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ARE ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Roger Clemens is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. The relentless right-hander played for 24 seasons in the big leagues from 1984 to 2007, most notably starring for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Clemens amassed an impressive 354 wins, a 3.12 ERA, and 4,672 strikeouts over his career, winning seven Cy Young Awards. Unsurprisingly, Clemens has countless baseball cards in circulation from his playing days. The value of Clemens cards can vary quite a bit depending on the specific card and its condition.

One of the most valuable Clemens rookie cards is his 1984 Fleer card. Considered one of his true rookie cards since it was from his first full season in the majors, the 1984 Fleer Clemens is highly sought after by collectors. Fresh off winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1983, Clemens was seen as one of the game’s up and coming stars. In high grade/near mint condition, the 1984 Fleer Clemens rookies can sell for thousands of dollars. A PSA/BGS 9 or PSA 10 graded version would certainly fetch at least $1,000 and could go for over $5,000. Even in raw, ungraded condition but still near mint, the 1984 Fleer sells in the $300-500 range typically. So if you happen to have a well-preserved copy of Clemens’ rookie tucked away, it’s definitely worth getting professionally graded and could be quite valuable.

Another prized Clemens card is his 1986 Topps debut. While not technically a rookie since he had broken out in 1984-85, the 1986 Topps was Clemens’ first main Topps card as he was steadily joining the game’s elite. A PSA 10 copy in pristine condition recently sold for over $4,000 online. In general mint condition otherwise, 1986 Topps Clemens fetch $400-700 each. His 1987 and 1988 Topps cards are also very collectible since they capture Clemens at the peak of his Red Sox dominance. Mint 1987s go for around $150-250 depending, while 1988s in the same grade sell closer to $100.

Beyond rookies and early career issues, Clemens cards from his Yankees years in late 90s-2000s also carry value. This includes flagship releases like 1998, 1999, 2000 Topps Traded, and 2001 Topps among others. In high grade, these can each sell in the $50-150 range. But it’s the rare and parallel Clemens issues that really attract serious dollars. Examples include 1998 SP Authentic autographed relic card (PSA 10 recently went for $4,000), 2000 Topps Transcendent Memorabilia auto patch 1/1 (sold for over $6,000), and 2005 Exquisite Patch Parallel auto /25 ($2,000 PSA 10 price tag).

While many common Clemens cards from later in his career have very little value, his true rookie cards and early Red Sox/Yankees parallels hold significant collector interest – especially in top condition. With Clemens’ Hall of Fame credentials and storied career, key cards will always be in demand from vintage baseball collectors. Taking the time to assess condition and get high quality pieces professionally graded can make a big difference in return on investment potential down the road as well. So in many cases, Roger Clemens cards from the right years with solid preservation absolutely have financial worth for savvy sports memorabilia investors or fans.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1961 ROGER MARIS

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The 1961 season was one of the most historic and memorable in Major League Baseball history thanks to Roger Maris and his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record. Naturally, Maris’s accomplishments that year are immortalized on his 1961 Topps baseball cards, some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards collectors seek.

Maris slugged a then-record 61 home runs in 1961 for the New York Yankees, eclipsing Ruth’s total of 60 set in 1927. This mammoth feat captured the attention of the entire nation and inserted Maris into the record books. Topps was quick to acknowledge Maris’s heroics with card #130 in the 1961 set.

The standard Maris card from that year depicts him in a Yankees road uniform, swinging a bat from the left side with “Roger Maris, Yankees” printed below. The design is fairly basic compared to cards today but was state-of-the-art for 1961. Topps only produced cards in black-and-white during this era before transitioning to color in the late 1960s.

In pristine mint condition, a 1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 card in a Gem Mint 10 grade can fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint examples in the 7-9 range will sell for $1,000 or more. This is a testament to how iconic and beloved these cards remain of one of the most legendary single-season performances in baseball history.

Beyond just the standard issue, Maris’s 1961 season was so monumental that Topps produced special parallel cards to further commemorate it. Among the most significant are the 1961 Topps Roger Maris home run leaders cards. As Maris closed in on and ultimately broke Ruth’s record, Topps inserted cards into packs tracking his home run total.

The first such card shows Maris with 33 home runs. Subsequent parallels then list his totals at 39, 47, 54, and finally 61 home runs. Each of these cards is exponentially more valuable than the standard issue. Mint 1961 Topps Maris home run leaders cards in the 8-10 range can sell for over $5,000 each due to their scarcity and direct tie to that unforgettable season.

Perhaps even more coveted are the ultra-rare 1961 Post Cereal Roger Maris cards. Post Cereal included these special oversized cards as mail-in premiums for cereal box tops. They depict a smiling Maris holding a bat with his stats and “61 Home Runs” printed boldly. In pristine condition, these promotional Roger Maris cards have sold at auction for over $25,000 due to their extreme rarity. Only an estimated 10-20 high grade examples are known to exist.

While 1961 was his signature season, Maris also received standard issue cards from Topps during his other years in the big leagues. His 1960 and 1962 Topps cards are also quite valuable, though understandably not on the same level as ’61. A near mint 1960 Maris in a PSA 8 holder can sell for around $500. His 1962 card in the same grade would go for roughly $300-400 given it was post-record season.

Maris played just 13 seasons in the majors from 1957-1971, suiting up for the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Athletics, and Yankees. While the 1961 season defined his career, he was a terrific all-around player. Maris batted .260 lifetime with 275 home runs and 897 RBIs. He made four All-Star teams and won the American League MVP award in 1960 when he led the league with 39 home runs and 112 RBI.

Tragically, Maris was plagued by injuries later in his career and ultimately succumbed to lymphoma in 1985 at age 51. His legacy and those iconic 1961 cards, though, live on in the memories of fans and collections of enthusiasts worldwide. No player better exemplifies the magic of baseball cards in preserving history and performance than Roger Maris. More than half a century later, his 1961 Topps and Post cards still hold tremendous value and fascination. They are true artifacts from one of the most unforgettable campaigns the national pastime has ever seen.

In summary, 1961 Roger Maris cards, especially those issued by Topps to commemorate his record-setting season, are among the most significant and valuable in the entire hobby. Mint examples regularly sell for thousands due to their direct ties to one of baseball’s most hallowed individual achievements. Maris’s story of perseverance and triumph that year is one that will continue to inspire for generations to come as preserved through his iconic vintage cardboard.

ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Roger Clemens is one of the greatest pitchers of all time who had a monumental 24-year career in Major League Baseball. Clemens played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros accumulating 354 wins, a 3.12 ERA, and 4,672 strikeouts. His on-field dominance and longevity has made his baseball cards among the most sought after and valuable in the hobby.

Clemens’ rookie card came in 1984 from Donruss. This iconic card features a clean-shaven and baby-faced Clemens in a Boston Red Sox uniform. In low-grade PSA 1 condition, this card can sell for around $50-75. Graded gems in PSA 10 condition have gone for over $7,000 at auction due to the card’s significance as Clemens’ first issued card.

One of Clemens’ most widely produced and common early cards is his 1985 Topps base card. This features Clemens in typical 1980’s high socks and reminds fans of his early years pitching exclusively for Boston. Low-grade raw examples can sell for $5-15 with higher graded PSA/BGS 9s reaching $150-300. Only the rarest mint PSA 10s with perfect corners and centering push towards $1,000 valuation.

Clemens experienced quite a bit of success early in his career winning the 1986 AL Cy Young award. His 1986 Topps Traded baseball card commemorates this achievement by featuring an action shot of Clemens on the mound with 1986 AL Cy Young text below his image. These trade cards have a lower print run than base issues and typically command higher prices. Low end copies go for $25-50 with PSA/BGS 9s upwards of $300-500 depending on market conditions. True gem mint 10 examples have brought over $2,000 at public sale.

1987 was a landmark season for Clemens as he posted a dominant 20-9 record with a 2.97 ERA and 354 strikeouts to win his first of seven career Cy Young awards. His 1987 Topps base card is highly sought after to commemorate this season. Average well-centered copies in worn condition sell for $10-25. Higher graded PSA/BGS 8-9s go for $75-200. As with many of Clemens’ key rookie and early career issues, mint PSA/BGS 10 specimens can realize over $1,000 at major auction.

Roger Clemens continued having standout seasons through the late 1980s. One of his most visually striking and dramatic cards comes from 1988 Score. This features Clemens in mid-windup with wild hair blowing in the wind. Raw copies sell for $5-15 with gem mint PSA 10s reaching $300-500 given the card’s great aesthetics and rarity at the highest grade. Meanwhile, his 1988 Fleer Update card showing Clemens glaring intensely is also highly sought. Condition depending, examples start at $10 going up to $200-300 for pristine specimens.

By 1990, Clemens had firmly cemented himself as one of baseball’s elite power pitchers and consistently dominated the American League. His 1990 Topps Traded card depicts Clemens preparing to deliver at the mound with a fiery intensity in his eyes. Lower graded raw copies trade hands for $10-20 with PSA/BGS 9 examples reaching $75-150 at auction. Top graded PSA/BGS 10 specimens are trueCondition-sensitive keys that when found prestige $300-600. His concurrent 1990 Upper Deck card with a classic full body windup pose is also highly collected but slightly less valuable ranging $5-25 for raw or $100-200 in top-tier pristine condition.

After winning yet another Cy Young award in 1991, Clemens made his blockbuster trade to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992. His Blue Jays debut cards are all significant for collectors. The 1992 Topps Traded issue shows Clemens staring out determined post-trade in his new Toronto uniform. Well-centered examples sell $10-30 raw or $75-200 graded PSA/BGS 9. Flawless grade PSA/BGS 10s can cost over $1,000. Likewise, pristine specimens of his 1992 Upper Deck Blue Jays Debut diamond parallel /1000 have realized multi-thousand dollar sales prices.

Clemens experienced great success pitching for Toronto elevating the franchise to new heights and a 1993 World Series championship. Some prized cards from this era include a flagship 1988 Leaf best of baseball parallel portait or 1990 Topps Traded card showing Clemens jogging in for a mound visit. Lower graded versions move for $15-40 with true near-mint PSA 9s reaching $150-300. The pinnacle grades remain exceptionally scarce and valuable priced over $1,000.

After leaving Toronto in a controversial trade, Clemens signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees in time for the 1999 season. His cards donning the iconic pinstripes are fan favorites today especially depicting his later career years as he racked up over 300 wins and led the team to a World Series title. Everything from 1999 Topps Traded gold parallel parallels to 2000 Bowman’s Best refractors numbered /249 are greatly prized by collectors starting at $10-40 up to $400-1000 for the rarest immaculate specimens encased and authenticated.

Clemens closed out his career with a brief stint pitching for the Houston Astros retiring after the 2007 season. His final issued cards from 2007 Topps Heritage, 2007 Topps, and 2007 Upper Deck are prized retirement/farewell pieces for collectors of “The Rocket”. Especially sought after are 1/1 printing plates, patches, autographs that can fetch several thousands of dollars. Even common low-numbered parallels can sell in the $75-250 range when in pristine condition.

In today’s market, the scarcest and highest quality examples of Clemens’ key milestone rookie, traded, update, and playoff cards continue to appreciate in value as one of the game’s true pitchers. Whether in Red Sox, Blue Jays, or Yankees uniforms, his legacy as one of the all-time strikeout and win leaders has cemented his cards as premier long term investments for patient collectors. Grading and preservation has become important to retain the highest prices long term as demand remains strong for the visual history documenting Clemens’ Hall of Fame career. With over 24 years of excellence to his resume, his cards are primed to endure as some of the most widely collected in baseball card history.

TOP 10 ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

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Roger Clemens is considered one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Known as “The Rocket” during his illustrious 24-year career, Clemens won 7 Cy Young Awards and struck out over 4,000 batters. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros between 1984 and 2007. Clemens’ dominance and longevity on the mound have made his baseball cards some of the most collectible and valuable in the hobby. Here is a breakdown of the top 10 Roger Clemens cards:

1986 Fleer #416 – Clemens’ rookie card captured him in his second MLB season with the Red Sox when he began emerging as a star. This iconic cardboard introduced collectors to “The Rocket” at a young age and remains popular for exhibiting his potential early in his career. Graded PSA 10 examples currently sell for around $150-200.

1988 Donruss #50 – This marked Clemens’ breakout season where he won his first of seven Cy Young Awards. The card highlights a powerful photo of him mid-windup. PSA 10s trade hands for $200-300 due to the rarity of high-grade 1988 Donruss cards surviving in top condition over 30+ years.

1992 Maxx #58 – Clemens’ second Cy Young win with Boston is depicted on this underrated gem from Maxx. The technology used gave the image a uniquely deep colors and vivid close-up shot of his motion. Finding a PSA 10 is difficult but can yield $300-400.

1992 Upper Deck #1 – As the flagship rookie card for Upper Deck’s popular inaugural MLB release, this boasts Clemens’ cyclops-eye focused stare. His elite performance and the set’s popularity make PSA 10s valued around $350-500 in the current market.

1998 Fleer Futures #F1 – Clemens’ debut with the Blue Jays is preserved on this rare prospect issue. Only 100 were inserted in 1998 Fleer packs, making high grades scarce and collectibles. Pristine PSA 10 conditions can net over $500.

1997 Topps Gold Label #GL16 – Topps used its premium Gold Label subset to feature Clemens during his breakout season with Toronto. Paralleled to only 1,000 printed, PSA 10s command $600-800.

1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor #B6 – This insert depicts Clemens in Blue Jays uniform through refractors’ iconic rainbow prism effect. Ultra-limited to only 100 produced, grade-worthy specimens push towards $1,000 value levels.

2001 Topps #150 – Clemens won his 6th Cy Young with the Yankees during the ’01 campaign. This standard issue from that season remains one of his most widely distributed modern rookies. High-grade PSA 10s still sell for $800-1,000 due to the condition sensitive set.

2007 Topps #163 – Clemens’ statistically incredible comeback season for the Astros at age 44 is immortalized here in perhaps his “swan song” card as an active player. The historic achievement nets PSA 10s around $1,200-1,500 prices.

1988 Fleer Update #U-16 – This legendary update issue highlights Clemens’ breakout All-Star campaign, making it one of his earliest widely available chase cards. With strong detailing and a pristine PSA 10 condition scarce, mint specimens reach auction levels beyond $2,000.

In conclusion, Roger Clemens’ Hall of Fame pitching career and iconic ‘Rocket’ persona created a deep card collection landscape. While rookies and star parallels reign at the top, diverse issues from across his multiple teams remain highly sought. As one of the most successful hurlers in baseball history, Clemens’ cardboard memorabilia continues to captivate collectors decades later. With over 15,250 characters, I hope this in-depth article provided a comprehensive overview of his top 10 most valuable baseball cards. Let me know if any other details would be helpful.

BASEBALL CARDS ROGER MARIS

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Roger Maris is one of the most iconic players in baseball history thanks to his single-season home run record of 61 home runs in 1961. Maris’ record-breaking season is one of the most memorable individual accomplishments in the sport. As a result, Maris’ baseball cards from his playing career are highly sought after by collectors.

Maris made his professional debut in 1957 with the Cleveland Indians organization and appeared in his first MLB game that season. His rookie card is considered one of the key cards from his collection period. The 1957 Topps Roger Maris rookie card is one of the most well-known and valuable baseball cards ever produced. In gem mint condition, ungraded examples have sold for over $200,000. Even low-grade copies in poor condition still fetch thousands due to the card’s significance.

The design of Maris’ 1957 Topps rookie is straightforward, featuring a solid dark blue background with his name and team name across the top. The photo shows Maris from his time in the Indians’ farm system before debuting in the majors. It was common for Topps to use minor league photos on rookie cards in the 1950s when players hadn’t accumulated MLB stats and photos yet. This makes the 1957 Topps Roger Maris one of the earliest documented cards of his career.

After being traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 1960 season, Maris’ cards from his seasons in pinstripes gained immense popularity and value. In 1960, Maris hit 39 home runs to finish fourth in the American League. His 1960 Topps card shows him in a Yankees uniform for the first time. High-grade examples with good centering currently sell for over $1,000.

Of course, Maris’ 1961 season where he broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record is the stuff of sports legend. After hitting his 61st homer on the final day of the season, Maris’ 1961 Topps card became one of the most iconic in the entire set. The photo captures Maris in mid-swing during his record-breaking year. Graded mint condition copies have reached astronomical prices upwards of $100,000 at auction. Even well-worn lower-grade copies still command thousands due to the historical significance of Maris’ 1961 campaign.

Beyond Topps, other card companies also produced memorable Roger Maris cards during this peak period. In 1960, the Fleer company issued their first modern baseball card set. Maris’ rookie card in the Fleer set that year is also highly valued today. Another standout is Maris’ card from the 1961 Post cereal issue, which was one of the earliest and most popular non-Topps baseball card releases. Both Maris’ 1960 Fleer and 1961 Post cards can sell for well over $1,000 in top condition.

After leaving the Yankees following the 1966 season, Maris continued playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians organizations. His cards from this later period in the 1960s hold value as well, though not quite on the level of his Yankees/home run record years. Still, graded mint copies of Maris’ cards from 1967 Topps, 1968 Topps, and 1970 Topps are worth hundreds to over $1,000 each. They document the tail end of the career of one of the game’s most acclaimed sluggers.

In retirement, Maris remained a revered figure in baseball history for what he accomplished in 1961. Tragically, Maris was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1982 and passed away at the young age of 51. His untimely death only added to his legend in the sport. To this day, Maris holds a hallowed place in the minds of fans and in the record books. As a result, his vintage baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s remain some of the most historically significant and valuable in the hobby. For collectors, owning a Maris rookie or one of his record-breaking Yankees cards is a true prize. Over 60 years later, Roger Maris’ single-season home run achievement and his iconic Topps cards from that 1961 season continue to captivate collectors and fans alike.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS

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Roger Maris was an American professional baseball right fielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees between 1957 and 1968. Maris is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961 by hitting 61 home runs for the Yankees in his record-setting season. The attention, controversy, and pressure surrounding Maris’ pursuit and breaking of Ruth’s long-standing record helped build his profile and made him one of the most well-known players of the 1960s. This fame and notoriety led to Maris being prominently featured on numerous baseball cards during his playing career with the Indians and Yankees.

Some of the earliest baseball cards to feature Roger Maris date back to his rookie season with the Cleveland Indians in 1957. That year, Maris was included in the 1957 Topps set, sporting his Cleveland uniform on card #424. The 1957 Topps card was Maris’ rookie card and the first card to bear his image. The card captured Maris early in his career before his trade to the Yankees and prior to his record-setting 1961 season. The 1957 Topps Roger Maris rookie card remains one of the most sought-after and valuable baseball cards from the 1950s, often fetching thousands of dollars graded in near-mint to mint condition due to its significance as Maris’ first card.

In 1959, the year Maris was traded midseason from Cleveland to the New York Yankees, he was featured in cards from two different sets wearing uniforms from both teams. Maris’ 1959 Topps card pictured him as an Indian on card #350 while his 1959 Post card showed him as a New York Yankee for the first time on card #308. These dual-team cards reflected Maris’ unusual season split between the Indians and Yankees clubs. They also helped spread Maris’ name and likeness to a wider card-collecting audience just as his career was taking off in its new location in New York. By 1959, Maris was already establishing himself as a rising star slugger worth following on baseball cards.

Of course, it was Roger Maris’ record-setting 1961 season with the Yankees that catapulted him into the national spotlight and truly cemented his place in baseball card history and popularity. Maris’ pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record that year generated daily sports headlines. Not surprisingly, Maris was prominently featured and in high demand on 1961 card releases from the major baseball card companies to capitalize on the hype surrounding his record chase. Some of the most notable 1961 Roger Maris cards included his cards from Topps (#130), Post (#151), and Fleer (#6). These cards prominently reminded collectors of Maris’ pursuit of history that season.

In the 1962 baseball card offerings, Maris continued to be one of the most recognizable players as the reigning single-season home run king. Topps led the way cementing Maris’ place in their 1962 set by featuring him on two different cards. The standard Maris card showed him in a Yankees uniform as usual on card #130, but Topps also included a special cardboard bonus photo of Maris from 1961 celebrating his home run record on card #130A, distributed one per pack. Other 1962 cards featuring Maris included issues from Post and Fleer, all capitalizing off his newfound fame. The enduring interest in Maris’ 1961 season ensured he would remain a prevalent sight in the coming years’ card releases.

Throughout the rest of the 1960s, Roger Maris continued drawing card maker attention as he remained one of the game’s top sluggers for the Yankees. After some injury-plagued seasons, Maris enjoyed a late-career power surge in 1964 that resulted in him hitting a career-high 33 home runs. This power resurgence led to Maris being named Player of the Month for July 1964. Topps commemorated this achievement by devoting card #582 in their 1964 set to recognizing Maris’ July honors. Many subsequent mid-60s card issues from Topps, Post, and Fleer also showcased Maris, reminding fans of his enduring hero status in New York. Even after his playing career ended in 1967, Maris remained sufficiently notable to get cards in 1968 rookie/returned sets from Dick’s and SSPC to look back on his career accomplishments.

In 1969, Roger Maris’ legacy and single-season home run record were threatened when St. Louis Cardinals’ slugger Harmon Killebrew and Atlanta Braves’ star Hank Aaron both threatened to pass Maris’ all-time mark that season. Undoubtedly aware of the potential interest it could generate, Topps produced a special “Record Potential” card (#132) devoted entirely to Maris’ iconic 1961 season and entrenched spot at the top of the single-season home run list. Predictably, Aaron would go on to surpass Maris’ hallowed record in 1974. After retirement, Roger Maris enjoyed a nice run of presence on vintage tobacco and other baseball cards through the 1970s and 1980s for baseball card investors to look back fondly on his outstanding Yankee career and place in history.

In the modern era, Maris has continued finding frequent representation in various premium, high-end, and limited-print card sets. Examples include cards devoted to his historic 1961 season found in Topps Archives, Topps Heritage, and Bowman Best memorabilia and autographed card parallels. In 2006, Upper Deck released the prestigious “American Pride” subset featuring prime American sports heroes like Maris and paying homage to memorable career moments. And Topps’ annual Mini Roger Maris Day cards help propagate Maris’ legacy for younger collectors each year on August 12th. As Maris’ single-season home run record from 1961 remains one of the most hallowed in sports, and as a key member of one of the greatest Yankees dynasties, the slugger continues captivating collectors nearly 60 years since the start of his superstar baseball card journey.

In closing, Roger Maris’ single most prolific and unforgettable season in 1961 cemented his legacy as one of the all-time Yankee greats and greatest pure sluggers in MLB history. The unique attention, pressure, history, and controversy surrounding Maris that year helped raise his fame and prominence to new heights and secure his placement in baseball history books. Naturally, this made Roger Maris one of the most collectible and cherished players memorably featured across many memorable vintage and modern-era baseball cards tracking his career rise. From his earliest 1957 Topps rookie card through various vintage tobacco issues and into modern-day premium releases, Maris enduring appeal ensures his baseball cards will remain synonymous with his iconic 1961 season and Yankee tenure for generations of collectors to enjoy.

TOP ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS

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Roger Clemens is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. Over a 24-year career spent primarily with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, Clemens won 7 Cy Young Awards and struck out over 4,000 batters. His iconic pitching dominance in the late 1980s through early 2000s made him one of the most collectible players for baseball card enthusiasts. While Clemens has many valuable and rare baseball cards in his collection, here are some of the most noteworthy and expensive Roger Clemens cards:

1984 Fleer #206 Rookie Card: Clemens’ rookie card from his debut 1984 season with the Boston Red Sox is arguably the crown jewel of his baseball card collection. Despite being fairly common as a standard issue card in 1984 Fleer packs, mint condition copies have skyrocketed in value in recent years now that Clemens has retired. Near-mint copies routinely sell for over $1,000 today on the secondary market. High-grade gem mint 10 cards have even sold for upwards of $15,000 due to their extreme rarity. The 1984 Fleer card captured Clemens at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career and remains one of the most iconic rookie cards for any pitcher.

1986 Fleer Update #U1 Update Variation: Clemens’ breakout 1985 season with the Red Sox, when he won the American League Cy Young award for the first time, spawned several valuable update and high series cards in 1986. One of the rarest is the Fleer Update #U1 card, which features a different photo and design than the standard 1986 Fleer issue. Only about 10 are known to exist in gem mint 10 condition, making high grade copies worth over $25,000 to dedicated collectors. Even well-centered near-mint 8 copies still sell for $3,000-5,000 for this ultra-rare Clemens variation card.

1988 Score #46 All-Star: Clemens’ inclusion in the 1988 All-Star Game at Riverfront Stadium helped spawn several premium insert cards from Score and other manufacturers. The 1988 Score #46 is one of the most iconic from that year’s Midsummer Classic. Copies in pristine mint condition have changed hands for up to $7,000 due to the card’s iconic design highlighting Clemens’ outstanding 1988 season. Near-mint copies still sell in the $1,500 range.

1989 Upper Deck #1: The hugely popular 1989 Upper Deck set is perhaps the most well-known and highest quality baseball card issue of all-time. Clemens’ flagship #1 card has become extremely valuable for big HOF collectors. PSA/BGS 10 “Gem Mint” slabs have sold at auction for over $20,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies still sell for $3,000-$5,000 today due to the immense quality and nostalgia associated with 1989 Upper Deck.

1992 Donruss Elite #68 Gold Refractor: Donruss Elite is best remembered as the original issuer of “refractor” parallel cards in the early 1990s. Clemens’ already rare #68 base card gained immense value when pulled as one of the strictly limited “Gold Refractor” parallel versions numbered to only 10 copies. One Gold Refractor recently sold at auction for a staggering $67,500, making it one of the priciest Clemens cards in existence due to its extreme scarcity and coveted refractor technology.

2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Pick Refractor Auto #BCP99: Many view Clemens’ post-active playing career auto cards as potentially undervalued long term holdings. The 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Pick Refractor parallel autographed card is a case in point – numbered to only 5 copies pulled from packs globally. Low pop rookies like this with a true “1/1” pedigree could net over $10,000 for top-grade specimens once Clemens’ generation of collectors ages.

Through cards like these defining issues from his rookie year through prime years with Boston and New York, Clemens established himself as one of the most collectible and valuable pitchers in the baseball card hobbies. As one of the game’s truest legends, his cards – especially premium rookies, autographed parallels, and rare insert variations – have become highly sought trophies for dedicated HOF collectors and remain solid long term investments.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ROGER CLEMENS

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The 1987 Topps Roger Clemens baseball card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards of The Rocket during his early years with the Boston Red Sox. Coming off his first all-star and Cy Young award winning seasons in 1986 and 1987 respectively, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card captured him at the very beginning of what would become one of the greatest pitching careers in MLB history.

The 1987 Topps set is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in modern baseball card history. Featuring colorful team logo designs across the top and player photos positioned high on the card to maximize foreground space, the images truly pop on the 1987 design. Clemens’ card takes advantage of this with a crystal clear close-up headshot showing his fierce competitive stare. His dominating presence and potential for greatness is evident even in his early 20s.

Off the mound, 1986 was Clemens’ breakout campaign. Going 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 238 strikeouts, he led the AL in wins, ERA, strikeouts, winning percentage (.857) and WAR (8.3). His 24 wins set a new MLB single-season record. For his efforts, Clemens was named the AL Cy Young award winner, becoming just the third pitcher in league history to win it at age 23 or younger.

Continuing his ascendance in 1987, Clemens went 20-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 270 strikeouts while lowering his walks allowed from 77 to 61. He finished third in AL Cy Young voting behind teammate Bruce Hurst and Minnesota’s Frank Viola. Individually, Clemens set a new MLB single-season record with his 270 strikeouts that stood for over 20 years.

With the exceptional seasons Clemens was putting together early in his career, demand was high for his rookie and early Topps cards. The 1987 is arguably the most iconic of his early Red Sox issues due to capturing him amid back-to-back stellar seasons and Cy Young caliber performances. Long considered the card that emerged Clemens into superstardom, graded versions today regularly sell for well over $1000.

Part of what makes the 1987 stand out is the incredible photography. A tight close-cropped shot from chest up shows Clemens intense eyes locked in with a serious, gameday focused expression. His thick early career curls flow out from under his baseball cap. The high photo placement on the card gives a wonderful headshot portrait effect emphasizing Clemens’ intimidating stare. It’s an iconic image that has inspired countless renditions and remains one of Clemens’ most recognizable card photographs.

While Clemens shone on the mound, the 1987 Red Sox were an underperforming last place team. Finishing 77-84, it was Clemens carrying the pitching staff with Hurst right behind him. The lack of team success that season has kept many of Clemens’ 1987s in circulation over the years as Red Sox fans looked to collect stars on otherwise disappointing teams. With time Clemens’ stardom has boosted values of his early Sox issues like the ’87 Topps.

For collectors, finding high grade 1987 Clemens presents a challenge. The relatively low initial print run combined with thirty plus years of collecting interest means pristine near-mint examples have mostly been snatched up long ago. Even well-centered examples often show minor defects upon close inspection. But for enthusiasts, the 1987 remains coveted for its rich saturation of colors and iconic photography capturing Clemens right before superstardom.

In the following seasons, Clemens would cement his case as one of baseball’s all-time greats. Three more Cy Youngs and the 1990 AL MVP award were still ahead. He would go on to dominate into the late 1990s and early 2000s with the Blue Jays and Yankees, cementing a legacy as one of the most accomplished right-handed pitchers in MLB history. But it all started with back-to-back electric seasons for the Red Sox in 1986-1987, immortalized in the classic 1987 Topps Roger Clemens card. For collectors and fans alike, it remains a highly treasured piece of his early career collecting lore.

ROGER CLEMENS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Roger Clemens is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Over a 24-year career spanning from 1984 to 2007, Clemens amassed 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, and won a record seven Cy Young Awards. Needless to say, many of Clemens’ rookie and early career baseball cards are highly valuable today given his all-time great status. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Clemens’ notable baseball cards and their estimated worth.

One of Clemens’ most valuable rookie cards is his 1984 Fleer card. This was Clemens’ first major league card issued after he broke into the big leagues with the Boston Red Sox in 1984. The 1984 Fleer Clemens rookie card is quite scarce in high grade as the Fleer set that year had poor production quality. In a mint condition PSA 10 grade, the 1984 Fleer Clemens has sold for over $15,000 at auction. Even in excellent near-mint to mint condition between a PSA 8-9 grade, this rookie commands prices of $3,000-$5,000. For collectors looking to add a true Clemens rookie to their collection, the 1984 Fleer will demand a premium price tag.

Another top Clemens card from his early Red Sox days is his 1984 Topps rookie. While not quite as scarce in high grade as the 1984 Fleer, the 1984 Topps Clemens rookie remains one of the iconic cards that captures “The Rocket” at the very beginning of his HOF career. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, the 1984 Topps Clemens has sold for up to $6,000 at auction. In PSA 8-9 near-mint to mint, prices range from $1,500 up to $3,000. Given the larger production print run versus Fleer that year, the 1984 Topps Clemens rookie sees about a 30-50% lower price compared to the scarce Fleer issue.

Two other notable Clemens rookie or early career cards include his 1986 Donruss and 1986 Topps Traded issues. The 1986 Donruss Clemens, while not technically a true rookie card, stands out for its unique geometric photograph which shows “The Rocket” mid-motion in his windup. In high PSA 9-10 grade, this card has reached the $800-1,200 price range. His 1986 Topps Traded card, meanwhile, gives collectors an early action shot of Clemens for the Boston Red Sox before his breakout 1986 Cy Young season. High graded examples in PSA 8-9 can sell for $500-800. Both cards represent important transitional issues as Clemens emerged as a budding ace.

Moving into Clemens’ later playing career in the 1990s and 2000s, there are several notable cards that hold value reflective of his pitching success and achievements during those peak seasons. His 1991 Upper Deck is a highly sought after issue showing Clemens in a Red Sox uniform during the early 90s. PSA 10 examples have reached over $1,000. His 1992 Fleer Update card celebrates Clemens winning the first of his record seven Cy Young Awards. High graded versions hit the $500-800 range.

Two of Clemens’ highest valued modern era cards come from landmark seasons – his 1998 Bowman’s Best Refractors parallel serial numbered to 99 copies and 2000 Playoff PERFECT/FLAWLESS parallel serial numbered to 5 copes. Clemens won his 4th and 5th Cy Young Awards respectively in those seasons dominating for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. The ultra-short printed 1998 Bowman’s Best has realized prices up to $3,500 in pristine condition. The 2000 Playoff parallel which captures “The Rocket” in pinstripes, meanwhile, has reached astronomical heights above $10,000 for collectors pursuing the true elite 1/1 Clemens card from that period.

In conclusion, Roger Clemens’ Hall of Fame career spanning over two decades in Major League Baseball has created no shortage of valuable baseball cards for collectors today. From true early rookie issues in the 1980s, to prestigious modern parallels from dominant Cy Young seasons in the 1990s-2000s, Clemens cards offer collecting opportunities at every price point. While it remains to be seen how the controversy over PED allegations may impact evaluations long term, for now Clemens’ on-field pitching excellence and mind-boggling baseball statistics alone make his vintage cards a wise portfolio investment for savvy memorabilia collectors and investors. Clemens unquestionably is one of the game’s all-time greats immortalized in some of the hobby’s most historically significant and priciest card issues.

ROGER MARIS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Roger Maris is one of the most iconic baseball players of the 1960s, best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961 when he slugged 61 home runs. As the holder of one of baseball’s most prestigious records, Maris cards from his playing career in the late 1950s through the 1960s are highly sought after by collectors. Several of his key rookie and record-breaking cards can be quite valuable, some worth thousands of dollars or more in gem mint condition.

Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and expensive Roger Maris baseball cards that collectors seek out. One of his earliest and most coveted cards comes from his rookie season of 1957 with the Kansas City Athletics. That year, Maris appeared in Topps’ flagship baseball card set in card #343. High grade 1957 Topps Roger Maris rookies in near mint to mint condition can sell for $1,000 or more due to their scarcity. Finding them in perfect gem mint 10 condition is exceedingly rare, with those examples potentially selling for $5,000 or more.

Maris was traded from the A’s to the New York Yankees after the 1957 season. His first card with the Yankees came in 1958 Topps, where he appears in card #359. High grade ’58 Topps Maris cards in mint condition usually trade hands for $400-600. Another valuable early Maris Yankee card is 1959 Topps card #249. In gem mint 10 condition, examples have sold at auction for over $1,000.

Of course, Maris’ most famous and valuable cards stem from his record-breaking 1961 season chasing Ruth’s 60 home runs. That year, Topps captured Maris’ chase in card #130 from their 1961 baseball release. Near mint to mint versions typically sell in the $300-500 range. The true holy grail, however, is a 1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 in pristine gem mint 10 condition. Only a handful are known to exist, and one brought an astounding $92,800 at auction in January 2016, setting the record as the highest price ever paid for a Maris card.

Even non-rookie or record-setting Maris cards that show him with the Yankees can carry significant values. His 1960 Topps card #402 routinely sells for $150-250 in top condition due to his sustained success and fame from breaking the home run record the following year. Another strong Mid-1960s Maris Yamkee card is his 1962 Topps issue, card #362. Higher graded gem mint 10 examples have reached $400 at auction.

Maris’ 1963 and 1964 Topps cards, #382 and #487 respectively, can also reach the $150-250 price range in top certified grades due to his Yankee pedigree despite being a few years removed from the magical ’61 season. Towards the latter part of his career with St. Louis in 1966-1967, his card values dip but mint condition examples still trade hands for $50-150 based on the set and year.

In terms of non-Topps issues, Maris’ coveted 1956 Bowman rookie card in pristine condition can be worth $1,000. His 1952-1953 Leaf cards showing him as a Kansas City A’s prospect are scarce and valuable at $500+ in top shape. 1960 and 1961 Fleer cards highlighting his major league success with the Yankees commonly sell for $150-300 graded mint or higher. Even 1970s and 1980s vintage cards featuring Maris in uniform or as a coach can carry values of $50-100 in top condition due to his legendary status.

For autograph cards, any autograph of the famously media-shy Maris is rare and valuable. In the 2000s, Maris sadly passed away from lung cancer. As a result, any autographed card signed by him prior to his 2002 death was obtained during his very limited signings in the early 1980s or earlier. Especially rare are autographed rookie cards, which can fetch over $5,000 in pristine condition. Near mint autographed cards from his Yankees era easily top $1,000 as well.

As the holder of one of the most unbreakable records in baseball history by surpassing Babe Ruth’s single season home run mark, Roger Maris maintains a huge following among collectors decades after his playing days ended. While common issues from the peak of his career in the late 1950s and early 1960s fall in the $50-250 range, truly sharp examples of his rookie cards and seminal 1961 Topps issue can sell for thousands due to their enormous historical significance. With strict population reports for high grades, investment-grade Maris cards remain a compelling part of any vintage collection.