps set. Card #770 shows Ripken swinging a bat with an action photo. This was a breakout season for Ripken where he hit .323 with 34 home runs and 114 RBIs, finishing third in AL MVP voting. The ’87 Topps cards are also notable for their vibrant color and photo quality compared to some earlier ’80s issues. PSA 10 copies have reached $3,000 on the secondary market. PSA 9s go for $1,000-1,500, while raw near-mint copies sell in the $500 range.

While not his rookie, Ripken collectors love his 1983 Topps Traded card due to its rarity and the fact it was one of his earliest Topps issues showing him as a full-time player. Only 150,000 of these cards were printed, making it one of the scarcest Ripken cards from the high production ’80s era. This card often tops $1,000 in PSA 9-10 condition on eBay auctions. Even lower graded PSA 8s can reach $500. Raw copies are still sought after and sell for $200-400 depending on condition.

Ripken collectors also covet his 1995 Finest Refractor parallel card, which was one of the earliest refractors produced by Upper Deck. The parallel rainbow foil adds to the already eye-catching photo and design on this card. Only a small number of these were printed, making high grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples quite valuable. Recently a BGS 10 sold for over $3,000 on eBay, while PSA/BGS 9s range from $1,000-2,000. Even in raw near-mint condition, these ’95 Finest Refractors pull in $500-800.

One of the more budget-friendly Ripken options is his iconic 1991 Stadium Club card. While produced in much higher numbers than some of his other issues, this card remains a fan favorite due to the unique vertical photo and design. It captured Ripken in the prime of his career during his consecutive games streak. High grades PSA/BGS 10s can reach $200-300. Most commonly, PSA/BGS 9 copies trade hands for $50-150. Even well-centered raw near-mint examples are available for under $50.

Ripken collectors seeking a card from one of his later playing seasons turn to his 1996 Ultra card. This captured one of Ripken’s final seasons still producing at a high level with Baltimore before beginning to wind down his career. While not as scarce as some of his earlier rookie and star cards, PSA 10 examples can still fetch $150-250. PSA 9s are found in the $50-100 range. Even raw near-mint ’96 Ultra Ripkens are reasonably priced under $30.

One of the more budget-friendly Ripken options that also has strong nostalgia and design appeal is his 1990 Score Traded baseball card. This captured Ripken during the heart of his consecutive games streak, showing him in classic Orioles gear from the late ’80s/early ’90s era. PSA 10 examples rarely come around but could reach $150-200 when they surface. More common PSA 9 copies trade between $30-75. Even raw near-mint versions are found for under $20, making it an affordable way to add a Ripken card to a collection.

In conclusion, Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball cards remain some of the most iconic and sought-after issues in the hobby, particularly his early rookie and star cards from the ’80s. While the true gem mint PSA/BGS 10 examples of his key 1981, ’87 Topps, and ’91 MVP issues will set collectors back thousands, there are also many affordable graded and raw options that can be found in the $50-500 range. For budget-conscious collectors, Ripken’s ’90 and ’96 Score Traded and Ultra cards provide inexpensive opportunities to add this Orioles legend to a collection. Overall, Ripken’s on-field success and popularity continue to make his baseball cards a mainstay in the hobby.

1981 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2 CAL RIPKEN JR

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The 1981 Topps baseball card featuring Cal Ripken Jr in the #2 spot is one of the most notable rookie cards in the history of the hobby. Ripken would go on to have one of the greatest careers of any shortstop ever, establishing himself as a true legend of the game.

Cal Ripken Jr was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 3rd round of the 1978 amateur draft out of Aberdeen High School in Maryland. He made his Major League debut with the Orioles on August 5, 1981 at the young age of 20. Ripken started at third base and went 0-for-3 at the plate in a game against the Texas Rangers.

Three months later, Topps released its 1981 baseball card set which included Ripken’s rookie card in the #2 spot, just behind #1 card Eddie Murray also of the Orioles. This positioned Ripken’s card very prominently at the beginning of the 660-card set as one of the first cards collectors would see when opening a pack.

The iconic front image on Ripken’s rookie card shows him in an Orioles batting stance, bat pulled back and eyes focused intensely on the pitcher. He is wearing the Orioles classic solid orange road jersey with pinstripes and the signature ‘O’s’ logo on his chest. This captures Ripken at the beginning of his professional career with classic Cardinal bird logo in the background.

The back of the card features basic career statistics which were still minimal as Ripken had just debuted late in the 1981 season. It lists him as a third baseman at 6’4″ and 200 pounds from Aberdeen, Maryland originally drafted in 1978. His mini player bio highlights his call up to the majors in August 1981 and prospect of developing into the Orioles regular third baseman.

What makes Ripken’s 1981 Topps rookie card so highly sought after and valuable today is not just his career accomplishments but also the rarity and condition of the card itself in the marketplace. Only about 10,000 examples of this card are estimated to still exist in Near Mint to Mint condition out of the millions originally printed by Topps.

As one of the most famous and beloved players in baseball history, demand for Ripken’s rookie card years after his retirement remains very high among collectors. But preserving the cards in top grades close to pristine ’10’ condition out of 10 after nearly 40 years is quite challenging. Natural aging, handling, and accidental damages have significantly reduced the overall surviving population.

Rippken would go on to establish himself as the Orioles everyday third baseman starting in 1982 and remained there through 1983 before switching over to shortstop, his natural position, starting in 1984. This transition helped solidify his spot as the Orioles offensive and defensive anchor up the middle for years to come.

His career accomplishments are nothing short of astounding. Ripken holds the Major League record for most consecutive games played with 2,632 straight from 1982 through 1998. He famously passed Lou Gehrig’s previous record of 2,130 consecutive games in 1995 which remains one of the most celebrated individual achievements in all of sports.

Ripken was named American League MVP in 1983 and 1991. He was a 19-time All-Star and 2-time AL Gold Glove winner. He won the AL batting title in 1983 with a .318 average. Ripken helped lead the Orioles to two World Series championships in 1983 and 1984 where he was named World Series MVP the latter year.

At the time of his retirement after the 2001 season, Ripken had accumlated 3,184 career hits, 431 home runs, and 1,695 RBIs while slashing .276/.340/.447 over his illustrious 21 year MLB career spent entirely with the Baltimore Orioles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, his first year of eligibility, in one of the highest voting percentages of all-time at 98.53%.

With the passage of time, interest and demand for Ripken’s rookie card has only continued to increase as more collectors come to appreciate his legendary playing career and status as one of the true iconic figures of baseball. In pristine graded Mint 9 condition, his 1981 Topps #2 card today trades hands for $4,000-$6,000. But even higher condition examples in Mint 8 or Mint 9.5 grades can fetch $10,000 or more due to their extreme rarity in the collecting population.

For collectors who appreciate the history and nostalgia of vintage baseball cards from the 1970s and 80s era, Cal Ripken Jr’s rookie will always be considered among the most prized possessions. As a short printed card of one of the game’s immortals, it continues to stand out four decades later as a shining symbol of what makes the hobby so special and engaging for fans.

The 1981 Topps card will forever memorialize Ripken at the dawn of his unprecedented playing career which solidified his place among the pantheon of baseball legends. For all it represents about a true iron man of the national pastime, demand for this iconic rookie is very unlikely to ever significantly diminish.

CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL CARDS

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Calvin Edwin “Cal” Ripken Jr. is considered one of the greatest shortstops and third basemen in Major League Baseball history. Over his 21-year career playing exclusively for the Baltimore Orioles from 1981 to 2001, Ripken established himself as a durable and consistent player who holds the record for consecutive games played with 2,632. Not only is Ripken renowned for his incredible playing career, but he also became one of the most collectible and popular players featured on baseball cards during the 1980s and 1990s.

Some of Ripken’s earliest baseball cards come from his rookie season in 1981. That year, he was featured in the 1981 Topps set as card #632 with a photo of him batting from his time in the minor leagues with the Rochester Red Wings. This is considered one of Ripken’s key rookie cards. Another notable rookie card is from the 1981 Fleer set, card #507. Both of these early Ripken cards are highly sought after by collectors today in top graded condition due to his eventual Hall of Fame career.

In 1982, Ripken started to receive more prominent card placements and photos reflecting his success at the major league level. His 1982 Topps card is #188 and shows him fielding at third base. This was also the first year he was included in the annual Donruss set. Ripken’s rise up baseball card checklists coincided with his emergence as an everyday player for the Orioles. By 1983, he was firmly established as a third baseman and was given higher series card numbers, like #44 in the 1983 Topps set.

A major turning point for Ripken’s baseball card popularity came in 1985 when he switched from third base to shortstop, joining Cal Ripken Sr. as the only father-son combo to play that position in the majors. His 1985 cards were some of the first to feature him at shortstop, like his #138 card in the 1985 Topps set. This position change increased Ripken’s status and collectibility, as shortstop is seen as a more premium defensive position than third base. It was also around this time that Ripken began appearing on special baseball cards outside the annual sets.

In 1987, Ripken had a career year and was named the American League MVP after batting .318 with 34 home runs and 114 RBIs. This breakout season was captured on his 1987 cards, including his #1 card in the 1987 Topps Traded set which showed him hitting against the Chicago White Sox. Ripken’s MVP year greatly boosted the demand for his existing cards from the 1980s. It also led to him receiving prized low-numbered card placements going forward as one of baseball’s rising stars.

Ripken’s iconic streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games from May 30, 1982 to September 20, 1998 is considered one of the most unbelievable records in all of sports. The streak was a major storyline during the 1990s that captivated the nation. Baseball card companies recognized the significance of the streak and produced numerous special Ripken cards directly tied to the milestone. Some examples include a 1990 Topps card with the front stating “2 Years of Consecutive Games” and a 1996 Upper Deck card showing him tipping his cap with the back detailing his streak. These streak-related cards have enduring popularity.

In 1991, Ripken’s on-field success and fame had reached new heights as he won the AL MVP award for the second time. He received the coveted #1 card in the 1991 Topps Traded set, which depicted him swinging with a career stats checklist on the back. This is considered one of Ripken’s most iconic baseball cards from the height of his playing career. Other premium 1991 Ripken cards include his #7 card in the Score set and #2 card in Studio’s Diamond Kings subset, which captured him at the plate. These cards from Ripken’s second MVP season are highly valued.

The mid-1990s saw Ripken enter the latter stages of his playing career but still producing at an All-Star level. He was honored with several highly sought after inserts in the 1994 Upper Deck set celebrating his career, including “All-Time Hits” and “All-Time Home Runs” parallel cards that were limited to only 100 copies each. In 1995, Ripken won the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a player who best represents baseball through sportsmanship and community involvement. This honor led to a special 1995 Upper Deck MVP Materials Award Winners parallel card of Ripken that is extremely rare.

Ripken saved one of his most iconic baseball cards for the end of his playing career in 2001. That year, Topps produced a base card showing Ripken tipping his cap to the fans as an homage to his final season. The photo perfectly captured the sentiment of the moment and is one of Ripken’s most popular modern cards. He was also featured in special subsets in 2001 sets paying tribute to his Hall of Fame career like Finest and Topps Tribute. These final Ripken cards hold special significance for collectors who wanted to commemorate his retirement from the game.

In 2007, Ripken was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving over 98% of votes. This spurred newfound interest in his older baseball cards from collectors wanting cards of a Hall of Famer. To this day, Ripken remains one of the most in-demand players when it comes to vintage 1980s and 1990s cards in top condition due to his sustained excellence, iconic streak, and clean image that made him a fan favorite. Whether it’s his rookie cards, MVP and award winners, or final season issues, Cal Ripken Jr.’s playing career is well represented and documented through some of the most historically significant baseball cards in the hobby.

CAL RIPKEN JR BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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Cal Ripken Jr. had an iconic career with the Baltimore Orioles spanning from 1981 to 2001. As one of the most durable and consistent players of all time, Ripken holds the record for most consecutive games played with 2,632 straight games played over 16 seasons. This incredible streak along with his batting prowess and defensive skills at shortstop made Ripken extremely popular among baseball fans. As a result, Ripken’s rookie cards and cards from his playing career are some of the most sought after and hold significant value today. Let’s take a deeper look at Cal Ripken Jr. baseball cards and get a sense of their current prices.

Ripken made his MLB debut in 1981 but did not have any rookie cards until the following season in 1982. One of his key rookie cards is the 1982 Topps Traded #124T card. In near mint to mint condition, this coveted rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can fetch upwards of $2,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett Graded Services 8.5, the card still demands $300-500. Another highly valuable rookie is the 1982 Fleer #526 card. Like the Topps Traded, graded PSA 10 examples of the Fleer rookie can sell for over $1,000 with PSA 8s in the $300 range.

Moving into Ripken’s breakout seasons of 1983-1985, his cards start gaining more value given his rising star status. The 1983 Topps #474 is a standout from this period. PSA 10s trade hands for $500-800 while PSA 8s go for $150-250. Ripken’s 1984 Donruss #34 also holds steady value, with a PSA 10 at $350-500 and a PSA 8 at $100-150. Then in 1985, Ripken started receiving more attention for his durability as he played in all 162 games for the first time. His 1985 Topps Traded #124T and 1985 Fleer Update #U-CR commemorate this feat. PSA 10 examples of each card can reach $300-500 depending on the market.

The late 1980s saw Ripken enter his prime and become one of the game’s premier stars. His 1987 Topps #632 captures him winning the 1987 All-Star Game MVP and is a highly collectible card from this era. PSA 10s trade between $150-250 with PSA 8s at $50-100. Ripken’s offensive numbers really took off in 1988 when he hit .307 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI. His 1988 Topps Traded #124T and 1988 Score #587 highlight this breakout season. A PSA 10 of either in near-perfect condition would sell for $150-250.

Entering the early 1990s, Ripken’s cards reflected his status as a perennial All-Star and one of baseball’s top talents. The 1991 Upper Deck #1 is considered one of his most iconic cards from this period. High-grade examples still demand big money today with a PSA 10 at $500-800 and a PSA 8 at $150-300 given the card’s aesthetics and rarity in top condition. Ripken’s pursuit of Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record also started gaining steam. His 1991 Score #602 and 1992 Topps #632 pay tribute to his streak. PSA 10 copies can reach $150-250.

In 1993, Ripken shattered Gehrig’s record by playing his 2,130th straight game on September 6th against the Angels. His accomplishment was immortalized on several special release cards. The ultra-rare 1993 Leaf Limited Logo Swatch #LLR-CR contains an actual uniform swatch and patch. Just a handful are known to exist, with ungraded examples selling for well over $10,000. The 1993 Upper Deck MVP Medal Collection Gold #MVP-CR features a 24k gold-plated medal honoring Ripken’s streak. PSA 10s have sold for upwards of $2,000. Other highly valuable 1993 releases commemorating the record include Fleer Ultra Gold Medallion #GM-CR, Score Elite #SE-CR, and Topps Gold Medallion #GM-CR.

Ripken’s consecutive games streak cards from 1994-1996 remain very collectible as well. The 1994 Topps Gold Medallion #GM-CR, 1995 Fleer Ultra #166, and 1996 Topps #645 highlight his dominance during this three year span. PSA 10 examples can reach $150-300 depending on the specific card and year. In 1995, Ripken won his second AL MVP award. His 1995 Leaf Limited #LLR-CR lists this accomplishment and has sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition given the brand’s rarity.

As Ripken neared the end of his playing career in the late 1990s-early 2000s, his cards paid tribute to his incredible longevity and status as a true Iron Man. The 2000 Upper Deck #50 recognizes his chasing 3,000 hits. PSA 10s trade between $75-150. His final season was 2001. The 2001 Topps #632 marks Ripken waving to fans in his last at-bat. Near-mint PSA 8 copies sell for $50-100.

In summary, Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary consecutive games streak and excellence at the plate and in the field for over two decades makes his baseball cards among the most sought after from the 1980s and 1990s. Highlights include his rare 1982 rookie cards, iconic 1991 Upper Deck, and numerous 1993 releases commemorating his breaking the Iron Man record. Whether you collect Ripken cards from his early years, prime, or later career, they remain sound long-term investments for any baseball card portfolio.

MOST VALUABLE CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL CARDS

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Cal Ripken Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest shortstops and players in Major League Baseball history. Over his 21-year career spent entirely with the Baltimore Orioles, Ripken established himself as an iron man with his record-breaking 2,632 consecutive games played streak. He was a nineteen-time All-Star, two-time American League MVP, and helped lead the Orioles to two World Series titles in 1983 and 1984. Given his legendary career, it’s no surprise that some of Ripken’s earliest and rarest baseball cards have become extremely valuable collectibles over the years.

One of the most coveted and pristine Cal Ripken Jr. rookie cards is his 1979 Topps baseball card. As Ripken’s true rookie card from his first season in the majors in 1979, the 1979 Topps #526 is highly sought after by collectors. In mint condition, a PSA 10 graded 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card has sold at auction for over $100,000, though near-mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition typically sell in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. The 1979 Topps set had a print run of only 530 million cards compared to over a billion printed in later years, so finding a Ripken rookie in flawless condition is quite rare and valuable.

Another prized early Ripken card is his 1981 Fleer #407 card from his third major league season. The 1981 Fleer set was one of the earliest sporting card issues from the Fleer company and had a much smaller print run compared to Topps issues that year. As one of the star young players featured, Ripken’s Fleer card has also gained legendary status. High grade PSA 10 copies in pristine condition have sold for six figures, with PSA 9 examples in the $15,000-$25,000 range depending on the market. The card’s scarcity, Ripken’s emerging superstar status, and the historic significance of being one of his early Fleer issues all contribute to its high demand.

From the midst of Ripken’s consecutive games streak era, his 1987 Topps Traded #1T baseball card stands out as particularly iconic and valuable. As the featured “traded” insert card in the 1987 Topps Traded set focusing on stars who had been traded or were considered trade candidates, Ripken’s dominance as the Orioles’ franchise shortstop made him an unlikely but perfect choice. The 1T designation has also added to its cachet among collectors. High graded PSA 10 copies have exceeded $100,000 at auction given the card’s rarity, subject, and link to Ripken’s immense popularity during this peak of his playing days. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can fetch $20,000 or more.

Other notable Ripken cards include his 1983 Donruss #138 rookie card during his first World Series championship season. High end PSA 10 ’83 Donruss Ripken rookies have reached $60,000 at auction. His spectacular 1984 Topps Traded #30T card from his second consecutive World Series season also stands out, with PSA 10s bringing around $40,000. Perhaps the single rarest Ripken card is his 1988 Score #770 Tek Traded/Update Card, of which there are believed to be only a handful in existence. The one and only PSA 10 copy sold smashed predictions by reaching an astonishing $350,000 at auction in 2017.

After breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games record in 1995, Ripken’s seminal accomplishment was memorialized on several ultra-valuable commemorative cards. His 1996 Fleer Collector’s Choice Cal Ripken Jr. Record Breaker card in PSA 10 condition has topped $70,000 at auction. Other top graded examples of his 1996 Topps FBI Cal Ripken Jr. Record Breaker card and 1996 Topps All-Time Hits Leaders card celebrating the record have also surpassed $50,000 each. For such an historic sporting achievement, collectors have shown immense willingness to pay top dollar for the finest presentation of Ripken’s games streak cards.

While Ripken compiled numerous common base cards over the years that remain inexpensive, his pre-rookie, rookie, and earliest career cards from the 1970s and 80s as well as special commemorative issues celebrating his huge accomplishments have achieved legendary status among dedicated collectors. With stringent population reports from authorities like PSA, the rarity of high grade examples in pristine condition has resulted inrecord-setting prices paid. For those seeking a valuable piece of baseball and Ripken memorabilia, targeting his earliest and most distinctive limited issues offers the biggest rewards albeit with considerable expense. The history and mystique surrounding Ripken’s Hall of Fame career has made some of his classic cardboard one of the most sought collections in the hobby.

MOST VALUABLE CAL RIPKEN JR BASEBALL CARDS

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Cal Ripken Jr. is arguably one of the most beloved and respected baseball players of all time. As a career Baltimore Oriole, Ripken was renowned for his work ethic, dedication, and impressive ironman streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games from 1982-1998. Not surprisingly, Ripken’s iconic career and accomplishments have made many of his baseball cards highly coveted collectibles. While there are several Ripken rookie and seminal cards that hold significant value, here are some of the most prized and valuable Cal Ripken Jr. baseball cards on the market today based on condition, scarcity, and historical importance.

1983 Fleer #206 Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered Ripken’s true rookie card debut, the 1983 Fleer #206 is one of the holy grails of baseball cards. In pristine Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition, this Ripken rookie has recently sold for upwards of $100,000 due to its rarity and significance marking Ripken’s first appearance in a major brand set as a young Baltimore third baseman. Even well-centered, sharply-cornered Near Mint (NM) graded rookie examples in the PSA 8-9 range can fetch $10,000-25,000. The 1983 Fleer set had a small and widely distributed print run, making high grade Ripken rookies exceedingly scarce and expensive to obtain. This is truly a trophy card for any serious Cal Ripken Jr. PC or baseball card collection.

1991 Leaf Cal Ripken Jr. Career Grand Slam: The 1991 Leaf Cal Ripken Jr. Career Grand Slam checklist card boasts one of the coolest and most imaginative card concepts ever produced. It depicts four different Ripken cards from various stages in his career contained inside a diamond shape on the front. On the back are stats recapping Ripken’s career to that point. Only 100 copies were printed, making this perhaps the rarest Ripken card in existence. In 2009, one graded PSA Mint 9 sold at auction for $27,500, still one of the highest auction prices ever paid for a Cal Ripken Jr. single card. The Career Grand Slam occupies an elite spot among the most prized Ripken cards and Baltimore Orioles cards overall.

1984 Topps Traded #1T Cal Ripken Jr.: As Ripken’s trueTopps flagship rookie debut after the 1983 Fleer issue, the 1984 Topps Traded #1T has accumulated great value over the years. This was Topps’ first “Traded” set inserted in wax packs that was dedicated to featuring players who had been called up or traded to new teams after their regular rookie card was produced. High grades of this pivotal Ripken rookie in the PSA 8-10 range now sell for between $3,000-$8,000. Even well-centered Near Mint (NM) 7’s still fetch $1,000-$2,000 due to the card’s place as Ripken’s true Topps introduction and the lower print run of the 1984 Topps Traded set overall.

1987 Topps #340 Cal Ripken Jr.: The 1987 season was a crucial one for Ripken’s legacy as he broke the Orioles’ franchise record for consecutive games played which started his legendary streak. As such, his main 1987 Topps issue #340 has become highly sought after by Ripken PC collectors. Pristine Mint PSA 10 examples have recently sold for over $2,000. But even sharp NM-MT 9’s can still sell for $500-$1,000. This was truly Ripken’s ascension into icon status captured on cardboard.

1990 Topps #1 Cal Ripken Jr.: As the #1 card in the 1990 Topps set, Ripken’s issue took on extra symbolism and is one of the most visually striking Ripken cards ever produced with its photo featuring his stoic signature batting stance. PSA 10 Mint specimens rarely appear on the market but have gone for $4,000-$6,000 when they do. Solid NM/MT 9 copies can still achieve $1,500 and NM 8’s around $800 due to the card’s cult status among Ripken fans. This was seen as a culminating card during Ripken’s march toward breaking Lou Gehrig’s record.

1998 Fleer Authenticated Game Used Bat & Jersey #B1 Cal Ripken Jr.: To celebrate Ripken’s retirement and historic career at the conclusion of the 1998 season, Fleer produced an incredibly rare parallel insert set featuring game used memorabilia autograph relic cards. Only 5 copies of the Cal Ripken Jr. bat and jersey swatch parallel were produced, making this one of the scarcest Ripken cards in existence. When a pristine PSA/DNA Mint example came onto the market in 2013, it sold for a staggering $51,240, still one of the highest prices paid for any Cal Ripken Jr. single. The mystique and rarity of this amazing 1/1 caliber card is unprecedented in the Ripken collecting world.

In summary, Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary career, lasting contributions to baseball, and overall iconic status have made many of his early rookie cards and seminal career issues highly sought after investment pieces for savvy collectors. While condition and grading will always be critical in determining a card’s ultimate value, few players can lay claim to having their cards reach the lofty heights that Ripken cards have, a testament to his impact both on and off the field during his induction-worthy baseball tenure.